Iran retaliates after US bombs oil network; UAE suspends oil loading due to drone attack
The U.S.-Israel war with Iran escalated into its third week as Iran retaliated with a missile striking the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and a drone hitting an oil facility in the UAE. This led to the suspension of some oil-loading operations in Fujairah, a critical bunkering hub and crude export terminal.
The conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance escalated significantly in early March 2026, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes against the United Arab Emirates following US attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure. According to reports, US forces bombed military sites on Iran's Kharg Island, a critical oil export terminal, with President Trump stating that US forces "obliterated" 90 military targets while sparing oil infrastructure to prevent economic collapse. Iran had warned beforehand that such attacks would lead to unrestrained retaliation.
Iran responded with sustained missile and drone attacks on the UAE beginning February 28, 2026. By March 13, Iran had launched 285 ballistic missiles, 1,567 drone attacks, and 15 cruise missiles against the UAE, resulting in six deaths and 141 injuries. The UAE's air defense systems intercepted significant portions of these attacks, including 13 ballistic missiles, 7 cruise missiles, and 39 drones in a single barrage on March 12. Cumulative interception figures show the UAE destroyed 233 of 253 ballistic missiles, intercepted 1,359 of 1,440 drones, and destroyed all 8 cruise missiles detected.
The attacks severely impacted UAE's critical energy infrastructure. A suspected drone strike triggered a fire at the massive Ruwais Refinery, operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and capable of processing 922,000 barrels of crude oil daily. Oil loading operations at Fujairah Port, a critical bunkering hub and crude export terminal, were suspended due to drone interception debris. Fires also broke out at Jebel Ali port from intercepted missile debris, and a drone targeted a luxury hotel in Dubai.
Iran's military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari had specifically threatened strikes on UAE ports like Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, and Mina Al-Fujairah used by US forces. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf declared any island attacks would make the Persian Gulf "run with the blood of invaders." The UAE is reportedly considering unprecedented military strikes against Iranian missile sites in response to the attacks. The conflict has paralyzed oil trade in the region and triggered volatility in global oil markets, with analysts warning that continued attacks on shipping lanes and energy infrastructure could cause further economic disruption.
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