Israel-US strikes Iran: Latest updates

UAE will emerge from this phase stronger and more resilient: NCEMA Chairman

Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, affirmed that the safety, security, and stability of the community remain an absolute national priority, urging the public to follow official guidance and avoid sharing unverified information.

He praised field teams for carrying out their duties with professionalism and national responsibility, saying their efforts reflect a high level of preparedness and coordinated response. He also commended citizens and residents for their cohesion, trust, and cooperation, describing it as a cornerstone of national preparedness.

Al Neyadi confirmed that authorities are monitoring developments around the clock and implementing all necessary measures, expressing confidence that the UAE will emerge from this period stronger and more resilient, backed by the vision of its leadership, the strength of its institutions, and the awareness of its society.

Dubai air defences active as interception operations continue

Authorities confirmed that sounds heard across Dubai are the result of air defence interceptions, with teams continuing to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure public safety. The public is urged to follow official sources only.

Trump announces destruction of nine Iranian naval ships and strike on naval headquarters

President Donald Trump announced that US forces have destroyed and sunk nine Iranian naval vessels, including several large and significant ships, vowing to target the remainder of Iran’s fleet.

“I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP,” he said via a post on Truth Social.

UAE closes Tehran embassy, recalls ambassador

The UAE has announced the closure of its embassy in Tehran and the withdrawal of its ambassador and all diplomatic staff from Iran.

The decision follows Iranian missile strikes targeting UAE civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) described the attacks as acts of aggression that violate national sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter, and said the move reflects the UAE’s firm stance against any threat to its security.

The ministry also warned that Iran’s continued aggression is pushing the region toward dangerous outcomes with serious implications for regional stability, energy security, and the global economy.

UAE capital markets to close indefinitely from Monday amid regional developments

The UAE Capital Market Authority has announced the closure of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) effective Monday, March 2, until further notice.

The authority said it will continue monitoring the regional situation and will take additional measures as needed, urging all parties to follow official channels for updates.

Trump says Iranian leaders want to talk: US media reports

One day after strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Trump told US Media that Iran’s new leadership has sought dialogue. “They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner,” Trump said, noting that some of the Iranians previously involved in negotiations had been killed in the strikes.

Trump expressed confidence that a popular uprising in Iran was imminent, pointing to celebrations in the streets and among Iranian expatriates abroad. “The people over there are shouting in the streets with happiness, but at the same time, there are a lot of bombs coming down,” he said. When asked whether the US would sustain its campaign to support an uprising, Trump was noncommittal, saying he would assess the situation as it develops.

Shortly after the conversation, US military officials confirmed three service members were killed and five seriously wounded – the first known American casualties of the campaign.

Trump also sought to reassure the public on the economic impact, suggesting disruption to oil markets would be limited given the early success of the operation. “People have wanted to do it for 47 years. They’ve killed people for 47 years, and now it’s reversed on them,” he said.

Netanyahu vows to intensify campaign after Khamenei killing as Israel strikes Tehran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has directed the continuation of the military campaign following a meeting with the Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff, and the head of Mossad.

He confirmed that Khamenei and dozens of senior regime figures were eliminated the previous day, and that Israeli forces are striking Tehran with increasing intensity.

Netanyahu acknowledged casualties in Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and wishes for recovery to the wounded.

He said the campaign is being carried out with the full force of the IDF and with the backing of the United States and President Donald Trump, describing it as the realisation of a 40-year goal to strike the Iranian regime.

Three US service members killed and five wounded in Operation Epic Fury

As of 9:30 AM ET on March 1, three US service members have been killed and five seriously wounded during Operation Epic Fury.

Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are being returned to duty.

Major combat operations are ongoing, and the situation remains fluid. Out of respect for the families, the identities of those killed will not be released until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

Iranian drones strike Abu Dhabi naval base warehouse, UAE reserves right to respond

The Ministry of Defence announced that specialised teams responded to an incident at Al Salam naval base in Abu Dhabi, where two Iranian drones struck a warehouse, igniting a fire in two containers holding general materials. No casualties were reported.

The ministry strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blatant act of aggression and a clear violation of national sovereignty and international law, and affirmed that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to the escalation and take all measures necessary to protect its territory, people, and interests.

The ministry stressed that it remains fully prepared to confront any threats and reiterated that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors is a top priority.

UAE intercepts 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones since start of Iranian attack

The UAE Ministry of Defense has reported that since Iran began its attack on 28 February 2026, air defense forces have intercepted 152 of 165 ballistic missiles, with 13 falling into the sea, destroyed all 2 cruise missiles detected, and shot down 506 of 541 drones, with 35 landing within the country.

Three people – of Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities – were killed, and 58 others sustained minor injuries across multiple nationalities. A total of 21 drones struck civilian targets, and falling debris caused minor to moderate damage to a number of properties.

The ministry confirmed it remains on high alert and reiterated that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors is its top priority, urging the public to rely only on official sources and refrain from spreading unverified information.

UAE urges private sector to shift to remote work and keep workers out of open areas

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has advised private sector companies to implement remote working arrangements and minimise the presence of employees in open areas, excluding those in essential roles that require physical attendance.

The measure is in effect for three days, from Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3. Decisions on suspending work entirely remain at the discretion of local authorities within their respective jurisdictions.

Companies are also urged to follow updates from official federal and local sources.

Iran appoints Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to interim leadership council following Khamenei’s death

Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to the interim leadership council tasked with governing the country following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Expediency Council spokesman Mohsen Dehnavi announced the appointment in a post on X, confirming that the council had elected Arafi as a member.

The interim body, which will also comprise the president and the head of the judiciary, will oversee the country’s leadership until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor.

UAE’s Ministry of Interior warns public of fraud calls impersonating the ministry

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior has firmly denied any affiliation with calls being made from the number 70614213 or any other unauthorised numbers, stating that such communications are fraudulent and constitute impersonation.

The ministry urged the public not to respond to these calls or share any sensitive information, particularly national ID numbers or verification codes. It also reminded citizens that official government bodies never request personal or banking details over the phone or through anonymous links. Authorities confirmed they are actively tracking those behind the messages and will pursue legal action against them.

The ministry called on everyone to rely only on official sources for information and to report any suspicious activity through the appropriate channels immediately.

Drone debris strikes Etihad Towers, injuring woman and child in Abu Dhabi

Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an incident in which debris from an intercepted drone struck the exterior of a building at Etihad Towers, causing minor injuries to a woman and her child, along with limited structural damage.

Officials confirmed that the loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful air defence interceptions. The public was urged to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information and to rely solely on official sources for updates.

Iran targeting tanker off coast of Musandam, Oman maritime security says

The Maritime Security Center reported that oil tanker SKYLIGHT, registered in Palau, was targeted 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port in Musandam Governorate. All 20 crew members – 15 Indian nationals and 5 Iranian nationals – were successfully evacuated, though four sustained injuries of varying severity and were transferred for medical treatment. The center noted that the rescue operation was conducted in coordination between military, security, and civilian agencies.

Emirates suspends Dubai flights amid regional airspace closures

Emirates has temporarily halted all flights to and from Dubai due to multiple regional airspace closures, with operations suspended until 3:00 PM UAE time on Monday, March 2.

Passengers booked to travel on or before 5 March have two options: they can rebook on an alternative flight to their destination within 20 days of their original travel date, or request a full refund. Those who booked through a travel agent should reach out to their agent directly, while passengers who booked with Emirates can contact the airline or submit a refund form online.

Emirates is urging all customers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Affected passengers should also verify that their contact details are up to date at emirat.es/managebooking to ensure they receive the latest updates.

The airline says it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities, and has apologised for any inconvenience caused. It stressed that the safety and security of its passengers and crew remain its top priority.

Oman hit

Two drones struck facilities at Duqm Port, injuring an expatriate worker after one of the drones hit a mobile accommodation unit, the Oman News Agency (ONA) reported Sunday, quoting a security source.

ONA said wreckage from the second drone landed near the port’s fuel tanks, causing no casualties or property damage. The injured worker was given medical care, the report noted.

The agency added that Oman condemned the attack, with authorities saying they are taking the necessary steps to safeguard the country and its residents.

Qatar civil defence extinguishes fire caused by intercepted missile debris

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said on Sunday that Civil Defence crews tackled a small fire in an industrial zone, which broke out after debris fell from an intercepted missile. The ministry confirmed via X that no casualties were recorded.

Drone debris from interceptions injures two in Dubai

Officials confirmed that fragments from drones shot down by air defense systems landed in the yards of two residential properties in Dubai, leaving two people injured. Both individuals received appropriate medical treatment. Authorities further explained that the loud sounds heard throughout the emirate were caused by successful interception operations.

Trump warns Iran of unprecedented retaliation after Tehran vows major strikes

US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Truth Social to Iran after the country threatened to launch its heaviest attack yet, cautioning that any such move would be met with a higher level.

“Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he said in his post.