US-Israel conflict on Iran enters Day 13: UAE intercepts fresh wave of missiles, drones, Trump vows to end war soon, latest updates
Follow the latest developments of the US-Israel war on Iran here
Follow the latest developments of the US-Israel war on Iran here
The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that Qatar was subjected to an attack involving two ballistic missiles, one cruise missile and a number of drones launched from Iran on Thursday.
The Armed Forces successfully intercepted all incoming threats, including the drones, the cruise missile and both ballistic missiles.
The Israel Defense Forces announced the launch of a broad wave of strikes targeting the Iranian regime’s infrastructure across Tehran.
UAE air defence systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran on March 12.
Since the start of what authorities described as blatant Iranian aggression, air defences have cumulatively engaged 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,540 UAVs.
The attacks have claimed six lives among Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals, while 131 people sustained minor to moderate injuries spanning nationals of nearly 30 countries.
The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its full readiness to confront any threats to the country’s sovereignty, security and national interests.
US President Donald J. Trump said the Iran national soccer team is welcome at the World Cup but expressed doubt over the appropriateness of their participation, citing concerns for their lives and safety.
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said via a post on Truth Social.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security has decided to allow UAE residents currently outside the country whose residency permits have expired to return without needing a new entry visa or facing financial penalties.
The decision covers residents whose permits expired on or after February 28, 2026, while they were abroad and unable to return due to airspace closures or flight suspensions, and remains valid until March 31, 2026.
The Authority said the decision reflects the UAE’s humanitarian approach to exceptional circumstances beyond residents’ control, and reaffirmed its commitment to reuniting families in line with the values of the Year of the Family.
It added that emergency response and business continuity plans remain active across all operational locations and airports to ensure smooth procedures and support for affected travellers. Residents are urged to follow official channels for updates on any further regulatory measures.
The Israel Defense Forces announced the start of a wave of strikes targeting Hezbollah terror infrastructure throughout Beirut, with further details to follow.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has prohibited theatres, concerts and weddings during Eid Al-Fitr until further notice, citing the need to limit public gatherings and enhance safety and security under current circumstances.
The ministry said it continues to monitor security developments and maintain the safety of citizens and residents, while bolstering authorities’ capacity to respond to any emergency.
It urged full compliance with the measures, warning that violations will result in legal accountability, and called on everyone to demonstrate national responsibility and prioritise the public interest.
Iran released a first message from its new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday, in which he ordered the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tool against the US and Israel.
The remarks were read aloud on state television, with Khamenei yet to appear in public since being elected to succeed his assassinated father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“All US bases should immediately be closed in the region and those bases will be attacked,” Khamenei said, adding that Iran would “inevitably continue” with attacks on US bases across the region.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has called on the public to verify the source of any news before sharing it, cautioning that information spreads quickly during times of tension and may not always be accurate.
Residents are urged to rely on official channels for updates.
Bahrain Defence Force General Command announced that its air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 112 missiles and 186 drones targeting the kingdom since the onset of Iranian attacks.
In a statement, the General Command said the use of ballistic missiles and drones against civilian sites and private property constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, describing the indiscriminate attacks as a direct threat to regional peace and security.
The Israel Defense Forces announced the launch of a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting the Iranian regime’s infrastructure across Iran.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has assured citizens and residents living in the vicinity of the fuel tank attack site in Muharraq that it is safe to resume normal daily activities, including opening windows.
Kuwait International Airport was struck by several drones, resulting in minor material damage.
The incident was handled in accordance with the emergency plan in place since the start of the crisis, in full coordination with the relevant authorities.
Dubai authorities are responding to a minor incident after debris from a successful interception fell onto the façade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road. No injuries were reported.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior has activated the alarm siren, calling on citizens and residents to remain calm, move to the nearest safe location, and follow updates through official channels.
Dubai authorities are managing a minor drone incident in the Al Bada’a area, with no injuries reported.
The Israel Defense Forces announced that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, with defence systems activated to intercept the threat.
The Home Front Command issued preliminary directives directly to mobile phones in affected areas, urging the public to enter protected spaces immediately upon receiving alerts and remain there until further notice.
Exit from protected spaces is permitted only upon receiving an explicit directive. The public is urged to act responsibly and follow all Home Front Command instructions.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against scam attempts circulating via text messages, WhatsApp and social media, which often request money transfers or personal information.
Residents are advised not to share personal data in response to such messages, as community awareness is considered a key part of broader efforts to maintain security and safety.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Maliki announced that two drones were intercepted and destroyed over the Empty Quarter while en route to the Shaybah Field.
The Dubai Tourist Police offer round-the-clock support to tourists throughout their stay. Visitors can reach the service through the Dubai Police App’s Tourist Support Service, Smart Police Stations, the call centre on 901, or via email.
More information on Tourist Police services is available at dubaipolice.gov.ae.
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