The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced on X (formerly Twitter) that three people were killed and 58 others lightly wounded as a result of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the country on March 1, 2026. The strikes are part of Iran’s ongoing retaliation against joint US-Israel military operations that began February 28, 2026.

According to the Ministry’s official statement, UAE air defense systems successfully intercepted the majority of incoming threats, including 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched by Iran’s forces. Despite high interception rates (e.g., 132 missiles and 195 drones destroyed), some projectiles or debris penetrated, causing limited civilian casualties, material damage, and injuries primarily from falling shrapnel in residential and urban areas.

The attacks form part of Iran’s broad retaliation after US President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” to destroy Iran’s missile industry, navy, terrorist proxies, and nuclear capabilities—operations that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top figures.

UAE Response and Regional Impact:

  • Airspace remains closed or restricted, with major airports like Dubai International and Abu Dhabi Zayed suspending or limiting flights.
  • Emergency alerts issued for residents to shelter; no major direct hits on US bases reported, but civilian infrastructure affected.
  • UAE condemned the Iranian aggression, emphasizing defense of sovereignty while coordinating with allies.

No US military casualties have been reported from the strikes on bases in the UAE or elsewhere in the Gulf. The situation continues to evolve, with fresh explosions heard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf cities into March 1, 2026.

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TOPICS: Top Stories UAE