Iran rejects ceasefire bid as Gulf tensions rise, UAE residents urged to stay alert.
Dubai: The UAE on Wednesday, August 19, said its air defence systems had detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran, amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE said both missiles fell into the sea and that its assessment indicated they were targeting maritime traffic.
The development comes as the wider US-Iran confrontation continues to raise concerns about further regional escalation and disruptions to shipping through the strategic waterway.
The UAE has also suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing regional developments that threaten regional and international peace and security.
UAE authorities said the country remains on high alert and prepared to respond to potential threats, with air defence systems maintaining heightened readiness. Iran has denied that it launched the missiles.
Separate reports said Iran had rejected a proposed ceasefire, while Tehran called for an end to the ongoing hostilities as diplomatic efforts continued amid the escalating conflict.
UAE authorities have also addressed emergency alerts circulating among residents, urging people to remain calm, rely on official sources for updates and follow safety instructions during periods of heightened security. An earlier alert advised residents facing potential missile threats to immediately seek shelter in the nearest secure building.
The crisis is centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint linking the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Disruptions in the waterway can have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, shipping and regional stability.
Flight updates
Most UAE flights continue to operate, but travellers should be prepared for cancellations, delays and last-minute schedule changes as airlines reassess operations amid heightened regional security concerns. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
Emirates has resumed one daily service to Bahrain, while other Bahrain flights remain cancelled. Etihad is operating selected services to Bahrain and Kuwait but has extended the cancellation of three Bahrain flight pairs through August 21.
Air Arabia has cancelled several flights between the UAE and Kuwait and Bahrain, while flydubai says its services to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are operating as scheduled. Several international carriers have also extended suspensions of Dubai and other regional services amid the ongoing security situation.
In response to the missile launches, the UAE has suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing escalating regional tensions and threats to regional and international peace and security.
Officials described the move as a precautionary measure as tensions across the Gulf continue to rise. The development came alongside reports that Iran had rejected a proposed ceasefire and called for an end to the ongoing hostilities.
The UAE has also released footage showing its air defence systems on heightened readiness following the recent missile threat.
Authorities have separately addressed emergency alerts circulating among residents, urging people to remain calm, follow official instructions and seek shelter in a secure building if an alert is issued.
The crisis is centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Any disruption to the waterway can have significant implications for global energy markets, shipping and regional stability.
Residents across the UAE are advised to monitor official government channels for the latest updates, follow any civil defence instructions and avoid sharing unverified information.
Travel and commercial activity around sensitive coastal and maritime areas could also face restrictions or changes as the security situation develops.
Latest developments
Missile detections reported: UAE authorities said their air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Officials said assessments indicated the missiles were targeting maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both missiles fell into the sea, with one landing inside UAE territorial waters and the other outside.
Trade and financial links suspended: The UAE has halted all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing escalating regional tensions and threats to regional and international peace and security.
Air defences on alert: UAE authorities said the country’s air defence systems remain on high alert and ready to respond to potential threats. Newly released footage has also shown the UAE’s defensive systems maintaining a heightened state of readiness.
Iran denies the missile claim: Tehran has rejected the UAE’s accusation that Iran launched the missiles, describing the allegation as baseless.
Emergency guidance circulating: UAE authorities and media outlets are addressing questions surrounding emergency alerts being circulated among residents. People are advised to rely on official government and civil defence channels for instructions on what to do and what to avoid, rather than sharing unverified messages.
Iran rejects ceasefire, demands end to hostilities
Broader context: Iran has rejected a proposed ceasefire as tensions with the US remain high, with Tehran calling for an end to the ongoing hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major focus of the confrontation because of its importance to global oil shipping and energy markets.
