Iran-Israel war LIVE: Trump pressures NATO, China over Iran's closure of key waterway

#### Key Updates

• Trump holds press conference aboard Air Force One en route from Washington

• Flights temporarily suspended at Dubai International Airport: aviation authority

• March 16, 2026 13:15 EU to discuss how to keep Hormuz strait open, EU's foreign chief saysEU member states will discuss ‌what can be done ⁠from the European side to ‌keep the Strait of Hormuz ‌open, the ‌EU’s ⁠foreign policy ⁠chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday (March 16).“It is in ‌our interest to keep the Strait of ‌Hormuz open, and that’s why we are ⁠also discussing what we ‌can do in this regard from the European side,” she said, ‌speaking to journalists ahead a EU foreign affairs ⁠meeting in Brussels. - Reuters

EU member states will discuss ‌what can be done ⁠from the European side to ‌keep the Strait of Hormuz ‌open, the ‌EU’s ⁠foreign policy ⁠chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday (March 16).

“It is in ‌our interest to keep the Strait of ‌Hormuz open, and that’s why we are ⁠also discussing what we ‌can do in this regard from the European side,” she said, ‌speaking to journalists ahead a EU foreign affairs ⁠meeting in Brussels.

•Reuters

• March 16, 2026 12:49 One person killed by missile attack on civilian car in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Media Office A Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi when a missile hit their car on Monday (March 16), authorities said, as Iran pressed on with strikes on the Gulf following U.S.-Israeli attacks.“Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.- AFP

A Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi when a missile hit their car on Monday (March 16), authorities said, as Iran pressed on with strikes on the Gulf following U.S.-Israeli attacks.

“Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

• March 16, 2026 12:46 Iran Judiciary Chief urges swift verdicts for those linked to U.S., IsraelIran’s head of the Judiciary said on Monday (March 16) there should be no leniency or delay in issuing verdicts against those affiliated with Israel and the United States.“We must not delay or show leniency in executing final verdicts against those who, during wartime and unrest, committed crimes and were affiliated with the aggressor enemy,” said Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, according to Tasnim News Agency.- AFP

Iran’s head of the Judiciary said on Monday (March 16) there should be no leniency or delay in issuing verdicts against those affiliated with Israel and the United States.

“We must not delay or show leniency in executing final verdicts against those who, during wartime and unrest, committed crimes and were affiliated with the aggressor enemy,” said Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, according to Tasnim News Agency.

• March 16, 2026 12:11 Iran still to play in World Cup says Asian football body The Iranian men’s football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, Asian football officials said Monday (March 16), despite a warning that they may be at risk.President Donald Trump warned the team on Thursday (March 12) that their “life and safety” could be at risk, should they attend this summer’s football extravaganza, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “As far as we know, Iran is playing,” said Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation’s general secretary.- AFP

The Iranian men’s football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, Asian football officials said Monday (March 16), despite a warning that they may be at risk.

President Donald Trump warned the team on Thursday (March 12) that their “life and safety” could be at risk, should they attend this summer’s football extravaganza, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “As far as we know, Iran is playing,” said Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation’s general secretary.

• March 16, 2026 12:07 Dubai airport 'gradually' resumes flights after nearby drone incident Flights were gradually resuming at Dubai airport on Monday (March 16), previously the world’s busiest for international flights, the airport operator said, after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fuel tank fire nearby, as Iran kept up its Gulf attacks.“Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure,” Dubai Airports said in a statement on X.-AFP

Flights were gradually resuming at Dubai airport on Monday (March 16), previously the world’s busiest for international flights, the airport operator said, after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fuel tank fire nearby, as Iran kept up its Gulf attacks.

“Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure,” Dubai Airports said in a statement on X.

• March 16, 2026 12:04 Israel army says begun 'limited targeted ground operations' against Hezbollah in south Lebanon The Israeli military said on Monday (March 16) it had begun what it described as “limited ground operations” against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.“In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area,” the military said in a statement.- AFP

The Israeli military said on Monday (March 16) it had begun what it described as “limited ground operations” against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

“In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area,” the military said in a statement.

• March 16, 2026 10:53 Trump pressures NATO, China over Iran's closure of key waterway President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday (March 16) to ward off supply disruptions.Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50% after Iran choked off the waterway and attacked energy and shipping industry targets in the Gulf in retaliation for the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.- AFP

President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday (March 16) to ward off supply disruptions.

Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50% after Iran choked off the waterway and attacked energy and shipping industry targets in the Gulf in retaliation for the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

• March 16, 2026 10:46 Iran war an 'abject lesson' on fossil fuel dependence, UN climate chief saysThe ‌disruption to energy markets caused by the Iran war is an “abject lesson” in the risks of relying ⁠on fossil fuels, and underscores the case for governments to wean their economies off oil and gas, the UN climate secretary will ‌tell EU policymakers on Monday (March 16).- Reuters

The ‌disruption to energy markets caused by the Iran war is an “abject lesson” in the risks of relying ⁠on fossil fuels, and underscores the case for governments to wean their economies off oil and gas, the UN climate secretary will ‌tell EU policymakers on Monday (March 16).

•Reuters

• March 16, 2026 10:11 Saudi Arabia has intercepted more than 60 drones since midnight: Defence Ministry Saudi Arabia has intercepted more than 60 drones since midnight, according to a tally of Defence Ministry figures released on Monday (March 16).The Saudi Defence Ministry posted a series of statements on X describing the interception of a total of 61 drones in the east of the country in the early hours of Monday (March 16) morning.- AFP

Saudi Arabia has intercepted more than 60 drones since midnight, according to a tally of Defence Ministry figures released on Monday (March 16).

The Saudi Defence Ministry posted a series of statements on X describing the interception of a total of 61 drones in the east of the country in the early hours of Monday (March 16) morning.

• March 16, 2026 09:59 Trump demands others help secure Strait of Hormuz, Japan and Australia say no plans to send shipsJapan and Australia said on Monday (March 16) they were not planning to send navy vessels to the Middle East to escort ships ‌through the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to create a coalition to reopen the vital waterway.“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory,” Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on the way from Florida to Washington. “It’s the place from which ‌they get their energy.”Trump demands others help secure Strait of Hormuz, Japan and Australia say no plans to send shipsTrump urges allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but Japan and Australia refuse to send naval support amid rising tensions.- Reuters

Japan and Australia said on Monday (March 16) they were not planning to send navy vessels to the Middle East to escort ships ‌through the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to create a coalition to reopen the vital waterway.

“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory,” Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on the way from Florida to Washington. “It’s the place from which ‌they get their energy.”

Trump demands others help secure Strait of Hormuz, Japan and Australia say no plans to send ships

Trump urges allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but Japan and Australia refuse to send naval support amid rising tensions.

•Reuters

• March 16, 2026 09:48 Dubai airport closure forces Emirates flight back to KochiAn Emirates flight bound for Dubai with 325 passengers on board returned to Kochi in Kerala four hours after take-off on Monday (March 16, 2026) morning following the sudden closure of the Dubai airport.The flight, EK 533, had left at 4.30 a.m. and landed back at 8.30 a.m. Airport sources said the closure was prompted by a “security incident.”West Asia conflict: Dubai airport closure forces Emirates flight back to KochiEmirates flight from Kochi returns four hours later due to Dubai airport closure amid ongoing West Asia conflict.

An Emirates flight bound for Dubai with 325 passengers on board returned to Kochi in Kerala four hours after take-off on Monday (March 16, 2026) morning following the sudden closure of the Dubai airport.

The flight, EK 533, had left at 4.30 a.m. and landed back at 8.30 a.m. Airport sources said the closure was prompted by a “security incident.”

West Asia conflict: Dubai airport closure forces Emirates flight back to Kochi

Emirates flight from Kochi returns four hours later due to Dubai airport closure amid ongoing West Asia conflict.

• March 16, 2026 09:46 Fire breaks out in vicinity of Dubai International Airport after drone attackFlights were temporarily suspended at Dubai’s airport, previously one of the world’s busiest, after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said on Monday (March 16).Fire breaks out in vicinity of Dubai International Airport after drone attackFire from a drone attack near Dubai International Airport leads to temporary flight suspensions, authorities confirm safety measures.

Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai’s airport, previously one of the world’s busiest, after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said on Monday (March 16).

Fire breaks out in vicinity of Dubai International Airport after drone attack

Fire from a drone attack near Dubai International Airport leads to temporary flight suspensions, authorities confirm safety measures.

• March 16, 2026 09:24 Dubai-bound flight returns to Thiruvananthapuram Airport following tensions in UAE airspaceThe Dubai Emirates flight was redirected and returned to Thiruvananthapuram Airport following tensions in the UAE airspace.Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai’s airport, previously one of the world’s busiest, after a “drone-related incident” sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said on Monday (March 16).WhatsApp Image 2026-03-16 at 8.48.35 AM.jpeg

The Dubai Emirates flight was redirected and returned to Thiruvananthapuram Airport following tensions in the UAE airspace.

WhatsApp Image 2026-03-16 at 8.48.35 AM.jpeg

• March 16, 2026 08:48 Trump accuses Iran of using AI to spread disinformationU.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (March 15) accused Iran of using artificial intelligence as a “disinformation weapon” to misrepresent its wartime successes and support.“AI can be very dangerous, ‌we have to be very careful with it,” Mr. Trump said to reporters on Air Force One shortly ⁠after he made a post on his Truth Social platform where he accused Western media outlets without evidence of “close coordination” with Iran to spread AI-generated “fake ‌news.” Trump accuses Iran of using AI to spread disinformationTrump accuses Iran of weaponising AI for disinformation, citing misleading claims about military successes and public support rallies.- Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (March 15) accused Iran of using artificial intelligence as a “disinformation weapon” to misrepresent its wartime successes and support.

“AI can be very dangerous, ‌we have to be very careful with it,” Mr. Trump said to reporters on Air Force One shortly ⁠after he made a post on his Truth Social platform where he accused Western media outlets without evidence of “close coordination” with Iran to spread AI-generated “fake ‌news.”

Trump accuses Iran of using AI to spread disinformation

Trump accuses Iran of weaponising AI for disinformation, citing misleading claims about military successes and public support rallies.

•Reuters

• March 16, 2026 08:45 Trump holds press conference aboard Air Force One en route from Washington

• March 16, 2026 08:43 Trump eyes 'Hormuz coalition', seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub, Axios reportsU.S. ‌President Donald Trump is working ⁠to assemble ‌a ‌coalition ‌of ⁠countries ⁠to reopen the Strait of ‌Hormuz and is hoping ‌to announce it ⁠later this ‌week, Axios reported on Sunday ‌(March 15, 2026), citing four sources.- Reuters

U.S. ‌President Donald Trump is working ⁠to assemble ‌a ‌coalition ‌of ⁠countries ⁠to reopen the Strait of ‌Hormuz and is hoping ‌to announce it ⁠later this ‌week, Axios reported on Sunday ‌(March 15, 2026), citing four sources.

•Reuters

• March 16, 2026 08:31 Japan not planning Hormuz escort mission, PM Takaichi saysJapan has no plan to dispatch naval vessels to escort vessels in West Asia, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday, after ⁠U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to protect tankers traversing through the Strait of Hormuz.“We have ‌not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are ‌continuing to examine what Japan can ‌do independently ⁠and what can be done ⁠within the legal framework,” Ms. Takaichi told parliament.-Reuters

Japan has no plan to dispatch naval vessels to escort vessels in West Asia, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday, after ⁠U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to protect tankers traversing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have ‌not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are ‌continuing to examine what Japan can ‌do independently ⁠and what can be done ⁠within the legal framework,” Ms. Takaichi told parliament.

-Reuters

• March 16, 2026 08:05 Netanyahu posts video in response to Iran rumours that he is dead Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video of himself getting a cup of coffee and chatting with his aide, after rumours that he was dead or injured were aired by Iranian ⁠state media and spread online in IranRead more:Netanyahu posts video in response to Iran rumours that he is deadNetanyahu counters Iranian rumors of his death with a lighthearted video, enjoying coffee and affirming his commitment to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video of himself getting a cup of coffee and chatting with his aide, after rumours that he was dead or injured were aired by Iranian ⁠state media and spread online in Iran

Netanyahu posts video in response to Iran rumours that he is dead

Netanyahu counters Iranian rumors of his death with a lighthearted video, enjoying coffee and affirming his commitment to Israel.

• March 16, 2026 07:56 Flights temporarily suspended at Dubai International Airport: aviation authority Flights have been temporarily suspended at Dubai’s international airport for safety reasons, the city’s aviation authority said on Monday, shortly after a drone incident sparked a fire nearby.“Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff,” Dubai’s media office posted on X.-AFP

Flights have been temporarily suspended at Dubai’s international airport for safety reasons, the city’s aviation authority said on Monday, shortly after a drone incident sparked a fire nearby.

“Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff,” Dubai’s media office posted on X.

• March 16, 2026 07:56 Trump says NATO faces ‘very bad’ future if allies don't help open Hormuz U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that NATO faces a “very bad” future if U.S. allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit effectively shut by Iran in the West Asia war.Read more:Trump says NATO faces ‘very bad’ future if allies don't help open HormuzTrump warns NATO's future is at risk if allies don't assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that NATO faces a “very bad” future if U.S. allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit effectively shut by Iran in the West Asia war.

Trump says NATO faces ‘very bad’ future if allies don't help open Hormuz

Trump warns NATO's future is at risk if allies don't assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices.

• March 16, 2026 07:55 Jaishankar hails talks with Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, says no “blanket arrangement” for Indian-flagged ships: report Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar has hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way ‌to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, in an interview with the Financial ⁠Times.Read more:Jaishankar hails talks with Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, says no “blanket arrangement” for Indian-flagged ships: reportJaishankar praises Iran talks for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing no blanket deal for Indian-flagged ships.

Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar has hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way ‌to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, in an interview with the Financial ⁠Times.

Jaishankar hails talks with Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, says no “blanket arrangement” for Indian-flagged ships: report

Jaishankar praises Iran talks for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing no blanket deal for Indian-flagged ships.

Published - March 16, 2026 07:53 am IST