This morning, smoke was seen billowing from Dubai International Airport as Iran carried out airstrikes on the emirate for the second consecutive day.
The Iranian government is conducting these retaliatory strikes across the Middle East following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israeli attacks.
Yesterday, Iranian suicide drones targeted iconic hotels, including the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, causing significant damage.
Today, the sound of explosions reverberates throughout the city, a popular destination for affluent British expatriates, as it endures another wave of attacks.
As a vital transportation link between Asia and Europe, the city remains on high alert while Iran continues its aggressive assault.
Iran has pledged to execute the ‘most intense offensive operation in history’ following the attack that claimed the lives of Khamenei, four of his family members, and at least two senior military officials.
Blasts have also been heard for a second day in Qatar’s capital, Doha, and in Oman for the first time.
Iran claims to have struck 27 US bases in the region after announcing they would be their main target, but have also hit a range of other sites across Gulf cities.
Smoke rises from Dubai International Airport this morning
Multiple blasts were heard in Dubai early on Sunday morning, with large plumes of black smoke rising into the sky over the airport and all planes grounded.
Debris from an interception over Dubai’s Business Bay sparked a fire the city’s major commercial port, Jebel Ali.
It came after Iranian drones yesterday hit Dubai International Airport, with footage showing debris strewn around a smoke-filled terminal and reports that four people had been injured.
A post by the airport on X read: ‘Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained.’
A spokesman said: ‘Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities.
‘Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention.
‘Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.’
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence said that, as of late last night, 137 ballistic missiles had been launched by Iran towards the Emirates, of which 132 had been destroyed by air defences and five fell into the Persian Gulf.
It said it had also been targeted by 209 suicide drones of which 195 were intercepted and 14 got through – with some hitting the territory.
This morning’s bombardment around the Middle East comes as Iran confirmed the death of the Ayatollah after hours of denial, even after Donald Trump announced he was gone.
Khamenei, 86, was killed in the airstrike after Israeli jets dropped 30 bombs on the Supreme Leader’s compound.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were reportedly shown an image of Khamenei’s body after it was recovered from his compound.
His death comes after nearly 37 years as the Islamic Republic’s leader – wreaking havoc for the regime, and destabilizing the Gulf in the aftermath.
As well as Khamenei’s four family members, two high-level military leaders – Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, and commander of the IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour – were also obliterated in the strikes on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Israel announced it had also carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iran and struck the ‘heart’ of the capital.
A statement from the IDF said: ‘For the first time since the start of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’:
‘The IDF is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.
‘Over the past day, the Israeli Air force conducted large-scale strikes in order to establish aerial superiority and to pave the path to Tehran.’
This is a breaking news update. More to follow
