The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates has said its air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched from Iran, as escalating hostilities in the region continue to threaten Gulf security.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, the ministry disclosed that the country’s air defences engaged several aerial threats in the latest wave of attacks.
“UAE air defence systems on 14th March engaged 9 ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the statement said.
The ministry noted that the interceptions reflect the scale of the attacks the Gulf nation says it has faced since the start of what it described as “blatant Iranian aggression.”
According to the ministry, defence forces have repeatedly activated air defence systems to intercept incoming threats targeting the country.
Providing a broader breakdown of the attacks, the ministry stated that since the beginning of the hostilities, its air defences have engaged a large number of aerial projectiles.
“Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” it said.
Authorities confirmed that the attacks have resulted in casualties involving residents and foreign workers from several countries.
According to the ministry, six people have been killed, including nationals of the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
The ministry also reported that 141 people sustained minor to moderate injuries during the attacks.
Those injured include nationals of the United Arab Emirates as well as individuals from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
Officials did not specify the exact locations where the fatalities and injuries occurred or the particular incidents that caused them, but indicated that the casualties were linked to multiple aerial threats over time.
Reaffirming its defence posture, the ministry said the country’s armed forces remain on high alert and ready to respond to any further attacks.
“The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats,” the statement said, adding that the military would “firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability.”
The development comes amid rising regional tensions involving Iran and several Gulf states.
Earlier, the government of Qatar submitted another formal complaint to the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council over what it described as repeated Iranian military aggression against its territory.
In a statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry said the letter was sent to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and to the United States Permanent Representative to the UN and President of the Security Council for March, Michael Waltz.
The communication was submitted by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al‑Thani, and described the incidents as serious violations of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, a United States senator has warned that the conflict could spiral further.
Speaking on Saturday, Chris Murphy, a senator representing Connecticut in the United States Senate, said the conflict had entered a dangerous phase.
“It’s crystal clear now that Trump has lost control of this war. He badly misjudged Iran’s ability to retaliate. The region is on fire,” Murphy wrote on his X account.
Murphy warned that tensions over the Strait of Hormuz could trigger broader economic consequences, including rising oil prices and a potential global recession if the vital shipping route remains disrupted.
He also cautioned that modern warfare, particularly the use of drones, has made it difficult to fully neutralise threats.
“We can destroy Iran’s missiles but not all their drones, and war today is drone war,” he said.
Murphy added that the conflict could expand across other flashpoints in the Middle East, including Yemen and Syria.
The comments come as the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has vowed to continue military pressure on Iran, insisting that his administration’s objective is to ensure that the country never develops a nuclear weapon.
The ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran has already resulted in significant casualties, destruction and growing international calls for restraint from world leaders.
