Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, along with his family, was stuck in Dubai on Saturday amid the suspension of flights in the wake of joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the subsequent Iranian retaliation targeting American military bases across the Middle East, a source close to the ministry told news agency Reuters said on Saturday.
He left Rome on Friday evening aboard a civilian flight to join his family, already in Dubai on holiday. Crosetto was set to return to Italy on Saturday afternoon. Italian carrier ITA Airways said it had suspended flights to and from Dubai until Sunday.
Dubai, a major global commercial hub, was struck by Iranian retaliation despite not hosting any US bases. The Iranian strike prompted the closure of the UAE’s airspace and widespread disruption across the wider Gulf region.
The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones launched towards the country. The Ministry said the operation was carried out with high efficiency and resulted in limited material damage.
Debris from missiles intercepted by the UAE’s Air Defence systems fell in several areas in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dubai authorities later confirmed that an incident occurred in a building in the iconic Palm Jumeirah area.
Describing the attack as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, the UAE’s Defence Ministry asserted the country’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, people, sovereignty, security and stability.
The rapidly developing situation followed a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran early Saturday, after days of build-up during which US President Donald Trump increased pressure on Tehran to agree to a new nuclear deal.
In Dubai, five large blasts were heard late in the afternoon. While normal life continued in some areas, some grocery delivery apps showed heavy delays, with users appearing to order in bulk.
(With inputs from Reuters)
