# UAE Activates Air Defences to Counter Missile and Drone Threats Amid Heightened Regional Tensions

*The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have activated air defences and issued alerts amid rising regional tensions following a US strike on Iran.*

July 12, 2026 · World

## At a glance

- UAE air defences engage missile and drone threats.
- Bahrain sounds air raid sirens and urges citizens to seek safety.
- US strike on Iran follows an attack in the Hormuz Strait.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) defence ministry reported that its air defences were actively engaging missile and drone threats. Simultaneously, Bahrain sounded air raid sirens, urging citizens and residents to seek safety. These actions follow a US strike on Iran, which came in response to an attack in the Hormuz Strait.

## UAE Defence Ministry Statement

The UAE defence ministry clarified that the sounds heard across the country were due to ongoing operations against missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The ministry emphasized the necessity of these defensive measures in the current volatile situation.

## Bahrain's Response

Bahrain's interior ministry issued a statement urging calm among its population. It advised citizens and residents to move to the nearest safe locations as a precautionary measure. The sirens were a direct response to the escalating tensions in the region.

## Regional Context

The recent US strike on Iran was a retaliation for an attack in the Hormuz Strait, a critical maritime route. This incident has heightened tensions in the region, prompting neighbouring countries to bolster their defences and issue alerts to their populations.

## Implications for the Region

The ongoing threats and defensive measures underscore the fragile security situation in the Gulf. The involvement of major powers and the strategic importance of the Hormuz Strait mean that any escalation could have significant regional and global implications.

## Why This Matters

For Bangladesh, the situation highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance in international relations and the potential impact of global conflicts on regional stability. It also emphasizes the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further military actions.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/uae-bahrain-respond-to-missile-drone-threats