Iran defies Trump's surrender demand as missiles target Dubai airport, Saudi oil fields

2 minutes of readingMarch 7, 2026 02:05 pm IST

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand for an “unconditional surrender,” calling it “a dream they should take to their graves.” Pezeshkian also apologized for Iran’s recent attacks on neighboring countries, saying Tehran would stop them and attributing the attacks to a “miscommunication in the ranks.” The statement was made in a pre-recorded speech broadcast on state television.

The comments come amid intense attacks on Gulf Arab states early Saturday, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as Israel and the United States continued airstrikes against Iran.

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Dubai airport closed after Iran attack

Meanwhile, the Dubai Media Office announced on Saturday the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport. “For the safety of passengers, airport staff and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. All procedures are being managed in accordance with established safety protocols,” the post on X read.

For the safety of passengers, airport staff and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. All procedures are managed in accordance with established security protocols.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 7, 2026

Gulf countries reported intercepting more ballistic missiles and drones on Saturday as Iran carried out another wave of retaliatory strikes. Saudi Arabia said it stopped four drones targeting the massive Shaybah oil field, marking the second attack in a matter of hours.

Israeli warplanes attacked Beirut and Tehran. The death toll in the conflict continued to rise, with at least 1,230 dead in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, about a dozen in Israel and six American soldiers, the AP reported.

Sirens sounded in Bahrain for the fifth time on Saturday, and the Interior Ministry urged residents to head to the nearest safe place.

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