Iran issues Gulf evacuation warning as UAE intercepts 40 projectiles

Tensions across West Asia escalated dramatically on March 18 as Iran issued evacuation warnings for key oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf, while the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting a massive combined salvo of 40 projectiles.

Iranian state media described facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE as potential legitimate targets. The warnings follow Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian security figures, including former parliament speaker Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. Iran’s Foreign Minister has also signaled a possible shift in maritime security, stating that the Strait of Hormuz may require a “new protocol,” raising fresh concerns over the vital global energy route .

In response to the escalating threats, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed its air defense systems are fully operational. On March 18 alone, UAE forces engaged 13 ballistic missiles and 27 UAVs launched from Iran. Since the onset of hostilities following the US-Israeli strikes on February 28, air defense units have intercepted a total of 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,699 UAVs.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly rejected any threat to the country’s sovereignty, stating that the UAE remains fully prepared to respond to any aggression targeting its territory or critical infrastructure,” a government spokesperson said. Key energy installations remain under close monitoring as crude oil prices hover near the $100 per barrel mark amid the widening regional conflict .