How the US-Israel-Iran conflict is affecting UAE residents and Gulf stability.
US President Donald Trump is considering further military action against Iran after warning that Washington may have to “destroy the rest of the country”.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, wider regional security concerns and ongoing flight disruptions continue to affect the Gulf.
The US-Israel-Iran conflict remains at a critical stage, with diplomatic efforts continuing even as preparations for possible renewed military operations are discussed.
Trump has convened his national security team to consider the next steps, while Tehran continues to seek sanctions relief and other concessions.
For UAE residents, the latest developments could have implications for regional security, air travel, maritime trade and oil prices.
Here are the latest developments as of Friday, November 6, 2026.
Security: Hormuz attacks heighten regional concerns
Maritime security risks are mounting around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil and gas shipments.
The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), in an advisory circulated by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on November 5, reported four attacks in the strait over a 96-hour period, compared with three during the previous reporting period.
All four incidents took place within approximately 52 hours, between November 1 and 3, off Oman’s Musandam coast.
Separately, UKMTO reported that a tanker was hit by two unidentified projectiles about 50 nautical miles north of Qatar on November 5.
Iran also said that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire after attempting to navigate what it described as “unauthorised” routes through the strait.
Maritime traffic remains well below pre-conflict levels, fuelling concerns over shipping costs, energy supplies and regional stability.
On Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have brought down a fifth and sixth US MQM-170 drone over Qeshm Island, according to Press TV, which is owned by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
The claim could not be independently verified, and the US had not issued a statement on the reported incident at the time of publication.
UAE-Saudi flights face cancellations
Travellers from the UAE continue to face flight disruptions, with delays and cancellations affecting services connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia.
Etihad Airways has extended the cancellation of its Abu Dhabi-Riyadh and Abu Dhabi-Dammam services until November 19.
Selected flights to Jeddah are scheduled to resume on Friday, November 6.
Emirates has also cancelled several services between Dubai and Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. Meanwhile, flydubai and Air Arabia have reported a mix of operating, delayed and cancelled flights to Saudi Arabia.
Other international carriers, including IndiGo, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France and Philippine Airlines, have extended suspensions or adjusted their Saudi Arabia schedules.
Passenger advisory: Travellers should check their airline’s website and airport departure boards before setting off, as flight schedules may change at short notice.
Trump warns further military action remains possible
Trump has warned that the US could launch further attacks on Iran if Tehran’s nuclear programme cannot be permanently contained.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, November 5, after meeting his national security team, Trump said Washington would soon decide whether to expand its military operations.
He said he would prefer not to destroy the rest of Iran, but added: “Maybe I’ll have to.”
Trump also claimed Iran could need 25 to 30 years to rebuild and acknowledged that 18 US service members had died in the conflict.
US officials cited by Fox News and Axios said the administration was weighing three possible approaches: renewed military strikes, sustained economic pressure or a negotiated agreement.
No final decision has been announced, and no new military order has been issued.
Iran’s position: Sanctions relief remains a key demand
Tehran has reportedly submitted a nuclear proposal through Qatar as diplomatic contacts continue.
However, Iran is insisting on seven conditions, including sanctions relief, before agreeing to a settlement.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also held talks with regional counterparts on security and efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Despite ongoing mediation, Washington and Tehran remain divided over the terms of a possible agreement.
Iran-Russia ties: Putin meets Iranian security chief
On Thursday, to discuss regional security.
Rezaei reportedly handed Putin a letter from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
He also announced plans for Russia to build a gas pipeline to Iran, describing the project as a way for Tehran to reduce domestic gas consumption and market Russian gas in neighbouring countries.
The talks highlight Moscow’s continued engagement with Tehran as the conflict and diplomatic efforts evolve.
What happens next?
Attention is now focused on Trump’s decision on whether to resume military operations, continue economic pressure or pursue negotiations. The November 3 US midterm elections have also added to domestic political scrutiny of the conflict.
Democrats are reportedly preparing to challenge the administration’s handling of the war and its authority to conduct military operations.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s mediation efforts could offer another opportunity for diplomacy. However, significant differences remain over sanctions, nuclear restrictions and security guarantees.
The region remains on alert. Although diplomatic channels are still open, the possibility of renewed military escalation continues to influence security, aviation and economic conditions across the Gulf.
For UAE residents, the main developments to monitor include tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, any decision by Washington to resume military action, changes to flight schedules and possible fluctuations in oil prices.
