Dubai: Tensions in West Asia continued to intensify on Sunday as the United Arab Emirates reported a fresh missile attack following warnings from Iran urging evacuation of several key ports in the region.
The latest development comes as the conflict involving the United States and its allies enters its third week with no clear signs of de-escalation. According to reports, Iranian forces have continued strikes across the region, including a recent drone attack that disrupted operations at a major energy facility in the UAE.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a warning of additional military action against Iran’s strategic oil export hub on Kharg Island. Trump claimed that earlier US strikes had caused severe damage to the facility and said further attacks remained a possibility.
In comments to media outlets, the US leader stated that most of the installations on the island had been heavily hit and suggested that more strikes could follow if tensions continue.
Kharg Island plays a vital role in Iran’s oil industry and is located in the Persian Gulf. The facility is considered crucial for the country’s crude exports.
Trump also urged countries dependent on energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to strengthen security in the area. He said the United States would work with international partners to safeguard the passage, which handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments.
Despite the mounting pressure, Iranian authorities signalled that they are not ready to halt their operations. Officials in Tehran have indicated that any discussion about a ceasefire would depend on an end to airstrikes carried out by the US and Israel.
With missile and drone strikes continuing across the region, analysts warn that the conflict could drag on longer and further disrupt energy supplies and global trade routes.