DUBAI, Saturday, February 28, 2026 (WNP): Iran fired a barrage of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) toward Gulf cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in a sharp escalation of regional hostilities following joint United States–Israeli strikes on Iranian territory earlier in the day.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted by air defence systems over the UAE, though fragments fell in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai as civilian areas came under threat. Authorities reported smoke in the skyline of Dubai and blasts heard in multiple locations as air raid sirens sounded across the emirates.

The ministry said debris from intercepted missiles landed in residential districts, causing concern but not immediately reporting the full extent of casualties.

The government described the attacks as a serious violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming its right to take necessary measures to protect citizens and maintain security.

Closures of airspace and heightened alerts across several Gulf states accompanied the barrage, with Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain also deploying air defences against incoming strikes. Explosions were reported across Abu Dhabi and other cities as the threats unfolded.

The strikes appear to be part of a broader Iranian counter-offensive following joint US–Israeli military action earlier on Saturday, which included attacks inside Iran that reportedly hit strategic and leadership targets. In response, Iranian forces launched missiles and drones aimed at multiple regional targets, escalating tensions across the Middle East.

Regional governments condemned the attacks and reiterated their preparedness to respond to threats against their sovereignty. The heightened military activity has spurred fears of a wider conflict and drawn international calls for restraint and renewed diplomacy.