Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence has intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles and six drones in multiple engagements, including strikes aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in al-Kharj and the Shaybah oilfield. Government footage released by Riyadh shows air defence systems engaging targets across the kingdom's airspace.
The escalation follows US and Israeli forces launching nearly 900 strikes in 12 hours on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian missiles, air defences, military infrastructure, and leadership.In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting US embassies, military installations, and oil infrastructure throughout the Middle East.
Qatar reported 10 Iranian drones were fired at the country, with nine intercepted and destroyed; one managed to reach the ground and land in a remote area.The UAE's Defence Ministry said it downed three ballistic missiles and 121 drones, while eight drones landed inside the country.
The conflict has created a precarious situation for nations caught between the warring parties.Saudi Arabia told Tehran it favours diplomatic settlement but warned continued attacks on the kingdom could push Riyadh to allow US forces to use Saudi bases for military operations.Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to neighbouring Gulf states and said Iran's temporary leadership council had approved suspending attacks on nearby countries unless strikes on Iran originated from those nations.
For Australians in the region, the crisis has prompted rapid government mobilisation.Australia is considering offering military aid to Middle Eastern countries hit by Iranian strikes but personnel won't be used to contribute to any war effort.According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, many non-participant countries have been attacked by Iran, and Australia has been asked for assistance and will work through that carefully.
Wong said Australian military aid could help provide protection against Iranian drone and missile attacks.She drew a distinction between this situation and the 2003 Iraq war under the Howard government, emphasising that the nation is not being asked to accept men and women deployed into a ground war.
The broader humanitarian toll has been steep.At least 1,332 people have been reported killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran since the war began.The UN estimates that at least 330,000 people have been forcibly displaced across the Middle East due to the escalating violence.
For Australian citizens in the region, evacuation efforts have accelerated.A flight from Dubai to Melbourne with 151 Australians on board arrived on Sunday, while some 115,000 Australians were in the Middle East when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The government's decision to examine military aid contributions reflects the complexity of defending regional allies whilst avoiding deeper entanglement in active hostilities.