The Ministry of Defence has denied reports that Al Menhad Air Base was targeted by missiles, according to the state news agency WAM. The ministry described the circulating reports as unfounded in a statement issued on August 31, 2026. It affirmed that the UAE’s armed forces are on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any threats while protecting national sovereignty, security and stability.
The denial follows Iranian state media reports that the country’s army launched a drone attack on the base early Monday, with the strike said to have targeted locations used by U.S. forces and helicopters. The Iranian statement framed the action as a response to the killing of Revolutionary Guards members and civilians on Larak Island. According to Reuters, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the Iranian claims. The Ministry of Defence urged the public to rely exclusively on official sources and avoid spreading rumours or inaccurate information.
In its announcement, the Ministry of Defence emphasised the armed forces’ continuous state of readiness amid regional developments. The statement was also distributed via the ministry’s official social media account on the same day. This approach seeks to counter potential misinformation during periods of heightened tension.
Al Menhad Air Base, a strategic UAE military installation that supports international operations, was the focus of an earlier incident in March 2026. An Iranian projectile landed near the base at that time, causing minor damage to a medical facility and an accommodation block but resulting in no injuries to Australian personnel stationed there, according to Australian officials. The base serves as headquarters for the Australian Defence Force’s Middle East operations and has hosted various coalition activities over time.
The UAE has separately reported intercepting a drone over its territorial waters that originated from Iran in a recent development. Such events reflect persistent security concerns across the Gulf area. The latest denial by the Ministry of Defence reinforces reliance on verified government communications for all updates related to national defence matters.
