New Delhi, Feb. 28 -- Tensions soared in the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched preemptive strikes targeting Iran's military and naval forces, prompting Tehran to retaliate and attack US bases in the region, with explosions reported across several cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and others.

The development came days after US President Donald Trump warned Iran of "bad things" and asked it to agree to a deal regarding its nuclear program. Despite negotiations, the renewed military confrontation has thrown the region into one of its worst crises.

The Middle East's commercial hub, Dubai, reported a series of explosions on Saturday in areas like Downtown Dubai, where residents said they heard a "rumble an...