Iran-Israel war LIVE: U.S. forces ‘no longer need’ military help in the Iran war, says Trump
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Key Updates • Larijani's killing gives Iranians chance to overthrow rulers, says Netanyahu • India’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrives at Gujarat port • Rubio tells U.S. diplomats to push allies to blacklist Iran Guards and Hezbollah • Missile debris kills one in Abu Dhabi: Govt. • Oil climbs over 2% as Iran war halts supply • Trump was warned of likely Iranian retaliation on Gulf allies: report • Two killed in strike on house in Baghdad with 'Iranian advisers': report • Israel doesn’t seek ‘perpetual war’ with Iran, says Envoy, suggests diplomatic options remain • March 18, 2026 01:52 SAS cancels flights after fuel prices surge Scandinavian airline SAS said Tuesday it will cancel at least a thousand flights in April after the war in the Middle East sent fuel prices surging.“The price of jet fuel has doubled in ten days. Even if we try to absorb cost increases as much as possible, this is a shock that directly hits the airline industry,” CEO Anko van der Werff told Swedish business daily Dagens Industri.SAS had been one of the first carriers to announce fare increases to account for soaring jet fuel prices.- AFP Scandinavian airline SAS said Tuesday it will cancel at least a thousand flights in April after the war in the Middle East sent fuel prices surging. “The price of jet fuel has doubled in ten days. Even if we try to absorb cost increases as much as possible, this is a shock that directly hits the airline industry,” CEO Anko van der Werff told Swedish business daily Dagens Industri. SAS had been one of the first carriers to announce fare increases to account for soaring jet fuel prices. • March 18, 2026 01:33 Russia is sharing satellite imagery and drone technology with Iran, WSJ reports Russia has been expanding its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and improved drone technology to aid Tehran’s targeting of U.S. forces in the region, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.Reuters could not immediately verify the report. - Reuters Russia has been expanding its intelligence sharing and military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and improved drone technology to aid Tehran’s targeting of U.S. forces in the region, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. • March 18, 2026 01:24 Iraq asks Iran for oil tanker passage through Strait of Hormuz: Minister Iraq was in contact with Iran to try to arrange passage for some of its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s oil minister told local media.A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 percent of Iraq’s budget revenues. Before the outbreak of war on February 28, Iraq mainly shipped its oil -- roughly 3.5 million barrels per day -- from the southern Basra fields via the Strait of Hormuz.Iran has closed the strait, through which as much as a fifth of the world’s global crude oil and liquefied natural gas is normally shipped, to vessels from most countries.- AFP Iraq was in contact with Iran to try to arrange passage for some of its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s oil minister told local media. A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 percent of Iraq’s budget revenues. Before the outbreak of war on February 28, Iraq mainly shipped its oil -- roughly 3.5 million barrels per day -- from the southern Basra fields via the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has closed the strait, through which as much as a fifth of the world’s global crude oil and liquefied natural gas is normally shipped, to vessels from most countries. • March 18, 2026 00:40 Israel Army says will 'track down, find, neutralise' Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei The Israeli military said Tuesday that it would hunt down Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.“We don’t know about Mojtaba Khamenei, we don’t hear him, we don’t see him, but I can tell you one thing: we will track him down, find him, and neutralise him,” military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told reporters.- AFP The Israeli military said Tuesday that it would hunt down Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei. “We don’t know about Mojtaba Khamenei, we don’t hear him, we don’t see him, but I can tell you one thing: we will track him down, find him, and neutralise him,” military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told reporters. • March 18, 2026 00:14 France rules out Hormuz ship escorts under 'bombings' President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said France would “never” help secure the Strait of Hormuz “in the current context” of hostilities, rebuffing his US counterpart Donald Trump’s call for help.Speaking at a defence council meeting, Macron said France could help escort vessels in the strategic waterway, through which around 20 percent of global seaborne oil passes, but only after the situation has calmed down.Last week, Macron said France and its allies were preparing a “defensive” mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut by Iran in response to the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.- AFP President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said France would “never” help secure the Strait of Hormuz “in the current context” of hostilities, rebuffing his US counterpart Donald Trump’s call for help. Speaking at a defence council meeting, Macron said France could help escort vessels in the strategic waterway, through which around 20 percent of global seaborne oil passes, but only after the situation has calmed down. Last week, Macron said France and its allies were preparing a “defensive” mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut by Iran in response to the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28. • March 18, 2026 00:14 Projectile hits area near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant A projectile hit the area near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear power plant on Tuesday, Iran’s Tansim news agency cited the country’s Atomic Energy Organisation as saying, adding no damage had been reported.The projectile hit the vicinity of the nuclear power plant in the port city of Bushehr at around 7 p.m. local time, the news agency added.- Reuters A projectile hit the area near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear power plant on Tuesday, Iran’s Tansim news agency cited the country’s Atomic Energy Organisation as saying, adding no damage had been reported. The projectile hit the vicinity of the nuclear power plant in the port city of Bushehr at around 7 p.m. local time, the news agency added. • March 18, 2026 00:13 Basij Commander killed in U.S. Israel attack Gholamreza Soleimani, the Commander of Iran’s Basij force killed in U.S. Israel attack - state media- Reuters Gholamreza Soleimani, the Commander of Iran’s Basij force killed in U.S. Israel attack - state media • March 18, 2026 00:02 Iran vets friendly ships for Hormuz passage: trackers Iran is selecting ships from friendly countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade waterway cut off by the Middle East war, data trackers indicated Tuesday.Tehran’s forces have closed off the waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes in peacetime, with deadly hits reported on vessels since the war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.But at least five ships exited the Strait via Iranian waters on March 15 and 16, maritime intelligence firm Windward said in an analysis report on Tuesday.“The new route illustrates how Iran’s selective blockade has evolved to allow allies and supporters to transit”, it said, citing its tracking as “rising evidence that Iran is exerting permission-based transit and control of the strait”.- AFP Iran is selecting ships from friendly countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade waterway cut off by the Middle East war, data trackers indicated Tuesday. Tehran’s forces have closed off the waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes in peacetime, with deadly hits reported on vessels since the war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. But at least five ships exited the Strait via Iranian waters on March 15 and 16, maritime intelligence firm Windward said in an analysis report on Tuesday. “The new route illustrates how Iran’s selective blockade has evolved to allow allies and supporters to transit”, it said, citing its tracking as “rising evidence that Iran is exerting permission-based transit and control of the strait”. • March 17, 2026 23:15 Security source says U.S. Embassy struck as explosions heard in Baghdad Several loud explosions were heard Tuesday evening in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, AFP journalists reported, with a security official reporting a drone and rocket attack on the US embassy.In a restaurant in the city, where diners did not react to the initial sounds of the blasts, a witness told AFP he saw detonations caused by the embassy’s air defences intercepting projectiles.Another witness saw a fire on the edge of the embassy grounds from her balcony, with the blaze also reported by the security official, who said it was caused by a drone.“The embassy was the target of a drone and rocket attack,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.- AFP Several loud explosions were heard Tuesday evening in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, AFP journalists reported, with a security official reporting a drone and rocket attack on the US embassy. In a restaurant in the city, where diners did not react to the initial sounds of the blasts, a witness told AFP he saw detonations caused by the embassy’s air defences intercepting projectiles. Another witness saw a fire on the edge of the embassy grounds from her balcony, with the blaze also reported by the security official, who said it was caused by a drone. “The embassy was the target of a drone and rocket attack,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. • March 17, 2026 22:43 PM Modi speaks to UAE President, agree on keeping Strait of Hormuz safePrime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussed with him the current situation in West Asia and agreed on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.During his telephonic conversation, Modi strongly condemned all attacks on the Gulf country and agreed with the UAE leader to continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in West Asia.“Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and conveyed advance Eid greetings.”“We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure,” Mr. Modi said in a post on X.Mr. Modi said he and the UAE President agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.-PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussed with him the current situation in West Asia and agreed on ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During his telephonic conversation, Modi strongly condemned all attacks on the Gulf country and agreed with the UAE leader to continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in West Asia. “Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and conveyed advance Eid greetings.” “We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure,” Mr. Modi said in a post on X. Mr. Modi said he and the UAE President agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. • March 17, 2026 22:25 Nearly 2.44 lakh passengers returned to India from West Asia since Feb 28: MEAAmid the escalating West Asia conflict, the government today said around 2.44 lakh people have returned from the region to India since February 28.At an inter-ministerial briefing here on the West Asia situation, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Aseem R. Mahajan, also said that five Indian nationals have lost their lives so far amid this conflict.One is missing in an earlier incident, while the mortal remains of two Indians who died in an incident in Oman’s Sohar city recently were repatriated to India today and have been received by their families in Jaipur.-PTI Amid the escalating West Asia conflict, the government today said around 2.44 lakh people have returned from the region to India since February 28. At an inter-ministerial briefing here on the West Asia situation, Additional Secretary (Gulf), Aseem R. Mahajan, also said that five Indian nationals have lost their lives so far amid this conflict. One is missing in an earlier incident, while the mortal remains of two Indians who died in an incident in Oman’s Sohar city recently were repatriated to India today and have been received by their families in Jaipur. • March 17, 2026 22:24 Israel says striking Basij militia in Tehran after announcing killing of leaderIsrael’s military said it was striking positions of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force around Tehran today, after announcing it had killed the volunteer militia’s top commander.“The air force has attacked, in recent hours, soldiers and positions of the Basij unit that were deployed throughout Tehran,” Israel’s air force posted online along with a video of what it said was a strike in Iran’s capital.Israel earlier today announced it had killed Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani in an air strike, at the same time as it said it had assassinated Tehran’s national security chief Ali Larijani.Neither death has been confirmed by Iran so far.-AFP Israel’s military said it was striking positions of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force around Tehran today, after announcing it had killed the volunteer militia’s top commander. “The air force has attacked, in recent hours, soldiers and positions of the Basij unit that were deployed throughout Tehran,” Israel’s air force posted online along with a video of what it said was a strike in Iran’s capital. Israel earlier today announced it had killed Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani in an air strike, at the same time as it said it had assassinated Tehran’s national security chief Ali Larijani. Neither death has been confirmed by Iran so far. • March 17, 2026 22:19 Trump accuses NATO of 'foolish mistake' over Strait of HormuzU.S. President Donald Trump said today that NATO was making a “foolish mistake” on Iran, after the military alliance’s members largely rebuffed his calls to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic.“I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” Mr. Trump told reporters as he hosted Ireland’s prime minister in the Oval Office. “When they say it (Iran) was a threat, but we’re not going to help, I think they’re very foolish.”-AFP U.S. President Donald Trump said today that NATO was making a “foolish mistake” on Iran, after the military alliance’s members largely rebuffed his calls to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic. “I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake,” Mr. Trump told reporters as he hosted Ireland’s prime minister in the Oval Office. “When they say it (Iran) was a threat, but we’re not going to help, I think they’re very foolish.” • March 17, 2026 22:05 Turkiye calls Israel's killings of Iran leaders 'illegal'Turkiye’s top diplomat today lashed out at Israel after it claimed to have killed Iran’s powerful national security chief Ali Larijani, denouncing its targeting of Tehran’s leaders as “illegal”.“Israel’s political assassinations, especially those targeting Iranian statesmen and politicians, are truly illegal activities outside the normal laws of war,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference.Mr. Larijani’s death has not been confirmed by Iran.-AFP Turkiye’s top diplomat today lashed out at Israel after it claimed to have killed Iran’s powerful national security chief Ali Larijani, denouncing its targeting of Tehran’s leaders as “illegal”. “Israel’s political assassinations, especially those targeting Iranian statesmen and politicians, are truly illegal activities outside the normal laws of war,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference. Mr. Larijani’s death has not been confirmed by Iran. • March 17, 2026 22:04 Trump says U.S. will leave Iran operation in 'very near future'President Donald Trump told reporters today that the United States was not ready to leave the military operation in Iran yet, but that “we’ll be leaving in pretty much the very near future”.-Reuters President Donald Trump told reporters today that the United States was not ready to leave the military operation in Iran yet, but that “we’ll be leaving in pretty much the very near future”. • March 17, 2026 21:57 Resignation of U.S. intel official over Iran 'good thing': TrumpA senior U.S. counterterrorism official who resigned to protest the Iran war was “very weak on security” and it’s a “good thing” that he stepped down, President Donald Trump said today.Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned today, saying he “cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.”“I always thought he was weak on security, very weak on security,” the President told reporters in the Oval Office.He said that when he saw Kent’s resignation statement, “I realised that it’s a good thing that he’s out.”-AFP A senior U.S. counterterrorism official who resigned to protest the Iran war was “very weak on security” and it’s a “good thing” that he stepped down, President Donald Trump said today. Joseph Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), resigned today, saying he “cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran.” “I always thought he was weak on security, very weak on security,” the President told reporters in the Oval Office. He said that when he saw Kent’s resignation statement, “I realised that it’s a good thing that he’s out.” • March 17, 2026 21:56 West Asia war could trigger 'permanent' refugee crisis: Turkiye If the West Asia war spreads, it could create a “permanent” refugee crisis, Turkiye’s top diplomat warned today as Lebanon said Israel’s bombardment had displaced over a million people.“If the war... spreads, there is a possibility this will turn into a permanent refugee crisis with refugees seeking shelter outside the borders of their countries,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference.“This needs to stop as soon as possible.”-AFP If the West Asia war spreads, it could create a “permanent” refugee crisis, Turkiye’s top diplomat warned today as Lebanon said Israel’s bombardment had displaced over a million people. “If the war... spreads, there is a possibility this will turn into a permanent refugee crisis with refugees seeking shelter outside the borders of their countries,” Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a news conference. “This needs to stop as soon as possible.” • March 17, 2026 21:54 Trump postpones trip to Beijing as Iran war delays China resetPresident Donald Trump today said he is postponing a highly anticipated trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the war with Iran upends U.S. foreign policy and delays an effort to ease tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.“We are resetting the meeting ... We’re working with China. They were fine with it,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.Mr. Trump had been set to travel to Beijing from March 31-April 2 for the first trip there of his 14-month-old second term. The trip will now take place in about five or six weeks, Mr. Trump said.The postponed visit heightens uncertainty for markets and diplomacy alike, as the war with Iran has driven oil prices higher, threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and sharpened investor focus on energy security.-Reuters President Donald Trump today said he is postponing a highly anticipated trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the war with Iran upends U.S. foreign policy and delays an effort to ease tensions between the world’s two biggest economies. “We are resetting the meeting ... We’re working with China. They were fine with it,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Mr. Trump had been set to travel to Beijing from March 31-April 2 for the first trip there of his 14-month-old second term. The trip will now take place in about five or six weeks, Mr. Trump said. The postponed visit heightens uncertainty for markets and diplomacy alike, as the war with Iran has driven oil prices higher, threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and sharpened investor focus on energy security. • March 17, 2026 21:21 US does 'not need' help from allies on Iran, Trump saysPresident Donald Trump, whose call for assistance from allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic has largely been rebuffed, said today that U.S. forces “no longer need” military help in the Iran war.“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance -- WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea,” Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social network, adding: “WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”-AFPU.S. does ‘not need’ help from allies on Iran, says Donald TrumpU.S. President Donald Trump declares the U.S. no longer needs ally support in Iran conflict amid rising tensions and global energy concerns. President Donald Trump, whose call for assistance from allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic has largely been rebuffed, said today that U.S. forces “no longer need” military help in the Iran war. “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance -- WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea,” Mr. Trump posted on his Truth Social network, adding: “WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!” ### U.S. does ‘not need’ help from allies on Iran, says Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump declares the U.S. no longer needs ally support in Iran conflict amid rising tensions and global energy concerns. • March 17, 2026 21:15 France ready to join Hormuz ship escorts once situation 'calmer': MacronFrance is ready to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz but only once the situation has become “calmer”, said President Emmanuel Macron today.“We are not a party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context,” Mr. Macron said following U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that allies help secure the waterway effectively shut by Iran in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes.“However, we are convinced that once the situation becomes calmer... we are ready, alongside other nations, to take responsibility for an escort system.”- AFP France is ready to help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz but only once the situation has become “calmer”, said President Emmanuel Macron today. “We are not a party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context,” Mr. Macron said following U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that allies help secure the waterway effectively shut by Iran in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes. “However, we are convinced that once the situation becomes calmer... we are ready, alongside other nations, to take responsibility for an escort system.” • March 17, 2026 20:52 Satellite images begin to show damage wrought by Iran warSatellite images are beginning to be released, giving a glimpse into the toll of the Iran war, with ships ablaze in an Iranian port and destroyed buildings at an American base.Information has so far been scarce about the damage being done across the Middle East, particularly when it’s inside closed military facilities, since the start of the war on February.The images come from Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based firm used by media outlets, including The Associated Press. Planet Labs has put a two-week delay on its imagery becoming public, citing concerns its imagery could be used by “adversarial actors.”High-resolution images have also been published by competing firms. Other providers, like the U.S. Geological Survey, have been publishing lower-resolution imagery as well that’s been useful.-AP Satellite images are beginning to be released, giving a glimpse into the toll of the Iran war, with ships ablaze in an Iranian port and destroyed buildings at an American base. Information has so far been scarce about the damage being done across the Middle East, particularly when it’s inside closed military facilities, since the start of the war on February. The images come from Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based firm used by media outlets, including The Associated Press. Planet Labs has put a two-week delay on its imagery becoming public, citing concerns its imagery could be used by “adversarial actors.” High-resolution images have also been published by competing firms. Other providers, like the U.S. Geological Survey, have been publishing lower-resolution imagery as well that’s been useful. • March 17, 2026 20:48 Israel threats of Gaza-level destruction in Lebanon 'unacceptable': UNThreats from Israeli officials to unleash Gaza-level destruction on Lebanon are “wholly unacceptable”, the UN said today, and warned that “deliberately attacking civilians or civilian objects amounts to a war crime”.Israel has stepped up strikes and deployed ground troops to its northern neighbour since March 2, when Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war after Tehran’s ally Hezbollah attacked Israel with rockets in retaliation for the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.More than a million people have been displaced across Lebanon, while Israeli strikes have killed 886 people, including 67 women and 111 children, since March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry says.“Another tragic chapter in Lebanon’s history is being written,” United Nations rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva.He said the situation was already “catastrophic”, voicing alarm at comments from Israeli officials suggesting that parts of Lebanon would face devastation similar to Gaza.-AFP Threats from Israeli officials to unleash Gaza-level destruction on Lebanon are “wholly unacceptable”, the UN said today, and warned that “deliberately attacking civilians or civilian objects amounts to a war crime”. Israel has stepped up strikes and deployed ground troops to its northern neighbour since March 2, when Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war after Tehran’s ally Hezbollah attacked Israel with rockets in retaliation for the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. More than a million people have been displaced across Lebanon, while Israeli strikes have killed 886 people, including 67 women and 111 children, since March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry says. “Another tragic chapter in Lebanon’s history is being written,” United Nations rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva. He said the situation was already “catastrophic”, voicing alarm at comments from Israeli officials suggesting that parts of Lebanon would face devastation similar to Gaza. • March 17, 2026 19:53 Pakistan suspends national day parade due to Gulf crisisThe Pakistani government said it would not be holding the annual national day parade and ceremonial events this year due to “austerity measures” linked to the Gulf crisis.Pakistan Day is held every year on March 23 -- a public holiday -- and is marked with parades, military flypasts, and cultural events across the country.But “in the backdrop of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the consequent austerity measures announced by the government, it has been decided that the Pakistan Day Parade and associated ceremonial events shall not be held” next Monday, a statement read.Instead, the day will be marked with “dignity and reverence through a simple flag hoisting ceremony”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said.-AFP The Pakistani government said it would not be holding the annual national day parade and ceremonial events this year due to “austerity measures” linked to the Gulf crisis. Pakistan Day is held every year on March 23 -- a public holiday -- and is marked with parades, military flypasts, and cultural events across the country. But “in the backdrop of the ongoing Gulf oil crisis and the consequent austerity measures announced by the government, it has been decided that the Pakistan Day Parade and associated ceremonial events shall not be held” next Monday, a statement read. Instead, the day will be marked with “dignity and reverence through a simple flag hoisting ceremony”, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said. • March 17, 2026 19:40 Hezbollah denies any members in Kuwait after arrest of 16 alleged affiliatesHezbollah today denied it had any members in Kuwait a day after the Gulf country announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaitis and two Lebanese nationals allegedly affiliated with the group over a “sabotage plot”.“Hezbollah categorically denies the allegations and accusations issued by the Kuwaiti interior ministry,” the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group said in a statement, calling the allegations “baseless” and adding: “There are no Hezbollah cells, members or networks in Kuwait.”-AFP Hezbollah today denied it had any members in Kuwait a day after the Gulf country announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaitis and two Lebanese nationals allegedly affiliated with the group over a “sabotage plot”. “Hezbollah categorically denies the allegations and accusations issued by the Kuwaiti interior ministry,” the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group said in a statement, calling the allegations “baseless” and adding: “There are no Hezbollah cells, members or networks in Kuwait.” • March 17, 2026 19:39 U.S. top counterterrorism official Kent resigns to protest Iran warThe director of the National Counterterrorism Centre has announced his resignation, saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war in Iran.Joe Kent says on social media Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”Mr. Kent is a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists. Mr. Kent was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote.-APRead more:Top U.S. counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threatJoe Kent resigns as National Counterterrorism Centre head, citing Iran poses no imminent threat amid war pressures from Israel. The director of the National Counterterrorism Centre has announced his resignation, saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war in Iran. Joe Kent says on social media Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” Mr. Kent is a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists. Mr. Kent was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote. Read more: ### Top U.S. counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat Joe Kent resigns as National Counterterrorism Centre head, citing Iran poses no imminent threat amid war pressures from Israel. • March 17, 2026 19:26 Iran allows Pakistani oil tanker passage through Strait of HormuzIran has permitted a Pakistani commercial oil tanker to pass through its side of the Strait of Hormuz and enter Pakistan’s territorial waters in the Arabian Sea, an official said today.The ship, ‘MT Karachi’, carrying around 109,990 tonnes of crude oil will dock at the Karachi port trust tomorrow, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) spokesperson Farooq Nizami said.The vessel successfully transited the Iranian-controlled side of the Strait of Hormuz after receiving clearance from Iranian authorities, even as the conflict in the region has disrupted commercial air and sea traffic, he said.The tanker crossed the strait on March 15 after loading crude oil at Das Island in Abu Dhabi.-PTI Iran has permitted a Pakistani commercial oil tanker to pass through its side of the Strait of Hormuz and enter Pakistan’s territorial waters in the Arabian Sea, an official said today. The ship, ‘MT Karachi’, carrying around 109,990 tonnes of crude oil will dock at the Karachi port trust tomorrow, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) spokesperson Farooq Nizami said. The vessel successfully transited the Iranian-controlled side of the Strait of Hormuz after receiving clearance from Iranian authorities, even as the conflict in the region has disrupted commercial air and sea traffic, he said. The tanker crossed the strait on March 15 after loading crude oil at Das Island in Abu Dhabi. • March 17, 2026 19:00 Lebanon proposes first direct talks with Israel in decadesWith airstrikes rocking Beirut and Israeli troops advancing against Hezbollah, Lebanon’s government has broken a taboo by proposing the first direct talks with Israel in decades. But Lebanese officials say they want the fighting to end first — and it might be too late for that.Hezbollah’s decision to enter the wider Iran war by firing rockets at Israel has led to the heavy Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing some 850 Lebanese and driving over a million people from their homes.The Iran-backed Hezbollah views the latest war as an existential struggle, and Israel is threatening a wider ground invasion, the seizure of territory and the destruction of Lebanon’s civilian infrastructure.The United States, which has mediated during past flare-ups, has so shown no interest in doing so this time around.-AP With airstrikes rocking Beirut and Israeli troops advancing against Hezbollah, Lebanon’s government has broken a taboo by proposing the first direct talks with Israel in decades. But Lebanese officials say they want the fighting to end first — and it might be too late for that. Hezbollah’s decision to enter the wider Iran war by firing rockets at Israel has led to the heavy Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing some 850 Lebanese and driving over a million people from their homes. The Iran-backed Hezbollah views the latest war as an existential struggle, and Israel is threatening a wider ground invasion, the seizure of territory and the destruction of Lebanon’s civilian infrastructure. The United States, which has mediated during past flare-ups, has so shown no interest in doing so this time around. • March 17, 2026 18:59 Larijani's killing gives Iranians chance to overthrow rulers, says Netanyahu • March 17, 2026 18:27 Germany targets oil firms to prevent wartime price gougingGermany said its competition watchdog will soon get more powers to target energy firms over concerns they are unfairly hiking petrol prices to profit from the wartime oil shock.Global oil prices have surged as the Middle East war, pitting allies the United States and Israel against Iran, has led to the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers.In Germany, “it is certainly notable that prices at gas stations have risen more sharply than the European average,” Economy Minister Katherina Reiche told a press conference.“The oil industry has not provided a particularly convincing explanation for this, and that is why we will take action.”The Federal Cartel Office watchdog will be given more powers “to quickly investigate and stop price markups in the wholesale sector,” she said.-Reuters Germany said its competition watchdog will soon get more powers to target energy firms over concerns they are unfairly hiking petrol prices to profit from the wartime oil shock. Global oil prices have surged as the Middle East war, pitting allies the United States and Israel against Iran, has led to the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers. In Germany, “it is certainly notable that prices at gas stations have risen more sharply than the European average,” Economy Minister Katherina Reiche told a press conference. “The oil industry has not provided a particularly convincing explanation for this, and that is why we will take action.” The Federal Cartel Office watchdog will be given more powers “to quickly investigate and stop price markups in the wholesale sector,” she said. • March 17, 2026 17:54 Israel conducts air strike near Beirut airport: state mediaThe Israeli military launched an air strike near Beirut’s airport, in the city’s southern suburbs, according to state media, after several raids hit the area earlier in the day.“Israeli warplanes launched a raid, the third today, on the southern suburbs, targeting the old airport road near the Ansar Stadium in the Burj al-Barajneh area,” a short distance from Beirut International Airport, state media reported.The Lebanese civil aviation authority, in a statement to state media, said the airport continued to operate normally and that the road leading to it remained passable.-AFP The Israeli military launched an air strike near Beirut’s airport, in the city’s southern suburbs, according to state media, after several raids hit the area earlier in the day. “Israeli warplanes launched a raid, the third today, on the southern suburbs, targeting the old airport road near the Ansar Stadium in the Burj al-Barajneh area,” a short distance from Beirut International Airport, state media reported. The Lebanese civil aviation authority, in a statement to state media, said the airport continued to operate normally and that the road leading to it remained passable. • March 17, 2026 17:41 India denies discussing release of tankers with Iran for Hormuz passageIndia denied holding talks with Iran about releasing three tankers seized in February in exchange for ensuring safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.Indian authorities seized the three Iran-linked ships near Indian waters, alleging they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea.Reuters reported on May 16, citing sources, that Iran had asked India to release the U.S.-sanctioned ships as part of talks seeking the safe passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound vessels out of the Gulf via the Strait.Traffic has ground to a near standstill on either side of the Strait since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, called the report baseless.-Reuters India denied holding talks with Iran about releasing three tankers seized in February in exchange for ensuring safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Indian authorities seized the three Iran-linked ships near Indian waters, alleging they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea. Reuters reported on May 16, citing sources, that Iran had asked India to release the U.S.-sanctioned ships as part of talks seeking the safe passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound vessels out of the Gulf via the Strait. Traffic has ground to a near standstill on either side of the Strait since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, called the report baseless. • March 17, 2026 17:25 Lebanese army says one soldier killed, four wounded in Israeli strikeOne Lebanese soldier was killed, and four were wounded in an Israeli air strike in the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army said, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.The soldiers were struck while travelling by car and motorcycle and were taken to hospital, the army said in a post on X, adding in a subsequent statement that one of the wounded had died of his injuries.The strike comes amid intensifying Israeli attacks across Lebanon, which have killed more than 880 people and displaced over 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities.-Reuters One Lebanese soldier was killed, and four were wounded in an Israeli air strike in the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army said, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. The soldiers were struck while travelling by car and motorcycle and were taken to hospital, the army said in a post on X, adding in a subsequent statement that one of the wounded had died of his injuries. The strike comes amid intensifying Israeli attacks across Lebanon, which have killed more than 880 people and displaced over 1 million, according to Lebanese authorities. • March 17, 2026 17:12 50 more Indians reached Armenia through land border50 more Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia utilising the land border, and a few more in Azerbaijan, said Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs.“2.44 lakh Indian passengers have returned to the country,” Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary for Gulf, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said.-Saptaparno Ghosh 50 more Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia utilising the land border, and a few more in Azerbaijan, said Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. “2.44 lakh Indian passengers have returned to the country,” Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary for Gulf, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said. -Saptaparno Ghosh • March 17, 2026 17:03 Indonesia eyes oil purchases from Russia, media reportsIndonesia is looking to purchase oil from Russia to meet its domestic supply needs, local media reported today, citing the Energy Minister. Bahlil Lahadalia said the move was considered after the rise of crude oil prices following conflict in the Middle East and the United States issuing a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea.“Every country is a possibility. What’s important for us now is ensuring the supply,” Bahlil was quoted as saying by Bloomberg Technoz.His remarks were also reported by Katadata, and also state news media Antara, which said Indonesia was also looking into cooperation with Brunei.Indonesia’s crude imports from Saudi Arabia plunged to 23,000 barrels per day in March, down from 104,000 bpd in February, Kpler data showed.- Reuters Indonesia is looking to purchase oil from Russia to meet its domestic supply needs, local media reported today, citing the Energy Minister. Bahlil Lahadalia said the move was considered after the rise of crude oil prices following conflict in the Middle East and the United States issuing a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea. “Every country is a possibility. What’s important for us now is ensuring the supply,” Bahlil was quoted as saying by Bloomberg Technoz. His remarks were also reported by Katadata, and also state news media Antara, which said Indonesia was also looking into cooperation with Brunei. Indonesia’s crude imports from Saudi Arabia plunged to 23,000 barrels per day in March, down from 104,000 bpd in February, Kpler data showed. • March 17, 2026 16:39 Israel military says targeted top Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander in Iran strikeThe Israeli military said today it targeted Akram al-Ajouri, head of the military wing of the group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in a strike in Iran.“We conducted a strike against Akram al-Ajouri,” a military official told reporters during a briefing, adding that the “senior commander in the Islamic Jihad of Gaza” had been living in Iran and had not been confirmed killed.The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas backed by Iran that is active in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, took part in its ally’s unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza.-AFP The Israeli military said today it targeted Akram al-Ajouri, head of the military wing of the group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in a strike in Iran. “We conducted a strike against Akram al-Ajouri,” a military official told reporters during a briefing, adding that the “senior commander in the Islamic Jihad of Gaza” had been living in Iran and had not been confirmed killed. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas backed by Iran that is active in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, took part in its ally’s unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. • March 17, 2026 16:17 Iran urges states to condemn U.S.-Israel attacks ”Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be addressed independently of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran,” Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to his Telegram account, on March 17.Mr. Araqchi also called upon states and institutions concerned with global peace and security to condemn U.S.-Israeli attacks on his country. - Reuters ”Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be addressed independently of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran,” Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to his Telegram account, on March 17. Mr. Araqchi also called upon states and institutions concerned with global peace and security to condemn U.S.-Israeli attacks on his country. - Reuters • March 17, 2026 16:01 In talks with Iran to bring back ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz: Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson • March 17, 2026 15:53 A true insider, a canny operator: International Crisis Group's project director for Iran“Larijani is a true insider, a canny operator, familiar with how the system operates,” Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Group’s project director for Iran, said before the West Asia conflict began. - AFP “Larijani is a true insider, a canny operator, familiar with how the system operates,” Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Group’s project director for Iran, said before the West Asia conflict began. - AFP • March 17, 2026 15:51 Greece wants durable solution to ensure free shipping in Hormuz Strait“Greece does not back any separate deals that would allow ships to enter and exit the Strait of Hormuz but wants a durable solution to safeguard peace in the region,” its Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said.“We do not think that it is optimal to have separate agreements, so that ships enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” Mr. Gerapetritis told reporters alongside his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Berlin.“What we want is a well-established lasting solution, which will ensure peace and this can only be done under a wider alliance and under the auspices of international organisations and in particular the United Nations,” he said. - Reuters “Greece does not back any separate deals that would allow ships to enter and exit the Strait of Hormuz but wants a durable solution to safeguard peace in the region,” its Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said. “We do not think that it is optimal to have separate agreements, so that ships enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” Mr. Gerapetritis told reporters alongside his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Berlin. “What we want is a well-established lasting solution, which will ensure peace and this can only be done under a wider alliance and under the auspices of international organisations and in particular the United Nations,” he said. - Reuters • March 17, 2026 15:46 Attacks on UAE's Fujairah port, Shah gas field add to energy disruptionsOperations at the United Arab Emirates’ Shah gas field remained suspended on March 17, following a drone attack, while a fresh attack caused a fire in the port of Fujairah, a key export terminal where oil loading by state firm ADNOC has been halted.The cascading disruptions threaten to completely sever the OPEC producer’s remaining crude export outlet from global markets, potentially deepening a crisis that has sent energy prices surging. - Reuters Operations at the United Arab Emirates’ Shah gas field remained suspended on March 17, following a drone attack, while a fresh attack caused a fire in the port of Fujairah, a key export terminal where oil loading by state firm ADNOC has been halted. The cascading disruptions threaten to completely sever the OPEC producer’s remaining crude export outlet from global markets, potentially deepening a crisis that has sent energy prices surging. - Reuters • March 17, 2026 15:26 Lebanese Army says five soldiers wounded in Israeli strike Five Lebanese soldiers were wounded, two critically, in an Israeli air strike in the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army said, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.“The soldiers, struck while travelling by car and motorcycle, were taken to hospital,” it said in a post on X. The strike comes amid intensifying Israeli attacks across Lebanon, which have killed more than 880 people and displaced over a million, according to Lebanese authorities. “The Lebanese Army has also reported casualties in recent days, including an incident earlier this month in which three soldiers were among those killed in Israeli strikes,” according to the Army.Israel’s military, which has occupied five positions in southern Lebanon since a November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah, sent additional forces into the country after the Shi’ite Muslim group fired a salvo of rockets on March 2, dragging Lebanon into the expanding U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned Lebanon that it could face territorial losses unless Hezbollah was disarmed. - Reuters Five Lebanese soldiers were wounded, two critically, in an Israeli air strike in the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army said, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. “The soldiers, struck while travelling by car and motorcycle, were taken to hospital,” it said in a post on X. The strike comes amid intensifying Israeli attacks across Lebanon, which have killed more than 880 people and displaced over a million, according to Lebanese authorities. “The Lebanese Army has also reported casualties in recent days, including an incident earlier this month in which three soldiers were among those killed in Israeli strikes,” according to the Army. Israel’s military, which has occupied five positions in southern Lebanon since a November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah, sent additional forces into the country after the Shi’ite Muslim group fired a salvo of rockets on March 2, dragging Lebanon into the expanding U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned Lebanon that it could face territorial losses unless Hezbollah was disarmed. - Reuters • March 17, 2026 15:17 UN body investigating fatal strike on Iranian girls schoolA United Nations (UN) inquiry has started investigating a fatal strike on a primary school on the first day of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, one of its members told reporters.“The attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School consisted of two missile strikes in quick succession that killed 168 children, mostly girls,” Iranian officials said in Geneva on March 16, 2026.“We’re at an early stage of that investigation,” Max du Plessis, a member of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, told a Geneva press conference, saying that it had credible reports backing Iran’s death toll. - Reuters A United Nations (UN) inquiry has started investigating a fatal strike on a primary school on the first day of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, one of its members told reporters. “The attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School consisted of two missile strikes in quick succession that killed 168 children, mostly girls,” Iranian officials said in Geneva on March 16, 2026. “We’re at an early stage of that investigation,” Max du Plessis, a member of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, told a Geneva press conference, saying that it had credible reports backing Iran’s death toll. - Reuters • March 17, 2026 15:11 Top Iranian security official Larijani killed in strike: Israeli Defence Minister Jerusalem | The Israeli Defence Minister said the Israeli military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz made the announcement.The Israeli military also announced it killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force.The killings again strip away top leaders from the Iranian theocracy after the February 28 strike that killed 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s security chief Larijani is killed, says Israel Defence MinisterIsrael's Defence Minister announces the killing of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani in an overnight military strike. Jerusalem | The Israeli Defence Minister said the Israeli military killed top Iranian security official Ali Larijani in an overnight strike. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz made the announcement. The Israeli military also announced it killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force. The killings again strip away top leaders from the Iranian theocracy after the February 28 strike that killed 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. ### Iran’s security chief Larijani is killed, says Israel Defence Minister Israel's Defence Minister announces the killing of Iran's security chief Ali Larijani in an overnight military strike. • March 17, 2026 14:31 Israeli military strike targeted Iran's security chief Larijani, fate unclear: OfficialsIsrael’s military has targeted Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, four Israeli officials said, adding that it was not immediately clear whether he was killed or injured. Larijani was one of the targets of strikes carried out by the Israeli military last night across Iran, the officials told Reuters.Iran has not yet commented on the report. If his death is confirmed, he would be the most senior Iranian official to be killed after the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on the first day of the war.Mr. Larijani, a former nuclear negotiator and a close ally of Khamenei, was seen in Tehran on Friday (March 13, 2026) taking part in Quds Day rallies.Later that day, the U.S. offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, as part of a list of 10 figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Multiple Israeli media outlets also said the strikes targeted Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij Resistance Force and other senior Basij figures, with the outcome of the strikes still being assessed. -- Reuters Israel’s military has targeted Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, four Israeli officials said, adding that it was not immediately clear whether he was killed or injured. Larijani was one of the targets of strikes carried out by the Israeli military last night across Iran, the officials told Reuters. Iran has not yet commented on the report. If his death is confirmed, he would be the most senior Iranian official to be killed after the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on the first day of the war. Mr. Larijani, a former nuclear negotiator and a close ally of Khamenei, was seen in Tehran on Friday (March 13, 2026) taking part in Quds Day rallies. Later that day, the U.S. offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, as part of a list of 10 figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Multiple Israeli media outlets also said the strikes targeted Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij Resistance Force and other senior Basij figures, with the outcome of the strikes still being assessed. -- Reuters • March 17, 2026 14:26 Israel says it has killed head of Iran’s Basij militiaIsrael said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it had killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ all-volunteer Basij force, a key force used to suppress demonstrations in the Islamic Republic.The Israeli military said a strike on Monday (March 16) killed Gholamreza Soleimani.Iran did not immediately acknowledge Soleimani’s killing.“The Basij forces are part of the armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime,” the Israeli military said in its statement. “During internal protests in Iran, particularly in recent periods as demonstrations intensified, Basij forces under Soleimani’s command led the main repression operations, employing severe violence, widespread arrests and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.” -- AP Israel said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it had killed the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ all-volunteer Basij force, a key force used to suppress demonstrations in the Islamic Republic. The Israeli military said a strike on Monday (March 16) killed Gholamreza Soleimani. Iran did not immediately acknowledge Soleimani’s killing. “The Basij forces are part of the armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime,” the Israeli military said in its statement. “During internal protests in Iran, particularly in recent periods as demonstrations intensified, Basij forces under Soleimani’s command led the main repression operations, employing severe violence, widespread arrests and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.” -- AP • March 17, 2026 14:15 China says to provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, West Asia nationsChina said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it will provide humanitarian assistance to Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Lebanon, targeted in U.S. and Israeli strikes in the conflict now in its third week.Beijing is a close partner of Iran and has urged the United States and Israel to cease their attacks on the country, while also criticising Tehran’s strikes against Gulf states housing U.S. military bases.China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the war had caused “grave humanitarian catastrophes” in Iran and other Middle Eastern nations. -- AFPWill provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, West Asia nations: ChinaChina pledges humanitarian aid to Iran and West Asia amid ongoing conflict, highlighting the region's urgent humanitarian crisis. China said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it will provide humanitarian assistance to Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Lebanon, targeted in U.S. and Israeli strikes in the conflict now in its third week. Beijing is a close partner of Iran and has urged the United States and Israel to cease their attacks on the country, while also criticising Tehran’s strikes against Gulf states housing U.S. military bases. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the war had caused “grave humanitarian catastrophes” in Iran and other Middle Eastern nations. -- AFP ### Will provide humanitarian assistance to Iran, West Asia nations: China China pledges humanitarian aid to Iran and West Asia amid ongoing conflict, highlighting the region's urgent humanitarian crisis. • March 17, 2026 14:11 India’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrives at Gujarat portIndia’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived safely at Vadinar port in Gujarat on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of gas after navigating the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict, an official said.The first ship, ‘Shivalik’, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday (March 16, 2026).‘Nanda Devi’ has docked at Vadinar port in Devbhumi Dwarka district, and preparations were being made to shift the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to the daughter ship, Deendayal Port Authority Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh told reporters.India’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrives at Gujarat portIndia's second LPG carrier, 'Nanda Devi', arrives at Gujarat's Vadinar port, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of gas. India’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived safely at Vadinar port in Gujarat on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of gas after navigating the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict, an official said. The first ship, ‘Shivalik’, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday (March 16, 2026). ‘Nanda Devi’ has docked at Vadinar port in Devbhumi Dwarka district, and preparations were being made to shift the LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) to the daughter ship, Deendayal Port Authority Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh told reporters. ### India’s second LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrives at Gujarat port India's second LPG carrier, 'Nanda Devi', arrives at Gujarat's Vadinar port, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of gas. • March 17, 2026 13:22 Rubio tells U.S. diplomats to push allies to blacklist Iran Guards and HezbollahPresident Donald Trump’s administration on Monday (March 16, 2026) urged U.S. diplomats abroad to push allies to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon-based Hezbollah as terrorist groups, citing elevated risk of attack, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters.The directive, dated March 16 and signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was sent to all U.S. diplomatic and consular posts worldwide. It asks U.S. diplomats to deliver the message to their counterparts “at the highest appropriate level” and no later than March 20, adding that the advocacy efforts to get these groups blacklisted should be coordinated with Israeli counterparts.The Trump administration is attempting to rally reluctant allies - many of whom were not briefed ahead of the U.S.-Israeli air war that started two weeks ago - to support its military operation.Reuters President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday (March 16, 2026) urged U.S. diplomats abroad to push allies to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon-based Hezbollah as terrorist groups, citing elevated risk of attack, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters. The directive, dated March 16 and signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was sent to all U.S. diplomatic and consular posts worldwide. It asks U.S. diplomats to deliver the message to their counterparts “at the highest appropriate level” and no later than March 20, adding that the advocacy efforts to get these groups blacklisted should be coordinated with Israeli counterparts. The Trump administration is attempting to rally reluctant allies - many of whom were not briefed ahead of the U.S.-Israeli air war that started two weeks ago - to support its military operation. • March 17, 2026 13:06 Iraq in talks with Iran to allow oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Oil ministerIraq’s oil minister said Baghdad is in contact with Iran to allow some oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the state news agency reported on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).Iraq is also working to resume exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Turkey as it seeks to offset disruptions to shipments caused by the Hormuz crisis, after some vessels were attacked off the Iraqi coast during transfers.Reuters Iraq’s oil minister said Baghdad is in contact with Iran to allow some oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the state news agency reported on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). Iraq is also working to resume exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Turkey as it seeks to offset disruptions to shipments caused by the Hormuz crisis, after some vessels were attacked off the Iraqi coast during transfers. • March 17, 2026 12:25 'Good will triumph over evil': Netanyahu's message to Iranian people on Nowruz“To the brave people of Iran, I wish you as I do everywhere, a happy holiday season beginning with the festival of lights. It signifies the age-old belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness, that good will triumph over evil,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. “To the brave people of Iran, I wish you as I do everywhere, a happy holiday season beginning with the festival of lights. It signifies the age-old belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness, that good will triumph over evil,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. • March 17, 2026 11:55 Neighbourhood diplomacy and its West Asia challenge With the sinking of the Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean, by the United States on March 4, the war in West Asia came home to South Asia. With each passing day, the war that began on February 28 has reached South Asian homes in a number of ways — disrupting the availability of daily necessities, travel, trade, food and fuel for cooking and transport, fertilizers, and the safety of citizens in the West Asia region.Read the full story here:Neighbourhood diplomacy and its West Asia challengeAs India formulates its next steps in the Israel-U.S.-Iran war, it is necessary to consider not only what it will mean for the whole region but also its own ties with each neighbour With the sinking of the Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean, by the United States on March 4, the war in West Asia came home to South Asia. With each passing day, the war that began on February 28 has reached South Asian homes in a number of ways — disrupting the availability of daily necessities, travel, trade, food and fuel for cooking and transport, fertilizers, and the safety of citizens in the West Asia region. Read the full story here: ### Neighbourhood diplomacy and its West Asia challenge As India formulates its next steps in the Israel-U.S.-Iran war, it is necessary to consider not only what it will mean for the whole region but also its own ties with each neighbour • March 17, 2026 11:54 Iran ‘negotiating’ with FIFA over moving World Cup games to Mexico: embassyIran’s football federation is “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in West Asia, Iran’s embassy in Mexico said on Monday (March 16, 2026).Iran’s participation at this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been thrown into doubt since the war began late last month.-AFP Iran’s football federation is “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in West Asia, Iran’s embassy in Mexico said on Monday (March 16, 2026). Iran’s participation at this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been thrown into doubt since the war began late last month. • March 17, 2026 11:51 Iran parliament speaker says regional security can only be established by local states The U.S. military presence in West Asia does not bring security, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told state TV on Tuesday, pointing out that regional security needs to be established by regional countries.“The face and order of the Middle East will change, but not according to U.S. plans. We, the Islamic countries of the region, will establish regional order and security in the economic and security dimensions,” Mr. Qalibaf said, adding that U.S. forces need to leave the region. -AFP The U.S. military presence in West Asia does not bring security, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf told state TV on Tuesday, pointing out that regional security needs to be established by regional countries. “The face and order of the Middle East will change, but not according to U.S. plans. We, the Islamic countries of the region, will establish regional order and security in the economic and security dimensions,” Mr. Qalibaf said, adding that U.S. forces need to leave the region. • March 17, 2026 11:24 Ten foreign individuals arrested in Iran's northeast for spying: reportTen foreign individuals accused of collecting information on sensitive sites and preparing field operations in Iran’s northeast were arrested by the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence organisation, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).The news report did not give details on the individuals’ nationalities. Reuters Ten foreign individuals accused of collecting information on sensitive sites and preparing field operations in Iran’s northeast were arrested by the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence organisation, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). The news report did not give details on the individuals’ nationalities. • March 17, 2026 11:18 Missile debris kills one in Abu Dhabi: Govt.Falling shrapnel from an intercepted missile killed a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi, the government media office said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).The incident took place in the Bani Yas area “following the interception of a ballistic missile by air defences”, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said.AFP Falling shrapnel from an intercepted missile killed a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi, the government media office said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). The incident took place in the Bani Yas area “following the interception of a ballistic missile by air defences”, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said. • March 17, 2026 10:59 IMO chief says naval escorts will not guarantee safe passage through Strait of Hormuz: reportThe head of the International Maritime Organization has said that naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz will not “100% guarantee” the safety of ships attempting to transit the waterway, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.Military assistance was “not a long-term or sustainable solution” to opening up the strait, Arsenio Dominguez told FT.Reuters The head of the International Maritime Organization has said that naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz will not “100% guarantee” the safety of ships attempting to transit the waterway, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. Military assistance was “not a long-term or sustainable solution” to opening up the strait, Arsenio Dominguez told FT. • March 17, 2026 10:42 Oil climbs over 2% as Iran war halts supplyOil prices rose more than 2% on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), reversing some of the previous session’s losses, on worries about supply with the Strait of Hormuz mostly shut and U.S. allies rebuffing calls to send warships to help tankers move through the vital waterway.Brent futures jumped $2.74, or 2.7%, to $102.95 a barrel by 0357 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.45, or 2.6%, to $95.95.Oil climbs over 2% as Iran war halts supplyOil prices surged over 2% amid supply concerns from the Iran war disrupting the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose more than 2% on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), reversing some of the previous session’s losses, on worries about supply with the Strait of Hormuz mostly shut and U.S. allies rebuffing calls to send warships to help tankers move through the vital waterway. Brent futures jumped $2.74, or 2.7%, to $102.95 a barrel by 0357 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.45, or 2.6%, to $95.95. ### Oil climbs over 2% as Iran war halts supply Oil prices surged over 2% amid supply concerns from the Iran war disrupting the crucial Strait of Hormuz. • March 17, 2026 10:20 Tell war's story way we see it: Trump to U.S. mediaThrough lectures, scoldings and outright threats, President Donald Trump and his aides are ratcheting up the pressure on journalists to cover the war in West Asia the way the administration wants.The president has fumed on social media about stories he doesn’t like and berated a reporter on Air Force One. The government’s top media regulator has warned that broadcasters risk losing their licenses if they don’t stay away from “fake news.” Mr. Trump and his defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, have both questioned the patriotism of news outlets because of their reporting.Mr. Trump has complained about war coverage in both specific and general ways. In a social media post, he said news reports exaggerated the damage to planes that were attacked by Iran at an airport in Saudi Arabia. He attacked “Corrupt Media Outlets” for falling for AI-generated false reports created by Iran and said the media “hates to report” how well the U.S. military has performed.AP Through lectures, scoldings and outright threats, President Donald Trump and his aides are ratcheting up the pressure on journalists to cover the war in West Asia the way the administration wants. The president has fumed on social media about stories he doesn’t like and berated a reporter on Air Force One. The government’s top media regulator has warned that broadcasters risk losing their licenses if they don’t stay away from “fake news.” Mr. Trump and his defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, have both questioned the patriotism of news outlets because of their reporting. Mr. Trump has complained about war coverage in both specific and general ways. In a social media post, he said news reports exaggerated the damage to planes that were attacked by Iran at an airport in Saudi Arabia. He attacked “Corrupt Media Outlets” for falling for AI-generated false reports created by Iran and said the media “hates to report” how well the U.S. military has performed. • March 17, 2026 10:00 Qatar forces intercept missile attack: ministryQatar said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it had intercepted a missile attack as Iran presses its retaliatory campaign over strikes by the United States and Israel that killed its supreme leader.“The Ministry of Defence of State of Qatar announces that armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar,” the defence ministry posted on X.AFP Qatar said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it had intercepted a missile attack as Iran presses its retaliatory campaign over strikes by the United States and Israel that killed its supreme leader. “The Ministry of Defence of State of Qatar announces that armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar,” the defence ministry posted on X. • March 17, 2026 09:36 Several explosions heard in Doha: reportSeveral explosions were heard in Doha on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), an AFP journalist said, a day after several blasts resounded across the Qatari capital.Qatar, like several Gulf nations, has been targeted by drones and missiles in the last days as Tehran presses a retaliatory campaign over attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.AFP Several explosions were heard in Doha on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), an AFP journalist said, a day after several blasts resounded across the Qatari capital. Qatar, like several Gulf nations, has been targeted by drones and missiles in the last days as Tehran presses a retaliatory campaign over attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. • March 17, 2026 09:26 Explosions heard in Dubai after missile alert: reportThree explosions echoed across Dubai after a missile alert early on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), according to an AFP correspondent.The blasts followed a mobile phone alert to residents to “immediately seek a safe place” over “potential missile threats”.AFP Three explosions echoed across Dubai after a missile alert early on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), according to an AFP correspondent. The blasts followed a mobile phone alert to residents to “immediately seek a safe place” over “potential missile threats”. • March 17, 2026 09:18 Unclear if Mojtaba Khamenei 'dead or not': TrumpU.S. President Donald Trump said late that he does not know whether Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, adding that Washington was unclear whom it could negotiate with in Tehran.“We don’t know... if he’s dead or not,” Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House.“A lot of people are saying that he’s badly disfigured. They’re saying that he lost his leg -- one leg -- and he’s, you know, been hurt very badly. Other people are saying he’s dead. Nobody’s saying he’s 100 percent healthy. You know he hasn’t spoken.”“We don’t know who we’re dealing with” in Iran, Mr. Trump said. “We don’t know who their leader is.”AFP U.S. President Donald Trump said late that he does not know whether Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, adding that Washington was unclear whom it could negotiate with in Tehran. “We don’t know... if he’s dead or not,” Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House. “A lot of people are saying that he’s badly disfigured. They’re saying that he lost his leg -- one leg -- and he’s, you know, been hurt very badly. Other people are saying he’s dead. Nobody’s saying he’s 100 percent healthy. You know he hasn’t spoken.” “We don’t know who we’re dealing with” in Iran, Mr. Trump said. “We don’t know who their leader is.” • March 17, 2026 09:04 Iran soccer players who claimed asylum in Australia train with local clubThe two players from the Iranian women’s soccer squad who chose to remain in Australia after seeking asylum have been pictured training with a local A-League club as they begin their new lives in the country.Midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh were among seven members of Iran’s delegation granted humanitarian visas amid fears of possible persecution if they returned home after competing in the women’s Asian Cup in Australia.Five members of the group, however, subsequently changed their minds about Australia’s asylum offer and decided to return home.Queensland-based A-League club Brisbane Roar announced on social media the remaining two players, Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh, had joined a training session with its women’s team on Monday (March 16, 2026).Reuters The two players from the Iranian women’s soccer squad who chose to remain in Australia after seeking asylum have been pictured training with a local A-League club as they begin their new lives in the country. Midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh were among seven members of Iran’s delegation granted humanitarian visas amid fears of possible persecution if they returned home after competing in the women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Five members of the group, however, subsequently changed their minds about Australia’s asylum offer and decided to return home. Queensland-based A-League club Brisbane Roar announced on social media the remaining two players, Pasandideh and Ramezanizadeh, had joined a training session with its women’s team on Monday (March 16, 2026). • March 17, 2026 08:47 Trump was warned of likely Iranian retaliation on Gulf allies: reportPresident Donald Trump was warned that attacking Iran could trigger retaliation against U.S. Gulf allies despite his claims on Monday (March 16, 2026) that Tehran’s reaction came as a surprise, said a U.S. official and two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence reports.Pre-war intelligence assessments did not say that Iran’s response was “a guarantee, but it certainly was on the list of potential outcomes,” said one source, who like the other two requested anonymity to discuss the issue.Read full report President Donald Trump was warned that attacking Iran could trigger retaliation against U.S. Gulf allies despite his claims on Monday (March 16, 2026) that Tehran’s reaction came as a surprise, said a U.S. official and two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence reports. Pre-war intelligence assessments did not say that Iran’s response was “a guarantee, but it certainly was on the list of potential outcomes,” said one source, who like the other two requested anonymity to discuss the issue. • March 17, 2026 08:22 Israel strikes three areas of Beirut: Lebanese state mediaLebanese state media said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) that Israel carried out dawn airstrikes on three Beirut neighbourhoods, hitting a residential building.“A series of raids and artillery shelling targeted southern towns at dawn,” Lebanon’s National News Agency reported.“Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes targeting the Kafaat and Haret Hreik areas. In another raid, the aircraft struck a residential apartment on the upper floors of a building located at the end of Venice Street in the Doha Aramoun area.”AFP Lebanese state media said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) that Israel carried out dawn airstrikes on three Beirut neighbourhoods, hitting a residential building. “A series of raids and artillery shelling targeted southern towns at dawn,” Lebanon’s National News Agency reported. “Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes targeting the Kafaat and Haret Hreik areas. In another raid, the aircraft struck a residential apartment on the upper floors of a building located at the end of Venice Street in the Doha Aramoun area.” • March 17, 2026 08:19 Projectile hits tanker off UAE's Fujairah: UKMTO An unknown projectile struck a tanker 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the UAE causing minor structural damage, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).There were no injuries reported to the crew, the agency said in an advisory, adding no environmental impact was reported.Reuters An unknown projectile struck a tanker 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the UAE causing minor structural damage, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). There were no injuries reported to the crew, the agency said in an advisory, adding no environmental impact was reported. • March 17, 2026 07:59 Death toll in Baghdad house strike revised to four: security officialA strike on a house in Baghdad killed four people early Tuesday (March 17, 2026), two Iraqi security officials said.Another source from an Iran-backed faction confirmed that four people were killed in the strike on a house hosting Iranian advisers in al-Jadiriyah neighbourhood.The sources were revising an earlier death toll of two.AFP A strike on a house in Baghdad killed four people early Tuesday (March 17, 2026), two Iraqi security officials said. Another source from an Iran-backed faction confirmed that four people were killed in the strike on a house hosting Iranian advisers in al-Jadiriyah neighbourhood. The sources were revising an earlier death toll of two. • March 17, 2026 07:40 WATCH | Trump urges allies to help secure Strait of Hormuz • March 17, 2026 07:24 Israeli forces launch fresh wave of strikes on Tehran, BeirutIsrael’s army said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it had launched a “wide scale wave of strikes” in the Iranian capital Tehran, as well as strikes against Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut.“The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has begun a wide scale wave of strikes against Iranian terror regime infrastructure across Tehran,” the military posted on Telegram.“Additionally, the IDF has begun an additional wave of strikes on Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Beirut.”AFP Israel’s army said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) it had launched a “wide scale wave of strikes” in the Iranian capital Tehran, as well as strikes against Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut. “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has begun a wide scale wave of strikes against Iranian terror regime infrastructure across Tehran,” the military posted on Telegram. “Additionally, the IDF has begun an additional wave of strikes on Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Beirut.” • March 17, 2026 07:20 Vance says he trusts Trump on war with Iran, plays down differencesU.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance on Monday (March 16, 2026) expressed support for the way President Donald Trump was handling the war in Iran and said he trusted him to make sure that “the mistakes of the past” are not repeated.Mr. Vance’s comments appeared to be an effort to counter questions about whether his well-known anti-war and isolationist views put him at odds with Mr. Trump. Since the war began on February 28, Mr. Vance had not publicly offered unequivocal support for it.Vance says he trusts Trump on war with Iran, plays down differencesVice-President J.D. Vance expresses trust in Trump’s Iran strategy, aligning on nuclear concerns despite previous anti-war stance. U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance on Monday (March 16, 2026) expressed support for the way President Donald Trump was handling the war in Iran and said he trusted him to make sure that “the mistakes of the past” are not repeated. Mr. Vance’s comments appeared to be an effort to counter questions about whether his well-known anti-war and isolationist views put him at odds with Mr. Trump. Since the war began on February 28, Mr. Vance had not publicly offered unequivocal support for it. ### Vance says he trusts Trump on war with Iran, plays down differences Vice-President J.D. Vance expresses trust in Trump’s Iran strategy, aligning on nuclear concerns despite previous anti-war stance. • March 17, 2026 07:15 Two killed in strike on house in Baghdad with 'Iranian advisers': report A missile strike on a house in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) killed two people, with initial reports suggesting they are “Iranian advisers” to Tehran-backed groups, a security official told AFP.Another two sources from Iran-backed factions confirmed that a strike hit a house hosting Iranian advisers in the al-Jadiriyah neighbourhood, killing at least two people.AFP A missile strike on a house in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) killed two people, with initial reports suggesting they are “Iranian advisers” to Tehran-backed groups, a security official told AFP. Another two sources from Iran-backed factions confirmed that a strike hit a house hosting Iranian advisers in the al-Jadiriyah neighbourhood, killing at least two people. • March 17, 2026 07:04 Air India, AI Express to operate 44 West Asia flights today Air India and Air India Express will operate 44 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Dubai airport has imposed restrictions on operations by foreign carriers. As a result, IndiGo, Air India group and SpiceJet have suspended their services to Dubai.Read full report here Air India and Air India Express will operate 44 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Dubai airport has imposed restrictions on operations by foreign carriers. As a result, IndiGo, Air India group and SpiceJet have suspended their services to Dubai. • March 17, 2026 07:00 Drone, rocket attack targets U.S. embassy in Baghdad: security sourcesA fresh drone and rocket attack targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday (March 17, 2026), a security official said.An AFP journalist reported seeing black smoke rising after an explosion in the Embassy complex, as well as air defences intercepting another drone. The security official said that “three drones and four rockets attacked the Embassy, with at least one drone crashing inside it.” Hours earlier, air defences thwarted a rocket attack at the Embassy.AFP A fresh drone and rocket attack targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday (March 17, 2026), a security official said. An AFP journalist reported seeing black smoke rising after an explosion in the Embassy complex, as well as air defences intercepting another drone. The security official said that “three drones and four rockets attacked the Embassy, with at least one drone crashing inside it.” Hours earlier, air defences thwarted a rocket attack at the Embassy. • March 17, 2026 06:58 Israel doesn’t seek ‘perpetual war’ with Iran, says Envoy, suggests diplomatic options remainIsrael is not seeking a “perpetual war” with Iran, and would discuss a diplomatic way out of the war if Iran “changes course”, said Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India.He, however, denied that Israel’s goals had changed due to Tehran’s retaliatory strikes. Addressing a press conference here as the war in West Asia entered its third week, Mr. Azar said there was no timeline on ending the war, but that the U.S. and Israel, which jointly launched the war with strikes killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khameini on February 28, had anticipated it lasting a “few weeks”.Israel doesn’t seek ‘perpetual war’ with Iran, says Envoy, suggests diplomatic options remainIsrael's envoy states the nation seeks diplomatic solutions with Iran, not perpetual war, amid ongoing regional tensions. Israel is not seeking a “perpetual war” with Iran, and would discuss a diplomatic way out of the war if Iran “changes course”, said Reuven Azar, Israel’s Ambassador to India. He, however, denied that Israel’s goals had changed due to Tehran’s retaliatory strikes. Addressing a press conference here as the war in West Asia entered its third week, Mr. Azar said there was no timeline on ending the war, but that the U.S. and Israel, which jointly launched the war with strikes killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khameini on February 28, had anticipated it lasting a “few weeks”. ### Israel doesn’t seek ‘perpetual war’ with Iran, says Envoy, suggests diplomatic options remain Israel's envoy states the nation seeks diplomatic solutions with Iran, not perpetual war, amid ongoing regional tensions. • March 17, 2026 06:55 UAE says air traffic normal after temporarily closing airspace amid Iranian missile 'threat'The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority said the air traffic was normal, shortly after announcing the temporary and full closure of the country’s airspace, as “an exceptional precautionary measure” early Tuesday (March 17, 2026).UAE’s defence ministry said it was responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. Reuters The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority said the air traffic was normal, shortly after announcing the temporary and full closure of the country’s airspace, as “an exceptional precautionary measure” early Tuesday (March 17, 2026). UAE’s defence ministry said it was responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. • March 17, 2026 06:53 Fire breaks out in UAE's Fujairah Oil Industry ZoneA fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack, the emirate’s media office said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) citing authorities, adding that no injuries had been reported.Civil defence crews were working to bring the fire under control, the media office said in a statement. Reuters A fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack, the emirate’s media office said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) citing authorities, adding that no injuries had been reported. Civil defence crews were working to bring the fire under control, the media office said in a statement. • March 17, 2026 06:44 Iran and U.S. have been in direct contact in recent days: reportA direct communications channel between U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been reactivated in recent days, Axios reported on Monday (March 16, 2026), citing a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of the matter.Axios said it was not clear how substantive the messages passed between Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Witkoff had been, adding it was the first known direct communication between the parties since the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran.Iran and U.S. have been in direct contact in recent days: reportRecent reports reveal renewed direct communication between U.S. Envoy Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi amid ongoing tensions. A direct communications channel between U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been reactivated in recent days, Axios reported on Monday (March 16, 2026), citing a U.S. official and a source with knowledge of the matter. Axios said it was not clear how substantive the messages passed between Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Witkoff had been, adding it was the first known direct communication between the parties since the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran. ### Iran and U.S. have been in direct contact in recent days: report Recent reports reveal renewed direct communication between U.S. Envoy Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi amid ongoing tensions. Published - March 17, 2026 06:40 am IST ### Related Topics Iran / Israel-US strikes on Iran / World / Live news / USA / Donald Trump