In a sharp escalation of the Iran-US war, Tehran has accused the United States of launching its devastating strike on Kharg Island using bases inside the United Arab Emirates, prompting an immediate and fiery Iranian retaliation that has set parts of Fujairah Port ablaze.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated bluntly: “The aggression on Kharg Island was carried out from Emirati territory. The UAE has chosen to become a launching pad for attacks on Iran, and it will bear the consequences.” Hours later, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a powerful drone volley targeting Fujairah, one of the UAE’s most important oil export ports. Thick black smoke rose over the port as intense fires engulfed storage tanks and loading facilities. Local authorities confirmed significant damage, with emergency teams struggling to contain the blaze.
This тιт-for-tat exchange marks a dangerous new chapter. By directly striking the UAE — America’s closest Arab ally — Iran is sending a clear warning: any nation hosting U.S. forces used against Iran will pay a heavy price. Global oil prices jumped sharply following the incident, as traders fear further disruption in the already volatile Gulf region.
The situation is becoming increasingly precarious for Washington. Operation Epic Fury has already cost the U.S. more than $11 billion in munitions in just two weeks. Both the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln remain severely limited by repeated fires and Iranian missile damage. Critical radar systems across the Gulf have been destroyed, and interceptor stockpiles are running dangerously low.
As flames continue to rage at Fujairah Port and diplomatic channels go silent, many observers are asking whether the U.S. strategy of using Gulf bases to strike Iran is backfiring spectacularly. Instead of weakening Tehran, it appears to be dragging America’s regional allies deeper into a conflict they may not be prepared to handle.
The war that was meant to be contained is now spreading across the Gulf. And with every new strike, the risk of a wider, more uncontrollable regional fire grows stronger.
