Early morning missile and drone attacks launched by Iran triggered air defence responses across several Gulf countries on Wednesday, as the regional conflict intensified sharply.
Authorities in Qatar said their armed forces intercepted a missile targeting the country, while Kuwait confirmed that its National Guard shot down seven drones.
In the United Arab Emirates, residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai received two missile warning alerts on their mobile phones, sent at approximately 6:30am and 7:15am, prompting heightened public concern.
Escalation Follows Killing of Senior Iranian Official
The attacks come after Iran confirmed the death of senior security official Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran.
Iranian authorities said Larijani, a prominent figure with long-standing influence in national security and foreign policy, was killed along with members of his family and security detail. His funeral is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Iran has vowed to respond decisively, with military officials warning of further retaliatory action.
Strikes and Casualties Reported
Iranian state media said the country launched a “multi-warhead” missile attack targeting more than 100 sites in Israel.
Israeli emergency services reported that at least two people died after being seriously injured in a missile strike in Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, in Beirut, Israeli airstrikes on residential areas killed at least six people and injured more than 20, according to Lebanese authorities.
Humanitarian Situation Worsens
The World Health Organisation said the death toll in Iran has surpassed 1,400 since the conflict began, with more than 18,000 people injured.
In Lebanon, hundreds have been killed and nearly a million people displaced, with increasing pressure on healthcare services following reported attacks on medical facilities.
Regional and International Response
Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis are ongoing.
Saudi Arabia is hosting a meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers to discuss regional security, while Hakan Fidan has begun a tour of regional capitals aimed at de-escalation.
The Pentagon said it is expanding the production of low-cost attack drones, reflecting the growing role of drone warfare in the conflict.
Economic Measures Announced in UAE
Amid the escalating situation, the Central Bank of the UAE announced a financial resilience package to support the banking sector and maintain economic stability.
The measures include enhanced liquidity access, temporary easing of regulatory requirements, and support for affected borrowers and businesses.
Ongoing Military Activity
The US military confirmed it carried out strikes on Iranian missile infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, citing threats to international shipping routes.
Iran, meanwhile, said it had executed a man accused of working for Mossad, signalling heightened internal security measures.
The latest developments indicate a widening conflict involving multiple countries, with continued exchanges raising concerns over a broader regional war.
