Iran Claims Massive Strikes on US Targets; 165 Ballistic Missiles; IAEA Warns of Radiological Risk

Tensions across West Asia have escalated sharply, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claiming it has launched a massive wave of missile and drone strikes targeting US military assets and allied positions across the Gulf region.

The United States has strongly disputed several of Tehran's claims, underscoring the fog of war that now surrounds the unfolding conflict.

According to Iranian state-linked sources, US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain were among the primary targets. Tehran has alleged that a US base in Kuwait was "completely decommissioned" and that another base in Bahrain sustained severe damage.

Iran further claimed that the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier operating in the region, was struck by four ballistic missiles. Tehran has also alleged that around 560 US service members were killed or wounded, figures that US officials have categorically rejected as false and exaggerated.

Independent verification of these battlefield claims remains limited, with both sides issuing competing statements.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a key flashpoint. Emirati authorities reported intercepting a large number of incoming threats following Iranian retaliatory launches.

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, 165 ballistic missiles were launched toward the UAE on February 28. 152 were intercepted and destroyed by air defence systems. 13 reportedly fell into the sea. Two cruise missiles were detected and eliminated. Hundreds of drones were also intercepted.

The ministry stated it remains on high alert, assuring the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors. Officials urged the public to rely solely on verified government sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.

Iran's retaliatory campaign reportedly followed joint US-Israeli strikes that Tehran claims killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, there has been no independent confirmation from international bodies verifying this claim at the time of reporting.

Iranian authorities have stated that 131 cities were affected by the earlier strikes, with 555 people killed, according to official Iranian figures.

Simultaneously, violence has intensified between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem is now a target, after the group launched rockets and drones into Israeli territory overnight.

Reports also indicate renewed attacks near Jerusalem, as air raid sirens sounded and defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.

Emergency services reported dozens injured while rushing to shelters, while Israel's Health Ministry said 777 people had been evacuated to hospitals, with many still receiving treatment.

Ballistic missiles are long-range weapons designed to deliver conventional or nuclear warheads over vast distances. They are launched vertically into the atmosphere, powered by rocket engines during the initial boost phase.

Once outside the atmosphere, they follow a high-arching trajectory determined by gravity before re-entering at extremely high speeds toward their target.

Amid the military escalation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) convened an extraordinary session in Vienna at Russia's request, following appeals from Iran.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation.

"The situation today is very concerning. We cannot rule out a possible radiological release with serious consequences, including the necessity to evacuate areas as large or larger than major cities," Grossi warned.

He emphasised that the agency possesses detailed knowledge of nuclear material sites in the region and is prepared to respond in case of a radiological emergency.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog also urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent nuclear facilities from becoming targets, which could lead to catastrophic environmental and humanitarian consequences.

As Iran, the United States, Israel, and regional actors trade claims and counterclaims, the crisis appears to be widening geographically and diplomatically. With missile exchanges, drone warfare, and mounting casualty figures, the risk of further escalation remains high.

Diplomatic channels are under strain, and international agencies continue to call for immediate de-escalation. For now, the Middle East stands at one of its most volatile moments in recent years, with global powers watching closely as events unfold.

The conflict intensifies, as of now, there is no clear timeline for when it will end. The duration will largely depend on diplomatic negotiations, international pressure, and whether further military escalation can be avoided.

Meanwhile, civilians in Iran, Israel, and across the region continue to live under heightened security, relying on shelters, emergency services, and government advisories to stay safe, hoping for a swift de-escalation and return to stability.