Missile and drone strikes across Gulf states
Allies of the United States in the Gulf are bearing the brunt of Iran Gulf attacks, as ballistic missiles and drones strike multiple countries in the region.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the defence ministry said by Sunday afternoon it had dealt with 165 incoming ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the conflict began.
In Bahrain, residents reported explosions and air raid sirens overnight, with strikes affecting areas near the airport.
What began as attacks on military targets- including the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain- appears to have expanded to airports and other civilian infrastructure across the Gulf.
Civilian infrastructure increasingly affected
Airports in Bahrain and the UAE have been struck repeatedly, raising concerns that civilian sites are now being deliberately targeted.
Luxury hotels, shopping malls, high-rise residential buildings and major airport terminals have all been affected as pressure mounts on Gulf states’ air defence systems.
While some damage has resulted from debris falling after interceptions, the frequency of attacks on airports suggests more than accidental fallout.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragchi, denied targeting neighbouring states, telling Al Jazeera that Iran was striking US assets in those countries rather than its neighbours directly.
However, Tehran had previously warned that any country it viewed as complicit in attacks against it would face retaliation.
Gulf states caught between Tehran and Washington
The Gulf states have long hosted US and Western military forces and are now facing the consequences of that partnership.
Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran was regarded as a key security actor in the Gulf. Since then, Tehran has argued that it should lead regional security arrangements and has repeatedly urged Gulf states to expel US forces.
For the conservative monarchies of the Gulf, Iran’s revolutionary leadership has remained a strategic and ideological challenge. The current wave of Iran Gulf attacks is likely to further strain already fragile relations.
Saudi Arabia and Oman have so far experienced fewer strikes than Bahrain and the UAE.
Oman, which has maintained dialogue with Tehran and mediated nuclear talks, reported a drone strike on the commercial port of Duqm. Saudi Arabia said missile attacks targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province were successfully intercepted and strongly condemned what it described as “blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks”.
Previous incidents and rising escalation
Iran has previously been accused of targeting Gulf states, directly or through proxies.
In 2019, drones struck Saudi Aramco facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais, temporarily disrupting half of Saudi Arabia’s oil exports. In June last year, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Qatar’s al-Udaid airbase following US air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, although advance warning was reportedly given.
Bahrain has long accused Iran of backing unrest within its borders.
However, the current scale of Iran Gulf attacks marks a significant escalation compared with previous incidents.
Uncertain path ahead
The United States and Israel are attempting to degrade Iran’s ability to launch further missiles and drones, seeking to destroy launchers and stockpiles before they can be used.
Iran, meanwhile, faces strategic decisions over whether to escalate further by targeting high-value US assets or conserve its remaining arsenal.
While the US and Israel retain overwhelming air superiority, Iran continues to rely on missile and drone capabilities as asymmetric tools.
The longer the conflict continues, the greater the strain on regional air defence systems and the higher the risk for civilians across the Gulf.
Diplomatic efforts may yet resume. Oman has indicated progress had been made in previous nuclear discussions, though disagreements remain over Iran’s missile programme and regional proxy groups.
For now, the conflict remains active, with no clear resolution in sight.
Source: BBC
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