Gulf States on Alert as Missiles and Drones Intercepted Amid Israel–Iran Conflict

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence units successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, a key military installation south of Riyadh. Six drones headed toward the Shaybah oilfield were also shot down. Earlier in the day, another drone was destroyed east of the Saudi capital, the ministry added.

Multiple Gulf countries reported fresh missile and drone threats overnight as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified. Air defence systems across the region intercepted several projectiles, prompting authorities to issue safety advisories.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior urged residents to head to the “nearest safe space.” Sirens have sounded in the country for the second time in just a few hours.

On Friday, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the country faced a wave of drone attacks. Officials reported that 10 drones launched from Iran were detected, nine of which were intercepted and destroyed. One drone reportedly landed in a remote area without causing any damage.

The attacks also disrupted civil aviation in Qatar. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority announced a “partial resumption of air navigation” through designated contingency routes with limited operational capacity. The authority said the move was being carried out in full coordination with the Qatari Armed Forces and other relevant authorities, and currently includes a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence said in a post on X that the sounds heard across parts of the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting missiles and drones amid threats originating from Iran.

The series of incidents highlights the widening regional impact of the escalating Israel–Iran confrontation, with Gulf states increasingly on high alert.