Shortly after Iran and the United States announced a two-week ceasefire, reports emerged from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait regarding Iranian airstrikes, primarily aimed at energy facilities.
Iran has been engaged in active conflict with the U.S. and Israel since February 28, when President Trump initiated Operation Epic Fury. This military operation seeks to dismantle Iran’s capacity to threaten neighboring nations or develop nuclear weapons. Following the U.S. attack that took out “Supreme Leader” Khamenei, Iran’s military and terrorist networks launched extensive drone and missile strikes against over a dozen countries, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar being frequent targets. Even countries like Azerbaijan and Cyprus, which are less clearly connected to the conflict, reported Iranian attacks.
On Tuesday, after issuing threats against Iranian civilization, Trump announced a ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, stating that the U.S. and Iran would meet to discuss peace terms. He indicated that an alleged 10-point peace plan from Iran would serve as a foundation for these discussions.
While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the ceasefire, neighboring Gulf nations reported Iranian attacks just hours after it began.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defense stated that it had “engaged 17 ballistic missiles and 35 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran,” marking a continuation of Iranian air attacks against the UAE.
“The Ministry of Defense affirmed its readiness to confront any threats, ensuring national security and safeguarding the country’s interests,” the statement read.
Bahrain also reported two individuals, possibly civilians, injured by debris from an intercepted Iranian drone.
Bahrain’s interior ministry confirmed that “two civilians were slightly injured and several houses were damaged due to debris from the intercepted drone.” They also mentioned extinguishing fires linked to “Iranian aggression,” although details were sparse.
In Kuwait, military forces reported dealing with waves of Iranian attacks that began early Wednesday morning.
According to Saudi news agency Al Arabiya, Kuwait’s air defense was busy addressing a “heavy wave of hostile Iranian attacks,” which included a barrage of 28 drones targeting the nation. The Kuwaiti military stated that a significant number of drones aimed at “important oil facilities and power plants in southern Kuwait” caused substantial damage.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense documented intercepting nine drones post-ceasefire, without providing extensive details on the situation. Anonymous reports from global media suggested additional attacks, including one on a Saudi pipeline crucial for oil transport, which could circumvent the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.
Following tense moments in Operation Epic Fury and Trump’s alarming threats, the agreement for a two-week ceasefire was reached. Trump stated that the U.S. would ensure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
In light of the ceasefire announcement, several Gulf states offered statements of support. Saudi Arabia expressed backing for mediation efforts from Pakistan for a lasting solution.
Saudi Arabia emphasized the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation as per international regulations, hoping this ceasefire will lead to meaningful de-escalation.
Anwar Gargash, a senior Emirati official, claimed victory for the UAE, stating they had avoided a war they deeply wished to prevent.
“The UAE has won the war we so desperately wanted to avoid,” he remarked on social media, adding their national defense had protected their sovereignty and achievements against aggression.
