Multiple Arab states that host US assets targeted in Iran retaliation
Al Jazeera
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran has confirmed its retaliatory missile strikes targeting US military assets across several Arab Gulf states in response to a joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory. The attacks hit key locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where US bases are stationed. This move escalates tensions in the region, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared all US assets in the Middle East as legitimate targets.
The conflict appears to be intensifying, with both sides preparing for a prolonged engagement. Iran claims its missile strikes successfully intercepted some missiles over Abu Dhabi, resulting in at least one fatality. Bahrain reported a direct hit on the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters, calling it a "treacherous attack" that violated its sovereignty. Meanwhile, Kuwait and Qatar managed to intercept incoming missiles, preventing further damage. The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace, while Al Jazeera reported explosions in Kuwait and drone attacks near Erbil Airport in Iraq.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an alliance of Arab states including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, is at the center of this unfolding drama. Oman, which has historically acted as a mediator between Iran and other regional powers, remains untouched by Iranian strikes so far. Recent peace talks mediated in Oman and Geneva had shown promise, but were derailed after Israel and the US launched their initial attacks.
The situation highlights the growing likelihood of sustained conflict in
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/28/2026