BAKU: In a series of escalating attacks, Azerbaijan reported an airport hit by drones, prompting diplomatic orders for staff to seek shelter in Riyadh. Meanwhile, six individuals were injured in Abu Dhabi due to debris from Iranian drone strikes as Iran intensified its military operations across the Gulf.
Iran’s military announced it targeted a U.S. facility in Erbil, Iraq, using attack drones. State TV confirmed the assault on American positions in the Iraqi Kurdish city. As Iran pressed its offensive, some Western diplomats in Riyadh were instructed to remain indoors, amid drone debris injuries in Abu Dhabi and ongoing hostilities across the Gulf region.
Since Saturday, military confrontations have resulted in at least 13 fatalities, including seven civilians. The U.S. reported six American servicemen killed, with four in Kuwait. In Abu Dhabi, debris from intercepted drones caused injuries to six Pakistani and Nepalese nationals, and the UAE intercepted multiple ballistic missiles, with one striking inside the country.
The conflict has extended to Dubai, Doha, and Manama, with explosions and missile intercepts reported. Qatar’s authorities evacuated residents near the U.S. embassy amid heightened tensions and exchanged sharp words with Iran’s foreign minister, accusing Iran of destabilizing the region.
Saudi Arabia also intercepted three cruise missiles and multiple drones. An oil spill occurred after a tanker was hit off Kuwait’s coast, according to UK maritime authorities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy supplies.
The United Nations’ maritime agency reported that approximately 20,000 sailors and 15,000 cruise passengers are stranded in the Gulf due to ongoing hostilities. The EU and Gulf nations urged Iran to cease its attacks, emphasizing the threat to regional and international security.
Turkey is closely monitoring Kurdish groups amid fears they could be drawn into the conflict. Ankara condemned Iran’s actions but reaffirmed support for regional stability. Meanwhile, Iranian drones targeted an airport in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave, causing injuries and damage, prompting Azerbaijan to summon Iran’s envoy.
Israel launched new strikes on Lebanon, including an attack on Hezbollah positions in Beirut, and intercepted Iranian missile launches. Rocket fire from Iran also prompted alerts across Jerusalem, though no casualties were reported.
Iran’s military claimed to have closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies. The region remains volatile as Iran vows to retaliate against its adversaries, escalating fears of wider regional conflict.
