Air defenses across the Gulf continued to intercept waves of Iranian missiles and drones as the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel entered its second week. Regional authorities say nearly 3,000 missiles and drones have been launched since the fighting began, many aimed at civilian infrastructure.
The escalating conflict has also disrupted air travel across parts of the Middle East, prompting airlines and airports to issue warnings to passengers and adjust operations.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Air Defense intercepted a second attempted drone attack Sunday targeting the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, with no casualties or material damage reported, announced Turki Al-Malki, official spokesman for the Ministry of Defense.
Earlier, Saudi Civil Defense reported that two foreign nationals — one Indian and one Bangladeshi — were killed and 12 others injured when a military projectile landed in al-Kharj, southeast of Riyadh.
Al-Malki said Saudi forces intercepted and destroyed 33 drones since dawn Sunday that had targeted multiple regions of the Kingdom. Eight drones were destroyed after entering Saudi airspace and 17 more east of Riyadh.
He confirmed the interception of a drone over the Empty Quarter heading toward the Shaybah oilfield in southeastern Saudi Arabia. Six drones were downed over Riyadh.
Bahrain
Bahrain’s Defense Force said its air defense systems have been confronting successive waves of Iranian attacks since the conflict began. Authorities reported intercepting and destroying 95 missiles and 164 drones aimed at the kingdom.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said Sunday that three people were injured when missile fragments struck a university building in the Muharraq area.
Officials also reported damage to a desalination plant following a drone strike, though the Electricity and Water Authority said the attack did not affect water supply or the network’s operating capacity.
Kuwait
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense said its air defenses continue to intercept hostile drones that penetrate the country’s airspace.
Defense Ministry spokesman Saud Al-Atwan said the explosions heard in several areas were the result of air defense systems intercepting incoming threats, urging the public to follow official safety instructions.
Kuwait’s Fire Force said its teams brought a blaze at fuel storage tanks at Kuwait International Airport under control while other units continued efforts to extinguish a fire at the headquarters of the Public Institution for Social Security.
The Interior Ministry announced that two personnel were killed in the line of duty early Sunday. The fallen officers were identified as Lt. Col. Abdullah Al-Sharah and Maj. Fahd Al-Mujammad of the General Directorate of Land Border Security.
Amid the temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace, Jazeera Airways announced it had moved operations to Al-Qaisumah Airport in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia, after receiving approval from authorities in both countries.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates said it was acting in self-defense against what it described as an “unprovoked Iranian attack,” reporting that more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones have been launched toward its territory since the start of hostilities, targeting infrastructure and civilian sites.
The UAE said it does not seek further escalation, but reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security.
On Sunday, Emirati air defenses detected 17 ballistic missiles, destroying 16 while one fell into the sea. Authorities detected 117 drones, intercepting 113 of them while four crashed inside the country.
Since the beginning of the attacks, the UAE said it has detected 238 ballistic missiles, destroying 221. Fifteen fell into the sea and two landed on Emirati territory. Of 1,422 Iranian drones detected, 1,342 were intercepted and 80 fell within the country. Authorities also reported intercepting eight cruise missiles.
GCC condemns attacks
Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned Iranian attacks on infrastructure in Bahrain and Kuwait.
He said the strikes reflected an escalating approach by Iran and continued policies that undermine regional security and stability.
He called on the international community to take responsibility for halting repeated Iranian attacks and to put an immediate end to actions threatening regional and global security.
