A major fire has erupted at the oil facilities in Fujairah, one of the most important energy hubs in the Gulf region. The incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States following a military strike on Iran’s key oil export site.
Industry sources said some oil-loading operations at the Fujairah port have been suspended. Television footage showed thick black smoke rising from the area, alarming residents and energy market observers.
The situation unfolded just hours after the United States carried out strikes on military targets on Kharg Island. The attack has significantly escalated an already tense regional conflict that has been affecting global energy supply routes.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Energy companies and shipping operators are also assessing the potential impact on oil exports and maritime operations.
Iran Warns UAE Ports Could Become Targets
Iran issued strong warnings after the attack on Kharg Island. Officials said the country could target locations it believes are connected to US military operations.
An Iranian military spokesperson urged civilians in the United Arab Emirates to avoid ports, docks, and areas where US forces may be present. The spokesperson alleged that American forces launched attacks on Iranian territory from locations linked to the UAE.
Iran specifically warned residents to avoid areas near key ports such as Jebel Ali Port and Khalifa Port.
Iranian officials said missile launch sites and military shelters connected to US operations could be targeted if attacks continue.
The statement was released by representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They said Iran has the right to defend its sovereignty and respond to any attack on its territory.
Meanwhile, the UAE government has not issued a detailed response to the accusations regarding its involvement in the strike.
Missiles and Drones Launched Toward UAE
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iran launched nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones toward the country on Saturday.
Air defence systems reportedly responded to the threat. Officials did not immediately confirm damage from the projectiles.
The warnings and missile launches highlight the growing risk of the conflict spreading across the Gulf region.
Energy analysts say the latest developments show that the conflict is entering a dangerous phase. Helima Croft of RBC Capital Markets said the incident sends a clear signal that no location in the region can be considered completely safe.
She noted that the timing of the escalation, shortly after the US strike on Kharg Island, indicates that Tehran is determined to respond forcefully.
US Strikes Iran’s Key Oil Export Facility
US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces targeted military facilities on Kharg Island. The island is responsible for exporting around 90 percent of Iran’s oil shipments.
Trump warned that the United States would continue targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure if attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz do not stop.
The US military’s United States Central Command said its forces hit more than 90 military targets on the island. These reportedly included naval mine storage facilities and missile bunkers.
Despite the attack, Iranian officials said oil exports from Kharg Island were continuing normally.
The conflict has already affected global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20 percent of the world’s fossil fuel supply, making it one of the most critical shipping routes.
Trump also said several countries could send naval forces to help secure the waterway. He mentioned nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and United Kingdom.
War Continues to Expand Across the Region
The conflict, which began with large-scale strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, has now entered its third week.
Thousands of people have already been affected. Reports indicate that around 2,000 people have been killed during the fighting, mostly in Iran but also in neighboring regions.
Millions have been forced to leave their homes as the conflict spreads across the Middle East.
Iran has vowed to increase the use of more powerful weapons, including advanced ballistic missiles. Officials said any attack on Iranian energy facilities would trigger retaliation against companies and countries supporting US military actions.
Analysts warn that continued escalation could severely disrupt global oil supplies and international financial markets.
The situation remains highly volatile. Governments across the world are closely watching developments in the Gulf region.
