Trump has indicated the conflict could wind down in 2–3 weeks but tied any pause or ceasefire to Iran reopening the strait for commercial shipping
News Desk
TEHRAN: Kuwaiti authorities stated that an Iranian attack early on April 3 damaged a power generation and water desalination plant, causing material damage to parts of the facility. Emergency and technical teams responded immediately under contingency plans, with officials emphasizing that electricity and water networks remain stable overall.
This follows an earlier Iranian strike (around March 30) on another Kuwaiti power and desalination site, which killed one Indian worker and damaged a service building. Kuwait described it as part of “Iranian aggression.” Desalination plants are critical in the Gulf, where most drinking water comes from such facilities. Iran has denied responsibility for some strikes or blamed Israel in related incidents.
These attacks highlight the broadening of the conflict to Gulf infrastructure, raising concerns over energy and water security in the region. Iran Warns UN Security Council Against “Provocative Action”Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the UNSC against any “provocative action,” particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement came ahead of a (later postponed) vote on a Bahrain-sponsored draft resolution that would authorize defensive measures to protect shipping through the strait. Araghchi said such moves by “aggressors and their supporters” would only complicate the situation further.
Iran has effectively disrupted or restricted traffic in the strait—a vital chokepoint for global oil flows—in response to US-Israeli strikes, contributing to soaring energy prices. Trump Steps Up Threats Against Iran and Comments on Hormuz President Donald Trump has intensified rhetoric, threatening to target Iranian energy assets (including power plants, oil wells, Kharg Island, and possibly desalination plants) if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. He has suggested the US could help “easily” open the strait “with a little more time” or that it might “open up naturally” once the war ends, while urging allies to “step up,” “grab it,” or secure their own oil supplies rather than relying on the US.
Trump has indicated the conflict could wind down in 2–3 weeks but tied any pause or ceasefire to Iran reopening the strait for commercial shipping. He has alternated between signaling possible talks and warning of broader strikes if demands are unmet.
Pope Leo Urges End to the War in Meeting with Israel’s Herzog Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly called for an urgent ceasefire, hostage releases, humanitarian aid access, and respect for international law amid the conflicts involving Gaza and the wider region. During meetings and statements related to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, he has emphasized a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace and expressed hope for the war’s end (including the US-Israel actions against Iran) before Easter in some remarks.
