The United Arab Emirates has closed its airspace after Iran launched reprisal missile attacks on United States military bases across the Middle East, escalating tensions in the region.
Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha and Kuwait, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following the strikes.
Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Juffair was targeted by a missile strike.
Smoke was seen rising from the area housing the American naval base, while Bahrain’s interior ministry earlier issued an emergency alert urging residents to seek shelter amid reported explosions in the capital, Manama.
In Abu Dhabi, at least one person was reportedly killed after several missiles launched from Iran were intercepted.
The UAE condemned the strike, describing it as a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law.
It added that it reserves its full right to respond to this escalation.
Qatar’s defence ministry said it had successfully thwarted several attacks targeting the country’s territory, noting that all missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari soil in line with pre-approved security plans.
Despite the interceptions, Doha shut its airspace, prompting Qatar Airways to suspend operations. Kuwait also announced the closure of its airspace as part of emergency security measures.
The missile attacks followed joint US and Israeli strikes on multiple Iranian cities earlier on Saturday, which Israel described as “pre-emptive.”
A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that “all American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target.”
He added that there were no red lines after this aggression. Iran’s foreign ministry said the US and Israeli strikes violated international law and the UN Charter, citing Article 51 on self-defence.
It stated that the country’s armed forces were “fully prepared to defend the country and will make aggressors regret their actions.”
The British embassy in Qatar advised its nationals to shelter in place due to heightened regional tensions and potential travel disruptions.
Similarly, the US embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US consulate in Dubai instructed staff and American citizens in the UAE to remain indoors until further notice.
