US-Israel strikes on Iran: Day 4 latest updates – everything you need to know

Trump says US government will backstop war insurance for Arabian Gulf shipping

US President Donald Trump has directed the US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to immediately provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade through the Gulf, with a focus on energy shipments.

The coverage will be made available to all shipping lines at what Trump described as a “reasonable price,” via a post on Truth Social.

“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD. The United States’ ECONOMIC and MILITARY MIGHT is the GREATEST ON EARTH — More actions to come. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he said.

Fire near US Consulate contained after drone incident

Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire caused by a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been put out, with emergency teams responding swiftly and no injuries reported.

Dubai air defence intercepts aerial threats across city

Authorities in Dubai have confirmed that sounds heard across multiple areas were caused by air defence interception operations.

Residents are advised to follow official sources for updates as teams continue monitoring the situation.

UAE extends distance learning for all schools and universities until Friday

The Ministries of Education and Higher Education and Scientific Research have extended remote learning through to Friday, March 6, covering all students and staff across public and private schools and universities.

UAE intercepts fresh wave of Iranian missiles and drones; one missile lands on territory

The UAE Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones in the latest wave of Iranian attacks, with one missile landing on UAE territory causing no casualties.

Since the start of what the ministry described as blatant Iranian aggression, a total of 186 ballistic missiles, 812 drones, and 8 cruise missiles have been detected, with the vast majority intercepted or destroyed.

The attacks have killed three workers of Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationality, and left 68 others with minor injuries spanning 16 nationalities.

The ministry strongly condemned the attacks as a grave violation of sovereignty and international law, and reaffirmed the UAE’s right to respond and take all necessary measures to protect its territory and people.

Israeli air force strikes Iranian missile and defence infrastructure in Tehran and western Iran

The Israeli Air Force has launched extensive strikes against Iranian infrastructure in Tehran and carried out additional waves of attacks in western Iran, targeting missile launchers, defence systems, and live-fire arrays.

Further details are expected to follow.

UAE warns of criminal penalties for spreading rumours or false information

Authorities have cautioned that sharing rumours, misinformation, or any content contradicting official announcements or threatening public safety is a criminal offence, carrying penalties including imprisonment and fines of no less than AED 200,000.

UAE daily life continues normally as authorities prepare 200-300 repatriation flights

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has affirmed that essential services including energy, water, healthcare, and telecommunications are operating normally, with business continuity plans activated as a precaution.

Schools have shifted to distance learning to ensure uninterrupted education. Authorities are coordinating with airlines to operate between 200 and 300 flights to repatriate stranded travellers, while accommodation, food, and visas are being provided to those still in the country.

The public was urged to follow official sources only and avoid spreading rumours.

UAE minister urges calm as authorities vow to protect food security and price stability

UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri has declared the country’s food security system a red line, saying essential goods are readily available and alternative markets can be secured if needed.

He warned against panic buying and over-purchasing, stressing that authorities are strictly monitoring prices to prevent any unjustified increases.

He further revealed that 80 flights will be operated per day in the current phase under safe air corridors, and urged residents to only rely on official government announcements.

UAE reaffirms commitment to regional security and right to self-defence

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy announced that the UAE has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn its ambassador in response to Iranian attacks.

She said the attacks are unjustified and will have serious repercussions, reaffirming that the UAE had repeatedly stressed it would not allow its territory or airspace to be used against Iran.

The minister added that the UAE believes Gulf security is indivisible, supports the right to self-defence, and maintains that there is no military solution to the crisis.

UAE at highest readiness as air defences intercept hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones

The UAE Ministry of Defence has said the country is at its highest level of readiness and has the capabilities to defend its territory for as long as the regional escalation continues, Brig. Staff Pilot Abdulnasir Alhameedi, Official Spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence said during a media briefing on Tuesday.

Since the start of Iranian attacks, air defences have handled 186 ballistic missiles – 172 destroyed, 13 fallen into the sea, and one landing on UAE soil – along with 812 drones, of which 755 were intercepted and 57 landed within the country.

All eight cruise missiles detected were destroyed. The attacks have caused three fatalities, 68 minor injuries, and limited to moderate damage to civilian properties.

He also explained the sounds heard across various areas were the result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, as well as UAE fighter jets engaging drones and cruise missiles.

Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attack on US Embassy in Riyadh, warns of escalation

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the Iranian attack on the US Embassy building in Riyadh, calling it a violation of international law including the Geneva and Vienna Conventions.

The Kingdom warned that Iran’s continued aggression, despite Saudi assurances that its territory would not be used to target Iran, risks pushing the region toward further escalation, and reaffirmed its right to take all necessary measures to protect its security and interests.

Iran launches missiles toward Israel; Defence systems activated

The Israeli Defence Forces reported that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, with defence systems activated to intercept them.

The Home Front Command issued alerts directly to mobile phones in affected areas, instructing residents to enter protected spaces immediately and remain there until further notice.

Etihad extends Abu Dhabi flight suspension until Thursday

Etihad Airways has extended the suspension of all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until Thursday, March 5, due to ongoing regional airspace disruptions.

Limited cargo, repositioning, and repatriation flights may operate subject to safety approvals.

Passengers with tickets issued on or before February 28 can rebook free of charge on flights up to March 31, or request a full refund, and are urged not to go to the airport unless contacted directly by the airline.

Emirates extends Dubai flight suspension until midnight Wednesday

Emirates has extended the suspension of all scheduled flights to and from Dubai until midnight on March 4, due to continued regional airspace closures.

A limited number of repatriation and cargo flights will operate on March 3 and 4, with priority given to passengers with earlier bookings. Travellers are advised not to go to the airport unless directly notified by the airline.

Etihad Rail activates passenger service between UAE and Saudi border amid regional situation

Etihad Rail has operated a passenger train on the route linking Al Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border to Al Faya in Abu Dhabi as part of its trial runs, providing an alternative transport option amid the current regional situation.

The move, coordinated with Abu Dhabi’s Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre (ADCMC), aims to ensure continuity of vital services, support movement of residents and nationals, and reinforce logistical resilience across key ports and border connections.

UAE government to hold media briefing at 3:30 PM today

The UAE government will deliver a media briefing on the latest developments and current situation at exactly 3:30 PM UAE time. The live broadcast will be aired on Abu Dhabi Channel.

Magnitude 4.3 earthquake hits Gerash region in Iran

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Gerash area in Iran on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake occurred amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Trump says US-UK ties have weakened, criticises Starmer

Donald Trump has said the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is “not what it used to be,” criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his stance on the US and Israeli war on Iran. In an interview with The Sun, Trump described the shift in relations as “very sad” and said he never expected to see such a change from the UK.

Starmer told Parliament that Britain would not take part in offensive military strikes alongside the US and Israel, but would instead focus on defensive measures. He confirmed that the UK would allow the US to use British bases in its operations related to Iran. Recent incidents included a drone striking RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and two others being intercepted en route.

Trump also suggested that Starmer is facing domestic challenges and criticised London and its mayor, Sadiq Khan, claiming the city is no longer the same as it once was.

Fire at Fujairah oil zone contained after drone debris falls

Authorities in Fujairah responded to a fire that broke out this morning in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) after debris fell following the interception of a drone by air defence systems.

Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, the blaze was quickly brought under control, and normal operations in the area have resumed.

The public has been urged to rely on official sources for updates and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information.