The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday that it had detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran, adding that both missiles fell into the sea.

In a statement later, the ministry of defence said the missiles targeted “maritime navigation” based on its assessments. Both missiles fell into the sea, it said.

“The ministry of defence affirms its readiness to respond to any threats and to resolutely counter any attempts to undermine the security of the country or the safety of maritime navigation in the region, thereby safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and protecting its national interests, assets, and resources,” it said in a statement.

The ministry also urged the public to obtain all information from official authorities in the country and to avoid rumors and misinformation.

Air defense systems of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) detected a missile threat towards the country, the UAE’s interior ministry said Tuesday.

“UAE air defence systems detected a missile threat targeting the country,” the ministry wrote on social-media platform X.

The ministry did not report any casualties or damage resulting from the launches.

The ministry also urged the public to remain in a safe location and follow warnings and updates issued through official channels.

Further details about the launches were not immediately disclosed.

The incident marks a significant escalation amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with Iran expanding its military operations towards US allies, as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in June to open channels for technical talks aimed at ending the conflict, has expired.

Several vessels belonging to UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) have been repeatedly targeted in the past few weeks.

Abu Dhabi-based ADNOC confirmed that one of its vessels was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on the evening of Friday, August 14. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the situation was brought under control.

This was the latest attack in the company’s vessels reported on August 15.