Iranian Strikes Continue to Rain Down on Gulf Countries

Israel Defense Forces stated that it has launched a wave of simultaneous ‘extensive strikes’ targeting Iran’s infrastructure in Shiraz, Tabriz, and Tehran.

Fire and plumes of smoke rise after a drone struck a fuel tank forcing the temporary suspension of flights near Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates on March 16, 2026. AP Photo

Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, continue to be bombarded with missile and drone attacks as the Iran war enters its third week.

The offensive from the Iranian regime has prompted condemnation from the Gulf nations, as they try to protect their infrastructure and populations from the continued bombardment.

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense reported since the early hours of the morning on March 16 that it had intercepted and destroyed dozens of drones, mostly over the eastern region of the country, according to a series of posts on the department’s X account.

On the same day, the Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement on X saying Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had discussed by telephone the latest developments in the region and the repercussions of the conflict.

“It was also affirmed that the continuation of Iran’s sinful aggressions against the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council represents a dangerous escalation threatening the region’s security and stability, and that the Council’s countries will continue to exert all their efforts to defend their territories and provide all available capabilities to support the region’s security and preserve its stability,” the statement reads.

Bahrain similarly reported on March 16 that its air defense systems had responded to aerial attacks on the morning of March 16, with the country’s defense ministry stating that four missiles and three drones were fired.

In a post on Instagram, the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) stated that since the start of the Iran war on Feb. 28, it had intercepted and destroyed 215 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 129 missiles, saying that its air defense systems “stand vigilant against ... malicious Iranian aggression.”

“The General Command clarifies that the use of ballistic missiles and drones to target civilian objects and private property is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations, and that these heinous and indiscriminate attacks represent a direct threat to regional peace and security,” the BDF stated.

Drones, Missiles Fired at UAE

The UAE Ministry of Defense stated in a post on X in the early hours of March 16 that its air defenses were “responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.”

A post from the ministry later that day stated that it had engaged with six ballistic missiles and 21 UAVs.

“Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,627 UAVs,” the statement reads.

It noted that these attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of their armed services, five civilian fatalities, all of whom were foreign nationals, and 145 people being injured.

“The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats, and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine State security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the department stated.

Damage resulting from the strikes was being reported by UAE member states, including Fujairah.

The Fujairah Media Office stated in a post on X that a large fire had broken out on March 16 after a drone attack on the Fujairah petroleum industry area.

Dubai officials said on March 16 that some flights have gradually resumed at Dubai International Airport, following a drone-related incident that had caused a fire, which was later contained.

The Dubai Media Office stated in a post on X on March 15 that a drone incident near the airport had affected one of the fuel tanks, precipitating the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to suspend flights for public safety.

Israel Launches ‘Extensive Strikes’ on Iran

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated in a post on X on March 16 that it has launched a wave of simultaneous “extensive strikes” targeting the Iranian regime’s infrastructure in Shiraz, Tabriz, and the capital Tehran.

The IDF also stated via the social media platform that it had identified missiles launched from Iran, directed toward Israel, and that defense systems were operating to intercept the threats.

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani told reporters on March 16 that while the Iranian regime continues to fire missiles at Israel, Tehran’s capabilities to conduct strikes have been greatly reduced.

Shoshani said Israel has so far carried out 7,600 strikes against the regime, taking out 85 percent of Iran’s air defense systems and targeting a number of nuclear sites.

He said the war will go on “for as long as needed,” noting that Israel has thousands of other targets it is prepared to strike.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.