Gulf states successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones early Sunday, March 15, 2026, as Tehran vowed to broaden its campaign against U.S. allies in the region.

The United Arab Emirates reported air defenses engaging four ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry stated it destroyed 10 drones over Riyadh and the eastern region. Bahrain activated air raid sirens and continued interceptions, bringing its totals since the attacks began to 125 missiles and 211 drones downed.

These incidents follow intense barrages on Saturday. Saudi air defenses downed 62 drones from Friday into Saturday evening, with 28 entering Saudi airspace, including strikes near the Shaybah oilfield and Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter. In Oman, two drones crashed in Sohar, killing two expatriates and injuring others in an industrial area.

The UAE intercepted seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones on Friday, March 13, with cumulative figures since late February reaching 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,567 drones. Those attacks have caused six deaths and 141 injuries across nationalities. Bahrain has destroyed 115 missiles and 191 drones to date, while Kuwait reported one missile outside its threat zone Saturday and prior injuries from a residential strike.

Iran's campaign, now in its third week, began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28 targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites. Tehran has launched thousands of projectiles at Gulf hosts of U.S. bases, Israel and other targets, often hitting civilian areas despite claims of striking military assets. Up to March 9, the UAE alone detected 253 ballistic missiles, 1,440 drones and eight cruise missiles, intercepting most. Qatar downed 118 of 127 ballistic missiles and 47 of 63 drones in that period.

The strikes have disrupted oil operations, including fires at Bahrain's refinery and UAE's Fujairah zone, driving global fuel prices higher. Gulf leaders condemned the attacks as violations of international law, with Saudi Arabia calling them "reprehensible." Qatar's prime minister described strikes on his country as a "big sense of betrayal."

U.S. President Donald Trump urged allies including the UK, France and Japan to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz amid threats of mining and further disruptions. Iran denied some responsibility and accused the U.S. of launching attacks from Gulf soil, claims rejected by Abu Dhabi. GCC officials warned of risks to global energy markets and called for de-escalation.