Several Gulf states intercept Iranian missiles as retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes expands conflict beyond Iran and Israel.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Iran fired missiles at multiple Gulf Arab states on Saturday, with one person reported killed in Abu Dhabi, as Tehran carried out retaliatory strikes following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.
State media in the United Arab Emirates confirmed a fatality in the capital but did not release additional details about the victim or the circumstances.
Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan—each hosting a U.S. military presence—said their air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles before they caused widespread damage.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared that the operation targeted “all occupied territories and the criminal U.S. bases in the region,” stating, “All occupied territories and the criminal U.S. bases in the region have been struck by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles. This operation will continue relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated.”
Explosions and Air Defenses Activated
Bahrain confirmed an attack within its territory and said a service center associated with the U.S. Fifth Fleet was struck. Video recorded by a Reuters witness showed grey smoke rising near the coastline of the island nation as warning sirens sounded.
In Abu Dhabi, loud explosions were heard across several districts, according to witnesses including two Reuters correspondents. Residents in some neighborhoods received emergency alerts instructing them to shelter in secure buildings and avoid windows due to missile threats.
One witness reported hearing five rapid explosions that caused windows near the Corniche waterfront to vibrate. Additional loud booms were reported in the Al Dhafra and Bateen areas. Fighter jets were observed patrolling the skies around Yas Island during the afternoon.
In Qatar, military officials said Iranian missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory following what they described as “joint coordination.” Several waves of explosions were heard in Doha.
After the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter warning, daily life initially continued with shoppers in supermarkets and tourists traveling through West Bay. Activity declined later when government-issued shelter-in-place alerts were pushed to mobile phones, thinning traffic and clearing streets.
Kuwait’s army reported engaging missiles in its airspace. Jordan’s government said its air defenses shot down two Iranian ballistic missiles.
Regional and Aviation Impact
The widening conflict has disrupted regional aviation. Global airlines suspended flights across parts of the Middle East, with flight tracking maps showing Iranian airspace largely empty as carriers diverted routes or grounded aircraft.
The missile exchanges mark a significant expansion of hostilities beyond direct confrontation between Iran and Israel, bringing Gulf states into active defense posture amid heightened regional tension. Governments across the region continue monitoring developments as air defense systems remain on alert.
Original article
Comments