The United Arab Emirates said on Friday its air defenses intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran, hours after the US and Tehran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest strikes further strained a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. Iran’s military accused the US of breaching the truce first by targeting vessels near the strait.

Why did Iran launch missile and drone attacks on the UAE?

Iran’s central military command accused the US of breaching the ceasefire by targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and described its subsequent strikes as retaliation against US forces. The UAE was hit as part of broader Iranian strikes on Gulf states. Tehran has not acknowledged directly targeting the UAE in this latest exchange.

What did the UAE say about the attacks?

“UAE air defenses are currently engaging missile and drone attacks originating from Iran,” the defense ministry said on X, adding that sounds of interceptions were heard “across various parts of the country.”

Iran’s Khatam Al Anbiya military headquarters, in a statement carried by state television, accused the US of targeting an Iranian oil tanker in the Jask region and another ship near the port of Fujairah.

It also accused Washington of conducting strikes elsewhere in southern Iran “in cooperation with some countries in the region,” and said Iranian forces “immediately and in retaliation attacked American military vessels.”

How much damage have Iranian attacks caused in the UAE?

According to AFP, citing state media, major sites including Dubai’s Palm development, airports and energy infrastructure were among the locations hit during Iran’s strikes on Gulf states.

The UAE was among the hardest hit, with authorities saying the country faced more than 2,800 drones and missiles launched from Iran during the conflict.

Is the UAE seeking compensation from Iran?

Separately, the UAE announced plans to establish a committee to document damage caused by Iranian attacks, laying the groundwork for potential legal action and compensation claims.

A newly formed national committee has been tasked with “documenting and monitoring all incidents of attacks and military actions associated with the Iranian aggression,” the state-run WAM news agency reported. WAM added that the committee’s findings would support “the UAE’s legal efforts at both the national and international levels by preparing a comprehensive documentation file.”

Last month, the UAE said Iran should compensate for the destruction caused by the attacks. The foreign ministry said the strikes “necessitate a firm position, including ensuring that Iran is held accountable and fully liable for damages and reparations.”