Tensions escalate in Gulf as Iran vows retaliation, Dubai airport suspends operations
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A surge in regional tensions saw Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, temporarily suspend operations Saturday following reports of an object being intercepted over the airspace. The disruption came amid escalating exchanges between Iran and its adversaries, including reported strikes and warnings of further attacks.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered an apology for recent strikes on neighboring countries, but also issued a stark warning: Iran will not initiate further attacks if its neighbors do not. “The enemies must carry the desire for surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” Pezeshkian stated in a televised address, according to state media.
The situation remains highly volatile. Qatar’s defense ministry reported intercepting a missile, while the United Arab Emirates’ defense ministry stated it was responding to missile and drone threats originating from Iran. The UAE government confirmed a “minor incident” resulting from falling debris near Dubai airport, but insisted there were no casualties and refuted reports of wider damage. Emirates airline suspended all flights to and from Dubai until further notice, citing safety concerns.
Israel has reportedly launched a series of attacks targeting Iranian military sites, including in Tehran and Isfahan. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated over 80 fighter jets were involved in the latest wave of strikes. Reports from Israeli media indicate the IDF also targeted the Imam Hussein Military University, belonging to the Revolutionary Guard, and missile storage facilities.
Further complicating the situation, clashes erupted along the Syrian-Lebanese border, with Hezbollah claiming involvement. Lebanese officials reported at least 16 deaths as a result of the fighting. The IDF reportedly launched an operation to locate the remains of a missing pilot.
The United States is reportedly considering deploying a third aircraft carrier to the region, according to Fox News, adding to the already significant American military presence.
The League of Arab States has called for an emergency meeting of foreign ministers on Sunday to discuss the escalating crisis.
Iran also warned that ships belonging to the United States and Israel would be targeted by its armed forces, but stated it would not close the Strait of Hormuz to other vessels. A spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces added that Iran could not guarantee the safety of ships from other countries transiting the strait.
CNN reported that its correspondent, Fred Pleitgen, and photographer Claudia Otto, are among the first American journalists to enter Tehran since the start of the conflict, describing the city as “semi-deserted” and under “constant and massive bombardment.”
The situation is further inflamed by reports that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran to help target U.S. forces, according to the Washington Post. The Pentagon reportedly believes Washington is responsible for an attack on an Iranian school that resulted in 150 child fatalities.
