UAE Detects Iranian Ballistic Missiles After Erbil Drone Attack

DOHA — On August 18 the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense stated that its air defense systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the UAE.

Two missiles were launched: one fell outside UAE territorial waters and the other inside, but neither struck land. The UAE Interior Ministry briefly issued a public alert that was later lifted, and Iran has made no immediate official comment on the launches.

Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates each issued official statements on August 18 condemning the August 17 drone attack on the office of Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the director of the Security and Intelligence Agency in Erbil.

The Kurdistan Regional Government Counter-Terrorism Service attributed two Hadid-110 explosive-laden drones to Iranian territory, with no casualties reported. Iran rejected the attribution.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the Erbil incident, during which he condemned the attack as setting a serious precedent and requested clarification of Iran’s official position.

Araghchi expressed surprise and stated he had no information indicating the attacks originated from Iranian territory.

He said that he would issue an official statement clarifying the Iranian government’s position and reaffirmed opposition to any actions that could fuel escalation.

Qatar: Iranian Aircraft Violated Airspace In March In Order To Attack But Were “Dealt With" Under Rules Of Engagement

Separately, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated that Iranian aircraft which violated Qatari airspace in March came to attack and were dealt with under rules of engagement.

Remains of one pilot were recovered and repatriated to an Iranian delegation.

An invitation for an Iranian technical team to review the search-and-rescue operation remains open. Iran has not responded. Claims that additional pilots are detained were described as completely unverified, false, and illogical.

Locations Affected

• UAE territorial waters and adjacent sea areas (August 18 ballistic missile impacts)

• Pirmam district, Erbil province, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (approximate 36.40, 44.20)

• Qatari airspace and associated search-and-rescue areas (March engagement)

Official Statements

• United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense, August 18, 2026: “UAE air defenses detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the country, with the first falling outside the country’s territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters. The Ministry of Defense confirms that it is on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, and to firmly confront anything aimed at undermining the security of the state.”

• Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 18, 2026: “The State of Qatar strongly condemns the targeting of the office of the Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister and the residence of the head of the Security and Intelligence Agency in Erbil, considering the attacks a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as a flagrant breach of the rules of international law.”

• Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 18, 2026: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait’s condemnation of the aggressive attack using drones on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which targeted the office of the Prime Minister of the Region, Mr. Masrour Barzani, and the residence of the Director of the Security and Intelligence Agency in the Region.”

• United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, August 18, 2026: “The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the hostile Iranian attack which targeted the Office of the Prime Minister, His Excellency Masrour Barzani, and the residence of the Director of the Protection Agency in Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with two drones.”

• Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, August 18, 2026: “The Iranian aircraft that were dealt with had entered Qatari airspace and targeted the city of Doha, and were dealt with according to the known rules of engagement after confirming that they had violated Qatari airspace. ... The body was handed over to the Iranian authorities who held a funeral for him. ... Qatar received the Iranian delegation and offered them information on the details of the search and rescue operations, but the Iranian side did not respond to the invitation.”

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, August 17-18, 2026: “Nothing justifies the reckless attack on PM Barzani’s office. Kurdish friends should be vigilant against false-flag ploys to sow discord between neighbors.”