The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a ban on Iranian nationals entering the country. Major long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, alongside budget airline FlyDubai, announced the update on their respective websites.

The directive applies throughout the federation of seven sheikhdoms. However, holders of 10-year Golden Visa residency permits would still be permitted to enter the federation.

Dubai has already shuttered the city-state’s Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club.

“Since the start of Iran’s brazen attacks, the UAE Air Defenses have engaged 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2012 drones.” The ministry further stated that the Iranian attacks to date “resulted in the martyrdom of two members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, in addition to the martyrdom of a Moroccan national civilian contractor with the armed forces, and the killing of nine civilians”. Another official statement from the ministry declared: “The UAE Ministry of Defence affirms that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats and to firmly counter all that targets the destabilization of the state, ensuring the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protecting its interests and national capabilities.”

Over recent weeks, Iran has stepped up its assaults on oil refineries and other energy infrastructure across neighbouring Gulf states. Kuwait International Airport was also targeted and struck by a drone attack today (April 1), with further reports emerging of an oil tanker being hit off the coast of Qatar.

Donald Trump has claimed Tehran’s new leader has sought a ceasefire, yet pledged to carry on “blasting Iran back to the Stone Ages” until the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane is fully reopened.

The US President, who is scheduled to deliver a televised address later on Wednesday, made the announcement via a post on his Truth Social platform. However, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman dismissed Mr Trump’s claims as “false and baseless”.

Mr Trump declined to identify the regime’s new leader whom he said had appealed for a truce, but described him as “much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors”.