CAIRO — As the conflict in the Middle East enters its third week, Iran has dramatically escalated tensions by demanding the evacuation of three major ports in the United Arab Emirates. Following a series of missile and drone strikes on Sunday, Iranian authorities warned residents to avoid areas near the ports of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, claiming these facilities are being used by the United States to facilitate military operations. This “evacuation warning” is widely viewed by international observers as a signal of imminent large-scale attacks on the UAE’s critical economic infrastructure.
The surge in hostilities follows a significant joint operation by Israel and the United States on February 28, which targeted Iranian nuclear and military installations. Iran has retaliated by striking across the Gulf, accusing the UAE of allowing U.S. forces to launch an airstrike from its soil against Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal. While the UAE and other Gulf nations have firmly denied these allegations—stating they will not allow their territory to be used for offensive actions against Iran—Tehran has maintained its stance of “horizontal escalation,” targeting the economic hubs of U.S. allies.
The conflict has already sent shockwaves through the global economy, severely disrupting aviation and oil exports. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively restricted, oil prices have surged, leading U.S. President Donald Trump to call for an international coalition to send warships to the region to keep the vital shipping lane open. While nations like France have begun deploying naval assets for defensive support, many others remain hesitant, wary of being drawn into a broader regional war that has already caused significant casualties and displaced thousands.
In the UAE, defense systems remain on high alert after successfully intercepting dozens of drones and ballistic missiles over the weekend. In Dubai and Fujairah, residents reported hearing loud explosions as air defenses neutralized incoming threats, with some debris causing minor fires near oil storage facilities. Despite the rising danger, Gulf leaders continue to emphasize a commitment to diplomacy and regional stability, even as they bolster their missile defense capabilities to protect their citizens and energy assets from further Iranian counter-strikes.
