[52519] Escalation in the Gulf: United Arab Emirates reports a wave of extensive Iranian attacks

Gulf tensions: Exchanges of accusations surrounding attacks in the Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Defense reported on May 5, 2026, on another wave of missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran, following a report on Monday regarding the interception of 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones. According to reports from Vahid Online, sirens were heard in Dubai, while DW Persian noted that a drone attack in the Fujairah industrial area caused a fire and the injury of three Indian citizens.

Conversely, the Islamic Republic firmly denies its involvement. A spokesperson for the "Khatam al-Anbiya" headquarters, responsible for managing the war in Iran, claimed that "Iran has not carried out any missile or drone action against the Emirates in recent days" and added an explicit threat, as published on Vahid Online, that "if any action is taken from the soil of the Emirates against the islands, ports, or coasts of our country, we will respond decisively."

The international community responded sharply to the events. French President Emmanuel Macron defined the attacks as "unjustified and unacceptable" and called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from Iran International. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, which has become a mediator between Washington and Tehran, also called on the parties to return to the diplomatic path and maintain the fragile ceasefire.

Iran's state news agency, IRNA, which presents an official line identified with the regime in Tehran, was careful to label the Emirati reports as mere "allegations," while avoiding the adoption of the attack narrative. On the other hand, media outlets identified with the Iranian opposition and Arab sources such as Alarabiya highlighted the gravity of the incident and the concern over a shift in the regional balance of power.