Tensions in the Middle East have escalated further after Mojtaba Khamenei warned that military operations against Gulf nations would continue, just hours after a drone strike incident near Dubai. The warning came in his first public statement since assuming leadership of Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.
According to reports, Khamenei said Iran would continue targeting locations linked to countries hosting United States military assets in the Gulf region. The message, broadcast on Iranian state television, signaled Tehran’s intent to maintain pressure on its adversaries despite growing international concerns about the expanding conflict.
Drone Incident Raises Alarm in Dubai
The warning followed a drone incident in Dubai that heightened security fears across the United Arab Emirates. Authorities reported that drones fell near key areas of the city, causing minor fires and injuries to several people. Emergency teams quickly responded, evacuating affected buildings and containing the situation.
The UAE’s air defense systems have been intercepting multiple missiles and drones since the conflict intensified in late February. Officials said hundreds of aerial threats have been detected and most were successfully neutralized before causing major damage.
Regional Conflict Intensifying
The current escalation is linked to the broader 2026 Iran war, which began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. In one of the most significant events of the conflict, former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran, leading to Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise to power.
Since the war began, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These strikes have damaged infrastructure, injured civilians, and triggered international condemnation.
Threats to Expand the Conflict
In his statement, Khamenei also criticized Gulf nations for hosting American military bases and warned that such facilities could remain targets in the ongoing conflict. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to what he described as “resistance” against the United States and its allies in the region.
The developments have raised fears that the conflict could expand further across the Middle East, potentially disrupting global oil supplies and international shipping routes. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but analysts warn that the region remains on edge as military activity continues.
