UAE Intercepts Drone Over Its Waters Amid Resurgent US-Iran Hostilities
The UAE has downed an Iranian drone and rejected claims of an attack on its Al Menhad airbase, following a fresh round of military strikes between Washington and Tehran.
The United Arab Emirates announced it intercepted an incoming Iranian drone over its territorial waters on Monday, while dismissing claims of a successful strike on its Al Menhad airbase. Tehran's military had previously asserted that it launched multiple drones targeting American assets at the facility. The UAE Ministry of Defence labeled those reports as false and urged the public to rely only on official information.
The incident marks a resurgence of conflict between the United States and Iran, ending a brief pause in hostilities since July. On Sunday, American forces targeted two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against bases housing US personnel in Jordan and the UAE, claiming the operations targeted sites linked to the Larak Island assault.
Condemning the renewed violence, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Mohammed Gargash stated that targeting Gulf nations and Jordan has repeatedly failed as a strategy. He emphasized that political resolutions must start with de-escalation and the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalation occurs despite recent diplomatic efforts by Oman, Pakistan, and Qatar to mediate a peace agreement. Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. While Washington claims the waterway has been cleared of mines and is open, Iran's Revolutionary Guard maintains that transit remains blocked without its authorization.
Source: Al Jazeera
