Allies of US in the Gulf Bear Brunt of Iran Attacks in Escalation

Published: 2 March 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

As the conflict in the Middle East rapidly expands following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, several Gulf Arab states closely associated with the United States are experiencing the direct impact of Iran’s retaliatory attacks, analysts and officials say. Iran’s campaign — which has included waves of ballistic missiles and drones — has struck sovereign territory and military infrastructure in countries hosting U.S. forces or allied with Washington, blurring the lines between proxy engagement and direct regional confrontation.

Across the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, Iranian attacks have been reported on multiple fronts, forcing regional capitals to mobilise air defence systems and prepare civilian populations for sudden strikes. In the UAE, at least three people were killed and dozens more injured as missiles and drones struck near Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with debris hitting residential and commercial areas despite interceptions by local air defences.

Targets of the latest attacks have specifically included locations tied to U.S. military presence, such as air bases and strategic facilities. Countries that host significant American forces — including the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and the major U.S. airbase at Al Udeid in Qatar — have reported intercepting incoming missiles or drones and publicly condemned the assaults as violations of their sovereignty.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that all U.S. and Israeli assets in the Middle East were now legitimate targets in retaliation for the February 28 U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed top Iranian leaders, signalling a broader opening of fronts across the region. Gulf airspaces in Doha, Manama, and Riyadh witnessed repeated explosions and intercepts, as authorities scrambled defences and sought to reassure anxious populations in cities previously considered secure.

The economic and civilian toll has extended beyond military sites. Dubai’s iconic landmarks, airports and urban districts were shaken by blasts, rousing fears among residents and tourists alike amid widespread travel disruptions. Regional business hubs that depend on foreign investment and stability are now confronting sudden spikes in risk and security costs.

Governments in the Gulf have responded with sharp diplomatic protests. Saudi Arabia summoned Iran’s envoy to condemn violations of its territorial sovereignty, while Kuwait and Qatar — both hosts to U.S. and coalition military installations — have condemned the strikes as unacceptable breaches of international norms. These assertions reflect mounting frustration among Gulf leaders at being drawn deeper into a conflict that began far beyond their borders yet now threatens their citizens and critical infrastructure.

Observers note that the involvement of Iran’s missile and drone forces against U.S. allies exposes the vulnerabilities of countries that have relied on American security guarantees for decades. Many Gulf states had sought to balance ties with Tehran and Washington, aiming to avoid entanglement in direct military hostilities. Instead, they now find themselves at the sharp end of regional escalation, facing the delicate task of responding to attacks while managing their own diplomatic and economic stability.

As tensions continue to escalate without clear indications of de-escalation, analysts warn that Gulf states may be compelled to adjust defence postures, strengthen regional cooperation, and coordinate more closely with external partners to mitigate further blowback from an evolving and highly unpredictable conflict.

Read More At>>