UAE Accuses Iran of Missile, Drone Attacks on Fujairah Oil Facility

The United Arab Emirates stated that its air defenses intercepted ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones launched from Iran, but one strike caused a fire at an oil refinery in Fujairah, injuring three Indian nationals. The attack marked a significant escalation since the ceasefire began in early April, during the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran that started on February 28.

Iran denied any premeditated plan to target the UAE, with an unnamed military official attributing the incident to US military actions in the Strait of Hormuz. UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the attack as treacherous and praised international messages of solidarity, affirming Iran as the aggressor.

Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the European Union also condemned the incident.

The attacks followed US President Trump's announcement of Project Freedom, a military operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. A South Korean-operated ship experienced an explosion and fire in the strait on Monday, which Trump blamed on an Iranian projectile, though South Korea's Foreign Ministry said the cause remains under investigation pending the vessel's return to port.

Iran's military claimed US forces attacked civilian boats in the strait, killing five civilians, and forced US destroyers to retreat after warning shots involving drones, missiles, and rockets. South Korea's presidential secretary Choi Soung-ah stated that Seoul is monitoring Trump's remarks and emphasized protecting international maritime routes under international law.

The government is reviewing participation in Project Freedom but noted that deploying a warship would require National Assembly approval due to the active warzone status. US Central Command denied Iranian claims of striking a US frigate, calling them categorically false.

Gold prices rebounded 0.5 percent to $4,543.33 per ounce after a drop, though gains were limited by inflation fears from high crude prices clouding the US interest rate outlook. European shares fell, with the STOXX 600 down 0.1 percent and London's FTSE 100 down 1 percent, as soaring oil prices stoked inflation concerns and expectations of European Central Bank rate hikes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments, amid stalled US-Iran negotiations to end the conflict. Pope Leo had condemned unjust actions and the taking of lives in response to Trump's posts.

In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli soldiers, vehicles, a tank with a drone, and bulldozers in areas including Biyyada, al-Qaouzah, Deir Siryan, and Rashaf, despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Fighting continues in the region.

Israeli strikes have damaged cultural and religious sites, including a Catholic convent in Yaroun, which the Israeli military said was used by Hezbollah for rocket launches but lacked external religious indicators. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that forces acted to prevent further damage once identified.

Separately, the commander of Israeli forces in the West Bank, Avi Bluth, warned that rising settler violence could spark a Palestinian uprising, calling it a disgrace. Israeli strikes also continued in Gaza, with a fire erupting in northern Gaza City after an attack despite a purported ceasefire.

University of Turin history professor Lorenzo Kamel told Al Jazeera that outsourcing security to external countries won't bring lasting peace and stressed no military solution exists for political problems in the region. He noted Western support for regimes to maintain control as a structural issue hindering negotiations.

Thailand approved a $12.2 billion emergency borrowing package to mitigate economic effects of the conflict, cutting its GDP growth forecast to 1.6 percent. South Korea condemned US-Israel strikes on Iran via protests at the US embassy in Seoul. Iranian officials warned that further US attempts to enter the Strait of Hormuz would violate the ceasefire.

Over the war's course, seven Arab countries faced attacks with at least 6,413 missiles and drones launched, mostly at the UAE, heightening fears of renewed involvement. The incident at Fujairah, a key energy hub, underscored risks to global oil supply and regional stability as the ceasefire appears increasingly fragile on day 67 of the conflict.