The United Arab Emirates said on Monday its air defense systems were responding to a missile threat, issuing a fresh mobile phone alert warning residents of a potential attack.
The alert came shortly after authorities had lifted an earlier warning issued the same day, nearly a month into a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East war.
“Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, immediately seek a safe place in the closest secure building,” the first alert read.
Authorities later withdrew the warning, sending a follow-up message stating: “We reassure you that the situation is currently safe.”
Earlier on Monday, the UAE strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack on an ADNOC oil tanker in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, as the United States prepared to begin escorting ships through the waterway.
Two drones struck the MV Barakah off the coast of Oman, but no injuries were reported, UAE state oil giant ADNOC said, adding that the vessel was not carrying cargo.
“Targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion or blackmail represents acts of piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the UAE foreign ministry said.
The incident came as President Donald Trump said the United States would begin guiding ships through the strategic waterway from Monday.
The US and Iran remain deadlocked in peace negotiations since a ceasefire in the Middle East war took effect on April 8.
Iran launched more than 2,800 drones and missiles at the UAE between February 28, the first day of the war, and the April 8 ceasefire, making it the most heavily targeted country in Tehran’s campaign.
