UAE says it intercepted 12 Iran ballistic missiles, 17 drones

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones launched from Iran. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, 15 ballistic missiles were detected, of which 12 were successfully destroyed while three fell into the sea.

Officials also reported detecting 18 drones. Seventeen were intercepted by air defence systems, while one crashed within UAE territory. Authorities did not provide further details about the crash.

Since the start of the war in Iran, the UAE says it has detected a total of 253 missiles and 1,440 drones targeting its territory. The attacks have resulted in four deaths since February 28.

Video shows drone interceptions

The UAE Ministry of Defence also released footage it says shows Iranian drones being intercepted and destroyed. Officials said that during the latest wave of attacks, 117 drones and more than 16 missiles were detected, with most of them successfully shot down.

Iran appoints new Supreme Leader

Iran’s military and political leadership has pledged allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been appointed as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani said the decision by the Assembly of Experts to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei has brought “hope” to Iran while causing “despair” among the country’s enemies. In a statement posted on X, Larijani said the leadership change had discouraged “hostile and warmongering enemies”.

US and Israel continue strikes

The United States and Israel have continued carrying out attacks on Iranian targets. Explosions were reported in the cities of Qom and Tehran, hours after Israeli strikes on oil facilities triggered toxic smoke across the Iranian capital.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the attacks were aimed at “partitioning our country to illegally seize our oil resources”.

Oil prices surge amid escalating war

Global oil prices have jumped by more than 25 percent, reaching their highest levels since mid-2022. The surge comes as some major producers reduce supplies and concerns grow over possible long-term disruptions to shipping routes as the conflict expands.

US confirms eighth American soldier killed

Meanwhile, the United States confirmed that an eighth American soldier has been killed in the conflict. The announcement came a day after US President Donald Trump attended a ceremony honouring troops who lost their lives during the war.

Authorities continue to monitor developments as the conflict widens across the region.