The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran on Thursday, according to the state news agency Emirates News Agency.
The interceptions took place on March 12 as regional tensions continue following a U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign against Iran that began on Feb. 28.
Since the start of what officials described as Iranian aggression, UAE air defenses have engaged 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,540 UAVs, the report said.
Authorities said the attacks have killed six people of multiple nationalities, including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi citizens.
A further 131 people sustained minor to moderate injuries, according to officials.
Those injured include nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana and Indonesia.
The UAE Ministry of Defense said it remains fully prepared to respond to any threats.
The ministry said it would firmly confront attempts to undermine state security and protect the country’s sovereignty, stability and national interests.
The statement came as Iran’s new supreme leader signaled that the confrontation could continue.
Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would continue fighting and keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as leverage against the United States and Israel.
Thursday’s remarks were the first comments attributed to him since he succeeded his father.
Khamenei called on Iran’s regional neighbors to shut down U.S. military bases located on their territory.
He also warned that Iran would continue targeting them.
“I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs,” Khamenei said.
“The popular demand is to continue our effective defense and make the enemy regret it,” he added.
He said Iran would continue using the “lever” of blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, with about one-fifth of global oil supply normally passing through the waterway along Iran’s coast.
Gulf states have borne the brunt of Iran’s response following the U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign against Iran launched on Feb. 28.
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