The United Arab Emirates has activated its air defense systems to intercept missiles and drones launched from Iran, according to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Defense cited by Al Jazeera. The ministry said in a post on social media platform X that the explosions recently heard were the result of the defense systems intercepting incoming threats.

The report noted that Iran has been launching missiles and drones toward several Gulf countries as regional tensions continue to escalate. In response, these countries, including the UAE, have activated their air defense systems to counter potential attacks.

The situation underscores growing instability in the Gulf region, with multiple states taking precautionary defense measures as cross-border hostilities intensify.