UAE Intercepts Iranian Drone as Gargash Calls for De-escalation and Reopening of Hormuz

The UAE's Ministry of Defence said on Monday, 9 Shahrivar 1405 (August 31, 2026), that its air force intercepted a drone approaching its territorial waters from Iran. In a post on X, the ministry called reports of an attack on its Al Menhad airbase false and urged the public to rely only on official sources. The statement followed Iran's army saying on Sunday that it had fired dozens of drones at US military assets at Al Menhad, describing the move as retaliation for the US strike on Larak Island.

According to Al Jazeera, Anwar Gargash, the UAE presidential adviser, condemned the renewed escalation, saying political solutions must begin with de escalation and restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had ordered a halt to new strikes on Iran on August 1, but US and Iranian forces resumed exchanging fire on Sunday night. The UAE is Iran's most important trade and exchange corridor, and rising geopolitical risk along this route could affect Tehran's free market dirham and dollar rates and safe haven demand for gold.