Us-Israel Strikes on Iran Escalate Middle East Tensions and Regional Travel Disruptions

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the United States and Israel said they began "major combat operations" against Iran. The first reported strike was said to hit near offices linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. Residents in the Iranian capital reported strong explosions, as the situation quickly intensified across the region.

As Iran responded, reports of blasts and missile interceptions spread across several Gulf countries. Governments and residents described a tense security picture, with airspace limits affecting travel plans. Political leaders and ordinary citizens reacted in different ways, while the wider outcome remained uncertain amid the risk of further military exchanges.

Several social media videos claimed to show celebrations linked to the Iran strikes. Some clips showed people dancing, playing music, or cheering in streets. A widely shared video showed a man reacting to a reported interception over Kuwait. Another video appeared to show teenagers celebrating, including one voice praising a US leader.

A man losses it after an air defense missile shoots down an Iranian missile over Kuwait He screams "KABOOOM" multiple times to celebrate the interception pic.twitter.com/Y1ESJRuxPW Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 28, 2026 Some viewers said the repeated shout was "Kaboom" and linked it to an interception report.

Teenagers from an Iranian high school celebrating the attack!!!! One of them even says "I love you Trump" pic.twitter.com/CAOa41Ykpy System Error ⚠️ (@MateusRocha_f) February 28, 2026 The clip showed a teenager saying, "I love you Trump." The location and timing were not confirmed.

Some other videos claimed to show Israeli citizens inside shelters singing and dancing after updates on the strikes. Other clips also claimed that girls in Iran celebrated reports that the Ayatollah’s residence was targeted. Teenagers from an Iranian high school celebrating the attack!!!! One of them even says "I love you Trump" pic.twitter.com/CAOa41Ykpy System Error ⚠️ (@MateusRocha_f) February 28, 2026

Antifa_Ultras (@ultras_antifaa) February 28, 2026 However, the videos circulating online were not independently verified. It also remained unclear where and when several clips were recorded. ⩇⩇:⩇⩇ (@iv1cky) February 28, 2026

In the United Arab Emirates, authorities said missiles launched from Iran were intercepted. Reuters reported one death in Abu Dhabi during the incident. A witness told Reuters that five loud explosions came quickly, and windows shook at a home near the Corniche area.

The reports came as the region stayed on alert.

AFP reported loud blasts in Riyadh, after Iran vowed retaliation against the US and Israel. Correspondents in the Saudi capital described a major explosion followed by several loud sounds. Explosions were also heard in Qatar, as Iran launched counterattacks and air defences appeared to engage targets over populated areas.

Shailja, an Indian resident in Doha, told Hindustan Times the sounds seemed like missiles intercepted mid-air. Shailja said the family stayed indoors as a precaution. Shailja also hoped to travel to India once airspace restrictions lift. Shailja said there was no damage nearby, but caution remained.

Iran conflict reactions in India and travel disruption

In India, the developments triggered political arguments. Some Congress leaders criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent visit to Israel, noting the strikes followed soon after. They questioned the timing and possible diplomatic impact. With interceptions and blasts reported across countries, officials kept monitoring events as restrictions continued to disrupt flights.

Overall, the situation produced mixed public reactions online, alongside fear and uncertainty on the ground. While some posts suggested celebration in parts of Iran and Israel, authorities in the Gulf reported interceptions and casualties. With airspace limits still affecting movement, the region remained on high alert as global leaders watched for the next steps.