Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 15 missiles and four drones originating from Iran on Monday. This marks the first such incident since a ceasefire was initiated between Tehran and Washington on April 8.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UAE's Defense Ministry detailed that the interceptions involved 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four unmanned aerial vehicles. The attack resulted in moderate injuries to three individuals. The ministry further reported that since the Iranian attacks began on February 28, UAE air defenses have intercepted a total of 578 missiles and 2,260 drones, leading to 13 fatalities and 227 injuries.

In a related incident early Monday, a significant fire erupted at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, an essential energy hub on the UAE's eastern coast. The fire was triggered by a drone reportedly launched from Iran. Authorities in Fujairah confirmed that three Indian nationals suffered moderate injuries and were subsequently hospitalized.

The recent escalation in regional tensions follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian retaliations against Israel and US allies in the Gulf. This escalation also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although a ceasefire was brokered on April 8 with Pakistan's mediation, talks in Islamabad did not yield a sustainable agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a specified deadline. Since April 13, the United States has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz.