Iran’s army claims drone strike targeted UAE’s Al Minhad air base

Iran’s armed forces have claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the United Arab Emirates’ Al Minhad Air Base, a critical military installation sitting less than 30 kilometers from Dubai. The attack represents one of the most provocative military actions in the Gulf region in years, dragging the UAE directly into a widening conflict that has already drawn in US, Israeli, and Australian forces. Al Minhad has hosted coalition forces since 2003, including roughly 100 Australian Defence Force personnel, serving as a major logistical and command hub. What happened at Al Minhad The initial wave of Iranian drone attacks hit Al Minhad on the night of March 1, 2026, with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the base. Iran framed the operation as retaliation for coordinated US-Israeli military actions against Iranian assets that began around February 28. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that the base was struck but reported no Australian casualties from the initial attack. A subsequent Iranian strike around March 18 caused minor fire damage to Australian medical and accommodation facilities at the base, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, ...