(CNN)-- The UAE Ministry of Defense said on Sunday that the country's air defenses are dealing with 'missile attacks', while sirens sounded in Bahrain, following US attacks targeting Iranian sites earlier Sunday.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement: 'The UAE air defenses are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks coming from Iran. The Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in various areas of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems engaging ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.'

In Qatar, the Ministry of Interior said that 'the security threat level is high, and everyone must adhere to staying at home, not going out, and staying away from windows and open areas to ensure public safety.'

This was followed by a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Defense, saying it had repelled a missile attack targeting its territory.

Meanwhile, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced the sounding of sirens in the country and called on 'citizens and residents to remain calm, head to the nearest safe place, and follow the latest updates through official channels.'

The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran, saying that this was in response to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's targeting of a container ship flying the Cypriot flag while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

This was preceded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's announcement of targeting the ship, and it said that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed due to ships not adhering to designated routes.