Gulf nations have reported fresh waves of missile and drone attacks on their territories, just hours after Iran and the United States announced a two-week ceasefire, raising serious concerns about the stability of the fragile truce.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Wednesday that its air defence systems were “actively engaging” incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran. In an official statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that loud explosions heard across multiple parts of the country were the result of its air defence units intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
“The air defences are currently dealing with missiles and drones coming from Iran,” the ministry stated, indicating that the threat was ongoing and being actively managed.
The attacks also had a direct impact on critical infrastructure. Operations at Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas complex were temporarily suspended after falling debris from intercepted projectiles sparked a fire early Wednesday, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Authorities further confirmed that three people were injured in the incident, including two Emirati nationals and one Indian citizen.
Meanwhile, Kuwait reported a similar wave of aerial threats. The country’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems had been intercepting Iranian drones since 8am local time (05:00 GMT). In a statement, the military described the situation as an “intense hostile attack,” revealing that a total of 28 drones had been engaged and neutralized.
“Kuwaiti armed forces intercepted a large number of drones, some of which targeted vital oil installations and power stations in the southern region of the country,” the ministry said.
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry later reported “severe material damage” to key infrastructure, including facilities operated by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, as well as assets belonging to the energy and water resources ministry. Fires were reported at multiple locations, including oil installations, three power stations, and several water desalination plants, highlighting the scale of the damage caused by the attacks.
In Bahrain, authorities also confirmed Iranian drone activity. The Interior Ministry said two citizens sustained minor injuries after shrapnel from intercepted drones fell in the Sitra area, damaging several residential properties. Explosions were reported in the العاصمة Manama, with witnesses observing smoke rising from Sitra Island, which houses some of the country’s most critical energy facilities.
Civil defence teams in Bahrain were able to bring a fire under control at a facility reportedly targeted during the attack, although officials did not disclose the exact location.
The Qatar also confirmed it had been targeted. Its Ministry of Defence reported that seven ballistic missiles, along with multiple drones launched from Iran, were aimed at its territory. Officials said all incoming threats were successfully intercepted, preventing casualties or major damage.
Later in the day, Saudi Arabia announced that its air defences had intercepted and destroyed nine drones over a period of several hours, indicating that the attacks were widespread across the Gulf region.
Iranian state television acknowledged the missile and drone operations, stating they were carried out in retaliation for earlier strikes on Iranian oil facilities. These developments suggest that despite the ceasefire agreement, military actions on the ground may still be continuing, either due to operational delays or fragmented command structures.
There are also reports of retaliatory strikes within Iran itself. Iranian media said an oil refinery on Lavan Island came under attack, with firefighters working to contain a blaze at the site. No casualties were reported. Explosions were also reported on Sirri Island, according to local news agencies, adding another layer of tension to the already volatile situation.
Despite these incidents, there remains cautious optimism in the region that the ceasefire could still hold. Analysts suggest that Iran’s decentralized military structure may be contributing to a delay in implementing the truce on the ground, leading to what some describe as a “loose chain” of command and communication gaps.
The ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran was reached just an hour before a deadline set by Donald Trump for potential large-scale military action against Iran. The timing underscores how close the situation came to a broader and potentially devastating conflict.
In recent weeks, Gulf nations have faced repeated barrages of drones and missiles, largely in response to US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. Iran has focused many of its attacks on fossil fuel infrastructure across the oil-rich region, while also effectively disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.
While both sides have publicly expressed a desire for a diplomatic resolution, the continuation of attacks highlights the fragile and uncertain nature of the ceasefire. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the agreement leads to lasting de-escalation or merely a temporary pause in hostilities.
