War jitters hit Dubai: markets slide, property deals slow

UAE foreign minister and deputy prime minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the country would not be “blackmailed by terrorists” in a post on X on Sunday, responding to criticism of remarks by UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash.

“We will never be blackmailed by terrorists,” Abdullah bin Zayed said.

His comment came in reply to former French ambassador Gérard Araud, who criticized Gargash’s remarks on Iran’s attacks and the strengthening of security partnerships with Washington.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said efforts should go beyond a ceasefire to ensure long-term regional security and address threats from Iran.

“Our thinking does not stop at a ceasefire," Gargash said in a post on X.

He said the focus should instead be on solutions that ensure sustainable security in the Persian Gulf, and curb Iran's "nuclear threat, missiles, drones, and the intimidation of maritime straits."

"It is not reasonable for aggression to turn into a permanent state of threat," he added.

France’s president Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday in a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that all parties should halt attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure and that Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“It is more essential than ever that all parties … agree to establish a moratorium on energy and civilian infrastructure and that Iran restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Macron said in a post on X

He warned of the risk of uncontrolled escalation and called for restraint to allow a return to dialogue.

Macron added that France stands ready to support Saudi Arabia’s air defense and said the G7 and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should strengthen coordination.

US President Donald Trump said his ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants would “work very well,” in an interview with Israel’s Channel 13.

“You will soon see what will happen with the ultimatum on the power plants — the result will be very good,” Trump said.

“There will be total destruction of Iran and it’s going to work very well,” he added.

Trump also criticized NATO countries, saying they are “not doing anything” and that Iran is now receiving “the punishment it deserves.”

Explosions hit multiple cities in southern Iran on Sunday evening, eyewitnesses told Iran International.

In Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province, witnesses said strong shaking accompanied several explosions.

In nearby Bandar Khamir, witnesses reported an explosion, thick smoke and the closure of the city’s entrances and exits.

In Bushehr, witnesses said they heard four powerful explosions on Sunday night.