Gulf on Edge: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh targeted by Iran after US-Israeli strikes

According to reports, one person was killed in Abu Dhabi as a result of the attack.

Also Read: Middle East erupts: Iran fires missiles after U.S.-Israel strikes, multiple Gulf nations intercept attacks

In a statement, the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence said the country had been subjected to a “blatant attack” involving Iranian ballistic missiles. It added that UAE air defence systems responded “with high efficiency,” successfully intercepting a number of incoming projectiles.

Authorities also managed falling missile debris in a residential area, which caused material damage. Confirming the casualty, the ministry said the debris resulted in the death of one civilian of Asian nationality. Officials stressed that the overall security situation in the UAE remains stable and that relevant agencies are monitoring developments around the clock.

Media reports said explosions were heard in Dubai. Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) were suspended until further notice.

“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice,” the Dubai Media Office said in a post on X. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airports and to contact their airlines for updates.

The UAE later said it had intercepted and destroyed a new wave of Iranian missiles without further damage.

In Bahrain, large plumes of black smoke were seen rising near the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, according to the BBC. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

Kuwait said its air defence systems were “engaged with incoming missiles,” while Qatar confirmed it had intercepted attacks targeting its territory. Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said no casualties had been reported.

Separately, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Pakpour is believed to have been killed in Israeli- and U.S.-conducted strikes in Iran, according to media reports. Pakpour had assumed leadership of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the outset of the June 2025 war, The Times of Israel reported. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Iranian authorities have not independently verified the claim.

Iran earlier launched its first wave of missile and drone strikes following U.S. and Israeli military operations against the country. The IRGC said it was responding to what it described as “U.S.-Israeli aggression and criminal acts,” targeting Israeli-held territories, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

Confirming incoming fire, the IDF said on X that “an additional barrage of missiles was launched toward Israel,” adding that its aerial defence systems were identifying and intercepting threats.

The escalation followed confirmation from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz that Israel had launched strikes on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump subsequently confirmed American participation in the operation.

Multiple Iranian cities were reportedly hit, including the capital, Tehran, where missiles struck areas such as University Street and Republic Square, according to media reports.

The rapid exchange of strikes and counterstrikes marks a significant escalation in hostilities, raising fears of a broader regional conflict in the Middle East.