Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense forces are actively responding to a fresh wave of missile and drone threats originating from Iran. The UAE Defense Ministry communicated this development on the US social media platform X, stating that the nation's air defenses are currently engaged in intercepting these threats. The ministry clarified that the loud noises heard across the country are a result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting the incoming missiles and drones. According to Anadolu Agency, the tensions escalated following US-Israeli military actions against Iran that commenced on February 28. In response, Iran has launched several drone and missile strikes aimed at Israel and Gulf nations that host US military bases. Additionally, Iran has significantly restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for oil and liquefied natural gas, impacting around 20 million barrels of oil and 20% of the global trade in liquefied natural gas daily.