Iran Strikes Kuwait and UAE After Refinery Attack; Ceasefire Holds

Following a joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran in late February, which has drawn in several Middle Eastern countries, Iran's Islamic Republic of Broadcasting (IRIB) reported that missile and drone attacks were launched against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait. This action reportedly occurred hours after Iran's oil facilities on Lavan Island were targeted. IRIB, citing Iran's National Oil Refining and Distribution Company, stated that the Lavan Island refinery faced a "despicable attack" around 10 AM local time. The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed on social media platform X that its air defense forces were responding to missiles and drones from Iran. Similarly, the Kuwaiti military announced on X that its air defense forces had been engaged in intense combat with hostile attacks from Iran since 8 AM local time, intercepting 28 drones targeting the country. Kuwaiti military sources indicated that while most drones were intercepted, the attack caused severe damage to oil facilities, power plants, and desalination plants. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed satisfaction with the US-Iran ceasefire announcement but stressed that Iran and its proxies must "immediately cease all hostile acts."