Iran’s Supreme Leader has called on Muslim countries, particularly the Gulf states, to unite against what he described as their “real enemy,” warning that divisions among Muslim nations only serve those seeking to weaken the region.

In a written message marking Islamic Unity Week, the Iranian leader said Muslim unity was a key foundation for building what he described as a victorious Islamic civilisation. He also urged Muslim countries to understand the plans of their adversaries and confront what he sees as common threats.

The message comes as Gulf states face growing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar have longstanding security ties with Washington while simultaneously maintaining important economic and political relationships across the wider region.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls For Muslim Unity | Gulf States Face Growing Security & Economic Pressure

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (Aug 18) accused Iran of launching two ballistic missiles towards the country, saying the weapons were aimed at maritime navigation in the Gulf. The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran. According to the ministry, one missile fell outside the UAE's territorial waters while the second came down inside them.A later assessment by the UAE said the missiles appeared to have been targeting shipping. "Assessments carried out showed that the two ballistic missiles detected coming from Iran were targeting maritime navigation and fell into the sea," the ministry said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/within-30-days-trump-top-envoy-jared-kushner-gives-timeline-for-hamas-disarmament-in-gaza-1787014649346">'Within 30 days': Trump top envoy Jared Kushner gives timeline for Hamas disarmament in Gaza</a><h2>Iran rejects UAE allegations</h2>Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has categorically denied that Tehran had fired a missile at the UAE. Baqaei said the allegation could undermine efforts to build trust among countries in the region. "This behaviour is contrary to the principle of good neighbourliness and disrupts ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between regional countries and prevent the escalation of insecurity in the region," he said.He also urged regional governments to refrain from what he called "baseless accusations" against Iran.The UAE's initial announcement came shortly after authorities sent a phone alert warning residents about a potential missile threat. The warning was lifted soon afterwards.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-firm-joins-rescue-race-as-oil-spill-from-russian-shadow-fleet-tanker-spreads-along-oman-s-coast-1786690658895">'Extremely challenging situation': UK firm joins rescue race as oil spill from Russian shadow fleet tanker spreads along Oman's coast</a><h2>UAE suspends dealings with Iran</h2>Amid the escalating tensions, the UAE later on Tuesday also announced the suspension of all trade and financial dealings with Iran until further notice.The latest incident comes as the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation between Iran and the United States. Iran has warned that the waterway will remain closed until it reaches a peace agreement with Washington.

Two ballistic missiles launched from Iran triggered a security alert in the UAE, but the real question is where they were headed. Abu Dhabi says the weapons were targeting maritime navigation, while Tehran has categorically denied firing missiles at the country.

The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (Aug 18) accused Iran of launching two ballistic missiles towards the country, saying the weapons were aimed at maritime navigation in the Gulf. The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran. According to the ministry, one missile fell outside the UAE's territorial waters while the second came down inside them. A later assessment by the UAE said the missiles appeared to have been targeting shipping. "Assessments carried out showed that the two ballistic missiles detected coming from Iran were targeting maritime navigation and fell into the sea," the ministry said. Also read | 'Within 30 days': Trump top envoy Jared Kushner gives timeline for Hamas disarmament in Gaza Iran rejects UAE allegations Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has categorically denied that Tehran had fired a missile at the UAE. Baqaei said the allegation could undermine efforts to build trust among countries in the region. "This behaviour is contrary to the principle of good neighbourliness and disrupts ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between regional countries and prevent the escalation of insecurity in the region," he said. He also urged regional governments to refrain from what he called "baseless accusations" against Iran. The UAE's initial announcement came shortly after authorities sent a phone alert warning residents about a potential missile threat. The warning was lifted soon afterwards. Also read | 'Extremely challenging situation': UK firm joins rescue race as oil spill from Russian shadow fleet tanker spreads along Oman's coast UAE suspends dealings with Iran Amid the escalating tensions, the UAE later on Tuesday also announced the suspension of all trade and financial dealings with Iran until further notice. The latest incident comes as the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation between Iran and the United States. Iran has warned that the waterway will remain closed until it reaches a peace agreement with Washington.

Two ballistic missiles launched from Iran triggered a security alert in the UAE, but the real question is where they were headed. Abu Dhabi says the weapons were targeting maritime navigation, while Tehran has categorically denied firing missiles at the country.

UAE suspends trade with Iran, accuses it of targeting Gulf shipping; Tehran calls claim baseless

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday (August 8) condemned what it described as an Iranian attack on a vessel linked to its state-owned oil company ADNOC while the ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of engaging in ‘acts of piracy’. The UAE state news agency WAM initially reported that ADNOC said one of its vessels had been targeted by a missile early on Saturday. The company said the situation was under control.&nbsp;The UAE Foreign Ministry later condemned what it called ‘the hostile Iranian attack’ on an ADNOC vessel. Neither statement disclosed the name of the tanker, details of its cargo or the extent of any potential damage. No injuries were reported in the incident. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Before the conflict, around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the narrow waterway separating Oman and Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-passes-stopgap-spending-bill-to-avert-september-government-shutdown-1786188929192">US Senate passes Stopgap Spending Bill to avert September government shutdown</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UAE Strongly Condemns Targeting of ADNOC Carrier While Transiting Strait of Hormuz <a href="https://t.co/hoOAZ8D0RT">https://t.co/hoOAZ8D0RT</a> <a href="https://t.co/UQ6BqzC2Ea">pic.twitter.com/UQ6BqzC2Ea</a>&mdash; MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) <a href="https://x.com/mofauae/status/2086051852580467029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Since the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28, shipping through the region has faced repeated disruptions. The turmoil has pushed up freight rates while increasing security concerns for commercial vessels operating in and around the strategic waterway. The UAE Foreign Ministry said the reported attack violated a UN Security Council resolution concerning freedom of navigation. It also accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards of ‘acts of piracy’ by targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a means of economic pressure.&nbsp;Abu Dhabi called on Tehran to stop attacks on commercial vessels and reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully and unconditionally. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have previously warned that vessels associated with Tehran's adversaries could face action while passing through the strait. The Guards have also threatened vessels that fail to comply with Iranian directives. ADNOC said on Friday that it had been significantly affected by what it described as unprovoked attacks on its personnel and assets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the security challenges, the company said it continued working to meet customer requirements in an “exceptionally challenging environment.” According to ADNOC, 15 of its vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones while transiting the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. The company said three of those attacks occurred this week, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to 20 others.&nbsp;ADNOC did not identify those responsible for the attacks in its Friday statement. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, commonly known as ADNOC, is one of the world's largest energy producers. The state-owned company exports crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products to customers around the globe. The latest incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies.

UAE condemns an alleged Iranian attack on an ADNOC vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of 'acts of piracy' and disrupting oil shipping

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday (August 8) condemned what it described as an Iranian attack on a vessel linked to its state-owned oil company ADNOC while the ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of engaging in ‘acts of piracy’. The UAE state news agency WAM initially reported that ADNOC said one of its vessels had been targeted by a missile early on Saturday. The company said the situation was under control. The UAE Foreign Ministry later condemned what it called ‘the hostile Iranian attack’ on an ADNOC vessel. Neither statement disclosed the name of the tanker, details of its cargo or the extent of any potential damage. No injuries were reported in the incident. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Before the conflict, around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the narrow waterway separating Oman and Iran. Also Read: US Senate passes Stopgap Spending Bill to avert September government shutdown

UAE condemns an alleged Iranian missile attack on an ADNOC vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of ‘acts of piracy’

UAE accuses Iran of 'acts of piracy' after attack on ADNOC vessel in Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday (Jun 13) firmly rejected media reports claiming that the Gulf nation has agreed to transfer billions of dollars in funds to Iran as part of a security and diplomatic arrangement linked to efforts to end the conflict. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry denied the claims, calling them “false and unfounded”. This comes as tensions remain between the US and Iran despite a ceasefire and ongoing talks.The ministry added that the statement “affirmed that these allegations are entirely false and unfounded, stressing that no frozen Iranian funds have been released, transferred or facilitated through the UAE.” It did not provide further details.<h2>What did report claim?</h2>This comes after a Reuters report, citing regional sources, claimed that the UAE has agreed to release a total between $10 billion and $20 billion, more than $3 billion of which had already been delivered. It further added that the move was allegedly tied to a broader understanding aimed at reducing regional tensions and preventing further Iranian attacks on the Gulf state. It remained unclear whether the money originated from frozen Iranian assets held in foreign accounts or from other financial mechanisms.The alleged arrangement emerged as Tehran and Washington reportedly entered the final stages of negotiations aimed at ending the war and addressing sanctions-related issues. Reuters reported that diplomats involved in those discussions have suggested that any future agreement could include the unfreezing of substantial Iranian oil revenues currently held abroad.According to sources cited in the report, Iran would halt missile and drone attacks on the UAE in exchange for financial relief and a gradual rebuilding of bilateral relations. The discussions were also said to involve economic cooperation and intelligence-sharing measures.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The UAE has denied reports that it released billions of dollars to Iran, calling the claims false. The report claimed a $10 billion transfer agreement, $3 billion of which had allegedly already been delivered.

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday (Jun 13) firmly rejected media reports claiming that the Gulf nation has agreed to transfer billions of dollars in funds to Iran as part of a security and diplomatic arrangement linked to efforts to end the conflict. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry denied the claims, calling them “false and unfounded”. This comes as tensions remain between the US and Iran despite a ceasefire and ongoing talks. The ministry added that the statement “affirmed that these allegations are entirely false and unfounded, stressing that no frozen Iranian funds have been released, transferred or facilitated through the UAE.” It did not provide further details. What did report claim? This comes after a Reuters report, citing regional sources, claimed that the UAE has agreed to release a total between $10 billion and $20 billion, more than $3 billion of which had already been delivered. It further added that the move was allegedly tied to a broader understanding aimed at reducing regional tensions and preventing further Iranian attacks on the Gulf state. It remained unclear whether the money originated from frozen Iranian assets held in foreign accounts or from other financial mechanisms. The alleged arrangement emerged as Tehran and Washington reportedly entered the final stages of negotiations aimed at ending the war and addressing sanctions-related issues. Reuters reported that diplomats involved in those discussions have suggested that any future agreement could include the unfreezing of substantial Iranian oil revenues currently held abroad. According to sources cited in the report, Iran would halt missile and drone attacks on the UAE in exchange for financial relief and a gradual rebuilding of bilateral relations. The discussions were also said to involve economic cooperation and intelligence-sharing measures. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The UAE has denied reports that it released billions of dollars to Iran, calling the claims false. The report claimed a $10 billion transfer agreement, $3 billion of which had allegedly already been delivered.

‘Entirely false and unfounded’: UAE rejects reports on funds transfer to Iran

The UAE employs a multi-layered air defence network, including THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, and Cheongung-II systems, to intercept unprecedented aerial attacks. This integrated shield has successfully neutralised 352 ballistic missiles and 1,789 drones.

The UAE employs a multi-layered air defence network, including THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, and Cheongung-II systems, to intercept unprecedented aerial attacks. This integrated shield has successfully neutralised 352 ballistic missiles and 1,789 drones.

‘352 ballistic missiles intercepted and destroyed, 1,789 drones shot down’: How many layers of air defence does the UAE use?

Under UAE cybercrime laws, these acts of disseminating misinformation to undermine national security are punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and a mandatory fine of at least 100,000 AED (roughly $27,000 USD).



Under UAE cybercrime laws, these acts of disseminating misinformation to undermine national security are punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and a mandatory fine of at least 100,000 AED (roughly $27,000 USD).&nbsp;

'Fake missiles, propaganda for Iran & more': Why 19 Indians were just arrested by UAE for deepfaking the strikes

Jakarta’s foreign ministry on Saturday (Mar 7) said that three Indonesian crew members were missing after a United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (Mar 6). The ministry added that a search was underway by the local authorities. An explosion occurred on Musaffah 2, following which the vessel caught fire and sank in the passage, which is blocked by Iran amid war with the United States and Israel. The incident is under investigation by the local authorities, the statement added.“One Indonesian survivor is currently receiving burn treatment at a hospital in the city of Khasab, Oman. The other three Indonesians are still being searched for by the local authorities,” the ministry said Saturday.Amid the escalating tension in West Asia, several vessels have been targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday (Mar 5) said that the passage is closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices.On February 28, the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Three Indonesian crew members are missing after a UAE-flagged tugboat sank in the Strait of Hormuz following an explosion and fire. One survivor with burns is being treated in Oman as authorities continue search operations.

Jakarta’s foreign ministry on Saturday (Mar 7) said that three Indonesian crew members were missing after a United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (Mar 6). The ministry added that a search was underway by the local authorities. An explosion occurred on Musaffah 2, following which the vessel caught fire and sank in the passage, which is blocked by Iran amid war with the United States and Israel. The incident is under investigation by the local authorities, the statement added. “One Indonesian survivor is currently receiving burn treatment at a hospital in the city of Khasab, Oman. The other three Indonesians are still being searched for by the local authorities,” the ministry said Saturday. Amid the escalating tension in West Asia, several vessels have been targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday (Mar 5) said that the passage is closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices. On February 28, the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Three Indonesian crew members are missing after a UAE-flagged tugboat sank in the Strait of Hormuz following an explosion and fire. One survivor with burns is being treated in Oman as authorities continue search operations.

UAE tugboat sinks in Strait of Hormuz; 3 Indonesian crew members missing

Iran should come to the negotiating table with world powers and Gulf countries to seek a new deal that would deescalate regional tensions and revive its economy, a senior United Arab Emirates official said on Sunday.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers in a vital global shipping lane this summer, including off the UAE coast, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Iran said it had resumed uranium enrichment at its Fordow nuclear site, stepping further away from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after the United States pulled out of it.

"Further escalation at this point serves no one and we strongly believe that there is room for collective diplomacy to succeed," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a speech in Abu Dhabi.

He warned against a "false choice" between war and the "flawed" atomic deal.

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran since pulling out of the pact as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran.

Gargash said new talks with Iran should not just deal with the nuclear issue but also address concerns over its ballistic missile programme and regional interventions through proxy groups.

These topics mean regional countries would need to be involved in the discussions, he said at an annual strategic debate in the UAE capital.

The UAE, which says Iran is a destabilising force in the region, backed US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Tehran but called for de-escalation after the attacks.

"I believe there could be a path to a deal with Iran that all parties might soon be ready to embark on. It will be long, and patience and courage will be required," Gargash said.

It was important that the international community be on the same page, especially the United States and European Union countries, as well as regional states, he added.

Washington says it hopes the sanctions, which are aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, will force Iran into negotiations to reach a wider deal.

But Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has banned Iranian officials from holding such talks unless the United States returns to the nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions.

Iran should come to the negotiating table with world powers and Gulf countries to seek a new deal that would deescalate regional tensions and revive its economy, a senior United Arab Emirates official said on Sunday.

Iran should come to the negotiating table with world powers and Gulf countries to seek a new deal that would deescalate regional tensions and revive its economy, a senior United Arab Emirates official said on Sunday. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers in a vital global shipping lane this summer, including off the UAE coast, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure. On Thursday, Iran said it had resumed uranium enrichment at its Fordow nuclear site, stepping further away from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after the United States pulled out of it. "Further escalation at this point serves no one and we strongly believe that there is room for collective diplomacy to succeed," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a speech in Abu Dhabi. He warned against a "false choice" between war and the "flawed" atomic deal. The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran since pulling out of the pact as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran. Gargash said new talks with Iran should not just deal with the nuclear issue but also address concerns over its ballistic missile programme and regional interventions through proxy groups. These topics mean regional countries would need to be involved in the discussions, he said at an annual strategic debate in the UAE capital. The UAE, which says Iran is a destabilising force in the region, backed US President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Tehran but called for de-escalation after the attacks. "I believe there could be a path to a deal with Iran that all parties might soon be ready to embark on. It will be long, and patience and courage will be required," Gargash said. It was important that the international community be on the same page, especially the United States and European Union countries, as well as regional states, he added. Washington says it hopes the sanctions, which are aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, will force Iran into negotiations to reach a wider deal. But Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has banned Iranian officials from holding such talks unless the United States returns to the nuclear deal and lifts all sanctions.

UAE calls for Iran talks with world powers, region

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Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls For Muslim Unity | Gulf States Face Growing Security & Economic Pressure

UAE suspends trade with Iran, accuses Tehran of targeting Gulf shipping

UAE accuses Iran of 'acts of piracy' after attack on ADNOC vessel in Hormuz

‘Entirely false, unfounded’: UAE rejects reports on funds transfer to Iran

‘The Iron Shield’: How the UAE intercepted 352 ballistic missiles mid-air

Why 19 Indians were just arrested by UAE for deepfaking Iran War

UAE tugboat sinks in Strait of Hormuz; 3 Indonesians missing

UAE calls for Iran talks with world powers, region