**Iranian Missiles Bring Chaos to Peaceful Gulf States** The usually tranquil atmosphere of the Gulf region was shattered on Saturday as a barrage of Iranian missiles lit up the desert skies, causing widespread panic and destruction. The attacks, which targeted key US military bases in Manama and Abu Dhabi, sent shockwaves across the oil-rich region, leaving residents and expatriates in a state of shock and fear. For years, the Gulf monarchies have prided themselves on being a haven of stability, attracting business, trade, and tourism from around the world. Their reputation for calm has been carefully cultivated, with the US and other Western powers seeing them as valuable allies in the Middle East. However, the recent attacks have brought home the harsh reality that even the most peaceful of regions can be vulnerable to the whims of regional powers like Iran. Residents of Dubai, the commercial hub of the Middle East, were shocked to see missiles streaking across the sky, with some even reporting hearing loud thuds as the projectiles hit their targets. In Qatar, a residential neighbourhood was hit, causing a fireball to erupt on the street and sending dozens of people fleeing in panic. In Abu Dhabi, golfers were stunned to see projectiles flying overhead, adding to the sense of chaos and confusion. The Gulf states have long been careful to avoid taking sides in the regional conflicts, preferring to maintain good relations with their powerful Shia neighbour, Iran. However, the recent attacks have highlighted the risks of this approach, with many residents feeling a sense of insecurity and uncertainty about their safety. For expatriates like Jana Hassan, a 15-year-old school student who was visiting a friend in the Juffair district of Manama, the attacks were a traumatic experience. "We didn't know what to do... I will never forget the sound of those loud blasts," she said. As the region struggles to come to terms with the sudden and unexpected attacks, many are left wondering what the implications will be for the future of the Gulf states. Will they continue to maintain their reputation for stability and calm, or will the recent events mark a turning point in the region's history? Only time will tell.