Iran continues to unleash a barrage of missiles on its neighbouring countries following the joint US-Israeli strikes over the weekend. The nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Al Khamenei, was amongst those killed, yet Iran has responded with a devastating display of military might.
Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Israel have all come under attack, along with the popular British holiday destination of Dubai in the UAE, with shocking footage showing several luxury hotels ablaze. US military installations in the region are believed to have been the primary targets.
Overnight, the RAF base in Cyprus was also struck. The US military has since confirmed that three of its personnel lost their lives in the Iranian assault, heightening fears of a further escalation of tensions across the Middle East.
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Worryingly, there are growing concerns that the conflict could extend far beyond the region, given that Iran’s missiles are capable of reaching considerably further than their current targets. Reports suggest Iran’s missiles have a range of approximately 1,240 miles.
This reach is sufficient for the missiles to extend to two additional destinations popular with British holidaymakers, beyond Dubai and Cyprus – namely Egypt and Turkey.
Whilst neither country has yet been targeted, both host US military bases. The Incirlik Air Base in the Turkish city of Adana is currently home to around 5,000 USAF personnel.
A US military presence also exists in Egypt, though the precise location remains unclear.
Full list of countries within Iran’s missile range
- Dubai
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Iraq
- Turkmenistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Oman
- Afghanistan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Georgia
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Kazakhstan
- Jordan
- The UAE
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Ukraine
Attacks continuing
The attacks have persisted into today (Monday, March 2), with the British Ministry of Defence confirming that families are to be relocated following what appears to be an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri during the night.
In a statement, they said: “The safety of our personnel and their families is our absolute priority. As a precautionary measure we are moving family members who live at RAF Akrotiri to alternative accommodation nearby on the island of Cyprus.
“Our base and personnel continue to operate as normal protecting the safety of Britain and our interests.”
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has also issued a statement regarding the rapidly developing situation in Iran, highlighting that approximately 200,000 British nationals are currently in the region and urging them to register their whereabouts and adhere to travel guidance.
He said: “Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them.
“They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation. We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit.
“I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice. I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.”
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