Iran War News Live Updates: Trump ‘not happy’ with UK after Starmer says it won’t take part into ‘wider war’ with Iran
Kartavya Desk Staff
US-Israel-Iran War News Today Live Updates: The US President Donald Trump has said he’s “not happy” with the UK after British Prime Minister said Keir Starmer said it would not be drawn into a “wider war” over Iran.
The US jets reportedly struck military facilities near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone on Monday, Al Jazeera reported citing the Voice of America’s Persian language service. Intense explosions were heard in the area behind the zone, which is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province, close to the Pakistan border.
What is happening now: Israel says there are still many targets inside Iran as the military campaign expands. Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin said there were still “thousands” of targets left to hit in Iran after strikes were widened to western and central parts of the country. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s claim that Tehran wants talks. In an interview with CBS News, he said Iran had not asked the United States for a ceasefire and saw “no reason” to negotiate after the attacks.
*5 latest developments: *
Israel expands strikes in Iran: Israeli and US forces carried out new attacks on several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Hamadan and Isfahan. Iran rejects ceasefire claims: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had not asked Washington for a ceasefire and does not see a reason to hold talks. Attacks reported across the region: Rockets and drones targeted Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, where the US operates a diplomatic mission. Gulf states intercept drones and missiles: Air defence systems in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones and missiles. Lebanon toll rises as border tensions grow: Israel launched new strikes in southern Lebanon and moved tanks and troops towards the border, with the reported death toll in Lebanon reaching about 850.
The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. *Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.*
US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel carried out airstrikes on three Beirut neighbourhoods, striking a residential building. “A series of raids and artillery shelling targeted southern towns at dawn,” news agency AFP cited Lebanon’s national news agency reports.
US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran soccer players who chose to stay in Australia after claiming asylum, are now training with a local A-League club. Midfielder Fatemeh Pasandideh and defender Atefeh Ramezanizadeh were among seven members of Iran's delegation granted humanitarian visas amid fears of persecution upon returning to Iran following the women's Asian Cup in Australia.
US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: A missile hit a residential building in Baghdad on Tuesday (Mar 17), killing two people, which, according to news agency AFP, initial reports suggest are “Iranian advisers” to Tehran-backed groups.
The US President Donald Trump has said he’s “not happy” with the UK after British Prime Minister said Keir Starmer said it would not be drawn into a “wider war” over Iran.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said the ongoing conflict involving Iran cannot be resolved through military means and stressed that only a political solution can bring lasting stability.
"Bombing it into submission is, in all likelihood, not the right approach," to creating a democratic government in Iran, he said. (AP)
Drone attack on Tuesday caused fire at United Arab Emirates' Shah oil field, however, no casualties have been reported, Abu Dhabi's media office reported.
European Union foreign ministers showed "no appetite" to expand an EU naval mission in the Middle East to the Strait of Hormuz for the time being, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday.
US President Donald Trump has called on other nations to help police the strait after Iran responded to US-Israeli attacks by using drones, missiles and mines to effectively close the channel for tankers that normally transport a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas.
- •Reuters
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that it was unclear whether new Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei was still alive, given reports he had been injured in an air strike.
"We don't know...if he's dead or not. I will say that nobody has seen him, which is unusual," he said during an event at the White House.
US President Donald Trump, during press briefing at the White House on Monday, said that "Iran wants to make a deal, they're talking to our people."
US President Donald Trump said he heard reports from his advisors and the media that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been disfigured as a result of attacks, or that he has lost a leg.
US President Donald Trump said he asked other nations to help out in the Strait of Hormuz "not because we need them, but because I want to find out how they react."
US President Donald Trump on Monday said several nations aren't as "enthusiastic" about assisting the US to clear the Strait of Hormuz from Iran's blockage.
"They said we'd rather not get involved...I know that we'll protect them, and if we ever needed help, they won't be there for us," Trump said.
US President Donald Trump, during a press briefing in Washington on Monday, said has “literally destroyed” everything on Iran’s Kharg Island except for the island’s oil facilities.
"As you know, we attacked Kharg Island and knocked it, knocked it, literally destroyed everything on the island, except for the area where the oil is, I call it the pipes," the U president added.
US President Donald Trump, during a press briefing in Washington on Monday, said that Iran has very few shots left and he expects very shots to be taken.
US President Donald Trump, during a press briefing in Washington on Monday, said that he had predicted the 9/11 attacks in America.
President Donald Trump on Monday said the US military campaign against Iran had continued "in full force" over the past few days, adding that since beginning of the war Washington had struck more than 7,000 targets across the Islamic Republic.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said the American military has not hit oil infrastructure in Iran and have targeted mostly commercial and military targets.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that America has struck more than 7,000 targets in Iran.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Iran has been obliterated, and that their "navy and military is gone."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the Strait of Hormuz will "remain shut for our enemies."
"They (Americans) are asking other countries to come and help them so that the Strait of Hormuz remains open...from our perspective it is open. It is only closed to our enemies, to those who carried out unjust aggression against our country and to their allies," Araghchi said, BBC reported.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Washington is trying to avoid extensive damage to Iran's infrastructure.
In a telephonic interview with PBS, the US president said, "I left a lot of infrastructure in Tehran because if you did it, it’s years of building."
"Kharg Island is out of commission except for the pipes, which I left. I didn’t want to hit the pipes because, you know, it’s years of work to put them together," Trump added.
Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that US and Israel's joint bombing on the Islamic nation has killed hundreds of Iranian civilians, including over 200 children.
In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, "Reports claim that some neighboring states which host US forces and permit attacks on Iran are also actively encouraging this slaughter. Stances should be promptly clarified."
Hundreds of Iranian civilians have been killed in Israel-U.S. bombings, including over 200 children. Reports claim that some neighboring states which host U.S. forces and permit attacks on Iran are also actively encouraging this slaughter. Stances should be promptly clarified.— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 16, 2026
Hundreds of Iranian civilians have been killed in Israel-U.S. bombings, including over 200 children. Reports claim that some neighboring states which host U.S. forces and permit attacks on Iran are also actively encouraging this slaughter. Stances should be promptly clarified.
Member countries of the International Energy Agency could release more emergency oil stocks later "as and if needed" as there will still be over 1.4 billion barrels remaining in their emergency oil stocks despite the largest release of reserves in history already agreed, Executive Director Fatih Birol said on Monday.
"Despite this huge release, we still have a lot of stocks left. This current stock release, once it is completed, will reduce the emergency stocks in IEA countries only by around 20%," Birol said in a video statement.
- •Reuters
Iranian missiles or shrapnel have made an impact in the Bet Shemesh area near Jerusalem on Monday, Al Jazeera reported quoting Israeli media outlets.
There were no immediate reports of casualties and the extent of damage remains unclear.
The Israeli military on Monday said that it has "destroyed" a compound in Iran which was being used by the Islamic nation to develop space capabilities.
The damage has occurred in Tarasht Space Research Institute in Tehran, CNN reported.
US President Donald Trump is poised to hold a press conference on Monday ahead of Trump Kennedy Center Board meeting.
Informing about the meeting, Trump in a post on Truth Social wrote, "News Conference today, prior to Trump Kennedy Center Board Meeting. Thank you!"
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies on a "viable" plan to reopen the key Strait of Hormuz, a task he said would be "difficult" without de-escalation in the Middle East.
At a press conference aimed at easing public concern over rising energy costs, Starmer again justified his decision not to take part in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, a move US President Donald Trump has criticised, going as far as calling the British leader "no Churchill".
The disruption to energy markets caused by the Iran war is a lesson on the risks of relying on fossil fuels which should drive governments to wean their economies off oil and gas faster, the UN climate secretary told Reuters on Monday.
"If there was ever a moment to accelerate that energy transition, breaking dependencies which have shackled economies, this is the time," Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN climate change arm UNFCCC, said in an interview.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a new video interacting with civilians in the country. This comes after he released another video on Sunday where he was seen drinking coffee and addressing rumours of his death reports.
שומרים על ההנחיות ומנצחים ביחד >> pic.twitter.com/HC5w3PqKuV— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 16, 2026</blockq
שומרים על ההנחיות ומנצחים ביחד >> pic.twitter.com/HC5w3PqKuV
US President Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday said that Washington is "fine" with some Iranian, Indian and Chinese ships getting through the Strait of Hormuz for now.
In an interview with CNBC, Bessent said that any US action to lower higher prices would depend on duration of the war.
Oil prices were mixed on Monday with benchmark Brent crude slightly higher and US crude prices down amid attacks on Gulf oil production and US President Donald Trump's call for global efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures were up 16 cents to $103.30 a barrel by 11:37 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude was down $1.50, or 1.5%, to $97.21. (*Reuters*)
After reaffirming that the UK will not be drawn into US and Israel's war with Iran, PM Keir Starmer said that Britain is working with allies on "a viable collective plan" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer said Britain is discussing with the US and allies in Europe and the Gulf the possibility of using mine-hunting drones that the UK has in the region. But he signalled the UK is unlikely to dispatch a warship.
Earlier, Trump reiterated his frustration at the UK for not sending ships to the strait.
Citing the energy crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz -- the narrow waterway which serves as a transit for a fifth of global energy supplies -- Keir Starmer reaffirmed his government's commitment to pursue clean energy goals.
"Tyrants like Putin and the Ayatollahs will be free to attack our energy security, so we wont slow down on this, we will go faster," Starmer said.
*(With inputs from BBC)*
While reiterated the top priority in ensuring the safety of citizens, PM Keir Starmer said the UK will not be dragged into the wider war.
"While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war...we will keep working towards a swift resolution towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stops the Iranian threat to its neighbour," Starmer said.
His statement comes amid speculation over the Liberal government’s limited support for the US and Israel’s joint offensive in Iran. Earlier, UK’s former Chief of Defence Staff, Nick Carter, said Nato “is not an alliance that was designed for one of the allies to go on a war of choice and then oblige everyone else to follow.”
On Sunday, speaking to Financial Times, Trump reiterated his frustration at the UK for not sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian attacks choke trade through the narrow waterway which serves as a transit for a fifth of global energy supplies.
UK was among the 12 founding members of Nato in 1949. Among its core principles is Article 5, which states that an attack against one country is an attack against all. The organization’s credibility depends on adversaries believing that all 32 allies will make good on that pledge.
*(With inputs from BBC)*
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £53 million support package for vulnerable households that rely on heating oil as part of measures to ease the cost of living crisis occuring due to the West Asia conflict.
He said the government will also cap energy bills until June, extend the fuel duty cap until September and push ahead with plans to strengthen Britain’s energy security.
The quickest way to reduce cost of living is by ending war, Starmer said, adding their 'first priority' is to protect British citizens in the region.
*(With inputs from BBC)*
Iran has not requested a ceasefire, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday according to the semi-official Students News Network, and wants to ensure that any end to the war with Israel and the U.S. is definitive.
Araqchi said that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed to "enemies and those supporting their aggression".
A foreign ministry spokesperson added that states not party to the war have been able to transit their vessels through the strait with coordination and permission from Iran's armed forces.--Reuters
Israel has carried out some 7,600 strikes on Iran so far, knocking out 85% of its air defenses, military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani told reporters Monday.
More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran so far, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.
In Lebanon, at least 850 people have been killed by Israeli strikes so far.--AP
Germany does not see a role for the NATO defence alliance in addressing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Brussels on Monday.
"I don't see that NATO has made any decision in this direction or could assume responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz. If that were the case, then the NATO bodies would address it accordingly," said Wadephul ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
U.S. President Donald Trump ratcheted up pressure on European allies to help protect the strait, warning that NATO faces a "very bad" future if its members fail to come to Washington's aid.--Reuters
India has evacuated over 550 of its nationals from Iran through Armenia, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanking Yerevan on Monday for facilitating the land-border transit.
New Delhi has been urging Indian nationals stuck in Iran to cross over to Armenia for subsequent travel to India in view of the escalating conflict in West Asia.
"Thank the Government and the people of Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far," Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Brussels, said.
"Appreciate their support in these challenging times," he said on social media.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week that around 9,000 Indians were staying in Iran, and the government of India is assisting those who want to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia for their subsequent return to India.--PTI
UK Work and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden said that the Nato defence alliance was not established with the "kind of situation that we're seeing in the Middle East" in mind, the BBC reported. This comes amid speculation over the Liberal government's limited support for the US and Israel's joint offensive in Iran.
UK's former Chief of Defence Staff, Nick Carter, said Nato "is not an alliance that was designed for one of the allies to go on a war of choice and then oblige everyone else to follow."
UK PM Keir Starmer initially refused to grant permission for the US to use UK bases in its campaign -- a decision that drew flak from the conservatives in the Parliament.
On Sunday, speaking to Financial Times, Trump reiterated his frustration at the UK for not sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian attacks choke trade through the narrow waterway which serves as a transit for a fifth of global energy supplies.
UK was among the 12 founding members of Nato in 1949. Among its core principles is Article 5, which states that an attack against one country is an attack against all. The organization's credibility depends on adversaries believing that all 32 allies will make good on that pledge.
In 2003, when the United States led an attack on Iraq, Britain and Spain backed Washington, while France and Germany led a group of others vehemently opposed.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Israel and US need to communicate clearly when their targets are met, and noted that that the situation in Lebanon is dramatic
Wadephul called for support for sanctions against "those responsible for blockade of Strait of Hormuz."
US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: The Iranian men's football team is planning to take part in the upcoming World Cup in North America.
"As far as we know, Iran is playing," Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation's general secretary, told a press conference, according to the Khaleej Times.
US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Dubai Police announced that while traffic has resumed, following the earlier closures, the Airport Road remains closed for vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
#trafficupdate | Traffic has resumed following the earlier closures, while Airport Road remains closed for vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 16, 2026
#trafficupdate | Traffic has resumed following the earlier closures, while Airport Road remains closed for vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
The US jets have reportedly struck military facilities near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, Al Jazeera reported citing the Voice of America’s Persian language service. Intense explosions could be heard in the area behind the zone, which is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province close to Pakistan border.
We’ve been covering a raid on the headquarters of the Popular Mobilisation Forces in the Jurf al-Sakahr area near Babylon.
An Iraqi security official is reporting that at least two people have been killed in the incident. -Aljazeera
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Israeli strikes on Tehran's fuel depots as "ecocide", stating that the attacks violate international law and pose severe risks to residents' health and well-being.
"Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts," Araghchi posted on X, demanding Israel be punished for its war crimes.
Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide.Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts.Israel must be punished for its war crimes. pic.twitter.com/K9bU57ZBTC— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 16, 2026
Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide.Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts.Israel must be punished for its war crimes. pic.twitter.com/K9bU57ZBTC
Kazem Jalali, Russia's ambassador to Iran, demands accountability for the Minab school attack, stating the aggressor must compensate for damages. The February 28 strike killed at least 170 people, mostly schoolgirls, with investigations suggesting possible US involvement.
The incident has sparked global outrage, with the UN and human rights groups calling for an investigation and accountability. The US military has launched a probe, and Democratic lawmakers are pressing for answers on civilian protection protocols.
US fighter jets have reportedly struck military facilities on a mountain near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, according to the Voice of America’s Persian language service.
Sound of intense explosions were heard in the area behind the zone, the report said.
The Chabahar Free Trade Zone is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province near the border with Pakistan.
Israeli warplanes have carried out three air strikes on the city of Khiam in southern Lebanon, according Al Jazeera Arabic.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the early morning strikes.
Emirates airlines has announced it will “operate a limited schedule” after 10am (06:00 GMT) today.
This comes after Dubai airport was temporarily closed and all flight operations suspended after a drone hit a fuel tank and set it on fire.
“Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled,” the Emirates update also read.
US President Donald Trump is rallying allies to form a coalition to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route blocked by Iran.
Trump mentioned he's spoken to "about seven" countries, including China, about "policing" the strait, emphasizing that nations relying on Gulf energy should help secure it.
He warned that NATO faces a "very bad future" if allies don't pitch in, and might delay his Beijing summit with Xi Jinping if China doesn't assist.
Here's a breakdown of the ongoing situation:
• US-Israel Airstrikes Hit Iran: Cities including Tehran, Hamadan, and Isfahan have been targeted, prompting Iranian counterattacks with damage reported in several Israeli cities.
• Iran Rejects Truce Talks: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed US President Donald Trump's claim that Tehran wants truce talks, vowing continued resistance.
• Israel Targets Lebanon: Fresh waves of attacks have hit southern Lebanon, with the death toll rising to 850, including over 100 children.
• US Energy Secretary Optimistic: Chris Wright expects the war to end within "the next few weeks", aiming to calm markets amid escalating tensions.
• Regional Attacks Continue: Rockets and drones have targeted Baghdad's International Airport, while Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia report intercepting drones and missiles.
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