Iran Strikes UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia After US-Israel Attacks; Explosions Rock Gulf Cities

Mangalore Today News Network

UAE, Feb 28, 2026: Iran on Saturday launched missile attacks on the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, hours after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted sites in Iran, sharply escalating tensions across the Middle East.

Explosions were reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while missiles were also directed towards Doha and Riyadh. UAE authorities confirmed that a civilian of Asian nationality was killed in Abu Dhabi after missile debris fell in a residential area. The Ministry of Defence termed the attack a “dangerous escalation” threatening civilian safety and regional stability.

Residents in Dubai reported loud explosions and sightings of missiles streaking across the night sky. Witnesses described “fireballs” followed by smoke trails as air defence systems responded.

The targeted cities host key American military installations. The Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi houses US and UAE forces, while Jebel Ali Port serves as the US Navy’s largest port of call in the region. In Qatar, the Al Udeid Air Base functions as the forward headquarters of US Central Command. Saudi Arabia hosts US troops at the Prince Sultan Air Base, which supports Patriot and THAAD missile defence systems.

Bahrain said a missile targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s United States Fifth Fleet in Manama. Kuwait reported its air defences were engaged, while sirens sounded in Jordan.

Qatar stated that its air defences intercepted incoming missiles and reported no casualties or damage. Saudi Arabia condemned what it called “treacherous Iranian aggression” and warned of grave consequences.

The escalation followed US and Israeli strikes inside Iran earlier in the day. US President Donald Trump said “major combat operations” had begun, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the action as a joint operation against an “existential threat.” Iranian media reported casualties, including 24 killed in a strike on a school.

Amid the conflict, several countries including Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar shut their airspace. Global airlines suspended or diverted flights across the region, disrupting international travel.