2026 Iranian strikes on Arab countries
During the 2026 Iran war, Iran carried out a series of missile strikes and drone attacks against several Arab countries in the Middle East. They also involved security threats against territorial waters and maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian authorities, the attacks targeted American interests and military bases in the region in response to strikes by the United States and Israel that targeted Iran. They also stated that any country that would allow its territory to be used for attacks against Iran would be considered a legitimate target.[1][2] The governments of the targeted countries reported that several missiles and drones fell in civilian areas or near non-military facilities, including residential areas, economic facilities, international airports, hotels, and energy installations.[2][3] The targeted countries condemned the attacks and considered them a violation of their sovereignty, especially since they were not involved in the conflict, and stated they have a right to respond and defend themselves under international law.[4]
Between 28 February and 18 March 2026, Qatar was targeted by 203 missiles and 87 drones, in addition to an attack involving two fighter jets. Saudi Arabia was hit with at least 38 missiles and 435 drones, while Jordan was targeted with a total of 204 missiles and drones. Oman was targeted with drones and strikes on the ports of Salalah and Duqm and the towns of Sohar and Bukha, while intercepting atleast 19.[5] The strikes caused damage to infrastructure and civilian facilities, disrupted flights, and prompted elevated military alert in the affected countries. In response, air defense systems around key installations were reinforced. The attacks also triggered widespread political and diplomatic reactions throughout the region.[6]
On 15 April 2026, the Financial Times reported Iran used a Chinese satellite to see what was going on in US military bases and guide strikes.[7]
Attacks by country
[edit]Bahrain
[edit]In Bahrain, Iran launched attacks on residential areas and energy facilities. In Sitra, the Bahraini Ministry of Health reported that 32 civilians were injured in a drone attack, including some in serious condition.[8] In Ma'ameer, authorities announced the control of a fire that broke out in a facility after being targeted.[9][10] Reports also indicated damage to the Bapco Refinery after an attack on the Sitra area.[11]
As of 18 March, 132 missiles and 234 drones were fired at Bahrain.[12]
Jordan
[edit]Jordanian authorities announced that the country was targeted by dozens of missiles and drones, and that the armed forces intercepted most of them.[13]
On 12 March, the Public Security Directorate announced that shrapnel fell in the Hashemite area in Zarqa Governorate, causing limited damage to a water line.[14]
Kuwait
[edit]In Kuwait, Iran launched attacks toward the airport, electrical infrastructure, and residential buildings. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian attacks and noted that some of them targeted Kuwait International Airport.[15]
On 9 March, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy announced that a fire that broke out in the fuel tank at Subiya Power Station was caused by drone debris.[16]
Kuwait announced the death of a child who died from injuries sustained after drone debris fell on a residential area.[17]
Oman
[edit]In Oman, Iran began launching a series of drone strikes on sites in Oman starting from 1 March, initially targeting the Port of Duqm and the Port of Salalah, which are used by the United States.[18]
The attacks also struck two oil tankers, one off the coast of Muscat[19] and another about five kilometres north of the Port of Khasab.[20] The UAE-flagged tugboat Mussafah 2 was attacked by Iran in the Omani territorial waters of the Strait of Hormuz, killing four crew members.[21] separate drone strikes targeted an industrial zone in Sohar and Bukha. The attacks killed 7 people and injured 18 others.
Qatar
[edit]In early March, the Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that the country was targeted by two ballistic missiles, one of which was intercepted by air defenses, while the other fell on Al Udeid Air Base without causing any human casualties.[22]
Additionally, missile debris fell on a food storage warehouse, causing a fire in several warehouses.[23]
Saudi Arabia
[edit]Saudi Arabia faced several missile and drone attacks during the regional escalation in March 2026. The attacks targeted military sites, oil facilities, and sensitive areas in the capital, the east, and the Empty Quarter.[12] The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced the interception of ballistic missiles heading toward the Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj.[24][25] There were also repeated reports about the targeting of the Shaybah Oil Field in the Empty Quarter.[26][27]
In the Eastern Province, Saudi authorities announced an attempted attack on the Ras Tanura Refinery by a drone.[28] In Riyadh, media reports indicated that a drone attack targeted the area around the U.S. Embassy in the diplomatic district, resulting in limited damage.[29]
Syria
[edit]United Arab Emirates
[edit]The UAE was subjected to missile and drone attacks targeting the country's airspace and several civilian targets. According to an official report, hundreds of missiles and drones were tracked, and there were recorded fatalities, injuries, and property damage.[30]
In Dubai, the Dubai Media Office reported that two drones fell in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, resulting in four people being injured.[31][32] In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced the control of a fire that broke out at the Old Abu Dhabi Airport due to debris falling after an air interception, with no injuries reported.[33] As of 18 March, 342 missiles and 1,699 drones were fired at UAE.[12] By 27 March UAE reported Iran launched 378 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and some 1,835 drones at the UAE.[34] On 28 March, Iranian strikes hit Emirates Global Aluminium plant at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi. The strike caused severe damage, leading to an operational shutdown and repairs which are expected to take up to one year. Employees were injured in the attack.[35][36]
Timeline
[edit]| Date | Country | Attack details |
|---|---|---|
| 28 February | Saudi Arabia | Strikes targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province[12] |
| 2 March | Saudi Arabia | Two drone strikes |
| 3 March | Saudi Arabia | 10 drone strikes |
| 4 March | Saudi Arabia | One drone strike |
| 5 March | Saudi Arabia | 3 cruise missiles and 4 drone strikes |
| 7 March | Saudi Arabia | 3 missiles and 23 drone strikes |
| 8 March | Saudi Arabia | One ballistic missile and 35 drone strikes |
| 9 March | Saudi Arabia | Two ballistic missiles and 23 drone strikes |
| 10 March | Saudi Arabia | One ballistic missile and 7 drone strikes |
| 11 March | Saudi Arabia | 3 ballistic missiles and 28 drones |
| 12 March | Saudi Arabia | 5 ballistic missiles and 53 drones |
| 13 March | Saudi Arabia | One ballistic missile and 56 drones |
| 14 March | Saudi Arabia | 6 ballistic missiles and 17 drones |
| 15 March | Saudi Arabia | 30 drone strikes |
| 16 March | Saudi Arabia | 92 drone strikes |
| 17 March | Saudi Arabia | One ballistic missile and 24 drones |
| 18 March | Saudi Arabia | 12 ballistic missiles and 30 drones |
| 10 March | Kuwait | Cumulative total: 237 missiles and 445 drones + additional interceptions[12] |
| 11 March | Kuwait | Missile and drone attacks |
| 12 March | Kuwait | 5 ballistic missiles and 9 drones (in addition to attacks) |
| 13 March | Kuwait | 1 ballistic missile and 1 drone |
| 14 March | Kuwait | 11 drones |
| 15 March | Kuwait | 14 drones |
| 16 March | Kuwait | Missile attacks + 6 drones |
| 17 March | Kuwait | 2 missiles and 13 drones |
| 18 March | Kuwait | 4 ballistic missiles and 23 drones |
| 4 March | Qatar | Cumulative total: 101 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, 39 drones + attack with two aircraft[12] |
| 5 March | Qatar | 14 ballistic missiles + 2 cruise missiles + 14 drones |
| 6 March | Qatar | 10 drones |
| 8 March | Qatar | 10 ballistic missiles + 2 cruise missiles |
| 9 March | Qatar | 17 ballistic missiles and 6 drones |
| 10 March | Qatar | 2 missile attacks (one with 5 missiles) |
| 11 March | Qatar | 9 ballistic missiles + drones |
| 12 March | Qatar | 2 ballistic missiles + 1 cruise missile + drones |
| 14 March | Qatar | 4 ballistic missiles + drones |
| 15 March | Qatar | Drone attacks |
| 16 March | Qatar | 14 ballistic missiles + drones |
| 17 March | Qatar | 9 ballistic missiles + drones |
| 18 March | Qatar | 7 ballistic missiles |
| 11 March | Oman | Several drones (fuel tank hit in Salalah)[12] |
| 12 March | Oman | Drone shot down |
| 13 March | Oman | Drone fell in Sohar |
| 7 March | Jordan | 119 missiles and drones (108 intercepted)[12] |
| 14 March | Jordan | 85 missiles and drones (79 intercepted) |
Reactions
[edit]Although the Gulf countries did not request the United States to initiate war, and initially sought to de-escalate the situation while encouraging diplomatic solutions, more than two weeks after the outbreak of the conflict and the continued Iranian attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in their countries, including oil facilities, ports, airports, and cities, as well as disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, they began urging Washington not to end operations before weakening Iran's military capabilities significantly. The U.S. is seeking to rally Gulf support for participation in the war, while Gulf states remain cautious and avoid direct involvement for fear of escalation.[37]
Abdulrahman Al-Rashed, former director of Al-Arabiya television, criticized that some Arab countries are justifying Iran's aggression towards other Arab countries, which he argues is reflective of a wider cultural crisis between Arab states.[38]
By 29 March 2026 analysts of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America estimated that the Gulf states had burned through the majority of their interceptor missiles, with UAE and Kuwait having spent some 75% of their stock of Patriot missiles on defending against Iranian attacks, while Bahrain was estimated to have launched up to 87%.[39]
Omar Al Qasim argued in April 2026 that the Iranian strikes permanently altered the Gulf states' security calculus. Neither the survival nor the fall of the Iranian regime in the current conflict would be strictly desireable outcomes. He concluded that united pressure of Gulf states should force the United States to deliver a "comprehensive resolution of underlying threats", later defined as Iran's capabilities in the fields of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial systems, proxy networks, and regional intervention mechanisms. For long-term security, a united defense architecture of Gulf states will be essential, with a genuine collective leadership.[40]
See also
[edit]
- 2026 Iran war regional mobilizations
- Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war
- Evacuations during the 2026 Iran war
- Gulf Cooperation Council
- Reactions to the 2026 Iran war
References
[edit]- ^ "Iran guards say targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain". Middle East Eye. 11 March 2026. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Middle East crisis live: Iran launches wave of strikes on Gulf". The Guardian. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Cargo vessel catches fire in Strait of Hormuz after projectile hit, UKMTO says". Iran International. 11 March 2026. Archived from the original on 17 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Regional tensions rise after Iranian strikes across Gulf". The Guardian. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Iran targeted 7 Arab countries with 6,413 missiles, drones over past 41 days". Anadolu (in Turkish). 2026-04-10. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ^ "Middle East crisis live: three ships hit in Strait of Hormuz". The Guardian. 11 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "Iran used Chinese spy satellite to guide strikes during war - FT". Iran International. Retrieved 2026-04-15.
- ^ "Bahrain Ministry of Health: 32 civilians injured in Iranian attack". Al Arabiya. 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Bahrain announces control of fire at a Ma'ameer facility". Kuwait News Agency. 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Bahrain: Control of fire at Ma'ameer facility after attack". Sky News Arabia. 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Smoke rising from Bapco refinery in Bahrain after drone attack". Al Arabiya. 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "4192 missiles and drones... The result of Iranian attacks on 7 Arab countries (Results)". AA. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
- ^ "Armed Forces announce the results of the projectiles targeting Jordan and the methods of intercepting them". Jordan News Agency. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Shrapnel falls in Hashemite area of Zarqa, causing limited damage to a water line". Jordan News Agency. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Kuwait condemns Iranian attacks targeting its territory, including Kuwait International Airport". Kuwait News Agency. 2026-02-28. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Drone debris causes fire in fuel tank at Subiya Power Station". Kuwait News Agency. 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Child dies from injuries caused by falling debris in a residential area". Kuwait News Agency. 2026-03-04. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Oman ports targeted by drone attacks". Seatrade Maritime News. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ^ Ata, Huda (2026-03-02). "Oil tanker attacked off Oman coast, one crew member killed". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ^ "Oil tanker hit near Khasab; 20 crew members evacuated". Times of Oman. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ^ "Salvage Tug Reported Attacked Near Straits of Hormuz with Crew Feared Dead". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ^ "Ministry of Defense announces interception of a ballistic missile and the fall of another at Al Udeid Air Base without human casualties". Qatar News Agency. 2026-03-04. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Qatar sends message to the UN and Security Council regarding the Iranian attack on its territory". Qatar News Agency. 2026-03-03. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Ministry of Defense: Interception of ballistic missiles heading to Prince Sultan Air Base". Saudi Press Agency. 2026-03-10. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Ministry of Defense: Interception of additional missiles targeting Prince Sultan Air Base". Saudi Press Agency. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Saudi Defense: Destruction of two drones in the Empty Quarter heading toward Shaybah Oil Field". Al Arabiya. 2026-03-11. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia announces interception and destruction of 3 drones in the Empty Quarter". Qatar News Agency. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia announces attempted attack on Ras Tanura Refinery". Asharq. 2026-03-04. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Fire at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh after a drone attack". Al Jazeera. 2026-03-03. Archived from the original on 2026-03-03. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "UAE Government reviews the latest developments of the attacks and their impact". Emirates News Agency. 2026-03-03. Archived from the original on 2026-03-09. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Two drones fall near Dubai International Airport". Al Khaleej Newspaper. 2026-03-11. Archived from the original on 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Dubai: Two drones fall near Dubai International Airport, injuring 4 people". Al Arabiya. 2026-03-11. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "Fire controlled at Old Abu Dhabi Airport after debris fell". Emirates Today. 2026-03-11. Archived from the original on 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ^ "UAE Says Air Defenses Intercept Missiles and Drones from Iran". qna.org.qa. 27 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ^ "Major U.A.E. Aluminum Plant Damaged in Iranian Strike". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
- ^ "Emirates Global Aluminum says full production recovery from attack could take a year". L'Orient Today. 2026-04-03. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
- ^ "Gulf states press US to neutralize Iran for good as Hormuz crisis deepens". Reuters. Retrieved 2026-03-16.
- ^ Al-Rashed, Abdulrahman. "Why Some Arabs Still Justify Iran's Aggression?". Aawsat. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ^ "'Eroding shield': Iran's evolving attack strategy aims for interceptor shortage, report reveals". Reuters. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
- ^ Al Qasim, Omar (April 6, 2026). "The Gulf After War: Risk Begins". Eagle Intelligence Reports. Eagle Intel S.R.L. Retrieved April 16, 2026.