A cargo ship caught fire off Qatar's coast after being struck by an unknown projectile, while Kuwait and the UAE reported drone incursions, testing the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) confirmed the attack, which caused a small fire but no casualties. The incident occurred 43km northeast of Doha, with no immediate claim of responsibility. Qatar condemned the attack as a 'serious escalation' threatening regional maritime security.
Kuwait's military intercepted 'several hostile drones' in its airspace at dawn, marking the first such incident since the April ceasefire. The UAE also reported intercepting two drones originating from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran warned Gulf neighbors against complying with U.S. sanctions, stating that non-cooperating vessels would face difficulties in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has restricted traffic through the strait, a critical oil route.
The ceasefire, brokered last month, remains shaky amid ongoing tensions. The U.S. struck two Iranian oil tankers on Friday, alleging they attempted to breach the blockade. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy warned of retaliation against any attacks on its vessels. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to resume full-scale bombing if Iran does not accept a proposed deal to reopen the strait and roll back its nuclear program. Iran is reportedly considering the White House's proposal to end the war.
The U.S. has a significant military presence in the Gulf, with bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The U.S. submitted a proposal to Iran for a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and easing of the blockade over 30 days. Iran's military has stated it is on 'full readiness' to protect its nuclear sites, including highly enriched uranium stockpiles. The U.N. nuclear agency reports Iran has over 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, near weapons-grade levels.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz stated that President Trump is giving diplomacy 'every chance' before restarting military strikes, despite ongoing clashes. Retired Adm. William McRaven countered that the ceasefire has been violated, as 'when you're shooting at each other, then you no longer have a ceasefire.'