The ongoing US-Israel-Iran war has entered a dangerous new phase, with Iran expanding its strikes to civilian infrastructure and key economic hubs across the Gulf, triggering alarm across West Asia. Countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain are now on high alert after a wave of missile and drone attacks targeted airports, oil facilities and urban centres.
The developments come amid warnings from Tehran of further strikes on global trade hubs, ports, airports, hotels and even US-linked technology infrastructure in the region. One of the most dramatic incidents unfolded in the UAE, where a drone strike hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
The impact triggered a major fire, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations, divert incoming aircraft into holding patterns, shut down key roads leading to the airport.
Dubai Airport hit, flights suspended after drone strike
The Dubai Media Office later confirmed that the fire was successfully contained, with no injuries reported. “All necessary measures are being taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” officials said.
“Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights,” it added.
Oil facilities and ports targeted across UAE
In a parallel strike, a drone hit the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, a key energy hub, sparking an “advanced” fire, according to local authorities. The escalation didn’t stop there. For the first time since the war began, Iran issued warnings targeting non-US assets in neighbouring countries, urging evacuation of three major ports in the UAE.
The widening conflict has also begun to take a toll on civilians in the Gulf. Authorities confirmed that a Palestinian civilian was killed in Abu Dhabi after a missile struck a vehicle in the Al Bahyah area.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia intercepted dozens of drones, including a barrage over Riyadh and oil-rich regions. Kuwait and Bahrain have reported fresh missile and drone threats, while Saudi forces alone said they intercepted at least 37 drones within 90 minutes.
Despite the scale of attacks, Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia denied responsibility, stating, “Iran is not the party responsible… if Iran had carried them out, it would have announced it.”
Israel claims major blow to Iran’s military capabilities
Even as the conflict widens geographically, Israel claims to have significantly degraded Iran’s military strength. According to Israeli military officials, 70% of Iran’s missile launchers have been destroyed, around 85% of its air defence systems have been neutralised. More than 7,600 strikes have been carried out inside Iran.
Israel says it has also targeted key nuclear facilities, and signalled that operations will continue. The war will go on “for as long as needed,” officials said, adding that thousands of targets remain.
West Asia conflict: Humanitarian crisis deepens
The human cost of the war continues to mount rapidly. At least 1,300 people have been killed in Iran with over 850 deaths reported in Lebanon, with more than 800,000 displaced. 12 fatalities have been reported in Israel. Moreover, 13 US military personnel have been killed, including six in a plane crash in Iraq.
The displacement crisis in Lebanon is among the worst, as civilians flee intensifying cross-border strikes and urban bombardment.