Iran threatens UAE ports, hits oil hub after US strikes Kharg Island
TEHRAN, IRAN: Iran warned it could target ports and docks in the United Arab Emirates after the United States launched strikes on Iran’s crucial Kharg Island, a key hub for the country’s oil exports.
The Iranian military alleged that the US had fired missiles from positions concealed in ports, docks and shelters inside Emirati cities. The UAE, which has been among the countries affected by Iran’s retaliatory attacks in the Gulf, said earlier this week that its defensive posture remained unchanged.
After avoiding the island during the first two weeks of the conflict, US forces on Friday struck military facilities on Kharg Island.
Kharg Island vital to Iran’s economy
Kharg Island is central to Iran’s economy, handling nearly 90% of the country’s crude oil exports.
US officials and Iranian state media said that the strikes did not target facilities directly tied to oil exports. However, President Donald Trump has warned that such infrastructure could be hit if Iran continues to block ships from moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has repeatedly claimed its operations have targeted only US military interests in the region. But across the Gulf, hotels, civilian high-rises and key oil infrastructure have also been struck during the escalating exchanges.
Iran warns UAE to stay away from ports
In a warning issued on Saturday, Iran urged people in the UAE to stay away from ports and docks, signaling a potential expansion of the conflict toward Gulf Arab states.
“We warn the UAE leadership that the Islamic Republic of Iran views it as its legitimate right to strike the origins of American missile launches, those concealed in ports, docks, and shelters used by US forces under the cover of Emirati cities, in defense of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
Fire erupts at Fujairah oil hub after drone incident
Plumes of smoke were seen rising from a major oil hub in the UAE after a drone attack triggered a fire.
The blaze occurred at the port of Fujairah, located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz and a key transit point handling hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil each day.
The Fujairah Media Office said that the fire started after debris from an intercepted drone fell in the area, adding that no injuries were reported.
Reports of disruption to oil operations
According to reports, some oil-loading operations in the emirate were temporarily suspended following the drone incident and resulting fire.
However, the Fujairah Media Office did not mention any disruption to oil-loading activities in its statement.
The incident came a day after the US strike on Kharg Island, after which Iranian officials warned that ports and docks in the UAE could become targets in retaliation.
