Media: US, Israel consider response after Iran attack on UAE

Escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf in recent days risks a full resumption of military hostilities, although both Iran and the United States have made clear they do not seek such a scenario, Israel Hayom reports.

Iran’s response to the US operation to secure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz surprised the West. 

According to the report, Iranian forces did not limit themselves to targeting vessels passing through the strait, but also carried out a direct strike on the United Arab Emirates — a country that throughout the conflict has been among those most heavily targeted by Iran.

Iran’s focus on the southern port of Fujairah suggests a strategic intent to disrupt its operations, as the port allows shipping to bypass the Strait of Hormuz entirely.

The United States and Israel are now holding intensive consultations on the nature of possible retaliatory measures and support for their regional ally. According to three officials familiar with the matter, the most likely options include precision strikes on launchers and military assets threatening the strait, or a reciprocal strike on an Iranian energy facility in response to the attack in Fujairah.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded warning, stating that Iran would be "blown off the face of the earth" if it attacked American vessels participating in "Project Freedom," the operation aimed at reopening the strait. Trump also emphasised that the deployment of US forces in the region is ongoing and continuously reinforced.

Earlier, CNN reported that the UAE is expecting potential US-Israeli strikes on Iran within the next 24 hours.

By Jeyhun Aghazada