Dubai missile alert issued; vessel hit near UAE in Hormuz Strait

Residents of Dubai received fresh mobile alerts on Thursday warning of possible Iranian missile threats, as tensions across the Gulf region intensified. Kuwait said it had intercepted and shot down Iranian drones the same morning.

Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific suspended flights to and from Dubai until April 30 amid the escalating crisis.

Earlier, a vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.

The UAE condemned Iranian strikes on its Habshan gas facility and Bab oil field as a “dangerous escalation,” following Israeli attacks on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of “uncontrollable consequences” that could widen the conflict.

Key developments:

• Qatar ordered Iranian embassy officials to leave within 24 hours after Iranian strikes on its gas facilities.

• Tehran also targeted energy infrastructure in the UAE, prompting authorities in Abu Dhabi to shut down operations after interceptions.

• US President Donald Trump warned Washington would retaliate if Iran attacks Qatar again, while saying Israel would refrain from hitting the South Pars field.

• Qatar’s foreign ministry accused Iran of “crossing all red lines” by targeting civilians and critical infrastructure.

• Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said trust in Iran had been completely shattered after the latest attacks.

The situation remains volatile, with disruptions to aviation, energy infrastructure and maritime routes raising concerns of a broader regional escalation.