The conflict in West Asia has entered its twelfth day, with the past several hours witnessing some of the most serious escalations so far, particularly around maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States Pentagon says American forces destroyed sixteen Iranian boats believed to be involved in laying naval mines in the strait after reports that Tehran had begun deploying explosive devices that could block one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. The development comes amid growing fears that disruption in the narrow waterway could significantly affect global energy supplies.
Military operations have also intensified, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the latest round of operations could become the most intense day of strikes since the conflict began, with attacks reportedly targeting Iranian ballistic missile infrastructure and drone production facilities. At the same time, regional shipping continues to face threats, with suspected Iranian drones reported to have struck several commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz overnight, further disrupting maritime traffic.
Tensions in the region has escalated after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a new warning today. In a statement, the IRGC declared that any vessel belonging to the United States, Israel, or any allied nation, passing through the Strait of Hormuz will now be considered a “legitimate target. Iranian military commanders have also reiterated that they will not allow a single liter of oil to leave the region as long as bombardment of Iranian cities continues.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has entered a state of unified high alert as of March 11, 2026, declaring regional security “indivisible” following Iranian attacks that have reached all six member states. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have intercepted the highest volume of strikes, including a barrage of six ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh’s Prince Sultan Air Base early this morning, Qatar and Kuwait have also reported direct interceptions over residential and energy infrastructure, including a disruption to Qatar’s vital LNG exports. Even Oman, traditionally the region’s neutral mediator, has seen its coastal oil tankers targeted.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have raised the national alert level following several security incidents reported over the past few hours. A drone incident occurred near Dubai International Airport, leaving four people injured, including an Indian citizen. Emergency teams responded quickly and the airport continues to operate while security monitoring has been intensified across key infrastructure. Earlier this morning, the UAE Ministry of Interior sent nationwide alerts to mobile phones after air defence systems engaged incoming ballistic missile threats from Iran.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, interception systems have maintained a high success rate since the start of the conflict, neutralising about ninety-two percent of missiles and ninety-four percent of drones launched toward the country. Despite the rising tensions, the UAE has reiterated that its territory is not being used as a launch point for attacks against Iran. However, Iranian warnings that US-linked financial institutions could become potential targets have placed parts of the region’s banking and financial sector on heightened alert.
