Four people have been hospitalized following a missile strike on Dubai’s Fairmont The Palm hotel as Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East targeting US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan.
Dubai’s Media Office confirmed the fire at the five-star Palm Jumeirah hotel is now “under control” after emergency services were deployed to the scene. Footage captured from an opposite building shows the moment the missile made contact with the luxury hotel, with blackened smoke billowing into the sky as amber flames roared at the entrance.
City authorities confirmed the injured have been taken to hospital for treatment following the incident. Multiple videos circulating online show large smoke plumes billowing far above the building roof from different angles.
The UN Security Council has confirmed a meeting of leaders will take place today at 9pm GMT in response to the escalating tensions. Explosions have been heard scattered across the region throughout the day as Iran targeted multiple countries in retaliation to American strikes.
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed in an official statement the UK “played no role in these strikes” but British planes “are in the sky today.” He stated: “I condemn Iran’s attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict. We extend our support and solidarity to them as part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East.”
The Prime Minister added: “Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. So it is clear they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies, including the US.”
Donald Trump shared a video on Truth Social this morning confirming a “major combat operation” was underway against the Islamic regime. He told Iranian forces: “You must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death.”
The US President issued instructions to Iranian citizens: “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your Government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
Starmer described the Iranian regime as “utterly abhorrent,” stating: “They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent and sought to destabilise the region. Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and to the Jewish community.”
The strikes across Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan mark a significant escalation, with Iran taking aim at US military installations across multiple countries simultaneously. The targeting of Dubai’s commercial district represents an expansion beyond military targets.
The UN Security Council meeting scheduled for 9pm GMT will address the region-wide escalation and coordinate international response to Iran’s retaliatory strikes.
