Iranian Drone Strikes Dubai Skyscraper, Claims Attack Targeted US Military

An Iranian drone struck the high-rise residential tower 23 Marina in Dubai's popular tourist district on the evening of March 7. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating its intended targets were American military assets.

Footage from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the area. It remains unclear whether the damage resulted from a direct hit or from falling debris after an attempted interception by UAE air defenses.

Authorities in Dubai later confirmed that debris from a drone caused damage to the Marina 23 tower. "The authorities confirm that debris resulting from a successful interception caused a minor incident on the facade of a tower in the Dubai Marina area. The situation has been contained," read a statement posted on social media platform X.

In a separate but related incident, Dubai authorities reported that one person was killed on March 7 when debris fell onto a car following an "aerial interception." The event occurred in the Al Barsha area and resulted in the death of an Asian-nationality driver.

According to the IRGC's statement, Iranian forces also carried out strikes against several American and Israeli targets on Saturday, March 7. The announcement claimed that military targets in Haifa, northern Israel, were hit with new solid-fuel "Kheibar Shekan" guided missiles. The IRGC Navy also stated it struck facilities supporting US military forces at Salman port.

Since February 28, Iran has been launching missiles and drones toward Israel and Persian Gulf nations hosting US military installations, describing these actions as responses to attacks by American and Israeli forces.

Previous Iranian strikes have caused damage to Dubai International Airport. Falling debris from intercepted drones has also ignited fires at landmarks including the famous Burj Al Arab hotel and near the Fairmont hotel on the prestigious Palm Jumeirah artificial island.