Tension reaches the Gulf: Tehran targets Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Fire and smoke over an oil terminal. That was the first tangible sign this Saturday that the conflict between Iran and the United States is jumping to new scenarios. For the first time, Tehran has openly threatened non-US assets in a neighboring country.
Their goal: the most important ports in the United Arab Emirates. Iran urged people to evacuate Jebel Ali in Dubai—the busiest in the Middle East—, Khalifa in Abu Dhabi and another in Fujairah.
The accusation is serious. The Iranian government claims, without presenting evidence, that Washington has used “ports, docks and hideouts” in Emirati territory to launch attacks against Jark Island, crucial for its crude oil exports.
“The United States attacked Jark Island and Abu Musa Island from two locations in the Emirates,” said Iranian Minister Abbas Araghchi, pointing to a location “very close to Dubai.”
Hours after the warning, there was no direct attack against the large ports. But in Fujairah, debris from an intercepted Iranian drone hit an oil facility, causing a fire. A clear message.
What is worrying here is the pattern. Iran is expanding its theater of operations. It’s no longer just American or Israeli targets. Now it threatens the vital economic infrastructure of a Gulf neighbor, accusing it of being complicit.
Araghchi added that Iran “will try to be careful not to attack any populated areas.” A gesture that sounds more like a warning than a guarantee. The war enters its third week and the rules begin to change.
