In a dangerous new escalation of the Iran-US war, the United Arab Emirates came under direct attack early Friday as Iranian missiles and drones targeted multiple locations across the country, forcing the full activation of Emirati and American air defense systems.
Explosions were reported near Fujairah’s major oil export terminal and industrial zones in Sharjah, while air defense batteries engaged incoming threats close to Dubai. Thick smoke rose over the Gulf as interceptors lit up the sky. UAE authorities confirmed that several projectiles were successfully downed, but at least two strikes caused limited damage to energy infrastructure. Emergency services are on high alert, and residents in coastal areas have been advised to remain indoors.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating the strikes were “direct retaliation” for the recent U.S.-Israeli bombing of Kharg Island and the UAE’s continued hosting of American military ᴀssets used against Iran. “The UAE has chosen sides. It must now face the consequences,” an IRGC spokesman declared.
This marks the first time Iranian forces have openly targeted the UAE in this conflict, a significant and worrying development. The UAE, America’s closest strategic partner in the Gulf and host to critical U.S. airbases, now finds itself directly in the line of fire.
The timing is particularly damaging for Washington. Operation Epic Fury has already cost the United States more than $11 billion in munitions in just two weeks. Both the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln remain operationally limited due to repeated fires and Iranian missile damage. Critical radar systems across the region have been destroyed, and interceptor stockpiles are running dangerously low.
As flames rise near Fujairah and the UAE scrambles to protect its vital energy infrastructure, the war that was supposed to be contained between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has now spilled into the economic heart of the Gulf. Global oil prices jumped sharply following the attacks, reflecting growing fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iran has crossed another red line. The question now is whether the United States can protect its Gulf allies — or whether this bold Iranian retaliation will force a painful strategic recalibration in Washington.
The Gulf is burning. And the war is spreading fast.
