US-Israel war on Iran enters Day 20: Trump warns Iran over Qatar LNG attacks, UAE intercepts more drones, missiles, latest updates

UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Japan condemn Iran’s attacks on shipping and call for Strait of Hormuz to be reopened

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf, strikes on civilian oil and gas infrastructure, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.

The six nations called on Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and all attempts to block commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

They warned that Iran’s actions threaten international peace and security and will be felt by people across the world, particularly the most vulnerable.

The countries called for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, and expressed readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait.

They welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves and pledged further steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with producing nations to increase output.

They also committed to supporting the most affected nations through the UN and international financial institutions.

Kuwait intercepts 18 drones in 24 hours, two strike KNPC facilities causing limited fires

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence announced that air defense systems detected and engaged 18 drones over the past 24 hours amid the ongoing regional escalation.

Ministry spokesman Col. Saud Al-Atwan confirmed that 13 drones were destroyed within designated operational zones, three fell outside the danger zone, while two struck operational units of Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), causing limited fires with no injuries reported.

UAE air defenses responding to incoming Iranian missiles and drones

The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced that air defense systems are actively engaging incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, clarifying that any sounds heard are the result of interception operations.

Oman condemns attacks on UAE, Qatar, and Saudi energy facilities, calls for de-escalation

The Sultanate of Oman has condemned the attacks targeting energy facilities in the UAE and Qatar, as well as strikes on Saudi Arabia, calling for de-escalation, an end to military operations, and the prioritisation of diplomatic solutions.

Oman’s Foreign Ministry stressed the necessity of adhering to international laws, refraining from targeting civilian facilities and global energy supplies, and expressed solidarity with fellow Arab nations in their efforts to preserve their security and stability.

Oman also called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibilities and take necessary action to halt the war, emphasising that dialogue remains the optimal path to achieving lasting stability in the region.

Qatar confirms air quality near Ras Laffan remains normal following attacks

Qatar’s Civil Defence Council has confirmed that air quality indicators in areas near Ras Laffan Industrial City, Al Dhakhira, and Al Khor remain within normal levels, with all recorded readings falling within approved limits and no violations of national standards reported.

The Council reaffirmed that the national air quality monitoring network is fully operational and that round-the-clock environmental surveillance is ongoing in coordination with relevant state authorities.

Basij Force soldier killed at entrance post in latest targeted strike

A Basij Force soldier has been killed while guarding an entrance post, following a series of strikes earlier this week targeting Basij soldiers at over 10 posts across Tehran.

UAE air defenses engage 7 ballistic missiles and 15 UAVs in latest Iranian attack

UAE air defense systems intercepted 7 ballistic missiles and 15 UAVs launched from Iran on March 19, 2026.

Since the start of Iranian aggression, air defenses have cumulatively engaged 334 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,714 UAVs.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of 2 armed forces members and 6 civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities, with 158 people injured across a range of nationalities.

The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed it remains fully prepared to counter any threats and protect the country’s sovereignty, security, and national interests.

Saudi Arabia intercepts six drones over Riyadh and Eastern Region

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced that six drones were intercepted and destroyed over Riyadh and the Eastern Region, according to a statement by spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

UAE reiterates ban on all drone operations

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has reminded residents to cease all drone operations immediately to avoid legal violations, with further updates to be shared in due course.

Drone strike causes limited fire at Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery, no injuries reported

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) announced that one of the operational units at Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery was struck by a drone on Thursday morning, causing a limited fire within the unit.

The fire, at a unit operated by Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), was subsequently contained with no injuries reported.

LEAP 2026 rescheduled to August 31 – September 3 in Riyadh

LEAP 2026 has been rescheduled to August 31 – September 3, 2026 in Riyadh following extensive consultation with partners and stakeholders.

Organisers said the decision ensures the fifth edition of the tech conference continues to deliver its world-class experience, bringing together international speakers, investors, and the global technology community.

Kuwait National Guard downs five drones at dawn, remains on high alert

Kuwait National Guard spokesman Brigadier General Jadaan Fadhel announced that five drones were shot down at dawn in areas under the Guard’s jurisdiction.

He said the action is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security, protect vital sites, and counter potential threats, urging the public to adhere to safety and security instructions from competent authorities.

Fadhel affirmed that the Kuwait National Guard, in cooperation with the army, police, and Kuwait Fire Force, remains on high alert and fully prepared to confront any threats to the country’s security.

QatarEnergy reports missile attacks on LNG facilities at Ras Laffan, fires and extensive damage caused

QatarEnergy has announced that several liquefied natural gas facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City were struck by missiles early Thursday morning, causing fires and extensive damage.

This follows a previous attack on Wednesday that caused severe damage to a gas-to-liquids plant at the same site.

Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the damage, and QatarEnergy confirmed no injuries were reported as a result of the attacks.

Qatar sends ninth letter to UN over Iranian aggression, reaffirms right to self-defense

Qatar has sent its ninth letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and US Ambassador Michael Waltz, current President of the Security Council, detailing the latest developments of Iran’s ongoing aggression against its territory.

The letter was submitted by Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.

The letter noted that since the attacks began on February 28, 2026, Qatar’s air defense systems have intercepted multiple hostile aerial targets, with civilian injuries resulting from the strikes.

It stressed that Iran’s attacks have continued even after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, co-sponsored by 136 countries, which condemned the attacks and demanded their immediate cessation.

Qatar reiterated its strong condemnation of the aggression and reaffirmed its right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, as recognised by Resolution 2817, in a manner proportionate to the nature of the attacks. Qatar requested that the letter be circulated as an official Security Council document.

Saudi Arabia intercepts two ballistic missiles and eight drones targeting Eastern Province

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced early Thursday that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles and eight drones, all targeting the Eastern Province.

The announcement was made by ministry spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki via the Saudi Press Agency.

UAE condemns Iranian attack on Habshan gas facility and Bab field, reserves right to respond

The UAE has strongly condemned Iran’s attack on the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field, which was successfully intercepted by air defenses with no injuries reported.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strike as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law, warning that attacks on critical infrastructure and oil facilities pose a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security.

The UAE reserved its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, national security, and national interests.

UAE denies reports of capital movement restrictions, reaffirms open investment policies

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has dismissed circulating social media claims that the UAE is imposing restrictions on capital movement or preventing foreign investors from transferring or managing their funds.

The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to economic openness and the free movement of capital in line with international best practices, and urged the public and media to rely solely on official sources for accurate information.

Abu Dhabi authorities respond to incidents at Habshan gas facilities and Bab field

Abu Dhabi authorities reported to incidents at the Habshan gas facilities and the Bab field caused by debris from successfully intercepted missiles, earlier today.

The gas facilities have been shut down as a precaution, with no injuries reported. The public is urged to obtain information only from official sources and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information.

UAE foreign minister condemns Iranian attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned Iran’s attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law.

He affirmed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its security and stability.

Sheikh Abdullah also underscored that strikes on industrial infrastructure pose a direct threat to global energy security and regional stability, with serious environmental and humanitarian repercussions.

Kuwait foils Hezbollah-linked terrorist plot targeting vital installations, 10 arrested

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced the dismantling of a Hezbollah-affiliated sleeper cell planning attacks on vital installations across the country.

Ministry spokesman Brigadier Nasser Abusulaib said 10 Kuwaiti citizens were apprehended following intensive surveillance and security investigations.

The suspects had been coordinating with foreign entities to provide coordinates of targeted sites, and had received training abroad in Hezbollah camps on weapons use and drone operation in preparation for carrying out sabotage operations.

Investigators said the cell aimed to undermine Kuwait’s sovereignty and stability and spread fear within society, adding that the accused had given detailed confessions.

Brigadier Abusulaib vowed that security agencies would deal with the utmost firmness with anyone attempting to harm the country’s security or cooperate with terrorist groups, and assured that all those involved would face maximum penalties.