UAE accuses Iran of firing ballistic missiles at shipping and halts commercial trade

The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles toward commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf on Tuesday.

Following the incident, the UAE Ministry of Economy announced an immediate suspension of all commercial trade and financial transactions with Tehran, citing escalating regional security risks.

Why did the UAE accuse Iran of launching ballistic missiles at shipping?

The United Arab Emirates detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iranian territory targeting maritime navigation lanes in the Gulf. Defense officials confirmed that one missile landed in international waters while the second fell inside UAE territorial waters. The incident prompted emergency authorities to briefly issue a nationwide missile threat alert to residents.

According to statements released by the UAE Ministry of Defense, national air defense tracking systems identified the incoming projectiles as direct threats to commercial vessel traffic. The military confirmation followed a brief emergency mobile phone alert instructing residents to seek immediate shelter.

The maritime incident follows a series of repeated drone and missile strikes targeting commercial oil tankers operated by state-owned energy company ADNOC. During the initial months of regional hostilities that began in February, the UAE intercepted thousands of incoming drones and missiles aimed at critical civilian infrastructure and maritime channels.

How did Iran respond to the UAE missile accusations and trade freeze?

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei categorically denied the UAE's claims, asserting that Tehran did not launch any missiles toward the Gulf state. Baqaei criticized the allegations, stating that unverified accusations harm regional trust and undermine diplomatic security initiatives between neighboring nations.

Iranian officials maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to international maritime traffic until Tehran concludes a comprehensive peace agreement with the United States. Because commercial ships departing UAE ports must pass through the narrow chokepoint to enter the Indian Ocean, the continued maritime standoff severely restricts regional commercial transit.

Coverage from Reuters confirms that Abu Dhabi suspended all commercial trade and financial transactions with Iran late Tuesday evening. Furthermore, Al Jazeera highlights that the trade freeze represents a major political shift between the neighboring nations following months of fragile diplomatic arrangements.