Explosions were reported across several Gulf capitals as regional tensions sharply escalated following United States- and Israel-linked military strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory action claimed by Tehran and triggering widespread security alerts and airspace disruptions across the Middle East.
AFP confirmed that explosions were heard in Riyadh, marking a significant expansion of the crisis, while witnesses and international media reported blasts and air-defence activity in parts of the United Arab Emirates, including Abu Dhabi. Authorities across the region moved swiftly to heighten security preparedness as the situation evolved rapidly.
The escalation follows confirmed strikes earlier targeting sites inside Iran, after which Iranian officials warned of retaliation against American military assets across the region.
Iranian state-linked media, including the Fars news agency, said missile operations targeted several US military installations in the Gulf, naming Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
While Iranian outlets described the facilities as targets, official confirmation regarding direct impacts or damage at several of the bases had not been issued by host governments at the time of publication.
Reports from regional and international media indicated that air-defence systems were activated in multiple locations amid incoming missile alerts. In Bahrain, explosions were reported near areas hosting US naval facilities, while heightened security measures were observed across Gulf states.
Airspace restrictions were imposed across parts of the region as a precaution, with airlines rerouting flights to avoid affected corridors. Aviation authorities cited safety concerns amid the fast-moving security situation.
Governments across the region have yet to release comprehensive assessments of damage or casualties, and officials urged the public to rely on verified information as events continued to unfold.
More details were expected as authorities and international agencies continued to assess the rapidly developing situation.