Original Source
Iran-Linked Drone and Missile Attacks Spread Across Middle East; Qatar Urges Diplomatic Solution
Middle Eastern Nations Report Widespread Damage from Iran-Linked Attacks
Within the last 24 hours, a drone struck a residential building in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), causing a fire. Residents were evacuated, and the UAE government stated there were no casualties. This incident was one of several attacks in the UAE, including a drone strike near Dubai International Airport. The UAE's air defense systems reportedly responded to missile and drone attacks at 3 AM and 6 AM.
Additionally, plumes of smoke were observed near Bahrain International Airport, and Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of four Bahraini nationals suspected of spying for Iran. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense stated it intercepted two drones in the Empty Quarter and reported three attempted attacks on the Shaybah oil field. In Kuwait, a residential building was also targeted by a drone.
Oman Oil Facilities Attacked; Qatar Emphasizes Diplomatic Response
Notably, fuel storage tanks at Oman's Salalah Port were hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), resulting in a large fire. While some drones were intercepted, others struck their targets, and firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze. As Oman has served as an alternative route for oil shipments difficult to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, this attack is interpreted as an attempt by Iran to exert pressure. Omani authorities have preemptively evacuated all vessels from major oil export terminals. Concurrently, two foreign fuel tankers were attacked at southern Iraq's Al Faw Port, halting oil terminal operations. Iraq reportedly reduced oil production due to the inability to transport oil via the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated during a cabinet meeting that the Middle East region faces a grave situation due to escalating military tensions. He criticized Iran's attacks, which he said had targeted civilian installations in Qatar, causing casualties. He emphasized the importance of expenditure to strengthen Qatar's resilience in the face of these challenges. Qatar has historically acted as a mediator in various conflicts, including the Afghanistan peace talks at the request of the United States, and indicated it would continue efforts to resolve the current crisis through diplomatic communication and negotiation. He stressed that while the offensive might have begun with missiles, it would ultimately conclude at the negotiating table.
*Source: YouTube: Al Jazeera English (2026-03-12)*
