UAE intercepts 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iran
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 4
UAE intercepts 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iran
19 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 4
The Defence Ministry said 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones were downed late Monday, with three people injured, none critically.
The barrage marked Tehran's first attack since the US-Iran ceasefire took effect last month and followed earlier missile interceptions and a drone strike that sparked a fire at Fujairah.
Since the war began, UAE air defences have intercepted 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,260 drones, with 227 injuries reported overall.
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Beyond oil, how will the world's largest energy disruption impact global food security and supply chains?
Iran's Massive Missile Offensive on UAE on May 4, 2026: Defense Successes, Casualties, and Regional Consequences
Overview
On May 4, 2026, Iran launched a large missile and drone attack on the UAE, triggering a swift response from the UAE's advanced multi-layered air defense system, which intercepted over 95% of the threats. Despite this, the attack caused at least one fatality, emergency alerts, and temporary closure of UAE airspace, disrupting flights. This assault was part of a broader conflict ignited by the February 28 US-Israeli strike that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, leading to ongoing regional tensions including threats to the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf states. The conflict strained defense resources and heightened economic and diplomatic instability, pushing the UAE toward diversifying its defense and seeking de-escalation amid fragile ceasefire efforts.