Iran Retaliates Against US and Israeli Attacks, Explosions Heard in Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia

SENEKO NEWS | QATAR — Iran launched a massive missile attack targeting several United States military bases in the Gulf region on Saturday (February 28, 2026).

This retaliatory attack followed a joint military operation launched by the United States (US) and Israel against targets in Iranian territory the same day.

The Iranian state news agency stated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had targeted strategic points housing US military bases in the Gulf region.

The main targets included Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military base in the Middle East, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In addition, the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain was also reportedly directly hit.

A report from the UAE's state news agency confirmed that at least one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after local security authorities intercepted several missiles launched from Iran.

"The UAE government calls this sudden attack unexpected. The UAE reiterates its full right to respond to any escalation that endangers civilians," the UAE government said, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two main cities of the UAE, a series of explosions were heard amidst billows of smoke billowing into the sky. Due to the deteriorating security situation, UAE aviation authorities have closed their airspace to civil aviation as a precautionary measure.

In Bahrain, the Ministry of Interior issued an emergency alert via text message to citizens' mobile phones. The government urged all residents to immediately halt their activities and head to a safe location or the nearest shelter.

"Sirens were sounded due to the danger. Residents are advised to remain calm and follow official safety instructions," the ministry said in a statement, as reported by AFP.

Similar measures were taken by neighboring countries such as Qatar and Kuwait to avoid further potential risks to commercial flights.

Reports from the field indicate that this escalation is spreading rapidly to other regions of the Arabian Peninsula. AFP news agency reported that loud explosions were heard as far away as the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

The situation escalated after the US officially declared an attack on Iran. US long-range fighter jets and precision missiles reportedly targeted several IRGC military facilities and strategic infrastructure on Iranian soil.

US President Donald Trump reportedly panicked, not expecting Iran to retaliate so quickly, which would derail his advance.

He urged the public to seek shelter immediately following warnings of intense bombing in various strategic areas. (trio/Joy)