ASIATODAY.ID, TEHRAN – The Middle East has entered a dangerous new chapter.
Iran launched a large-scale missile barrage targeting United States military bases across the Gulf on Saturday (February 28, 2026), in retaliation for a joint U.S.–Israel operation against targets inside Iranian territory earlier the same day.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck what it described as “strategic American positions” in the region.
Key U.S. Military Installations Targeted
Among the reported targets were:
Al Udeid Air Base – the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East
Al-Salem Air Base
Al Dhafra Air Base
The U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama
Explosions were reported across several Gulf capitals. In Abu Dhabi, authorities confirmed at least one fatality following the interception of incoming missiles.
The government of the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law.
Airspace over the UAE was temporarily closed to civilian flights. Meanwhile, in Bahrain, the Interior Ministry issued emergency alerts urging residents to seek immediate shelter.
According to AFP, loud explosions were also heard as far as Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
U.S. Strikes Back, Trump Issues Stark Warning
Tensions escalated further after the United States confirmed it had launched airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure. Long-range bombers and precision-guided missiles reportedly targeted IRGC facilities, including sites near Tehran.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a forceful message directed at Iranian military forces operating under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
“Lay down your arms and receive full immunity, or face certain death,” Trump declared.
He also addressed the Iranian public directly, urging them to seize what he described as a historic opportunity to overthrow the Islamic Republic.
“Your hour of freedom is near. When our operation concludes, take back your government. It will belong to you.”
Analysts describe the remarks as one of the most direct political challenges Washington has issued to Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Gulf Region on the Brink
Neighboring states including Qatar and Kuwait have heightened security and imposed precautionary aviation restrictions.
What began as targeted strikes has rapidly escalated into open cross-border confrontation. With critical U.S. military assets in the Gulf under fire, fears are mounting that the crisis could spiral into a broader regional war.
Beyond the immediate security threat, the escalation raises concerns over global energy supplies, oil prices, and international economic stability.
The world now watches anxiously: is the Middle East on the verge of full-scale war? (AT Network)
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