ISTANBUL

The United Arab Emirates said Sunday that its air defense systems are dealing with incoming missile and drone “threats” from Iran amid escalating regional tensions.

In a statement, the Defense Ministry said explosions heard in various parts of the country resulted from interception operations by the country’s air defenses.

No information was given about casualties or damage.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.