Iranian retaliation triggers caution in wider Middle East
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Representational.
Iran launched waves of missiles toward Israel in response to pre-emptive Israeli and US strikes on Iranian targets, triggering sirens and intercepts across Israeli territory. In its initial wave of attacks, Iran launched 125 missiles toward Israel. Of these, 35 crossed into Israeli airspace, while the remaining projectiles were intercepted before reaching the country. The assault triggered warning sirens across central and northern parts of Israel, according to reports.
Iran said that Israel struck an elementary girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, killing five students. Iran’s IRNA agency reported the incident.
The escalation marks a significant regional conflict surge, with explosions reported in Israel and across the Gulf, amid widespread airspace closures and heightened military alerts.
Iran strikes US facility Bahrain
Iran launched missile strikes on US military facilities across the Gulf, including the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain’s Manama. Bahraini authorities confirmed a missile attack on the base’s service centre, with sirens and smoke seen over the Juffair district.
Kuwait closes airspace
Kuwait has temporarily closed its airspace to all civilian flights amid escalating Middle East hostilities. The country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the closure is a precautionary safety measure due to heightened political and security tensions, with all flights suspended until further notice. Kuwait also cancelled flights to Iran as Iranian airspace remains shut following the conflict.
Explosions reported in Saudi capital
AFP reports that loud explosions were heard in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Two AFP correspondents in Riyadh said they heard a loud bang and several explosions. The noises came as explosions were also reported in other Gulf cities, including Doha and Abu Dhabi. Details on cause and impact in Riyadh remain unclear.
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Iran’s attacks, calling them “brutal aggression” and a blatant violation of the sovereignty of five Arab states — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Riyadh stands in full solidarity with the affected countries and is ready to support them with all available capabilities. It warned of the grave consequences of continued breaches of state sovereignty and international law.
Indian Embassy issues advisory for Indian nationals
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have issued an advisory for Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Indians in the UAE have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, remain vigilant and take due care, and to follow safety guidelines issued by UAE authorities. Emergency contact numbers, WhatsApp support and email addresses have been shared for assistance.