[50144] Sharp escalation in the Persian Gulf: Extensive Iranian missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates

Peak tension in the Gulf: Iranian attacks against the United Arab Emirates

During the last day, a dramatic escalation was reported in the Persian Gulf, as Abu Saleh the Arab Desk reported on a large-scale attack that included ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and suicide drones launched from Iran toward targets in the United Arab Emirates. According to data from the UAE Ministry of Defense, as published on Abu Saleh the Arab Desk and by Nitzan Shapira on Telegram, the systems dealt with 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 suicide drones, an event that led to the injury of three people and reports of intense explosions in the industrial areas in Fujairah and at the Jebel Ali port.

In the background, there is a deep narrative disconnect between the parties. While sources in the Emirates and international bodies condemned the attack, Abu Saleh the Arab Desk quoted the head of the UAE Security Committee, Ali Al Nuaimi, who declared that his country "will respond to Iran with a counter-attack" and will no longer remain silent. At the same time, an official in the Emirates was quoted as saying: "We will not give up on the protection of our security and sovereignty under any conditions and will maintain the right to a full and legal response."

On the other hand, Iran is taking an especially militant line. Commanders of the Iranian "Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters" warned US forces and their allies in the region that any attempt to intervene in the management of the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a military response. Abu Saleh the Arab Desk noted that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait, that any attempt on their part to intercept Iranian missiles "will be considered as an integral part of Israel."

In the American arena, Central Command (CENTCOM) denied Iranian reports of damage to American ships in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Abu Saleh the Arab Desk reported that an American official updated that the rules of engagement have been changed, and US forces have been instructed to strike immediate threats. Senator Lindsey Graham, in a quote brought by Abu Saleh the Arab Desk, called on the administration in Washington to execute a "major, strong, painful, and short military" response against Iran due to its actions that undermine regional security.