The Middle East is currently facing one of its most severe security crises in recent years following joint “preemptive” strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday. (February 28)
While the initial line of fire was primarily centered between the three nations, the “spillover” effect instantly grounded major gulf-based aviation pathways, paralyzed regional trade and pushed neighboring Arab states and economic players onto a high-intensity war footing.
Joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian strategic hubs have triggered a rapid-fire sequence of retaliations, pulling the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain directly into the line of fire. As of Saturday afternoon, the conflict codenamed Operation Roaring Lion by Israeli forces has evolved into high-alert geopolitical confrontation that has effectively taken over the gulf region.
The Iranian news agency Fars most recently reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have targeted US bases in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. According to the news agency, these include United States naval and air support bases like Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, Al-Salem air base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE and The fifth fleet in Bahrain.
Al Jazeera and The Guardian have recently confirmed that the US The Embassy in Qatar has asked American citizens to take cover and maintain a ‘shelter in place’ order for all personnel and citizens following strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base. Similar alerts have been issued in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Middle-east countries attacked: Indians in these countries to remain on high alert
The ongoing war has significantly disrupted the economic safe havens of the Middle East and has effectively taken over the entire region.
Following Iran’s widespread attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar (the largest US military installation in the region). The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an urgent advisory for its citizens in Qatar, urging them to remain indoors and monitor official channels and advisories at all times.
Another missile launched by Iran had struck Bawra residential city in Doha earlier today.
Explosions in the UAE: Recent reports by international platforms have also mentioned Abu Dhabi and Dubai reported powerful booms shaking windows in the Al Dhafra and Corniche areas.
Reports indicate explosions have been heard in Dubai with the Burj Khalifa being evacuated, while blasts have also been reported in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Reportedly, Iranian missiles also hit UAE residential area on Saturday which resulted in the death of one civilian.
Reuters confirmed that the Al Dhafra Air Base, a critical hub for US and UAE air operations, was targeted. Air Arabia and Emirates have grounded all flights, citing immediate safety risks.
Evacuation based advisories in play
Reports from the Times of Israel indicate that the UK, France, Italy, and Poland have urged their citizens who are in the Middle East for travel and non necessary purposes to exit countries like Iran, Israel, Qatar, UAE, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. Australia has already facilitated the departure of diplomat families from Jordan and the UAE, citing a “deteriorating security environment.”
Impact on Aviation: AirIndia and Indigo get caught in crosshairs
Multiple countries in the region including Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Iran have officially closed their skies to all civilian traffic. The UAE followed suit Saturday afternoon after GPS spoofing and jamming levels reached critical highs over the Persian Gulf.
Major carriers including Air India, IndiGo, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and Wizz Air have suspended all services to Tel Aviv, Amman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf hubs. IndiGo and Air India are monitoring the situation in real-time, with massive rerouting expected via Afghanistan and Central Asia, significantly increasing fuel costs and flight times.
Air India routes to Europe and North America are among the worst affected. Flights are being rerouted via the North Pole or around the southern tip of Africa, adding 4–6 hours to travel times.
Financial Impact: Trade blockage and economic cost
As the three-sided confrontation between these countries escalated, the focus of economists, businesses and investors bracing for a huge financial impact of these clashes has now turned to the Strait of Hormuz.
Any Iranian move to block this chokepoint could trigger a major global energy crisis. The Guardian reports that Western naval assets are moving toward the Strait to prevent a total maritime blockade. An estimated 21% of the world’s oil trade presently happens via the Strait of Hormuz.
Global oil prices (Brent) reached their highest levels since mid-2025, trading near $73/barrel before the latest strikes, with further spikes expected. According to a report published by EY, if the conflict lasts beyond a week, sea freight rates could surge by almost 40%.
Reportedly, insurance premiums for merchant ships in the Gulf have “gone through the roof,” with many exporters halting shipments to the CIS and European regions indefinitely. “The regional trade loss isn’t just about oil; it’s about the total disruption of the global supply chain that relies on Middle Eastern stability,” a senior analyst told Reuters.
Countries like Jordan and Egypt are expected to see a sharp decline in tourism as security concerns rise.
Presenting his take on the affairs, U.S. President Donald Trump recently confirmed the start of “major combat operations,” stating that direct military involvement was necessary to “ensure the hour of freedom” for the Iranian people.
Similarly, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the operation would last “as long as needed” to cast off the “yoke of tyranny.”