US-Israel war on Iran enters Day 40: Trump announces two-week ceasefire deal; UAE intercepts fresh wave of Iranian missiles, drones as truce takes effect; Latest updates

Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz closed citing Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite US ceasefire: Report

Iran has maintained its closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Iran state media.

The move comes despite a two-week conditional ceasefire between the US and Iran that included a provision for temporarily reopening the vital waterway.

In practice, the strait had remained effectively closed as shipping traffic had not increased following the ceasefire announcement.

Tehran reportedly indicated it would allow safe passage only in coordination with its armed forces, while Iran’s coast guard warned that any vessel attempting to transit without authorization would be targeted and destroyed.

Trump warns of fraudulent documents circulating around US-Iran negotiations, says only one set of terms is legitimate

US President Donald Trump stated via a post on Truth Social that numerous agreements and letters are being distributed by individuals with “absolutely nothing to do with the U.S.A. / Iran Negotiation,” calling them “total Fraudsters, Charlatans, and WORSE.”

He said a federal investigation is underway and those responsible “will be rapidly exposed.” Trump clarified that there is “only one group of meaningful ‘POINTS’ that are acceptable to the United States,” which will be discussed privately during negotiations, and that these form the basis on which the ceasefire was agreed.

He also criticised CNN for reporting on a source that “had no power or authority to write a Letter claiming great authority.”

Kuwait intercepts 28 Iranian drones targeting oil and power infrastructure, significant damage reported

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense spokesman Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi announced that Kuwaiti air defenses have been responding since 8:00 a.m. to a heavy wave of Iranian drone attacks, intercepting 28 drones targeting the country.

While a large number were successfully intercepted, some drones struck vital oil facilities, power stations, and water desalination plants in southern Kuwait, causing significant material damage.

The General Staff affirmed it is fully engaged in monitoring and countering the attacks.

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on any country supplying weapons to Iran, effective immediately

President Donald Trump warned via a post on Truth Social that any country providing military weapons to Iran will face an immediate 50 per cent tariff on all goods exported to the United States.

He emphasized there “will be no exclusions or exemptions.”

Trump declares Iran undergoing regime change, says uranium enrichment will end and nuclear material will be removed

President Donald Trump announced via a post on Truth Social that the United States will work closely with Iran, which he said “has gone through what will be a very productive Regime Change.”

He declared there “will be no enrichment of Uranium” and that the US will work with Iran to “dig up and remove all of the deeply buried Nuclear ‘Dust,’” referencing B-2 bomber strikes.

Trump stated the sites have been “under very exacting Satellite Surveillance” by the Space Force and that “nothing has been touched from the date of attack.”

He added that the US is “talking Tariff and Sanctions relief with Iran” and that “many of the 15 points have already been agreed to.”

UAE intercepts 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones in latest Iranian attack

The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that on April 8, 2026, air defense forces successfully intercepted 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones launched from Iran. The latest attack caused three minor injuries.

Since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, the UAE has intercepted a total of 537 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,256 drones. Cumulative injuries have reached 224 across more than 30 nationalities.

The total death toll stands at two martyrs from the armed forces, one Moroccan civilian contractor martyred in service, and 10 civilian fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, Indian, and Egyptian nationalities. No new fatalities were recorded in the latest wave.

The Ministry reaffirmed that the armed forces remain on high alert to confront any threats and to protect the nation’s sovereignty, security, and interests.

Israel halts strikes on Iran following political directive, says it significantly degraded Iranian missile capabilities

The Israeli Defense Forces announced they have ceased fire in their operation against Iran, following instructions from the political leadership, while maintaining a high state of defensive readiness against any ceasefire violations.

The IDF said it carried out extensive overnight strikes targeting missile launch sites and launchers across Iran, aimed at significantly diminishing Iran’s launch capabilities.

Meanwhile, the military confirmed it is continuing targeted ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The IDF stressed it will maintain operations across all fronts in defense of Israel.

Pezeshkian credits ceasefire to Khamenei’s sacrifice and public solidarity, vows continued unity

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the ceasefire, which he stated was reached on terms aligned with Iran’s core principles, was the result of the sacrifice of what he called Iran’s great martyred leader Khamenei and the collective presence of the Iranian people.

He pledged that national unity would continue across all fronts, whether in diplomacy, defense, public mobilization, or the delivery of services.

UAE NCEMA urge public to stay sheltered as air defenses engage incoming missile threat

Authorities have issued an alert confirming that air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Residents have been advised to remain in safe locations and to follow official channels for ongoing warnings and updates.

Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Iran ceasefire, praises Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

The Kingdom commended Pakistan’s fruitful mediation efforts, highlighting the role of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Commander of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, in reaching the deal.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s ongoing mediation to achieve a lasting agreement that ensures regional security and stability and addresses the issues that have caused instability over recent decades.

Saudi Arabia also stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation without restrictions, in accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Kingdom expressed hope that the ceasefire will pave the way for a comprehensive and sustainable de-escalation that strengthens regional security, and that all aggressions and policies undermining the sovereignty, security, and stability of regional nations will cease.

Homes damaged in Sitra, Bahrain after shrapnel from intercepted Iranian drone falls on residential area

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior reported that several houses in the Sitra area sustained damage caused by falling shrapnel after air defense systems intercepted an Iranian drone.

The incident occurred as part of what authorities described as Iranian aggression against the country.

Abu Dhabi confirms Habshan gas complex incident caused by falling debris after air defense interception, operations suspended

Abu Dhabi authorities have confirmed that the previously reported incident at the Habshan gas complex was the result of debris falling after air defense systems successfully intercepted a threat.

The debris triggered multiple fires at the facility and caused minor injuries to two Emirati nationals and one Indian national.

Operations at the complex have been halted, with authorities promising further updates in due course.

The public has been urged to rely solely on official sources and refrain from sharing unverified information or rumors.

UAE emerged victorious from an unwanted war, now positioned to shape the region’s future with greater strength, says Gargash

Anwar Gargash stated that the UAE won a war it had genuinely hoped to avoid, achieving victory through a remarkable national defense effort that upheld the country’s sovereignty, dignity, and accomplishments against what he described as a treacherous attack.

He said the nation now moves forward to navigate a complex regional environment with stronger influence, deeper understanding, and enhanced ability to shape what lies ahead.

Gargash added that the UAE’s strength and resolve throughout the crisis have only reinforced its model of national progress.

Abu Dhabi police arrest 375 people for filming locations and spreading misinformation online

Abu Dhabi Police have detained 375 individuals of different nationalities for allegedly filming various locations and sharing misleading content on social media about recent events.

The suspects have been referred to prosecutors for legal proceedings. Authorities stressed that such actions violate national laws designed to protect public order and stability, and warned that anyone found to have incited panic or manipulated public opinion will face strict legal consequences.

The police urged residents to verify information through official channels and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports.

Trump hails ‘big day for world peace’ as Iran ceasefire takes hold and Hormuz reopens

US President Donald Trump celebrated the ceasefire announcement via a post on Truth Social, declaring it “a big day for world peace” and saying Iran “wants it to happen, they’ve had enough.”

Trump said the US will help manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, adding there will be “lots of positive action” and that “big money will be made.”

He said Iran can now begin its reconstruction process, with the US staying in the region to ensure the ceasefire holds, saying he feels “confident that it will.”

Trump closed on an optimistic note, saying: “Just like we are experiencing in the US, this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East.”

Abu Dhabi authorities responds to fire at Habshan gas processing facility

Abu Dhabi authorities responded to a fire incident at the Habshan gas processing facility, early on Wednesday.

Further information will be provided in due course. The public was advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information.

Iran confirms ceasefire, says Strait of Hormuz will be open for two weeks if attacks are halted

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council that if attacks against Iran are halted, its armed forces will cease defensive operations.

Araghchi expressed gratitude to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their “tireless efforts to end the war in the region,” saying Iran’s response comes in response to Pakistan’s intervention and Trump’s acceptance of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations.

Araghchi added that for a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces, subject to technical limitations.

Trump announces two-week ceasefire with Iran after Pakistan’s intervention, says all military objectives met

US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran via Truth Social, saying he agreed to suspend bombing and attacks on the condition that Iran immediately and completely opens the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said the decision came following conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who requested he “hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran.”

Trump declared that the US has “already met and exceeded all military objectives” and is “very far along with a definitive agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran and peace in the Middle East.” He said the US received a “10 point proposal from Iran” and believes it is “a workable basis on which to negotiate,” adding that “almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran.”

Trump said the two-week period will allow a final agreement to be “finalized and consummated,” describing it as “a double sided ceasefire” and saying it is “an honour to have this long-term problem close to resolution.”

Kuwait cooperative societies close all markets and pharmacies from 11pm Tuesday until 6am Wednesday

The Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies announced the closure of all central markets, cooperative society branches, affiliated shops, and pharmacies from 11pm Tuesday until 6am Wednesday due to the current situation.

The union said the measure is in support of government efforts to enhance security and stability and to enable relevant authorities to carry out their duties efficiently, urging all cooperative societies and their staff to comply fully with instructions and cooperate with the relevant authorities.

UAE air defences responding to missile threat, residents urged to seek shelter: NCEMA

The UAE National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that air defence systems are currently engaged with a missile threat, urging the public to remain in a safe location and monitor official channels for further warnings and updates.