Iran launched a series of attacks targeting major cities across the wealthy Gulf region in retaliation for airstrikes by the United States and Israel, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on February 28. The escalation has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict across the Middle East.

Smoke rose from the luxury artificial island of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai as civilian targets were hit alongside U.S. military bases scattered across the region.

Dubai’s media office said four people were injured in the incident, with multiple loud explosions echoing across the city—home to the world’s tallest building—throughout the day and night. Despite interception efforts, several strategic U.S. facilities in the Gulf reported damage. Witnesses said thick smoke was seen rising from U.S. bases in Abu Dhabi, where the U.S. Fifth Fleet is stationed.

UAE authorities said falling debris from an Iranian missile killed a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi. The capital is also home to U.S. forces at Al Dhafra Air Base, where two witnesses told AFP they saw smoke billowing from the facility.

In a further retaliatory move, Iran trained its fire on targets in Qatar, which hosts the U.S. Central Command. The capitals Riyadh and Kuwait were also targeted. The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait all announced airspace closures, while Qatari officials said maritime transport had been temporarily suspended.

The UAE condemned the attacks as a “dangerous escalation,” saying several missiles were intercepted.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that a runway at an air base hosting Italian troops in Kuwait suffered heavy damage.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the kingdom “will take all necessary measures to protect its security and territory, its citizens and residents, including the ability to respond to acts of aggression.”

The Gulf region, home to a large multinational expatriate community, was left reeling. “We came to the Gulf because it was known to be safer than Lebanon. Now I truly don’t know what to do or think,” a Lebanese woman living in Riyadh told AFP.

The strikes marked the second time Iran has attacked U.S. bases in the region, following a missile launch at Al Udeid Air Base last June during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel.