Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain as Iran launched missiles across the region following US-Israeli strikes in Tehran. Air defence systems were activated in several countries, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
Residents in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City and Riyadh reported hearing loud blasts.
Tehran: Several Gulf cities witnessed explosions and air defence activity after Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles across the region in response to joint strikes by the United States and Israel.
Residents in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City and Riyadh reported hearing loud blasts. Witnesses in Abu Dhabi told international media that explosions echoed across parts of the UAE capital, while another major blast was reportedly heard in Dubai. Officials said air defence systems in several countries were activated after missiles were detected in regional airspace.
Reports indicated that a missile was intercepted near Doha by Qatari defence systems. Authorities across the region heightened security as the threat unfolded.
The United Arab Emirates temporarily and partially closed its airspace as a precautionary step. The move was aimed at ensuring civilian safety while defence forces assessed potential threats.
Despite the explosions and alerts, it remained unclear whether specific military installations or US forces in the region had been directly targeted.
The missile launches raised concerns about the safety of American military facilities across the Gulf. In Abu Dhabi, the Al Dhafra Air Base hosts both the UAE and US air forces. Meanwhile, in Qatar, the Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command.
Bahrain also reported that a missile strike targeted the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Manama, though authorities did not immediately provide further details. The US military maintains a strong presence across the Gulf region, including troops stationed near Riyadh at Prince Sultan Air Base.
The escalation followed a joint military operation by United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. According to reports, the strikes occurred near facilities associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
US President Donald Trump said the military operation aimed to eliminate threats posed by Iran and prevent it from advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Israeli defence systems were immediately activated to intercept the incoming projectiles.
Authorities also issued emergency alerts through mobile phones in several areas, urging residents to take shelter. With missile launches, air defence interceptions and regional military alerts unfolding simultaneously, tensions across the Middle East have sharply escalated, fuelling fears of a broader conflict.
