Military activity across West Asia has intensified over the past few hours with fresh strikes and aerial interceptions reported in several parts of the region. The Israeli military says its aircraft carried out strikes in Tehran \, targeting checkpoints run by the Basij paramilitary force. According to the Israeli defence forces, the attacks focused on roadblocks used by Iranian security forces to control movement inside the capital. Iranian authorities have not yet provided detailed confirmation of the reported damage.
Tensions also remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said the strait remains a “tool of pressure,” adding that some vessels may still be allowed to pass if they coordinate directly with the Iranian navy
Security across Gulf Cooperation Council countries remains on high alert as the conflict in West Asia continues to escalate. All the GCC states have reported missile and drone threats since the start of the crisis i, prompting increased air defence operations and tighter protection around critical infrastructure.
In Saudi Arabia, air defence systems have intercepted drones targeting energy facilities, including areas near the kingdom’s eastern oil corridor. Authorities have strengthened security around major oil installations and key cities. Bahrain, which hosts the United States Fifth Fleet, has also reported multiple interceptions of drones and missiles and remains under heightened military readiness. In the United Arab Emirates, air defence systems remained active throughout the day as authorities monitored incoming threats. Reports indicate that UAE forces intercepted ten ballistic missiles and twenty-six drones launched from Iranian territory yesterday.
Officials say the UAE does not seek escalation but will firmly respond to any violation of its sovereignty. UAE has allowed expatriate residents currently abroad whose residency visas have expired to return to the country without obtaining a new entry permit, under a temporary measure announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
The decision applies for one month, from February 28 until March 31, and comes in response to exceptional circumstances that prevented some residents from returning to the UAE before their visas expired.
