Iran fires missiles toward US, allied bases in Gulf as conflict escalates

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is intensifying across the Middle East. Iran has continued launching missiles and drones in retaliation, and the impact of the confrontation has now reportedly reached Dubai. According to claims from Tehran, American military installations in Gulf nations are among the primary targets. In this context, Iran is said to have struck the Australian military facility at Al Minhad near Dubai.

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Iranian forces targeted Al Minhad Air Base, where Australian personnel and civilians are stationed. He stated that all personnel are safe and that communication has been successfully established with those at the base.

As tensions rise, Western military deployments across Gulf countries are facing heightened security concerns. Australia’s Defence Ministry has indicated that more than a hundred of its personnel are currently based in the Middle East, most of them in the United Arab Emirates. Al Minhad has served as an important operational hub for Australian forces for several years. The latest strikes come amid a broader escalation in Iranian drone and missile operations in the region, with US military assets cited as key targets.

Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced what it called “Operation Truthful Promise 4,” declaring that US bases and assets would be targeted. The operation was described as a response to strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Beyond Dubai, reports indicate that Iran has also launched attacks affecting areas linked to US military presence in countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The United States operates multiple major military bases across the Middle East, with tens of thousands of troops deployed in the region.

Dubai, long regarded as one of the most stable and secure cities in the Gulf and home to an international community of business leaders and expatriates, is now experiencing heightened tension amid the expanding conflict.