Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East; Iran Calls for Emergency UN Security Council Meeting.
Following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, the Islamic Republic requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, stated that the Council must act to “halt aggression against Iran.” He also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is “alive and safe.” Earlier, Reuters had reported that several political and military officials of the Islamic Republic were targeted in U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Simultaneously, on Saturday, March 2, 2026, Iran launched strikes against targets in several regional countries. Iranian state media reported missile attacks on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Reuters reported explosions heard in Abu Dhabi. Bahraini officials stated that the support center of the U.S. Fifth Fleet was targeted and nationwide warning sirens were activated. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged citizens to remain in safe locations.
In Doha, two explosions were reported. Qatar’s Ministry of Defense announced that all missiles launched by Iran were intercepted. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described the ballistic missile strikes on its territory as a “clear violation of national sovereignty” and affirmed that Doha reserves the right to respond under international law. The statement, released by the official news agency QNA, reiterated Qatar’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution.
Iran declared that, in response to what it called Israeli “aggression,” it had initiated a wave of missile and drone attacks against targets in Israel and warned that U.S.- and Israel-linked bases and interests across the region would be targeted.
These developments come amid growing concerns about a broader regional escalation.
