US-Iran conflict intensifies as diplomatic and military tensions escalate

As Saturday draws to a close, the six-month-old US-Iran conflict shows no sign of easing, with fresh violence in Yemen, disputed reports of new strikes near Iran's Kharg Island, and a mounting diplomatic push at the United Nations. For residents across the UAE, the practical fallout continues to be felt most directly at the airport, where flight schedules remain in flux even as some international carriers resume service.

The EU strongly condemned Iran's latest attacks on the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and criticised strikes on Saudi vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Brussels called for de-escalation, full implementation of UN Resolution 2817, and protection of civilians.

In Baghdad, fuel queues have returned as import disruptions hit Iraq. Despite being OPEC's second-largest producer, the country relies on imports because its refineries can't meet domestic demand.

In Yemen, clashes between government forces and Houthi rebels killed more than 60 people, including 26 government troops and 31 Houthi fighters. A missile strike also hit a civilian bus in Taiz, killing six and wounding seven more.

Iran claimed the US struck one of its tankers near Kharg Island with four missiles, saying the crew was being evacuated with no casualties. The claim came without evidence, and the US has not responded. Earlier reports described explosions in the area, but neither side has confirmed details.

The US, UK, France and Germany have drafted a UN resolution to refer Iran to the Security Council over its nuclear obligations, expected to go to a vote next week in Vienna, though a likely Russian and Chinese veto makes punitive action unlikely.

President Trump warned the US could hit Iran's underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site "very soon," saying US forces have already destroyed Iranian radar installations twice. He defended the five-month campaign as necessary to stop Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Trump also downplayed the war as "small potatoes," a day after Vice President JD Vance said he wouldn't even call it a war. The six-month conflict has killed 18 US troops and thousands of Iranians, with Iran still disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipping and fuel prices threatening Republicans ahead of the midterms.

For anyone flying in or out of the UAE this evening, the picture is mixed: some routes are running as normal, others are delayed or still suspended.

If you're flying flydubai: Kuwait and Bahrain services are on schedule. Arrive at least four hours early, check in online, and allow extra time for traffic, security and immigration.

Check your specific flight status before heading to the airport, even if it was confirmed earlier today. Arrive with extra buffer time (three hours generally, four for flydubai), complete online check-in, and keep an eye on official airline channels for last-minute changes.