US allies face drone attacks as Iran warns ‘restraint is over’ – Dawn

Several allies of the United States, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and South Korea, reported drone attacks on May 10, 2026. The incidents occurred as Iran warned the United States that it would no longer hold back from conducting retaliatory strikes in the region.

Qatar’s defense ministry reported that a freighter arriving in the country’s waters from Abu Dhabi was targeted by a drone on May 10, 2026. The strike took place northeast of the port of Mesaieed.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center provided further details on the incident, stating that the bulk carrier had been struck by an "unknown projectile." The center reported that a small fire broke out but was subsequently extinguished, adding that there were no casualties and no reported environmental impact.

South Korea also confirmed that a vessel, the cargo ship HMM Namu, was severely damaged. A photograph released by South Korea’s Foreign Ministry on May 10, 2026, showed damaged sections of the ship while it was docked at a port in Dubai.

Interceptions in the Gulf

The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of being responsible for an attack targeting its territory on May 10, 2026. The UAE defense ministry stated via a social media post that its air defense systems successfully engaged two UAVs launched from Iran.

This event marked only the second alleged strike on Gulf countries since a ceasefire began approximately one month prior.

Kuwait also reported an attempted attack during the same period. The Kuwaiti military posted that its armed forces detected a number of hostile drones in Kuwaiti airspace at dawn on May 10, 2026, and that these drones were dealt with according to established procedures.

Iranian Warnings and Regional Reactions

Following these reports, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning regarding the security of commercial shipping. The organization stated that any attack on its commercial vessels would result in a "heavy strike on American centres and enemy ships."

The escalation has drawn responses from other regional actors. Qatar warned that using the Strait of Hormuz as a "pressure card" would worsen the existing crisis. Meanwhile, Riyadh condemned the attacks carried out against Gulf states.

The reports of drone activity and the accompanying threats from Tehran have placed a fragile ceasefire under growing strain.