Dubai: Tensions across the Gulf intensified after Iran-linked attacks targeted key infrastructure in several countries, with drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia and fuel facilities near Kuwait’s main airport reportedly struck.
Authorities in Kuwait said fuel storage tanks near Kuwait International Airport were among the locations targeted during the latest wave of attacks. Kuwait’s national oil company confirmed it had temporarily reduced crude production as a precaution while the military responded to what it described as hostile drones entering the country’s airspace. Officials said some civilian areas suffered minor damage from falling debris during interception efforts.
Meanwhile, air defence forces in Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed multiple drones, including several near oil facilities and other strategic sites. The country’s defence ministry said ballistic missiles heading toward Prince Sultan Air Base were also neutralised. The base hosts American troops and is considered a key military installation. Authorities added that attempted drone strikes were also reported near the diplomatic district of Riyadh.
In Qatar, the defence ministry said the country had been targeted with several missiles launched from Iran. According to officials, most of the incoming projectiles were intercepted, while a few landed in the sea or in uninhabited areas, resulting in no casualties.
The conflict also disrupted life in the United Arab Emirates. Explosions were reported in Dubai, prompting a brief shutdown of Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. Witnesses described hearing loud blasts followed by smoke rising in parts of the city. Authorities later said the incident occurred after debris from an intercepted projectile fell near civilian areas.
In a televised address, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, saying the country was facing a “period of war” but expressed confidence that the nation would overcome the crisis.
Elsewhere in the region, Bahrain reported intercepting dozens of missiles and drones since the start of the hostilities. Meanwhile, in Beirut, a strike on a hotel left several people dead and others injured. The Israeli military later stated it had carried out a targeted operation against commanders linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in Lebanon.
The escalation comes shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran would not attack neighbouring countries, while maintaining that Tehran would not back down from the conflict. However, other Iranian officials later suggested that strikes could continue against locations in Gulf states considered supportive of Iran’s adversaries.
Regional governments remain on high alert as missile interceptions, drone activity and air defence operations continue across multiple Gulf nations.
