Iranian strikes hit Gulf states amid ceasefire

• Iranian strikes target Gulf states despite US-Iran two-week ceasefire announcement.
• Multiple countries report intercepted missiles and drones, with casualties in Qatar and Iraq.

Despite a US-Iran announcement of a two-week ceasefire, Gulf countries faced a night of attacks from Iran, involving missiles and drones.

Qatar

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said its armed forces intercepted a missile attack, four hours after stopping another strike. The Interior Ministry reported four injuries, including a Qatari child, from shrapnel hitting a home in the Marikh area. Damage was limited, and authorities quickly provided medical care.

The ministry confirmed security forces are handling the incident as part of established response plans and urged the public to follow official instructions, avoid gathering near sites, and stay clear of unknown debris.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s armed forces reported intercepting multiple missiles and drones. The General Staff clarified that any explosions heard were from defense systems neutralizing incoming attacks.

The Interior Ministry had earlier urged citizens to stay home from midnight to 6 a.m. as a precaution. Kuwait’s National Guard confirmed shooting down four drones, while 17 other drones entering the country’s airspace were dealt with according to standard procedures, without injuries or property damage.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities issued alerts through the national early warning system in Riyadh, Yanbu, Al-Kharj, and the Eastern Province. Five ballistic missiles targeting the Eastern Province were intercepted, according to the Ministry of Defense spokesman, Brigadier General Turki Al-Maliki.

United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, a fire broke out at the Habshan gas processing facility. Defense officials said air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones from Iran, with explosion sounds resulting from successful interceptions. Authorities urged the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports.

Bahrain

Bahrain sounded air raid sirens, instructing residents to move to safety. Operations at Khalifa bin Salman Port were temporarily suspended, and King Fahd Causeway traffic between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was halted as a precaution.

Iraq 

At least three civilians were killed in Basra, Iraq, when a home near the Kuwait border was struck, with additional casualties possible as rescue teams continue work. 

Escalating tensions

The attacks come at the end of a US-set deadline for Iran, with President Donald Trump threatening severe strikes targeting bridges, energy facilities, and infrastructure if no agreement was reached by Tuesday evening Eastern Time.

US and 'Israeli' operations against Iran have continued since February 28, resulting in the assassination of key Iranian figures, while Tehran persists in retaliatory strikes on "US interests" and constraining navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest assaults underline the fragility of the ceasefire and raise concerns over further regional escalation.