Trending Now - IDF Evacuates South Lebanon Amid Missile Threats to Troops

WHO:

President Trump, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Iranian regime, United Arab Emirates (UAE) defense ministry, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, U.S. embassy in Baghdad, UK Ministry of Defence, U.S. Air Force

WHAT:

Iranian missiles and drones targeted Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

An Iranian missile hit Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, causing minor damage to an accommodation block and a medical facility.

The UAE intercepted 13 Iranian ballistic missiles and 27 attack drones on March 18th, 2026.

Since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026, the UAE has intercepted 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,699 drones.

Saudi Arabia intercepted at least one ballistic missile and 15 drones launched by Iran.

Kuwait's national guard intercepted seven Iranian drones.

Explosions were reported near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad due to a drone attack.

WHERE:

Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates, located about 20 kilometers (13 miles) south of Dubai.

Prince Sultan Air Base, located 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Doha, Qatar; Dubai, UAE; Baghdad, Iraq; Bahrain.

WHEN:

The conflict began on February 28th, 2026.

The missile strike on Al Minhad Air Base occurred on March 18th, 2026.

The Iranian missile strike on the UAE occurred overnight into Wednesday, March 18th, 2026.

WHY:

Iran is retaliating against U.S.-Israeli strikes and aims to target the energy infrastructure of Gulf Arab neighbors to drive up oil prices and pressure Washington.

HOW:

Iran launched missiles and drones targeting military bases and critical infrastructure in the Gulf region.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia utilized air defense systems to intercept incoming threats.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 13:30 UTC)

Today, President Trump, along with leaders from Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, are responding to a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks that targeted Gulf countries, including a strike on Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, which caused minor damage. The UAE successfully intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 attack drones today, adding to their total of 327 ballistic missiles and nearly 1,700 drones intercepted since the conflict began on February 28. Meanwhile, explosions were reported near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad following a drone attack, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.