Iran struck a military base housing British, US and Australian troops in the United Arab Emirates during overnight strikes across the Gulf. A missile hit the Al Minhad Air Base where the UK maintains a permanent military facility, at 9.15am AEDT on Wednesday morning. More than 100 Australian military personnel are deployed at Al Minhad. Albanese confirmed that all Australian staff were 'absolutely safe' following the attack at the base, which is operated by the UAE and functions as Australia’s military headquarters for the Middle East. In 2014, the UK launched a permanent headquarters at the base to support British operations in the region.

Source: Daily Mail March 18, 2026 18:03 UTC