Middle East erupts: Iran fires missiles after U.S.-Israel strikes, multiple Gulf nations intercept attacks

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), responding to what it described as “U.S.-Israeli aggression and criminal acts,” initiated the first wave of attacks targeting Israeli-occupied territories, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

Confirming incoming fire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on X that “an additional barrage of missiles was launched toward Israel,” adding that its aerial defense systems were actively identifying and intercepting threats.

Iranian Embassy said US military base in Bahrain has been targeted.

UAE, Qatar Intercept Missiles

The conflict quickly widened, with multiple Gulf nations reporting interceptions of possible Iranian missiles.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence confirmed it had intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles targeting the country. In a statement posted on X, the ministry described the attack as “blatant,” adding that air defense systems responded “with high efficiency.”

Authorities also dealt with debris falling on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, resulting in material damage and the death of an Asian national. The UAE said the overall security situation remains under control.

According to Al Jazeera, multiple explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Reports also indicated an explosion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain’s National Communication Centre said sites and facilities within the kingdom were targeted by attacks launched from outside its territory. Authorities said emergency response plans were immediately activated.

Qatar also confirmed intercepting what it described as a second wave of attacks. In a statement, the government said all missiles were detected and intercepted before entering its airspace, crediting coordinated security vigilance and pre-established defence plans.

Trump Issues Ultimatum to Iran

Amid the escalating hostilities, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Washington’s direct involvement in ongoing military operations against Iran.

“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” Trump said in a video address.

Accusing Tehran of decades of hostility toward the United States, Trump warned members of Iran’s armed forces, including the IRGC, to surrender.

“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death,” he said.

Trump further warned that U.S. forces would target Iran’s missile capabilities and naval infrastructure.

“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy,” he said.

Acknowledging the possibility of American casualties, Trump described the campaign as necessary for long-term security.

“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost. That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now — we’re doing this for the future. It is a noble mission,” he said.

He also urged Iranian civilians to remain indoors due to the danger posed by ongoing operations.

Earlier Strikes on Iran

The escalation followed confirmation from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz that Israel had launched strikes on Iran. Trump subsequently confirmed U.S. participation in the operation.

Multiple Iranian cities were reportedly hit, including the capital, Tehran. Missiles struck areas such as University Street and Republic Square, according to media reports.

The rapid cycle of strikes and counter-strikes marks a major escalation in the conflict, raising fears of a broader regional war in the Middle East.