Blast Shakes Central Dubai Building Amid Middle East Conflict, No Injuries Reported
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel intensified on Friday as Iran launched another wave of missiles toward Israeli territory, while a blast rattled a building in Dubai, raising fresh concerns across the Gulf region
According to Israeli authorities, missiles fired from Iran prompted emergency alerts in several areas. Residents in affected locations were advised to immediately move to shelters as air defence systems responded to the attack.
In the United Arab Emirates, authorities confirmed that debris believed to be linked to missile activity caused a minor explosion near a building in central Dubai. Officials said no injuries were reported in the incident.
The development comes as the war increasingly affects neighbouring countries and key global trade routes in the Gulf.
Drone Hits Kuwait International Airport, No Casualties Reported
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its defence forces intercepted 12 drones that entered its airspace. The drones were reportedly part of attacks targeting oil-rich Gulf regions as Iran responded to joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
In another development, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the United States crashed in western Iraq on Thursday.
United States Central Command said the crash involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Rescue operations were launched immediately, and the second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.
The conflict has also begun affecting global shipping and aviation routes, especially around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through this narrow passage between Iran and the Gulf states.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that ships passing through the Strait could be targeted, increasing fears for global energy supplies and trade.
Italy Says Its Military Base In Iraq Attacked; ‘No Casualties To Personnel’
Industry data shows that air freight rates have surged by up to 70% on some international routes as airlines avoid parts of West Asian airspace and shipping routes remain disrupted.
More than 100 container ships are reportedly stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, affecting shipments of goods including medicines from countries such as India to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Despite nearly two weeks of intense air strikes by the United States and Israel, U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s leadership remains stable.
Reports suggest that the government in Tehran is not currently at risk of collapse and continues to maintain control inside the country.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive but “damaged”.
Mojtaba Khamenei took over leadership after the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed on the first day of the war.
In his remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to continue resistance against the United States and Israel and warned that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz or target U.S. bases in neighbouring countries.
As tensions continue, countries around the world are taking steps to prepare for possible fuel supply disruptions.
For example, Australia announced that it would release petrol and diesel from its emergency fuel reserves to ease shortages and stabilise supply chains.
Energy officials said up to 762 million litres of fuel could be released from reserves if needed.
The war between Iran, Israel and the United States has now entered its 13th day, causing thousands of deaths and shaking global markets.
(With inputs from agencies)
