Overview
- The United States and Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran on February 28, which Israel’s defence minister said was intended to remove threats to Israel.
- Iran responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israel and US-linked facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, with explosions and interceptions reported across Gulf cities.
- The UAE and Iraq shut their airspace, and Dubai suspended operations at DXB and DWC, with over 280 flights canceled and about 250 delayed, according to airport updates reported by local media.
- In Dubai, Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu posted video of missiles visible in the sky and said loud interceptions shook his home and frightened his daughter Ayra, thanking UAE defence forces for protecting civilians.
- Travel disruptions left Bollywood actor Sonal Chauhan and shuttler PV Sindhu stranded in Dubai, and India’s basketball team in Doha unable to proceed.