During the 2026 Iran war, Iran carried out a series of missile strikes and drone attacks against several Arab countries in the Middle East. They also involved security threats against territorial waters and maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian authorities, the attacks targeted American interests and military bases in the region in response to strikes by the United States and Israel that targeted Iran. They also stated that any country that would allow its territory to be used for attacks against Iran would be considered a legitimate target. The governments of the targeted countries reported that several missiles and drones fell in civilian areas or near non-military facilities, including residential areas, economic facilities, international airports, hotels, and energy installations. The targeted countries condemned the attacks and considered them a violation of their sovereignty, especially since they were not involved in the conflict, and stated they have a right to respond and defend themselves under international law.

Between 28 February and 18 March 2026, Qatar was targeted by 203 missiles and 87 drones, in addition to an attack involving two fighter jets. Saudi Arabia was hit with at least 38 missiles and 435 drones, while Jordan was targeted with a total of 204 missiles and drones. Oman was targeted with drones and strikes on the ports of Salalah and Duqm and the towns of Sohar and Bukha, while intercepting at least 19. The strikes caused damage to infrastructure and civilian facilities, disrupted flights, and prompted elevated military alert in the affected countries. In response, air defense systems around key installations were reinforced. The attacks have also triggered widespread political and diplomatic reactions throughout the region.

On 15 April 2026, the Financial Times reported that Iran allegedly used a Chinese spy satellite to guide strikes against US bases through the Middle East.

Attacks by country Iraq

Bahrain

In Bahrain, Iran launched attacks on residential areas and energy facilities. In Sitra, the Bahraini Ministry of Health reported that 32 civilians were injured in a drone attack, including some in serious condition. In Ma'ameer, authorities announced the control of a fire that broke out in a facility after being targeted. Reports also indicated damage to the Bapco Refinery after an attack on the Sitra area.

As of 18 March 132 missiles and 234 drones were fired at Bahrain.

Jordan

Jordanian authorities announced that the country was targeted by dozens of missiles and drones, and that the armed forces intercepted most of them.

On 12 March, the Public Security Directorate announced that shrapnel fell in the Hashemite area in Zarqa Governorate, causing limited damage to a water line.

On 02 September 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had carried out missile and drone operations against American positions and bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq in response to the US attacks. This was one of the most extensive military responses by Tehran since the ceasefire began.آخرین اخبار جنگ: از حمله آمریکا به منطقه غیرنظامی تا گسترده‌ترین پاسخ موشکی ایران (i.e.: Latest War News: From US Attack on Civilian Zone to Iran's Most Extensive Missile Response) Retrieved 02 Sep 2026

Kuwait

In Kuwait, Iran launched attacks toward the airport, electrical infrastructure, and residential buildings. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian attacks and noted that some of them targeted Kuwait International Airport.

On 9 March, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy announced that a fire that broke out in the fuel tank at Subiya Power Station was caused by drone debris.

Kuwait announced the death of a child who died from injuries sustained after drone debris fell on a residential area.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it had carried out a combined missile and drone attack on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. According to the statement, the attack targeted the headquarters of the American commander, a hangar, and a drone deployment area. The IRGC also claimed that several enemy personnel and drones stationed at the base were destroyed.پاسخ موشکی و پهپادی ایران به حملات آمریکا؛علی‌السالم، کمپ تیتین و شیخ عیسی هدف قرار گرفتند (Iran's missile and drone response to US attacks; Ali al-Salem, Camp Titin and Sheikh Issa targeted)

Oman

In Oman, Iran began launching a series of drone strikes on sites in Oman starting from 1 March, initially targeting the Port of Duqm and the Port of Salalah, which are used by the United States.

The attacks also struck two oil tankers, one off the coast of Muscat and another about five kilometres north of the Port of Khasab. The UAE-flagged tugboat Mussafah 2 was attacked by Iran in the Omani territorial waters of the Strait of Hormuz, killing four crew members. separate drone strikes targeted an industrial zone in Sohar and Bukha. The attacks killed 18 people and injured 23 others.

Qatar

In early March, the Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that the country was targeted by two ballistic missiles, one of which was intercepted by air defenses, while the other fell on Al Udeid Air Base without causing any human casualties.

Additionally, missile debris fell on a food storage warehouse, causing a fire in several warehouses.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia faced several missile and drone attacks during the regional escalation in March 2026. The attacks targeted military sites, oil facilities, and sensitive areas in the capital, the east, and the Empty Quarter. The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced the interception of ballistic missiles heading toward the Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj. There were also repeated reports about the targeting of the Shaybah Oil Field in the Empty Quarter.

In the Eastern Province, Saudi authorities announced an attempted attack on the Ras Tanura Refinery by a drone. In Riyadh, media reports indicated that a drone attack targeted the area around the U.S. Embassy in the diplomatic district, resulting in limited damage.

Syria

United Arab Emirates

The UAE was subjected to missile and drone attacks targeting the country's airspace and several civilian targets. According to an official report, hundreds of missiles and drones were tracked, and there were recorded fatalities, injuries, and property damage.

In Dubai, the Dubai Media Office reported that two drones fell in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, resulting in four people being injured. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced the control of a fire that broke out at the Old Abu Dhabi Airport due to debris falling after an air interception, with no injuries reported. As of 18 March 342 missiles and 1,699 drones were fired at UAE. By 27 March UAE reported Iran launched 378 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and some 1,835 drones at the UAE. On 28 March, Iranian strikes hit Emirates Global Aluminium plant at Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi. The strike caused severe damage, leading to an operational shutdown and repairs which are expected to take up to one year. Employees were injured in the attack.

Timeline +DateCountry Attack details28 FebruarySaudi ArabiaStrikes targeting Riyadh and the Eastern Province2 MarchSaudi ArabiaTwo drone strikes3 MarchSaudi Arabia10 drone strikes4 MarchSaudi ArabiaOne drone strike5 MarchSaudi Arabia3 cruise missiles and 4 drone strikes7 MarchSaudi Arabia3 missiles and 23 drone strikes8 MarchSaudi ArabiaOne ballistic missile and 35 drone strikes9 MarchSaudi ArabiaTwo ballistic missiles and 23 drone strikes10 MarchSaudi ArabiaOne ballistic missile and 7 drone strikes11 MarchSaudi Arabia3 ballistic missiles and 28 drones12 MarchSaudi Arabia5 ballistic missiles and 53 drones13 MarchSaudi ArabiaOne ballistic missile and 56 drones14 MarchSaudi Arabia6 ballistic missiles and 17 drones15 MarchSaudi Arabia30 drone strikes16 MarchSaudi Arabia92 drone strikes17 MarchSaudi ArabiaOne ballistic missile and 24 drones18 MarchSaudi Arabia12 ballistic missiles and 30 drones10 MarchKuwaitCumulative total: 237 missiles and 445 drones + additional interceptions11 MarchKuwaitMissile and drone attacks12 MarchKuwait5 ballistic missiles and 9 drones (in addition to attacks)13 MarchKuwait1 ballistic missile and 1 drone14 MarchKuwait11 drones15 MarchKuwait14 drones16 MarchKuwaitMissile attacks + 6 drones17 MarchKuwait2 missiles and 13 drones18 MarchKuwait4 ballistic missiles and 23 drones4 MarchQatarCumulative total: 101 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, 39 drones + attack with two aircraft5 MarchQatar14 ballistic missiles + 2 cruise missiles + 14 drones6 MarchQatar10 drones8 MarchQatar10 ballistic missiles + 2 cruise missiles9 MarchQatar17 ballistic missiles and 6 drones10 MarchQatar2 missile attacks (one with 5 missiles)11 MarchQatar9 ballistic missiles + drones12 MarchQatar2 ballistic missiles + 1 cruise missile + drones14 MarchQatar4 ballistic missiles + drones15 MarchQatarDrone attacks16 MarchQatar14 ballistic missiles + drones17 MarchQatar9 ballistic missiles + drones18 MarchQatar7 ballistic missiles11 MarchOmanSeveral drones (fuel tank hit in Salalah)12 MarchOmanDrone shot down13 MarchOmanDrone fell in Sohar7 MarchJordan119 missiles and drones (108 intercepted)14 MarchJordan85 missiles and drones (79 intercepted)14 JulyBahrainThe Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted several weapons storage facilities, a satellite communications center, and a residence for American forces at Juffair Base, Bahrain.IRGC attacks satellite communications center and American residence in Bahrain/Destruction of Patriot radar and Fifth Fleet air control radar Retrieved 6 August 202616 JulyBahrainIRGC said it destroyed a US air defence system and radar installations in Bahrain’s Muharraq area.Iran hits US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan after 10 nights of US attacks middleeasteye.net Retrieved 10 August 202617 JulyAmerican centers/bases in BahrainThe Islamic Republic of Iran's army mentioned in a statement that the army's drone attacks were on American centers and bases in Bahrain

Reactions

The Gulf countries did not request the United States to initiate war, and initially sought to de-escalate the situation while encouraging diplomatic solutions. More than two weeks after the outbreak of the conflict and the continued Iranian attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in their countries, including oil facilities, ports, airports, and cities, as well as disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states began urging Washington not to end operations before weakening Iran's military capabilities significantly. The U.S. is seeking to rally Gulf support for participation in the war, while Gulf states remain cautious and avoid direct involvement for fear of escalation.

Abdulrahman Al-Rashed, former director of Al-Arabiya television, criticized that some Arab countries are justifying Iran's aggression towards other Arab countries, which he argues is reflective of a wider cultural crisis between Arab states.

By 29 March 2026, analysts of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America estimated that the Gulf states had burned through the majority of their interceptor missiles, with UAE and Kuwait having spent some 75% of their stock of Patriot missiles on defending against Iranian attacks, while Bahrain was estimated to have launched up to 87%.