UAE says Iran has fired 16 ballistic missiles and 117 drones in new barrages [View all]

Source: Politico

03/08/2026 07:13 AM EDT


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates says Iran has launched 16 ballistic missiles and over 117 drones in new barrages Sunday.

The UAE’s Defense Ministry says it intercepted all 16 missiles, while a 17th fell into the sea. It says it intercepted most of the drones, but four fell in UAE territory. The ministry said it is ready to “firmly confront” the threats.

Iran’s president earlier Sunday threatened to increase attacks on U.S. targets across the region in the face of ongoing Israeli and U.S. strikes. The Emirati statement did not specify the locations of Sunday’s attacks.

Also Sunday, Bahrain accused Iran of striking a desalination plant, raising fears that civilian infrastructure may become fair game in the war, as Iran’s president vowed to expand the country’s attacks on American targets across the region in the face of intense U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/08/uae-says-iran-has-fired-16-ballistic-missiles-and-117-drones-in-new-barrages-00818181