Saudi Arabia blasts Iran strikes, US assets in Gulf hit
Iran launched missile attacks on multiple Gulf cities, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, hours after the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iranian targets — dramatically widening the conflict across the Middle East.
The escalation follows coordinated US-Israeli strikes in Iran that reportedly targeted locations near the offices of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump described the campaign as “major combat operations,” while the Pentagon termed it “Operation Epic Fury.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a joint action to counter what he described as an “existential threat.”
Civilian casualty in Abu Dhabi
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence said a civilian of Asian nationality was killed after missile debris fell in a residential area of Abu Dhabi.
“Such acts constitute a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability,” the ministry said.
Residents in Dubai told AFP they heard loud explosions and saw missiles streaking across the night sky. One witness described a powerful blast that shook windows, while another reported seeing “fireballs” leaving trails of smoke before disappearing.
US military sites in the region
All the targeted cities host significant American military assets.
In Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra Air Base is jointly used by the UAE Air Force and the US Air Force. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port serves as the US Navy’s largest port of call in the Middle East.
In Doha, Al Udeid Air Base functions as the forward headquarters of US Central Command. Saudi Arabia hosts more than 2,000 US troops, including personnel stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which supports Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) systems.
US Fifth Fleet targeted in Bahrain
Bahrain confirmed that a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama.
“The Fifth Fleet’s service centre was subjected to a missile attack. We will provide you with details later,” Bahrain’s National Communication Centre said.
The Fifth Fleet oversees US naval operations across the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. Bahrain hosts several US naval vessels, including mine countermeasure ships and logistics support units.
Sirens were also activated in Jordan, while Kuwait said its air defence systems were engaged against incoming missiles.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia respond
Qatar said it successfully intercepted missiles targeting its territory and reported no casualties or material damage in residential areas. The Ministry of Interior urged residents not to approach unidentified debris.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned what it called “treacherous Iranian aggression,” describing the strikes as a “blatant violation of sovereignty” of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. Riyadh warned Tehran of “grave consequences.”
Wider regional escalation
Iran also launched missiles toward Israel, according to Israeli military statements. Earlier, an Iranian strike reportedly hit a school, killing 24 people, though independent verification was not immediately available.
Hospitals across Israel activated emergency protocols, and several Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace following the strikes.
Global airlines suspended or rerouted flights across the region. Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar shut their airspace. Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo diverted flights due to the closures.
The rapid escalation marks one of the most expansive confrontations in recent Middle East history, raising fears of a broader regional war involving multiple US military installations and allied states.
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