UAE slams Iran’s ‘terrorist attack’ as missiles target Abu Dhabi's Habshan gas facility, Bab oil field: Calls it ‘dangerous escalation’ amid war with US-Israel

The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as a “terrorist attack” by Iran targeting the Habshan gas facility and the Bab oil field, marking yet another escalation in the rapidly intensifying Iran vs US–Israel war.

The incident, though intercepted by UAE air defence systems, was caused by falling debris from the successful interception of missiles. As per the AD Media Office, the gas facilities have been shut down and no injuries have been reported. This has sent shockwaves across the region, highlighting the growing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure.While no casualties were reported, the implications of the attack go far beyond immediate damage.

It signals a dangerous shift in the Iran vs US–Israel war, where energy itself has become a battlefield. The incident follows Iran’s Pars gas field being struck by Israel, after which Tehran warned Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar that its oil and gas facilities would be targeted in the coming hours.The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had strongly condemned Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, calling it a “dangerous escalation” in the ongoing conflict.

In a rare rebuke since the US-Israeli war on Iran began, the UAE had warned that targeting energy infrastructure poses a direct threat to global energy security as well as regional stability, urging all parties to exercise restraint. The ministry had emphasised that vital facilities must not be targeted under any circumstances and stressed the importance of adhering to international law to prevent further escalation.

What happened at Habshan and Bab?

According to UAE authorities, Iranian missiles were launched towards key energy sites, including the Habshan gas complex, one of the world’s largest gas processing facilities and the Bab oil field. Air defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming threats but falling debris triggered emergency responses on the ground.As a precaution, operations at the facilities were temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the situation.

Importantly, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, underscoring the effectiveness of defensive systems but also the narrow margin by which a more serious disaster was avoided.

The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law, warning that such attacks on vital infrastructure threaten not only national sovereignty but also regional and global stability.

UAE's strong diplomatic response amid Iran vs US–Israel war

In a sharply worded statement, the UAE condemned the attack in the strongest terms, framing it as a direct threat to regional security, global energy supply and civilian safety. Officials emphasised that targeting oil and gas infrastructure represents a critical red line, given the role such facilities play in powering economies worldwide.

The UAE also reaffirmed its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national interests, signalling that the response may not be limited to defensive action.

The condemnation comes amid a broader wave of diplomatic backlash across the Gulf, as multiple countries react to Iran’s expanding strikes on energy assets.

Energy infrastructure now in the crosshairs amid Iran vs US–Israel war

What makes this attack particularly significant is its target. The Habshan complex is not just another industrial site, it is a cornerstone of the UAE’s energy network, processing vast quantities of gas critical to both domestic consumption and global exports.

Any disruption here has ripple effects far beyond national borders.Recent days have seen a clear pattern emerge:

Together, these incidents point to a strategic shift toward economic warfare, where energy infrastructure is being deliberately targeted to maximise impact.

The Iran vs US-Israel war escalation timeline

The Habshan attack is part of a rapidly unfolding chain of events -Late February 2026: US-Israel strikes hit Iranian military and energy-linked sitesEarly March: Iran launches retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the GulfMid-March: Israel strikes Iran’s South Pars gas fieldFollowing hours: Iran warns Gulf nations of imminent strikesNow: UAE facilities, including Habshan and Bab, targetedEach step has intensified the conflict, bringing it closer to civilian and economic infrastructure rather than just military targets.

Global energy markets on edge after Habshan and Bab attack amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The targeting of Habshan is not just a regional concern, it has global implications. The UAE is a key player in the global energy market and any disruption to its gas processing capabilities can tighten supply chains, push up global energy prices and increase market volatility. Already, recent attacks across the Gulf have contributed to sharp spikes in oil and gas prices, with analysts warning of potential long-term shortages if such strikes continue.

The situation is particularly sensitive given the strategic importance of the Gulf as a major energy corridor for Europe, Asia, India and East Asia. Experts stress that the outcome could have been far worse. Gas processing facilities like Habshan operate under high-pressure, high-risk conditions, where even minor disruptions can trigger large-scale explosions, prolonged shutdowns and environmental hazards.In this case, missiles were intercepted, no casualties were reported and damage was limited but the incident serves as a stark warning of how close the region is to a catastrophic energy event.

Gulf region under sustained threat amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The Habshan incident is not isolated. It is part of a broader pattern of sustained attacks and retaliations across the Gulf. According to reports, the UAE and neighbouring countries have faced hundreds of missile and drone threats in recent weeks, with most intercepted but some causing damage through debris and secondary impacts.This has led to heightened air defence readiness, temporary shutdowns of key facilities and increased security across infrastructure. The repeated targeting of energy assets suggests that the conflict is entering a prolonged and unpredictable phase. The UAE’s condemnation and the attack itself has gone viral across global platforms. Energy facilities are among the most sensitive and globally significant targets.

The shift from military to economic targets marks a turning point in the conflict.Energy disruptions affect fuel prices, economies and supply chains worldwide. If major facilities like Habshan can be targeted, what comes next? At its core, the attack on Habshan reflects a broader transformation in the nature of the conflict. This is no longer just a geopolitical standoff, it is evolving into a multi-dimensional crisis involving military confrontation, economic disruption, civilian risk and energy insecurity.

The deliberate targeting of oil and gas infrastructure signals that economic pressure is now a central strategy.The UAE’s condemnation of Iran’s strike on the Habshan gas facility underscores the seriousness of the moment with missiles intercepted, critical infrastructure targeted and regional tensions escalating but beyond the immediate facts lies a deeper reality. The Gulf is entering a phase where energy systems are no longer protected spaces, they are active frontlines in an expanding conflict and in a world that depends on that energy, the consequences could be felt far beyond the region.