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The Iranian military issued a statement declaring the success of its operation against the strategically located facility south of Dubai Iranian state TV reported. The army specifically cited the presence of U.S. forces and helicopters at the base as the focus of the strike. Officials connected the action directly to an earlier incident that claimed the lives of Revolutionary Guards members and civilians on Larak Island. This latest assertion adds to a series of similar claims made by Tehran throughout the year.
According to defense analyses Al Minhad Air Base functions as a key hub for the United Arab Emirates and its allies hosting units from the Australian Defence Force and the British Royal Air Force. The Australian government confirmed in March 2026 that the base came under Iranian drone attack at that time but all its personnel were safe The Independent reported. Approximately 100 Australian troops operate from the UAE as part of Middle East deployments according to official tallies.
UAE defence ministry figures cited across various reports place the toll from Iranian strikes since February 2026 at 13 killed including military and civilians and 224 injured. The ministry has stated that its THAAD and Patriot systems have intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones during the exchanges. Iran has pointed to alleged UAE participation in attacks on its islands as justification for its responses though Abu Dhabi has not publicly addressed those specific accusations.
Reuters first carried the Iranian claim early on Monday noting that the army framed the drone operation as a measured response. The statement stopped short of providing evidence or specifics on the strike’s impact. Iranian media has released images of drones in the past to illustrate its capabilities though none were tied directly to this incident.
The base situated roughly 30 kilometers from Dubai has played a role in various international missions in the region over the past two decades. Australian forces have maintained a presence there since 2003 a fact highlighted in multiple government briefings. The latest reported strike occurs against a backdrop of persistent regional tensions involving Iran and countries hosting foreign military installations.
No independent confirmation of damage or casualties from the alleged Monday attack had emerged from UAE or American sources by midday various wire services indicated. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued parallel statements in recent months regarding other targets in the Emirates. Observers continue to monitor developments as both sides exchange accusations without third-party verification in many cases.
