Official warnings about attacks on several UAE cities

By March 14, 2026, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and state-sponsored media outlets such as Fars, Tasnim, and Mehr have issued a severe warning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has stated that locations in the UAE used by or providing refuge to US forces for launching attacks against Iran will be considered legitimate targets.

Specifically, ports, docks, and associated facilities in certain cities belonging to the Emirates have become their primary targets.

In light of this situation, civilians and residents have been strongly advised to immediately evacuate or avoid areas around Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, one of the world's busiest ports, Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Port, and Fujairah Port, a major oil storage hub located outside the Strait of Hormuz. Iran accuses US forces of using these locations to attack its territory, including the recent strike on Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal. Although this warning was issued to protect national sovereignty, no concrete evidence of US attacks originating from these ports has yet been made public.

This escalating situation arises as the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran enters its third week. The conflict involves severe airstrikes, missile and drone attacks, as well as disruptions to regional energy infrastructure. According to Iranian reports, American attacks on Kharg Island targeted air defense systems and naval bases, but major oil facilities did not suffer severe damage. In response, Iran has launched a series of missile and drone attacks against Gulf states, the majority of which were successfully intercepted by the UAE. However, incidents such as debris and fires caused by some attacks have been reported, and oil operations at Fujairah Port were temporarily suspended due to a drone-related incident.

The United Arab Emirates has faced more than two-thirds of the attacks launched by Iran in the Gulf region. Despite successfully thwarting these attacks, the impact on aviation and the energy sector has been significant, including fires caused by falling debris at ports like Jebel Ali and Fujairah. Although no new attacks have been immediately reported following this latest warning, statements from both sides have created a severe crisis in the region. UAE officials, commenting on the situation, have strongly condemned Iran's threats, stating that they demonstrate Iran's military impotence and moral bankruptcy. Due to this rapidly changing military situation, some international companies like Bloomberg have temporarily relocated their employees, flights have been suspended, and the risk in the Strait of Hormuz has led to significant instability in global crude oil prices.