Countries across the Gulf said their air defences were intercepting drones and missiles early Friday as the Iran-Israel conflict spilled deeper into the region during Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
In Iran, state broadcaster IRIB reported that air defences were activated against “hostile targets” east of Tehran, while Israel’s military said it had begun a new “wave of strikes” in and around the capital. Israel also said it detected missiles launched from Iran and that its air defence systems were working to intercept them.
In Saudi Arabia, the Defence Ministry said it shot down multiple drones, including attacks aimed at the oil-rich Eastern Province and one over the northern Al-Jawf region. Separate reporting put the number intercepted overnight at more than a dozen, with air defences engaging targets for several hours.
The United Arab Emirates said its air defences were responding to “incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.” Dubai’s government media office said loud booms heard in the emirate were linked to interceptions, with no immediate reports of injuries.
In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry said falling shrapnel from what it described as an Iranian attack sparked a fire at a warehouse. The blaze was brought under control and no injuries were reported.
Kuwait also activated warning sirens as the military said air defences were responding to missile and drone threats.
The overnight alerts come amid wider disruption to Gulf security and trade routes, with energy infrastructure and shipping repeatedly affected since the conflict escalated.
