UAE accuses Iran of targeting shipping with ballistic missiles

DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at shipping in the Gulf, a claim Iran later denied. The UAE's defense ministry stated that two ballistic missiles were launched from Iran, with the first falling outside their territorial waters and the second within. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei categorically rejected the UAE's claim, calling it harmful to regional trust and security efforts.

However, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for the UAE, until a peace agreement with the United States is reached. In response to the missile threat, the UAE suspended all trade and financial dealings with Iran on Tuesday evening. Earlier, a phone alert warned residents of a potential missile threat, which was lifted shortly afterwards.

This is the first such alert since June and July when false alarms were issued. Before this, the last missile warning occurred in early May. Tankers belonging to the UAE's state-owned oil company ADNOC have been targeted repeatedly in recent weeks. Following the start of the Middle East war on February 28, the UAE faced the brunt of Iran's attacks, with nearly 3,000 missiles and drones targeted at the country.

After a memorandum of understanding between the two countries in June, the UAE reported no attacks. However, since the MOU collapsed, the UAE has reported no attacks, unlike other Gulf states.