UAE Rejects Iran Claim US Strike Came From Its Soil
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- UAE — Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, publicly rejected Iran's claim that the US strike on Kharg Island originated from Emirati territory, calling Iran's policy confused and lacked wisdom.
- Fujairah Oil Industry Zone — Confirmed a fire caused by debris from an aerial interception, with a Jordanian national lightly injured and partial suspension of oil-loading operations.
- Fujairah — Described as a major bunkering hub and crude export terminal outside the Strait of Hormuz, handling about 1 million barrels of crude per day, roughly 1% of global demand.
- Iran — Threatened to strike three UAE ports (Jebel Ali, Khalifa, Fujairah) and urged residents to evacuate, alleging US forces were using the civilian ports as bases.
- Iran — Issued the threat in response to the US military strike that hit Kharg Island earlier that day.
- UAE defence ministry — Reported that nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones were fired at the UAE on Saturday, and since the conflict began on Feb 28, a total of 1,600 drones, 294 ballistic missiles and 15 cruise missiles have been launched, causing six deaths and 141 injuries.
Why it matters: By refuting Iran’s claim, the UAE seeks to protect its ports and maintain credibility, while the fire at Fujairah and the missile‑drone barrage have already halted part of its oil‑loading capacity and caused injuries, affecting regional oil flows and security dynamics.
