On March 5, 2026, Iran escalated retaliatory strikes with fresh waves of missiles and drones targeting US military assets and infrastructure in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and other Gulf nations amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Tehran.
ISLAMABAD: Heavy explosions and air defence interceptions rattled major Gulf cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama on March 5, 2026, as Iran unleashed one of its largest barrages yet in retaliation for sustained US and Israeli airstrikes that have devastated Iranian leadership and military sites.
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence reported detecting seven ballistic missiles early on March 5, with air defences intercepting and destroying six while one landed inside UAE territory.
Additionally, 131 drones were detected throughout the day, of which 125 were neutralized and six fell within the country, causing localized damage and injuries.
State authorities confirmed at least six people injured from falling debris and shrapnel in various emirates, though no new fatalities were immediately reported from the day’s strikes.
Explosions echoed near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, prompting temporary advisories restricting access to confirmed passengers only.
In Dubai, residents described repeated loud bangs shaking buildings, with smoke observed over industrial and port areas following interception attempts.
The latest attacks shifted emphasis toward drones rather than ballistic missiles, overwhelming advanced systems like Patriot and THAAD in some instances despite high interception rates.
Qatar faced its most intense barrage to date, with reports of sustained barrages lasting over an hour and a half, triggering air raid sirens across Doha.
The interior ministry stated that fires at targeted facilities were quickly contained with no casualties confirmed, though disruptions to daily life persisted.
Bahrain reported ongoing interceptions near US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, where satellite imagery previously revealed damage to radar domes and communications terminals from earlier waves.
Explosions were heard in the capital, with smoke rising near key sites including the Crowne Plaza area.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps described the operations as part of escalating phases targeting American deception and regional allies hosting US forces.
Cumulative figures since late February show the UAE alone detecting 196 ballistic missiles, intercepting 181 with two landing on land and 13 in the sea, alongside 1,072 drones of which 1,001 were downed and 71 impacted territory.
Eight cruise missiles were also destroyed in UAE airspace.
Qatar reported 101 ballistic missiles detected with 98 intercepted, and 39 drones engaged.
Bahrain faced 74 missiles and 92 drones in total across the campaign.
These numbers highlight Iran’s strategy of saturation attacks to pressure Gulf states supporting US operations.
The conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen US and Israeli forces strike progressively deeper into Iran, including Tehran, while Iranian responses expand to 11 countries including Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
US officials have not confirmed major new casualties from March 5 strikes, though earlier satellite analyses showed crippled radar and SATCOM at bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE.
Gulf governments issued joint condemnations through statements including from the US State Department, labeling the attacks indiscriminate and reckless.
Airspace restrictions and school closures continued in affected cities, with airlines facing ongoing disruptions.
Oil facilities remained under threat, though no major breaches were reported on the day.
The psychological toll intensified in urban centers unaccustomed to warfare, as residents sheltered during barrages.
Regional leaders urged de-escalation while bolstering defences, amid warnings that interceptor stocks could dwindle under prolonged assault.
Iran vowed further unrestrained responses, signaling no immediate end to the widening crisis that has already claimed thousands of lives across the region.
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Iran Escalates Gulf Strikes with Massive Drone and Missile Waves on March 5
Fresh Iranian barrages hit UAE, Qatar, Bahrain amid fifth day of US-Israel war on Iran, causing explosions and interceptions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha.