The United Arab Emirates revealed it is evaluating military strikes on Iranian missile sites following a barrage of attacks from Tehran that have targeted civilian and economic infrastructure across the Gulf state.

Iran's assaults began on February 28, 2026, in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other officials. The UAE has faced the heaviest barrage among Gulf nations, intercepting 172 of 186 ballistic missiles and 755 of 812 drones as of March 3. One missile struck Emirati territory, while 13 fell into the sea; debris from the interceptions caused most of the damage.

Three foreign nationals, a Pakistani, a Nepali, and a Bangladeshi, were killed, with 58 others injured by shrapnel and blasts near airports and ports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Fires erupted at Jebel Ali Port, Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage, and a drone hit near the Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah. An Amazon Web Services data center was also struck, disrupting some digital services.

UAE officials displayed wreckage of intercepted Iranian projectiles at a press conference, condemning the strikes as a violation of sovereignty. The Ministry of Defense stated the UAE "reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures." Sources indicated discussions on "active defensive measures," marking a potential shift as the UAE has not directly participated in the U.S.-Israeli campaign.

Anwar Gargash, a senior UAE presidential adviser, described Iran's actions as a "miscalculation" that isolated Tehran and highlighted its missile program as a regional threat. The UAE closed its embassy in Tehran, recalled its ambassador, and summoned Iran's envoy in protest.

The strikes extended to other Gulf states, including Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait, prompting a joint statement from the U.S., UAE, and allies denouncing Iran's "indiscriminate and reckless" attacks. Analysts warned that targeting economic hubs could unify Gulf nations against Iran, potentially broadening the conflict. Airspace closures disrupted thousands of flights, and oil prices surged amid threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

France deployed Rafale jets to safeguard its UAE bases, while Qatar halted much of its LNG production. As of Tuesday afternoon, no UAE strikes had occurred, but officials vowed to protect citizens and infrastructure amid ongoing Iranian launches.