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U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Sunday, March 1, against escalating its retaliatory strikes, threatening "a force that has never been seen before," as fresh explosions rocked Dubai, Doha, and Manama for a second consecutive day.
"Iran just stated they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iran's armed forces announced the sixth wave of its "True Promise 4" operation, targeting 27 U.S. positions in the region along with Israel's Tel Nof Air Base, the Israeli army general staff headquarters in Tel Aviv, and a major defense industrial complex, according to Iran's Mehr News Agency.
"Sirens will not be allowed to fall silent at Israeli and U.S. bases," the Iranian armed forces said, pledging "successive and deterrent, different and harsh retaliation."
Air defense systems were activated, and explosions were heard across Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and Israel following the latest strikes.
The Israeli military confirmed detecting new missile launches from Iran and said air defenses were working to intercept.
Iran's government, presidency, and military issued a cascade of statements Sunday vowing the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei "will not go unpunished."
President Masoud Pezeshkian said, "This great crime will never go unanswered and will open a new page in the history of the Islamic world. The pure blood of this high-ranking leader will flow like a roaring spring and will uproot American-Zionist oppression and crimes."
Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that Trump and Israel have crossed a red line and "will pay for it," adding that the country will continue Khamenei's path.
The Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) announced it would launch retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. bases "shortly" after Khamenei's death was confirmed, vowing to continue its fight "especially against the U.S.."
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reporters heard fresh blasts Sunday morning in Dubai, Manama and Qatar, where thick black smoke was seen rising on the horizon.
The scope of Saturday's barrage across the Gulf was staggering.
The UAE Defense Ministry stated on Saturday that Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones at the country, with fires and smoke reaching the iconic Palm and Burj Al Arab landmarks.
At Abu Dhabi's airport, at least one person was killed, and seven were wounded. Dubai Airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, and Kuwait's airport were also hit.
In Qatar, officials said Iran launched 65 missiles and 12 drones, most of which were intercepted, but injuries rose to 16 on Sunday, with one person in critical condition. Qatar's Interior Ministry activated emergency plans and urged citizens to remain indoors.
In Bahrain, drones and shrapnel slammed into residential buildings in Manama, with video showing smoke and fire from high-rises near the Fifth Fleet headquarters.
Iran's attacks targeted every Gulf state hosting U.S. bases, except Oman, which has been mediating between Washington and Tehran.
Smoke was reported rising from a U.S. military base in Erbil, Iraq, after the Iraqi Shiite group Seraya Evliya ed-Dem claimed responsibility for a kamikaze drone attack on U.S. military installations.
Coalition helicopters and drones were observed operating heavily over Erbil following the attack, and security forces implemented extensive measures around the base.
Coalition officials had not yet confirmed casualties or damage.
U.S. Central Command said there have been no reports of U.S. deaths or injuries from the operation.
In Israel, one person was killed, and dozens were injured in Iranian retaliatory strikes.
The Iranian Red Crescent reported 201 deaths and 747 injuries from U.S.-Israeli strikes across 24 Iranian provinces.
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