UAE Residents Update: Key Developments on Trump’s Iran Deal and Flight Status

Kuwait City, Kuwait Aug 22, 2026 ALN: Tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with the Strait of Hormuz at the center of the latest developments. President Donald Trump has stepped up economic pressure on Tehran, while Iran has rejected the measures and Oman continues diplomatic efforts over the strategic waterway.

For UAE residents, the developments could have implications for shipping, oil prices, regional travel, and flights.

Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply.

Here are the key developments to watch today:

Strait of Hormuz remains the main flashpoint

• Trump said he views the Strait of Hormuz as “American territory” and claimed the US has “total control” over the waterway and surrounding areas.

• He said Iran wants a deal but is not ready to accept what he considers the right terms.

• Iran has set conditions for reopening the Strait, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and easing oil sanctions.

• Traffic through the Strait remains well below pre-war levels, despite a recent increase in vessel movements.

• NATO allies are exploring possible contributions to support freedom of navigation, although NATO has stressed this would not be a NATO mission.

US steps up economic pressure on Iran

• Trump has announced what he called the “most crushing economic operation” against Tehran.

• The measures target oil-smuggling networks, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, and front companies.

• Trump has warned countries and businesses continuing to deal with Iran could face “tremendous economic consequences.”

• Iran has rejected the measures, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei calling the sanctions a “declaration of war” on all nations.

• China has pushed back against the US campaign, saying sanctions and pressure tactics could escalate tensions.

Oman keeps diplomacy alive

• The foreign ministers of Oman and Iran held talks on returning to negotiations over arrangements governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

• Oman has historically played an important role in US-Iran diplomacy.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met Oman’s top diplomat amid tensions over Muscat’s efforts to negotiate with Tehran.

• Iranian state media reported that a trade agreement with Oman has been finalized and sent to parliament for approval.

Iran signals need for an end to war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war with the US would have to end “at some point,” while arguing that diplomacy should continue from a position of strength.

The comments come as Iran faces growing economic pressure, including shortages and high inflation, while hardliners continue to oppose concessions to Washington.

Oil exports and energy prices under pressure

• Iranian crude loadings have fallen sharply from pre-war levels as the US blockade restricts Tehran’s ability to export oil.

• A large volume of Iranian crude is reportedly stranded aboard tankers in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

• Trump has predicted that oil prices will fall once the conflict ends.

• Continued disruption around Hormuz could keep pressure on global energy markets.

UAE flight update: What travellers need to know

UAE airports are preparing for higher passenger numbers as the summer holiday period ends, while regional flight schedules remain subject to change because of the wider Middle East situation.

Dubai’s General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs has increased operational readiness across airport platforms and checkpoints to help manage the expected travel rush.

UAE airline updates

• Etihad Airways: Abu Dhabi–Bahrain services are operating, with EY647 and EY648 arrived. EY641, EY643, EY645, EY642, EY644, and EY646 are scheduled. Abu Dhabi–Kuwait EY653 and Kuwait–Abu Dhabi EY654 are scheduled.

• Emirates: Some Dubai–Bahrain flights have been cancelled, while EK839 and EK840 are scheduled. Dubai–Kuwait services EK857 and EK858 are scheduled.

• flydubai: Services to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia are operating, although some other flights have been cancelled.

• Air Arabia: Several services between the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have been cancelled, delayed, or have yet to depart. Some Sharjah–Kuwait and Kuwait–Sharjah flights are also cancelled.

Flight schedules can change at short notice, so passengers should check their specific flight number before leaving for the airport.

International airlines

Several international carriers continue to adjust their Middle East schedules:

• Air Canada: Dubai services suspended until mid-January 2027.

• British Airways: Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman services suspended until October 25.

• Singapore Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 24.

• KLM: Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam services suspended until September 6.

• Philippine Airlines: Dubai services suspended until October 2.

• Lufthansa and Swiss: Dubai services suspended until September 13.

• Turkish Airlines: Services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai have resumed, while Iran flights remain suspended.

Dubai prepares for post-summer travel rush

Dubai authorities are increasing operational readiness across airport platforms and checkpoints as residents and visitors return from summer holidays. Passengers should expect busier airports and allow extra time for check-in, security, immigration, and road traffic.

Before you travel: Check your airline’s website or app for the latest flight status and schedule updates.

What UAE residents should watch next

The key developments to monitor are Strait of Hormuz traffic, US-Iran negotiations, further sanctions, oil prices, and airline schedules.

Any escalation around the strategic waterway could have wider implications for regional shipping, energy markets, and travel.

For travellers, check your airline and airport status before setting out, as schedules can change at short notice.