GCC Nations Bear 83% of Iranian Fire as Tehran Targets Regional Energy Hubs Over Israel

New data shows Iran has launched 4,391 missiles and drones at GCC states compared to 930 at Israel, signaling a direct threat to global energy security.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 6:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Asharq Al-Awsat and official regional data.

The Numerical Reality of the "Multi-Front" War

Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, the Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a total of 5,321 missiles and drones. However, contrary to initial expectations that the war would be contained between Tehran and Jerusalem, official data released on March 26 shows that the vast majority of these strikes—4,391 in total—have targeted GCC vital infrastructure and civilian facilities. This constitutes 83% of Iran’s total offensive output, compared to just 930 projectiles (17%) aimed at Israel. This distribution highlights a deliberate Iranian strategy to leverage regional energy security as a primary weapon in the ongoing conflict.

The United Arab Emirates as the Primary Target

The United Arab Emirates has borne the heaviest burden of the Iranian aerial campaign, absorbing 2,156 missiles and drones over the past month. This concentrated fire has targeted the UAE’s critical logistical hubs and economic centers, necessitating a near-constant activation of the country’s advanced air defense systems. Following the UAE, Saudi Arabia has faced 723 attacks, while Kuwait has been targeted 791 times. Smaller GCC nations have not been spared; Bahrain reported 429 attacks, Qatar 270, and Oman 22 drone incursions, marking the most widespread regional military escalation in modern history.

Efficiency of the GCC "Impenetrable Shield"

Despite the sheer volume of Iranian fire, Gulf air defense systems have demonstrated what military analysts describe as "exceptional efficiency." Systems including the Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD batteries have successfully neutralized the vast majority of incoming threats, preventing catastrophic damage to the region’s desalination plants, oil refineries, and civilian populations. This collective defensive posture has proven to be an indispensable shield, though the economic cost of maintaining such a high-intensity "iron dome" over the entire Arabian Peninsula remains a growing concern for regional finance ministers.