Gulf States Respond to Iranian Missile Attacks Amid Rising Tensions

Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman declared their response to a series of Iranian missile attacks early Sunday, marking a new escalation that coincided with US strikes targeting Iranian locations after Tehran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Qatari Ministry of Interior stated that "security agencies and civil defense teams have initiated their procedures according to approved response plans following the Iranian assaults." The ministry reported three injuries, including a child, caused by shrapnel from aerial interceptions, confirming that the injured received necessary medical care.

It further clarified that "activating national alert and warning procedures occurs only when urgent additional precautionary measures are required to preserve public safety," emphasizing "the importance of obtaining information solely from official sources and refraining from spreading rumors or sharing any unreliable information, images, or videos." The ministry also reaffirmed that security agencies continue their efforts to maintain community security and safety.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defense reported that "air defenses are currently engaging missile and drone attacks originating from [unspecified location]," adding that "the sounds heard in various parts of the country result from the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones."

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced the activation of the alarm siren on its platform X, urging citizens and residents to move to the nearest safe location and follow updates through official channels.

Omani state news agency quoted a security source confirming that sites in the Musandam Governorate were targeted by drones. The source added, "The Sultanate of Oman condemns and denounces this targeting and confirms taking all necessary measures to address these developments to ensure the safety of the country and its residents."

The Kuwaiti military declared that the armed forces intercepted "hostile aerial targets within Kuwaiti airspace," noting that explosion sounds heard were due to air defense systems countering the hostile attacks.

Jordan's news agency reported that three missiles launched from Iranian territory fell inside Jordan without causing injuries. A military source stated, "The Jordanian Armed Forces will not permit the use of the kingdom’s airspace or territory as a battleground threatening its security and stability and will respond firmly to any threat affecting the state's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens."