These areas, Iranian state media report, have become "legitimate targets" for the country's military.
14:06, Sat, Mar 14, 2026 Updated: 14:45, Sat, Mar 14, 2026
The Jebel Ali Port in Dubai has been named by Iranian media as a 'legitimate target' (Image: Getty)
Iran has urged people living and working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to leave three areas, including one located in the outskirts of Dubai, stating that they have become "legitimate targets". The chilling warning, issued by Iran via state news outlet Tasnim, read: "Warning issued to residents and inhabitants of specified areas in the UAE. Immediately move away from the areas of Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah ports."
The message, shared on the social media platform Telegram alongside three maps highlighting the areas deemed at risk, went on to allege without providing any evidence that US forces are located in these civilian ports. It continued: "Residents and inhabitants of the specified areas on the map in the United Arab Emirates are hereby informed to immediately move away from the areas of Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah ports."
Fujairah was reportedly struck by the debris of an intercepted drone (Image: Getty)
These ports are located in the outskirts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah respectively.
The message also warned the areas will be targeted by Iran in "the coming hours". It read: "These areas have become legitimate targets due to the presence and concealment of US military forces among civilian facilities and will be targeted in the coming hours.
"All citizens, port workers, and individuals present around these facilities are requested to leave these areas as soon as possible to preserve their lives."
The chilling warning comes just hours after a fire erupted near the Fujairah port, reportedly after being struck by debris from an intercepted drone.
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The local media office claimed no casualties had been reported.
Jebel Ali is the busiest port in the Middle East. On March 1, it was targeted by an Iranian strike.
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