Reports are emerging of a significant escalation in tensions in the Persian Gulf following alleged Iranian attacks on United States military bases across the region. Iranian state television, citing military sources, announced that operations had been launched against US positions located in several Gulf countries. According to the reports, Iranian forces targeted military installations in the Persian Gulf area, prompting local authorities in multiple countries to issue urgent safety warnings. Residents were advised to remain in their homes and avoid areas near military facilities until further notice.
News agency Reuters reported that a powerful explosion was heard in Abu Dhabi. Shortly afterward, the United Arab Emirates announced the closure of its airspace as a precautionary measure. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, which hosts US forces, may have been struck by Iranian ballistic missiles. Witnesses described large explosions in the vicinity of the base. In Bahrain’s capital, Manama, smoke was reportedly seen rising from the Al Jufair district, where the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet is located. The incident followed what officials described as a suspected Iranian attack on the area.
Authorities in Qatar also issued emergency instructions. The country’s Interior Ministry urged residents to shelter in place after reports that a missile targeting the Al Udeid Air Base had been intercepted by a Patriot missile defense system. Qatar subsequently announced that its airspace had been temporarily closed. Qatar’s Defense Ministry later stated that its armed forces had successfully repelled several attempted attacks and confirmed that the country’s military had been placed on a heightened state of alert. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that loud explosions were heard in Kuwait. Officials there also called on citizens to remain indoors and refrain from traveling to work as a precaution. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
