The escalating conflict between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance has spread further across the Gulf region, with multiple countries reporting missile and drone interceptions as tensions intensify.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that overnight attacks targeted the Financial Harbour Towers commercial complex in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The complex is known to house the Israeli embassy in the city.

According to Al Jazeera, the expanding confrontation has drawn several Gulf and regional countries into the conflict as Tehran continues retaliatory strikes against states hosting US military forces and strategic assets.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Friday that an Iranian drone was intercepted and destroyed near the Financial Harbour Towers area in Manama. Authorities did not report major casualties but confirmed heightened security around key installations.

The conflict has also affected other Gulf states. In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Defense said its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile east of the central Al-Kharj governorate. Officials provided no further operational details.

In Qatar, the Ministry of Defence announced that its air defence forces successfully intercepted a drone targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, a major facility hosting United States military assets. Earlier, authorities issued emergency alerts urging residents to remain indoors and avoid windows after several explosions were heard in the Qatari capital on Thursday night.

The widening confrontation has alarmed global leaders. Officials from the European Union expressed solidarity with Gulf countries amid the ongoing attacks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and other European leaders held talks with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Brussels, condemning what they described as “Iran’s inexcusable attacks against GCC countries.”

Analysts warn that the first week of the US–Israel war on Iran has already triggered a broader regional confrontation, raising fears that the conflict could further destabilize the Middle East if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the escalation.

BOB Post