The Iran retaliation Gulf states missile attack has pushed the Middle East into a dangerous new chapter after ballistic missiles and suicide drones were launched at key military facilities hosting United States assets across several Gulf nations.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the start of what it called Operation True Promise 4, a large scale retaliatory campaign targeting countries Tehran accuses of supporting a coordinated offensive by the United States and Israel. The strikes reportedly hit strategic locations in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
The escalation followed a joint announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming a major combat operation aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Within hours, Iranian forces confirmed they had targeted the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, and Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Regional air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles. However, debris from an intercepted projectile reportedly caused a civilian fatality in Abu Dhabi, with authorities identifying the victim as an Asian national. In Kuwait, a drone strike near the international airport left several workers with minor injuries and forced the suspension of commercial flights.
Saudi Arabia, which had maintained a cautious position, condemned what it described as blatant aggression after missiles were intercepted over its eastern region. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the Kingdom had warned against the use of its airspace for military operations but now finds itself directly threatened. Meanwhile, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates declared their right to respond, with Bahrain signaling deeper security coordination with U.S. naval forces stationed in its territory.
The humanitarian and economic consequences were swift. Airspace closures were announced by Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon, significantly disrupting major air routes between Europe and Asia. In Dubai, falling debris struck the Fairmont The Palm hotel, sparking a fire that injured four people. Authorities also briefly evacuated the Burj Khalifa as a precautionary measure.
Global oil markets reacted sharply to the developments after Iranian officials warned they could shut down the Strait of Hormuz if military pressure continues. The strategic waterway handles a significant portion of the world’s seaborne oil supply, and any disruption could have far reaching global economic consequences.
As of Saturday evening, air raid sirens had quieted in parts of Bahrain, but tensions remained high across the region. The United Nations and the European Union issued urgent appeals for restraint. However, with Washington reiterating its commitment to dismantling Iran’s military capabilities, prospects for immediate diplomatic engagement appear uncertain. READ ALSO Iranian Missiles Breach Air Defense, Resort Hit
For millions of residents and expatriates across the Gulf region, embassies have urged citizens to seek shelter and monitor official security advisories as governments brace for the possibility of further military exchanges in the coming days.