UAE denies Iranian attack on air base and says it intercepted an Iranian drone

The United Arab Emirates rejected Iran’s claim that it had struck a U.S. base in the country, while confirming that its forces intercepted a drone launched from Iran.

The Emirati Defense Ministry said the drone was intercepted over the country’s territorial waters. It did not report any casualties. In a separate statement, the ministry called reports of a missile attack on Al Minhad air base “completely false.”

“

Our Air Force intercepted a drone from Iran over the country's territorial waters.

The statements followed Iranian claims that its forces attacked a U.S. base in the UAE early Monday. Iran said the action responded to a U.S. bombing of Larak island, which took place hours earlier.

The Emirati ministry said its armed forces were fully prepared to confront any threat and protect the country’s sovereignty, security and stability. It urged residents to rely on official national sources and avoid rumors and disinformation.

“

What is circulating in the media about the missile attack on Al Minhad air base is completely false.

The exchange formed part of a wider regional escalation. Jordan, another U.S. ally, said its air defenses intercepted eight missiles launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The group had also claimed missile attacks on two U.S. bases in Jordan, citing the strike on Larak as its justification.

U.S. Central Command confirmed what it described as a precision attack on two platforms that Iran was preparing to use to launch rockets loaded with naval mines into the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said the Revolutionary Guard’s placement of mines posed an imminent threat to the strategic waterway.

“

An imminent threat.