Iran Attacks Israel & Allies: Middle East on Edge

Tehran has promised a “crushing response” following a joint aerial strike by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday, emphasizing that these aggressions occurred “once again during negotiations” with Washington.

Thus far, the Iranian regime has reacted by launching missiles against Israel, as confirmed by the Israeli military, and against several nations in the region where the United States maintains military interests, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

The scope of Tehran’s targets in its retaliation differs significantly from the more measured response last June, when it reacted to the American attack by launching a limited number of missiles against American bases in the region, without escalating the situation.

Unlike that earlier instance, Iran now faces multiple fronts. Several of the countries targeted by Tehran have already stated they reserve the right to retaliate.

According to security correspondent Frank Gardner, “this time it’s different”: “It’s more serious and more dangerous than anything we’ve seen before.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country had the right to respond and protect its integrity. According to a statement, Araghchi held telephone conversations with his counterparts from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, informing them that Iran would use “all its defensive and military resources under its legitimate right to self-defense.”

Araghchi also emphasized in the statement that these countries have a “responsibility to prevent the misuse of their facilities and territories” by the United States and Israel to conduct attacks.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) declared that “the enemy” had mistakenly assumed the Iranian people “would yield to its petty demands through such cowardly actions.”

The SNSC stated that Iranian armed forces had already begun retaliatory measures and pledged to “keep the dear nation informed continuously.” It also warned that American and Israeli operations could continue in Tehran and other cities, urging citizens to “remain calm” and move to safer areas when possible to avoid danger.

Iranian state news agency Fars reported that the country targeted the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait, the Al Dhafra air base in the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrain.

Israel confirmed that its defense forces intercepted missiles launched from Iran. No injuries have been reported at this time. However, the Israeli Defense Forces warned in a statement that “defense is not hermetic and therefore it is essential that the public follow the instructions” of the authorities.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense stated that the country was the target of an “attack with ballistic missiles from Iran.” According to the ministry, the UAE’s air defense systems successfully intercepted several missiles. However, debris fell on a residential area of Abu Dhabi, causing material damage and the death of one civilian of Asian nationality, whose name has not been released.

The Emirati government condemned the attack, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and a “cowardly act,” and stressed that the UAE “reserves the right to respond.” The Al Dhafra air base is shared by the air forces of the UAE and the United States. The port of Jebel Ali, in Dubai, is the largest port of call for the U.S. Navy in the Middle East, regularly hosting aircraft carriers and other American ships.

Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, was also targeted by a rocket attack. Images captured by witnesses, shared on social media and verified by the BBC, show a significant explosion at the naval base. The National Communication Center of Bahrain stated that the Fifth Fleet’s service center had been targeted by a rocket. This center is responsible for operations in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Sea of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Images from Bahrain also show smoke rising as sirens sound throughout the city.

The U.S. Embassy in Manama issued a security alert warning of an “imminent drone or missile attack in Bahrain” and urging American citizens to “shelter in place, review their security plans, and remain vigilant.”

Qatar also reported intercepting missiles apparently aimed at the Al Udeid air base, the largest U.S. Military base in the region. The Qatari Ministry of Defense stated that no damage occurred. “We received emergency alerts on our phones warning people to stay home. There is still traffic on the roads, but less than usual,” reported BBC correspondent Barbara Plett Usher.

Saudi Arabia confirmed that Iran had attacked Riyadh and its eastern region, warning that it reserved the right to defend itself. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the kingdom “strongly condemns the flagrant and cowardly attacks by Iran against the regions of Riyadh and the Eastern Province, which were repelled.”

“In the face of this unjustified aggression, the kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the right to respond to the aggression,” the statement continued.

The United States maintains more than 2,000 troops in Saudi Arabia, some stationed approximately 60 kilometers south of Riyadh at Prince Sultan Air Base. This base supports U.S. Military assets, including Patriot missile batteries and high-altitude area defense (THAAD) systems.

Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman previously urged the Donald Trump administration not to attack Iran.

In Kuwait, Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, stated on X that the Ali Al Salem air base, where the U.S. Air Force is present, had been targeted by several ballistic missiles, which Kuwaiti air defense forces successfully intercepted. The BBC received images taken on a highway in Kuwait appearing to show the aftermath of an attack, including a burning truck and what appears to be a fire truck.

In Jordan, the armed forces stated they shot down two ballistic missiles targeting their territory. The Minister of State for Communication Affairs and Official Spokesperson, Mohammad Momani, stated that debris had fallen in several locations throughout the kingdom. He assured that the competent authorities were handling the situation and taking the necessary measures.

Momani added that Jordan was closely following events in the region and reaffirmed that the kingdom’s primary priority was to preserve its security and that of its people.