Iran has launched retaliatory drones and missiles at Israel as well as US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE following the deadly strike on the country on Saturday.
The conflict has led many Gulf countries to close their airspace, grounding hundreds of flights worldwide.
According to Al Jazeera, Bahrain has confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet has been targeted by a missile attack, while Qatar’s Defence Ministry said that an Iranian missile was intercepted by the Patriot defence system.
Reuters also reported a loud explosion in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
Recall that before the latest development, Iran had threatened to attack all American interests in the Middle East if attacked by the US. However, many of the bases targeted by Iran are believed to have been emptied as the US expected such retaliation.
Iran’s IRGC has also confirmed that it has launched missiles and drones towards Israel following the US-Israeli attacks.
According to a statement released by Al Jazeera, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Israeli attacks Saturday morning targeted Iran’s “territorial integrity and national sovereignty, including defensive infrastructure and non-military locations in various cities across the country.”
“The renewed military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers this aggression a clear breach of international peace and security and emphasises that it reserves its legitimate right to respond decisively.
“The Iranian nation has always demonstrated patience and restraint to prevent escalation and preserve regional stability,” it read, adding that the armed forces stand “fully prepared to defend the country and will make aggressors regret their actions.”
The oil-rich country further explained that the attacks by the US and Israel were a “clear example of armed aggression” and cited Article 51 of the UN Charter about Iran’s right to self-defence.
“History shows that Iranians have never surrendered to aggression. This time as well, Iran’s response will be decisive, and aggressors will regret their hostile actions,” it added.
Before the latest attack on Iran, President Trump issued a warning that some Americans would die in the war if the US and Israel started their military campaign.
“The Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties — that often happens in war — but we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission,” the American leader said in a video broadcast after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
According to the US leader, his aim was to achieve a change in government in Iran.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations,” the president said, in reference to protesters in Iran who had protested the economic situation in the country, largely caused by US sanctions on Iran.
Following the tension, many countries on Friday, including the US, China and the UK, asked their citizens to leave Iran and Israel amidst fears of a war.
The US has also asked its citizens in Arab countries like Qatar and Bahrain to seek shelter.
The latest conflict is the second in less than a year after Israel attacked Iran nuclear sites.
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