The UAE Ministry of Interior issued an extreme alert on February 28 ordering all residents to seek immediate shelter in secure buildings away from windows, doors and open areas, as Iranian missiles targeted the Gulf state in retaliation for the joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.

The alert, pushed to mobile phones across the UAE at 13:55 local time, read: "Due to current situation, a potential missile threat, please immediately take shelter in a secure building away from windows, doors and open areas and await official instructions."

The warning came hours after explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi, with preliminary reports suggesting Iran had targeted Al Dhafra air base, which hosts US military aircraft and personnel. The UAE had already declared a partial and temporary closure of its airspace earlier in the day.

Iraq, Syria, Qatar and other regional states also closed their airspace as the conflict spread across the Middle East. Al Jazeera cited sources saying Qatar had intercepted at least one Iranian missile, while Israel remained the only country to have officially confirmed interceptions.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed earlier on February 28 that the country's armed forces had launched a "crushing response" to what it called the enemy's wicked actions, warning that strikes on Tehran and other cities were expected to continue.

Iran's internet connectivity has collapsed to 4% of normal levels, its rial has hit a record low of IRR1,749,500 against the dollar and its stock exchange remains suspended.

This story is developing. Details remain unverified and subject to change.