Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on United States military targets across the Middle East, with at least one person confirmed dead in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Authorities in the UAE confirmed that a person of Asian nationality was killed after shrapnel from an Iranian missile struck a residential area in Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital.
The Emirati Ministry of Defence disclosed that the UAE was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles but noted that its air defence systems intercepted “a number” of them.
“The ministry condemned this attack in the strongest terms, stressing the state’s categorical rejection of targeting civilian objects, facilities and national institutions,” the statement read.
It described the strike as “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians and undermines stability.”
The ministry further stated that the attack constituted “a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law,” adding that the UAE “reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory.”
Iran’s latest offensive follows earlier attacks by the US and Israel on Iranian territory. Tehran had vowed retaliation, warning that it would target American interests across the region if attacked.
Explosions were reported in parts of Iran after the US-Israeli strikes, while blasts were also heard near US military installations in Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE. Iran also launched missiles and drones towards Israel.
Bahrain confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama was targeted in the attacks, while Qatar’s Defence Ministry said its Patriot air defence system intercepted an Iranian missile.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had launched missiles and drones at Israel and US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry accused the US and Israel of violating international law.
“The renewed military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter,” the ministry said.
It added, “The Islamic Republic of Iran considers this aggression a clear breach of international peace and security and emphasises that it reserves its legitimate right to respond decisively.”
Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran insisted it had the right to self-defence.
“History shows that Iranians have never surrendered to aggression. This time as well, Iran’s response will be decisive, and aggressors will regret their hostile actions,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that American casualties could occur as the conflict escalates.
“The Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties — that often happens in war — but we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,” Trump said in a video broadcast following the strikes.
He also suggested that the objective of the operation included a possible change of government in Iran.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” he said, referring to Iranian protesters.
The escalating conflict has forced several Gulf countries to shut their airspace, grounding hundreds of international flights. Both Iran and Israel have also closed their airspace, while sirens continued to sound in Israeli cities as residents were urged to seek shelter.
Several countries, including the US, China and the UK, have advised their citizens to leave Iran and Israel amid fears of a wider regional war.
