At least one person was killed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, after several missiles were launched from Iran. Most of the missiles were intercepted, and the nation called the strikes a violation of national sovereignty and international law. Explosions were reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well, forcing the Emirates to close its airspace.
According to Al Jazeera, Tehran has confirmed targeting the US-linked Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain. Meanwhile, explosions were reported in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh as well, news agency AFP said. Jordan said at least two ballistic missiles were shot down by its defenders after it entered its airspace.
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Qatar: “The Ministry of Defence confirms that the threat was dealt with immediately upon detection, in accordance with the pre-approved security plan, and that all missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory.”
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UAE: "This targeting is a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law; the state reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory. Such acts represent a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians and undermines stability."
Saudia Arabia: The Kingdom warned of “dire consequence” over the continued violation of “state sovereignty and the principles of international law” and condemned in the “strongest terms” the Iranian attacks on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait, Al Jazeera said in a report.
Bahrain: Confirming that Iranian strikes targeted sites and facilities within its boundary, the country said it was “a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and security”. It condemned the “treacherous attacks” as a direct threat to Bahrain’s security and the safety of its citizens and residents.
Fear of further escalation
The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, meanwhile, vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from the Houthi leadership.
Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a defiant statement, saying that the country "will not hesitate" in its response. In a statement posted on X, the ministry said: "The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy's military assault."
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Saturday that "the latest developments across the Middle East are perilous" and that the bloc was coordinating with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths. Kallas also said she has spoken with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and that Europe's consular network is engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens."Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region", she said.
