Key facts
- Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting the UAE.
- One Iranian missile landed within UAE territorial waters.
- The other Iranian missile fell outside UAE territorial waters.
- The US is considering a drawdown of military forces from Gulf states.
- The US review is led by the Department of War's policy office.
- Saudi Arabia has increased oversight on bank transfers to the UAE.
- Egyptian nationals in the UAE report unexplained residency cancellations.
- A Houthi ballistic missile struck a house near Taiz, Yemen.
- Yemeni army strikes killed three Houthi members.
- Yemeni army strikes wounded other Houthi members.
The United Arab Emirates announced that Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting the Gulf country. The UAE's Ministry of Defence stated that one missile landed within its territorial waters, while the second fell outside. This event is set against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and security concerns. The United States is reportedly considering a drawdown of military forces from Gulf states. This potential withdrawal is driven by an increased vulnerability to Iranian missile and drone attacks, with the Department of War's policy office leading a review of regional basing strategies in light of the current conflict. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia has intensified its oversight on bank transfers destined for the UAE. This measure, cited as a response to concerns over illicit money flows, indicates growing friction between the two Gulf nations. In addition to these geopolitical developments, Egyptian nationals residing in the UAE are experiencing significant anxiety. Several individuals have reported the unexpected cancellation of their residency permits without any clear explanation, leading to worries about their legal status in the country. Further complicating the regional security landscape, a Houthi ballistic missile struck a house near Taiz in Yemen, causing damage but no casualties. In retaliation, the Yemeni army conducted drone and artillery strikes that resulted in the deaths of three Houthi members and wounded others in Taiz and Marib provinces.