UAE denies HIMARS launch allegations as Iran issues port evacuation warnings

Tensions across West Asia have intensified after Iran accused the United Arab Emirates of allowing its territory to be used for missile strikes against Iranian positions. Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi alleged that overnight attacks on Kharg Island and Abu Musa were carried out using HIMARS rocket systems positioned in Ras Al Khaimah and areas near Dubai. The accusation comes as the confrontation between Iran and the United States–Israel coalition continues to widen, raising fears of further instability across the Gulf.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters also issued warnings urging residents in the UAE to leave areas close to major ports. The statement identified Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Port and the Port of Fujairah as potential targets, claiming facilities linked to American military assets could face retaliation. The warning has heightened security concerns around critical maritime infrastructure that handles a significant share of global energy shipments.

The UAE government has firmly rejected the allegations. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the country had not allowed any strikes to be launched from its territory and stressed that the UAE continues to prioritise reason and dialogue. Authorities have also moved to contain panic by ordering the urgent trial of ten individuals accused of circulating fabricated conflict videos on social media.

Emergency teams in Fujairah in the UAE were meanwhile carrying out cooling operations at an oil facility after an intercepted drone triggered a fire earlier. Officials said the incident caused minor injuries to one Jordanian national but did not disrupt wider operations.

In Dubai, residents in the Marina and Al Sufouh districts reported hearing several loud explosions early Sunday as air defence systems intercepted incoming threats. The Dubai Media Office said the blasts were the result of successful interceptions, while the ministry of defence later announced that nine ballistic missiles and thirty-three drones had been neutralised across the country within the past twenty-four hours. Authorities say security forces remain on heightened alert as tensions continue to rise across West Asia.