Chris Eubank Jr has shared alarming footage of fires raging in Dubai as tensions escalate across the Middle East. In the early hours of Saturday morning, US president Donald Trump announced co-ordinated military strikes with Israel, targeting Iran.
Iran retaliated by launching counterstrikes against American military bases in Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Residents were captured on camera fleeing for cover in Dubai as air raid sirens wailed across the city.
At least three major explosions have been heard, with Eubank Jr posting dramatic footage to Instagram showing the aftermath of the blasts. He wrote: “Explosions going off on the Dubai Palm right now. Please everyone be safe.”
The clips show flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky, reportedly near the Fairmont The Palm hotel. The developments come as F1 has drawn up contingency plans amid concerns over its 2026 race calendar, with the motorsport series scheduled to compete in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in mid-April.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has responded to Iran’s strikes by strongly condemning the Gulf nation for attacking neighbouring countries in retaliation to the US-Israeli military offensive. An official statement read: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the blatant Iranian aggression and the flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
“In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the Kingdom’s full solidarity with the countries concerned and its firm support for them, stating that it would mobilise all its capabilities to assist them in any measures they undertake. The ministry warned of the serious consequences of continued violations of states’ sovereignty and breaches of the principles of international law.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called on the international community to condemn these blatant attacks and to take all firm measures necessary to confront Iranian violations that undermine the security and stability of the region.”
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Trump delivered a stark warning to the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), demanding they surrender or “face certain death,” in what he characterised as a decisive message. Trump also appealed to the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny,” in an explicit call for regime change.
He said: “To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms.
“You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside.
“Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help. But you never got it.
“No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let’s see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force.
“Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”
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