President Donald Trump announced US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, hitting military facilities while sparing oil infrastructure, prompting Iran to threaten US-linked oil targets. Meanwhile, UAE air defences intercepted 7 ballistic missiles and 27 UAVs on March 13, with total engagements since the escalation reaching 285 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,567 UAVs. In the UAE, 10 defendants face expedited trials for sharing misleading or AI-generated videos online, while Abu Dhabi authorities arrested 45 individuals for filming incident sites and spreading false information, part of ongoing efforts to curb misinformation and protect national security. Stay informed with the facts as we navigate these challenging times together:

03:55 PM, 14 March 2026

Iran says US and Israeli strikes damaged about 43,000 residential and commercial units

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the damaged structures included 36,469 residential units and 6,179 commercial facilities, according to state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran hasn’t provided any information about military losses and damage.

Mohajerani, meanwhile, said the war has taken a heavy toll on women, with 223 women and girls killed and 2,129 others wounded since Feb. 28. She didn’t provide an overall death toll, but previously authorities have said that 1,230 people have been killed.

03:40 PM, 14 March 2026

IndiGo adjusts Middle East flight schedule

IndiGo will operate 252 weekly flights to and from the Middle East from March 16 to March 28 as it cautiously realigns its network in response to the evolving regional situation. The airline plans 126 weekly flights to Saudi Arabia, 28 to Oman, and 98 to the UAE. IndiGo said it will continue monitoring developments, including geopolitical risks, airspace restrictions, airport constraints, and rising fuel and insurance costs, while maintaining essential connectivity and safe operations across the region.

03:13 PM, 14 March 2026

UAE air defenses deal with 9 ballistic missiles and 33 drones

UAE air defenses dealt with 9 ballistic missiles and 33 drones today. Since the start of the brazen Iranian attacks, UAE air defenses have dealt with 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1600 drones. These attacks have resulted in 6 deaths of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 141 cases of minor and moderate injuries of Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, and Swedish nationalities. The Ministry of Defense affirms that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats and to firmly confront everything that targets undermining the security of the state, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, stability, and protects its interests and national capabilities.

02:44 PM, 14 March 2026

02:31 PM, 14 March 2026

Macron urges Israel to hold ‘direct talks’ with Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said Lebanon was ready to engage in “direct talks” with Israel and offered to host negotiations in Paris.

“The Lebanese government has signalled its willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel,” he said on X, adding that “all sections of society must be represented in these talks.”

“France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris,” Macron said, adding he had spoken to the president and prime minister of Lebanon, a former French protectorate.

“Everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos,” Macron added.

“Hezbollah must immediately halt its reckless course. Israel must abandon plans for a large-scale offensive and cease its massive air strikes.”

02:23 PM, 14 March 2026

Bahrain Airport flight operations remain suspended

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing closure of Bahraini airspace. Authorities said operations will resume once the airspace reopens safely.

Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates before travelling.

02:18 PM, 14 March 2026

UAE warns: Don’t circulate photos or clips from interception sites

The Ministry of Interior has reminded the public not to circulate rumours, photos, or video clips of vital or security sites.

Authorities stressed that promoting national and legal awareness around the prohibition of spreading such content helps maintain security and public safety. They added that security awareness starts with each individual in society, and everyone has a role in protecting the community.

02:09 PM, 14 March 2026

Iranian warship crew partly repatriated from Kochi

 India has repatriated more than 100 non-essential crew members of an Iranian naval vessel that docked at Kochi earlier this month, even as the warship continues to remain berthed at the southern port, here amid escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States.

Officials familiar with the development said the sailors were flown out late on Friday night on a Turkish airline flight after India facilitated their departure on humanitarian grounds.

The repatriated sailors were part of the crew of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan, which had docked at Kochi port the same day the naval confrontation unfolded in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sources said the vessel originally had 183 personnel on board, but with the departure of the non-essential crew members, around 50 sailors have remained with the ship for operational and maintenance requirements.

01:43 PM, 14 March 2026

US advises Americans in Qatar to stay vigilant

The US Department of State is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and has issued guidance for American citizens in Qatar. Officials emphasise that safety and security remain the top priority.

Departure options: Limited commercial flights and overland routes to Saudi Arabia are available. The Department is coordinating additional flights for those who complete the crisis intake form.

Shelter in place: Americans who choose to stay should secure themselves in safe locations, stock essential supplies, and stay away from windows. Citizens are urged to avoid protests and demonstrations and follow local authority instructions.

Embassy support: Routine consular services are suspended, but the U.S. Embassy in Doha continues to provide assistance through a 24/7 Task Force. Emergency contact: ACSDoha@state.gov or dial 999 locally.

Safety tips: Enroll in STEP for updates, keep family informed, monitor official guidance, and stay alert to surroundings.

Americans are encouraged to stay informed, follow official channels, and take precautions as the situation evolves.

01:40 PM, 14 March 2026

Bahrain intercepts 124 missiles, 203 drones since Feb 28 attacks

The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that through the unwavering vigilance of its personnel, the BDF’s air defence systems continue to successfully counter successive waves of hostile terrorist Iranian aggression. Since the onset of hostilities, air defences have intercepted and destroyed 121 ballistic missiles and 193 drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The General Command expressed its pride in the exceptional combat readiness and vigilance demonstrated by BDF personnel, and commended their sustained operational effectiveness in defending the Kingdom. The performance of Bahrain’s forces continues to inspire confidence that the Kingdom’s skies remain secure.

01:18 PM, 14 March 2026

Iran says museums and historic sites damaged in war

Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism ministry said Saturday at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the Middle East war entered its 15th day.

In Tehran, US-Israeli strikes damaged the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in the early days of the conflict, local media reported.

The palace complex is one of the oldest sites in the Iranian capital and once served as the residence of the Qajar dynasty.

The ministry said Tehran has recorded the highest number of damaged monuments, with 19 suffering varying levels of harm.

The vast Naghsh-e Jahan Square, a 17th-century architectural jewel in the heart of the central Iranian city of Isfahan, has also been damaged.

In the port of Siraf, in Bushehr province, several houses were hit in the historic quarter, home to many century-old buildings.

UNESCO, the UN’s culture agency, said it was concerned about hundreds of historic sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon that have been damaged or threatened by the war.

12:50 PM, 14 March 2026

Fire breaks out in Fujairah after drone interception, no injuries

Authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah reported that a fire broke out after debris fell following the interception of an unmanned aerial vehicle by air defence systems, confirming that no injuries were recorded.

12:02 PM, 14 March 2026

Dubai Police warn public about AI images and videos

Dubai Police have cautioned that in the age of artificial intelligence, some images and videos circulating online may appear real but are AI-generated.

Authorities urged the public to always verify sources before sharing content, stressing that awareness is the first line of defense against misinformation.

11:58 AM, 14 March 2026

At least 12 medical workers killed in Lebanon strike

An Israeli strike hit a healthcare center in Borj Qalaouiye, southern Lebanon, killing at least 12 medical staff, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said Saturday, according to CNN.

Doctors, nurses, and paramedics were among those killed. One healthcare worker was wounded, and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate any missing personnel.

The ministry noted that the strike followed an earlier attack on paramedics in Al Sawana, another town in southern Lebanon.

Authorities have condemned the attacks, highlighting the impact on critical medical services in the region.

11:55 AM, 14 March 2026

South Korea implements temporary fuel price cap

The Republic of Korea has introduced a temporary fuel price cap this week to help ease cost burdens amid supply concerns linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis, officials said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the government announced the measure during a task force meeting of ministers responsible for managing market prices, as domestic fuel costs continue to fluctuate.

Under the system, the government will set maximum prices for oil products supplied by South Korean refineries to gas stations and distributors, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

11:46 AM, 14 March 2026

Six Iranians from same family killed in strike

The airstrike destroyed a residential building early Saturday in the western city of Eyvan, the judiciary’s official news agency Mizan reported, citing local authorities. The dead included a 6-month-old, it said.

11:36 AM, 14 March 2026

Two Indian LPG carriers allowed transit through Strait of Hormuz

Two Indian flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities. One of them is the Shivalik which as per Vessel traffic monitoring site marinetraffic was last reported to be in the Gulf of Oman and expected to reach its destination by March 21.

On Friday, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the maritime situation in the Gulf region and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels. As per the Ministry, 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf. 76 Indian seafarers remain on three vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz.

11:00 AM, 14 March 2026

NCEMA: Stay away from debris after air interceptions

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has urged residents to keep a safe distance from any debris or fallen objects resulting from air interceptions and to let authorities assess the situation.

Officials cautioned that some objects may look harmless but can pose serious safety risks. Residents are advised to report locations immediately by calling 999.

NCEMA stressed that following these precautions is essential for public safety and reminded the public that their safety remains a top priority.

10:54 AM, 14 March 2026

Dubai’s Global Village cancels Eid Al Fitr fireworks

Global Village has announced that fireworks displays will not take place during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday.

The organisers said the decision follows government directives issued as part of precautionary safety measures.

Global Village also confirmed that it will remain closed until further notice in line with official guidance.

Visitors are advised to check the official website and social media channels of Global Village for the latest updates, including announcements on reopening.

10:31 AM, 14 March 2026

Airstrike kills two in Baghdad

An airstrike hit a house in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, early Saturday, killing at least one person, according to a security official and another affiliated with the Iranian-backed armed groups in the country.

The strike in Baghdad’s Karrada district also wounded two people, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorised to speak to the press.

In a statement, the Iraqi military condemned the strike as “a blatant violation of all humanitarian values and a disregard for international conventions.”

The strike happened before a missile attack hit the US Embassy compound in Baghdad.

10:20 AM, 14 March 2026

Israeli strike hits north Beirut suburb

An Israeli strike hit an apartment building in a northern Beirut suburb that had also been targeted a day earlier, Lebanese media reported on Saturday.

An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers at the scene and damage, including a hole, in a building in the Nabaa-Burj Hammoud area, outside Iran-backed Hezbollah’s strongholds in the capital’s southern suburbs.

The same building had been struck on Friday without causing casualties.

10:07 AM, 14 March 2026

No oil infrastructure damage at Kharg: Iranian media

No oil infrastructure was damaged in US strikes on Kharg Island, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

Fars news agency, citing sources on the ground, reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after President Donald Trump said US bombardment of the island had destroyed military targets.

Trump had threatened in a social media post to target oil infrastructure on the island, a crucial hub for Iran, if Tehran continued to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to Fars, the US operation “tried to damage the army’s defences, the Joshan naval base, the airport control tower and the helicopter hangar of the Iran Continental Shelf Oil Company.”

Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the northern Gulf around 30 kilometres (19 miles) off the Iranian mainland, handles roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports.

09:59 AM, 14 March 2026

Hamas urges Iran to stop ‘targeting neighbouring’ countries

Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.

“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas said in a statement.

09:48 AM, 14 March 2026

Kuwait commerce ministry reports 36 violations

Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said emergency teams in Farwaniya and Al-Ahmadi governorates conducted field inspections of commercial shops on Friday, recording 36 violations, according to KUNA.

Violations included:

• Selling goods above approved prices
• Failing to comply with price-fixing decisions on food items
• Missing pricing or promotional information
• Not issuing invoices
• Failing to specify the country of origin

A separate notice was issued for mismatches between actual commercial activities and licensed activities. Legal action is being taken against violators. The ministry affirmed it will continue inspection campaigns to control prices and ensure compliance with market regulations.

09:46 AM, 14 March 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts multiple drones across regions

The Ministry of Defense confirmed a series of drone interceptions across the country, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Over the past few hours, drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region, Al Jouf Region, and the Empty Quarter. In total, five drones were neutralised in the Eastern Region alone.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining national security and urged the public to follow official safety instructions.

09:42 AM, 14 March 2026

Kuwait air defences shoot down hostile drone

The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) confirmed that its Army Duty Force shot down a hostile UAV on Saturday morning in areas under its jurisdiction, according to spokesman Brig. Jadaan Fadhel.

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the Kuwaiti Armed Forces to protect national security and safeguard vital sites against external threats. Brig. Jadaan emphasised that the KNG maintain the highest levels of preparedness to defend the country’s security and stability.

“The KNG are always ready to sacrifice themselves for the homeland and stand united to protect national security under our wise leadership,” he said.

Brig. Jadaan also urged the public to follow safety instructions issued by competent authorities and cooperate with military and police forces to maintain national stability.

09:39 AM, 14 March 2026

Evacuation alert in Qatar affects only notified residents

The Ministry of Interior clarified that the precautionary evacuation affects only residents in specified areas who received alerts through the National Alert System, according to the Qatar News Agency.

Safe alternative accommodations have been arranged, while some residents have chosen to relocate independently. Those affected can call 40442999 for assistance or enquiries.

The Ministry urged the public to follow official updates and comply with instructions from the competent authorities.

Earlier, the ministry has announced temporary precautionary evacuation measures in specified areas to ensure public safety.

The measure is being carried out by the concerned authorities as a temporary precaution aimed at safeguarding citizens and residents until the threat subsides.

09:37 AM, 14 March 2026

Qatar intercepts missile targeting the country

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful interception of a missile aimed at Qatar, according to the Qatar News Agency.

The Ministry of Interior has urged residents to stay clear of any unidentified objects or debris, avoid touching them, and report sightings immediately by calling 999 to ensure public safety.

09:34 AM, 14 March 2026

Israel tells residents in parts of Iran’s Tabriz to leave

The Israeli army told people in an industrial zone in the west of Iran’s northern city of Tabriz to leave ahead of military operations on Saturday.

“Urgent warning to all people located in the industrial area west of Tabriz,” the Israeli military posted on X, adding it would “continue to operate in the area in the coming hours”.

Internet shutdowns in Iran since US-Israeli strikes late last month triggered a war in the Middle East meant that residents were unlikely to be able to access online evacuation warnings.

08:25 AM, 14 March 2026

Trump says Iran ‘totally defeated’, ‘wants a deal’ he won’t accept

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the US-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.

“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.

07:47 AM, 14 March 2026

Missile strikes helipad inside US Embassy compound in Iraq

A missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.

There was no immediate comment from the US Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran has previously carried out attacks against US citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest US diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past.

07:36 AM, 14 March 2026

Lebanon says Israeli strike in south kills 12 medics

An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed a dozen medical staff at a clinic, Lebanese health authorities said Saturday, after Iran-backed Hezbollah’s leader said his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when the Tehran-backed militant group attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Lebanese health authorities said an Israeli strike killed 12 doctors, paramedics and nurses working at a healthcare centre in the town of Burj Qalawiya, following another strike on the town of Sawaneh that left two paramedics affiliated with Hezbollah and its ally Amal dead.

07:24 AM, 14 March 2026

Bahrain arrests footballer Ahmed Mirza Musa over posts

Bahraini authorities have arrested six people, including international footballer Ahmed Mirza Musa, on charges of misleading public opinion and publishing content deemed to violate the law on social media, the Interior Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, represented by the cybercrime unit, had identified and detained the individuals.

Authorities said the arrests followed the filming and publication of videos related to the “effects of the Iranian aggression”, as well as content expressing sympathy with and praise for what it called hostile acts.

07:22 AM, 14 March 2026

Two US Air Force B-1 bombers take off from RAF Fairford 

Fairford is one of two bases that the UK has given the US permission to use for “specific defensive operations into Iran”, British Defence Minister John Healey has said

Two US Air Force B-1 bombers take off from RAF Fairford in England.

Fairford is one of two bases that the UK has given the US permission to use for “specific defensive operations into Iran”, British Defence Minister John Healey has said pic.twitter.com/EB2cRnWYHV

06:57 AM, 14 March 2026

Debris from intercepted projectile hits Dubai building

Dubai Media Office confirmed that debris from a successful interception struck the façade of a building in central Dubai. Authorities said the situation has been fully contained, with no fire or injuries reported.

06:10 AM, 14 March 2026

Abu Dhabi arrests 45 over incident footage, false info

The Criminal Investigation and Investigation Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police has apprehended 45 individuals of various nationalities for filming locations during ongoing incidents and publishing the footage online, alongside circulating inaccurate and misleading information.

Police said such posts could provoke public concern and spread rumours within the community.

06:38 AM, 14 March 2026

Two killed in strikes on Iraq capital  

Explosions rocked Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday after two strikes targeted the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing two members including a “key figure”, security sources said.

The strikes are the first in the heart of Baghdad to kill Iran-backed fighters since the start of the Middle East war on February 28, which has not spared Iraq, long a proxy battleground between the US and Iran.

“At 02:15 am (2315 GMT Friday), a missile struck a house that was being used by Kataeb Hezbollah,” said a security source, adding that “a key figure was martyred,” and two members of the group were wounded.

AFP journalists heard blasts in the capital followed by ambulance sirens, with witnesses saying they saw smoke rising from the Arasat neighbourhood, where several Iran-backed groups are known to be present.

Two hours later, an airstrike hit a vehicle in eastern Baghdad that killed “a member of the Hashed al-Shaabi,” another security source said.

A Hashed al-Shaabi official told AFP the member killed belongs to Kataeb Hezbollah.

05:52 AM, 14 March 2026

New explosion heard in Baghdad 

An explosion was heard in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday, an AFP journalist reported, hours after a missile struck a powerful Iran-backed group in the city.

Residents in the Zayouna district in eastern Baghdad told AFP that the force of the blast shook their houses.

Explosions were heard earlier in Baghdad, which appeared to be a missile strike on a house used by the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing “a key figure” and wounding two others, according to a security source.

05:49 AM, 14 March 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts 6 drones

The Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it has intercepted and destroyed six drones.

05:45 AM, 14 March 2026

Qatar intercepts missile attack

The Qatari Ministry of Defence announced today that the Qatar Armed Forces have intercepted a missile attack targeting the State of Qatar, according to the Qatari News Agency.

05:35 AM, 14 March 2026

Bahrain destroys 121 missiles, 193 drones since start of Iranian attacks

The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that air defence systems continue to successfully counter successive waves of hostile Iranian aggression.

Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that since the onset of hostilities, air defences have intercepted and destroyed 121 ballistic missiles and 193 drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.

02:29 AM, 14 March 2026

Iran military threatens US-linked oil targets after Trump says Kharg bombed

Iran’s military has threatened US-linked oil targets after US President Donald Trump said Kharg oil facilities in the Arabian Gulf was bombed.

Kharg Island is Iran’s primary and most crucial crude oil export terminal in the Gulf, handling 90–95% of its crude exports.

Located near the northern end of the Gulf, this critical facility receives oil from major fields via subsea pipelines, storing and loading it onto tankers for international, mostly Asian, markets.

12:38 AM, 14 March 2026

UAE issues safety advisory on debris from aerial interceptions

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has urged the public to keep a safe distance from any debris and report sightings immediately to authorities.

In a public safety advisory issued on social media, the authority warned residents not to approach, touch or photograph any objects that may have fallen following aerial interception operations, stressing that specialised teams are responsible for handling such incidents.

12:34 AM, 14 March 2026

US sends 2,500 Marines, one more ship to Mideast

Roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship are headed for the Middle East, a US official told The Associated Press.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans, said elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East. The move marks a major addition of troops to the region.

12:40 AM, 14 March 2026

Trump vows intense strikes as Iran war heads into third week

President Donald Trump said in an interview aired Friday that American forces would strike Iranian targets “very hard” in the coming days, signalling an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign as the war in the Middle East approaches its third week.

“We’re going to be hitting them very hard over the next week,” Trump told Fox News Radio, adding that he believed Iran’s leadership could eventually be toppled by its own people.

“I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons,” Trump said. “I think it’s a very big hurdle… It’ll happen, but it probably will be, maybe not immediately.”

GN

Dubai Civil Defence contained a minor fire at a Dubai Creek Harbour building after a drone fell nearby, with no injuries reported. UAE authorities later issued an all-clear as air defences responded to regional missile and drone threats. Elsewhere, tanker attacks near Iraq killed one crew member, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain intercepted drones and heightened security. Follow all the latest developments here:

11:48 AM, 12 March 2026

India says sailor killed in attack on tanker off Basra

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker was attacked near the Iraqi port city of Basra, India’s embassy in Baghdad said Thursday.

The vessel, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, came under attack March 11 while operating near Basra, the embassy said.

The remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated and are safe, the embassy said.

11:40 AM, 12 March 2026

Qatar condemns Iranian attack on Salalah Port in Oman

Qatar has strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack on the port of Salalah in Oman that damaged fuel tanks.

Doha called the strike a blatant violation of international law and an escalation that undermines regional stability, expressing full solidarity with Oman and support for measures to protect its sovereignty and security.

11:18 AM, 12 March 2026

Iranian footballer who received asylum returns to Iran

One of the seven Iranian women’s football team players has requested to return back to her homeland after being granted asylum in Australia confirms Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Burke said that one of the two individuals who had chosen to remain in Brisbane before the team travelled to Sydney later reversed their decision.

“(She) had spoken to some of the teammates that had left and had changed her mind,” said Burke.

10:48 AM, 12 March 2026

Italy says its military base in Iraqi Kurdistan attacked

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Thursday there had been an “attack” on an Italian base in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil, but there were no injuries.

“I strongly condemn the attack on the Italian base in Erbil,” Tajani said on X, without giving details. “I just spoke with the Italian ambassador to Iraq. Fortunately, all our soldiers are well and safe in the bunker,” he said.

Italy has soldiers in Erbil training Kurdistan security forces as part of an international force.

Drones were shot down on Wednesday over Erbil by the US-led international forces, which are based at Erbil airport, a Kurdish security source said.

No casualties were reported, the source said.

AFP journalists reported hearing loud bangs near Erbil airport from air defences engaging drones.

10:30 AM, 12 March 2026

Drone shot down in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Empty Quarter heading toward the Shaybah field, said the country’s Ministry of Defense.

10:25 AM, 12 March 2026

Dubai gold dips below Dh620 after recent spike

Gold prices in Dubai eased on Thursday morning, with the 24K rate falling to Dh619.75 per gram from Dh623.75 a day earlier, while 22K slipped to Dh574 from Dh577.50. The pullback follows recent swings in global bullion markets after prices briefly climbed above Dh640 earlier this month, with traders reacting to US inflation signals, a stronger dollar and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.

10:17 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE reiterates ban on drones and light sport aircraft

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has reaffirmed the complete ban on operating all types of drones and light sport aircraft in the UAE, citing exceptional circumstances currently facing the country.

In a statement, the authority stressed that the prohibition remains strictly in force and applies to all operators without exception. The GCAA said compliance with the decision is mandatory and urged the public and hobbyists to fully adhere to the regulations to avoid legal consequences.

The GCAA reaffirms the temporary suspension of all drone operations across the UAE. Strict compliance with official instructions protects you from legal action and ensures the safety of our airspace. Updates will be shared via our official channels in due course  

09:12 AM, 12 March 2026

Pakistan Ambassador visits injured nationals in UAE hospital

Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, visited Sheikh Shakhbout Hospital to meet Pakistani nationals receiving treatment. He wished them a speedy recovery, praised the hospital administration for their care, and commended the UAE government for its commitment to providing top-tier medical services to all affected residents.

The visit highlights ongoing bilateral support and attention to the welfare of Pakistani citizens in the UAE.

08:59 AM, 12 March 2026

Lebanon says 7 killed in Israeli strike on central Beirut

Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut’s seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.

The Israeli military said separately it had carried out strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight against Hezbollah, which had announced a major new operation against Israel.

Local media aired footage showing smoke rising along the seaside road area after the strike in central Beirut, which state-run National News Agency (NNA) said targeted a car.

“The Israeli enemy strike on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut led to an initial toll of seven dead and 21 wounded,” the health ministry said in a statement.

08:07 AM, 12 March 2026

Three crew ‘believed trapped’ aboard Thai ship attacked in Gulf: firm

Three crew members were “believed to be trapped” aboard a Thai bulk carrier that was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while travelling through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the vessel’s owner said.

“Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room” of the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree which was damaged in the strikes, Thai transport company Precious Shipping said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday they struck the ship because it had ignored “warnings”.

07:55 AM, 12 March 2026

Drone targets residential building in Kuwait, 2 injured

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that an enemy drone struck a residential building in a southern region of the country at dawn today, KUNA reported.

The attack injured two people, who are receiving medical treatment, and caused material damage, the ministry’s official spokesman added.

07:46 AM, 12 March 2026

Dubai tourist police available 24/7 to assist visitors

Tourists in Dubai can now access round-the-clock support from the Dubai Tourist Police, ensuring safety and assistance throughout their stay.

Visitors can reach the service via:

• Dubai Police App – Tourist Support Service
• Smart Police Stations (SPS)
• Call Center: 901
• Email

From guidance and general assistance to emergency support, the Dubai Tourist Police are on duty 24/7 to help travellers across the city.

07:21 AM, 12 March 2026

Brent crude oil tops $100 a barrel amid Iran attacks

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, topped $100 a barrel early Thursday, just days after it spiked near $120.

Oil prices shot more than 9% higher as supply concerns worsened with Iranian attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. benchmark crude oil jumped to about $95 a barrel.

07:20 AM, 12 March 2026

Israeli strikes kill 3 near Beirut

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli strikes early Thursday a town in the hills overlooking Beirut killed three people and wounded a child.

Aramoun, a town about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Beirut where dozens of displaced families have found shelter, has been targeted twice since the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel renewed after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2.

The Health Ministry also said the death toll from an earlier Israeli strike on central Beirut had risen to eight people, with 31 wounded.

07:10 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE sends missile threat alert

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of staying in safe locations, relying only on verified government updates, and remaining alert while the situation is closely monitored. Residents received mobile alerts through official channels to ensure timely warnings.

The UAE continues to monitor the situation and coordinate defensive measures to protect residents and critical infrastructure.

07:04 AM, 12 March 2026

Saudi Arabia says shot down drone approaching embassy district

Saudi Arabia shot down a drone approaching a district housing foreign embassies, the country’s defence ministry said on Thursday.

“An enemy drone was shot down while attempting to approach the embassies district,” a defence ministry spokesperson posted on X, after confirming Saudi Arabia had also intercepted a drone in the east of the country.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence also said on Thursday its air defences had intercepted several drones as Iran carries out strikes on oil-rich Gulf countries, vowing to target global energy markets in response to US-Israeli strikes.

06:51 AM, 12 March 2026

Iraq shuts oil terminals after deadly strike hits Basra port

An attack on Iraq’s Basra port early Thursday killed at least one person and forced authorities to halt operations at all the country’s oil terminals, officials said.

Farhan al-Fartousi, the director-general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, made the announcement in a statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency on Thursday. Al-Fartousi said the attack targeted a ship engaged in a ship-to-ship transfer of oil in the Basra port on the Persian Gulf. He said it remained unclear if the ship was targeted by a flying or seaborne drone or a missile.

Rescuers recovered one dead body and helped 38 others after the attack. He said commercial ports in Iraq remained open, though the oil terminals had been shut.

06:50 AM, 12 March 2026

Drones intercepted in Kuwait

Official Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Al-Otaibi said Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted a number of hostile drones that breached the airspace in the north of the country at dawn.

06:17 AM, 12 March 2026

Israeli military says more missiles from Iran heading towards Israel

The Israeli military said Thursday that a new barrage of missiles was heading for Israel, following an early wave of strikes that coincided with Israeli strikes on Tehran and Beirut.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the Israeli military said on its official Telegram channel.

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05:47 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain arrests four over espionage with Iranian Guard

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has arrested four Bahraini nationals and identified a fifth, currently at large abroad, in connection with espionage activities linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps through terrorist elements operating in Iran.

Investigations revealed that the first arrestee, acting on organisational instructions and with the assistance of the others, used high-resolution photography equipment to record and photograph coordinates of vital and sensitive locations in Bahrain. This information was reportedly transmitted to the IRGC via encrypted software. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the arrested individuals have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

05:35 AM, 12 March 2026

Trump says Iran near point of defeat

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran was on the verge of defeat, but warned that US forces could escalate strikes such that the country would be “almost impossible” to rebuild.

“They are pretty much at the end of the line,” Trump told reporters in Washington.

He added: “We can hit sections of Tehran and other places that if you do it, it’ll be almost impossible for them to rebuild their country, and we don’t want that.”

05:31 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain arrests six for sharing videos of Iranian attacks

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that the Anti-Cybercrime Directorate at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security has identified and arrested six individuals for filming and posting videos showing the aftermath of the recent Iranian aggression.

The videos, shared via social media, were found to express sympathy for the hostile acts, potentially misleading public opinion, spreading fear among citizens and residents, and undermining security and public order.

Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the arrestees have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating or reposting unreliable videos or news, warning that doing so could carry legal consequences and compromise the Kingdom’s safety and security.

05:20 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain authorities urge residents to stay indoors amid fire

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior has urged citizens and residents in Hidd, Arad, Qalali, and Samaheej to remain in their homes and close windows and ventilation openings as a precaution against smoke from a fire currently being fought.

Authorities earlier sounded the siren, advising residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location. Relevant authorities have said they will provide continuous updates.

05:00 AM, 12 March 2026

Bahrain authorities respond to Iranian attack on fuel facility

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior reported that the recent Iranian aggression targeted fuel tanks at a facility in Muharraq Governorate. The competent authorities are taking all necessary measures to manage the situation.

No injuries or further details have been reported at this time.

04:58 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE condemns unprovoked drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the unprovoked Iranian drone attack targeting the Port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which resulted in damage to several fuel tanks at the port.

04:55 AM, 12 March 2026

UAE residents told: Situation safe after emergency alert

Authorities have issued an all-clear alert, confirming that the situation is currently safe and residents can resume normal activities.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Residents have been urged to stay informed through official sources as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

04:45 AM, 12 March 2026

UN Security Council condemns Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the Gulf nations and Jordan

The UN Security Council, through Resolution 2817, has condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The resolution had overwhelming support – the highest number of co-sponsorships in the Security Council’s history – a clear message from the international community to Iran.

Today, the UN Security Council condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

The UAE strongly welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2817. The overwhelming support – reflected in… pic.twitter.com/lPZbLEJtZV

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) March 11, 2026

04:35 AM, 12 March 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts multiple drones

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that several drones were intercepted and destroyed across the Eastern Region and the Empty Quarter.

• A drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter was intercepted and destroyed.
• In the Eastern Region, authorities intercepted and destroyed 18 drones, including multiple incidents reported over the past hours.
• Additional reports confirm at least three more drones were intercepted and neutralised in the Eastern Region.

The Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasised that Saudi air defence systems continue to actively monitor and respond to aerial threats to protect vital facilities.

04:25 AM, 12 March 2026

Dubai firefighters bring a minor fire under control following drone incident

Dubai Civil Defence teams have brought a minor fire in a Dubai Creek Harbour building under control, with no injuries reported so far, as per the Dubai Media Office. Authorities earlier responded to an incident involving a drone that fell on a building in the vicinity of Dubai Creek Harbour.

Civil Defence teams have brought a minor fire in the building under control. No injuries have been reported so far. pic.twitter.com/CDQwp4JmwD

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 11, 2026

03:51 AM, 12 March 2026

1 killed, 38 rescued as 2 tankers hit in ‘sabotage’ attacks off Iraq

Two oil tankers were attacked off Iraq in what authorities called a “sabotage”. An attack on oil tankers near Iraq killed one crew member, Iraqi state television reported on Thursday, citing port authorities. 

Farhan Al-Fartousi, from Iraq’s General Company for Ports, told state television that one crew member had been killed and 38 rescued so far, and the “search continues for the missing.”

He did not specify their nationalities or provide details on who was behind the attack. 

03:46 AM, 12 March 2026

US to release 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve: Energy department

The US government will release 172 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve “beginning next week,” as the Middle East war disrupted oil prices, the US Department of Energy said Wednesday.

The release would “take approximately 120 days to deliver based on planned discharge rates,” the agency said in a post to X.

01:44 AM, 12 March 2026

Firefighting efforts continue to extinguish fire at fuel storage tanks at Salalah Port

Emergency crews in Oman are continuing efforts to extinguish a fire that broke out at fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah following an Iranian drone attack, authorities said.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority confirmed that specialised response teams were immediately dispatched to the site after the incident and began firefighting operations to contain the blaze.

The operation is being carried out with support from the Sultan’s Armed Forces as well as companies operating in the surrounding industrial area, as authorities work to bring the situation under control.

Officials said teams are deploying extensive resources to limit the spread of the fire and protect nearby facilities, adding that extinguishing the blaze may take some time due to the nature of fuel storage fires.

The authority stressed that all necessary safety and security procedures are being implemented while emergency crews continue their operations.

Authorities have also urged the public to follow official updates and avoid the area while response teams work to fully contain the fire and ensure the safety of the port and surrounding infrastructure.

01:04 AM, 12 March 2026

Qatar intercepts 9 ballistic missiles, several drones from Iran

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones on Wednesday.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that the Qatari Armed Forces intercepted nine ballistic missiles and a number of drones, neutralising most of the incoming threats before they could reach their targets.

“Our Armed Forces successfully intercepted nine aerial threats, of which eight ballistic missiles were destroyed, while one missile fell in an uninhabited area,” the ministry said.

Authorities added that the interception operation was carried out as part of Qatar’s integrated air defence system, which is designed to protect the country’s airspace, critical infrastructure and civilian areas.

Gulf News

Kharg Island – through which 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow – is arguably the country’s most sensitive economic target but the export terminal has so far remained untouched throughout the US-Israel bombing campaign.

Experts say bombing or capturing the site with US forces would be likely to cause a sustained increase to already surging oil prices, as it would amount to taking the entirety of Iran’s daily crude exports offline.

“We may see the $120 a barrel price we saw on Monday heading to the $150 if Kharg were attacked,” said Neil Quilliam, with the Chatham House thinktank. “It’s too vital for global energy markets”.

Although the US has struck 5,000 targets in and around Iran, it has so far refrained from bombing the country’s oil infrastructure – though oil prices remain nearly $20 per barrel higher because the fear of Iranian retaliation has in effect closed the strait of Hormuz to tanker traffic.

Israel’s air force did strike two oil refineries and two depots on Saturday, plunging Tehran into what some residents described as an “apocalyptic” darkness as thick black smoke descended over the capital. But there have been no attacks since.

Kharg, a five-mile-long coral island in the Persian Gulf 27 miles from the mainland, is where pipelines from Iran’s oilfields in the centre and the west of the country terminate. Established by a US oil conglomerate, Amoco, it was seized by Iran during the 1979 revolution.

While most of Iran’s coastline is silty and too shallow for very large crude tankers used by the oil industry, Kharg is sufficiently close to deep waters. Satellite imagery reveals vast loading jetties emerging from its eastern shore.

Typically, between 1.3m and 1.6m barrels of oil a day pass through Kharg, though Iran increased volumes to 3m a day in mid-February, according to the investment bank JP Morgan, in anticipation of a US-led attack. A further 18m barrels are stored on Kharg as a backup, the bank added.

Media reports have hinted at White House interest, including a brief reference in an Axios report on Saturday that officials had considered “seizing Kharg”. The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, has not ruled out attacking Iran with ground forces, although there are not large numbers of US troops in the region.

Michael Rubin, a senior Pentagon adviser on Iran and Iraq in the George W Bush administration, said last week he had discussed the idea with White House officials, arguing it could be a way to cripple the Iranian regime economically. “If they can’t sell their own oil, they can’t make payroll,” he said.

Before the latest US-Israel offensive, most of Iran’s crude oil from Kharg was exported to China. But the interconnected nature of the market means a permanent loss in export supply would affect prices globally, at a time when a further 3.5m barrels a day, mostly from Iraq, are also offline because of the closure of Hormuz.

Destroying Kharg or damaging the export site “runs the risk of causing an economy-shaping increase in oil price that would not drop rapidly”, argues Lynette Nusbacher, a former British army intelligence officer. Israel did not attack it in last summer’s 12-day war, and its complex infrastructure could take years to repair.

There is also a longer-term political argument. “Kharg Island is sufficiently important to the Iranian economy that destroying its facilities would abandon any pretence of fighting a war to create a brighter future for Iran,” Nusbacher argues, because it would deny a successor regime vital oil income.

An effort to seize the island, given its size, would be likely to require a sizeable and sustained operation, greater than a typical special forces incursion. Though a US seizure would in theory give the White House leverage over Tehran, Quilliam argued it was very likely that such an effort would be self-defeating.

“If the US were to seize it, then you are separating the Iranian oil industry. Iran would have production but couldn’t export, while the US wouldn’t be able to produce. That would set markets in a tailspin; that’s a real standoff,” the analyst said.

The Guardian