Fresh missile and drone attacks linked to Iran have struck parts of the Gulf region, undermining assurances by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that neighbouring countries would not be targeted unless attacks originated from their territories.
The latest escalation resulted in a fatal incident in the United Arab Emirates, where a resident of Dubai was killed after debris from an aerial interception fell on a vehicle.
According to the Dubai Media Office, the incident occurred on Saturday evening in the Al Barsha district during efforts by authorities to neutralise incoming aerial threats.
Officials said the victim, identified only as an Asian driver, died when fragments from the interception struck the vehicle. No further details about the individual were released.
The incident unfolded as the UAE confirmed it was responding to “incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”.
The latest strikes form part of Iran’s retaliatory campaign against United States military installations in the Gulf following what Tehran described as “pre-emptive” attacks carried out by the United States and Israel last Saturday.
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Iran has since launched missile and drone attacks targeting several US military facilities across the region, including bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait.
Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian had attempted to reassure neighbouring states, expressing regret over the impact of the retaliatory strikes and emphasising that Tehran had instructed its armed forces to avoid direct attacks on nearby countries.
Pezeshkian said the military had been directed “not to attack neighbouring countries unless attacked first”.
However, within hours of the statement, Qatar’s defence authorities reported that their air defence systems had intercepted a missile.
In the UAE, officials said defence systems were actively engaging the incoming threats, with ballistic missiles being intercepted and fighter jets deployed to target drones and other aerial vehicles.
Saudi Arabia also reported a related incident, with the kingdom’s defence ministry announcing that a ballistic missile had been launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base near Al-Kharj.
Authorities said the missile ultimately fell in an “unpopulated area,” avoiding casualties or major damage.
