DOHA/TEHRAN/JERUSALEM: Tensions across the Middle East intensified sharply on Saturday following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across the Gulf region.
Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency reported that Tehran 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 a missile struck the naval base area in Juffair, with smoke seen rising from the vicinity. In Qatar, the Ministry of Defence stated that multiple incoming missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory, reportedly by Patriot air defence systems. However, loud explosions were heard in the capital Doha. Authorities issued emergency alerts advising residents to remain indoors and avoid military locations.
Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed their airspace as a precautionary measure amid the escalating security situation. Explosions were also reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, as well as in Manama and Kuwait City, with air defence systems activated in response to incoming threats.
In Saudi Arabia, international media outlets reported explosions in Riyadh, though there was no immediate official confirmation.
Simultaneously, the Israeli military announced it was conducting a broad strike against military targets in western Iran. Explosions were reported in Urmia after evacuation warnings were issued for civilians residing near military installations in the area.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed launching missiles and drones towards Israel, describing the action as a response to joint American-Israeli aggression. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the strikes violated international law and cited Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, asserting Iran’s right to self-defence. The ministry declared that the country’s armed forces were fully prepared and warned of consequences for what it termed aggressors.
A senior Iranian official said US and Israeli assets in the region would be considered legitimate targets following the escalation.
Meanwhile, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev criticised Washington, accusing it of using nuclear negotiations as a pretext for military action.
The unfolding crisis has also disrupted civilian aviation. Turkish Airlines announced the cancellation of flights to several regional destinations, including Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan, citing security concerns.
Earlier, Iranian officials reiterated that the country does not seek nuclear weapons and reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, rejecting accusations from Washington.
The rapidly evolving developments mark one of the most significant regional escalations in recent years, with military exchanges now affecting multiple Gulf states. Governments across the region remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold.