Iran Warns UAE Over Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airports as Regional Tensions Escalate

Dubai: Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United Arab Emirates, urging authorities to evacuate major airports and strategic ports if the United States launches new attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure.

The warning, carried by Iran’s state-affiliated Fars News Agency, comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to rise, raising concerns over the security of critical infrastructure across the Gulf.

According to the report, a security official said Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and Fujairah Port could become potential targets if Iran responds to any new US military action.

The statement follows days of escalating rhetoric and military activity across the region.

Mohammad Marandi, a media adviser associated with Iran’s negotiating team, also warned on social media that any future attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure would be met with strikes against what he described as the “vital infrastructure” of countries supporting the United States.

He claimed Kuwait had already paid the price for recent developments and suggested the UAE could face similar risks if the conflict widens.

Kuwait Reports Fresh Attacks

The warning came hours after Kuwaiti authorities reported new missile and drone attacks targeting key infrastructure.

Officials said an electricity generation and water desalination plant caught fire following an attack, marking the second strike on such a facility within two days. Kuwait also reported damage to an oil sector installation, while emergency crews responded to multiple fires.

Authorities confirmed that several firefighters and workers were injured, although no civilian deaths have been reported.

Kuwait temporarily suspended operations at its international airport during the attacks, forcing airlines to delay or reschedule commercial flights.

Why the UAE Is Considered Strategically Important

The UAE hosts several facilities that are regarded as strategically significant to the United States.

Among them is Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi, which supports US air operations across the Middle East. Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is also one of the busiest overseas ports used by the US Navy for logistics and resupply.

Because of their military and commercial importance, analysts say these sites remain sensitive during periods of heightened regional conflict.

Travel and Aviation Concerns

Although UAE authorities have not announced any changes to airport operations, the latest warning has added to concerns within the aviation sector following recent disruptions in Kuwait.

Airlines operating across the Gulf continue to monitor the security situation closely, with several carriers already adjusting flight schedules in response to changing regional conditions.

For now, airports across the UAE continue to operate normally, but passengers travelling to destinations affected by the ongoing tensions are advised to check flight status updates issued by their airlines before departure.

The latest exchange of warnings underscores how quickly the security situation in the Gulf can affect commercial aviation, shipping and regional travel, even as governments continue to monitor developments closely.