Six Middle Eastern Countries Affected by US-Israeli Military Operations Against Iran
The United States and Israel conducted military strikes against Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The impact of this conflict has been felt across several Middle Eastern nations.
The US and its allies launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Dozens of bombs struck Khamenei’s residential complex in Tehran, killing Khamenei and several Iranian officials.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes. However, these counter-attacks affected several Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as these nations host US military bases or assets.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that 27 US military bases are located throughout the Middle East, alongside Israeli air bases at Tel Nof, the Hakirya military command centre in Tel Aviv, and major defence industry facilities in the same city that were targeted.
United Arab Emirates
Several areas of the UAE became targets of Iranian retaliatory strikes due to the presence of US military bases. One of the locations hit by Iranian missiles was Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. According to reports, one person was killed and seven were injured in this attack.
Additionally, Dubai International Airport came under attack. Damage was reported in one of the terminal buildings, and four staff members were injured. Attacks also struck Jebel Ali Port and the Palm Jumeirah area.
Bahrain
The Bahrain News Agency reported, as cited by CNN and The Guardian on Saturday, 28 February 2026, that the Fifth Fleet Service Centre of the US Navy in Bahrain was “targeted by Iranian missile strikes.”
The US Embassy in Bahrain was also closed. The embassy cancelled all scheduled activities on 1 March.
Qatar
Iran also conducted strikes against Doha, Qatar. The attack occurred on Saturday evening, 28 February, Doha time. Iranian missile strikes reportedly damaged the radar system at Al Udeid military base, near Doha.
“Qatar was targeted by 44 missiles and eight drones… with eight people injured, including one in critical condition,” said a diplomat to AFP, cited on Sunday, 1 March.
Kuwait
The Guardian reported that a series of explosions also occurred in Kuwait, which also hosts several US military bases. Approximately 13,500 US troops are stationed in the country.
Iraq
The AFP news agency reported that loud explosions were heard on Sunday morning, 1 March, near Erbil airport. The location serves as the headquarters of the US-led coalition forces in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. Thick black smoke rose from the airport area.
Jordan
Iranian missiles also entered Jordanian airspace. Jordan intercepted the missiles as air raid sirens sounded in Israel.
According to Al Jazeera, it was reported on Sunday, 1 March 2026, that Jordan’s defence system intercepted missiles that entered the airspace above the capital, Amman. Jordan also intercepted missiles that entered northern areas.