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Iran's military claims to have hit a US naval base in Bahrain, as Iran launched operations throughout the Middle East in retaliation for a "massive" and continuing offensive against it by the US and Israel.

Huge plumes of black smoke were seen rising from an zone close to the command center of the American Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain. The extent of any destruction is uncertain and the United States has yet to issue a statement.

Missile Defenses Activated

In other parts of the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the State of Kuwait - all home to US military bases - reported they have intercepted incoming projectiles in their territorial skies.

In the Qatari capital, Qatar's defence ministry stated it had successfully engaged several missiles apparently targeting the al-Udeid air base, the biggest US military installation in the region.

Iran's Declared Retaliation

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard declared it was striking US bases and assets as part of operation "Truthful Promise 4", in response for the strikes on the Islamic Republic launched by the United States and its ally Israel on Saturday.

That preceding assault - executed at around 06:15 GMT - has so far focused on sites associated with the Iranian leadership, with US President Donald Trump encouraging the people of Iran to rise up against the regime.

Regional Fallout

In Israel, air raid sirens sounded across the country after the Israeli military reported it had detected an incoming Iranian missile barrage.

The defence ministry of the United Arab Emirates announced that the nation has been subjected to a "a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles".

"Emirati air defenses engaged the missiles with notable success and shot down a several projectiles," it added.

Officials reported debris fell on a residential area in the capital, causing some structural damage and the death of one civilian.

The US Air Force operates from the Al Dhafra base, south of Abu Dhabi, along with the Emirati Air Force.