Hours after Iran targeted three American Navy destroyers, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on the UAE on Friday (May 8). In response to Iran’s attack, the United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry announced that its air defence systems are actively engaging the attacks.
The Defence Ministry also advised people not to approach, photograph, or touch any debris or fragments resulting from successful air interceptions.
The Ministry of Defence shared a post on X, claiming that air defences are currently dealing with and intercepting ballistic missiles.
“The UAE’s air defenses are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, and the Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones,” the Ministry of Defence’s post reads.
The post also mentioned that the sounds heard across the country are the result of the ongoing engagement of missiles and UAVs.
🇦🇪 UAE air defenses are actively intercepting and neutralizing Iranian missiles and drones targeting the skies over Dubai and Abu Dhabi as regional tensions continue to escalate. pic.twitter.com/31dyGUMsZH
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 7, 2026
NCEMA urged residents to stay in a safe place
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) shared an alert on X at 06:30 UAE time on May 8. The alert urged residents to remain in a safe place and follow official channels for updates.
The official alert also requested residents not to approach, touch, or photograph any fragments or objects that had fallen as a result of successful air interceptions, and to report them to the relevant authorities so the situation could be assessed.
Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates. pic.twitter.com/svLtlaHPaP
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) May 8, 2026
Air raid sirens sounding across the UAE have reportedly caused confusion and disruptions for flights heading to Dubai, leaving passengers and airlines scrambling amid heightened regional tensions.
The air raid sirens across the UAE have reportedly caused confusion and disruption for flights heading to Dubai, as passengers scrambled amid rising tensions.
Explosions Heard in Iran
Iran’s southern coastal areas of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Sirik reported explosions on Thursday amid rising tensions between Iran and the US.
According to reports, the IRGC-linked outlet Mehr reported blasts on Qeshm Island, while more explosions were also heard near Bandar Abbas and Sirik in Hormozgan province. These regions are strategically important as they border the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
The exact source and location of the blasts are still unclear. These incidents are linked to continued engagement between Iranian forces and the enemy, widely presumed to refer to US forces operating in the region.
Iran Attacked Three US Destroyers
Before attacking the UAE, Iran targeted three American Navy destroyers as they were passing through the Strait of Hormuz. While taking responsibility for the attack, Iran retaliated after the US military attacked an Iranian oil tanker named M/T Hasna on May 6 in the Gulf of Oman. The US said the ship had breached the US naval blockade.
What Trump Said?
Trump on Thursday also claimed that American forces destroyed Iranian attackers who were targeting three US Navy destroyers trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump shared a post on Truth Social in which he stated that the three destroyers were safe and stressed that significant damage had been inflicted on the Iranian attackers.
Also Read: US-Iran exchange fire in Hormuz, three tankers attacked. What Trump said
Tehran accused Washington of initiating the exchange of fire by attacking an Iranian oil tanker and another ship. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, said Tehran would communicate its position to mediator Pakistan after finalising its views.
Tehran also mentioned on Thursday that it is reviewing the US proposals to end the war delivered through Pakistan, the mediator.
