UAE suspends all trade with Iran after accusing it of firing two ballistic missiles at Gulf shipping, while Trump insists Hormuz blockade remains in force.
Published
UAE halts all trade and financial dealings with Iran after accusing Tehran of firing two ballistic missiles at shipping in the Gulf on Tuesday, marking the first time in months the Emirates' defense ministry warned of a missile threat to its territory. Iran denied the claim.
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday no talks with Iran were planned and insisted the Strait of Hormuz remained open despite reduced shipping traffic. The president's statement came as Oman and Iran neared a deal on the waterway, while a projectile struck a vessel in the area.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the US was "begging" for negotiations, a charge Trump denied. The conflicting narratives underscore the deepening diplomatic standoff as tensions in the Gulf escalate.
The UAE missile incident represents a significant escalation, with the Arab state taking the rare step of suspending all economic ties. Iran has rejected the UAE allegations, maintaining its denial despite mounting international pressure.
Sources: 1. The National: Iran war latest: Trump insists naval blockade of Hormuz remains in force — https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/08/18/live-us-iran-war-uae-missile-alert/ (src1) 2. Al Jazeera: Iran war live: Trump denies Iran talks, Tehran claims US ‘begging’ — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/8/19/iran-war-live-trump-denies-iran-talks-tehran-claims-us-begging?traffic_source=rss (src2) 3.