Tehran (TDI): Blasts have been reported in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates as Iran launched retaliatory strikes following air raids by Israel and the United States.
In Qatar, the Ministry of Interior reported that the attacks targeting its territory were successfully intercepted. “No casualties or material damage were recorded in residential areas,” the ministry said, adding that response teams remain on high alert to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Meanwhile, an Israeli strike reportedly hit a girls’ elementary school in Minab, in the southern Hormozgan province, killing five students, according to IRNA, cited by Al Jazeera.
In the UAE, one person was killed after debris from intercepted Iranian missiles struck a residential area of Abu Dhabi, the defense ministry told state-run WAM news agency. The victim, identified as an Asian national, was hit despite the successful interception of several ballistic missiles, which the UAE called “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act.”
The conflict has also disrupted commercial air travel. The Russian Federation Ministry of Transport announced that Russian carriers have suspended flights to both Iran and Israel, while alternative routes have been arranged to maintain safe operations to Persian Gulf destinations. Flight times are expected to increase due to longer detours, the ministry said.
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European Union officials have urged caution amid rising tensions. Ursula von der Leyen called for “maximum restraint,” stressing that nuclear safety must be protected and warning that any escalation could undermine the global non-proliferation regime. In a joint statement with Antonio Costa, she emphasized that all parties should protect civilians and respect international law.
Read More: US, Israel Launch Strikes Against Iran, Explosions Across Tehran
Following the closure of airspace by Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and temporary restrictions in the UAE, Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s aviation watchdog, advised carriers to follow alternative routes, strictly observe safety measures, and monitor the guidance of foreign aviation authorities to ensure safe operations.
