Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait: Gulf countries targeted by Iran after US-Israel strikes

Iran’s IRGC said in a statement it was targeting US bases and assets as part of operation “Truthful Promise 4”, in retaliation for the attack on Iran.

 

The BBC reported that at least four people were injured in an incident at a luxury hotel in Dubai, and a civilian was killed by falling debris in Abu Dhabi after a strike “involving Iranian ballistic missiles.”

 

Dubai airport was also reportedly hit in the attack by Iran.

 

However, the United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry has said it destroyed 132 missiles and intercepted 195 drones launched from Iran.

 

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Iran’s latest military actions across the Gulf, confirming that Iranian forces directly targeted Riyadh and the kingdom’s eastern region in a significant escalation of hostilities.

 

According to a statement issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the attacks were successfully repelled by the kingdom’s air defence systems.

 

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement yesterday strongly condemning “the targeting of Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles”. It said it considered it “a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct infringement on its security and territorial integrity” and an “unacceptable escalation.”

 

The Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior in Qatar, Abdullah Khalifa Al-Muftah, said eight people were injured by falling missile shrapnel, one of them seriously.

 

In a televised address, he said 66 missiles were fired on Qatar.

 

He said there were 114 reports of shrapnel falling across the country.

 

The Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahim Sultan Al-Hashemi, said Iran’s repeated targeting of Qatar was a reckless and irresponsible act that contradicted the principle of good neighbourliness.

 

Similarly, Bahrain has decried Iranian attacks on countries across the Gulf.

 

Jamal Fares Al-Ruwaie said Bahrain condemned the “unprecedented escalation,” saying it would deal with it “firmly.”

 

Al-Ruwaie also condemned strikes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Syria.

 

“These grave developments reflect an escalatory pattern targeting our collective security,” he said.

 

FG Issues Advisory to Nigerians in Iran, Gulf States

 

Meanwhile, the federal government has issued a travel advisory to Nigerians residing in or visiting Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries.

 

In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said it was closely monitoring the “evolving and volatile situation” in the Middle East.

 

“All Nigerians in Iran and affected Gulf countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times,” the statement reads.

 

“Avoid areas known to be strategic, military, or government installations, as these could be potential flashpoints.”

 

The advisory urged citizens to avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.

 

The statement added that the Nigerian embassy in Tehran and missions in neighbouring Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, are on high alert to provide consular assistance and facilitate communication.

 

The government also called on parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions.