Apology First, Missiles Later: Iran Attack Debris Hits Dubai Tower After ‘No More Strikes’ Pledge

International

oi-Ashish Rana

Published: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 8:06 [IST]

Smoke was seen rising from a residential tower in Dubai Marina on Saturday after debris from an intercepted Iranian projectile struck the building amid escalating tensions in the Gulf. Authorities confirmed that the situation was quickly brought under control and that no injuries were reported.

Debris From Intercepted Projectile Hits Dubai Marina Tower

Dubai’s government confirmed that falling debris from a projectile intercepted by air defence systems caused minor damage to the exterior of a building in the Marina district. Emergency teams responded swiftly to the incident.

“Authorities confirm that debris resulting from a successful interception caused a minor incident on the façade of a tower in Dubai Marina. The situation has been contained. No injuries were reported,” the Dubai government’s official media handle wrote on X.

Images and videos circulating online showed smoke rising from the side of the tower shortly after the interception took place.

UAE Air Defences Respond To Missile And Drone Threats

Earlier in the day, the United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry said its air defence systems were actively responding to missile and drone threats originating from Iran.

“air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran,” the ministry said in a post on X.

The ministry clarified that loud sounds heard in several areas were linked to interception operations. “Sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones,” the statement added.

According to officials, a total of 16 ballistic missiles were detected on Saturday. Fifteen of them were intercepted by air defence systems, while one landed in the sea. Authorities also tracked 121 drones, of which 119 were destroyed before reaching their targets.

UAE President Addresses Nation Amid Escalating Conflict

As tensions continued to rise, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivered a televised address on Abu Dhabi TV, speaking to the public for the first time since the conflict intensified.

The president acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and warned that the country was facing a period of conflict.

The country “is in a period of war,” he said, adding, “we will emerge stronger.”

Iran Signals Restraint But Rejects Calls For Surrender

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iranian strikes during the ongoing war involving Israel and the United States.

“I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran. The interim leadership council agreed yesterday that no more attacks will be made on neighbouring countries and no missiles will be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries,” Pezeshkian said during an address broadcast by Iranian state TV.

He also pushed back against calls for Iran’s unconditional surrender that had been raised by former US President Donald Trump.

“Iran’s enemies must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” Pezeshkian said.

Background: Operation Epic Fury And The Escalation

The current conflict intensified after the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes across Iran on February 28 following stalled nuclear negotiations and allegations that Tehran had resumed nuclear activities.

The strikes, named ‘Operation Epic Fury’, targeted several Iranian cities including the capital Tehran. The operation reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with members of his family, including his wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.

The developments have sharply escalated tensions across the Middle East, with Gulf countries now on high alert as missile and drone threats continue.