The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at its territory, marking the first time the Defence Ministry detected a barrage aimed at the country in months.
Also read: West Asia war updates on August 18, 2026
“UAE air defences detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country, with the first falling outside the country’s territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters,” stated a statement posted by the Defence Ministry on X.
The statement came nearly two hours after a brief phone alert cautioned UAE residents of a “potential missile threat”.
“Due to the current situation and potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building,” the Interior Ministry said in the phone alert. It was lifted shortly after.
UAE state oil business says vessel attacked in Hormuz Strait
Iran says it will escalate if U.S. does not honour agreement within weeks
It was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory. Before that, the last missile warning came in early May.
Tankers belonging to state-owned oil company ADNOC have been repeatedly targeted previously few weeks.
When the war in West Asia began on February 28, the UAE bore the brunt of Iran’s attacks, with nearly 3,000 missiles and drones directed at the country — more than anywhere else in the region.
After a memorandum of understanding came into effect in June between the two parties. It has since collapsed, the UAE reported no attacks, unlike other Gulf states.
Published – August 18, 2026 11:59 pm IST
Related stories
Trump posts map showing Hormuz as US territory
Benchmarks Nifty24,154.90-132.75FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth5Y Return23.3 % Invest NowEnter search text:HomeETPrimeMarketsMarket DataNewsIndustrySMEPoliticsWealthMFTechAICareersOpinionNRIPanacheThe Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's…
Israeli strike on Gaza City cafe kills six, including child
An Israeli strike hit a cafe in the port area west of Gaza City, killing six Palestinians, including a child.
Ramayana: Rs 4K-cr epic bets on global audiences
Benchmarks Nifty24,154.90-132.75FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth5Y Return23.3 % Invest NowEnter search text:HomeETPrimeMarketsMarket DataNewsIndustrySMEPoliticsWealthMFTechAICareersOpinionNRIPanacheThe Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's…