Published July 16th, 2026 - 04:36 GMT
Highlights
The incidents come amid a rapidly intensifying confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging military strikes and threats
ALBAWABA- Authorities in Dubai denied reports of blasts in the city on Thursday evening, after initial information allegedly said explosion sounds were heard due to missile interceptions, Euronews revealed.Dubai Media Office issued a statement denying false news by saying, "The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) confirms that the Reuters report regarding explosions in Downtown Dubai is false. GDMO urges the public and media to rely only on official sources for accurate information and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information."In another statement, the office added, "The Government of Dubai Media Office confirms that action will be taken against media outlets that publish false news or unverified information about Dubai, in accordance with local and federal laws and regulations."The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) confirms that the Reuters report regarding explosions in Downtown Dubai is false. GDMO urges the public and media to rely only on official sources for accurate information and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 16, 2026 Earlier, reports claimed explosions were reported in central Dubai on Thursday, while Iranian media said missile strikes targeted areas near Bandar Abbas, a key port city in southern Iran, as tensions between the United States and Iran continued to escalate.In Iran, state-linked media reported that missiles struck locations near Bandar Abbas, a strategic naval and commercial hub located close to the Strait of Hormuz.The incidents come amid a rapidly intensifying confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging military strikes and threats. In recent days, the United States has carried out attacks on Iranian targets, including locations on Qeshm, Kish, and Hengam islands in the Persian Gulf. Iranian authorities have reported at least 35 deaths and more than 300 injuries from the strikes.Reuters has reported explosions in central Dubai, but a UAE Ministry of Defence official has told Faytuks Network that no explosions occurred in the city.Conflicting reports at the moment.#Dubai— BPI News (@BPINewsOrg) July 16, 2026 Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against U.S.-aligned targets in the region, including Kuwait and Jordan, raising fears that the conflict could expand beyond Iran’s borders and threaten key energy and shipping routes.The latest developments follow remarks by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who said that “the Hormuz Strait will not be solved militarily,” signaling that Washington does not seek a full-scale naval confrontation in the strategic waterway while maintaining pressure on Tehran.His comments appeared aimed at reassuring allies and global markets that the United States was pursuing a controlled approach rather than an unrestricted military escalation.However, the reported explosions in Dubai and strikes near Bandar Abbas highlight the growing risk of regional spillover and miscalculation as retaliatory actions continue. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes, remains at the center of international concerns over security and energy stability.
