Iran launched its first attack on the UAE since a fragile ceasefire in early April, firing 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones at the country on Monday, May 4. UAE air defences intercepted all incoming threats, though a fire in Fujairah left three people injured. The escalation comes amid rising Gulf tensions, with US forces targeting Iranian IRGC boats under “Project Freedom” and warning of retaliation if US ships are hit. In response to the security situation, authorities in Dubai and Sharjah temporarily moved schools to online learning to ensure student safety. Regional shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces growing disruption amid a widening “double blockade.” We bring you real-time updates on this unfolding crisis:

01:05 PM, 5 May 2026

Pakistan’s Shehbaz condemns Iran attacks

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Iranian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the UAE, expressing full solidarity with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Pakistan strongly condemns the missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates last night. I express full solidarity with His Highness @MohamedBinZayed. Pakistan stands firmly with our Emirati brothers and sisters as well as with the Government of…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 5, 2026

12:49 PM, 5 May 2026

Asian stocks drop amid fears over US-Iran ceasefire

Asian stocks sank Tuesday with a fresh spike in Middle East tensions fanning fears over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, as the two sides appeared no closer to a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

And while oil prices fell, they held most of the huge gains seen Monday after the two countries traded fire over the key waterway and the United Arab Emirates reported a strike on an installation.

The exchanges came after Donald Trump announced a mission called “Project Freedom” to guide ships from neutral countries out of the Gulf, saying it was a humanitarian effort to help stranded crews.

12:34 PM, 5 May 2026

Qatar’s Emir condemns terrorist attacks targeting the UAE

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, condemning the Iranian terrorist attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani noted that the attacks constitute a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and a threat to its security, stability and territorial integrity. He affirmed Qatar’s full solidarity with the UAE and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its security.

11:46 AM, 5 May 2026

Saudi crown prince backs UAE, slams Iran’s terrorist strikes

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during which he condemned the Iranian terrorist attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in the UAE, noting that they constitute a violation of the country’s sovereignty and of international law, and undermine regional security and stability.

11:43 AM, 5 May 2026

Belgium condemns Iranian attacks on UAE

Belgium has strongly condemned the recent Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates and expressed full solidarity with the Emirati people, describing the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law.

In a statement on Tuesday, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot expressed full solidarity and support for the people of the UAE, following what he described as renewed, unjustified Iranian attacks. He condemned the incidents as a clear breach of international law and stressed that the territorial integrity of Gulf states must be respected.

11:03 AM, 5 May 2026

UAE’s Gargash thanks world for solidarity, calls Iran ‘aggressor’

UAE Presidential Adviser Dr. Anwar Gargash responded on X on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to the wave of international condemnation of the Iranian attacks, expressing appreciation for global support while squarely placing blame on Tehran. Gargash wrote: “We appreciate and value the messages of solidarity from the Gulf, Arab, and international communities with the United Arab Emirates, which condemn and denounce the treacherous Iranian attack, and reflect the international community’s commitment to a system based on values and responsibility, one that rejects rogue actions and isolates their perpetrators. These positions affirm that Iran is the aggressor party, responsible for exacerbating the crisis in the Arabian Gulf, and the source of danger and threat to its security and stability.”

10:48 AM, 5 May 2026

Modi condemns UAE attacks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, strongly condemning the Iranian attacks on the UAE following confirmation that three Indian nationals were among the injured. Modi wrote: “Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals.”

Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable.

India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2026

10:34 AM, 5 May 2026

New equation taking shape in Hormuz

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, that a new strategic reality is emerging in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the “new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified.” Ghalibaf squarely blamed the United States for jeopardising the security of shipping and energy transit through the critical waterway.

09:35 AM, 5 May 2026

South Korea to review joining US Hormuz operation

South Korea said Tuesday it will “review its position” on joining US operations in the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump urged Seoul to take part following an apparent Iranian attack on one of its ships.

An explosion and fire were reported on a South Korean cargo vessel on Monday in the key waterway, which has been effectively blocked since the Mideast war erupted on February 28.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said Tuesday that all 24 crew members aboard the stricken HMM Namu — including six South Korean nationals — were unharmed. Trump said the incident should prompt South Korea to join American efforts to guide stranded ships through the strait, a major artery for the fuel exports that Seoul relies on. 

09:07 AM, 5 May 2026

Iran’s FM warns US against military path

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to X on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, cautioning the United States against pursuing a military resolution to the Strait of Hormuz crisis as US-Iran nuclear talks continue with Pakistan’s mediation.

Araghchi wrote: “Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis. As talks are making progress with Pakistan’s gracious effort, the US should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE. Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.”

08:45 AM, 5 May 2026

India condemns Fujairah attack

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the Iranian attack on Fujairah, confirming that three Indian nationals were among those injured. Official Spokesperson of the Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and urging diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

08:20 AM, 5 May 2026

Growing calls for de-escalation

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia called for de-escalation in the Middle East following reported attacks on the United Arab Emirates.

Britain’s Prime Minister said that the “escalation must cease”, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on X that “Tehran must return to the negotiating table and stop holding the region and the world hostage.” 

08:17 AM, 5 May 2026

Iran says attacks are response to US

A senior Iranian military official did not deny the fresh strikes but said on state television that the Islamic republic had “no pre-planned programme to attack the oil facilities in question”.

“What happened was the product of the US military’s adventurism to create a passage for ships to illegally pass through” the Strait of Hormuz, the official said. “The US military must be held accountable for it”.

7:27 AM, 5 May 2026

Canada strongly condemns Iran’s unprovoked attacks on UAE

Canada strongly condemned Iran’s unprovoked missile and drone attacks on the UAE.

“We stand in solidarity with and the people of the United Arab Emirates and commend defensive efforts to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X.

07:21 AM, 5 May 2026

First Russian oil arrives in Japan since Iran war

Japan has taken delivery of its first stockpile of oil from Russia since global supplies were choked off by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the Iran war, reports said.

A tanker carrying crude that was produced as part of a Sakhalin-2 natural gas development project reached the coast of Imabari in western Japan on Monday, TV Tokyo, the Asahi Shimbun daily and other media said Monday, citing unnamed officials of wholesaler Taiyo Oil.

Taiyo Oil received a request from the economy ministry to take in the petroleum, the reports said.

The crude is expected to be sent to a refinery, where it will be turned into gasoline, naphtha – used to make various products from plastics, chemical fibers to paints – and other petroleum products, the reports said.

Officials of the company could not immediately be reached to confirm the report.

07:16 AM, 5 May 2026

South Korean ship to be towed after fire in Strait of Hormuz

A probe will determine cause as crew confirmed safe amid regional shipping disruption

A South Korean-operated vessel that caught fire following an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday will be towed to a nearby port for inspection and repairs, Seoul’s foreign ministry said.

Authorities said a formal investigation will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the incident once the vessel reaches port.

The ship had 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans, with no casualties reported.

Officials also noted that 26 South Korea-related vessels have been stranded in the Strait since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, underscoring growing disruption to regional shipping routes.

07:15 AM, 5 May 2026

Iranian media claims US strike killed 5 civilians

Iranian state media has reported that a US military operation in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the deaths of five civilians, disputing US claims that the targeted boats were linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to the Tasnim news agency, Iranian authorities said an investigation found that the vessels struck were civilian cargo boats carrying goods and passengers, travelling from Khasab in Oman towards the Iranian coast.

A military official was quoted as saying US forces “attacked and fired upon two small cargo boats” and that the operation reflected “fear” of Iran’s fast-boat capabilities in the region.

The allegations have not been verified, and there has been no immediate response from US authorities regarding the Iranian claims.

07:10 AM, 5 May 2026

UAE schools go online nationwide

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced a nationwide shift to distance learning from Tuesday, May 5, to Friday, May 8, 2026, covering students, teachers, and administrative staff across all nurseries and public and private schools. The measure has been taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the educational community amid the ongoing security situation, with authorities set to review the decision on Friday and noting the period may be extended if necessary.

06:59 AM, 5 May 2026

Over 100 US aircraft support operations in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has deployed warships and military aircraft across the Middle East as part of an expanded operation enforcing a naval blockade against Iran and ensuring the continued flow of commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The mission, known as Project Freedom, includes more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, among them US Air Force F-16 fighter jets, operating alongside naval forces in the region.

US officials said the deployment is aimed at protecting American forces and safeguarding commercial shipping routes amid rising tensions in the Gulf. The operation is focused on maintaining maritime security and supporting the movement of vessels through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

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06:31 AM, 5 May 2026

Tehran doesn’t outright confirm or deny the attacks

Early on Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that both the US and the UAE “should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire.”

In similarly vague terms, Iranian state television earlier quoted an anonymous military official as saying Tehran had had “no plan” to target the UAE or one of its oil fields.

“The incident resulted from US military adventurism to create an illegal passage,” the official was quoted as saying about the oil facility attack, apparently referring to Trump’s latest efforts to reopen the strait, a critical waterway for global energy.

05:26 AM, 5 May 2026

US urges reconsidering UAE travel after aerial threat alerts

Level 3 advisory stays as authorities issue nationwide warnings. The US Department of State has advised citizens to reconsider travel to the UAE following mobile alerts warning of potential aerial threats issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior.

The US maintains a Level 3 travel advisory, urging heightened caution. The US Mission to the UAE said it is monitoring the situation closely and advised Americans to follow local safety instructions, including shelter guidance if needed.

The US Embassy Abu Dhabi and US Consulate General Dubai remain open under ordered-departure status, with non-essential staff relocated. Routine visa services are suspended.

Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor official updates, and keep emergency supplies ready as the situation continues to evolve.

05:00 AM, 5 May 2026

Macron says Iranian strikes on UAE ‘unjustified’, ‘unacceptable’

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned Iran’s strikes on the UAE, describing them as “unjustified and unacceptable” and pledging continued French support for the UAE and regional allies.

“As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” Macron said in a post on X.

GN