Explosions Intensify in Dubai, Doha, and Manama as Iran Strikes Back at US Forces in Gulf
Explosions have erupted across the Gulf states for a second consecutive day, with at least three fatalities reported in the United Arab Emirates. These attacks are part of Iran’s retaliation against the United States and Israel, following the deaths of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior officials.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in Dubai, Bahrain’s capital Manama, and Qatar’s capital Doha, raising concerns about a potential escalation in a region traditionally viewed as stable amidst broader Middle Eastern turmoil.
Reports of Explosions and Casualties
In Doha, residents described hearing loud bangs and observing thick black smoke rising in the southern part of the city. Shortly thereafter, Dubai experienced another wave of explosions, with missile interceptions visible in the sky and dark smoke billowing from Jebel Ali, a major port in the region.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the three individuals killed in the attacks were nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In Manama, witnesses reported at least four loud explosions, although there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Later, the Oman News Agency indicated that the Duqm commercial port in central Oman was targeted by two drones, resulting in injuries to an expatriate worker. This attack has drawn condemnation from the Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly as Oman had been facilitating negotiations between Iran and the US prior to the recent strikes.
Iranian Missile Strikes Across the Gulf
On Saturday, Iran launched a significant assault, firing 137 missiles and deploying 209 drones across the UAE, according to its Ministry of Defence. The strikes resulted in fires and smoke visible near Dubai’s iconic landmarks, including Palm Jumeirah and Burj al-Arab.
At Abu Dhabi International Airport, one fatality and seven injuries were reported during what officials termed an “incident.” Dubai International Airport, recognized as the busiest airport for international traffic, and Kuwait’s airport were also affected.
Qatari officials disclosed that Iran had launched 65 missiles and 12 drones toward Qatar, with most intercepted; however, 16 individuals sustained injuries during these attacks.
Regional Military Responses
In response to the escalating situation, Jordanian defense systems intercepted missiles that entered the airspace over Amman and northern regions. Sirens were also activated in Kuwait, indicating heightened military readiness across the region.
In northern Iraq, a drone crash was reported near Erbil International Airport, with significant smoke observed. The US maintains a military presence in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, which is part of an international coalition against ISIS.
Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing concern that the ongoing conflict could have serious regional and global repercussions if not addressed.
International Reactions and Statements
Leaders from the E3 nations—comprising the UK, France, and Germany—condemned the Iranian attacks on US military bases, asserting that these actions threaten both military personnel and civilians in the region. They called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and indicated a willingness to take necessary defensive measures to neutralize Iran’s missile capabilities.
A US official indicated that the conflict with Iran is expected to extend for weeks, emphasizing the need to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons or ballistic missile capabilities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian characterized the killing of Khamenei as “a great crime.” The Iranian military’s chief of staff, Abdul Rahim Mousavi, was also reported killed in the US-Israeli strikes.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that the US and Israel had crossed a “red line” and would face severe consequences. Former President Donald Trump stated that the US would respond with unprecedented force if Iran retaliated.
Casualties in Iran
The Israeli military reported that it had targeted over 30 locations in western and central Iran, focusing on military installations and other strategic sites. Since the onset of these attacks, over 200 individuals have been reported killed in Iran, including at least 148 in a strike on an elementary school in Minab.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it was conducting retaliatory strikes against 27 military bases housing US forces, including significant targets in Israel.
As air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, a series of explosions were reported early Sunday morning.
In the wake of these events, the Iranian government has established a three-person interim council to manage the transition following Khamenei’s death. President Pezeshkian declared seven days of public holidays in addition to the 40 days of mourning already announced.
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Published on 2026-03-01 12:00:00 • By Editorial Desk
