Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Allies of US in the Gulf bear brunt of Iran attacks
Above Abu Dhabi, the sky is a clear blue canvas punctuated by the trails of incoming ballistic missiles. These streak through the air above sand-streaked residences and lushly irrigated landscapes, not as symbols of travel, but as harbingers of conflict. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) defense ministry confirmed on Sunday afternoon that it had intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones launched by Iran, its massive neighbor across the Gulf. The attacks mark a significant escalation in the region’s tensions, shifting Iran’s focus from purely military objectives to civilian infrastructure.
In Bahrain, a resident awoke to the chaos of an air assault early on Sunday morning. “I heard massive explosions and the wail of sirens,” he shared via text. “At least two hits, and around 20 distinct sounds.” This was not the first time such scenes unfolded, but the scale and frequency suggest a deliberate strategy. Iran has now expanded its targets beyond military installations like the US Navy’s 5th Fleet base in Manama to include airports, shopping centers, and high-rise complexes. These structures, built for comfort and commerce, now face the threat of drones and ballistic missiles.
“We are not attacking our neighbors in the Persian Gulf countries,” stated Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Aragchi, during an interview with Al Jazeera. “Our aim is to strike the US presence in these regions. Neighbors should address their grievances with the decision-makers of this war.” His comments highlight Iran’s rationale, framing its actions as a response to American influence rather than an outright assault on allied nations.
Some damage to civilian sites has been attributed to debris from intercepted missiles, but others are clearly intentional. The pattern of attacks on Bahraini and Emirati airports points to a calculated effort to disrupt daily life. Iran had previously warned that it would retaliate against any country it deemed complicit in attacks on its soil. The Gulf states, having aligned themselves with the US, now find themselves on the receiving end of this retaliation.
Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran was often referred to as “the policeman of the Gulf,” a role it sought to reclaim after the fall of the Shah. The nation has long argued that it should lead regional security, calling the area Khaleej-e-Fars. Despite this, its neighbors have remained hesitant to fully embrace Iran as their protector. The US-Israeli conflict has intensified Iran’s resolve, with attacks now targeting not only military assets but also symbols of economic and cultural stability.
Saudi Arabia and Oman, which have historically hosted US military forces, have fared better than other Gulf states. Oman, in particular, endured a drone strike at its Duqm port, a location on the Arabian Sea. Saudi officials condemned the attacks on Riyadh, calling them “blatant and cowardly,” though they acknowledged the city was successfully defended. The monarchy’s response underscores its frustration with Iran’s aggression, even as it maintains its alliance with Washington.
The current wave of attacks represents a new level of escalation. In 2019, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq targeted Saudi Aramco facilities, halting oil production for days. Last June, ballistic missiles struck Qatar’s al-Udaid airbase, a symbolic gesture following the US’s Operation Midnight Hammer. Yet these strikes pale in comparison to the recent onslaught, which has left the Gulf’s infrastructure exposed and its leaders rethinking their alignment with the West. For many, the conflict has crossed a threshold, challenging the stability of decades-old partnerships.