Key facts
- Dubai authorities denied reports of explosions in the Jebel Ali industrial area and Business Bay.
- Footage shared online showed plumes of smoke rising over Jebel Ali.
- Reuters reported hearing blasts in downtown Dubai, citing witnesses.
- Dubai's official media office called the Reuters report 'false'.
- Reuters later withdrew its story pending post-publication review.
- UAE authorities are investigating the misinformation and the roles of those involved in publishing the report.
- Iranian state media claimed explosions shook Abu Dhabi.
- US Central Command confirmed ongoing strikes on Iran.
Dubai authorities have denied reports of explosions in the Jebel Ali industrial area and Business Bay, dismissing claims as false and urging reliance on official sources. Footage shared online showed plumes of smoke rising over Jebel Ali.
Witnesses told Reuters they heard blasts in downtown Dubai, but the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) called these reports "false." The GDMO urged the public and media to "rely only on official sources for accurate information and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified information." Reuters later withdrew its story pending post-publication review.
UAE authorities are continuing their investigation into the false reports. Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, Attorney General, stated that prosecutors are examining the roles of those responsible for preparing, approving, and publishing the report at Reuters, and the extent of their compliance with legal and professional standards for information verification. The Attorney General added that Reuters' apology does not preclude the continuation of the investigation to determine legal responsibility.
Separately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps posted claims on social media that explosions shook Abu Dhabi, which were also published by official Iranian state broadcasters. The IRGC-run Fars News Agency reported that US missiles hit locations near Bandar Abbas, Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it began a new wave of strikes on Iran for the fifth consecutive night.
Amid these events, Kuwait's Defense Ministry reported intercepting 32 Iranian drones within its airspace, with debris falling in residential areas causing material damage but no injuries. CENTCOM shared a video of a US Air Force F-35A stealth fighter refueling mid-air over the Middle East.