Gulf states hit by missiles and drones despite U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal

The UAE Defense Ministry said air defenses intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran. Explosions were heard in the country.

Kuwait’s army said Iranian drones attacked key oil facilities, power plants and desalination plants, causing serious damage to infrastructure.

Kuwaiti authorities said air defense systems shot down 28 drones launched by Iran at 8:00 a.m. local time.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said Tehran launched UAVs toward the country hours after the United States announced a ceasefire.

According to the ministry, falling debris injured two people and damaged several homes.

Explosions were heard in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, in the morning. Smoke was seen rising from an area on Sitra Island, where the country’s main energy facilities are located.

Overnight into April 8, U.S. President Donald Trump said he had agreed to suspend the bombing of Iran for two weeks on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened immediately. He said the United States had already “achieved and exceeded all military objectives” and had “made significant progress” toward a final peace agreement.

Later, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the two-week ceasefire agreement with the United States. Israel also agreed to suspend its bombing during the talks.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is inviting delegations from Iran and the United States to meet in Islamabad for further negotiations.

A day earlier, Trump issued a series of threats toward Iran, saying the United States could “destroy Iran overnight” and bomb all bridges and power plants within hours. He also warned that if his demands were not met, “an entire civilization would perish.”

The ultimatum announced by Trump was set to expire at 8:00 p.m. ET (3:00 a.m. Kyiv time on April 8).