They flew to Dubai for a romantic anniversary getaway. Then the bombing started.
By Keir Simmons
Published on March 2, 2026.
Sarah Mettee and her husband, who planned to spend a romantic winter break in Dubai for their 20th wedding anniversary, are stranded in the Middle East after Iran retaliated with strikes on many of its neighbors, including the United Arab Emirates, following the United States and Israel's bombing of the Islamic Republic, killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The UAE's Defense Ministry said its air defenses had intercepted and stopped 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and over 540 Iranian drones over two days. Dubai International Airport was closed for the third consecutive day Monday, although it is expected to reopen in the evening. The Islamic Republic also launched retaliatory attacks on several nations, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Related Articles
Top Iranian official denies push for talks, rips Trump’s ‘delusional fantasies’
Iranian officials reject US claims of peace, criticizing President Trump’s "delusional fantasies" and expressing concerns over American casualties in the ongoing war.
US tariff lawsuits returned to trade court to determine next steps
A US appeals court is deliberating whether or not to dismiss lawsuits related to President Trump's controversial $130 billion tariff increase, with potential for further investigation.
Ayatollah’s Wife Dies From Injuries Sustained in US Strikes, State Media Says
The wife of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died from injuries sustained in US and Israeli strikes, according to state media, with his family members also injured.