Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Iran Rejects UAE Missile Claims as Trade Ties Suspended
The United Arab Emirates said it detected two missiles coming from Iran.
The UAE said both missiles fell into the sea.
It later said the missiles may have been aimed at ships traveling in the Gulf.
Iran strongly denied launching the missiles.
Iranian spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called the accusation baseless and harmful to trust between neighboring countries.
The UAE then stopped trade and financial dealings with Iran for the time being.
Iran said the region was already facing security problems involving the United States and Israel.
Iran also warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until it reached a peace agreement with the United States.
The disagreement happened during wider tensions in the Gulf and Middle East.
Iran categorically rejected the UAE’s claim that it launched two ballistic missiles toward the Gulf state.
The UAE said its air defenses detected two missiles from Iran, both of which fell into the sea.
A later UAE assessment said the missiles were targeting maritime navigation.
The UAE suspended all trade and financial dealings with Iran until further notice, citing regional escalation.
Iran said the accusations harmed good-neighbourly relations and regional efforts to build trust and security.
- Who
- The governments of Iran and the United Arab Emirates, including Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
- What
- Iran denied the UAE’s allegation that it launched two ballistic missiles; the UAE reported detecting the missiles and suspended trade and financial dealings with Iran.
- When
- The missile detection and official statements occurred on Tuesday, with the UAE’s trade suspension announced later that evening.
- Where
- The missiles were reportedly detected near the United Arab Emirates and fell into waters inside or outside its territorial waters; the wider dispute concerns the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- The UAE cited regional escalation and concerns about maritime navigation, while Iran said the allegation was baseless and damaged regional trust.
Iran’s Position
UAE’s Position
Who launched the missiles
Iran’s Position
Iran said it did not launch missiles toward the United Arab Emirates and described the allegation as baseless.
UAE’s Position
The UAE said its air defenses detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country.
Intended target
Iran’s Position
Iran rejected the UAE’s account and said such accusations undermine regional trust and security efforts.
UAE’s Position
The UAE later said its assessment indicated the missiles were targeting maritime navigation.
Response to the incident
Iran’s Position
Iran urged regional countries to avoid accusations and blamed actions by the United States and Israel for complicating regional security.
UAE’s Position
The UAE suspended trade and financial dealings with Iran, citing regional escalation and security concerns.
- Reported missiles
- The UAE said it detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country; both fell into the sea.
- Missile locations
- The UAE said the first missile fell outside its territorial waters and the second fell within them.
- UAE assessment
- A later UAE statement said assessments indicated the missiles were targeting maritime navigation.
- Iran’s response
- Esmail Baghaei completely or categorically rejected the allegation and called for an end to baseless accusations.
- UAE measures
- The UAE suspended all trade and financial dealings with Iran until further notice.
- Strait of Hormuz
- Iran warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until it reached a peace agreement with the United States.
- Regional context
- The reports described broader Gulf tensions and said nearly 3,000 missiles and drones had been directed at the UAE since the Middle East war began on February 28.
