March 13, 2026 : Military activity across West Asia has intensified in the past few hours, with fresh airstrikes and aerial interceptions reported from several parts of the region. The Israeli military said its aircraft carried out strikes in Tehran, targeting checkpoints operated by Iran’s Basij paramilitary force. According to Israeli defence officials, the attacks focused on roadblocks used by Iranian security forces to regulate movement within the capital. Iranian authorities have not yet issued detailed confirmation regarding the extent of the damage.

Tensions are also rising around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime shipping routes. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the strait as a “tool of pressure,” adding that certain vessels may still be allowed to pass if they coordinate directly with the Iranian navy.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, security remains on high alert as the crisis continues to unfold. GCC countries have reported multiple missile and drone threats since the start of the conflict, prompting intensified air defence operations and stronger protection for critical infrastructure.

In Saudi Arabia, air defence systems intercepted drones targeting energy facilities, including areas near the kingdom’s eastern oil corridor. Authorities have increased security around major oil installations and key urban centres.

Bahrain, which hosts the United States Fifth Fleet, has also reported several interceptions of drones and missiles and remains under heightened military readiness.

In the United Arab Emirates, air defence systems remained active throughout the day as authorities monitored incoming threats. Reports indicate that UAE forces intercepted ten ballistic missiles and twenty-six drones launched from Iranian territory yesterday.

Officials in the UAE have said the country does not seek escalation but will respond firmly to any violation of its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the UAE government has introduced a temporary measure allowing expatriate residents whose residency visas expired while they were abroad to return without obtaining a new entry permit.

The decision, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), will remain in effect for one month from February 28 to March 31. Authorities said the step was taken in response to exceptional circumstances that prevented some residents from returning to the UAE before their visas expired.