By Desmond Nleya
The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran entered Day 14 on Friday, March 13, 2026, with tensions escalating across the Middle East. Several countries in the Gulf reported intercepting missiles and drones while political rhetoric intensified and military incidents spread to multiple fronts.
09:48 AM – Saudi Arabia intercepts drone near diplomatic quarter
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that a hostile drone was intercepted and destroyed while approaching the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh. Authorities said the threat was neutralised quickly and security around diplomatic facilities remains heightened.
09:48 AM – US temporarily allows some Russian oil sales
In a move aimed at stabilising global energy markets amid rising tensions, the United States announced it would temporarily permit the delivery and sale of Russian oil shipments that were already loaded onto vessels before March 12. The authorisation will remain in place until April 11.
09:16 AM – Sirens heard at Incirlik air base in Turkey
Sirens were reported early Friday at the strategic Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, a key NATO facility hosting US troops near the city of Adana. The alert comes days after NATO air defences shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace.
09:04 AM – Trump issues new threat to Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric with a message posted on his Truth Social platform, warning Iran’s leadership to “watch what happens today.”
Trump claimed Iranian military capabilities were being dismantled, stating that the country’s navy and air force had been effectively neutralised and that its missile and drone infrastructure was being destroyed.
09:00 AM – Saudi air defences shoot down dozens of drones
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 10 additional drones headed toward its Eastern and Central Provinces, bringing the total number of drones shot down in a few hours to nearly 50. Several strategic locations, including oil facilities and a military base hosting US troops, were believed to be potential targets.
08:48 AM – Qatar reassures residents
Authorities in Qatar confirmed that the security situation remains stable and that essential services across the country are operating normally. Officials urged residents to follow national warning system alerts if issued.
08:43 AM – UAE reassures residents after interception operations
Residents across the United Arab Emirates received a nationwide mobile alert confirming that the situation in the country was safe following earlier missile warnings. Authorities thanked the public for cooperating with safety instructions as air defence systems continued monitoring the skies.
08:20 AM – UAE activates air defence systems
Earlier in the morning, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence units were actively intercepting missiles and drones launched from Iran. Emergency alerts were sent across the country advising residents to remain indoors and follow official guidance while the threat was assessed.
07:46 AM – Pro-Iran Iraqi group threatens French interests
A pro-Iranian militia in Iraq warned that French interests across the region would be targeted following the arrival of a French aircraft carrier. The statement followed the announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron that a French soldier had been killed and several others injured in Iraqi Kurdistan.
07:40 AM – Israeli strike reported in Beirut
The Israeli military said it conducted a strike targeting a member of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon, as fighting between Israel and Iran-linked forces continues to expand.
07:37 AM – Interception debris damages building in Dubai
Dubai authorities confirmed that debris from a missile interception caused minor damage to the façade of a building in central Dubai. Officials reported that no injuries occurred.
Across the region, air defence systems have been working at full capacity. According to UAE defence officials, since the beginning of the hostilities Iran has launched 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and more than 1,540 drones, many of which have been intercepted by regional defence networks.
Despite the ongoing conflict, authorities across Gulf countries continue to reassure residents that daily life and critical services remain operational, while security forces maintain heightened vigilance.
