Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Across the Middle East

DUBAI – Fresh blasts were heard across Dubai, Doha and Manama on March 1 as Iran carried out strikes in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks. The attacks follow a “broad & joint operation” in Iran by the U.S. And Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

Escalation of Conflict

Agence France-Press (AFP) reporters heard blasts in Dubai, Bahrain’s capital Manama and Qatar – where AFP correspondents saw thick black smoke rising on the clear morning horizon in the south of Doha. Shortly after, another wave of blasts reverberated through Dubai.

Earlier, Dubai’s international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks spread across the Gulf states and the wider Middle East, reaching beyond US bases and interests. Four people were injured at the airport, according to Dubai’s media office BBC News.

Dubai’s media office stated on X that “a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained”, without providing further details. A drone was too intercepted and debris caused a minor fire on the Burj Al Arab’s outer facade.

Regional Impact and Condemnation

The attacks on the Gulf have raised fears of a wider conflict and rattled a region long seen as a haven of peace and security. Several countries confirmed intercepting missiles from Iran, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, each of which hosts a U.S. Base CNBC.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement condemning the targeting of Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles, calling it a “flagrant violation” of its national sovereignty and an “unacceptable escalation” that threatens regional security CNBC.

Scale of Iranian Attacks

On February 28, the UAE defence ministry reported that Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at the country. Qatar officials said Iran launched 65 missiles and 12 drones towards the Gulf state, with most intercepted, but eight people were injured, one critically CNBC.

Smoke was reported pouring from US bases in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain’s capital Manama, home of the American navy’s Fifth Fleet. US bases in Kuwait were also targeted. Saturday’s barrage also targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid base, the region’s biggest US military base, as well as Riyadh and eastern Saudi Arabia.

Disruptions and Flight Suspensions

Airlines suspended flights across the Middle East on February 28, including to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Flight-tracking maps showed airspace over much of the region virtually empty CNBC.

Oman was the only Gulf state not targeted in the Iranian attacks.