Fresh Iranian strikes targeted the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, marking a continued escalation in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its third week and resulting in over 2,000 reported deaths. The attacks prompted temporary airspace closures and damage to critical infrastructure, including a drone strike on an oil facility in Fujairah.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed shock over Iran’s regional strikes, calling them “unexpected” and “senseless violence” against U.S. Gulf allies. Trump noted that while the strikes surprised many, U.S. intelligence had warned him beforehand that attacking Iran could provoke retaliatory attacks against neighboring countries.
Iran also launched missiles targeting Israel positions in Beirut, preparing for at least three more weeks of operations, according to the Israeli military.
The conflict has severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil exports. Despite U.S. appeals, key allies including Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and Australia have declined to deploy naval escorts, citing legal and operational constraints. Oil prices surged over 5% on Tuesday, stoking fears of inflation and potential stagflation in global markets.
Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, dismissed claims that the country’s missile capacity is depleted, stating that their offensive power, accuracy, and experience have increased. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to pressure global energy markets and complicate geopolitical dynamics in the Gulf, with no immediate resolution in sight.
