Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates on Friday, injuring three people, UAE officials said, as the wider regional conflict stayed on a razor’s edge even with a ceasefire still technically in place.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defense said its air defenses intercepted the barrage.
Its “air defense systems engaged 2 ballistic missiles and 3 UAV’s launched from Iran, resulting in 3 moderate injuries,” the ministry said.
The strike landed as President Donald Trump said U.S. forces carried out what he called a “love tap,” a retaliatory hit on Iranian targets. Administration officials insisted the war is not restarting and that the ceasefire remains in effect.
U.S. Central Command said the U.S. action came in self-defense after Iranian forces targeted American warships moving through one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.
CENTCOM said Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats as U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta and USS Mason transited the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman.
During a visit to the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool, Trump pointed to the transit under fire as proof that U.S. forces can keep the waterway open, even as tensions flare.
“Our firepower was a hell of a lot stronger than theirs,” Trump said.
Trump also claimed negotiations aimed at ending the conflict are moving, but warned that Iranian follow-through is shaky.
Trump said the U.S. proposal to end the war is more than one page and that Iran has agreed, but it “doesn’t mean much because the next day they forget.”
🇦🇪BREAKING:
UAE claims Iran launched 2 drones and 3 Ballistic missiles today, adding that 3 people were injured.
Iran did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Large smoke seen near Dubai’s airport this morning.
Video taken by passenger on plane. pic.twitter.com/9bJ7MsrQu8
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws1) May 8, 2026
UAE officials framed Friday’s attack as part of a sustained campaign, not a one-off strike. The Defense Ministry said the country’s air defenses have been repeatedly tested since the Iranian attacks began.
“Since the beginning of the blatant Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates, the air defenses have engaged a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 UAVs,” it said.
It added that the total number of injuries has reached 230, “involving multiple nationalities.”
The ministry said its forces remain on alert as Iran continues to threaten regional targets and commercial routes.
“The Ministry of Defense affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.”
Trump, meanwhile, tried to project unity with U.S. partners abroad, even as he’s sparred with European leaders over how to handle Tehran.
Despite tensions with Europe, Trump said he and the European Commission’s president are “completely united” on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>
