WANA (Aug 19) – The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly rejected allegations by the United Arab Emirates claiming that missiles were launched from Iran toward Emirati territory, calling the accusations completely baseless.

 

On Tuesday evening, August 18, the UAE Ministry of Defense issued a statement claiming it had intercepted and countered two ballistic missiles fired from Iran.

 

The announcement followed reports of explosions heard in Dubai and the Jebel Ali port, prompting the UAE Ministry of Interior to issue a safety alert advising residents to seek shelter.

 

According to the Emirati statement, one missile fell into regional waters while the other landed outside its territorial waters.

 

Iran Warns Against “False Flag” Operations and Rhetoric

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed deep regret over the accusations, characterizing the UAE’s move as a violation of the principle of good neighborliness and an obstacle to ongoing efforts aimed at building regional trust and preventing escalating insecurity.

 

Urging regional actors to exercise caution, Baghaei pointed to the complexities arising from what he termed ongoing evil actions by the United States and the Israeli regime against regional peace and security—specifically highlighting the history of numerous “false flag” operations. He called on all parties to refrain from leveling unfounded accusations against the Islamic Republic.