Tensions Rise as Drones Target Ships Amid Fragile Iran Ceasefire
Escalating Threats to Ceasefire
In Dubai, the fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict involving Iran faced new challenges on Sunday. Unidentified drones ignited a fire on a cargo vessel near Qatar's coastline and intruded into Kuwaiti airspace during the early hours, according to local authorities.
Fortunately, both Qatar and Kuwait reported no injuries from these incidents. These occurrences pose significant risks to a ceasefire that has been in place for about a month, which officials from the Trump administration assert is still active.
The ceasefire has encountered obstacles, particularly with Iran limiting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global oil shipments, while the US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports.
The US government is currently awaiting Iran's feedback on a new proposal aimed at concluding the conflict, reopening the strait for shipping, and curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions. President Donald Trump has reiterated his threats to resume extensive bombing if Iran fails to agree to the terms regarding the strait and its nuclear program. Since the US and Israel's joint military actions on February 28, Iran has largely obstructed access to this vital waterway, leading to a surge in global fuel prices and unsettling international markets.
A key issue in the ongoing negotiations is the status of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The UN's nuclear watchdog indicates that Iran possesses over 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels.
In a recent interview with Iranian state media, a military spokesperson stated that their forces are on 'full alert' to safeguard nuclear facilities housing the uranium.
Brig. Gen. Akrami Nia expressed concerns about potential infiltration attempts aimed at stealing the uranium, although he did not provide additional specifics.
According to Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, most of Iran's highly enriched uranium is likely still stored at the Isfahan nuclear complex. This facility was targeted by US-Israeli airstrikes during the 12-day conflict last year and has faced less severe attacks in the current hostilities.
On Sunday, Qatar's Ministry of Defence reported that a drone had targeted a commercial vessel arriving from Abu Dhabi at a southern port, igniting a small fire that was quickly extinguished. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre noted that the incident occurred 23 nautical miles (43 kilometers) northeast of Doha, but did not disclose the ship's ownership or origin, nor was there any claim of responsibility.
Numerous attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf have been reported over the past week. On Friday, the US targeted two Iranian oil tankers, alleging they were attempting to violate the blockade on Iranian ports.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy reiterated its warning on Sunday that any aggression towards Iranian oil tankers or commercial ships would provoke a 'heavy assault' on US bases in the region and enemy vessels.
In Kuwait, Defence Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Saud Abdulaziz Al Otaibi confirmed that hostile drones entered Kuwaiti airspace early Sunday, and that military forces responded 'according to established protocols.' No casualties were reported, and the ministry did not specify the drones' origin.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to play a mediating role during the ceasefire. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday that he had a conversation with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, where they discussed the evolving regional dynamics and ongoing peace initiatives.
Sharif expressed on social media that the two nations share 'brotherly ties' and looked forward to an upcoming visit from Qatari officials to Pakistan.