Iran launches missile and drone attacks across the Middle East region

Four Gulf Arab nations report new missile interceptions amid ongoing conflict.

Reports have emerged of multiple blasts and interceptions in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, marking nearly three weeks since the United States-Israel war launched on Iran. The conflict has resulted in deaths, destruction, assassinations, and an energy crisis affecting the region.

Early Tuesday, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that its armed forces intercepted a missile attack against the country. Similarly, Kuwait’s National Guard reported shooting down an unmanned aircraft at dawn. The UAE Ministry of Defence stated that its air defences were “currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense also reported intercepting and destroying a drone in the Eastern Region. Bahrain has also reported intercepting missiles and drones, with similar reports coming from the UAE.

According to Al Jazeera, the UAE has been particularly affected by Iranian retaliation, with over 3,000 projectiles fired at GCC countries since the conflict began. The majority of these attacks have targeted places in the UAE, resulting in multiple explosions throughout the city.

The economic impact of the war is being felt across the region, with Gulf nations suffering significant damage to their economies. Middle Eastern oil producers’ daily output has declined from 21 million barrels to 14 million barrels due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has also disrupted tourism and travel, putting the region at risk of severe economic harm.

The Iranian strikes have been described as unjustified by Gulf nations, which argue that they are targeting military bases used by the US for the war.

Source: Al Jazeera