DUBAI, Apr 10: Fragile calm in the Gulf region is under renewed pressure after Kuwait accused Iran and its allied groups of carrying out drone strikes on critical infrastructure, even as a temporary ceasefire remains in place. The development comes just days before scheduled diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.
Kuwait’s foreign ministry said multiple drones targeted vital facilities on Thursday night, raising concerns over the credibility of the ongoing truce. Around the same time, Saudi authorities confirmed that a recent attack had damaged a key oil pipeline, underscoring the vulnerability of regional energy routes.
The affected East-West pipeline plays a crucial role in transporting oil to the Red Sea, bypassing the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz a maritime chokepoint long influenced by Tehran.
Amid these tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled a potential diplomatic opening by authorising direct talks with Lebanon. The proposed negotiations aim to address the disarmament of Iran backed Hezbollah and explore the possibility of formal relations, though Israel has clarified that military operations will continue until its northern security concerns are resolved.
The United States is expected to host preliminary discussions next week, with diplomatic representatives from both Israel and Lebanon anticipated to participate. However, uncertainty persists over Lebanon’s representation and the feasibility of meaningful progress given decades of hostility.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump cast doubt on the ceasefire’s effectiveness, criticising Iran over alleged interference in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of stronger action if agreements are not honoured.
Despite the ceasefire halting large scale missile exchanges in recent days, sporadic violence continues. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in significant casualties, with hundreds reported dead and injured in recent attacks targeting Hezbollah positions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Tehran’s stance, stating that accepting the ceasefire reflects strategic strength rather than weakness.