Blasts reported across Bahrain, UAE and Kuwait as Iran retaliation fears rise after US–Israel strikes

Explosions were reported across Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait amid a widening regional military operations following the escalation involving the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

Bahrain said a service centre linked to the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters had been hit in a missile attack on Saturday. The National Communication Centre confirmed the strike but did not immediately provide further details.

Emergency sirens had earlier sounded across Bahrain, and authorities urged residents to seek shelter as blasts were heard in the capital, Manama. I ran had previously warned it could retaliate against countries hosting US military bases.

Explosions reported in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait

Residents in Abu Dhabi told AFP they heard loud explosions in the Emirati capital, which hosts a base housing US personnel. Two residents confirmed the blasts. The UAE earlier said it had “temporarily and partially” closed its airspace as a precautionary measure.

Explosions were also reported in Kuwait, according to an AFP correspondent. A missile was intercepted by air defence systems in Doha hours later, though it was not immediately clear whether US military installations were targeted.

More from World

Israel and Iran close airspace as preventive strikes on Tehran escalate regional tensions Israel's security cabinet to huddle on Sunday, expected to discuss looming Iran-US tensions

In Abu Dhabi, the UAE Air Force and US Air Force operate from Al Dhafra Air Base, while in Doha, Al Udeid Air Base serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

US–Israel strikes and Iranian response

The escalation follows pre-emptive strikes on Iranian territory carried out by Israel with US support. Donald Trump said the operations aimed to defend Americans by eliminating what he described as imminent threats from Iran and reiterated that Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

The Israel Defense Forces later said missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory following the joint operation. Defensive systems were activated to intercept the incoming threats, while Israel’s Home Front Command issued mobile alerts instructing residents in affected areas to seek immediate shelter.

The developments follow weeks of heightened military posturing and stalled nuclear negotiations, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.