Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Saturday as Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the region following coordinated strikes on its territory by the United States and Israel.
Explosions were reported in several countries hosting US military bases or allied to Washington, including the Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Fresh blasts were also heard in parts of Tehran as Israel said its air force “continues to operate” inside Iran.
The developments mark one of the most serious direct confrontations between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv in recent years.
Over 200 Killed Across Iran, Says Red Crescent
Iran’s Red Crescent Society says at least 201 people have been killed in Saturday’s attacks, with 747 others injured.
Spokesperson Mojtaba Khaledi said 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces were affected.
Iranian state media also reported dozens killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Hormozgan province.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei claimed more than 150 girls were killed or maimed nationwide, describing the attacks as atrocities.
US and Israel Target Senior Iranian Figures
An Israeli military official said “several senior figures” from Iran’s leadership were “eliminated” during coordinated strikes.
According to the official, three separate sites where senior regime members had gathered were hit simultaneously after months of planning.
The Israel Defense Forces said it worked in “close co-operation” with the US Army and is prepared to strike again if necessary.
Satellite imagery obtained by BBC Verify reportedly shows significant damage to part of the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Blackened buildings and debris were visible at the site.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei is “alive” as far as he is aware, though Iran “may have lost one or two commanders.”
Iran Launches Missile and Drone Strikes Across Region
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a new wave of missile attacks on US bases in the Middle East.
In Dubai, an explosion struck the Fairmont The Palm hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. Authorities said four people were injured and the fire has since been brought under control.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said it intercepted a wave of Iranian missiles and drones, describing the action as a “blatant attack.”
In Doha, explosions were reported near Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the region.
Bahrain’s state media said a US Navy base was subjected to a missile attack, while air defence systems intercepted incoming threats.
In Kuwait, a drone targeted the international airport, causing minor injuries and limited structural damage.
A defence spokesperson also confirmed that Ali Al-Salem Air Base was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles.
Reuters reported that US air defences shot down a drone over a base near Erbil in Iraq, while Jordan said it intercepted two ballistic missiles, with debris falling in several locations.
Iran insists it is not targeting neighbouring Arab states directly.
Baghaei said Tehran has “no problem with our Arab neighbours,” describing the strikes as acts of “self-defence” against US bases used to launch attacks on Iran.
Fresh Blasts Reported in Tehran and Bushehr
Witnesses reported fresh explosions in western Tehran on Saturday evening.
AFP journalists also confirmed hearing multiple blasts in the capital.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that two neighbourhoods in the southern city of Bushehr, home to a nuclear power plant, were targeted by missiles.
The Israeli Air Force later said it launched additional airstrikes on missile launch sites and defence systems in central Iran.
Trump Declares ‘Major Combat Operations’
US President Donald Trump earlier announced that “major combat operations” were under way in Iran.
He urged Iranians to “take over” their government, suggesting that regime change could be the end goal.
Trump is said to be monitoring the situation from his Mar-a-Lago estate, where he also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
International observers say Washington and Tel Aviv believe the Iranian regime is vulnerable and see the current confrontation as a strategic opportunity.
UK Deploys Aircraft as Tensions Soar
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that UK aircraft are “in the sky today” as part of coordinated regional defensive operations.
Starmer urged Iran to “end this now,” calling on Tehran to refrain from further strikes and return to negotiations.
The UK is part of the E3 group, alongside France and Germany, which has called for a resumption of talks.
Hormuz Strait Closure Threatens Global Oil Supply
Iranian outlet Tasnim News Agency reported that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be closed, quoting sources linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The strait, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies passing through it.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed receiving reports that vessels were warned against entering the waterway.
UN Security Council Convenes Emergency Meeting
An emergency session of the United Nations Security Council was scheduled to take place in New York later on Saturday.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military actions, warning that they undermine international peace and security, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Protests Erupt in London
Meanwhile, anti-regime Iranian expatriates gathered outside the Iranian embassy and Downing Street in London, chanting support for both Iran and Israel.
Some demonstrators waved historic Persian flags and held images of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, expressing opposition to the current regime.
Uncertain Hours Ahead
With airstrikes ongoing, missiles intercepted across multiple countries, and diplomatic efforts stalled, the situation remains highly volatile.
While Iran says it is open to negotiations if attacks cease, US and Israeli statements suggest that broader strategic objectives may be in play.
For now, the region braces for further escalation as global leaders urge restraint amid fears of a wider war.