The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the temporary and partial closure of the UAE’s airspace as an exceptional precautionary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews and safeguarding the territory of the United Arab Emirates, amid rapidly escalating security developments in the region.
The Authority stated that the decision was taken following a comprehensive and thorough assessment of security and operational risks, and in full coordination with relevant national and international authorities, stressing that airspace safety and the protection of the UAE’s air sovereignty remain absolute priorities.
The GCAA confirmed that it will continue to keep the relevant authorities and the public informed of any developments as they occur. It also renewed its call on passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules, noting that airlines, in coordination with local authorities, will provide necessary accommodation and assistance to affected passengers.
The Authority reiterated that the safety of passengers and flight crews remains its top priority, reaffirming its commitment to implementing all necessary measures to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety.
It also expressed its appreciation for the public’s cooperation and understanding under these exceptional circumstances and urged everyone to obtain information exclusively from official and accredited sources.
UAE announces successful interception of several Iranian missiles targeting country
The UAE Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced that the country today was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles, noting that UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles. Authorities in the UAE also handled the fall of some missile debris in a residential area which resulted in some material damage.
The fallen debris also resulted in one civilian death of an asian nationality. The authorities confirmed that the security situation in the UAE remains stable and that all concerned entities are monitoring developments around the clock.
The Ministry strongly condemned the attack, affirming the UAE’s categorical rejection of any targeting of civilian objects, facilities and national institutions. It stressed that such acts constitute a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability.
The Ministry further stated that the targeting represents a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability.
The Ministry affirmed its full readiness and preparedness to deal with any threats, stressing that all necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability. It added that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority that cannot be compromised.
The Ministry urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified reports. The Ministry also urged the public to obtain information from official sources within the UAE and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified information.
Iran Strikes US Bases, Fires Missiles at Israel After Joint Offensive
Iran on Saturday launched a series of missile attacks targeting Israel and American military bases across the Middle East, hours after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets triggered a sharp escalation in regional tensions.
According to international media reports, Tehran targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and struck near American military facilities in the Gulf. Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base — the largest US military installation in the region — was also reportedly targeted. Explosions were heard in parts of the Gulf, including Abu Dhabi.
Qatari air defence systems were activated, with reports indicating the deployment of US-made Patriot interceptor systems to neutralise incoming missiles.
In Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that multiple missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Air raid sirens sounded in several areas as defensive systems were engaged.
“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the IDF said in a statement, adding that precautionary alerts were sent to civilians through the Home Front Command.
Shortly after the initial barrage, a second wave of missiles was launched. The IDF said the Israeli Air Force was working to intercept and strike threats where necessary.
The escalation follows what Israel described as a joint military operation with the United States, codenamed ‘Operation Lion’s Roar’. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at eliminating what he termed an “existential threat” posed by Iran.
Netanyahu accused Iran’s leadership of long-standing hostility toward Israel and the United States, alleging that Tehran sought to acquire nuclear weapons capability. “This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” he said.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israeli action as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, calling it a breach of international peace and security.
In a statement, Tehran said it reserved the right to respond decisively and warned of consequences for what it described as renewed military aggression. The ministry added that Iran was fully prepared to defend itself and asserted that the country had exercised restraint to avoid further escalation.
The developments mark one of the most serious confrontations between Iran, Israel and the United States in recent years, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Israel bombs Tehran; Trump confirms ‘major combat operations’ in Iran
Explosions were reported in Iran’s capital Tehran on Saturday morning after Israel launched what it described as a preemptive strike, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Sirens also sounded across Israel amid warnings of possible retaliatory missile fire.
The strikes reportedly occurred near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Reuters, the 86-year-old leader was not in Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the attack was carried out “to remove threats,” without providing further details.
Sirens across Israel
Around the same time, air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel. The Israeli military warned of the “possibility of missiles” being launched toward the country.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement:
“In the last few minutes, sirens were sounded all throughout Israel, with an advance instruction alert directly to cellular devices to stay within proximity to protected spaces. This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel. The IDF emphasizes that the public is requested to stay in proximity to protected spaces.”
Iran and Israel later shut their respective airspace following the attack.
US confirms role
US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States had launched “major combat operations” in Iran shortly after Israel’s strikes. According to news agency AP, citing an official, the US also participated in the Israeli operation.
Trump said the objective was to “defend the American people by removing imminent threats from Iran”.
Calling Iran the world’s “number one state sponsor of terror”, he said:
“For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted, Death to America, and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops, and the innocent people in many, many countries. The regime’s proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as US naval and commercial vessels in international shipping lanes.”
“It was Iran’s proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous October 7th attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before,” he added.
In a message directed at the Iranian people, Trump said:
“It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.”
“This will probably be your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force,” he added.
Earlier, Trump had expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
“I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have. I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens. We’re talking later. We’re not exactly happy with the way they’re negotiating. They cannot have nuclear weapons,” he had said.
When asked how close he was to deciding on whether to launch a military strike, Trump said, “I’d rather not tell you.”
The developments mark a sharp escalation in the long-running tensions between Iran and Israel, with the involvement of the United States raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
