US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: PM Modi ‘strongly condemns’ attack on UAE in call with President Zayed Al Nahyan
Kartavya Desk Staff
US-Israel-Iran War Today News Live Updates: A top US counterterrorism official, nominated by President Donald Trump, resigned on Tuesday citing Washington’s war against Iran and said he “cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran”. Joe Kent was confirmed by the Senate in July last year. In a post on X, Kent wrote, “I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.” Earlier, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz announced that their military has eliminated Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, along with Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani. However, Iran is yet to comment on the fate of Larijani. “Guided by precise intelligence from Military Intelligence, the Air Force conducted a targeted strike yesterday in the heart of Tehran, eliminating Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of the Basij unit over the past six years,” the Israeli military said on Tuesday. ### Trump's Iran War: Dissent from Within Iran stepped up its attacks targeting US embassies and oil facilities in the Middle East, with Tehran, on Tuesday (Mar 17), launching rockets and at least five drones at the US embassy in Baghdad from areas around the city. According to news agency Reuters, the Iraqi security sources described the attack as the most intense since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that he’s “not happy” with the UK after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it would not be drawn into a “wider war” over Iran. What is happening now: 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. “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.” ## 5 latest developments: IDF launches attacks targeting Beirut and Tehran: The Israeli military announced that it has launched “extensive” strikes against various targets in Beirut and Tehran. IDF said that in Iran, it is launching attacks targeting “infrastructure of the terror regime,” while in Beirut, the army said that they were striking Hezbollah targets. 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 Middle East: Rockets and drones targeted Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, where the US operates a diplomatic mission. Tanker hit near UAE’s Fujairah: A tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile whilst at anchor”, late on Monday (Mar 16), near the Emirati oil port of Fujairah, said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre on Tuesday. 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 886. 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. Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of Iran's paramilitary Basij force was killed in US-Israel attacks, Iran's state media said . Israel had earlier on Tuesday said it killed Soleimani. The Israeli airstrike that allegedly killed Iran's top security official Ali Larijani also killed his deputy at the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bateni as well as Larijani’s son, Iran International reported on Tuesday. The Iranian women's soccer team arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday on their way home from Malaysia, after five players withdrew the asylum claims they had lodged in Australia. Australia had granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member after they sought asylum, saying they feared persecution if they returned to Iran. (Reuters) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday the country had effectively won its war with Iran, but gave no indication of when the conflict might end, saying only that the campaign would continue until its objectives were achieved. Saar said Israel was seeking to remove "existential threats", but did not say how the government would determine when those goals had been met. PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday "strongly condemned" all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure, as he held call with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "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." > 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…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2026 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… US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping are "resetting" their meeting that was planned for March 31-April 2, and that it will instead take place in around five or six weeks. US President Donald Trump offered vague timeline to end the war in Iran and said, "We aren't ready to leave Tehran yet." "We’re not ready to leave yet, but we will be leaving in the near future,” Trump said from the Oval Office. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that more than 41,000 people were killed in protests in Iran after earlier claiming the number to be 32,000. US President Donald Trump, while speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday, talked about the resignation by US' National Counterterrorism Centre director Joe Kent. Trump said, "It's a good thing he is out because he said Iran was not a threat." US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while speaking from the Oval Office, said that Washington has received great support from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain on Iran. US President Donald Trump, during a press briefing on Tuesday, said that western military alliance "NATO is making very foolish mistake by not sending ships to Strait of Hormuz." US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said that Washington doesn't require the assistance of western military alliance NATO and that America doesn't need help of anyone. In the Truth Social post, trump wrote, "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. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!" Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday claimed that Israel Defence Forces have killed Iran's top security official Ali Larijani, however, there has been no comment from Iran on the claim till now. "This morning, we eliminated Ali Larijani...Alongside him, we also eliminated the commander of the Basij, Gholamreza Soleimani. They are the gangsters' assistants who are terrorising the population in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities," he said in a statement," Netanyahu said in a statement. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that France would never take part in operations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, and that Paris was carrying on with work to prepare a coalition that could provide freedom of navigation once hostilities ended. "We are not 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," Macron said. The UAE's defence ministry on Tuesday said that it is intercepting drones and missiles from Iran in the past hour. Qatar's defence ministry also said a couple of hours ago that it intercepted a wave of missiles targeting the state. US National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent has announced his resignation over President Donald Trump's administration's decision to go into a war with Iran. In a post on X, Kent wrote, "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. 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." > After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026 After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr In an interview with Sky News, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh was asked about the possibility of US military's ground invasion in the Islamic nation. "Even suggesting that a foreign country can put ‘boots on the ground’ of another country, invade another country, occupy the land of another country is something very much rogue, very reckless, illegal and against all international law," Khatibzadeh said. Crude oil prices have soared amid the partial closure of Strait of Hormuz as Iran has effectively choked the water pathway. Here are few things which could get expensive amid Strait of Hormuz shutdown: • Plane tickets Oil tankers are crossing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's actions to choke traffic through the shipping route have not hurt the US economy, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Tuesday. Poland will not send troops to Iran as the conflict does not directly affect its security, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday, adding that the United States and other powers understood Warsaw's decision. US President Donald Trump called on allies over the weekend to help secure the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian forces continue attacks on the vital waterway amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, now in its third week. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), in a post on X, has said that Ali Larijani was considered one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership, and was a close associate of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. "During the most recent wave of protests against the Iranian terror regime, Larijani personally oversaw the massacre that was carried out against Iranian protestors," IDF further added. > 🔴Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the regime’s effective leader, has been eliminated.Throughout the years, Larijani was considered one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership, and was a close associate… pic.twitter.com/kBIgSSGBm0— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 17, 2026 🔴Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the regime’s effective leader, has been eliminated.Throughout the years, Larijani was considered one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership, and was a close associate… pic.twitter.com/kBIgSSGBm0 White House Economic Adviser Kevin Hassett on Tuesday said that he thinks the Iran conflict "willbe over in weeks, not months." Hassett further added, "There's no way President Donald Trump is going to back down until he sees this through the end." Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday said that Tel Aviv will "continue the war with Tehran until the mission is completed." Tens of millions more people will face acute hunger if the Iran war continues through to June, according to analysis from the World Food Programme released on Tuesday. The US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 26 have choked up key humanitarian aid routes, delaying life-saving shipments to some of the world's worst crises. (Reuters) Israeli military on Tuesday announced that they have launched wide ranging strikes across Iran, Reuters reported. Iran's state media on Tuesday reported that the authorities have seized hundreds of Starlink satellite internet systems in a nationwide operation. "The locations of satellite systems were identified and the criminal activities of their users were monitored and controlled," Tehran's Tasnim news agency reported quoting the the Ministry of Intelligence statement. Israel foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday said that Iran regime aims to "destroy western lifestyle." Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar, in a press briefing on Tuesday said, that "Iranian regime can only be toppled by Iranian people." In conversation with UN secretary general António Guterres, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that situation in Hormuz Strait cannot be considered separate from “war imposed by U.S.-Israel," news agency Reuters reported. Araghchi said that any country concerned with peace and security must condemn “aggression” against Iran. Iran’s intelligence ministry says it confiscated hundreds of Starlink systems in a nationwide operation, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iranian agency Tasnim. China on Tuesday said it will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Lebanon and two other West Asian countries hit hard by the ongoing conflict in the region. Speaking at a media briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that Beijing has decided to provide emergency humanitarian aid to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq in the hope of easing the humanitarian plight faced by local people. "The ongoing conflict has inflicted excruciating humanitarian disasters on (the) people of Iran and other regional countries. China deeply sympathises with people in relevant countries", Lin said.--PTI The Israeli Prime Minister's office has shared of photo of PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials. This comes days after rumours of Netanyahu's death started circulating on social media. He released a videos reacting to the claims. A tweet on funeral ceremony for the Islamic Republic's Navy personnel killed in recent US strikes in the Indian Ocean was published on Iranian security chief Ali Larijani's X account moments after Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the former IRGC commander had been killed in an Israeli strike. There was no confirmation from Iran at the time. "On the occasion of the funeral ceremony for the valiant martyrs of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Navy: Their memory will forever remain in the heart of the Iranian nation, and these martyrdoms will strengthen the foundation of the Islamic Republic's Army for years to come within the structure of the armed forces. I beseech the Almighty God for the highest ranks for these dear martyrs," it read. > به مناسبت مراسم تشییع سلحشوران نیروی دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران: یاد آنان همواره در قلب ملت ایران خواهد بود و این شهادتها بنیان ارتش جمهوری اسلامی را برای سالها در ساختار نیروهای مسلح استوار مینماید. ازخداوند متعال علو درجات برای این شهدای عزیز خواستارم. pic.twitter.com/dvTdhyDYbY— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) به مناسبت مراسم تشییع سلحشوران نیروی دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران: یاد آنان همواره در قلب ملت ایران خواهد بود و این شهادتها بنیان ارتش جمهوری اسلامی را برای سالها در ساختار نیروهای مسلح استوار مینماید. ازخداوند متعال علو درجات برای این شهدای عزیز خواستارم. pic.twitter.com/dvTdhyDYbY Indian LPG carriers 'Shivalik' and 'Nanda Devi' have arrived safely at Mundra and Vadinar ports in Gujarat after safely passing the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said he interacted with the crew of Indian-flagged after reaching Indian shores. The vessels carry more than 92,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas combined. Speaking about the crew, Sonowal said, "Operating through the Persian Gulf and the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, their conduct underscores the importance of vigilance, coordination and responsibility in ensuring safe passage amid evolving global dynamics." "Led by Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji India remains committed to the safety and well-being of its seafarers and to supporting secure, stable and efficient maritime operations," he said. > Interacted with the brave crew of Indian-flagged LPG Carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, after reaching Indian shores. Operating through the Persian Gulf and the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, their conduct underscores the importance of vigilance, coordination and… pic.twitter.com/TEsm6gGFMA— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) March 17, 2026 Interacted with the brave crew of Indian-flagged LPG Carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, after reaching Indian shores. Operating through the Persian Gulf and the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, their conduct underscores the importance of vigilance, coordination and… pic.twitter.com/TEsm6gGFMA An unknown projectile struck a Kuwait-flagged tanker 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates causing minor structural damage, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday. There were no injuries reported to the crew, the agency said in an advisory, adding no environmental impact was reported. Maritime security sources said the vessel hit was the liquefied petroleum tanker Gas Al Ahmadiah, which was at anchor. One of the sources added that the impact was most likely from fragments from an airborne interception. The vessel's operator, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Reuters Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Iran's security chief Ali Larijani had been killed in an Israeli strike. There was no confirmation from Iran. — Reuters US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israeli officials said that overnight strikes in Iran killed Basij paramilitary force commander Gholamreza Soleimani, according to The Times of Israel. Along with Soleimani, the strike also killed the deputy commander of the Basij and other top officials in the paramilitary force US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israeli media said that the military has targeted Iran's security chief Ali Larijani, adding that it was not immediately clear whether he was killed or injured. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Photos of MT Nanda Devi, the second Indian-flagged ship to cross the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, reaches Vadinar Port in Jamnagar, Gujarat. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: About 12 hours after the Indian-flagged vessel Shivalik reached Gujarat’s Mundra Port, MT Nanda Devi, carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), arrived at Vadinar Port in Jamnagar on Tuesday, which is part of the Deendayal Ports Authority (Kandla Ports). MT Nanda Devi arrived at Vadinar carrying 46,500 Metric Tonnes (MT) of LPG for ship-to-ship (STS) transfer at the anchorage. Subsequently, the fuel was transferred to MT BW Birch. Read full article here US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued warning to civilians in south Lebanon to evacuate and leave for north of Zahrani River. “Hezbollah’s terror activities are forcing the IDF to act forcefully against it in that area, and it does not intend to harm you,” said army spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee. “Airstrikes are ongoing, as the IDF is operating with great force in the area. Therefore, for your safety, we again urge you to evacuate your homes immediately and move at once to the north of the Zahrani River,” he said. “Any movement southward may put your lives at risk,” Adraee added. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Gulf Arab states have urged the United States to not stop short in its conflict with Iran, warning that leaving Tehran capable of disruption threatens regional oil flows and economies, according to news agency Reuters. “There is a wide feeling across the Gulf that Iran has crossed every red line with every Gulf country,” says Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Saudi-based Gulf Research Center and familiar with government thinking. “At first we defended them and opposed the war,” he says. “But once they began directing strikes at us, they became an enemy. There is no other way to classify them.” US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it has pushed more forces deeper into southern Lebanon. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom have called for immediate de-escalation, urging negotiations, civilian protection and full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. "We are gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and call for meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution. We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge for immediate de-escalation. Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease and they must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities, which further jeopardises regional peace and security. We condemn attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers and infrastructure, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. These actions are unacceptable, and we call on all parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law," the countries said in a joint statement. "A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict. It must be averted. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming. We reiterate our call for the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 by all parties and support the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, prohibit Hezbollah’s military activities, and curb their armed hostilities. We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, who have been unwillingly drawn into conflict.” US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Ten foreign individuals were arrested in Iran’s northeast by the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence organisation, over collecting information on sensitive sites and preparing field operations, according to Tasnim news agency. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: US President Donald Trump is asking to postpone his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping by “a month or so”. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," Trump told reporters at the White House. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran's football federation is in talks with FIFA about moving the World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States, over safety concerns of Iranian players. "When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said in a post on the Iranian embassy in Mexico's X account. "We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's World Cup matches in Mexico." > 🔹مهدی تاج رئیس فدراسیون فوتبال ایران: وقتی ترامپ صراحتأ اعلام کرده است که نمیتواند امنیت تیم ملی ایران را تأمین کند، قطعا به آمریکا سفر نمیکنیم/در حال مذاکره با فیفا هستیم تا مسابقات ایران در جام جهانی، در کشور مکزیک برگزار شود— Embajada de Irán en México (@IraninMexico) March 16, 2026 🔹مهدی تاج رئیس فدراسیون فوتبال ایران: وقتی ترامپ صراحتأ اعلام کرده است که نمیتواند امنیت تیم ملی ایران را تأمین کند، قطعا به آمریکا سفر نمیکنیم/در حال مذاکره با فیفا هستیم تا مسابقات ایران در جام جهانی، در کشور مکزیک برگزار شود US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Loud explosions heard in Qatari capital Doha, according to Reuters, AFP. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Falling shrapnel in the Bani Yas area killed a Pakistani national following the interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense Spokesperson said 12 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern region in the past few hours. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that the armed forces intercepted a missile attack and the Civil Defence is dealing with a fire in the Industrial Area. US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put out a video on his official X handle, wishing the "brave people of Iran" a happy holiday season. "To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year 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," he said. > Prime Minister Netanyahu:To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year 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. pic.twitter.com/PoY2Mhlg6p— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 16, 2026 Prime Minister Netanyahu:To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year 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. pic.twitter.com/PoY2Mhlg6p US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Three loud blasts echoed around Dubai, early on Tuesday, following a missile alert as Iran stepped up attacks in the Middle East, reported news agency AFP. The explosions occurred following a mobile phone alert to residents to “immediately seek a safe place” over “potential missile threats.” 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. “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.” US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: A tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile whilst at anchor”, late on Monday (Mar 16), near the Emirati oil port of Fujairah, said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre on Tuesday. 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. 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. 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> 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.