Gulf Arab states intercepted new Iranian missile and drone attacks Sunday after Tehran threatened to expand its campaign, including unprecedented warnings to evacuate three UAE ports.
The war, now in its third week, follows U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. Iran has retaliated across the region, firing hundreds of missiles and drones at the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman-stating it aims at U.S. assets despite strikes hitting civilian infrastructure.
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of launching attacks from UAE territory, a claim denied by Emirati officials. U.S. Central Command declined comment.
President Donald Trump urged major oil-importing nations-including China, Japan, and the UK-to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea said it’s reviewing the proposal; Iran dismissed the call as 'begging.'
Casualties continue to mount. At least 12 civilians have died in Gulf states, over 1,300 in Iran, and 12 in Israel. Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed, including six in an Iraq plane crash.
In Lebanon, 820 people have died and 850,000 displaced amid escalating strikes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. Rain and wind worsened conditions for families living in makeshift camps.
Iran launched fresh barrages at central Israel and Tel Aviv Sunday, causing structural damage and igniting small fires. Israel reported cluster munitions designed to overwhelm air defenses.