Iran Strikes Multiple Arab States Hosting US Assets in Retaliation for Joint Attack

Iran has launched a series of attacks targeting United States assets across Gulf Arab states in response to a significant joint military operation conducted by the US and Israel. This escalation has raised concerns about a potential regional conflict.

On Saturday, the Iranian government confirmed its attacks on various targets, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where US military bases are located. The Fars news agency reported that these strikes were part of Iran’s retaliation for the earlier assault.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted that all Israeli and US military installations in the Middle East had been hit “by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles.” The IRGC emphasized that this operation would persist until the adversaries are decisively defeated, categorizing all US assets in the region as legitimate targets.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Hamid Ghanbari, stated that the country has the right to self-defense and expressed regret for any humanitarian casualties resulting from the military escalation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi communicated to the United Nations Security Council that Iran would continue to exercise its right to self-defense until the aggression ceases completely.

Regional Attacks

United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, at least one individual was reported dead in Abu Dhabi after several missiles launched from Iran were intercepted. The UAE state news agency provided limited details regarding the incident. Additionally, a fire erupted near a hotel on Dubai’s Palm Islands, with large smoke plumes visible from afar, accompanied by multiple explosions throughout the day. The Dubai media office later confirmed an incident in Palm Jumeirah that resulted in a fire and injuries to four people.

Bahrain

Bahrain reported that a missile attack targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Manama. The government condemned the incident as a “treacherous attack” and a “blatant violation” of the kingdom’s sovereignty. Social media footage appeared to show an Iranian Shahed drone striking a tower block near the headquarters, igniting a fire. The Interior Ministry indicated that several residential buildings in Manama were affected, and civil defense teams were engaged in firefighting and rescue operations.

Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, described the attacks as a “blatant violation of sovereignty.”

Kuwait

Kuwait’s Defence Ministry reported that Ali al-Salem Air Base was targeted by multiple ballistic missiles, all of which were intercepted by the country’s air defense systems. Abdullah al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the General Authority of Civil Aviation, noted that a drone attack on Kuwait International Airport resulted in minor injuries to several employees and caused damage to the passenger terminal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Kuwait’s right to defend itself.

Qatar

In Qatar, the Defence Ministry stated that it successfully “thwarted” attacks in accordance with a pre-approved security plan, intercepting all incoming missiles. Sources indicated that an Iranian missile targeted a long-range early warning radar in northern Qatar, but no injuries were reported. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the targeting of the nation, asserting that such actions cannot be justified.

Qatar has previously faced attacks, including a strike on the Al Udeid base used by the US military last year.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that Iran targeted Riyadh and the eastern region of the kingdom, but these attacks were repelled. The ministry condemned the actions as unjustifiable, emphasizing that Iran was aware that Saudi Arabia would not permit its territory to be used for attacks against Iran.

Iraq

Reports indicated that Erbil Airport in northern Iraq was targeted twice on Saturday. A drone attack aimed at the airport was intercepted by air defenses. The US maintains a military presence in Iraq’s Kurdish region as part of an international coalition against ISIS, which is set to conclude by September under an agreement between Washington and Baghdad. Additionally, a drone strike targeted a Kataeb Hezbollah headquarters southwest of Baghdad, resulting in two fatalities.

The Iraqi government’s security media cell announced that the Jurf al-Nasr area was targeted by air strikes, with a Kataib Hezbollah official confirming the incident. The group warned that it would begin attacking American bases in retaliation for perceived aggression.

Transportation Disruptions

In response to the escalating tensions, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE temporarily closed their airspace and condemned Iran’s actions. Maritime operations in the Gulf reported notifications regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil export route connecting major Gulf oil producers with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Reporting from Doha, it was noted that Oman was the only Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country not targeted in the recent strikes. Oman has historically acted as a mediator between Iran and other nations, playing a vital role in indirect negotiations.

Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, had recently expressed optimism about peace prospects following discussions with Iran regarding nuclear material. However, the subsequent military actions have derailed those talks. Albusaidi urged the US not to become further involved in the conflict, stating, “This is not your war.”

The GCC, established in 1981, comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, aimed at fostering economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation.

Reports indicated multiple explosions in Doha, primarily attributed to Patriot defense missiles intercepting incoming Iranian missiles. Observers noted that Iran may now consider all targets fair game following the initial strikes by the US and Israel.

In related developments, Syrian state media reported a missile explosion in Suwayda that resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, although the source of the missile was not specified.

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Published on 2026-02-28 12:00:00 • By Editorial Desk