Tensions in the Gulf region have escalated after Iran accused the United Arab Emirates of allowing its territory to be used for missile strikes against Iranian positions. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi alleged that overnight attacks on Kharg Island and Abu Musa were launched from HIMARS rocket systems stationed in Ras Al Khaimah and near Dubai. The accusation comes as the confrontation between Iran and the United States-Israel coalition continues to widen, raising fears of further instability across the Gulf.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters issued a warning to residents in the UAE, urging them to evacuate areas near key ports, including Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, and the Port of Fujairah. Iran claimed these facilities, linked to American military assets, could be targeted in potential retaliation.
The UAE government has firmly rejected the allegations, with Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash asserting that the country did not allow strikes from its territory. He emphasized that the UAE remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy. Authorities have also moved to contain panic, launching an urgent trial of ten people accused of spreading false conflict videos on social media.
Emergency teams in Fujairah in the UAE were meanwhile carrying out cooling operations at an oil facility after an intercepted drone triggered a fire earlier. Officials said the incident caused minor injuries to one Jordanian national but did not disrupt wider operations. In Dubai, residents in the Marina and Al Sufouh districts reported hearing several loud explosions early Sunday as air defence systems intercepted incoming threats. The Dubai Media Office said the blasts were the result of successful interceptions, while the ministry of defence later announced that nine ballistic missiles and thirty-three drones had been neutralised across the country within the past twenty-four hours. Authorities say security forces remain on heightened alert as tensions continue to rise across West Asia.
On the other hand, the UAE reported a new missile attack this morning, a day after Iran called for the evacuation of three major ports in the UAE. Iran had earlier warned of possible strikes and asked authorities to clear the ports. For the first time Tehran has threatened non-US assets in a neighbouring country during the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he hopes allied countries will send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have further worsened the humanitarian situation. Around 800 people have been killed so far, while more than 8 lakh 50 thousand people have been displaced due to the ongoing attacks.
