Iran Targets Gulf Cities Hosting US Forces Following Joint Strikes
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Middle East witnessed a major escalation as Iran launched missile attacks on multiple Gulf Arab states that host critical United States military installations. The strikes came just hours after joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, plunging the region into heightened tension and raising fears of a wider conflict.
Sequence of Events
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli and U.S. forces conducted coordinated strikes inside Iran, which Israeli officials described as preemptive measures to weaken Tehran’s military capabilities. Explosions were reported in Iranian cities, including Tehran, as a result of the attacks. In retaliation, Iranian forces, primarily from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), launched ballistic missiles targeting strategic locations in several Gulf countries, particularly those hosting American forces.
Gulf States Under Fire
Iran’s counterstrikes reportedly affected four key Gulf nations:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, residents reported hearing explosions and seeing missiles streak across the sky. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed one civilian death in Abu Dhabi after falling missile debris struck a residential area. Witnesses in Dubai described seeing missiles as bright “fireballs” with trailing smoke, and reported shaking windows and loud blasts.
The attacks occurred near Al Dhafra Air Base, a facility jointly operated by UAE and U.S. forces. Additionally, Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, a major U.S. naval hub, was located near the targeted area. UAE authorities quickly condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation and a threat to civilian safety.
Qatar
In Doha, the Al Udeid Air Base, a 24-hectare facility serving as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command, came under threat. Qatari officials reported that incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by air defense systems and that no casualties or damage occurred. Authorities cautioned citizens against approaching any debris from the intercepted missiles.
Bahrain
Manama experienced missile activity aimed at the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters, which oversees naval operations in the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. The facility is crucial for U.S. military logistics and regional maritime security. While Bahrain confirmed the attack, details regarding damage or casualties remain limited.
Saudi Arabia and Jordan
Missile activity was also reported near Riyadh, where U.S. assets, including Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems at Prince Sultan Air Base, were reportedly on high alert. Sirens sounded in Jordan, signaling heightened concern about possible spillover effects.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s air defense systems engaged incoming missiles, though authorities did not report any significant damage or casualties. Airspace restrictions were imposed temporarily to ensure civilian safety and prevent air traffic disruptions.
Strategic Implications
The missile attacks underline the vulnerability of U.S. military installations in the Gulf, which are central to force projection and regional security operations. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and Manama in Bahrain are among the most strategically important U.S. sites in the Middle East, serving both logistical and operational functions.
Beyond the military significance, these strikes have direct implications for civilian populations. Urban areas in Abu Dhabi and Dubai experienced explosions and shockwaves, highlighting the risk of collateral damage. Gulf nations took precautionary measures by activating air defenses, issuing public safety alerts, and temporarily closing airspace, affecting commercial aviation.
Broader Regional Tensions
This escalation marks a dangerous phase in Iran–U.S.–Israel relations. By targeting multiple Gulf nations, Iran has widened the scope of the conflict beyond its direct confrontation with Israel. Gulf countries hosting U.S. forces are now on the frontlines, which could draw in additional regional actors and heighten the risk of a broader war.
Global energy markets are likely to feel the immediate effects, as the Gulf region is a key hub for oil exports. Any prolonged disruption to shipping lanes or military conflict near critical infrastructure could exacerbate supply uncertainties.
Official Responses
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The UAE condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.
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Qatar emphasized the successful interception of missiles and advised the public to avoid debris.
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Bahrain confirmed the missile attack on the Fifth Fleet facility but did not provide casualty details.
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Tehran framed the strikes as a legitimate response to perceived aggression by U.S. and Israeli forces, asserting that retaliation was warranted.
Outlook
With U.S. and Israeli forces having struck inside Iran, and Iran retaliating against U.S.-aligned Gulf nations, the region now faces heightened military and diplomatic tensions. The immediate future remains volatile, with the potential for additional attacks, regional escalation, and broader international implications. Civilian safety, the security of U.S. forces, and the stability of the Gulf remain under severe threat as nations monitor the evolving situation.
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