The US-Iran war is now on its seventh straight night of strikes. Iran hits back at Gulf states. Hormuz shipping has fallen to its lowest since May. And diplomacy’s still being talked about. Here is everything you need to know, point by point, if you are living in the UAE and wondering what all this means for you today, July 18th.
1. US Hits Iran for Seventh Straight Night
The US military conducted strikes on Iran overnight for the seventh night in a row. US Central Command confirmed the operations on social media, saying the strikes were conducted to further degrade Iran’s military capabilities under direct orders from the Commander in Chief. Multiple Iranian locations including military infrastructure, radar systems and missile facilities have been targeted in the attacks. Iran has not ceased to fight back.
2. Iran Fires on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan
Iran launched a new wave of missiles and drones at Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan overnight. Tehran said the strikes were in response to US military activity inside Iran. All three countries’ air defence systems intercepted most of the projectiles. There were no major reports of casualties at the time of writing, but the attacks have caused widespread alarm across the Gulf. Iran is now regularly hitting US bases and allied Gulf states at the same time. If you get surprise calls from numbers you don’t recognize during this tense time – scam and fraud calls rise during crises – use the Who Called Me From This Number UAE tool to check the number before you answer or give away any personal information.
3. UAE condemns Iranian attacks
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement condemning the Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. The UAE condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the three countries, reaffirming its full support for their security and stability. The UAE has not been involved in any direct fighting but has made its position clear: it is firmly on the side of the targeted Gulf states.
4. Trump Declares Diplomacy Still Possible
US President Donald Trump said Friday he was still open to talks with Tehran despite all the strikes. He has not completely walked away from negotiations. The US also enforces a naval blockade of Iranian ports and attacks military targets within Iran. It is an unusual combination, fighting and talking at the same time, but both sides seem to want a way out without admitting defeat. What that might produce in the days ahead remains to be seen.
5. Iran threatens to strike regional infrastructure
Tehran issued a very serious warning on Friday . Iranian military officials have said that if the US strikes Iranian civilian or energy facilities, they will hit “all infrastructure” across the region. It is the most direct threat Iran has made against non-military targets since the conflict began. Gulf governments and energy firms are watching closely. A strike on a major Gulf energy installation would have huge consequences for world oil supply and prices.
6. Strait of Hormuz Traffic Hits Lowest Point Since May
Only three commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. That’s the lowest single-day figure since May. The strait is thought to handle about 20 per cent of the world’s traded oil and gas each day. And when traffic drops this sharply, markets react fast. Oil prices have already climbed substantially since this conflict began. If you are an FAB user and want to keep an eye on your finances during a time of economic uncertainty, a quick FAB Balance Check Online keeps your account details clear and your spending in check without the need to visit a branch.
7. Shipping firms on high alert
Commercial shipping companies are advising their vessels to exercise extreme caution in Gulf waters. Over the past two weeks several ships have already come under attack in the region. US forces boarded and seized a vessel in the Gulf of Oman Thursday, saying it was linked to Iran-connected shipping operations. Gulf route maritime insurance rates soar. Goods shipped through this region — including a huge chunk of global fuel supplies — are encountering delays and higher costs. That eventually filters through to fuel prices and prices of consumer goods in the UAE and elsewhere.
8. Are UAE Flights Impacted?
All airports in the UAE are operational and open as usual. But some airlines have quietly altered their routes to avoid conflict zones over Iran and parts of the Gulf. If you are travelling in the next few days, particularly to destinations in the Middle East, Central Asia or South Asia, check directly with your airline before you go. Some routes have longer flight times because of detours through airspace. Some destinations have had a few rebookings of flights. Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad all have updates on their apps and websites. Staying connected for airline updates and emergency alerts is important right now – knowing How to Check Balance in Etisalat means your phone stays active so you never miss a critical notification from your airline, bank or government authority.
9. China, Pakistan Push for Resumption of Talks
The foreign ministers of China and Pakistan met in Shanghai on Friday and jointly urged the United States and Iran to stop fighting and return to the negotiating table. It is the first time two major non-Western powers have pushed for a ceasefire publicly together. China has economic interests in both the US and Iran and is monitoring the Hormuz situation very closely since so much of its oil passes through the strait. Pakistan shares a long border with Iran and cannot afford instability in its region. Their joint statement marks the first time diplomatic pressure has come from outside the region since the conflict escalated.
10. What Should UAE Residents Do Now?
Life goes on as normal for people living and working in the UAE. There is no threat to the country at present. But it does make sense to be informed, keep your documents handy and keep an eye on fuel prices, which could go higher. Also check airline apps before any travel. The UAE government is closely following developments. Only follow UAE government channels — UAE NCEMA, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your emirate’s local authorities — for verified information. Don’t share unverified news or panic messages on WhatsApp and social media. This is the kind of situation that is a magnet for a lot of misinformation. Stick to trusted sources and check back regularly as things are changing fast.
The US and Iran are in a serious situation but diplomacy has not totally broken down yet. Ever List is your go-to destination for the most recent updates and helpful guides about the UAE.
