On February 28, 2026, Iran fired missiles and carried out attacks across the Middle East in response to a large military strike on its territory by the United States and Israel earlier the same day. The situation has escalated into a serious regional crisis.
What happened:
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Iran launched missiles and rockets at several Gulf Arab countries, especially those hosting U.S. military bases. These included the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
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Explosions and air defense alerts were reported in several cities such as Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Manama (Bahrain), and loud booms were heard in other regions.
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Air defenses in many countries intercepted most of the incoming missiles.
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At least one civilian was killed in Abu Dhabi, reportedly from falling debris after a missile was intercepted.
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Bahrain reported that a missile struck part of a U.S. Navy facility there.
Why it happened:
The attacks came after the U.S. and Israel launched air and military strikes on Iran, which they said were aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran responded by targeting U.S. and allied forces in the Gulf.
Government responses:
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The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan strongly condemned the attacks as violations of their sovereignty.
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Saudi Arabia also condemned Iran’s actions and expressed support for the affected nations.
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Many countries closed their airspace temporarily and flights were halted or canceled due to safety concerns.
Impact on everyday life:
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Flights in the Gulf region were suspended or diverted.
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People in affected countries were instructed to stay indoors and follow safety alerts.