Iran has reportedly launched attacks targeting United States military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait, escalating tensions in the Gulf region following strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian territory.
According to Al Jazeera, the development comes in the wake of coordinated attacks on Iran by Israeli forces and the US military.
The retaliatory action has triggered a wave of security alerts and emergency measures across several Gulf states.
Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have temporarily closed their airspace amid the rising tensions. The closures followed reports of explosions in Kuwait, heightening fears of a broader regional confrontation.
In a statement on Saturday, Qatar’s Defence Ministry confirmed that an Iranian missile was successfully intercepted by the Patriot air defence system, preventing damage or casualties. Authorities did not immediately disclose the intended target of the missile.
Explosions were also reported in Bahrain, where officials said the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet had been targeted in a missile attack. The base, located in Manama, serves as a critical hub for American naval operations in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the Reuters news agency reported that a loud explosion was heard in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from Emirati authorities.
The attacks mark a significant escalation in hostilities between Iran and its adversaries, raising concerns about the stability of the Gulf region and the potential for further military exchanges.
Regional and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions appear increasingly strained.
