Blasts rock Gulf states as Iran expands retaliatory strikes
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Explosions were reported on Sunday across several Gulf cities as Iran continued retaliatory missile and drone attacks following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, marking a significant escalation of the regional conflict.
Explosions and air defense activity were reported in cities including Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, and Kuwait City early Monday, as Iranian projectiles and drones targeted areas hosting U.S. military facilities and key infrastructure.
Authorities in Kuwait said air defenses intercepted multiple hostile drones over residential areas, while sirens and loud explosions were heard across the capital.
Iran’s retaliatory campaign began after a large-scale U.S.–Israeli military operation targeting Iranian leadership and strategic facilities. Tehran vowed to strike U.S. bases and assets across the region, many of which are located in Gulf states such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.
In the UAE, earlier missile and drone attacks damaged parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, striking areas near airports, ports, and residential districts. Some civilians were reported killed or injured, while fires broke out in several locations after intercepted drones and debris fell in urban areas.
The widening conflict has disrupted regional transportation and financial markets. Several airlines suspended flights to Gulf destinations including Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait amid security concerns. Meanwhile, the UAE temporarily closed its major stock exchanges to stabilize markets following the attacks.
Energy markets also reacted sharply, with global oil prices rising due to fears that continued attacks around the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt a major portion of the world’s oil supply.
Regional governments have condemned the strikes and raised security levels, warning that further escalation could draw additional Gulf states into the conflict.