Jerusalem/Dubai, 05 April (H.S.):

Tensions in the Middle East surged to new heights early Sunday as Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel and Kuwait, defying a stark 48-hour ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump. The attacks, which prompted air defenses across the Gulf to scramble, mark a dangerous escalation in a conflict that erupted on February 28, drawing in the United States, Israel, and regional powers.

Kuwait's army confirmed its air defenses were actively intercepting hostile missile and drone threats, attributing loud explosions to successful interceptions. Kuwaiti Air Defenses are currently responding, the military stated on social media, urging civilians to follow safety protocols.

Similarly, the United Arab Emirates reported its defenses engaging incoming missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with sounds echoing nationwide from ongoing operations.

The strikes follow Trump's Saturday declaration on Truth Social, where he warned Iran of all Hell if no peace deal materializes within 48 hours. Recalling a prior 10-day deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz or negotiate, Trump wrote: Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Iran dismissed the demand as unbalanced, stupid, with General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi retorting that the gates of hell will open for you.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar