UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain report attacks despite Iran-US ceasefire

Lead

Hours after the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, several Gulf nations—including the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain—reported missile and drone attacks on their territories, according to multiple sources. The attacks, which targeted infrastructure including oil facilities and power stations, have cast doubt on the durability of the truce.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera, with its extensive MENA region coverage, reported that the UAE's Defence Ministry said its air defences were "actively engaging" incoming missiles and drones from Iran. Kuwait's army said its air defences intercepted a wave of Iranian drones launched since 8am (05:00 GMT), with some targeting vital oil facilities, power stations, and water desalination plants. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior reported alleged Iranian attacks that injured two people and damaged homes in the Sitra area.

The Jerusalem Post, which provided an English-language perspective with a focus on defense and security, reported that despite the ceasefire, Iran continued firing rockets and drones against targets in the Gulf, with falls and impacts in the UAE and Bahrain. In the Emirates, three people were injured and a fire was registered at the Abu Dhabi Haabshan gas complex, a result of shrapnel falling after air defences engaged incoming projectiles.

Key Claims

• Saudi oil production capacity reduced: According to the Saudi Press Agency, citing an official source at the Ministry of Energy, attacks on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia resulted in a reduction of approximately 600,000 barrels per day in oil production capacity. The attacks targeted oil, gas, and electricity sites in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Yanbu Industrial City, and resulted in one death and seven injuries.

• East-West pipeline restored: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy announced on Sunday that the East-West oil pipeline had been restored to full capacity, pumping approximately seven million barrels per day, after repair work. Production at the Manifa oilfield was also restored to full capacity of about 300,000 barrels per day, while authorities are still working to restore output at the Khurais oilfield following the loss of 300,000 barrels per day capacity.

• Strait of Hormuz effectively closed: Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit point that normally transports one-fifth of the world's oil and gas, according to multiple reports. Oil prices jumped upward as the world weighs the prospects of a shaky ceasefire and possibly the full reopening of the strait.

• Ceasefire announcement: US President Donald Trump announced a two-week halt in the war against Iran, and Tehran said it would begin negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to a single-source report from Al Jazeera. The Gulf States welcomed the ceasefire agreement, with Oman and Saudi Arabia being the first to do so, and Qatar demanding that the Strait of Hormuz be completely secured.

• Iranian proxies halt attacks: Iraqi Islamic Resistance and Lebanon's Hezbollah, described as Iranian proxy groups, acknowledged the ceasefire in official statements and said they halted attacks on the region, according to the Jerusalem Post.

• Ongoing attacks despite ceasefire: Despite the ceasefire, Iran continued firing rockets and drones against Gulf targets, with reports of falls and impacts in the UAE and Bahrain. Kuwait said its air defences dealt with a total of 28 drones, some of which targeted vital oil installations and power stations in the south of the country.

Perspectives

The attacks come as Gulf states navigate a precarious security environment. Saudi Arabia has demanded that attacks against Gulf States' facilities be halted, while also working to restore its energy infrastructure to reassure global markets. The UAE has emphasized its air defence capabilities, framing the incidents as a defensive response to hostile actions.

Iran's perspective has not been detailed in the provided reports, but the attacks are described by sources as being in response to the US and Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28. The ceasefire agreement, which includes a halt in fighting for two weeks, has been welcomed by Gulf states, but the continued attacks have placed it in doubt, according to analysts.

Observers note that the situation remains fluid, and the impact on oil markets is significant. The restoration of Saudi pipelines may soothe some concerns, but the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the persistent attacks on infrastructure underscore the fragility of the truce.

This article draws on reporting from Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post, with attribution as noted. Some claims are based on official statements and have not been independently verified.