Iran has reportedly issued urgent evacuation orders for key oil and gas facilities in the south of the country, including Bandar Abbas and Assaluyeh, amid growing fears of imminent airstrikes following an alleged attack on an Emirati oil tanker.
The developments point to a sharp escalation in the Gulf, as tensions rise between Iran and a regional alignment that includes the US, Israel, and Gulf states. Tehran is said to be on high military alert, while its currency continues to weaken and officials signal a possible “second phase” of confrontation.
STRATEGIC FLASHPOINTS IN THE GULF
Reports indicate that the evacuation orders follow earlier strikes attributed to Israel and the US in March 2026, targeting sensitive energy infrastructure. The immediate trigger now appears to be accusations by the United Arab Emirates that Iran attacked an ADNOC-affiliated tanker using drones in the Strait of Hormuz.