UAE's Fujairah says fire breaks out at petroleum complex after Iranian 'drone attack'

DUBAI: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah said on Monday that a fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone following what they described as a drone attack originating from Iran.

Civil defence teams were deployed immediately to contain the blaze, Fujairah Media Office said in a statement.

The UAE Defence Ministry said in a post on X, "The UAE has intercepted three missiles fired from Iran over its territorial waters, with a fourth missile crashing into the sea." 

The statement added that, "The Ministry of Defence affirmed that the sounds heard in different parts of the country are a result of air defence systems engaging threats."

"The ministry urged the public to obtain information from official sources and comply with all public safety procedures when warning messages are issued to the public," it said.

There was no immediate comment from Iran.

Iran's IRGC claims hitting US warship in Hormuz, but CENTCOM denies

Iran said it had forced a US warship to turn back from entering the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, although US Central Command quickly denied a report of a missile strike.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters Iran had fired a warning shot and that it was unclear whether the warship had been damaged.

Iran’s Fars News Agency said two missiles hit a US warship in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the US Central Command said in a post on X that no US Navy ships had been struck.

US Central Command, in a statement on X, said that, “US Navy guided-missile destroyers are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in support of Project Freedom.”

It further added that American forces were actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping. “As a first step, 2 US-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz and are safely headed on their journey,” it added.

According to Press TV, Iran stated that its forces had already fired warning shots at several US military vessels.

“Just like during the 40-day war, Iran will not allow American combat ships to pass, and any transit through the Strait of Hormuz will require authorisation from Iran’s armed forces,” it added.

Earlier, Iran's navy said it had ​prevented the entry of enemy ‌warships into the Strait of Hormuz by issuing a "swift and decisive warning", ​according to state TV. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to 'forcefully stop' ships violating Hormuz regulations.

The reported attack comes after President Trump said the US will begin “Project Freedom” on Monday to “guide” stranded ships out of the Strait of Hormuz.

The semi-official Fars news agency said a ‌US ⁠warship had been hit by two missiles while sailing near the port of Jask at the ​southern entrance ​to ⁠the strait and turned back from its attempt ​to transit the strait.

US Central Command said it would support the effort with 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 land and sea-based aircraft, along with warships and drones, according to Al Jazeera.

UAE accuses Iran of attacking empty tanker

The United Arab Emirates on Monday accused Iran of attacking an empty crude oil tanker belonging to the Abu Dhabi state oil firm ADNOC with drones as it attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

ADNOC's maritime energy logistics unit said the Barakah was empty when it was attacked by two drones, and no injuries were reported.

"The UAE further stressed the need for Iran to halt these unprovoked attacks, ensure its full commitment to an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz," the foreign ministry said.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency ​said earlier that a tanker had reported being hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait.