What UAE residents need to know about the US-Iran standoff this evening

Dubai: US-Iran tensions remain high, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of the standoff. US President Donald Trump has called the waterway 'American territory' and warned Iran against developing a nuclear weapon, while saying Tehran wants a deal. Iran has rejected new US sanctions and warned of a broader response to any future attack.

For UAE residents, the developments are being closely watched because any escalation around the Strait of Hormuz could affect regional air travel, shipping, oil prices and wider economic activity.

Here are the key developments to know this evening:

Trump calls Hormuz ‘American territory’

Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz 'American territory' during a campaign rally in South Carolina, while defending the US campaign against Iran, Fox News reported.

He said Washington had acted to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and insisted Tehran would not be allowed to develop one.

Trump also said Iran wants a deal with Washington but suggested the US may not accept an agreement on Tehran’s terms.

He predicted that oil prices would fall once the conflict ends, potentially dropping below levels seen before the latest escalation.

Trump says Iran wants a deal

Trump said Washington would 'see what happens' following its latest sanctions against Iran, while claiming Tehran has been weakened economically and militarily.

He said Iran 'would love' to reach a deal with the US but was not yet ready to accept the terms Washington is seeking.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the US pressure campaign, saying on social media that Trump's plans for economic warfare were 'bound to fail'.

Iran warns of broader response

Iran's army says it is shifting from a defensive to a more offensive military posture after drawing lessons from recent conflicts.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia warned that any future attack on Iran would trigger an immediate and broader response.

He stressed that the change in posture did not mean Iran was preparing pre-emptive attacks.

Akraminia said Iran had repaired damaged military systems, deployed new capabilities and restructured its command to respond more quickly.

Iran says defence production has doubled

Iran has doubled its production of defence weapons and equipment over the past year despite attacks on parts of its defence industry during the 12-day war, Defence Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik said, according to IRNA.

He said domestic production had allowed Iran to rapidly replenish weapons and ammunition used during the conflict.

Production of some strategic defence products and wartime supplies had increased more than threefold, he added.

Talaei-Nik said Iran's defence industry had grown from producing 31 basic products before the 1979 Islamic Revolution to more than 1,000 advanced systems, weapons and types of ammunition today.

NATO allies discuss possible Hormuz support

Individual NATO member states are exploring ways to help protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, although the effort would not amount to a formal NATO mission, Reuters reported.

US Air Force Gen Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's top military commander, brought together defence chiefs from interested allied countries for a videoconference on Wednesday to discuss possible contributions.

A spokesperson said NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe hosted the meeting to help countries coordinate possible support for navigation through the strategic waterway.

France and the UK are separately leading efforts to build a coalition of around a dozen countries to help ensure safe passage through the Strait once tensions ease or the conflict ends.

Iran calls US sanctions a ‘declaration of war’

Iran has condemned new US sanctions against Tehran, calling them a 'declaration of war' against governments and accusing Washington of trying to extend its authority beyond US borders.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, in remarks carried by Fars news agency, said the sanctions amounted to an attempt to impose 'extraterritorial sovereignty' over independent UN member states.

US says it has redirected 68 vessels

The US Central Command said American forces had redirected 68 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two others as part of efforts to enforce a blockade against Iran.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said US sailors had observed an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter landing on the USS Ross, one of more than 20 warships supporting the US blockade. The figures were given as of August 21.

UAE travel advisory: What passengers need to know

Flight schedules across the UAE remain mixed on Saturday, August 22. Some services are operating as scheduled, while others have been cancelled, delayed or are yet to depart.

Several regional and international airlines are also continuing to adjust their Middle East schedules.

Passengers should:

• Check their flight status before leaving home, even if it was previously confirmed.

• Arrive at least three hours before departure, or earlier if advised by their airline.

• Allow four hours when flying from Dubai with flydubai, in line with the airline's guidance.

• Complete online check-in where available.

• Allow extra time for traffic, security, check-in and immigration.

• Keep contact details updated with their airline.

• Be prepared for last-minute delays, cancellations or schedule changes.

• Follow official airline and airport channels for the latest updates.

What UAE residents should watch next

The key developments to monitor are:

• Strait of Hormuz traffic

• US-Iran negotiations

• Further US sanctions

• Oil prices

• Regional shipping activity

• UAE and wider Gulf flight schedules

Any escalation around the strategic waterway could have wider implications for regional shipping, energy markets and travel.

For UAE residents, the immediate concern is whether the tensions lead to further disruption of air and sea transport or push energy prices higher.

Bottom line: Flights are operating on many UAE routes, but disruptions remain possible as tensions continue. Travellers should check their specific flight status immediately before leaving for the airport and remain prepared for last-minute changes.