The Middle East edges closer to a volatile confrontation as Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems shot down 10 Iranian drones Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions and Iran unleashed the 50th wave of Operation Vada-e-Sadiq 4 targeting US and allied military bases.
Saudi officials confirmed that 10 Iranian drones attempting to penetrate the airspace over Riyadh and the Eastern Province were intercepted and destroyed.
Authorities emphasised that the kingdom’s defence systems remain fully armed and prepared for any further incursions, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s readiness amid rising regional hostilities.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rockets launched at Israeli military positions near Mais al-Jabal, including artillery sites. This marks another episode in the ongoing proxy tensions that threaten stability along the Lebanon-Israel border.
Iran announced the 50th wave of attacks, codenamed “Ya Zahra”, targeting US bases and radar systems, including Al Dhafra Airbase, Fujairah, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Ali Al Salem Airbase, and Muwaffaq Salti Airbase.
According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the strikes were executed with precision drones, and civilians were urged to avoid military zones.
In a diplomatic twist the Swiss government denied US aircraft permission to traverse its airspace, restricting Washington’s operational flexibility.
Swiss authorities clarified that foreign military flights are not permitted over national territory, signalling a significant logistical challenge for US operations in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alleged that the US used UAE territory, including Kharg and Abu Musa islands, to stage attacks on Iran, with HIMARS rockets fired from areas near Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai.
Araghchi warned that the Strait of Hormuz is now closed to US and allied forces, branding American operations as provocative and destabilising.
Dubai authorities deployed air defence systems, with explosions reported in Marina and Al Safouh, confirmed as part of defensive actions. Similar defensive measures were noted in eastern Tehran, demonstrating the widening security focus.
According to US media, Iranian drones have become a major operational challenge, with satellite imagery and footage analysed by NBC News showing drones reaching their targets despite advanced defence systems, highlighting the growing asymmetrical threat in the region.
