Israel vs Iran War: In response to joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran fired ballistic missiles targeting Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar. According to Reuters, another massive explosion was reported in Dubai.
Explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi, while Qatar’s missile defense system intercepted a missile over Doha. Residents in Abu Dhabi told AFP that they heard the blasts. Explosions were also reported in Doha and Riyadh, AFP said. It remains unclear whether US air bases in Abu Dhabi and Doha were directly attacked.
Israel vs Iran War: US and UAE Bases Under Potential Threat
In Abu Dhabi, the UAE Air Force and US Air Force share Al Dhafra Air Base. Earlier, the UAE had closed its airspace “temporarily and partially” as a precaution. In Doha, Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command.
Bahrain reported a missile strike targeting the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters. The Bahrain National Communication Centre said, “The Fifth Fleet’s service centre was subjected to a missile attack. We will provide you with details later.”
The Fifth Fleet oversees the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean, with several US naval ships homeported in Bahrain, including anti-mine and logistical support vessels.
The US reportedly has over 2,000 troops in Saudi Arabia, with some stationed 60 km south of Riyadh at Prince Sultan Air Base, supporting Patriot missile batteries and THAAD systems. It remains uncertain whether troops in Abu Dhabi, Doha, or Riyadh were targeted.
The missile launches by Iran followed pre-emptive strikes by Israel and the US in Iran. US President Donald Trump explained the objective, “Short time ago, the US military began major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
Trump added, “Terrible and malicious people. Iran must not have nuclear weapons. Never. This regime will learn that it must not challenge American military power…We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally, again, obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their Navy.”
Israel vs Iran War: Israel Confirms Iranian Missile Launches
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory following the joint US-Israeli strike. The IDF activated defensive systems to intercept the incoming missiles.
The Home Front Command issued mobile alerts, instructing residents in affected areas to seek shelter. The IDF posted on X, “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.”
These strikes come amid high-stakes nuclear negotiations and increased military tensions in the region.
Iran Declares All US and Israeli Assets as Legitimate Targets
A senior Iranian official told that, “All American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target. There are no red lines after this aggression, and everything is possible, including scenarios that were not previously considered.”
The official warned, “The United States and Israel have started an aggression and a war that will have wide and long-lasting repercussions. We were not surprised by the joint American-Israeli aggression and we have a complex response with no time limit. Any calls for Iran to show restraint or surrender are unacceptable and mere wishful thinking.”
Iran’s statement signals a heightened and prolonged escalation, with no clear boundaries on what targets might be hit next.
