Ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran are visible in the skies above Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense stated that as of Sunday, 165 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 541 Iranian drones had been intercepted.

In Bahrain, the airport has come under attack. An observer reported: "Woken by huge bangs and wailing sirens."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi denies targeting neighbors, claiming Iran is only attacking US military presence in the region. However, damage to civilian infrastructure in Gulf states is not accidental.

Iran previously warned that if attacked, it would retaliate against any country it deems complicit. Gulf states are being punished for their long-term military partnership with Washington.

Before the Islamic Revolution, Iran was known as "the policeman of the Gulf." Tehran now attempts to persuade neighbors to expel the US Navy and adopt it as a guardian, but these proposals are rejected.

Saudi Arabia and Oman have suffered less than the other four Gulf Arab states. Oman's commercial port of Duqm was struck by drones, and the Saudi capital Riyadh was also targeted.

This marks Iran's most extensive attacks on Gulf states. In 2019, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq attacked Saudi Aramco's petrochemical facilities.

Source: www.bbc.com