Iran warned on Saturday that it could strike US “hideouts” in the UAE after American forces attacked Kharg Island. Meanwhile, a major UAE energy hub suffered disruption following a drone assault that sent dark smoke plumes skyward.
The conflict has claimed over 2,000 lives, mostly Iranian citizens, during its third week of fighting. Consequently, oil prices surged dramatically as maritime traffic halted across a region supplying one-fifth of global oil.
Industry sources confirmed Saturday that oil-loading operations halted in Fujairah emirate, a crucial bunkering hub and crude export terminal. Television footage captured thick black smoke rising into the afternoon sky from the strategic facility.
An Iranian military spokesperson urged civilians to evacuate UAE ports, docks, and “American hideouts” immediately, claiming US forces had targeted Iranian islands from those specific locations throughout the Gulf region.
Iran Vows Retaliation
“We declare to the leaders of the UAE that Iran considers it a legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty,” an Iranian Revolutionary Guards spokesperson stated firmly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned Iran would target US companies or firms with American shares across the region.
The UAE’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to Iranian accusations about Kharg Island attack origins. However, the Ministry of Defence confirmed nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones launched from Iran toward UAE territory Saturday.
Iran specifically warned residents to leave Jebel Ali port in Dubai, Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. Tehran also announced it targeted branches of US banks throughout the Gulf states during Saturday’s escalation.
Regional Concerns Mount
“The IRGC is sending a message that there is no safe harbor in this rapidly expanding conflict,” said Helima Croft, RBC Capital analyst. She noted Tehran refuses to let Washington control escalation terms or impose regional dominance unilaterally.
The US Central Command reported forces struck over 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island on Saturday. American troops destroyed naval mine storage facilities and missile storage bunkers during the comprehensive assault operation.
Behind the scenes, Gulf Arab capitals resent being drawn into a war they neither initiated nor endorsed. Regional sources report these nations now pay economically and militarily for conflicts beyond their control.
“The Iranian strategy, which reflects its inability to confront US and Israeli strikes by targeting Arab Gulf states, reveals a military impotence,” said Anwar Gargash, UAE presidential diplomatic adviser. He condemned Iran’s approach as showing moral bankruptcy and political isolation across the Middle East region.
Fujairah exports approximately 1 million barrels daily of UAE’s Murban crude oil, representing about 1% of world demand. This disruption affects global energy markets significantly during an already volatile period for international oil trading.
