The war between Iran, the United States and Israel has entered a dangerous new phase, spreading tensions across the Gulf and threatening some of the region’s most important economic hubs. In a dramatic development, Iranian officials have urged residents to evacuate several major UAE ports, including facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.Tehran claimed the ports were being used as “ports, docks and hideouts” for US forces allegedly involved in recent attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure. Iranian media specifically named Jebel Ali port, Khalifa port and Fujairah port as potential targets and warned citizens to immediately leave the surrounding areas.The unprecedented warning is the first time Iran has openly threatened key infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, a major economic hub of the Gulf and a longtime strategic partner of the West. As drone strikes, missile intercepts and fires near oil facilities continue to be reported across the region, fears have grown that the conflict could escalate beyond Iran and Israel, potentially destabilizing global energy markets and the Gulf’s vital trade routes.
Iran’s warning created panic in the entire Gulf
Iran’s evacuation warning comes amid rising tensions following US attacks on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export terminal. Tehran accused Washington of using facilities in the UAE to launch the attacks, although it did not provide evidence for the claim. Iranian officials warned that locations linked to the United States, including ports and logistics centers, could become legitimate targets in retaliation. According to Iranian state media, residents and workers near three major Emirati ports were urged to leave the area as “facilities could be targeted in the coming hours”.The warning raised concerns across the region as these ports are not only vital to the UAE’s economy but also play a central role in global trade and energy supply chains.
Why do Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah ports matter?
- Jebel Ali Port,
middle east Busiest center of: Located in Dubai, Jebel Ali Port is the largest and busiest port in the Middle East and one of the most important shipping hubs in the world. Operated by global logistics giant DP World, the port handles millions of shipping containers every year and serves as a gateway for trade to the Gulf, Africa and South Asia. Due to its strategic role in global logistics, any threat to Jebel Ali could disrupt supply chains beyond the region. - Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi’s growing trade gateway: Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi is a major deepwater port developed to expand the UAE’s maritime trade capabilities. It is part of the Khalifa Industrial Zone, a rapidly expanding logistics and manufacturing hub designed to diversify the UAE’s economy beyond oil. The port handles large container shipments and connects the UAE to the global shipping network, making it another important node in regional trade.
- Fujairah, one of the most important oil storage centers in the world: The port of Fujairah is perhaps the most strategically sensitive of the three. Unlike other Gulf ports, Fujairah is located outside
strait of hormuz Narrow maritime chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. This location makes Fujairah important for energy security as it allows the UAE to export oil without sending tankers through the strait. The port handles about 1 million barrels of crude oil per day, about 1% of global oil demand. Recent reports indicate that some oil loading operations in Fujairah were temporarily halted due to debris fires near energy facilities due to drone interception. Although officials said there were no injuries, the incident highlighted how vulnerable the Gulf energy infrastructure has become amid the escalating conflict.
Drone strikes and missile interceptions across the Gulf amid Iran vs US-Israel war
The evacuation warning came as the Gulf witnessed a wave of drone and missile incidents linked to the escalating conflict. Throughout the region:
- Several Iranian drones and missiles have reportedly been intercepted by Gulf air defense systems.
- Debris from air strikes has fallen in urban areas.
- A fire has been reported near oil storage facilities in Fujairah.
- Some oil operations have been temporarily halted due to safety concerns.
The attacks are part of a broader escalation following US and Israeli military operations targeting Iranian facilities. Iran has responded by launching missile and drone attacks across the region and warned that countries hosting US troops could face retaliation.
Attack on Kharg Island in Iran poses threat
The ongoing crisis has deepened after the United States targeted military installations near Kharg Island, Iran’s most important oil export hub. Kharag Island is responsible for handling approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports, making it one of the most strategically important energy facilities in the world. US officials said the attacks targeted military sites but Iran interpreted it as an attack on its economic lifeline. In response, Tehran warned that it could attack US-linked infrastructure across the region. This includes not only military bases but also ports, logistics facilities, and companies supporting US operations.The war began to escalate rapidly after a series of attacks in late February between Iran and Israel, supported by the United States. In a matter of weeks, the conflict spread on multiple fronts, with missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, drone strikes across the Gulf, attacks targeting energy infrastructure, and cyber attacks on regional systems.According to international reports, there have been thousands of casualties in Iran since the conflict began. As the war enters its third week, analysts fear the region could be on the brink of a much larger conflict.
Strait of Hormuz: World’s most dangerous chokepoint amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Another reason why the situation is so dangerous is the conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries large volumes of oil and gas shipments from the following countries:
- saudi arabia
- united arab emirates
- Kuwait
- Iraq
- Queue.
Since about 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow waterway, any disruption could send energy prices soaring around the world. Global markets are already showing signs of panic as oil prices rise amid fears of supply disruption.
How the UAE and global markets are reacting to the Iran vs US-Israel war
The UAE has not publicly confirmed Iran’s claim that US forces launched strikes from Emirati territory. However, as the tension increased, the authorities have taken several precautionary measures.These include:
- Residents are being urged to report debris from intercepted missiles or drones
- Increasing security around critical infrastructure
- Tightening control over misinformation on social media related to the attacks.
- Energy companies operating in the area are also closely monitoring the situation.
Even temporary disruptions in Gulf ports could have far-reaching consequences for global shipping, oil markets and international trade.
Could Gulf cities become targets in an Iran vs. US-Israel war?
Iran’s warning has raised concerns that if the conflict escalates, major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi could become targets. However, analysts say direct attacks on Gulf states would risk sparking a wider regional war involving multiple countries. Despite hosting US military bases and maintaining close economic ties with Western allies, most Gulf governments are trying to avoid involvement in the conflict. Still, the latest threats highlight how easily the war can escalate beyond its original front lines. At present, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable. Military analysts say several scenarios could play out in the coming days, including an increase in drone and missile attacks across the Gulf, further attacks on energy infrastructure or shipping routes, international naval deployments to secure oil shipping lanes and diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional war. Much will depend on whether Iran carries out threats against UAE ports and how regional governments respond.The evacuation warnings for the ports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah were a stark reminder of how quickly geopolitical conflicts can threaten the world’s most important economic centres. For decades, Gulf cities like Dubai have thrived on stability, global trade and international investment, but as the Iran vs. US-Israel conflict deepens, the region now faces one of the most serious security challenges in years. If tensions continue to escalate, the impact will not be limited to the Middle East and could also impact global energy markets, shipping routes and financial systems.