The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has issued an urgent security advisory to its nationals, warning against the unauthorized filming or sharing of "incident sites" as regional tensions escalate.

The mission’s directive comes as the Middle East grapples with a surge in hostilities following joint US-Israeli air strikes on Iran. This follows reports from Iranian state media confirming that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a targeted strike in Tehran last week.

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Strict prohibitions on media

UAE authorities have made it clear that "strict action" will be taken against anyone caught filming restricted areas, airports, or the aftermath of military incidents. The Indian mission has specifically instructed its citizens to:

  • Seek immediate shelter during warning alerts and remain there until given the "all-clear."

  • Refrain from recording or photographing sites of impact, including shrapnel or projectile damage.

  • Avoid digital circulation of such material on social media platforms, which could lead to severe legal consequences.

Energy markets in turmoil

The conflict has directly impacted global energy security. Following retaliatory Iranian drone and missile strikes on American military bases and infrastructure across the Gulf, the UAE and Kuwait have begun significant cuts to oil production.

The move follows the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime artery through which approximately 20% of global energy exports pass. With tankers unable to navigate the waterway, storage facilities are nearing capacity, forcing regional producers to scale back operations.

While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently suggested a de-escalation by ordering the military to spare countries not directly attacking the Islamic Republic, US President Donald Trump termed the move as a "surrender," and strikes from Tehran have reportedly continued. (With inputs from Agencies)