Tensions across the Middle East spiralled on Sunday after Iran launched what it described as a “sixth wave” of coordinated missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and United States military installations in several countries.
Iran’s elite military arm, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced the fresh offensive, according to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
The strikes reportedly focused on Israeli territory and US bases spread across the region.
Live updates monitored by CNN indicated that explosions were heard in multiple capitals and strategic cities, fuelling fears of a widening regional war.
In Israel, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it detected missiles launched from Iran toward its territory.
The military said air defence systems were activated immediately to intercept the incoming projectiles. Authorities did not immediately release casualty figures.
In the United Arab Emirates, loud explosions reverberated across Dubai in the early hours of Sunday. Witnesses reported seeing smoke trails in the sky, triggering panic in parts of the commercial hub.
Officials later confirmed that debris from an aerial interception over Business Bay fell into the Jebel Ali port area, sparking a fire.
Thick smoke billowed from the port complex, raising concerns about possible disruptions to one of the region’s busiest maritime trade centres.
In Qatar, several loud blasts were reported in Doha around 7:30 a.m. local time.
The Qatar Ministry of Interior said at least 16 people sustained injuries, describing the damage in affected locations as “limited.” Residents were urged to remain indoors as security agencies assessed the situation.
Bahraini authorities also activated nationwide sirens. Videos circulating online showed smoke rising near the Crowne Plaza Manama.
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The Bahrain Ministry of Interior advised citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe shelter.
In Iraq’s Kurdistan region, heavy explosions were reported in Erbil. Thick black smoke was seen rising from a fire at Erbil International Airport.
Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency claimed powerful blasts rocked the city early Sunday, though it remained unclear whether the airport or nearby facilities housing foreign troops were directly hit.
The coordinated attacks mark one of the most expansive cross-border escalations in recent months, intensifying fears that the simmering standoff between Tehran, Israel and Washington could erupt into a broader regional conflict.
