Dubai, Abu Dhabi News Highlights: Qatar PM says gas hub attack ‘clear proof’ Iran not only targeting US interests

Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi Attack News Today Highlights: A lawmaker said Thursday that Tehran is weighing a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz — effectively monetising its grip over the world’s most critical energy chokepoint.

Iran has already been selectively blocking passage for vessels linked to its adversaries since Operation Epic Fury began. A formal toll system would shift disruption from a weapon to a revenue stream.

Trump’s ultimatum: Israel — not the US — struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, Trump said. Iran retaliated by hitting Qatar, which Trump called unfair. He warned Tehran that the US will “blow up the entirety of South Pars” with or without Israel if Qatar is struck again. He urged Iran to accept a nuclear deal and “stop the insanity.”

Ras Laffan hit twice: Five missiles were fired at Qatar’s Ras Laffan on March 18 — four intercepted, one struck. A second wave hit early March 19, damaging LNG trains and the Pearl GTL plant. QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on all deliveries. Fires were contained while no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Qatar has expelled Iran’s military attachés.

Saudi Arabia: Riyadh has formally reserved the right to take military action against Iran. Air defences downed a missile near Prince Sultan Air Base and destroyed 13 drones.

Arab bloc: Foreign ministers of 12 nations in Riyadh demanded that Iran immediately halt all attacks on Gulf states.

The Strait of Hormuz carries 20% of the world’s oil. Ras Laffan supplies 20% of its LNG. South Pars holds its largest gas reserves. Iran now has its hand on all three.

Also Read:

• Ras Laffan Attack: What It Means for Global Energy

• Iranian Leaders Killed: Complete List

• Operation Epic Fury: Full Explainer

The Indian Express Global Desk is tracking all developments across Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf in real time. Refresh for the latest updates.

The UAE Defence Ministry announced that they are intercepting incoming Iranian missile and drone threats.

تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من إيران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة اعتراض كل من منظومات الدفاع الجوي للصواريخ البالستية، والمقاتلات للطائرات المسيرة والجوالة.UAE air defences are… pic.twitter.com/Zg1t1UYrW7— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae)

تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من إيران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة اعتراض كل من منظومات الدفاع الجوي للصواريخ البالستية، والمقاتلات للطائرات المسيرة والجوالة.UAE air defences are… pic.twitter.com/Zg1t1UYrW7

Warning sirens are sounding in Bahrain and people have been urged to move to their nearest safe place and remain calm, according to the Interior Ministry.

Local Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 says Iranian missile attacks on Israel have triggered air raid sirens in the north of the country.

This comes as the Israeli military again reported incoming missile fire from Iran.

Iranian attacks on Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar have reduced the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity by 17%, according to QatarEnergy, the state-run energy giant.

The “extensive damage” could reduce its annual revenues by $20bn and take “up to five years” to repair, Saad al-Kaabi, the Qatari energy minister and CEO of QatarEnergy, said in a statement.

This will impact “supply to markets in Europe and Asia”, he added in a post on X, describing the strikes as “unjustified and senseless”.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported on Thursday its air defenses intercepted and destroyed two drones in the Eastern Region.

المتحدث الرسمي لـ #_: اعتراض وتدمير مسيّرتين في المنطقة الشرقية. pic.twitter.com/SrfJv9rbfe— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 19, 2026

المتحدث الرسمي لـ #_: اعتراض وتدمير مسيّرتين في المنطقة الشرقية. pic.twitter.com/SrfJv9rbfe

Bahrain's defence force says it has intercepted and destroyed 139 missiles and 238 drones since the start of the conflict.

Saudi Arabian media reports two drones have been intercepted and destroyed in the country's eastern region, citing the Saudi defence ministry.

United Arab Emirates authorities said on Friday they had dismantled a "terrorist network" funded and operated by Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran, and arrested its members.

According to the state news agency, the ⁠network was involved in "money laundering, financing terrorism and threatening national security."

US President Donald Trump, during a press briefing on Thursday, said that he has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and asked him to stop attacks on Iranian oil and gas facilities.

"I told him, don’t do that. And he won’t do that," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump, during a press briefing with Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, said that he's not deploying US troops anywhere in the region.

"I’m not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you. But I’m not putting troops," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office.

Officials at the World Health Organisation have reportedly acknowledged that they are preparing for a “worst case scenario” nuclear catastrophe if the war between US-Israel and Iran escalates further.

Read full report here

Iranian attacks have knocked out 17% of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in lost annual revenue and threatening supplies to Europe and Asia, QatarEnergy’s CEO told Reuters on Thursday.

Read full report here

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said Thursday that Iran's attack on the world's largest gas facility in Qatar was "clear proof" against Tehran's claims of having targeted only US interests in the Gulf.

There were "persistent Iranian claims that these attacks are against American interests... and this claim is rejected and cannot be accepted," Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said.

"The clear proof of this is the attack that took place yesterday that targeted a natural gas facility in the State of Qatar," he added.

(Al Jazeera)

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said Iranian attacks since the start of the war caused a “massive shock”, and the assault “poses a lot of questions” for the region in terms of relationships among neighbouring countries.

Trust has been lost now but it “must be restored”, Sheikh Mohammed said. “We want to live in peace with the Iranian people.”

(Al Jazeera)

The Defence Ministry of the United Arab Emirates said its air defences are “currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”.

Sounds being heard were the result of defence systems intercepting the missiles and drones, it said in a statement.

(AJ Jazeera)

Sultan Al Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has denounced Iran’s latest attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, including those he says targeted ADNOC.

“This is an unjustified, unprovoked and illegal attack ⁠on a peaceful nation,” ⁠Al Jaber said in a post on LinkedIn. “But ⁠it is not ⁠just a ⁠regional issue – it is global economic warfare. Energy flows ‌are being weaponised.”

(Al Jazeera)

The UAE Defence Ministry said air defences have shot down seven ballistic missiles and 15 drones fired from Iran Thursday. This brings the total number of ballistic missiles its defences have downed during the war to 334 and the number of drones to 1,714, it said. Its defences have also intercepted 15 cruise missiles, added the ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said, “It remains on high alert and fully prepared to deal with any threats, and will respond firmly to anything that seeks to undermine the country’s security.”

(AL Jazeera)

International fuel prices soared Thursday as Iran escalated its attacks on oil and gas facilities around the Gulf in retaliation for an Israeli attack on a key Iranian gas field. Iranian strikes hit a Saudi refinery on the Red Sea and set Qatari liquefied natural gas facilities and two Kuwaiti oil refineries ablaze.

The strikes followed an Israeli attack on South Pars, the Iranian part of the world’s largest gas field, the previous day.

Brent crude oil, the international standard, spiked to as high as $118 a barrel, up more than 60% since Israel and the United States started the war February 28 with strikes on Iran.

The US may ease restrictions on Iranian oil already at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox Business, as Washington looks to stabilise global supply.

He added that the US could also carry out a unilateral release of oil reserves. Bessent said earlier this week that Iranian oil tankers have already been leaving the Strait of Hormuz with US awareness, helping supply global markets.

(Al Jazeera)

General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that American forces struck more than 90 targets on Kharg Island, which is vital to Iran’s oil network.

Caine said the US targets included all of the island’s military-only infrastructure, such as air defenses, a naval base and mine storage facilities.

Trump said a few days ago that the US military had “totally obliterated” the island’s military assets. He has warned that if Iran or anyone else interferes with ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, he will reconsider his decision not to target oil infrastructure.

Saying that Iran’s “surface fleet is no longer a factor,” Hegseth also said that “their submarines — they once had 11 — are gone.”

The crafts Hegseth referenced are “midget” submarines designed to work in shallow waters in the Persian Gulf and its narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz.

The small vessels are designed to evade sonar as they lay mines and fire torpedoes.

As more top Iranian military leaders are confirmed dead, Hegseth said anyone appointed to replace them would be in the position temporarily.

“The last job anyone in the world wants right now: senior leader for the IRGC or Basij,” Hegseth said. “Temp jobs, all of them.”

Israel said Tuesday that it had killed Ali Larijani, a top security official who was widely believed to be running Iran as it reels from the killing of its supreme leader and a widening war. Israel’s military also said it killed Iranian Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, who led Iran’s paramilitary Basij, an all-volunteer force fiercely loyal to the Islamic Republic.

Pete Hegseth said US military operations against Iran were proceeding as planned, despite criticism of the campaign.

“Our objectives… remain exactly what they were on day one,” Hegseth said during a briefing, adding the mission was to destroy Iran’s missile launchers, defence industrial base and naval capabilities, and to ensure it does not obtain a nuclear weapon.

He said the operation was “on target and on plan” and described it as “laser focused” and “decisive.”

“We are winning decisively and on our terms,” he said, adding US forces were targeting Iranian capabilities “methodically, ruthlessly and overwhelmingly.”

(Iran International)

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that media coverage of the conflict with Iran was biased and aimed at downplaying progress. “A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing… to downplay progress,” Hegseth said during a briefing. He said media outlets were amplifying costs and questioning every step, adding that such attitudes were entrenched.

(Iran International)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday strongly condemned Iran’s overnight strike on a gas facility in Qatar, calling for urgent efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

In a post on X, Starmer said he “condemn[s] in the strongest terms” the Iranian attack, underscoring growing international concern over the widening conflict in the region.

He added that the UK government is working towards a “swift resolution” to the crisis, stressing that ending the war is in the best interests of the British public.

“There is no question that ending the war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living,” he said, linking the conflict to rising economic pressures at home.

I condemn in the strongest terms the overnight Iranian strike on a Qatari gas facility. We are working towards a swift resolution to the situation in the Middle East, in the best interests of the British people – because there is no question that ending the war is the quickest…— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 19, 2026

I condemn in the strongest terms the overnight Iranian strike on a Qatari gas facility. We are working towards a swift resolution to the situation in the Middle East, in the best interests of the British people – because there is no question that ending the war is the quickest…

The Dubai Police on Thursday issued an advisory against circulating unverified visuals. Taking to X, Dubai Police wrote, " Have you seen a video or images circulating on social media? During crises, fake videos and images that do not reflect the truth may appear. We trust in our community's awareness, as your awareness is the first line of defense. Therefore, before reposting any content, verify the accuracy of what you see, as incorrect information may impact the nation's security and safety."

شاهدت فيديو أو صوراً متداولة على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي؟ خلال الأزمات، قد تظهر فيديوهات وصور مزيفة لا تعبر عن الحقيقة. نحن نثق بوعي مجتمعنا، فوعيك هو خط الدفاع الأول. لذلك، قبل أن تعيد نشر أي محتوى، تأكد من صحة ما تراه، فالمعلومات غير الصحيحة قد تؤثر على أمن وسلامة الوطن.…— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 19, 2026

شاهدت فيديو أو صوراً متداولة على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي؟ خلال الأزمات، قد تظهر فيديوهات وصور مزيفة لا تعبر عن الحقيقة. نحن نثق بوعي مجتمعنا، فوعيك هو خط الدفاع الأول. لذلك، قبل أن تعيد نشر أي محتوى، تأكد من صحة ما تراه، فالمعلومات غير الصحيحة قد تؤثر على أمن وسلامة الوطن.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday spoke to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, and discussed with them the West Asia situation, favouring de-escalation of the conflict in the region and subsequent restoration of peace and stability.

In his separate telephonic conversations with the two leaders, Modi also stressed the need for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Had a productive conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and conveyed advance Eid greetings to the people of Oman. We agreed on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability," Modi said in a post on X.

Spoke with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, and conveyed warm greetings to him and the people of Malaysia on the occasion of the upcoming festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2026

Spoke with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, and conveyed warm greetings to him and the people of Malaysia on the occasion of the upcoming festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our…

Iran is considering a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a lawmaker said on Thursday, a potential bid to monetise Tehran's newfound grip over the critical ⁠waterway through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied gas passes.

Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran has disrupted maritime ⁠transit through the strait for vessels it says are linked to ‌its war adversaries and their allies. — *Reuters*

Saudi Arabia said a drone hit the country's SAMREF refinery in the port city of Yanbu on the Red Sea on Thursday.

The Saudi Defence Ministry said damage assessment was underway, without elaborating.

The strike comes after drones hit two oil refineries in Kuwait. Overnight, Iranian attacks also hit natural gas sites in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, spiking global prices.

Iran is retaliating over an Israeli strike Wednesday on its South Pars natural gas field in the Persian Gulf that it shares with Qatar. — *AP*

Hours after Israel hit South Pars, the world’s largest natural gas field located in the Persian Gulf and shared between Iran and Qatar, Iranian missiles on Thursday morning (March 19) struck the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City.

These attacks have marked a major escalation in the conflict raging in West Asia, with specific energy infrastructure now being targeted, raising prolonged risks of supply disruption.

Read *this *to know how the attacks mark a major escalation in the war

The situation in the Middle East has grown increasingly tense since the conflict began 20 days ago. The ongoing turmoil has made conditions in the Gulf region unpredictable, significantly affecting air travel. Thousands of passengers remain stranded as airlines cancel flights or operate limited services.

Read to know the latest status of air travel to West Asia *here*

Israel attacks South Pars gas field: In what can be touted as the first strike on an Iranian energy infrastructure since the US-Israel joint military campaign began against Iran in February this year, Israel on Wednesday struck the world’s largest natural gas field South Pars. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that Iran’s petrochemical complex on the South Pars gas field was hit in the airstrikes.

Iran retaliates, attacks Ras Laffan in Qatar: Following the Israeli airstrikes on South Pars gas field, Iran vowed to retaliate, even as the Islamic nation issued evacuation orders for five energy facilities in the Gulf. On March 18-19, 2026, Iran fired 5 ballistic missiles at Qatar, out of which four were intercepted, and one of them hit the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar.

Damages in Qatar: According to state energy giant QatarEnergy, several Iranian missiles struck the facility, sparking fires and causing “extensive damage” to critical processing units, including, Pearl GTL facility and multiple LNG facilities. While emergency teams were deployed, there were no reported casualties. QatarEnergy has declared a state of emergency and invoked force majeure on contracted deliveries.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also shut its gas facilities after intercepting missiles early Thursday.

The closure comes in response to incidents at the Habshan gas facilities and at the Bab oil field that were caused by falling debris from intercepted missiles.

The Habshan complex, operated by Abu Dhabi state oil giant ADNOC, is one of the world’s largest gas processing facilities, comprising 5 plants with a total capacity of 6.1 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd), a Reuters report stated.

The Foreign Ministers of 12 Arab and Islamic countries issued a statement on Thursday, condemning the Iranian attacks.

A meeting was held by their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, The Republic of Azerbaijan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Lebanon, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, held a consultative ministerial meeting on Wednesday in Riyadh.

Joint Statement Issued by the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of a Group of Arab and Islamic Countries Regarding the Iranian AttacksRiyadh | 19 March 2026Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, The… pic.twitter.com/Eik3eqtdlA— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 19, 2026

Joint Statement Issued by the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of a Group of Arab and Islamic Countries Regarding the Iranian AttacksRiyadh | 19 March 2026Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, The… pic.twitter.com/Eik3eqtdlA

The ministers condemned Iranian attacks on Jordan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye with ballistic missiles and drones which targeted residential areas, civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises. The Ministers further affirmed that such attacks could not be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever.

The Ministers also stressed the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article (51) of the United Nations Charter, calling on Iran to immediately halt its attacks and affirmed the necessity of respecting international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighborliness.

Kuwait's Petroleum Corporation said one of operational units at Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery was targeted Thursday morning by drone resulting in limited fire within the unit but causing no injuries, Kuwait News Agency reported.

The fire in the unit was contained, it said.

#kuwait Petroleum Corporation (#kpc) announced one of operational units at Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery was targeted Thursday morning by drone resulting in limited fire within the unit but causing no injuries.The fire in the unit, operated by Kuwait National Petroleum Company… pic.twitter.com/RHtSDxUuLd— Kuwait News Agency - English Feed (@kuna_en) March 19, 2026

#kuwait Petroleum Corporation (#kpc) announced one of operational units at Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery was targeted Thursday morning by drone resulting in limited fire within the unit but causing no injuries.The fire in the unit, operated by Kuwait National Petroleum Company… pic.twitter.com/RHtSDxUuLd

Oil giant Saudi Aramco's SAMREF refinery in ‌the Red Sea port of Yanbu was targeted in an aerial attack on Thursday, an industry source said, adding there was minimal impact, after other attacks on energy facilities in Qatar and the UAE in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian energy installations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard ⁠Corps had issued an evacuation warning to several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, including SAMREF, which is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Exxon Mobil.

Iran seeks compensation from the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of enabling US attacks against Iranian territory, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has told the UN secretary general in a letter, according to a Nournews report published on Thursday.

In the letter, cited by Reuters, Amir Saeid Iravani said the UAE’s decision to allow its territory to be used for the strikes constituted “an internationally wrongful act that entailed state responsibility”.

Tehran said the UAE had an international responsibility to provide reparation, including compensation for all material and moral damages incurred.

-The Guardian

Qatar's Interior Ministry said that all fires at the Ras Laffan energy facility have now been brought under control without any reported injuries.

It shared the update on X, saying, "cooling and securing operations continuing at the sites, while the explosives unit affiliated with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) carries out its tasks in dealing with any hazardous parts."

الدفاع المدني يسيطر بالكامل على جميع الحرائق في منطقة راس لفان الصناعية دون تسجيل أي إصابات، مع استمرار أعمال التبريد والتأمين في المواقع، فيما تتولى مجموعة المتفجرات التابعة لقوة الأمن الداخلي (لخويا) تنفيذ مهامها في التعامل مع أي أجزاء خطرة. #_— وزارة الداخلية - قطر (@MOI_Qatar) March 19, 2026

الدفاع المدني يسيطر بالكامل على جميع الحرائق في منطقة راس لفان الصناعية دون تسجيل أي إصابات، مع استمرار أعمال التبريد والتأمين في المواقع، فيما تتولى مجموعة المتفجرات التابعة لقوة الأمن الداخلي (لخويا) تنفيذ مهامها في التعامل مع أي أجزاء خطرة. #_

Qatar's Interior Ministry said that all fires at the Ras Laffan energy facility have now been brought under control without any reported injuries.

The ministry took to X to share the development.

"Cooling and securing operations continuing at the sites, while the explosives unit affiliated with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) carries out its tasks in dealing with any hazardous parts," it said.

الدفاع المدني يسيطر بالكامل على جميع الحرائق في منطقة راس لفان الصناعية دون تسجيل أي إصابات، مع استمرار أعمال التبريد والتأمين في المواقع، فيما تتولى مجموعة المتفجرات التابعة لقوة الأمن الداخلي (لخويا) تنفيذ مهامها في التعامل مع أي أجزاء خطرة. #_— وزارة الداخلية - قطر (@MOI_Qatar) March 19, 2026

Kuwati army sad the air defenses are currently intercepting missiles and drone attacks.

The General Staff of the Army noted that any explosion sounds heard, are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks.

The army urged citizens to adhere to security and safety instructions.

تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/1LE1U5ytOD— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) March 19, 2026

تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/1LE1U5ytOD

Qatar says fires under control at major gas facility Ras Laffan after latest Iranian attack

Israel on Wednesday struck Iran’s key offshore natural gas field of South Pars in the largest attack on its energy production facilities since the war began on February 28.

The attack on South Pars is significant for two reasons: This is the world’s largest gas field, and this marks only the second attack by Israel and the US on Iranian downstream facilities since the war started.

The entire South Pars reservoir contains an estimated 1,800 trillion cubic feet of usable gas — enough to supply the entire world’s needs for 13 years — according to a Reuters report.

The field in the Persian Gulf has been in production since 2002 and accounts for up to three-fourth of Iranian gas production. The field, according to Argus Media, also supplies “a significant share of feedstock for Iran’s petrochemical and gasoline production”.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, foreign ministers of 12 Arab and Islamic states called on Iran to “immediately halt its attacks” and respect international law, CNN reported.

In a meeting that took place in Riyadh, the ministers denounced Iran’s attacks on the Gulf states, Jordan, Azerbaijan and Turkey, which they said had targeted “residential areas, civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings and diplomatic premises.”

The leaders also condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon and “reaffirmed support for the security, stability and

territorial integrity of Lebanon.”

| البيان المشترك الصادر عن الاجتماع الوزاري التشاوري لوزراء خارجية مجموعة من الدول العربية والإسلامية بشأن الاعتداءات الإيرانية.https://t.co/PlRisi0SVG pic.twitter.com/cp6CCHndHN— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) March 19, 2026

| البيان المشترك الصادر عن الاجتماع الوزاري التشاوري لوزراء خارجية مجموعة من الدول العربية والإسلامية بشأن الاعتداءات الإيرانية.https://t.co/PlRisi0SVG pic.twitter.com/cp6CCHndHN

State-owned QatarEnergy on Thursday confirmed that several of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities sustained extensive damage following fresh Iranian strikes. This comes hours after an earlier attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City caused significant damage to the Pearl GTL (gas-to-liquids) facility.

QatarEnergy Statement on Missile Attacks on its LNG FacilitiesIn addition to the previous attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday 18 March 2026 that resulted in extensive damage to the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, QatarEnergy confirms that in the early hours…— QatarEnergy (@qatarenergy) March 19, 2026

QatarEnergy Statement on Missile Attacks on its LNG FacilitiesIn addition to the previous attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday 18 March 2026 that resulted in extensive damage to the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, QatarEnergy confirms that in the early hours…

Dubai Media Office on Thursday debunked fake news that said the UAE has introduced strict laws to prevent investors from pulling our their capital and leaving Dubai.

In a post on X, the media office said that this is a false news and truth remains that UAE economy is strong and will remain as such.

"UAE’s economy is strong, and Dubai will continue to remain a global economic hub."

Denying false reportsFake News The UAE introduces strict laws to prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their capital and leaving Dubai.These measures reportedly include freezing bank accounts and imposing restrictions on money transfers and capital movement.Fact:The… pic.twitter.com/clk2wg126u— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 18, 2026

Denying false reportsFake News The UAE introduces strict laws to prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their capital and leaving Dubai.These measures reportedly include freezing bank accounts and imposing restrictions on money transfers and capital movement.Fact:The… pic.twitter.com/clk2wg126u

Saudi Arabia said it "reserves right to take military action against Iran" as Tehran ramps up its offensive against the Kingdom.

“Iran’s message today was quite clear… The targeting of Riyadh, while a number of diplomats are meeting, I cannot see as coincidental,” the Foreign Minister said, hours after Saudi air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles over the capital, CNN reported.

“It doesn’t believe in talking to its neighbors. It tries to pressure its neighbors. And what I can say, categorically, that’s not going to work.”

“We have reserved the right to take military actions, if deemed necessary, and if the time comes, the leadership of the Kingdom will take the necessary decision. We will not shy away from protecting our country and our economic resources,” he said, adding, Saudi Arabia “is not going to succumb to pressure.”

Amid the escalating conflict, British Airways said it is currently operating at a "temporary reduction."

Flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv are suspended.

The airlines said it is operating additional flights between London and Singapore and Bangkok to "further support" passengers.

Air India and Air India Express will operate 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights. 16 scheduled and 32 non-scheduled flights are set to be operated alongside Dubai-connected services.

UAE said that targeting energy facilities at Iran's South Pars poses a threat to global energy security. The UAE has asked to avoid vital facilities such as South Pars, as it adheres closely to international law.

(Reuters)

The Saudi Defence Ministry said that it intercepted two ballistic missiles that were launched towards the Eastern Region.

(Khaleej Times)

Indigo flight operations to and from Dubai have resumed on March 18. The operations began at 4 pm UAE time.

Al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, called the Israeli attack on the natural gas field near Iran "a dangerous & irresponsible step amid the current military escalation in the region.”

“Targeting energy infrastructure constitutes a threat to global energy security, as well as to the peoples of the region & its environment,” he added.

Kuwaiti Education Minister Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabai said that if the current conditions persist, remote learning will continue after the Eid al-Fitr.

Macquarie has withdrawn from the Kuwait oil pipeline network bidding worth $7 billion. Macquarie is the first known investor to back out due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

(Reuters)

Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued evacuation warnings to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar oil facilities.

(Reuters)

PM Modi was in a discussion with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince about the ongoing Middle East conflict. Modi condemned attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty.

Spoke with HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait and conveyed greetings on the upcoming festival of Eid.We exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and shared concerns over recent developments. Reiterated India’s…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 18, 2026

Spoke with HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait and conveyed greetings on the upcoming festival of Eid.We exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and shared concerns over recent developments. Reiterated India’s…

The Australian Prime Minister said that an Iranian projectile hit their Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. No casualties were reported.

"There was minor damage to an accommodation block and ⁠a medical ⁠facility due to a ⁠small ‌fire that was ‌created as a result of that ‌projectile hitting n a road leading up to that base," added Albanese.

Bahrain residents have been alerted of an incoming threat, and all residents have been asked to head to the nearest safe location and remain calm.

South Korea said that they will receive 18 million barrels of crude and naphtha from the UAE.

UAE air defence intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 Iranian drones on March 18. Since the beginning of the conflict, the UAE has intercepted a total of 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1699 drones.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said that the UAE stands with Saudi Arabia and will support it with all measures to preserve and safeguard the territory.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, got on a call to discuss the regional development on March 17.

(Khaleej Times)

Emirates NBD, a UAE-based government-owned bank, has warned all its customers about scammers impersonating the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The scammers are requesting personal information via emails by offering support, insurance, or compensation.

Bapco Energies in Bahrain has announced a force majeure on all its group operations. The announcement came after one of the company's refinery complexes got targeted recently.

(Reuters)

Since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, Bahrain has dealt with 234 UAV drones and 130 missiles, as per the Bahrain defence forces.

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is now postponed to August 17 to 20. The event was supposed to take place from May 4 to 7, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The organisers said the decision was made to prioritise the safety and well-being of the people attending the event.

(Khaleej Times)

Saudi Arabia destroys drone intercepted in Riyadh region, said the Defence Ministry.

Saudi Arabia to host foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries Wednesday evening to discuss regional security. The “consultative ministerial meeting” in Riyadh is being held with the “aim of further consultation and coordination on ways to support the security and stability of the region,” the ministry said in a post on X.

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said another drone was shot down as it attempted to approach Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. The ministry added that several drones have been intercepted in recent hours, including one targeting the same area. Saudi forces also downed a ballistic missile, with debris falling near Prince Sultan Air Base without causing any damage.

•Al Jazeera

Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of interception operations, with no injuries reported. The Dubai Media office further urged people to rely on official sources for updates.

Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported. Please rely on official sources for updates.— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 18, 2026

Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported. Please rely on official sources for updates.

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said another drone was shot down after it attempted to approach the Embassies District.

The ministry added that Saudi forces have intercepted several drones in recent hours, along with a ballistic missile, with debris falling near Prince Sultan Air Base without causing any damage.

-Al Jazeera

The UAE says its air defences are dealing with a missile threat. This comes after Dubai residents reported hearing a loud bang.

•Al Jazeera

Iranian strikes near Gulf countries' urban areas are due to US forces relocating out of military bases into ⁠hotels inside cities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Al Jazeera. "Wherever there were American forces ‌gathering, wherever there were facilities belonging to them, they were targeted. It is possible some of ⁠these ⁠places were near urban areas," ⁠the top Iranian ‌diplomat said.

Israel has launched another wave of airstrikes targeting Beirut, escalating tensions in the region and raising fears of a broader conflict. Explosions were reported across parts of the city as military operations intensified, with smoke seen rising over key areas. The renewed strikes come amid ongoing hostilities, with both sides signaling no immediate de-escalation. Beirut, already under strain from previous attacks, continues to face the impact of repeated bombardments, triggering concern among civilians and the international community.

Mass cancellations: Airlines worldwide have suspended or cancelled flights to key Middle East hubs Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Riyadh.

Major carriers affected: Airlines like Air France-KLM, Lufthansa Group, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Air Canada have halted services.

UAE operations limited: Emirates and Etihad Airways are running reduced flight schedules amid partial airspace reopening.

Qatar airspace shut: Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended operations, with only limited flights planned.

Indian impact: IndiGo has suspended flights to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah until March 28.

Global air travel remains severely disrupted as the escalating Iran-linked conflict forces the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

Major international carriers have either cancelled or suspended flights across the region, with routes to cities such as Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and Beirut among the worst affected.

Airlines including Air France-KLM, Lufthansa Group, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Air Canada have halted services for days or, in some cases, weeks, citing safety concerns and airspace restrictions.

The UAE’s air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said, adding that sounds heard across parts of the country are from interceptions by air defence systems and fighter jets targeting drones and loitering munitions.

تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من إيران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة اعتراض كل من منظومات الدفاع الجوي للصواريخ البالستية، والمقاتلات للطائرات المسيرة والجوالة.UAE air defences are… pic.twitter.com/IvcRV5qPej— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 18, 2026

The Kuwait National Guard shot down an unmanned aircraft. The statement came hours after the Kuwaiti army said it was intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks.

-Al Jazeera

Qatar’s Defence Ministry said its armed forces intercepted a missile targeting the country, as multiple Gulf nations reported overnight drone and missile attacks.

•Al Jazeera

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram