Tensions across the Gulf have intensified on the thirteenth day of Operation Epic Fury, with authorities in the UAE responding to a security incident near Dubai Creek Harbour early Thursday. Officials said a drone fell on a building in the area, prompting evacuations. The situation was later brought under control and no casualties were reported. The incident comes amid a series of overnight interceptions of missiles and drones across the Gulf region as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to widen.
Regional governments remain on high alert as air defence systems in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE reportedly intercepted additional Iranian projectiles overnight. Iraq has also suspended operations at one of its key oil ports following deadly attacks on two foreign oil tankers, adding to growing concerns about the safety of energy infrastructure and maritime routes across West Asia. Iran’s armed forces have meanwhile issued a fresh warning over maritime security, saying that if Iranian ports come under attack, ports across the region would be treated as legitimate targets. Tehran’s message signals a possible expansion of the conflict into commercial shipping lanes and port facilities, a development that could significantly disrupt trade flows in West Asia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined three conditions for ending the war, calling for recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations and firm international guarantees against future attacks. The statement comes as diplomatic efforts remain limited and military exchanges continue across multiple fronts.
Despite the escalation, US President Donald Trump has suggested the campaign could be nearing its end, saying Iran is “pretty much at the end of the line” and that the war could conclude soon. However, he warned that strikes on Iranian infrastructure would intensify if Tehran does not stand down.
The Pentagon says seven American service members have been killed and one hundred and forty wounded since Operation Epic Fury began on February twenty-eighth. On global energy markets, Brent crude prices remain above one hundred dollars a barrel as the continued disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz tightens supplies. The International Energy Agency has announced the largest ever release of strategic oil reserves, four hundred million barrels from member countries but the move has so far failed to ease prices.
