Two weeks of war for the Gulf countries

In two weeks of war (as of March 14, 2026), the Gulf countries received what many of them had long prepared for in theory, but not in such density in practice: massive strikes with ballistic missiles, drones, and attacks on critical infrastructure. According to consolidated data, oil facilities, the aviation sector, industrial zones, and civilian territories were hit.

For the Israeli audience, the importance of these statistics lies not only in the numbers. It is about how quickly regional escalation turns into a broad war of attrition on air defense, economy, and logistics. And if previously the Gulf countries were often perceived as external observers or mediators, now they themselves are becoming the front.

Strikes on the Gulf countries no longer look like an episode

Iranian attacks on the Gulf states show that this is not about isolated incidents, but a systematic campaign of pressure. Moreover, the strikes are not only on symbolic targets but on the nervous system of the states — on energy, transport routes, ports, industrial nodes, and facilities on which everyday resilience depends.

Against the backdrop of Israel’s war with the Iranian axis, this is especially important. When Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are under fire, the region can no longer be described as a set of separate crises. It is a unified risk zone where any new strike affects prices, flight safety, raw material supplies, and political decisions of allies.

Qatar: high density of attacks without confirmed casualties

During this period, Qatar became one of the most intensively attacked targets. According to available data, 163 missiles were launched at the country’s territory, 118 of which were intercepted, as well as at least 72 drones, 47 of which were shot down. Additionally, the destruction of two Su-24 fighters was reported.

Despite the density of attacks, it is officially stated that there are no casualties. This does not negate the main conclusion: even a state with serious defense systems and international support is forced to operate in a mode of almost continuous repulsion of combined strikes.

Oman: the mediator in negotiations also came under fire

Oman has long maintained a reputation as one of the most cautious and useful mediators in the region. That is why attacks on its territory look particularly indicative. The Sohar area and the Al-Awahi industrial zone were hit. Separately, it was reported about a drone shot down or fallen into the sea north of Duqm.

There are also human losses: two foreign citizens were killed, and several people were injured. Before this, an attack was recorded on oil storage facilities in the port of Salalah. After this, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke with the Sultan of Oman, and the Omani side once again emphasized neutrality and condemned attacks on its territory.

For Israel, the message is simple: in the current phase of the war, neutrality no longer guarantees inviolability.

The greatest burden fell on the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain

Looking at the dry statistics, it is the UAE that appears to have suffered one of the heaviest blows in these two weeks. Six dead, more than 141 injured, constant operation of air defense systems, and a huge volume of interceptions.

In just one day, according to the UAE Ministry of Defense, seven ballistic missiles and 27 drones were intercepted. And since the beginning of Iranian aggression, it is claimed that Emirati air defense forces have destroyed 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1567 drones. This is no longer the backdrop of war — this is an independent large-scale theater of operations.

UAE: a blow to the showcase of stability

The UAE has long sold the world the image of a technologically advanced, safe, and predictable country capable of protecting investments, transport hubs, and energy. But the war showed the weak spot of even this model: when attacks come in waves, even strong air defense begins to work not as insurance, but as a daily resource that needs constant replenishment.

It is at such a moment that it becomes clearer why the Israeli discussion about missile defense, interceptor reserves, and the depth of strategic rear concerns not only Israel. NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency has repeatedly written that the Middle Eastern war is increasingly turning into a struggle not only of armies but also of economies, where the winner is the one who keeps the infrastructure operational longer.

Kuwait: dozens injured and hundreds of neutralized targets

Kuwait also suffers losses. Reports indicate six dead and dozens injured. The country’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting several ballistic missiles that entered the airspace in the south of the country, as well as neutralizing drone attacks.

According to the Kuwait Government Communication Center, since the beginning of the war, 237 ballistic missiles and 445 drones have been destroyed. Separately, on Wednesday, it was reported about the interception of 11 drones and two ballistic missiles.

These figures are important not only as military statistics. They show the real density of fire in the region. And the higher the density, the faster the line between the ‘safe rear’ and the territory of direct risk is erased.

Bahrain: injured children and the cost of a strike on a small state

In Bahrain, a woman died, and 32 people were injured, including four minors. One of the injured is a two-month-old infant. This is precisely the case when the dry military language about interceptions ceases to work as protection from reality.

The Bahrain General Command reported that since the beginning of the attacks, 115 missiles and 191 drones have been destroyed. For a small kingdom, such figures mean not just a high level of threat, but constant pressure on the internal stability of the state.

Saudi Arabia and the future cost of war

Saudi Arabia, according to reports, also remains one of the key targets. It is known about two dead and 12 injured. There is no complete consolidated statistics on all interceptions yet, but the intensity of the strikes is obvious: only on Friday, 53 drones were intercepted, and on Wednesday — another 28.

Earlier, it was reported about the prevention of attacks on the Shaybah oil field, including a ballistic missile and drones. And this is perhaps one of the most alarming details for the entire region. Because strikes on oil infrastructure are already a story not only about security but also about the global economy.

Why this is important for Israel

Israel is within the same strategic equation. When Iran and its military machine expand the radius of pressure on the Gulf monarchies, it means several things at once.

Firstly, Jerusalem receives additional confirmation: the Iranian strategy is built on overloading defense systems, not on single loud strikes.

Secondly, the potential convergence of interests between Israel and some Arab countries may accelerate not through diplomatic declarations, but through the logic of war itself. A common threat often does more for regional coordination than years of closed negotiations.

Thirdly, there will almost certainly be a separate, very heavy topic ahead — economic damage. While it has not yet been fully calculated, it is already clear that the bill will run into large sums. Damage to oil infrastructure, strikes on ports, aviation disruptions, increased insurance risks, and the burden on air defense — all this will have consequences far beyond the Gulf.

And that is why the current two weeks of war cannot be considered a local chapter of the Middle Eastern crisis. This is already a model of a new regional reality, where the front line runs not only along borders but also through airport terminals, oil storage facilities, industrial zones, and civilian quarters.