Tensions across the Middle East have dramatically escalated following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, triggering a wave of retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across the Gulf region. Multiple explosions have been reported in several countries, airspace closures have been announced, and regional military bases hosting US forces appear to have been targeted.
According to Iranian state-affiliated news agency Fars, Tehran confirmed it had targeted several US military installations, including Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Bahraini authorities confirmed that the naval base in Juffair was struck by a missile attack, with smoke seen rising from the area.
In Qatar, the Ministry of Defence stated that multiple Iranian missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory, reportedly by the Patriot air defense system. Nevertheless, loud explosions were heard in the capital, Doha. Qatari authorities issued emergency mobile alerts urging residents to remain indoors and avoid military sites. Qatar, along with Kuwait and the UAE, temporarily closed its airspace amid the escalating situation.
Explosions were also reported in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, as well as in Manama, Bahrain, and Kuwait City. Sirens were activated in several locations as defensive systems responded to incoming threats. In Saudi Arabia, the AFP news agency reported explosions in Riyadh, though official confirmation remains limited.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military announced it was conducting a “broad strike” against military targets in western Iran. Explosions were reported in Urmia shortly after Israel issued evacuation warnings for civilians living near military installations in the area.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had launched missiles and drones toward Israel in response to what Tehran described as joint American-Israeli aggression. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks violated international law and cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting Iran’s right to self-defense. The ministry declared that the country’s armed forces are “fully prepared” and warned that aggressors would “regret their actions.”
A senior Iranian official further stated that all US and Israeli assets in the region are now considered legitimate targets, warning that there are “no red lines” following the latest escalation.
Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev criticized Washington, accusing the United States of using nuclear negotiations as a cover for military operations. He claimed the US had “shown its true colours.”
The unfolding crisis has also disrupted civilian aviation. Turkish Airlines announced the cancellation of flights to multiple regional destinations, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan, citing security concerns.
Earlier in the day, Iran reiterated that it does not seek nuclear weapons, rejecting accusations from Washington. Iranian officials had recently reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy at international forums.
The rapidly evolving situation marks one of the most significant regional escalations in recent years, with military exchanges now spanning multiple countries across the Gulf. Governments across the region remain on high alert as further developments are anticipated.
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