US, Israel Strike Iran as Explosions Rock Gulf Region

Dubai: A major military escalation shook the Gulf on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran, prompting swift retaliation that sent shockwaves through Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

US President Donald Trump described the operation as “massive and ongoing,” warning that American casualties were possible as tensions surged across the Middle East.

Within hours, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the launch of what it called the first wave of missile and drone attacks, expanding the confrontation beyond Iranian territory and raising alarms across key Gulf capitals.

Explosions reported across Gulf states

Residents and officials reported blasts in Doha, Manama, Abu Dhabi and parts of Kuwait, underscoring fears that the conflict could spill deeper into the region where thousands of US troops are stationed.

Bahrain confirmed that a service center associated with the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet was struck in what authorities described as a missile attack. The situation was labeled active, with further details expected.

In Qatar, officials said air defenses intercepted two incoming Iranian missiles. Witnesses in Doha reported hearing multiple explosions as interception systems activated.

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait also reported heightened alerts, while regional governments moved quickly to secure critical infrastructure.

Airlines and flights disrupted

Regional airspace restrictions triggered widespread flight disruptions across the Gulf, with Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai confirming operational impacts.

Dubai Airports said several Emirates services to destinations including Jordan and Lebanon were cancelled after multiple countries imposed precautionary airspace closures.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” Emirates said, adding that affected travelers are being assisted with rebooking, refunds and alternative arrangements.

flydubai also reported schedule disruptions, with flights to Tehran, Lar, Mashhad and Tel Aviv among those cancelled as the carrier worked to minimize network impact.

Airspace closures and security alerts

Several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE, temporarily closed or restricted airspace as a precautionary measure, creating widespread delays, diversions and cancellations.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority said the partial closure followed a comprehensive security assessment conducted with international partners.

Qatar’s civil aviation authority confirmed a temporary suspension of air traffic, while Kuwait shut its airspace due to regional security concerns.

US diplomatic missions in the region urged American personnel and citizens to shelter in place until further notice.

Regional analysts say the wide geographic spread of alerts reflects concern that US military installations across the Gulf could become targets if the conflict intensifies.

UAE reports civilian death

The UAE Ministry of Defense said air defense systems intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles but confirmed that falling debris struck a residential area.

Officials reported one civilian of Asian nationality was killed and some property damage occurred. Authorities said the overall security situation in the UAE remains stable and under continuous monitoring.

Trump calls for pressure on Tehran

In a video message, President Trump urged Iranians to “take over your government” after military operations conclude, signaling Washington’s hardening stance toward Tehran.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said, while acknowledging the risks of escalation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint campaign was intended to remove what he called an existential threat posed by Iran.

Region on edge

The latest escalation comes amid already elevated tensions following months of military positioning and stalled nuclear diplomacy.

Security officials across the Gulf are now on heightened alert as governments monitor the risk of further Iranian retaliation or additional US Israeli strikes in the coming days.

Officials in multiple countries said the situation remains fluid.

International reaction grows

Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev also criticized the US strikes, saying Washington had shown its “true face.” In a Telegram post, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council claimed negotiations with Iran were merely a cover, though US officials have not responded to his remarks.