March 16, (THEWILL) — Israel has bombed a facility in Tehran, which it claims was used by Iran to develop weapons capable of targeting satellites in space, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said its air defence systems shot down six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran on Monday, as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
The Israeli military said its air force destroyed the site, described as a “space centre”, alleging that it was involved in the development of anti-satellite weapons that could threaten Israeli spacecraft and those of other countries.
According to Israeli defence officials, the facility was also linked to the development of Iran’s Chamran-1 satellite programme, raising concerns that the complex may have been used for both civilian space research and military technology development.
Anti-satellite weapons are possessed or tested by only a few countries due to the advanced technology required. The last widely known test of such a weapon was conducted by Russia in 2021, when it destroyed one of its own satellites in orbit, creating thousands of pieces of debris.
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems successfully intercepted the six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iran before they could reach their intended targets.
The ministry added that since Iran began launching attacks on neighbouring states following strikes by Israel and the United States on February 28, Emirati air defences have engaged a total of 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,627 drones.
Despite the interceptions, the attacks have resulted in casualties, with authorities confirming the deaths of two Emirati servicemen and five civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationality.
The UAE has largely adopted a restrained response to the escalating hostilities, a stance that has drawn international commendation. Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, praised the country’s approach, describing it as “restrained and measured.”
“Diplomacy is always a choice to make in times of war”, Tajani said in written comments, adding that dialogue remains a core principle guiding the UAE’s response to the crisis.
He also expressed concern over the growing tensions in the region, noting that Iran had launched attacks on neighbouring countries that had previously declared they would not allow their territories to be used for military strikes.
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