The Middle East is facing one of its most dangerous escalations in years after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran early this morning. The attack targeted sites linked to Iran’s leadership, including locations where senior political and security figures were reportedly gathered. Iran has responded with widespread missile fire, striking at Israel and at US military bases across the Gulf.
Explosions have been heard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel, with several countries activating air-defence systems. The UAE confirmed one civilian was killed in Abu Dhabi after debris fell in a neighbourhood, while Qatar and Bahrain reported damage from intercepted missiles. Israel says dozens of missiles have been launched at its territory, triggering repeated nationwide alerts.
Inside Iran, the government says more than 20 provinces have been hit, and it reported a deadly strike on a girls’ school in Minab, though these claims cannot be independently verified. Tehran has ordered millions to leave the capital, with heavy traffic seen heading north. A near-total internet blackout has made information hard to confirm.
Air travel across the region has collapsed, with Dubai Airport suspending all flights and major airlines cancelling routes to the Middle East. Governments around the world have called for restraint, but Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says attacks on Israel and US interests will “continue unabated”.
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