One K+lled as Missiles, Explosions Rock Daubai, Doha, Others After US–Israel Str+kes on Iran
Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh, just hours after the United States and Israel launched what they described as “major combat operations” against Iran.
According to Reuters, one person was k+lled in Abu Dhabi after the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted missiles fired from Iran. A witness near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche said she heard five rapid booms that caused windows to vibrate.
In Saudi Arabia, loud blasts were reported across Riyadh, AFP said, with correspondents confirming a powerful explosion followed by multiple detonations. The developments came after Iran vowed retaliation over the joint US–Israel Str+kes.
Explosions were also heard in Doha, Qatar, as Iran launched a counteratt+ck. An Indian resident, Shailja, told the Hindustan Times that the sounds appeared distant, “probably missiles intercepted in the air.” She said her family was staying indoors and hoping to travel once airspace reopens.
Earlier, the UAE closed its airspace as the conflict widened. In a statement quoted by Agence France-Presse, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country faced “a blatant att+ck by Iranian ballistic missiles,” adding that its air defences “successfully intercepted a number of the missiles.”
Abu Dhabi described the a§§ault as “a d@ngerous escalation” and said it reserves the right to respond. Kuwait also reportedly engaged incoming projectiles.
The United States Embassy in the United Arab Emirates instructed staff and American citizens to shelter in place, urging them to move to secure locations.
The flare-up follows fresh US and Israeli str+kes on Iran, with initial impacts reportedly near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Residents in Tehran reported powerful explosions as fears grow of a broader regional war.
