Iran Retaliates, Striking Israel & Dubai
Iran has launched a massive retaliatory attack, firing missiles at Israeli cities and reportedly striking US targets in Dubai. The direct strikes mark a severe escalation following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, with explosions rocking both Tehran from Israeli/US counter-strikes and cities across the Gulf. The UK has called for de-escalation but also granted the U.S. access to its regional military bases to facilitate strikes against Iran.
This direct military confrontation follows a history of proxy conflicts between Iran and Israel since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tensions escalated significantly in 2024 with direct exchanges of fire and the assassinations of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which weakened Iran's regional "axis of resistance." A more intense 12-day war in June 2025 saw Israel target Iranian nuclear and military sites, with Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks. Iran possesses the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the Middle East, with estimates of over 3,000 ballistic missiles. Its arsenal includes short-range missiles like the Shahab-1 and Fateh-110 family, and medium-range missiles such as the Shahab-3, Sejjil, and Khorramshahr, capable of reaching Israel and parts of southeastern Europe. In June 2023, Iran also unveiled what it claimed was its first hypersonic ballistic missile, the Fattah. While the United Arab Emirates does not host an official, formal U.S. military base, its close defense relationship with Washington provides critical support for American military operations. The Al Dhafra Air Base south of Abu Dhabi is a key hub for the U.S. Air Force, and Dubai's Jebel Ali Port is the U.S. Navy's most frequented port of call in the Middle East, regularly hosting aircraft carriers. Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's constitution mandates that a temporary leadership council assume his duties. This council consists of the sitting president, the head of the judiciary, and a cleric from the Guardian Council. The 88-member Assembly of Experts is then tasked with selecting a new permanent Supreme Leader as quickly as possible. International reaction to the escalating conflict has been divided. Russia and China have condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes and expressed support for Iran. Many European nations and the UN Secretary-General have urged restraint and de-escalation from all parties. Meanwhile, countries like Australia and Canada have voiced support for the U.S. and Israeli actions.
