Drone sparks fire at UAE oil site as Gulf takes more hits amid Iran war

On March 17, 2026, a drone attack sparked a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the UAE, part of sustained attacks by Iran on Gulf countries. This follows another fire at the same oil hub on Saturday due to intercepted drone debris. Abu Dhabi also reported falling debris from a intercepted ballistic missile, resulting in one death. The UAE's air defenses are actively repelling incoming missiles and drones from Iran, causing airspace closures. Iran justifies these attacks by citing the presence of US military bases in Gulf countries after joint US-Israeli air attacks on Tehran began on February 28, but civilian infrastructure has been hit. The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has faced the most attacks, with over 1,800 missiles and drones fired by Iran.

Following a US strike that killed a top Iranian leader, former President Trump is urging US allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's joint military command has threatened retaliation, specifically mentioning potential attacks on cities in the UAE, claiming the US launched strikes on Iran's Kharg Island from there, though without providing evidence. The Trump administration has offered varying justifications for the strike, citing concerns ranging from Iran's nuclear program to its ballistic missile capabilities. US Central Command released video purportedly showing US forces destroying targets on Kharg Island, Iran. Tensions are high in the region as Iran vows to respond.

The article reports on escalating tensions in the Middle East. Donald Trump expressed surprise that Iran has targeted US allies in the Gulf, despite their long-standing military partnership. These Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, have allowed US military presence and are major buyers of American weapons. Now, they are increasingly concerned about being drawn into a conflict they sought to avoid, as Iran launches attacks on various targets within their borders. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed drones, some of which he alleges have been used in attacks against US bases. These drones, initially developed by Iran, are now also manufactured by Russia and used by other countries.

Drone and missile attacks struck the UAE on Monday, disrupting flights in Dubai and causing a fatality in Abu Dhabi. A drone attack near Dubai airport ignited a fuel tank fire, leading to temporary flight disruptions. In Abu Dhabi, a missile strike killed a civilian. Separately, oil infrastructure in Fujairah was targeted by a drone, resulting in a fire. These incidents follow claims by an Iranian official that rockets were launched from the UAE to attack Kharg Island, which UAE officials deny. Dubai Airports reported a gradual resumption of flights after the drone-related incident.

On March 16, 2026, a fire erupted near Dubai International Airport after a drone attack ignited a fuel tank. According to authorities in the United Arab Emirates, the incident caused the suspension of flights at the airport. Civil defense crews responded to the scene and reported that the blaze was under control. The cause of the fire was attributed to a drone strike, though further details about the perpetrator or motive were not immediately available. The incident is under investigation.

Following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian oil facilities in early March 2026, toxic smoke clouds pose a serious health threat to the public. Health and environmental officials warn that breathing or coming into contact with the smoke from the burning oil depots can cause health problems. The strikes, which occurred in Tehran, Iran, sent plumes of smoke into the air, leaving soot and residue on surfaces. An oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, was also impacted by debris from an intercepted Iranian drone. The attacks and resulting pollution raise concerns about the environmental and health consequences for residents in the affected areas.

On March 12, 2026, amidst the ongoing United States-Israel war on Iran, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf nations, causing significant disruption. Bahrain reported strikes on fuel tanks in Muharraq Governorate, prompting residents to stay indoors. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones aimed at the Shaybah oilfield and the embassies district, while Kuwait reported a drone attack on a residential building, wounding two. The United Arab Emirates responded to a missile threat, and a container ship was attacked near Jebel Ali. Jordan experienced sirens in all cities. These attacks have further destabilized global energy markets, with Brent crude prices rising sharply.

Amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East, Israel declared the war against Iran was entering a "decisive phase." On Saturday, explosions occurred across the region, including strikes on the US embassy in Baghdad and a major Emirati energy facility in Fujairah. The US embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, marking the second attack since the US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran, plunging the Gulf into conflict. The ongoing conflict, now in its third week, has resulted in reported deaths of over 1,200 people in Iran, mass displacement, and a surge in oil prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military warned UAE civilians to avoid port areas following the attack on the Fujairah oil terminal.

Iran significantly escalated attacks on civilian infrastructure and transport networks across the Gulf on Wednesday, targeting commercial ships and Dubai's international airport. These actions occurred as US and Israeli warplanes launched new strikes. The UAE, particularly Dubai, has borne the brunt of these attacks, facing an existential threat as foreigners flee. The escalation has caused oil prices to rise above $100 a barrel, with Iran threatening a long "war of attrition." Meanwhile, a review revealed the US defense secretary has voiced extreme antipathy towards Iran for years. A bill addressing the situation has passed the House, but lacks the necessary votes in the Senate due to filibuster rules.

Hamas, the ruling group in Gaza, has made a rare public appeal to its key ally Iran, urging it to cease attacks on Gulf states. The call comes amidst escalating regional tensions, with Iran conducting retaliatory strikes that have impacted civilian infrastructure and resulted in casualties in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. While affirming Iran's right to self-defense against the US and Israel, Hamas emphasized the need for regional cooperation and an immediate halt to the ongoing conflict. Hamas, a member of Iran's "axis of resistance," receives significant financial, military, and political support from Tehran, even as countries like Turkey and Qatar, also targeted by Iran, provide support to Hamas. The group expressed deep concern over the regional war and called for international intervention to end it.

In March 2026, Qatar's UN ambassador, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks across the Middle East as violations of international law and the UN Charter. She urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt these attacks, warning that inaction would signal that aggression against uninvolved nations has no consequences. Her statement came before the Security Council voted on a resolution denouncing the attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Iran initiated these strikes, targeting what it claimed were US and Israeli assets, after the two countries launched a war against Iran in late February. The attacks have disrupted civilian infrastructure, energy production, and flights, causing casualties in multiple countries, including US service members.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement, publicly appealed to Iran on Saturday to avoid targeting neighboring countries in its response to aggression from Israel and the United States. While affirming Iran's right to defend itself, Hamas urged restraint to prevent further regional escalation. This marks a rare public statement from Hamas directed towards Tehran. The appeal comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Hamas also called on the international community to intervene and halt the ongoing war, acknowledging Khamenei's significant support for the Palestinian cause.

Iranian-designed Shahed drones, costing significantly less than traditional air defense systems, are increasingly used in conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East, straining U.S. air defenses. Recent attacks, including Operation Epic Fury, targeted U.S. forces and allies in the Gulf, causing casualties and infrastructure damage despite the use of expensive interceptors like Patriot missiles. The high cost of these interceptors raises concerns about the sustainability of this defense strategy. Ukraine, a leader in drone warfare since the 2022 Russian invasion, has developed cheaper interceptor drones, costing as little as $1,400, with a high effectiveness rate against Shahed-type drones. The Pentagon and at least one Gulf government are reportedly interested in Ukraine's low-cost drone interceptor technology as a more affordable solution.

Recent Iranian attacks in the Gulf have expanded beyond traditional oil and gas infrastructure to include data centers, signaling a shift in targeting strategic assets. On March 1st, drone attacks damaged three Amazon Web Services data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. These attacks suggest a deliberate effort to undermine the Gulf's post-oil future, particularly its ambitions in artificial intelligence. The region's AI investments, supported by partnerships and cloud providers, rely on cheap and reliable power, which is now threatened. This new focus on data centers poses a risk to the Gulf's economic diversification efforts.

On March 5, 2026, Iran launched multiple missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar. These attacks are a response to ongoing military actions by the United States and Israel, which began on Saturday and have resulted in over 1,230 deaths according to Iranian state media. Iran initially targeted US military assets but expanded to civilian infrastructure after the US/Israeli attacks. The Iranian strikes have caused casualties, including US service members, Israelis, and UAE residents, and have disrupted oil tanker traffic near the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring oil and gas prices. Gulf countries are on high alert, with air defenses intercepting projectiles.

Multiple Gulf nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, reported missile and drone attacks on Saturday. These attacks occurred despite an earlier apology from the Iranian president to Gulf countries, where he stated they would not be targeted unless strikes originated from their territory. Hours later, Iran declared its intent to continue strikes on sites within Gulf countries it considered to be at the disposal of its enemies. The UAE's president acknowledged the country was in "a period of war." Dubai authorities reported one death, a Pakistani national, resulting from debris from an aerial interception. Kuwait's national oil company announced a precautionary cut to production.

A joint US-Israeli attack has severely crippled Iran's military leadership, resulting in the deaths of key figures including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attack, which followed compromised Iranian security and intelligence gathering by the CIA, involved strikes on Khamenei's compound in Tehran. In response, Iran is launching retaliatory strikes using drones and ballistic missiles against Israel, US bases, and Middle Eastern countries. While the volume of Iranian attacks is substantial, their effectiveness is limited, and US and Israeli forces are prioritizing the dismantling of Iran's offensive capabilities. The attacks have extended to Oman, marking the sixth Arab country targeted. The extent of Iran's military response is expected to be less coordinated due to the loss of command and control.

Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across the Arab Gulf states, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, marking a significant escalation of regional conflict. The attacks damaged infrastructure, including airports and hotels in Dubai, demonstrating Iran's capability to strike US allies in the region. These strikes, according to analysts, aim to deter Gulf states from supporting potential US or Israeli actions against Iran. The attacks highlight the vulnerability of Gulf nations and underscore Iran's willingness to "internationalize the battlefield," bringing the conflict directly to its neighbors. This development is likely to strengthen Arab rulers' support for potential US-Israeli strikes.

Dubai residents and tourists were shaken when Iranian missiles and drones approached the Gulf states over the weekend, triggering air defenses in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Many initially mistook the interceptors for fireworks, as Dubai attempted to maintain its image of stability amidst regional conflict. While some residents received official alerts, others were caught off guard. Fires and smoke were reported at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports due to drone debris, resulting in one death and several injuries. Smoke was also seen at the Jebel Ali port area in Dubai, one of the busiest ports in the Middle East. The incident challenged Dubai's long-held perception as a safe haven insulated from regional political turmoil.

Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli outlined a U.S.-Israeli mission in Iran with two main goals: removing existential threats and creating conditions for regime change. The immediate threat includes destroying Iranian ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israeli cities. While the IDF and U.S. Army won't replace the regime, the mission aims to empower the Iranian people to "regain their freedom." Former President Trump encouraged Iranians to take over their government after U.S. and Israeli military operations conclude. A U.S. official confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran as part of "Operation Epic Fury." Chikli envisions an Iran aligned with the West, potentially becoming an ally to Israel, the U.S., and other nations in the region.

Global air travel is experiencing major disruptions due to the US-Israel war on Iran, resulting in thousands of cancelled flights and stranded passengers worldwide. Major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, have been closed for multiple days, causing significant aviation shock. As of Monday, over 1,200 flights were cancelled, adding to the nearly 6,000 cancellations from the weekend. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have suspended numerous services, and Air India cancelled flights to Europe and North America. The airspace over several Middle Eastern countries remains largely empty, impacting flights from Bali to Frankfurt. The conflict's spread to Lebanon has further complicated the situation, with airspace closures and airport restrictions expected to cause continued delays and cancellations.

On March 1, 2026, air traffic in the Middle East experienced significant disruption. According to Flightradar24, over 3,400 flights were canceled within the preceding 48 hours. The cancellations affected seven airports across the region. Airports impacted included those located in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The reason for the widespread flight cancellations was not specified in the report.

Airspace closures across the Middle East, triggered by attacks between America/Israel and Iran, caused widespread flight disruptions, stranding or diverting hundreds of thousands of travelers. Several countries, including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, closed their airspace, leading to the suspension of operations at key international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad cancelled thousands of flights, impacting an estimated 90,000 passengers daily passing through these hubs. Over 3,400 flights were cancelled across seven major Middle Eastern airports on Sunday. Some airports and landmarks in the region sustained damage, resulting in injuries and at least one reported death. The closure of Iranian airspace was extended until Tuesday morning.

On February 28, 2026, Iran confirmed retaliatory attacks on US assets located in Gulf Arab states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating that all US and Israeli military targets in the Middle East were struck. Bahrain reported an attack targeting the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters, while Kuwait experienced explosions near the US military's Central Command headquarters. Qatar's Defense Ministry stated it intercepted missiles before they reached Qatari territory. The UAE reported at least one death in Abu Dhabi after intercepting missiles launched from Iran.

Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar in response to recent attacks by the US and Israel. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated the action was in defense of the homeland. The UAE and Iraq closed their airspace, and shrapnel from an Iranian missile killed one person in the UAE. Israel issued a nationwide warning and activated its missile defense systems to intercept incoming projectiles. There were initially few reports of damage or injuries in Israel.

A war launched by the US and Israel on Iran has rapidly escalated, spreading across the Middle East. On Saturday, Iran struck the Fairmont hotel in Dubai's Palm Jumeirah area, causing a fire and injuring four people. The attack on the Dubai hotel is part of a wider conflict that has sparked anxiety and concern throughout the region, with reports of explosions in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The initial US-Israeli attack on Iran appears to be the catalyst for the escalating regional conflict. The reasons for the initial attack were not specified in this report.

Following reported strikes in Iran by the US and Israel, Australia's National Security Committee is convening. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated Australia was not informed in advance of the strikes and has updated travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. A crisis center has been activated to provide consular support to Australians in the region, and a registration portal has opened for Australians in Iran and Israel. Wong emphasized Iran's destabilizing role in the region and stated that Australia did not participate in the strikes. The Australian government advises Australians in the affected region to follow travel advice and seek safety, acknowledging potential difficulties with repatriation due to airspace closures.

Following Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (Dfat) has warned Australians of potential "reprisal attacks and further escalation" across the Middle East. Dfat updated its Smartraveller website, advising against travel to Iran and urging those in the country to leave if safe, citing the risk of military conflict and potential airspace closures impacting global flights. Australians remaining in Iran are advised to prepare to shelter in place with adequate supplies. The Australian embassy's operations in Iran are suspended. Prior to the attacks, Australia had already advised citizens in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving and withdrew dependents of officials from Israel and Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation.