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Iran expands strikes on Gulf energy sites as US sets firm ultimatum
Iran claims strikes on Gulf energy sites, warns of escalation as Trump issues 48-hour ultimatum
New Delhi,UPDATED: Apr 5, 2026 18:02 IST
Iran launched fresh strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf on Sunday, hitting facilities in Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain, as tensions escalated sharply ahead of US President Donald Trump’s 48-hour deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences.
The escalation came as US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran on Saturday, saying it had “48 hours” to comply with US demands or face severe consequences.
GULF ENERGY SITES HIT, FIRES AND DAMAGE REPORTED
According to multiple reports, a drone attack early on Saturday triggered a fire at an oil complex in Shuwaikh, Kuwait, which houses offices of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. While no casualties were reported, the facility suffered significant damage.
Kuwait’s power and desalination infrastructure was also targeted, forcing the shutdown of two generators. The disruption raised concerns, as the country relies on desalination for nearly 90% of its drinking water.
In the UAE, authorities reported fires at the Borouge petrochemical plant in Abu Dhabi, caused by debris from intercepted Iranian drones. The incident halted production at the facility. Earlier strikes also hit the Habshan gas facility and an aluminium smelter operated by Emirates Global Aluminium, with one fatality reported and long-term disruption expected.
STRIKES EXPAND BEYOND MILITARY TARGETS
The attacks mark a shift in targeting, with Iranian strikes extending beyond refineries and military assets to include administrative and economic infrastructure in Gulf states.
Kuwait’s government complex, housing key ministries, was damaged in a prior drone strike, while the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery was also targeted earlier in the week.
- Ends
Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Apr 5, 2026 18:02 IST
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