Iran has issued a warning for individuals to evacuate bustling ports that are now considered “legitimate targets.” The Mizan news agency, Iran’s official judiciary source, claimed, albeit without proof, that US forces are present in the civilian ports of Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, making these ports potential targets for Iranian attacks.
The directive advised people in and around these ports to evacuate immediately, citing the possibility of the facilities being targeted in the near future. Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the busiest in the Middle East, witnessed smoke rising from it after an Iranian strike on March 1.
The Tasnim News Agency in Iran reported that all citizens, port workers, and individuals near the ports of Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah were urged to vacate the areas promptly to ensure their safety. A drone interception earlier near Fujairah’s port resulted in a fire, but there were no reported casualties, according to the Fujairah media office.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, as per Iran’s state television, alleged that US forces had launched attacks on the Islamic Republic from ports, docks, and hideouts within cities in the Emirates. The headquarters called for a general evacuation of ports, docks, and locations where US forces were believed to be stationed in UAE cities.
Gulf Arab states have been under continuous threat from Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting oil fields, cities, and critical infrastructure during the conflict. The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that today alone, nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones were fired towards the UAE, causing casualties and injuries.
Following threats from Iran’s military command to target cities used by US forces to launch strikes on Abu Musa and Kharg islands, the latest warning focused on ports in the UAE. The US conducted a recent attack on Kharg Island, crucial to Iran’s oil network, signaling a heightened tension in the region.
In response, Donald Trump warned against any interference with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing a willingness to reconsider decisions regarding military action if necessary. Trump’s statement on social media highlighted the recent bombing raid on Kharg Island and the potential consequences for any disruptions in the region.
