Tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran has increased once again. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has warned Iran in clear words not to make any kind of ‘misunderstanding’ or ‘wrong calculation’. According to reports on March 8, 2026, the Saudi defense system has destroyed 15 drones and two ballistic missiles in the air coming towards Riyadh and Prince Sultan Air Base. The effect of this tension is now visible on the common people living in Gulf countries and also on Indian expatriates.
What was the impact on common people and flights?
Due to this conflict, the daily routine of the people living in Gulf countries has been greatly affected. Keeping security in mind, emergency alerts have been sent to mobile phones to people living in UAE and Saudi Arabia and they have been advised to stay in safe places.
Impact on flights: Since February 28, approximately 32,500 flights have been canceled across the Middle East, causing immense inconvenience to passengers. Exams postponed: In view of the security situation, India’s CBSE Board has indefinitely postponed the Class 12 examinations in the Gulf region. Oman’s preparations: Oman’s Foreign Ministry is making emergency arrangements to bring back its citizens safely.
Information about attacks in Saudi and Kuwait
The Saudi Foreign Ministry has described the recent attacks as cowardly and has taken strict measures to protect itself. Saudi Defense said that an attempt was made to target the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh, where the US Embassy is also located. Earlier, there were also attacks on Ras Tanura Refinery and Shaybah oil field.
Its effect is visible in Kuwait also. There was a drone attack on the fuel tank of Kuwait International Airport, after which the production of crude oil there has been cut as a precautionary measure. The Saudi Defense Minister has also talked to the Army Chief of Pakistan regarding security.
What’s going on internationally?
The world is keeping an eye on this entire matter. The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Countries (GCC) and the European Union (EU) have made it clear in a meeting that under Article 51, the Gulf countries have the full right to protect themselves.
On the other hand, a statement has also come from Iran. IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini has claimed that his forces are capable of continuing the fight for the next six months. At the same time, America and Israel have targeted Iranian oil production facilities for the first time on March 7. Israel has also launched a precision strike in Beirut.
