UAE says it intercepted Iranian missiles; warns of retaliation as Gulf tensions escalate

The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted Iranian missiles and drones on Monday and warned that it reserves the right to respond, describing the attacks as a serious escalation in renewed Gulf tensions.

The strikes mark the first reported attack on the UAE since the United States and Iran agreed to a fragile ceasefire four weeks ago, following weeks of hostilities across the region.

The developments come as the United States launched a new initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom,” aimed at assisting commercial vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump said Washington would help guide ships through the strategic waterway.

Trump announced the initiative on social media, saying the United States would ensure safe passage for vessels affected by restrictions in the Gulf, though he provided few operational details.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Monday’s events underscored the absence of a military solution to the crisis and added that peace talks were progressing under Pakistan’s mediation. He cautioned the United States and regional players against deeper involvement in the conflict.

“Project Freedom is Project Deadlock,” Araqchi wrote on social media.

Iran’s unified military command separately warned that foreign armed forces entering the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted and said commercial ships and oil tankers should coordinate their movements with Iranian forces.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments.

The United States and Israel suspended bombing operations against Iran four weeks ago after agreeing to a ceasefire, but efforts to resume direct talks between Washington and Tehran have so far stalled.

Tensions in the region have remained high since, with repeated naval confrontations and seizures of commercial vessels reported in Gulf waters.