US-Iran ceasefire under strain as Gulf states report drone attacks

"Qatar's Ministry of Defence said the freighter had been arriving in the country's waters from the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, and was hit by a drone northeast of the port of Mesaieed. The vessel continued its journey toward Mesaieed Port after the fire was brought under control, the ministry said. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a bulk carrier reported being struck by an unknown projectile, and a small fire had been extinguished, but there were no casualties from the incident. There is no reported environmental impact, it said."

"Kuwait's Defence Ministry said a number of hostile drones were detected in the country's airspace at dawn. In a post on X, a spokesperson said the drones were dealt with in accordance with established procedures, but did not specify where the drones were launched from. The UAE Defence Ministry said two Iranian drones were intercepted. UAE air defence systems successfully engaged two UAVs launched from Iran, the ministry said in a statement on X."

"Though no Gulf country reported casualties in the latest attacks, they have put pressure on the fragile ceasefire, which took effect on April 8. The Trump administration has said the truce is still in effect, but a naval battle has been taking place in the Gulf region, with Iran restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of traded oil transited before the war, and the United States imposing a blockade of Iranian ports."

A drone struck a cargo ship in Qatari waters, causing a fire that was brought under control before the vessel continued toward Mesaieed Port. UKMTO reported a bulk carrier was hit by an unknown projectile and a small fire was extinguished with no casualties and no reported environmental impact. Kuwait detected hostile drones in its airspace at dawn and said they were handled under established procedures. The UAE intercepted two Iranian drones using air defence systems. The ceasefire that began on April 8 is under growing strain as multiple Gulf countries report drone attacks. The US says the truce remains in effect while Iran restricts traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposes a blockade of Iranian ports.

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