The conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel continues to intensify across West Asia, with several Gulf nations reporting missile and drone interceptions amid growing regional instability.
UAE Intercepts Missiles and Drones
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted 10 missiles and 26 drones on Thursday as hostilities linked to the ongoing conflict expanded across the Gulf. Similar defensive actions were reported by neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, indicating a widening security threat in the region.
Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Retaliation
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, promised retaliation for deaths caused since the beginning of the war. The leader, who has not yet appeared publicly, said Iran’s response had already begun but would continue until its objectives were fully achieved.
He stated that Iran would seek compensation from its enemies and warned that if compensation was denied, Tehran would seize or destroy an equivalent amount of their property.
According to Iran’s health ministry, the conflict has already resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 10,000 civilian injuries as of March 8.
Explosions Reported in Dubai
Residents in downtown Dubai reported hearing loud explosions as Iran continued targeting locations across the Gulf. Reports indicated strikes on energy and shipping infrastructure, including an attack on a container ship near the UAE coast and a drone strike on the port of Salalah in Oman.
The incidents are raising concerns about disruptions to key trade and energy routes in the region.
Drone Incident Near Dubai Airport
Earlier this week, two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international passengers. The airport is the main base for Emirates airline.
The attack injured four people, though authorities confirmed that flights continued operating normally after the incident.
UN Condemns Attacks in the Gulf
The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution condemning what it described as Iran’s attacks on sovereign countries in the Gulf.
Bahrain’s UN ambassador, Jamal Alrowaiei, said the international community strongly rejects actions that threaten regional stability and global trade in a region vital to energy security.
Iran Warns of Economic Targets
Iran also issued warnings that it could target US and Israeli economic interests across the region, including banks. Following the threat, several multinational firms began taking precautionary measures.
Citigroup, for example, reportedly advised staff to evacuate offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
US Plans Strategic Oil Release
Amid fears of a global energy shock and concerns over potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, the United States announced plans to release 172 million barrels of oil from its strategic petroleum reserve to stabilize markets.
As tensions continue to rise, governments across the Gulf remain on high alert while the international community calls for restraint and de-escalation.
