Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise as Iran claims it carried out a retaliatory strike on the Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, one of the most important military facilities used by the United States in the region. Iranian authorities say the attack targeted US military infrastructure following the deadly bombing of a school in Minab, southern Iran.
According to Iranian officials, the strike was part of a military response to the attack in Hormozgan province that reportedly killed a large number of children and staff members. However, the UAE government has disputed Iran’s claims about the scale of the strike and said its air defence systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles and drones.
The conflicting statements from both sides highlight the growing tensions in the region as the confrontation between Iran and its adversaries continues to escalate.
Latest News on Iran US Israel War: Al Dhafra Air Base Strike Targeted US Command Centre
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its drone unit attacked the Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts US military forces and serves as a key operational hub in the Gulf.
🚨🇮🇷Iranian command says US forces suffered about 200 killed and wounded in Iranian strikes on Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, with the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet reportedly losing at least 21 personnel https://t.co/BgbxsJk8b3 pic.twitter.com/ZfCXT0to82
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) March 7, 2026
According to the IRGC’s public relations office, the strike targeted several strategic installations at the base, including the US Air Warfare Command Centre, satellite communications facilities, early-warning radar systems and fire-control radar infrastructure.
The Iranian statement claimed that the attack caused heavy casualties among US forces. Iranian sources reported that 21 personnel from the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet were killed and several others were wounded during the operation.
Iranian media reports also claimed that more than 220 people were killed or injured in the strike.
Latest News on Iran US Israel War: Iran Links Attack to Minab School Bombing in Hormozgan
Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said the attack was intended as retaliation for the bombing of a school in Minab, Hormozgan province, in southern Iran.
According to Iranian authorities, the school attack killed a large number of children and staff members. Officials said the strike on the UAE base targeted what they described as the “command and control hub” used to coordinate military operations.
The Iranian government said the Minab bombing caused the deaths of around 160 children, while between 14 and 26 staff members also lost their lives in the incident.
Iranian officials have accused the United States and its allies of being responsible for the attack, though the circumstances surrounding the bombing remain disputed.
Iran-Israel War: UAE Denies Damage
The UAE Ministry of Defence rejected Iran’s claims regarding the scale of the attack and said the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted most incoming projectiles.
In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said 16 ballistic missiles and 121 drones were detected during the incident. According to the UAE, 15 missiles were intercepted, while one missile fell into the Persian Gulf without causing damage.
Authorities also said 119 of the 121 drones were intercepted, preventing them from reaching their intended targets. Officials stated that the interceptions helped protect key military facilities and limited potential damage from the attack.
Iran-Israel War: Country Does Not Seek Conflict with Neighbours
Following the incident, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a statement addressing tensions with neighbouring countries in the Gulf.
In his message, he said, “We have no intention of aggression against neighbouring countries. As I have said many times, they are our brothers, and in this region we must work hand in hand for peace and stability.”
Despite the message emphasising regional peace, the military confrontation has continued to trigger strong reactions internationally.
Iran-Israel War: Donald Trump Interprets Iranian Statement as “Apology”
Former US President Donald Trump responded to the developments by interpreting the Iranian leader’s remarks as a sign of retreat.
Trump described the message as Iran’s “apology” or “surrender”, claiming the country had suffered major losses after recent military operations carried out by the United States and Israel.
According to Trump, the Iranian statement came in response to what he described as “relentless attacks by the United States and Israel.” His comments further intensified the political rhetoric surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Iran-Israel War: Rising Regional Tensions in the Gulf
The reported strike on Al Dhafra Air Base highlights the growing risks facing countries across the Gulf as the conflict continues to expand.
Military bases in the UAE and other Gulf states host US forces and play a major role in regional security operations. As a result, they remain potential targets during periods of heightened tensions.
Security experts warn that continued exchanges of missile and drone strikes could further destabilise the region and increase risks to both military installations and civilian populations.
With conflicting claims from multiple sides and limited independent verification, the situation remains highly volatile as the broader Middle East conflict continues to unfold.
