DUBAI — Gulf states condemned reported Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting several countries across the region on Sunday, as governments activated air defenses, issued public safety alerts and reaffirmed support for collective security amid a sharp escalation in tensions linked to the conflict between Iran and the United States.
Authorities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates reported security measures after attacks or attempted attacks were reported. Several governments said their air defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles, while officials urged residents to seek shelter as a precaution. Witnesses reported hearing explosions in Doha as air defense systems responded to aerial threats, according to official statements and media reports.
The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned what it described as Iranian missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman, calling them a violation of those countries' sovereignty and a threat to regional security and stability. The ministry said the UAE stood in full solidarity with the affected states and supported measures to safeguard their security.
Governments across the Gulf issued similar statements denouncing the reported attacks and emphasizing their commitment to regional stability while calling for respect for international law. Several countries also reiterated support for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The reported attacks followed large-scale U.S. strikes against Iranian military targets earlier on Sunday. U.S. officials said the operation was launched in response to an Iranian missile strike on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have said previous military actions were undertaken in response to what they describe as U.S. aggression, although independent verification of all battlefield claims remains limited.
The latest exchange has further heightened concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Regional governments have warned that continued military escalation could threaten maritime navigation, commercial shipping and global energy markets.
No comprehensive casualty figures were immediately available from the affected countries, and several governments said damage assessments were continuing.
As of late Sunday, Gulf governments remained on heightened alert while diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis continued. Officials across the region urged restraint and emphasized the need to prevent further deterioration of the security situation, while military authorities continued monitoring potential additional threats.
