A fire broke out at the Fujairah oil facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after what officials called a drone attack from Iran. This was the first major attack on UAE soil since a ceasefire began last month. Emergency teams quickly responded, and three Indian workers were injured and taken to the hospital.
The UAE’s defense ministry reported that 12 ballistic missiles, four drones, and three cruise missiles were detected approaching the country but were intercepted. Residents received emergency alerts, urging them to seek shelter. This was the first alert since the ceasefire started.
Monday’s attacks ended weeks of calm following a US-Iran agreement in April. Tensions had risen after President Trump announced plans to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran threatened to attack if foreign forces entered. The UAE is crucial for oil exports outside the strait, and the strike targeted this ability.
Iran denied targeting the UAE, but its military confirmed the attacks earlier that day. In response, schools in the UAE will switch to online learning from May 5 to 8 as a precaution.
The UAE strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to security. It warned of possible responses under international law and criticized targeting civilians and infrastructure.
The incident highlights growing tensions in the region, with ongoing US-Iran talks and concerns about stability in the Gulf.