Iran Fires Back at Gulf States — Missiles Hit Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE as Middle East War Explodes

What started as US-Israel strikes on Iran has now exploded into a full-blown regional crisis. Iran confirmed launching missile attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — all countries hosting US military bases — in direct retaliation for what Washington and Tel Aviv called 'major combat operations' against Tehran.

The UAE announced it was 'subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles' but said it intercepted the projectiles 'with high efficiency.' However, one Pakistani national was killed by falling debris, according to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. Qatar condemned Tehran's 'targeting of its territory and sisterly states,' while Bahrain confirmed attacks on its sites and facilities.

Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes in the 'strongest terms,' calling it 'blatant Iranian aggression and a flagrant violation of sovereignty' against the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. A Jordanian government spokesperson emphasized that Jordan is 'not part of the conflict' and warned it would not allow anyone to violate its sovereignty.

For Filipinos in the region, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro assured that no Filipinos have been harmed or affected so far. Philippine embassies in Tehran, Tel Aviv, and across the GCC countries have been placed on full alert, with contingency plans activated to ensure OFW safety.

Lazaro urged all Filipinos in the Middle East to 'stay in their homes or safe places and refrain from going out to public places.' The Philippines called on all parties to 'resort immediately to dialogue and negotiations' — but with missiles flying across multiple borders, that call for peace seems increasingly desperate.

Source: Manila Bulletin / Tribune