Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iranian leadership and military targets early Saturday, prompting Tehran to retaliate with ballistic missile attacks on Israel and US military installations across the Gulf.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted US assets in the region, including Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and facilities in Kuwait. Explosions were also reported in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.
Gulf air defence systems intercepted most incoming missiles, authorities said, but the attacks led to airspace closures, flight suspensions, emergency alerts and diplomatic condemnations.
In the United Arab Emirates, explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai after missiles targeted Al Dhafra Air Base. Air defence systems intercepted several projectiles, but falling debris from one interception killed at least one person in Abu Dhabi, state media reported.
The UAE condemned the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law and said it reserved the right to respond. The General Civil Aviation Authority announced a partial and temporary closure of airspace. Residents in Abu Dhabi received emergency alerts advising them to take shelter.
Major carriers Emirates and Etihad reported delays and cancellations, while international airlines rerouted or suspended flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Authorities have urged the public not to rely on rumours and to refer only to official sources for accurate information, following renewed circulation of reports about a past security incident.
Officials affirmed that the security situation in the UAE remains stable. All concerned entities continue to monitor developments around the clock, and the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains the highest priority.
The Ministry reiterated that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to any such escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, sovereignty, security and stability.
In Saudi Arabia, explosions were heard in Riyadh after missiles were launched towards the kingdom, though air defences appeared to intercept them. Saudi Arabia denounced what it described as “brutal Iranian aggression” and expressed solidarity with the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.
No civilian casualties were reported in Saudi Arabia, and no airspace closures were announced, though regional flight disruptions affected travel to and from the kingdom.
BAHARIN
Bahrain said a missile targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Manama. Authorities described it as a “treacherous attack” and a violation of sovereignty. Air defences intercepted incoming threats, and some air traffic was suspended.
QATAR
Qatar confirmed missiles targeted areas including Al Udeid Air Base. Its military said multiple waves were intercepted in joint coordination. Doha called the strikes a violation of sovereignty and said it reserved the right to respond.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transportation called on vessels to temporarily suspend maritime navigation. Qatar Airways suspended flights to and from Doha after airspace was closed.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq before the strikes, warning against allowing US or Israeli use of their territory.
US and Israeli officials indicated operations against Iran could continue. Several countries in the region, including Iraq and Jordan, closed their airspace. Authorities across the Gulf urged residents to follow official guidance as tensions remained high.