Iranian Missile and Drone Attacks Escalate Across Gulf States
Doha, Qatar – Nearly three weeks into the conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, Gulf Arab nations are facing a daily barrage of Iranian missile and drone attacks. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have all reported intercepting incoming projectiles in recent hours, signaling a dangerous escalation in regional tensions.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence announced Tuesday its armed forces successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting the country, while the Kuwait National Guard reported downing an unmanned aircraft at dawn following earlier attempts to intercept hostile missile and drone attacks.
The UAE has been particularly hard hit, with reports indicating it has been the target of more than half of the 3,000 projectiles – missiles and drones – fired by Iran at Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in retaliation for the strikes on its territory. Multiple explosions were heard overnight in Dubai, confirmed by the city’s media office as resulting from air defence interception operations, according to Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi reporting from the city.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the interception and destruction of a drone in its Eastern Region.
Iran maintains it is only targeting military bases used by the U.S. in support of the war, a claim rejected by Gulf nations who insist the attacks are unjustified.
The escalating conflict is taking a significant economic toll on the region. Middle Eastern oil producers have seen daily output decline from 21 million to 14 million barrels due to disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Rystad Energy. The economic impact is already substantial, with the region facing the risk of severe harm comparable to the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
Several deaths have been reported in Gulf nations as a result of the attacks. The disruption to tourism and travel, coupled with the decline in energy production, is acutely felt across the region.
Qatar recently called on Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states and urged a diplomatic solution, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The situation remains volatile as international efforts to de-escalate the conflict continue.
