Iran has launched a second consecutive day of missile
and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), further heightening
tensions across the Gulf region as the United States continues its maritime
operation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air
defence systems were actively intercepting incoming threats, stating that
missile and drone attacks originating from Iran were being engaged in real
time. Authorities urged residents to remain in safe locations as defensive
operations continued.
The renewed strikes come just a day after an earlier
wave of attacks, raising concerns that a fragile pause in regional hostilities
may be collapsing. Reports indicate that the latest assaults have already
caused damage, including fires at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and incidents
involving commercial vessels near Dubai.
The escalation coincides with a major U.S. military
initiative known as “Project Freedom,” aimed at securing and reopening the
Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. As part of the operation,
U.S. naval forces have reportedly engaged Iranian vessels and begun escorting
stranded commercial ships through the area.
U.S. President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the
developments, calling on Iran to de-escalate and suggesting the country should
“wave the white flag of surrender.” He warned that Iran faces severe
consequences if it targets American forces, while also claiming Tehran is
seeking negotiations despite its military setbacks.
However, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
maintained that a ceasefire framework remains in place, describing the maritime
operation as separate from the truce. He added that the ceasefire still holds
and urged Iran to exercise restraint.
Despite this, uncertainty remains over the status of
the agreement, as President Trump declined to clearly confirm whether the
ceasefire is still active, warning instead of overwhelming retaliation if U.S.
forces are attacked.
In response to the strikes, the UAE Foreign Ministry
condemned the attacks as a serious escalation, describing them as an
unacceptable threat to national security and regional stability.
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