Iranian Missiles Intercepted Across Gulf as Air Defences Activate in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Bahrain
Sirens and explosions reported across multiple Gulf states as Iranian missile and drone barrages trigger widespread interceptions during the expanding regional war
Air defence systems across several Gulf states were activated after Iranian missiles and drones were launched toward Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, triggering sirens and explosions as interceptors engaged incoming projectiles.
Officials in multiple countries confirmed that most of the missiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their intended targets.
Defence authorities in Saudi Arabia reported that air defences shot down ballistic missiles aimed at military facilities, including areas near Prince Sultan Air Base, a key installation used by coalition forces in the region.
Qatar also reported intercepting a large barrage of Iranian missiles and drones, with its armed forces destroying the majority of incoming projectiles before they could reach critical infrastructure.
Authorities said falling debris from intercepted missiles caused injuries and damage in several locations after fragments descended across populated areas.
The United Arab Emirates similarly activated its layered missile defence systems as projectiles approached its airspace.
Defence officials said most of the missiles and drones were intercepted, although explosions and fires were reported after debris fell near residential areas and infrastructure.
One earlier attack in Abu Dhabi resulted in civilian casualties after fragments struck populated districts.
Bahrain reported numerous interceptions as well, with air defence units destroying dozens of missiles and drones during successive waves of attacks.
The kingdom’s military said the strikes targeted locations linked to foreign military facilities and warned that the attacks violated national sovereignty.
The barrage forms part of Iran’s wider retaliation following large-scale strikes against Iranian military infrastructure by the United States and Israel.
Tehran has launched missiles and drones at multiple locations across the Middle East, particularly at countries hosting U.S. or allied military installations.
Across the Gulf region, air raid sirens and explosions were reported as interceptor missiles engaged the incoming threats.
Governments issued emergency alerts urging residents to remain indoors while defence systems operated.
Regional militaries said their air defence networks, including Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, were deployed to intercept the projectiles during different phases of flight.
These layered systems are designed to destroy ballistic missiles and drones before they reach urban areas or strategic facilities.
Despite the high interception rates, the attacks have caused disruption across the region, including temporary airspace closures and damage from falling debris.
Authorities have warned that additional attacks remain possible as the conflict between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance continues to unfold.
The missile exchanges underline the widening geographic scope of the war, which has already drawn multiple countries into a complex air and missile defence effort aimed at protecting cities, military bases and critical infrastructure throughout the Gulf.