Missile and Drone Attacks Shake Gulf Region, Iran Escalates Strikes

Doha / Dubai: Tensions in the Gulf region have surged as Iran intensified missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries amid ongoing hostilities with the United States and Israel.

Reports indicate that Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have intercepted multiple missile and drone attacks in recent hours. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Defense, one missile was destroyed mid-air, while Kuwait’s National Guard confirmed shooting down a drone.

In the United Arab Emirates, air defense systems were activated, and explosions were reported across various areas, including Dubai. Authorities clarified that these blasts were the result of defensive actions. Saudi Arabia also announced the destruction of a drone over its Eastern Province, and Bahrain claims to have intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones since the conflict began.

Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, Iran has reportedly launched hundreds of missiles and drones toward Gulf countries, with a significant number aimed at the UAE.

The attacks have caused casualties and disrupted economic activity across the region. Energy production has been affected, tourism and air travel have been severely disrupted, and experts warn that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has reduced daily oil output from 21 million barrels to 14 million barrels, increasing pressure on the global economy.