Gulf states intercept missiles and drones as conflict enters fourth week

Countries across the Persian Gulf continued to intercept incoming missiles and drones on Thursday morning, as the ongoing conflict entered its fourth week.

According to Caliber.Az, citing official statements, several Gulf states confirmed that their air defence systems were actively engaged in countering aerial threats.

The United Arab Emirates said it had intercepted Iranian drones and missiles earlier in the day, reassuring residents that the “sounds heard” were linked to the operation of its air defence systems.

تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من إيران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة اعتراض كل من منظومات الدفاع الجوي للصواريخ البالستية، والمقاتلات للطائرات المسيرة والجوالة.

UAE air defences are… pic.twitter.com/Ot8jGSi0jE

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 26, 2026

Kuwait issued a similar statement, noting that “the explosions that may be heard are the result of air defence systems intercepting hostile targets,” while not specifying the origin of the missile and drone threats.

تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.

تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.

يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/uY89yuYmRR

— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) March 26, 2026

In Bahrain, authorities reported that warning sirens had been activated and urged residents to move to the “nearest safe place,” indicating heightened alert levels amid the continued attacks.

The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place

— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 26, 2026

The strikes have affected multiple cities across Gulf Arab states, with most of the incoming missiles and drones attributed to Iran. The sustained attacks have shaken public confidence in regional security and are expected to deepen long-term distrust toward Tehran among its Gulf neighbours.

Regional governments are increasingly reassessing their security posture. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are now said to view Iran as a direct and enduring threat, and may push for an end to the war alongside firm security guarantees.

At the same time, not all regional actors share the same position. Oman has expressed dissatisfaction with Israel and the United States, criticising their role in initiating the war against Iran.

By Tamilla Hasanova