US–Iran strikes escalate Strait of Hormuz tensions; UAE returns to remote learning

Early on Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that both the US and the UAE “should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire.”

In similarly vague terms, Iranian state television earlier quoted an anonymous military official as saying Tehran had had “no plan” to target the UAE or one of its oil fields.

“The incident resulted from US military adventurism to create an illegal passage,” the official was quoted as saying about the oil facility attack, apparently referring to Trump’s latest efforts to reopen the strait, a critical waterway for global energy.

Level 3 advisory stays as authorities issue nationwide warnings. The US Department of State has advised citizens to reconsider travel to the UAE following mobile alerts warning of potential aerial threats issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior.

The US maintains a Level 3 travel advisory, urging heightened caution. The US Mission to the UAE said it is monitoring the situation closely and advised Americans to follow local safety instructions, including shelter guidance if needed.

The US Embassy Abu Dhabi and US Consulate General Dubai remain open under ordered-departure status, with non-essential staff relocated. Routine visa services are suspended.

Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor official updates, and keep emergency supplies ready as the situation continues to evolve.

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Iran’s strikes on the UAE, describing them as “unjustified and unacceptable” and pledging continued French support for the UAE and regional allies.

“As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” Macron said in a post on X.

Shipping company Maersk said one of its US-flagged commercial vessels has successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under a US military escort. The news came after the US Navy reportedly hit Iranian fast boats amid reports of IRGC attacks on a UAE oil facility.

Benchmark Brent crude futures surged early Tuesday, jumping 5.8% to $114.44 a barrel — up $6.27 — as concerns over supply pressures reverberated across global markets. Murban crude also climbed, gaining 3.4% to $107.30 by about 7:35 a.m. in Tokyo.

US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric to “blow off the face of the Earth” any Iranian vessel targeting the US military in Hormuz Strait or the broader Arabian peninsula underscores how high the stakes are around freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Amid reports that the US Navy has blown up 6 small IRGC boats and the renewed Iranian regime attacks on the UAE, the "double blockade" has hardened: Iran is unable to move millions of barrels of their oil due to the US naval blockade — and Iran's threat over Hormuz choking seaborne trade through the narrow passage for the rest of the world.

It remains uncertain whether the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran will hold, especially after President Donald Trump warned that Iranian forces will be “blown off the face of the Earth” if they attempt to target US ships in the Strait of Hormuz or the broader Arabian Gulf.

The statement comes amid renewed clashes in the strategic waterway, where both sides have exchanged fire. On Monday, US forces destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran as the regime seeks to thwart US naval effort ​to open shipping through Hormuz.

The US Central Command launched "Project Freedom" on Monday as Trump seeks to wrest control of the critical waterway from Iran.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority has announced a temporary shift to distance learning across all educational institutions in the emirate, including private schools and nurseries.

The measure will take effect from Tuesday, 5 May 2026, until Thursday, 7 May 2026, and applies to all students as well as administrative and teaching staff.

Day 66: UAE intercepts 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles and 4 drones from Iran

Day 65: Iran says US options are 'impossible' war or 'bad deal'

Day 64: Iran tightens grip on Hormuz waters under new IRGC rules

Day 63: Trump says 'not satisfied' with new Iran proposal

Day 62: Iran's supreme leader says, 'US suffered disgraceful defeat'

Day 61: Iran's Ghalibaf mocks Trump's blockade

Day 60: Blockade: US Marines board ship near Hormuz