President Trump threatened military action against Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub if Tehran continues to interfere with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran vowed to retaliate and escalated threats against the United Arab Emirates. The escalating tensions come as the conflict enters its third week, disrupting markets and raising concerns about a wider regional war.
Trump Threatens Iran Oil Infrastructure
Trump stated on March 13 that the U.S. had “totally obliterated” military targets on Kharg Island, the export terminal for 90 percent of Iran’s oil shipments, located 500km north-west of the Strait of Hormuz. However, he clarified that U.S. strikes did not currently target the oil infrastructure itself, but warned that he would reconsider that decision should Iran disrupt passage through the strait.
Iran’s Defiant Response and Threats to UAE
Iran downplayed the extent of any damage on Kharg Island and threatened to increase its use of more powerful weapons. A spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) declared that parts of the United Arab Emirates were a legitimate target, stating, “We declare to the leaders of the UAE that Iran considers it a legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty and territory by targeting the origin of American enemy missile launches in the shipping ports, docks and military shelters of the US hidden in some cities of the UAE.”
The IRGC urged residents in the UAE to evacuate ports, docks, and U.S. military shelters to avoid civilian casualties.
Escalation of Attacks
On March 14, Iran launched nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones towards the UAE, bringing the total number of projectiles launched since the start of the war to 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 drones. Attacks also targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, with smoke rising from the building, though details remain limited.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported carrying out additional attacks on Israel with the assistance of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia. At least 12 medical personnel were killed in an Israeli strike on a healthcare centre in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state news. Reports from Iranian media indicated at least 12 people were killed and several wounded in attacks across Iran, including central and south-eastern provinces.
Disruptions and Economic Impact
Some oil loading operations have been suspended in the UAE’s Fujairah emirate, a major bunkering hub, following a fire caused by intercepted drone debris. Oil exports from Kharg Island were continuing normally, according to a senior provincial governor.
Trump announced that the U.S. Navy will “soon” begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for 20 percent of the world’s fossil energy supplies. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called for the strategic waterway to remain closed as a means of applying pressure.
Iran’s armed forces stated that any strike on their oil and energy infrastructure would lead to retaliatory strikes on facilities owned by oil companies cooperating with the U.S. in the region.
In Dubai, an incident occurred at the ICD Brookfield Place business centre, though details were not immediately available. Debris from an intercepted object struck a building in central Dubai, but no fire or injuries were reported.
After two weeks of war, approximately 2,000 people have been killed, primarily in Iran, Lebanon, and a growing number in the Gulf. Several million people have been displaced, and U.S. forces have suffered casualties, including the deaths of six crew members in a plane crash in Iraq.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
