A man who just landed in Dhaka from Oman has shed light on the escalating crisis gripping the Gulf region. Shafiqul Islam, speaking to reporters at the airport, described a scene of widespread flight disruptions as tensions between Iran and Western powers intensify.
“Most flights from Oman to Gulf countries have been grounded,” Islam revealed. His family back home was gripped by fear amid reports of missile strikes, but he emphasized that Oman itself remains calm and secure. The primary targets, he noted, are Gulf nations hosting U.S. military bases, now facing retaliatory attacks from Iran.
Islam’s younger brother, Mohammad Jasim Uddin, expressed immense relief. “My brother is back safe from Oman. We’re overjoyed, especially with all the news of airstrikes,” he said, hugging his sibling tightly.
The chaos stems from recent U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several relatives, including his daughter, grandson, and son-in-law. Iran declared 40 days of mourning and launched drone and missile barrages on UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Airports across these nations have shuttered, stranding expatriates and halting travel.
Travelers in Dhaka shared their woes. Shakeel Khan, bound for Saudi Arabia via Qatar, saw his flight canceled with no updates from airlines. First-time flyer Sohail Rana, heading to Saudi via Oman, anxiously awaits news on his itinerary.
The conflict has global ripples. On March 2, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, voicing concerns over civilian safety and urging de-escalation. Modi shared the details on social media, reaffirming India’s priority on protecting citizens abroad.
As airlines scramble and families wait in limbo, the fragile peace in the Gulf hangs by a thread. Experts warn of broader economic fallout from disrupted oil routes and supply chains, with the world watching closely for the next move.