(DDM) – Gulf nations have intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones since the conflict between the United States and Iran erupted, underscoring the scale and intensity of retaliatory strikes sweeping across the region.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that countries hosting American military bases have borne the brunt of the aerial assaults, with urban centers, airports, energy infrastructure and diplomatic facilities coming under threat.
The retaliatory campaign followed coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, prompting Tehran and allied forces to respond across multiple Gulf states.
In Kuwait, authorities reported intercepting 178 ballistic missiles and 384 drones since the outbreak of hostilities, according to state media.
The figures reflect one of the heaviest reported defensive engagements in the country’s modern history, as air defense systems worked continuously to repel incoming projectiles.
The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted 169 missiles out of 182 detected, while the remaining missiles reportedly fell into the sea.
The UAE also reported downing 645 drones, though officials confirmed that 44 additional drones struck within state territory.
In Bahrain, state media citing the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force said 70 missiles and 76 drones had been intercepted.
Qatar reported intercepting 101 missiles out of 104 detected and destroying 24 of 39 drones launched toward its territory.
Qatar also announced it shot down two Iranian SU-24 bomber aircraft, signaling an escalation beyond drones and ballistic missiles into direct aerial confrontations.
Saudi Arabia has not released a comprehensive total of interceptions, but officials confirmed that at least eight drones were shot down near Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
Two sources familiar with developments indicated that suspected Iranian drones struck near the US Embassy in Riyadh, though full damage assessments remain unclear.
Meanwhile, Oman, traditionally seen as a neutral mediator between Washington and Tehran, has also been drawn into the crisis.
Oman’s Duqm commercial port was targeted by two drones, marking a rare direct strike on its infrastructure.
An oil tanker was also attacked approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Masandam, heightening fears over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The sheer volume of intercepted missiles and drones highlights both the capacity of Gulf air defense systems and the unprecedented scale of the confrontation.
Defense analysts say the numbers illustrate a shift toward sustained, multi-front aerial warfare rather than isolated retaliatory strikes.
The interceptions have so far prevented even greater casualties, but the psychological and economic impact across the region is mounting.
Airspace disruptions, shaken investor confidence and rising oil prices are compounding anxieties in economies heavily dependent on stability and energy exports.
As the conflict enters another critical phase, the Gulf’s defensive resilience is being tested daily, with no immediate signs that the aerial barrage is slowing.
