Iran Strikes UAE, Qatar & Saudi Arabia After US-Israel Attacks

Iran carried out a series of missile attacks on key Gulf cities, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, on Saturday, hours after coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian targets. The escalation has intensified tensions in the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

In the UAE, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that a civilian of Asian nationality was killed in Abu Dhabi due to missile debris falling in a residential area. The ministry condemned the attack as a “dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens civilian safety and regional stability.”

Residents in Dubai described hearing explosions and witnessing missiles streak across the sky. One witness said, “It was a big explosion, and it made the windows shake,” while another reported seeing three missiles as “fireballs” leaving trails of smoke.

Several Middle East cities targeted in the attacks host American military personnel. Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Air Base is shared by the UAE and US Air Forces, while Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port regularly hosts US Navy vessels. Doha’s Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Saudi Arabia hosts over 2,000 US troops, including units stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which supports Patriot missile systems and Terminal High Altitude Area Defence assets.

Bahrain reported that Iran targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, a hub for American anti-mine and logistical support vessels. Sirens were also activated in Jordan, and Kuwait confirmed engagement of air defense systems against incoming missiles.

Qatar confirmed successful interception of missiles with no casualties, urging citizens to avoid debris. Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes as a “blatant violation of sovereignty” and warned of “grave consequences” for Tehran.

The attacks follow US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier on Saturday, including operations near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials reported 24 deaths at a school in one of the strikes. US President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations in Iran,” while the Pentagon named the mission “Operation Epic Fury.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a joint effort to confront an “existential threat” from Iran. Iran, in turn, reportedly fired missiles toward Israel.

The ongoing escalation has prompted global airlines to suspend flights across the region. Airspace has been closed over Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, affecting flights from India, including Air India and IndiGo.