Iran launches widespread drone and missile strikes on Gulf states amid US-Israeli attacks

Iran carried out extensive drone and missile attacks across multiple Gulf countries on Sunday, March 1, marking a sharp escalation following a joint U.S.-Israeli operation that targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.

The offensive has caused fatalities, injuries, and widespread structural damage, as regional tensions soar.

Gulf States Under Fire

United Arab Emirates: Authorities reported that drones struck Abu Dhabi and Zayed International Airports, killing one person and injuring 11. Additional drones were intercepted elsewhere, with debris causing injuries to two more people in Dubai. Loud explosions heard across the emirate were attributed to air-defense operations.

Bahrain: Drones targeted Bahrain International Airport, causing limited material damage but no casualties. The passenger terminal was evacuated, and emergency plans were activated to protect travelers.

Qatar: Civil defense teams extinguished a minor fire in an industrial area after debris from an intercepted missile fell there, with no reported injuries.

Oman: Two drones targeted Duqm Port on the southeastern coast, injuring one worker and causing minor damage near fuel tanks. Omani authorities condemned the attack and vowed to safeguard national facilities.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan were also reportedly targeted in Iran’s coordinated missile and drone strikes, heightening fears of further escalation across the region.

Israel and U.S. attacks in Iran

The wave of attacks comes after Israel and the United States carried out airstrikes on Iranian territory Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, and several senior officials.

The strikes were described by Israeli and U.S. sources as part of a campaign against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

US President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with “a force that has never been seen before,” while Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, vowed an unprecedented counterstrike.

The Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, condemned the U.S.-Israeli operation as crossing a “red line” and promised severe retaliation.

Regional and global impact

Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, with explosions reported in Tel Aviv as Iran targeted cities and U.S. bases. Gulf embassies have advised foreign nationals to shelter in place, and nearly all airports in the region have suspended flights, creating one of the largest aviation disruptions in recent years.

The ongoing strikes and counterstrikes have disrupted shipping and oil transport, with Iran briefly closing the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil consumption. OPEC+ is reportedly considering a larger-than-planned output increase in response to market uncertainty.

Civilian impact and humanitarian concerns

The attacks on Gulf airports, ports, and residential areas have caused civilian casualties and forced mass evacuations. In Dubai, shrapnel from intercepted drones injured two civilians, while Oman reported one injured port worker. Analysts warn that escalating strikes on both civilian and military targets could widen the conflict, endangering populations across the region.

Many foreign embassies based in Gulf States have meanwhile advised their nationals to take shelter.

Outlook

With Iran forming a temporary leadership council following the death of Khamenei, and U.S. and Israeli forces maintaining offensive operations, the Middle East faces an unprecedented military escalation.

Experts warn that without immediate diplomatic intervention, the conflict could expand beyond the Gulf, with severe humanitarian and economic consequences.

This remains a rapidly evolving situation with high stakes for regional security, global energy markets, and civilian populations across multiple countries.