Alexander Bublik was flying to the United States for the Indian Wells Open when he encountered a terrifying moment mid-flight after he found out about the US’ strikes on Iran. Writing on his Telegram channel, Bublik said: “We were flying out of Dubai, thinking, ‘God willing, we’ll have a peaceful flight.’ We had just left Iranian airspace when I opened the news and saw this.”

On Saturday, US president Donald Trump announced that ‘major combat operations’ were underway against Iran, with explosions reported across the country. The strikes happened while he was still on the plane, though fortunately after leaving Iranian airspace, making it no less a terrifying experience. According to the BBC, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait all reported intercepting missiles in their airspace.

The United States maintains roughly 13 military bases across the Middle East and Gulf region, hosting an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 personnel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has already declared that US bases and assets are among the targets of its retaliation.

Elsewhere, a video circulating online shows tourists in Dubai fleeing a poolside as two intercepted missiles streaked smoke across the sky, with startled voices heard as air‑defence systems activated above. Authorities in Dubai confirmed that an incident occurred in a building on the Palm Jumeirah, resulting in casualties.

“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.

According to the media office, four people were injured and transferred to medical facilities for treatment. “Authorities continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the public,” it said.

The UAE reported that one civilian was killed in Abu Dhabi, while Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also confirmed intercepting incoming missiles. Israel has faced several waves of fire, with warning sirens sounding across the country.

Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile strikes following the joint US–Israel attack on Tehran earlier today (Saturday). Regional air‑defence systems were activated as missiles targeted locations associated with American forces, with debris falling in civilian areas.

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