Gulf countries scramble to intercept missiles hours into U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement

Many Middle Eastern countries reported incoming missiles and drones from Iran on Wednesday, triggering air defenses across the Gulf within hours of a newly announced two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. and Iran agreed to the temporary truce just before U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline to launch massive attacks if no deal was reached. The ceasefire, if it holds, would open a two-week negotiating window with U.S. and Iranian delegations expected to meet in Islamabad on Friday. The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, was contingent on the "complete, immediate, and safe opening" of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said. Iranian officials said in a statement on Wednesday that "if attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations." Tehran added that safe passage through the strait would be possible through coordination with its armed forces and with "due consideration of technical limitations" — caveats that may give Iran some room to define compliance on its own terms. Despite the reprieve, missiles were still launched from Iran towards Israel and several Gulf states. The Israeli military said it had identified ballistic missile attacks from Iran early Wednesday, with early warnings issued in central and northern parts of the country. The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems were intercepting missiles and drones and urged the public to remain in safe places. "The sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones," the ministry said. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense organization also issued early warnings of "potential danger" across the country, including Riyadh. Kuwait , Bahrain and Qatar also issued alerts or activated defenses as threats emerged across the region. Ceasefire kicks in The continued attacks raised questions about whether the ceasefire agreement can hold, particularly if negoti...