Iran attacks U.S. base in Bahrain; explosions reported across Gulf region and Dubai
Iranian military struck a U.S. base in Bahrain and launched missiles at regional targets Saturday, with intercepted debris damaging buildings in Dubai and causing one death.
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked a U.S. military base in Bahrain on Saturday, according to reports citing Al Jazeera. The Iranian military said the strike was in response to an American attack on a desalination facility at Qeshm.
The attack came despite earlier assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had announced a ceasefire toward Gulf nations. Multiple explosions were reported across the region following the Iranian strikes.
In Bahrain, witnesses reported hearing several loud detonations, though it remained unclear initially whether these resulted from direct impacts or missile interceptions, according to CNN. The Iranian news agency Fars reported "strong explosions at American bases in Bahrain." Additional explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, with sources cited by AFP noting "several explosions" in Doha as well.
Dubai's airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, suspended operations Saturday morning after air defense systems intercepted an object near the facility. The Dubai government's press office confirmed that a "minor incident resulting from debris falling after an interception" was "successfully contained," with no injuries reported at the airport itself. Operations were later resumed partially.
Video footage showed a drone descending from the sky before striking near the airport terminal, producing an explosion and a large column of smoke. The impact occurred near Terminal A, with parked aircraft visible in close proximity to the blast site.
Separate incidents occurred at residential and commercial buildings in Dubai. Shrapnel from an intercepted missile damaged a residential tower and set a car on fire, with one death reported. A businessman staying at a Dubai hotel described the experience as "nerve-racking" after a drone struck the building on Saturday morning. He heard loud bangs and subsequently witnessed Iranian missiles and drones being intercepted in the sky. The drone impact caused his hotel room to shake violently, and it struck close to a friend's room where his son was present.
The U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran have led to the closure of nearly all airspace in the Middle East, resulting in the cancellation of thousands of flights. The businessman, who had arrived home in Northern Ireland on Tuesday night, said a number of his earlier booked flights had been cancelled by airlines due to the regional airspace closures.
Dubai authorities recommended citizens remain in safe locations. Emirates, the UAE's flagship carrier, announced flight suspensions and advised passengers not to proceed to the airport, citing passenger and crew safety as the priority.