Iran Attacks UAE as U.S.-Israel War Enters Third Week

Iran has escalated its attacks across the Gulf region, targeting multiple neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in ongoing retaliation for the U.S.-Israel launched war.

“Iran has pressed on with sustained missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, despite repeated protests from its neighbours, in ongoing retaliation in the war launched by the United States and Israel”

Al Jazeera

Tehran's strikes have hit civilian infrastructure, airports, oil fields, and military targets, with debris from intercepted drones causing fires at UAE's Fujairah bunkering hub and other locations.

Al Jazeera

The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that since the conflict began, their air defense systems have engaged 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,540 UAVs, resulting in six fatalities and 131 injuries among various nationalities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran was targeting U.S. assets while claiming to avoid populated areas, though the strikes have primarily affected civilian infrastructure and neighboring countries.

The United States and Israel have conducted extensive military strikes against Iranian targets, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reporting over 15,000 enemy targets struck since the war began.

Trump announced the U.S. had 'obliterated' military sites on Kharg Island and threatened to target oil infrastructure if Iran continued interfering with ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Fox News

Israel has targeted Iranian nuclear scientists and infrastructure, with Prime Minister Netanyahu claiming senior Iranian nuclear scientists 'who led the development of nuclear bombs meant to destroy us' were killed.

The IDF reported neutralizing hundreds of Iranian drones and launchers, while U.S. Central Command claimed destroying naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and other military sites on Kharg Island.

Escalating tensions over oil infrastructure and maritime security have become central to the conflict, with global anxiety soaring over oil prices and supplies.

“Coverage for this event has ended”

Fox News

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to 'those who are attacking us and their allies,' while Trump called for China, France, Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and others to send warships to keep the strategically vital waterway 'open and safe.'

Iran's parliamentary speaker warned that attacks on the country's oil infrastructure would provoke a new level of retaliation, with the joint military command threatening to attack U.S.-linked 'oil, economic and energy infrastructures' across the region.

The Treasury Department has temporarily authorized purchases of stranded Russian oil to help stabilize global energy markets during the conflict, reflecting concerns about supply disruptions.

The conflict has triggered significant humanitarian consequences, particularly in Lebanon where the crisis has deepened with over 800 people killed and 850,000 displaced as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has been repeatedly targeted, with a missile striking a helipad inside the compound, leading the State Department to urge citizens in Iraq to leave 'now' by land since commercial flights were not available.

Las Vegas Sun

Military deployments have increased dramatically, with 2,500 additional Marines being sent to the region as part of the largest buildup of warships and aircraft in decades, though officials emphasized this doesn't necessarily indicate a ground operation will take place.

The conflict has been marked by conflicting claims and information warfare, with both sides presenting drastically different narratives about the extent of damage and casualties.

“Tehran says the US attacked it from the UAE as Iran war enters its third week Published Friday, March 13, 2026 | 9:03 p”

Las Vegas Sun

Iran's semiofficial Fars news agency claimed the U.S. strikes on Kharg Island caused no damage to oil infrastructure, targeting only military sites, while U.S. Central Command released a video showing the destruction of naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and other military infrastructure.

Los Angeles Times

Trump made controversial claims about Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, stating he believes he is still alive 'in some form' despite not being seen publicly since taking office, while Netanyahu claimed 'in a short time, we eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and many senior figures in the terror regime.'

The UAE issued stark warnings about civilian casualties, listing multiple nationalities affected by Iranian attacks, while Iran framed its actions as legitimate retaliation against foreign aggression.

The military buildup and strategic positioning continue to evolve as the conflict enters its third week, with significant naval deployments and advanced military systems being deployed to the region.

The USS Tripoli was spotted by commercial satellites sailing near Taiwan, putting it more than a week away from waters off Iran, while the Navy had 12 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers, in the Arabian Sea earlier in the week.

U.S. Defense Secretary Healey mentioned having 'pre-positioned in the region some autonomous mine hunting systems' and discussing 'additional options we can bring to bear alongside allies should it be needed.'

Meanwhile, Iran has openly threatened neighboring countries' non-U.S. assets for the first time, with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi urging neighbors to 'expel foreign aggressors' and describing Trump's call for international naval presence as 'begging.'