Tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, while Gulf states have reported new missile and drone attacks. Amid continuous threats from Iran, Tehran reportedly received a warning of extending missile attacks as the conflict in the Middle East enters its third phase.
According to recent news, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates warned people that they were working to prevent incoming drone and missile attacks. This announcement comes just after the day Iran called for the evacuation of three major UAE ports. Also, for the first time, Iran has threatened a neighboring country’s non-US assets.
Earlier, Iran had accused the United States of using “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE without providing any proper evidence. These ports were misused to launch strikes on Kharg Island. This island has been home to a major terminal that handles most of Iran’s oil exports.
In response, the UAE and other Gulf countries that host US bases have denied the accusations. The countries explained that they are not allowing their land and airspace to be used for military operations against Iran.
As highlighted by the national rescue service Magen David Adom, the Iranian strikes have killed at least a dozen civilians in the Gulf states. Among them, most were migrant labourers. The International Committee for the Red Cross added that over 1,300 people have been killed so far. In Israel, 12 people were reported dead by Iranian missile fire.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said, “The US attacked Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island from two locations in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah and a place very close to Dubai.” He also said that Iran will try to be careful not to attack any populated area. Other reports highlight that at least 13 members of the US military have been killed since the war began. Among them, seven died in combat, and six died in a plane crash over Iraq last week.
Looking ahead, US Central Command said it had no response to Iran’s claim. A diplomatic adviser to the UAE’s president, Anwar Gargash, rejected accusations that the US used its land or air as a base for its attacks on Kharg Island.