DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
The fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict faced another test on Sunday when a drone, of yet undetermined origin, ignited a cargo ship near Qatar’s coast and briefly entered Kuwaiti airspace before dawn, according to officials.
Both Qatar and Kuwait reported no casualties from these incidents. These developments add to the ongoing fragility of a ceasefire that the Trump administration claims is still holding.
The pause in hostilities is proving difficult to maintain, especially with Iran limiting traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is key to global oil transportation. The United States, on the other hand, continues to impose restrictions on Iranian ports.
The US is also awaiting Iran’s reaction to a new deal proposal intended to end the fighting, reopen shipping channels in the strait, and limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions. President Trump has reiterated that he would consider resuming full-scale military action if Iran does not agree to the terms regarding the strait and its nuclear activities. Since the start of the war on February 28, following a joint attack by the US and Israel, Iran has significantly hindered movement through the strait, leading to rising fuel prices and market disruptions worldwide.
A critical issue in the talks is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Reports from the United Nations nuclear agency indicate that Iran holds over 440 kilograms (about 970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is a step away from weapons-grade quality.
In an interview with state media, an Iranian military spokesperson stated that the military is “fully prepared” to safeguard nuclear facilities housing uranium. Brig. General Akrami Nia mentioned concerns about potential infiltration or aerial operations aimed at stealing the uranium, although no specific details were provided.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi commented last month that a significant portion of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely still situated at its facility in Isfahan, which had previously been targeted by US and Israeli airstrikes during last year’s conflicts but remains relatively untouched during the current hostilities.
During the naval attack on Sunday, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense reported a drone strike on a commercial vessel approaching the southern port from Abu Dhabi, which ignited a minor fire that was quickly extinguished. This incident took place about 23 nautical miles (43 kilometers) northeast of Doha. No information about the vessel’s ownership or origin was provided, nor has anyone claimed responsibility for the strike.
In the past week, there have been several assaults on vessels in the Persian Gulf. The US targeted two Iranian oil tankers on Friday, asserting that they were attempting to breach Iran’s port blockade.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy warned on Sunday that any future attacks on Iranian ships would prompt a “severe response,” possibly targeting US military bases and enemy ships in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, in Kuwait, a military spokesperson confirmed that hostile drones entered Kuwaiti airspace early Sunday and that the military acted “according to established procedures.” There were no immediate reports of injuries, and the source of the drone remained unclear.
Efforts to mediate the ceasefire are ongoing, with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mentioning a call from Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss recent regional developments and peace efforts. Sharif expressed his expectation for Qatar’s upcoming visit to Pakistan, underscoring the “bond of brotherhood” between the two nations.
