TEHRAN — May 6, 2026 : Iran’s military leadership has formally denied allegations that it launched missile and drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while simultaneously warning that any military action conducted from Emirati territory against Iran would prompt a direct response.
The statements were issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the joint command responsible for coordinating operations across Iran’s armed forces. Iranian officials released three separate statements addressing recent security incidents involving the UAE and the broader regional military situation in the Persian Gulf.
In its first statement, the Iranian military rejected reports issued by the UAE Ministry of Defense claiming that Emirati air defense systems had intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones over the past several days.
“We have not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE. We deny the UAE Ministry of Defense report,” the statement said.
Iranian officials further stated that if the Islamic Republic had conducted such operations, the action would have been officially acknowledged through formal military channels. The statement described the UAE’s accusations as “categorically denied” and “completely unfounded.”
The denial follows Emirati reports that air defense units intercepted several aerial threats allegedly launched from Iranian territory. UAE authorities also stated that a drone strike on May 4 targeted an energy facility in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, causing a fire and minor injuries to three Indian nationals. Emirati officials attributed the incident to Iranian-linked activity, although no independent verification has been publicly released.
Iranian officials maintained that there was no pre-planned operation targeting UAE oil infrastructure. Tehran also attributed recent instability in the Strait of Hormuz to ongoing U.S. military operations and increased foreign naval deployments in the region.
In a second statement, the Khatam al-Anbiya command criticized the UAE’s strategic cooperation with the United States and Israel. The statement claimed that the UAE had “become one of the main American and Zionist bases” in the region and described the country as “a nest for Americans and Zionists,” referencing the presence of U.S. and Israeli military personnel and infrastructure.
Iranian military officials urged Emirati authorities to reconsider the hosting of foreign military assets, arguing that external military involvement has contributed to escalating tensions across the Gulf region.
The third statement issued by the command focused on potential future military scenarios. While reiterating that Iran was not involved in the recent attacks reported by the UAE, the statement warned that Tehran would respond if Emirati territory were used for operations against Iranian territory or strategic assets.
“If any action is taken from the soil of the UAE against Iran’s islands, ports, or coasts, we will give a crushing and regretful response,” the statement said.
Iran’s military leadership did not provide additional operational details regarding how such a response would be carried out, but emphasized that any hostile action originating from neighboring states would be treated as a direct security threat.
The statements come amid continuing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel following the escalation of hostilities that began in late February 2026. The security situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has remained unstable in recent months, with disruptions to maritime traffic, expanded naval deployments, and repeated accusations between regional actors.
Iranian officials have repeatedly argued that the expanding U.S. and Israeli military presence in Gulf states has increased the risk of confrontation and contributed to instability in regional shipping lanes. Tehran has also accused Western governments of using allegations against Iran to justify a larger military footprint near Iranian waters.
Several countries have condemned the reported attacks on UAE territory and called for restraint from all parties. Diplomatic efforts involving regional governments and international mediators continue as attempts are made to prevent further escalation and secure broader de-escalation arrangements in the Gulf.
Iranian state media reported that the three statements from the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters were issued simultaneously. No additional information regarding the timing, operational background, or delivery mechanisms related to the alleged attacks has been publicly released by Iranian authorities.
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