Within an hour of American and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran launched retaliatory strikes against Arab states on Saturday, widening the conflict and prompting warnings of escalation from the Gulf region.
Following weeks of warnings that attacks on Iran would result in targets within allied nations hosting U.S. Military and naval bases, Iran quickly retaliated. Initial strikes reportedly targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. All missiles and drones were reportedly intercepted, with no casualties reported.
These barrages mark the first time in history that Iran has directly attacked the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This action differs from a previous 12-day conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran in June 2025, when Iran provided advance notice of a strike on the Al Udeid Airbase in Doha, allowing for successful interception and a swift return to normalcy.
In the lead-up to Saturday’s strikes, Gulf states advocated for diplomacy and urged the Trump administration against striking Iran, even denying American use of their airspace for potential airstrikes. Now, facing the consequences of the conflict, these states have condemned Iran’s strikes as a violation of international law and national sovereignty, while reserving the right to retaliate.
“A full military strike back at Iran is unlikely. The Gulf states have too much to lose – their economies, energy exports, and ambitious development plans – to risk being drawn into a wider war,” said Hesham Alghannam, a Saudi political scientist and nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Middle East Center.
However, Alghannam added, “if Iranian attacks continue, attitudes will harden,” potentially leading Gulf states to accelerate weapons purchases, strengthen security ties with the U.S., and prompting Saudi Arabia to pursue its own civilian nuclear program.
Iran targets Arab capitals
Iran’s initial rocket barrages targeted both U.S. Military installations and civilian areas within Arab nations. Within an hour, ballistic missiles struck or were intercepted over Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Manama, Bahrain; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Amman, Jordan; and reportedly Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – impacting states that had previously campaigned against U.S. Military action against Iran.
The initial rocket attacks disrupted daily life and the economies of Arab countries reliant on international finance and travel. Civilian airspace was closed in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Videos showed debris from an intercepted missile hitting a Doha suburb, and an intercepted rocket falling on a home in Amman, shaking buildings in the Jordanian capital.
The first confirmed casualty occurred in the UAE, where debris from an Iranian strike killed an Asian national, signaling what authorities anticipate will be a prolonged regional war. Bahraini authorities initiated a mass evacuation of residents in the central Juffair area of Manama, near the U.S. Naval base.
Arab states characterized the Iranian response as direct attacks on their countries, though they have not yet outlined any plans for retaliation:
- UAE: The Emirati government called the Iranian missile attacks “a blatant violation of national sovereignty” and “a dangerous escalation,” reserving its right to respond.
- Bahrain: The Bahraini government described the barrages as “treacherous attacks” and asserted its right to respond in coordination with allies.
- Qatar: Reiterating its call for dialogue, Qatar stated that the targeting of its territory was unacceptable and reserved the right to respond in accordance with international law.
- Saudi Arabia: Riyadh condemned the Iranian strikes and warned of “grave consequences” if such breaches of international law continued.
Despite strong condemnation, Arab states remain heavily reliant on U.S. Military protection. Jordanian Armed Forces fighter jets intercepted Iranian rockets, but are expected to maintain a defensive posture. A Jordanian government spokesperson stated, “Jordan will not be a party to any regional escalation.”
‘Firm on defense, active on the diplomatic front’
The conflict is expected to disrupt the upcoming Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr holidays, impacting commercial activity and travel for Arab and Muslim states. Unlike Israel, Arab states lack widespread public and private bomb shelters.
Officials and residents are bracing for a second barrage of more guided, lethal Iranian rockets later Saturday, described by one unnamed official as “the true test” and “when the real war begins.”
“The bottom line,” says Mr. Alghannam, “is that the Gulf response would be firm on defense, active on the diplomatic front, but careful to avoid actions that could spiral into a broader regional conflict.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Iran target in its initial retaliatory strikes?
Iran reportedly targeted the American military at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. It also targeted civilian areas in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Manama, Kuwait City, Amman, and reportedly Riyadh.
How did Gulf states respond to the Iranian strikes?
Gulf states condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and national sovereignty, and reserved the right to retaliate, though they have not yet outlined any specific plans.
What is the likely course of action for Gulf states moving forward?
According to Hesham Alghannam, a Saudi political scientist, Gulf states are likely to adopt a strategy that is “firm on defense, active on the diplomatic front,” while avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict further.
As tensions continue to rise, what impact will this escalating conflict have on regional stability and international relations?
