Since the start of the regional war in late February 2026, Iran has launched missiles and drones into the airspace of multiple Arab Gulf states. Official defense ministry statements and widely cited international reporting confirm that air defenses in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan engaged these incoming weapons. In many cases, interceptions occurred over populated areas, and falling debris caused civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. All affected countries are Muslim majority nations, many with Islam as the official state religion, and several previously maintained diplomatic or economic ties with Tehran despite broader regional tensions.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense publicly stated that Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, most of which were intercepted by air defenses. However, falling debris struck populated areas of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, damaging buildings, hotels, and transportation infrastructure, including areas near Zayed International Airport and Dubai Marina. The UAE reported six civilian deaths and 131 injuries caused by debris impacts. Officials condemned the attacks as a violation of national sovereignty and international law, and in response, the UAE closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrew its diplomatic staff.
In Kuwait, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that its air defenses engaged missiles and drones believed to be Iranian. Interceptions prevented direct strikes on critical infrastructure, but debris caused damage in urban and industrial areas, including Port Shuaiba, a major commercial and logistics hub south of Kuwait City. Kuwaiti authorities reported civilian injuries from falling fragments and called for heightened vigilance.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported that air defenses destroyed Iranian-attributed missiles and drones, but fragments from intercepted weapons damaged civilian areas, including residential neighborhoods and commercial sites. An Iranian drone strike also damaged a desalination plant, affecting drinking-water infrastructure. Bahrain confirmed one civilian fatality and more than 50 injuries in Manama and surrounding areas, and condemned the attacks as indiscriminate assaults on civilian resources.
In Oman, government reports confirmed drone strikes targeting the Port of Duqm, Port of Salalah, and industrial zones including Sohar, as well as two oil tankers off the coast. These strikes caused three fatalities and several injuries among foreign workers and ship crews, while officials noted ongoing investigations. Omani authorities emphasized protective measures for civilian and maritime infrastructure.
Qatar confirmed that missiles and drones attributed to Iran were intercepted over its territory, including near Hamad International Airport, causing shrapnel injuries to 16 civilians. The Qatari Ministry of Defense also reported that two Iranian Su‑24 warplanes were downed during one engagement.
In Saudi Arabia, air defenses engaged drones and missiles over areas including Ras Tanura and Shaybah oil fields, with falling debris causing civilian deaths and injuries and minor damage to infrastructure. Jordanian authorities stated that incoming missiles and drones were intercepted near Amman and along the border, resulting in localized infrastructure impacts but no confirmed fatalities.
Across the Gulf region, air defense systems intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones attributed to Iran. Despite these defenses, falling debris and secondary blast effects caused civilian casualties and damage to residential, commercial, and energy infrastructure. Gulf leaders have condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and emphasized the need to protect civilian populations.
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 on 11 March 2026, condemning Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor and abstentions from China and Russia, demanding an immediate cessation of attacks and affirming the protection of international navigation and civilian infrastructure.
Analysts note that Iran’s campaign appears designed to pressure Gulf states that have cooperated with the United States and Western partners, including nations that have advanced peace deals and diplomatic normalization with Israel. The strikes risk undermining emerging Arab-Israeli relations, discouraging further building of trust, sowing distrust, and challenging the perception of a unified regional front.