Iran's military issued stark warnings on Saturday for residents to evacuate ports and American-linked sites in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first open threat to a neighbor's non-U.S. assets since the war with the United States and Israel began.

The joint military command specified Jebel Ali port in Dubai, the Middle East's busiest; Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi; and Fujairah port. Iran claimed U.S. forces launched low-range artillery attacks on its Kharg Island oil export terminal and Abu Musa Island from locations in Ras Al-Khaimah and near Dubai. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would aim to avoid populated areas but vowed retaliation against U.S.-linked oil, economic, and energy infrastructure.

The threats followed overnight U.S. strikes on Kharg Island, where Central Command destroyed naval mine storage, missile bunkers, and other military sites. President Donald Trump said the U.S. had 'totally obliterated' those assets and warned that oil facilities could be next if Iran continues disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil flows. Iran reported no damage to its oil infrastructure.

Shortly after the warnings, Iran launched nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones toward the UAE. Interceptors downed them, but debris sparked a fire at a Fujairah oil facility, prompting suspension of some oil-loading operations there. No other attacks hit the ports.

The conflict, now in its third week, erupted on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes to degrade Iran's military capabilities, including sites linked to its nuclear program and missile production. Israel reported hitting over 200 targets in Iran on Saturday alone, including missile launchers and defense systems. Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. assets.

The U.S. is bolstering its presence with 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Tripoli heading to the region, alongside the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyers. Trump urged allies including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to deploy warships to secure Hormuz. Britain said it was considering options with partners.

Oil prices hovered between $95 and $100 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions, with U.S. gas averaging $3.68 per gallon. Vessels backed up outside Hormuz, which Iran says is closed only to enemies.

A missile also struck a helipad at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Saturday, with no claim of responsibility. No immediate responses came from UAE officials.