US and Israeli strikes on Iran have pushed the conflict into a volatile phase on Wednesday, April 8, with a fragile two-week ceasefire in place even as fresh attacks and warnings continue across the region. Air defence systems in the Gulf were activated within hours of the truce, underscoring its uncertain hold.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait said they were responding to incoming Iranian missiles and drones, while Iran warned it would target Tel Aviv if Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue. The warning comes amid ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel maintaining the ceasefire does not apply to its operations in Lebanon.
In a sign of partial stabilisation, the first ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of disruption following the ceasefire announcement. However, authorities say efforts are still underway to ensure safe navigation through the critical global oil route.
Latest developments here:
Israel says Hamas member killed in northern Gaza
The Israeli army said its forces killed Hamas member Muhammad Dawwad in northern Gaza earlier this week.
In a statement, the army claimed, without providing evidence, that Dawwad was involved in manufacturing explosives for Hamas and had led attacks against Israeli forces.
Erdogan warns of ‘provocations’ threatening ceasefire
Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday warned that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran could be undermined by “possible provocations and sabotage”.
In a message on X, Erdogan welcomed the agreement and expressed hope that it would be fully implemented on the ground without disruption.
“We hope that the ceasefire will be fully implemented on the ground without giving any opportunity for possible provocations and sabotage,” he said.
Iran Revolutionary Guards warn ‘hand is on the trigger’
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Wednesday warned that its “hand is on the trigger”, signalling readiness to respond forcefully to any further attacks.
The statement, reported by Reuters citing Tasnim news agency, said Iranian forces are prepared to retaliate with greater intensity if provoked, highlighting continued tensions despite the ceasefire.
Syria reopens airspace, Damascus airport resumes operations
Syria has announced the reopening of its previously closed airspace, with full operations resuming at Damascus International Airport, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.The move signals a gradual return to normal aviation activity following disruptions linked to regional tensions.
UAE intercepts 17 ballistic missiles, 35 drones
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted 17 ballistic missiles and 35 drones launched from Iran on April 8, 2026.
Since the start of the conflict, the UAE has intercepted hundreds of aerial threats, including more than 500 ballistic missiles, over 2,200 drones and multiple cruise missiles, according to official figures.
Iran President says ceasefire with US ‘fruit of Khamenei’s blood’
In a post on X, Masoud Pezeshkian said the ceasefire was reached in line with the “general principles desired by Iran”, describing it as a result of national unity and sacrifice.
“The ceasefire… was the fruit of the blood of our great martyred leader… and the participation of all the people,” he said, adding that the country would remain united across diplomacy, defence and public life.
Iran refinery on Lavan Island attacked after ceasefire
An oil refinery on Lavan Island in Iran came under attack on Wednesday, despite the ceasefire, according to state television.
Firefighters were working to contain a blaze at the facility, while authorities said no casualties had been reported. The source of the attack was not immediately identified
Pakistan to host Iran peace talks in Islamabad
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he held a “warm, substantive” conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, confirming Tehran’s participation in upcoming peace talks in Islamabad later this week.
In a post on X, Sharif said he conveyed appreciation for Iran’s decision to accept Pakistan’s offer to host negotiations aimed at restoring peace in the region.
“President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming negotiations and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts, while conveying his best wishes for the people of Pakistan,” he said.
UAE intercepts missile barrage
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said its air defence systems were responding to an incoming Iranian missile attack, though authorities did not specify the targeted areas.
First ships pass through Hormuz
The first vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday following the ceasefire, according to MarineTraffic data cited by AFP, signalling a partial resumption of global oil flows.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said it is working to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions remain high.
Vance warns Iran over ceasefire compliance
US Vice President JD Vance said the fragile truce with Iran is contingent on Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and acting in good faith.
He said the US had achieved its objective of degrading Iran’s military capabilities and warned that any violation of the agreement would be met with a strong response.
“If the Iranians do not act in good faith, they will discover that President Trump is not to be underestimated,” he said, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran warns of Tel Aviv strike over Lebanon operations
Iran warned it would target Tel Aviv if Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue, raising fears of wider regional escalation despite the ceasefire.
The warning comes as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah persists, with Israeli officials maintaining that the truce does not apply to operations in Lebanon.
Kuwait intercepts Iranian drones targeting key infrastructure
In a post on X, the Kuwaiti army said its air defence systems were responding to a wave of drones launched by Iran since 8 am local time.
The army said some drones targeted critical infrastructure, including oil facilities, power stations and water desalination plants, causing significant damage.
“We are going through a devastating war imposed on us,” Lebanon PM says
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon is facing a devastating war imposed on it, resulting in significant human and economic losses.
He warned that the impact of the conflict could threaten the future of generations, underscoring the urgent need for stability and relief efforts.
Pope hails ceasefire as ‘sign of real hope’
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a “sign of real hope”.
“I welcome with satisfaction, and as a sign of real hope, the announcement of an immediate two-week truce. Only by returning to negotiations can we reach the end of the war,” he said at the end of his weekly audience at the Vatican.
IAEA welcomes ceasefire, backs nuclear talks.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has welcomed the ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran, saying it is ready to support efforts towards a lasting diplomatic solution on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Director General Rafael Grossi said the agency supports a return to diplomacy aimed at resolving key issues, including Iran’s nuclear activities.
“The IAEA stands ready to support these efforts through its indispensable safeguards and verification role,” the agency said in a statement.
15 countries mobilised to restore Strait of Hormuz traffic
Emmanuel Macron said around 15 countries are working under France’s leadership to help resume maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Reuters reported.
“About 15 countries are currently mobilised and are participating in the planning, under France’s leadership, to enable the implementation of this strictly defensive mission in coordination with Iran to facilitate the resumption of traffic,” Macron said on Wednesday.
He added that France welcomes the ceasefire but stressed that the situation in Lebanon remains critical, calling for it to be fully included in the agreement.
India to receive first Iranian oil shipment in seven years
India is set to receive its first shipment of Iranian oil in seven years this week, following the temporary easing of US sanctions amid a deepening energy crisis linked to the conflict in West Asia.
According to ship-tracking data from LSEG and Kpler, the cargo is being transported aboard the Curacao-flagged very large crude carrier Jaya and has been purchased by Indian Oil Corporation. The vessel is currently en route to India’s east coast.
France welcomes ceasefire, calls for wider inclusion
Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a “very good thing”.
“We expect, in the coming days and weeks, that it will be fully respected throughout the region and will allow negotiations to take place,” he said at the start of a meeting with top defence and security officials.
Macron added that France hopes the ceasefire will also extend to include Lebanon.
Three injured after debris hits UAE gas facility
Two Emiratis and one Indian national sustained minor injuries after debris from a successfully intercepted aerial threat struck the Habshan gas processing complex.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO) confirmed the incident was caused by falling debris following interception by air defence systems, as emergency teams worked to contain several small fires at the site.
Operations at the facility have been temporarily suspended as a precaution while the situation is being assessed.
Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global trade
Iran has targeted at least 19 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, while weeks of partial disruption have impacted global oil supplies and unsettled international markets.
On Wednesday, Iran’s foreign minister said ships could pass safely through the strait if movements are coordinated with Iran’s armed forces. During the ceasefire period, vessels transiting the route may be subject to charges by both Iran and Oman, according to reports by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
India welcomes ceasefire, calls for diplomacy
India said it welcomes the ceasefire and expressed hope it would lead to lasting peace in West Asia, stressing that de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to end the conflict.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also noted that the conflict has caused significant disruption to global energy supply and trade, and emphasised the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanese Army warns residents over return to south
The Lebanese Army has urged residents returning to southern towns and villages to avoid areas where Israeli forces have advanced.
“In light of recent developments and reports of a ceasefire, citizens are advised to refrain from entering southern villages where Israeli forces have advanced, to preserve their safety,” the army said.
Iraq to reopen airspace
Iraq has announced it will reopen its airspace, according to the state news agency, signalling a partial return to normalcy following heightened regional tensions.
Lapid calls ceasefire a ‘political disaster’
After the United States and Iran announced a ceasefire deal, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Wednesday described it as a “political disaster”, saying Israel “was not even at the table” when the decision was made.
Lapid said the Israeli military had carried out everything asked of it, but accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of political and strategic failure.
In a post on X, he said, “There has never been such a political disaster in all of our history. Israel wasn’t even at the table when decisions were made concerning the core of our national security. The military carried out everything that was asked of it… but Netanyahu failed politically, failed strategically, and didn’t meet a single one of the goals that he himself set.”He added that it would take years to repair the political and strategic damage caused by what he described as “arrogance, negligence, and a lack of strategic planning.”
He added that it would take years to repair the political and strategic damage caused by what he described as “arrogance, negligence, and a lack of strategic planning.”
Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire announcement
Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire announcement between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that all parties will commit to de-escalation and pursue diplomatic efforts to ensure lasting stability in the region.
Israeli military stops campaign against Iran amid ceasefire
The Israeli military said on Wednesday it had ceased operations against Iran in accordance with directives from the political echelon, following the US announcement of a two-week ceasefire.
Indian Embassy issues advisory
The Indian Embassy in Tehran, in an advisory dated April 8, 2026, urged Indian nationals still in Iran to “expeditiously exit” the country in light of recent developments. It advised citizens to coordinate closely with the mission and use only the routes suggested by the embassy.
The advisory also cautioned nationals against approaching any international land border without prior consultation. The embassy has shared emergency contact numbers and an email helpline to assist citizens requiring urgent support.
Mobile numbers provided include +989128109115, +989128109102, +989128109109, and +989932179359. Queries can also be sent to cons.tehran@mea.gov.in.
Trump calls ceasefire a ‘big day for world peace’
US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire marks a “big day for world peace” and could usher in a “Golden Age of the Middle East”.
He said the United States would help ease traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, support reconstruction and remain engaged to ensure stability, adding that the move could bring “positive action” and economic activity to the region.
UK welcomes ceasefire
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the agreement and stressed the need to sustain the truce and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran warns forces on high alert
Iran said its forces remain on high alert, warning that any misstep would trigger a strong response, underscoring the fragile nature of the ceasefire.
Lapid calls deal ‘political disaster’
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised the ceasefire as a “political disaster”, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of strategic failure.
Fire contained in Bahrain after attack
Bahrain said a fire at a facility following an Iranian attack was extinguished, with no injuries reported.
UAE claims ‘victory’
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the Emirates had “emerged victorious” despite seeking to avoid the conflict.
