Day 27 of war: Trump extends pause on striking Iranian power plants till April 6

Day 27 begins with strikes in Iran, drone attacks in GCC

The war enters its 27th day, with Israel launching 'widespread attacks' in Iran, and Kuwait downing two drones on Thursday morning.

US President Donald Trump said he was ready to "unleash hell" if Iran doesn't accept a deal to end the Middle East war, but the Iranian foreign minister said that they do not intend to negotiate.

Meanwhile, Adnoc CEO Sultan Al Jaber was received at the White House, and has spoken out against the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it 'economic terrorism'.

Stay tuned to this Khaleej Times live blog to get all the latest updates from the war today.

What has happened so far?

Take a look at Khaleej Times's live coverage from the beginning of the war to find out how events have unfolded.

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• Day 14

• Day 15

• Day 16

• Day 17

• Day 18

• Day 19

• Day 20

• Day 21

• Day 22

• Day 23

• Day 24

• Day 25

• Day 26

Kuwait downs two drones

Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Duty Force intercepted and destroyed two hostile drones in the areas under their jurisdiction on Thursday early morning, the authority said in a post on X.

Adnoc CEO Sultan Al Jaber says weaponising Hormuz strait is 'economic terrorism'

He said that when Iran holds the passage hostage, every nation pays the price "at the gas station, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy."

Israel military says carried out 'wide-scale strikes' in Iran

Israel's military said Thursday its forces had carried out a wave of strikes across Iran, including in the central city of Isfahan.

A brief military statement said Israeli forces "completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in several areas across Iran", according to AFP.

Japan says beginning release of state oil reserves

Japan said it had started to release another part of its strategic oil reserves Thursday as it looks to temper the impact on the resource-poor nation from the surge in prices caused by the war.

Japan is the fifth-biggest importer of oil, with more than 90 per cent of it from the Middle East.

"The release (of national stockpile) started at 10:59 am (0159 GMT) to oil refiners," Kaname Morimoto, an official of the ministry of economy, trade and industry, told AFP.

Saudi Arabia intercepts 3 drones in eastern region

The Ministry of Defence in Saudi Arabia said that three drones has been intercepted and destroyed in the eastern part of the country. This comes after an initial round of interceptions an hour ago in the same region.

UAE air defences currently dealing with missile threat

The Ministry of Defence says that air defence forces are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran. It confirmed that the sounds heard in some areas of the country are those of interceptions of ballistic missiles and combat drones.

What to do when you receive an emergency alert

In case of emergencies, residents are asked to remain in a safe location through alerts sent by the authorities.

Here's what you should do if you receive an alert.

If you are inside a building:

• Step away from balconies or windows.

• Move to the central area of the structure.

• Stay clear of glass partitions or surfaces.

• Listen to building security or announcements.

• Avoid using elevators, unless specifically instructed to do so.

• Continue to take these measures until the follow up safety message from MOI is sent out.

If you are outdoors:

• Move into the nearest building.

• Avoid open spaces.

• Do not stand next to an external wall or glass panel.

If you are driving:

• Continue driving calmly and with caution.

• Do not stop on the road or get distracted by filming.

• Proceed to the nearest indoor location and take shelter there.

Once the all-clear is issued, residents may resume normal activities.

Philippines suspends electricity market due to Middle East conflict

The Philippines' energy market regulator said on Thursday it had suspended the country's wholesale electricity spot market across all its three grids until further notice due to fuel supply risks and price volatility over the Middle East conflict, Reuters reported.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it has proposed to implement a modified administered pricing, which it expects to be finalised by April 1.

"Under the proposed scheme, coal plants may be paid at a fixed rate, natural gas plants based on contracted prices, and renewable energy sources such as hydro and geothermal, under administered pricing with preferential dispatch," the ERC said in a statement. 

UAE authorities say situation safe

Residents received an alert signalling that the situation is safe after a wave of missile and drone threats from Iran.

Israel says air defences responding to Iranian missiles

The Israeli military said air defences were responding to "missiles launched from Iran" early Thursday, with sirens activated across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," a military statement said, more than 14 hours after announcing a previous missile attack.

Israel medics say Iranian missile attack leaves 2 wounded

The Israeli military said air defences were responding to "missiles launched from Iran" early Thursday, with sirens activated across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

Why is the Indian rupee sliding so sharply?

The Indian rupee’s slide toward the 94-per-dollar mark has emerged as one of the most closely watched market signals for investors, policymakers and millions of overseas Indians — especially the large UAE-based diaspora.

The currency’s weakness reflects a powerful mix of surging oil prices, a strong US dollar, foreign capital outflows and rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, raising important questions about inflation, remittances and the outlook for Asia’s third-largest economy.

UAE deals with second wave of incoming missile, drone threats from Iran

The UAE Ministry of Defence said air forces are dealing with a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran on Thursday, just two hours after the first one.

The ministry confirmed that the sounds heard were that of missile and drone interceptions.

Oman Air flights to Dubai remain cancelled till April 15

Oman Air announced on Thursday that flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Copenhagen and Khasab will remain cancelled until April 15.

It also said that flights to Amman and Dammam will resume on April 1.

Number of wounded rises to 6 in Iranian missile attack in Israel

The Israeli military said air defences responded to missile attacks from Iran on Thursday that according to medics left six people lightly wounded and caused some damage.

A spokesperson for Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said paramedics were providing medical treatment to "six people who were lightly injured by blast effects", updating an earlier toll of two injured.

Earlier on Thursday, a spokesperson for MDA told public radio there was damage to several houses in the central city of Kafr Qassem, whose Mayor Haitham Taha said it was caused by cluster munitions.

2 dead, 3 injured after shrapnel falls in Abu Dhabi

A ballistic missile interception by UAE air defence systems has caused falling debris in Sweihan Street in Abu Dhabi — resulting in the deaths of two unidentified persons and three injuries.

Israel took Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf off hit-list on Pakistan request, Pakistani official says: Reuters

Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit-list after Pakistan requested Washington not to target them, a Pakistani official told Reuters on Thursday.

"The Israelis had their ... coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the US if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the US asked the Israelis to back off," the official said.

Asian Cup 2027 draw postponed

Next month's draw for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been indefinitely postponed, the continental football body said Thursday, amid the war.

No new date was immediately set by the Asian Football Confederation, which has also seen regional club competitions disrupted following the US-Israel-Iran war.

The draw was supposed to take place on April 11 in Riyadh but has been postponed "after careful consideration to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders", the AFC said.

The 19th edition of the Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5 next year. Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are the host cities.

Israeli soldier killed in south Lebanon fighting

An Israeli soldier was killed in fighting in south Lebanon on Thursday, the military said, after the army announced it was conducting ground operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"Staff sergeant Ori Greenberg, aged 21, from Petah Tikva, a soldier of the Reconnaissance unit, Golani Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon," the military said.

Pentagon considers diverting Ukraine military aid to the Middle East, Washington Post reports

The Pentagon is considering whether to divert weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East as the war in Iran depletes some of the US military's most critical munitions, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported Reuters.

Dubai Police issue reminder on debris

Dubai Police on Thursday sent residents a reminder not to approach, touch or photograph any debris or objects that have fallen after missile interceptions.

"While some objects may appear harmless, interacting with them may pose safety risks," said the message from the authority.

Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys 3 drones

Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed yet another wave of drones in its eastern region on Thursday.

US Army raises maximum enlistment age to 42

The US Army has raised its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42, aligning its recruitment policy with that of most other US military branches. 

The new rules allow individuals aged up to 42 to enlist in the US Army, the National Guard and the Army Reserve, according to the 159-page regulation published by the Army this month.

The change takes effect on April 20.

The Army previously raised the enlistment age to 42 in 2006, during the Iraq War, but lowered it back to 35 a decade later. 

The Air Force and Navy already accept recruits up to age 40. 

Trump says Iran must act quickly to salvage talks

US President Donald Trump said Iranian negotiators were "begging" for a deal despite what he described as having been "militarily obliterated," rejecting Tehran's public stance that it is only reviewing Washington's proposal.

"They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty," he said in a Truth Social post on Thursday. 

Canada urges G7 to 'collectively' back Iran de-escalation: minister to AFP

The G7 should collectively back a de-escalation of the war in the Middle East, Canada's foreign minister said Thursday, before a meeting of top diplomats from the group expected to be dominated by the conflict.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told AFP in an interview that she had spoken to all countries impacted in the region and all G7 members "to ensure that we are all collectively advocating for de-escalation and for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and for a path forwards for the Iranian people that preserves their lives."

Trump says US 'needs nothing from NATO'

Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States "needs nothing from NATO".

"NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran," he posted on his Truth Social platform.

"The USA needs nothing from NATO".

Pakistan says 'US-Iran indirect talks are taking place'

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Thursday that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran were being held to end their war, using Islamabad as an intermediary.

Dar, who is also deputy prime minister, described speculation about "peace talks" as "unnecessary", adding: "In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.

"In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran. Brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative," he wrote on X, using Turkey's official name.

Dar's comments are the first on-the-record confirmation from Islamabad that Pakistan is playing a facilitating role. 

Kuwait Airways provides service for submitting visa requests to Saudi Arabia

Kuwait Airways has introduced a service for residents to submit visa issuance requests to Saudi Arabia, conditional on prior booking of flights with the airline. This comes as the carrier opens flight routes to various cities via Saudi airports.

Indian, Pakistani killed in Abu Dhabi shrapnel incident 

The two individuals who died earlier in Abu Dhabi have been revealed to be of Pakistani and Indian nationality.

The three people injured in the incident were an Emirati, a Jordanian and an Indian and their injuries range from moderate to severe.

Malaysian vessels to be allowed to cross Hormuz

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had spoken to the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Turkey and other regional countries and said Malaysian vessels were now being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We are now in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil tankers and the workers involved so that they may continue their journey home," he said.

14 referred to criminal court in Bahrain

In Bahrain, 14 individuals were referred to criminal trial in four cases of spying for Iran. They had formed separate cells in three of those cases, while the fourth case involves a female defendant.

Their crimes include conspiring with the IRGC with the intent of carrying out hostile and warlike acts against Bahrain, providing assistance to it in its hostile activities, and receiving, delivering, and transferring funds to support such hostile operations.

One of the defendants also received military training at camps run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Kuwait defence minister visits the airport following attack

Kuwait's defence minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al‑Sabah visited Kuwait International Airport this morning to assess the aftermath of the drone attack which targeted aircraft fuel supply tanks, and to review the efforts being made to bring the fire under control.

The damage was limited to material losses, the Kuwait army clarified, with no human injuries reported.

During the visit, Sheikh Abdullah was briefed on the security and safety measures in place to deal with and combat the fire.

Oil jumps

Oil prices surged five percent amid uncertainty over talks between Iran and the US.

International benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, jumped 5.2 per cent to $107.54 per barrel, while main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, advanced 4.9 per cent to $94.71, with President Donald Trump warning Tehran to engage in talks "before it is too late".

UAE deaths at 11

The Death toll from Iranian attacks on the UAE since February 28 stands at 11, including a Pakistani and an Indian who were killed in a shrapnel incident in Abu Dhabi on March 26, following a successful interception.

Injuries now stand at 169, including 3 who sustained moderate to severe wounds in the same Abu Dhabi incident.

On Thursday, the country dealth with 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones, the Ministry of Defence said in its daily update.

Award dedictaed to Sheikh Mohamed, frontline workers

During his recent visit to Washington, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, received the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award from the Washington DC-based Middle East Institute (MEI).

In a gesture of gratitude, Al Jaber, who is also Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, dedicated the recognition to President Sheikh Mohamed, and to every member of the Armed Forces, nurse, engineer, and citizen keeping the UAE safe.

Watch a part of his speech here shared by Adnoc on X:

The Phillipines acts to improve fuel security

To strengthen fuel security amid continued volatility in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Philippine government said it is activating a P20 billion ($333 million/ Dh1.25 billion) emergency fund.

"This decisive action demonstrates the administration's firm resolve to protect the Filipino people from external supply shocks and to ensure the continuous, adequate, and reliable availability of fuel across the country," the Philippine energy department said.

Jordan condemns Abu Dhabi attack

Jordan strongly condemned the Iranian attack on the UAE Capital, Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the deaths of an Indian and a Pakistani, and the injury of a Jordanian citizen, an Emirati, and an Indian, after shrapnel fell following successful interception.

In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s rejection and denunciation of these brutal attacks, describing them as a flagrant violation of UAE sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability.

Israel says it killed IRGC navy commander

Iran 'better get serious' in talks: Trump

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday to engage in talks to end the Middle East war "before it is too late".

Bahrain shares update

Bahrain shared an update of the number of Iranian drones and missiles it successfully intercepted and destroyed since February 28. Take a look:

Iran responded to 15-point proposal: Tasnim

Iran has formally delivered its response to a 15-point proposal from the US through intermediaries overnight, according to Tasnim news agency quoting an informed source.

Tehran is now awaiting Washington’s reply, the source added.

Pakistani embassy in UAE offers condolences

Pakistan's embassy in the UAE issued the following statement to comment on the killing of a Pakistani national in an incident in Abu Dhabi this morning:

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Pakistani national in an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan Street, Abu Dhabi, today.

"In this difficult time, we stand with the bereaved family, offering our heartfelt condolences and prayers. The Embassy is in close coordination with local authorities to extend all possible support and to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the deceased."

France holds talks on freedom of navigation

Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff for the French Navy, said he had held talks recently with various naval counterparts - including from Britain, Germany, Italy, India and Japan - over the current situation in the Middle East.

"We are exchanging views on issues related to freedom of navigation and maritime security, as the sea is a vital artery for our global economy and regional stability," added Vaujour.

Bahraini ministers visit the injured

To offer support to those wounded in Iranian attacks on Bahrain, the kingdom's minister of defence affairs, Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, and minister of health, Jalila bint Al‑Sayed Jawad Hassan, conducted a visit to a hospital to make sure the injured receive all the necessary and full medical care.

Operational update from Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways said that its operations are witnessing a gradual increase in flights to and from Doha.

In its latest update, valid until April 15, 2026, the airline revealed additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations across its network.

"All flights to and from Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors. These routes are established in close coordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority." it said.

US claims Iranian IRGC naval commander killed

6 hostile ballistic missiles enter Kuwaiti airspace

Kuwait's army said in statement that 6 hostile ballistic missiles entered the country's airspace during the past 24 hours but all of them fell in areas where they do not pose any danger.

One drone was intercepted and destroyed, it added.

Iran must make a deal: Trump

Trump said that the Iranians are great negotiators, but that he's not sure he's willing to make a deal with them to end the war.

"We'll see if we can make the right deal, open Hormuz Strait," he stated, warning Iran that it must make a deal or face "continued US onslaught".

Watch his statement here:

How Kuwait engages hostile targets

For the first time since the begining of the war, Kuwait shared clips of its coordinated efforts to intercept hosile targets in the sky. Take a look at this video posted by Kuwait's National Guards on X:

Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had arrived in Saudi Arabia and would hold "important meetings".

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security," he wrote on X.

Iran is seeking an off-ramp: Witkoff

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff briefed Trump on the negotiations with the Iranian team. Watch his statement here:

Houthis warn of 'military response'

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement, warned of a "military response" should the war require it.

"As the people of Yemen, we repay loyalty with loyalty," the Houthi leader said. "Any development in the battle that requires a military response, we will promptly undertake it... just as we did in previous rounds."

Why is Pakistan involved in efforts to stop the war?

Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Iran and the United States to try to secure talks to end their war in the Gulf, which led some to ask why Islamabad is involved in these peace efforts.

An end to the conflict would not only boost regional stability and security but also Pakistan's international standing.

No radiation leaks in Kuwait: Ministry

Kuwait's ministry of health refuted reports circulating on some platforms on detecting radiation leaks in the country as incorrect, calling on the public to seek information from official sources.

Abdullah Al-Sanad, the ministry's spokesman, confirmed that Kuwait's monitoring and tracking systems function around the clock under a precise and integrated national framework.

These systems include monitoring seawater, freshwater, and airborne particulates, in addition to radiation monitoring stations deployed at several locations, he added.

Iran allowed passage of oil tankers as a 'present': Trump

Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a "present" to show it was serious about negotiations to end the war, US President Donald Trump said Thursday.

Referring to cryptic comments earlier this week about a "gift" from Tehran, Trump said Iran allowed eight "big boats of oil" to transit the waterway earlier this week, followed by two others later on.

French initiative on re-opening Hormuz

France's armed forces chief held a videoconference call with 35 countries, from all continents, over ways to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

"This initiative, independent of the ongoing military operations in the region, is strictly defensive in nature. Its purpose is to organize the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities have ceased," France's Defence ministry said in a statement.

Iraq rejects any 'attack, targeting' of Gulf states, Jordan

Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the Iraqi government's firm rejection of any attack or targeting of the Gulf states and the Jordan, stressing that the security of fellow Arab countries is an integral part of Iraq’s national security.

In a statement, it added that Iraqi security agencies continue to coordinate and cooperate with their counterparts in brotherly and friendly countries, and expressed their full readiness to receive any information or evidence related to attacks launched from Iraqi territory against neighboring states, and to work jointly to address them responsibly and swiftly.

Iraq further stressed its rejection of the use of its territory to launch attacks against any other country.

1 dead, 25 injured in Israel

Israeli emergency services said a missile fired from Lebanon killed a man in the country's north, as sirens and explosions rang out in several Israeli cities following multiple missile launches from Iran.

"Following missile fire toward the Nahariya area, EMTs and paramedics pronounced a man in his 30s dead (shrapnel). 25 casualties evacuated: 1 serious (50, shrapnel), 13 mild (blast/shrapnel), 11 anxiety," the service said.

Indian embassy in UAE issues statement

Blasts in Iran: State media

Iranian state media said that explosions were heard in Iran's capital, Tehran and in Karaj city. Heavy air defences activity was reported.

Resilient supply chains in the UAE

The UAE's transport system and supply chains continue to operate efficiently and regularly, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Supply and Transport Committee, stated.

This resilence and readiness ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods and services, maintains market stability, and reflects the UAE’s ability to respond effectively to various regional developments.

The country’s ports have handled more than 25,000 containers since March 1, 2026, underscoring the readiness of the logistics system and its ability to maintain the pace of operations with efficiency and stability.

Look: Israelis mourn fallen soldier

Parents and siblings of Israeli Staff sergeant Ori Greenberg, 21 years old, who was killed in southern Lebanon, paid tribute to him during his funeral at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem.

In total, three Israeli soldiers have been killed in fighting in south Lebanon since Hezbollah joined the war by launching attacks on Israel.

Hezbollah denies any presence in Kuwait

Lebanon's Hezbollah denied it had any presence in Kuwait, a day after the Gulf country announced more arrests of people allegedly linked to the Iran-backed group.

"For the third time, Hezbollah reiterates its complete denial of the accusations" made by Kuwait's interior ministry, the group said in a statement.

"Hezbollah has no presence in the state of Kuwait or any other country," the statement added, calling the accusations "removed from reality and devoid of truth".

On Wednesday, Kuwait's interior ministry said the country had arrested six people linked to Hezbollah who were planning "assassinations targeting symbols and leaders of the state" and who allegedly "recruited people to carry out these missions".

World Bank says ready to help

The World Bank is prepared to provide immediate financial assistance to countries in emerging markets dealing with the economic fallout of the war.

"We are ready to respond at scale -- combining immediate financial relief with policy expertise and private sector support for the recovery of jobs and growth," the World Bank Group said.

The multilateral donor and development agency said a number of its clients in affected countries had reached out as the crisis has begun to impact commodity prices and logistics.

Look: US Air Force F-35 Lightning II refuels mid-air while on combat mission

Kuwait activates early warning system on smartphones

Kuwait's Minisry of Interior announced activating the early warning system on smartphones, urging residents to seek a safe place once they receive the public safety alert.

Second Israeli soldier killed in south Lebanon

The Israeli military said on Thursday that two soldiers were killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah along the border.

This brings to four the number of Israeli soldiers killed there, after the military said two were killed on March 8.

Saudi Arabia intercepts drone in the Eastern Region: Ministry

Grossi calls for maximum restraint

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi once again expressed his deep concern over recent military strikes reportedly occurring near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the latest on Tuesday evening.

Grossi called for maximum restraint to avoid the risk of such a nuclear accident.

End of Day 27

Day 27 of the US-Israel-Iran war saw continued attacks on Gulf states, as reported negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.

In the UAE, a shrapnel falling incident caused the death of two expats in Abu Dhabi, an Indian and a Pakistani, while three others, an Emirati, a Jordanian and another Indiant sustained injuries. The UAE air defences dealt with 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones on March 26. The death toll now stands at 11 and injuries at 169.

On the political front, US President Donald Trump said Iran was begging to make a deal, caliming that Tehran offered the US 10 tankers of oil as a present.

Keep following Khaleej Times' live blog to stay up to date with all the developments in the regional war.

Trump's pause extended