politics

US‑Israel war on Iran, Day 19: Iran vows revenge for Ali Larijani’s death

Tensions across the Gulf escalate as Iran confirms the killing of senior figure Ali Larijani and missile exchanges intensify. UAE air defences intercept ongoing threats while authorities lift emergency alerts. Regional leaders condemn attacks, report casualties, and reinforce security, as diplomatic warnings, flight disruptions, and military responses continue to unfold. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates on this developing crisis:

11:15 AM, 18 March 2026

Iraq resumes limited oil exports via Turkey

Iraq announced on Wednesday it had resumed limited oil exports of 250,000 bpd through the Turkish port of Ceyhan after the country’s output plunged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 per cent of Iraq’s budget revenues. Before the outbreak of war on February 28, Iraq mainly shipped its oil – roughly 3.5 million barrels per day – from the southern Basra fields via the Strait of Hormuz.

The state-owned North Oil Company said it “has begun operating the Sarlo pumping station to resume pumping and exporting Kirkuk oil to the port of Ceyhan with an initial capacity of 250,000 barrels per day”.

Iraq resumed oil exports from its fields in the northern Kirkuk province “after a disruptive period that posed a significant challenge to the oil sector,” and in agreement with the autonomous Kurdistan Region, through which the pipeline to Turkey’s port of Ceyhan runs.

Iraq has been scrambling to find a solution to export its oil, and there have been long-running talks with Iraqi Kurdistan to ship it through the autonomous region.

Kurdish authorities had asked for several measures in return, before agreeing to let the oil flow through the region’s pipeline.

The Kurdistan natural resources ministry said that the Sarlo oil station began operating at 6:30 am (0330 GMT) to enable exports via the Kurdistan region pipeline to the port of Ceyhan.

11:13 AM, 18 March 2026

Iran to hold funeral for slain security chief

Iran will hold a funeral Wednesday for its security chief Ali Larijani as it vowed revenge, firing off a wave of missiles at Israel after it killed the powerful figure in an air strike.

According to Iran’s Fars and Tasnim news agencies, funerals for Larijani and another powerful figure killed by Israel, Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij paramilitary force, will take place from 1030 GMT in Tehran.

Their deaths were announced Tuesday.

10:38 AM, 18 March 2026

New Israeli strike on central Beirut without warning: state media

A new Israeli strike hit central Beirut’s Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhood on Wednesday, state media reported, the second on the densely populated area since the early morning without prior warning.

A blast was heard throughout the capital, and AFPTV’s live broadcast showed plumes of smoke rising from the area as the war between Hezbollah and Israel continued.

A building in Bashoura, also in central Beirut, was struck earlier following an Israeli warning.

10:27 AM, 18 March 2026

UAE successfullyresponds to Iranian missiles and drones

Dubai Media Office, through a social media post, confirms that the situation in the country is currently safe, following earlier warnings about potential missile threats.

10:10 AM, 18 March 2026

UAE residents get emergency alert over missile threat

The Ministry of Defence has warned of a potential missile threat. Residents are urged to move to the nearest secure building, stay away from windows, doors, and open areas, and await official instructions.

Authorities have stressed the importance of staying in safe locations, following official channels for real-time updates, and remaining vigilant as the situation develops.

Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.

Residents and travellers are strongly urged to:

Remain in a safe location until the threat is resolved
Follow official channels for real-time warnings, updates, and instructions
Avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic

10:10 AM, 18 March 2026

UN nuclear watchdog says Iranian authorities reported a projectile impact at the country’s only operational nuclear power plant that caused no damage

UN nuclear watchdog says Iranian authorities reported a projectile impact at the country’s only operational nuclear power plant that caused no damage

US‑Israel war on Iran, Day 19: Iran vows revenge for security chief Ali Larijani's death 09:46 AM, 18 March 2026

Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel: judiciary

Iranian authorities have executed a man convicted of spying for Israel, the judiciary said on Wednesday, in the first such execution announced since the war with Israel and the United States broke out.

Mizan identified the man as Kouroush Keyvani and said he was arrested during Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in June. The US briefly joined with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

It listed details of his meetings with agents from Israel’s Mossad spy agency and said he received training in “six European countries and in Tel Aviv.”

On February 28, Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, killing its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggering another war that has spread across the Middle East.

09:56 AM, 18 March 2026

Dubai gold down Dh40 from March peak

Gold prices in Dubai edged slightly higher on Wednesday morning, with 24K at Dh601 and 22K at Dh556.50, but remain about Dh40 below the March peak, indicating that the earlier rally has cooled. Prices have moved within a narrow range in recent days, even as global gold holds near record levels, prompting buyers to assess whether this softer phase offers a timely entry point for jewellery purchases.

09:22 AM, 18 March 2026

Tesla opens free charging across UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Tesla has enabled free Supercharging across more than 30 stations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar from midnight local time, after a user appeal and in line with its policy of supporting drivers during difficult situations, giving Tesla owners immediate cost relief and uninterrupted access to charging across key cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah and Doha.

09:21 AM, 18 March 2026

About 90 ships cross the Strait of Hormuz

About 90 ships including oil tankers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the outset of the war with Iran and it is still exporting millions of barrels of oil at a time when the waterway has been effectively closed, according to maritime and trade data platforms.

Many of the vessels that passed through the strait were so-called “dark” transits evading Western government sanctions and oversight that likely have ties to Iran, maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence said. More recently, vessels with ties to India and Pakistan have also successfully crossed the strait as governments stepped up negotiations.

09:13 AM, 18 March 2026

No request from US to help keep Strait of Hormuz open

A senior Australian government minister said he isn’t aware of any formal U.S. request for military support to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers was responding Wednesday to US President Donald Trump’s complaint that Australia, Japan, South Korea and NATO had rejected his calls to help secure the strait from Iranian attack.

Asked if Australia had received any formal US request for extra military support to keep the strait open, Chalmers told Australian Broadcasting Corp: “Not that I’m aware of.”

“It’s not something that we’ve been considering, in terms of sending battleships to the Strait of Hormuz,” Chalmers told Sky News television in another interview.

09:11 AM, 18 March 2026

Iran vows revenge for security chief Larijani’s killing

Iran vowed on Wednesday a “decisive” retaliation for the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, firing off a wave of missiles at Israel which said it killed him in an air strike.

A barrage of Iranian missiles killed two people near Israel’s commercial hub Tel Aviv, while Gulf nations intercepted rockets and drones headed for targets including US bases in the region.

Iran will hold funerals Wednesday for Larijani and another powerful figure killed Tuesday by Israel, Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij paramilitary force, according to the Fars and Tasnim news agencies.

Larijani is the most prominent figure of the Islamic republic killed since Israel and the United States launched their attacks on Iran on February 28, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and igniting a war in the Middle East.

“Iran’s response to the assassination of the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will be decisive and regrettable,” Iranian army chief Amir Hatami said in a statement.

09:08 AM, 18 March 2026

Building collapses in Beirut following Israeli strike

A building collapses in Beirut following an Israeli strike after the Israeli military called on residents of the city’s central neighbourhood to evacuate, warning of an imminent attack on the Lebanese capital targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

07:37 AM, 18 March 2026

Qatar intercepts missile attack as blasts heard in Doha

Qatar’s defence ministry said it intercepted a missile attack on Wednesday as blasts were heard in Doha.

“Armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar,” the ministry of defence said in a statement, released shortly after an AFP journalist in the capital heard several blasts.

07:20 AM, 18 March 2026

Iran’s foreign minister says global repercussions of war ‘will hit all’

The repercussions of the war in the Middle East would be felt globally, Iran’s top diplomat said on Wednesday, suggesting more Western officials should push back against the conflict.

“Wave of global repercussions has only begun and will hit all – regardless of wealth, faith, or race,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X, accompanied by a copy of the US National Counterterrorism Center director’s resignation announcement prompted by the war on Tuesday.

“A rising number of voices – (including) European and U.S. officials – exclaim that the war on Iran is unjust. More members of the international community should follow suit,” the post added.

07:15 AM, 18 March 2026

Fresh alert issued after UAE responds to Iran threat

The UAE has issued a new security alert following an earlier notification reassuring residents of their safety after a potential missile and drone threat from Iran.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and rely only on verified updates. Emergency services have confirmed that precautionary measures are in place, and residents are advised to stay in secure locations until further notice.

The Ministry of Interior and defence authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to ensure public safety.

06:32 AM, 18 March 2026

UAE air defenses responding to missile threat

UAE residents get emergency alert over missile threat

Authorities have stressed the importance of staying in safe locations, following official channels for real-time updates, and remaining vigilant as the situation develops.

Residents and travellers are strongly urged to:

Remain in a safe location until the threat is resolved
Follow official channels for real-time warnings, updates, and instructions
Avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic

06:28 AM, 18 March 2026

Saudi Arabia defences intercept ballistic missile near air base

Saudi Arabia has intercepted a ballistic missile near Prince Sultan Air Base, which houses US military personnel, the defence ministry said on Wednesday as Iran continues strikes on Gulf nations.

05:48 AM, 18 March 2026

Iran missile fire kills two in central Israel

An Iranian missile barrage killed two people near Israel’s commercial hub Tel Aviv, medics said Wednesday, as the national railway company suspended operations due to shrapnel impact at a station in the city.

Authorities reported that falling munitions had hit multiple sites in central Israel in the overnight barrage that triggered air raid sirens across the area, after another day of heavy Israeli bombardments in Iran and Lebanon.

The latest deaths took the toll from missile attacks on Israel since the start of the Middle East war late last month to 14 people.

AFP footage from Ramat Gan, a city just outside Tel Aviv, showed police officers, rescuers and military personnel on a street strewn with rubble.

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said two people were found dead at the scene.

05:18 AM, 18 March 2026

Lebanon says at least 6 dead, 24 wounded in Israeli strikes on central Beirut

Lebanon’s health ministry said that two Israeli strikes on central Beirut early Wednesday killed at least six people and wounded 24 others, noting the toll was preliminary.

“Human remains were also recovered from the site and their identities will be determined after DNA testing,” the ministry statement said.

04:39 AM, 18 March 2026

Qatar Airways to resume limited flights from March 18 to 28

Qatar Airways has announced that it will resume operating a limited number of flights during the period from March 18 to 28.

In a statement, the airline said that passengers can book flights through its official website or the Qatar Airways mobile application.

04:17 AM, 18 March 2026

Bahrain intercepts 129 missiles, 233 drones

Bahrain on Wednesday said it has so far intercepted 129 missiles and 233 drones since the beginning of the US-Israel war on Iran more than two weeks ago.

03:16 AM, 18 March 2026

Abdullah expresses condolences, sympathy to families of victims of Iran’s terror attacks against UAE

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his sincere condolences and deep sympathy to the families of the victims of Iran’s unprovoked terrorist attacks targeting the UAE.

The victims, who lost their lives as a result of these blatant attacks are: Alaa Nader Awni from the State of Palestine; Murib Zaman Nizar, Muzaffar Ali Ghulam, and Ismail Salim Khan from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Ahmed Ali from the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; and Dibas Shrestha from the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the UAE’s continued commitment to the safety and security of all citizens, residents, and visitors.

He condemned in the strongest terms the continued Iranian missile and drone attacks, which have persisted for 18 consecutive days and involved more than 2,000 ballistic and cruise missiles and drones targeting critical civilian infrastructure, airports, residential areas, and civilian sites across the UAE.

02:46 AM, 18 March 2026

UAE emergency alert lifted

UAE authorities have announced that the emergency alert has been lifted and the situation is now safe.

In an official update, government agencies confirmed that all necessary precautionary measures had been carried out and there is no longer any immediate threat. Residents and visitors were advised that normal activities can resume, while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Officials also urged the public to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information, emphasising that the country’s security systems remain fully operational and ready to respond to any future developments.

02:01 AM, 18 March 2026

UAE air defences responding to missile, drone threats

Air defenses in the United Arab Emirates are actively intercepting incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.

The ministry said the loud sounds heard across parts of the UAE are the result of air defense systems engaging and destroying incoming projectiles, confirming they are interceptions rather than direct strikes.

01:55 AM, 18 March 2026

UAE rejects aggression targeting its security, sovereignty

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement condemning Iranian attacks, warning that the country is fully prepared to respond to any threats against its territory and people.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated: “Amid the unprovoked Iranian terrorist attacks, the United Arab Emirates unequivocally rejects any aggression targeting its security or sovereignty, and affirms that it remains steadfast and fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat. The UAE will not tolerate any attempt to compromise its security or territorial integrity, and will act with absolute resolve to protect its citizens, residents, and visitors, and defend its national interests.”

01:38 AM, 18 March 2026

Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemns terrorist plot targeting Kuwait

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned, in the strongest terms, the terrorist plot that targeted the State of Kuwait.

The Council affirmed its unequivocal rejection of all forms of extremism, terrorism, and criminal plots aimed at undermining the security and stability of Gulf and Arab states and commends the competence, vigilance, and professionalism of the relevant security authorities in the State of Kuwait for their success in dismantling a terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah organisation that was planning to destabilise security and stability and recruit individuals for the organisation.

12:59 AM, 18 March 2026

Iran officially announces the death of Ali Larijani

Iran has officially announced the death of Ali Larijani, a prominent political figure and former parliament speaker, according to state media reports. Larijani was widely regarded as an influential voice in Iranian politics, having held several senior roles over decades.

According to Fars News Agency, Larijani was killed along with his son, one of his aides, and several others after his daughter’s home in the Pardis area was targeted.

politics

US-Iran talks end in Doha, focus on Hormuz

Iran and the United States concluded a round of indirect talks on Wednesday with no sign they had made headway toward a lasting peace, focusing instead on ‌issues that they said had been resolved when an interim agreement was announced two weeks ago.

Sources familiar with the discussions said negotiators for the two countries spent two days in Doha discussing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and unfreezing Iran’s funds, two critical issues under the initial agreement.

The next meeting will take place after funeral processions for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is due to be buried on July 9, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said.

The Doha discussions produced “positive progress” on issues related to the memorandum that halted the war in June and were “building on the outcomes” of ⁠a summit in Switzerland, the ministry spokesperson said in a post on X.

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said the two sides were making progress on possible limits to Iran’s nuclear program — the main reason he launched the war along with Israel in February. “The denuclearization of Iran is moving along well,” he told reporters. “They’ve had very good meetings, and we’ll see.”

But the sources said the nuclear program did not come up in the talks, which were technical in nature.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that matter would be addressed later. “Obviously, we’re worried about the nuclear issue, we’re going to start talking about that,” he told reporters.

American and Iranian negotiators held separate meetings with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, Qatar’s foreign ministry said.

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and top U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, dispatched to the region for what the White House had billed as “high-level” talks, did not attend the sessions, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The leader of Iran’s delegation, Deputy ‌Foreign Minister ⁠Kazem Gharibabadi, said the talks concluded. Neither side said whether they had managed to bridge any of their differences.

WHO CONTROLS THE STRAIT?

The initial deal calls for Iran and the United States to allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, which handled one-fifth of global oil and liquid natural gas trade before the war. Though traffic has partially resumed, the status of the strategic waterway remains unclear and the two countries exchanged strikes last weekend following an Iranian attack on a cargo ship.

Iran is determined to win international ⁠recognition of its control over the strait even if it has to do so by force, two senior Iranian sources said, and has repeatedly said it will assess tolls on shipping starting in mid-August, after a toll-free period specified by the initial agreement expires.

Trump’s comments on Wednesday played down the possibility of a return to all-out war with Iran. “I think they’ve ⁠come a long way,” he said.

Oil prices fell to their lowest level in four months following Trump’s remarks, and analysts cut their price forecasts for the first time since the war began.

Iran’s state media said on Wednesday that a foreign container ship had run aground in shallow waters outside the shipping route designated by ⁠Iranian authorities.

“Hormuz continues to reopen but it’s patchy, unpredictable, and not fully transparent,” said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis provider Vanda Insights.

Several European countries have offered to help clear mines from the Strait, but Germany’s defense minister Boris Pistorius said he did not expect his country to participate, citing Iran’s unwillingness to cooperate with other countries.

politics

Trump says Iran talks begin as Tehran denies meeting

Mixed signals over US-Iran diplomacy kept the Middle East on edge after President Donald Trump announced talks in Qatar would begin on Tuesday, only for Tehran to deny any negotiations were planned. The uncertainty came as commercial shipping slowly resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, though traffic remained below normal levels. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed the death of a senior IRGC Navy official in a vehicle accident as efforts continued to preserve the fragile US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Follow our live updates:

06:33 AM, 30 June 2026

Trump says Iran meeting to take place in Qatar

US President Donald Trump said Iran has requested a meeting that will be held Tuesday in Qatar, despite Tehran denying any direct negotiations were planned with Washington on the deal aimed at ending the Middle East war.

The announcement came after Iran held its first talks with Oman on managing the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran deal was signed, and as Washington and Tehran agreed to halt their attacks, which had strained the agreement.

“IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!” Trump posted Monday on his Truth Social platform, without specifying the participants.

05:26 AM, 30 June 2026

IRGC Navy spokesperson Mohammad Akbarzadeh dies in reported ‘car rollover’

Mohammad Akbarzadeh, political deputy (and spokesperson) of the IRGC Navy, died in reported vehicle rollover accident in Iran’s Kerman province.

Iranian state-affiliated media, including Fars News Agency (IRGC-linked), reported that Akbarzadeh, political deputy (and spokesperson) of the IRGC Navy, died after his vehicle overturned on a road in Kerman province (southeastern Iran, on the route from Yazd).

Emergency responders transported him to a medical center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause and circumstances.

This is corroborated by multiple outlets carrying the Iranian reporting, including Iran International, RIA Novosti/Sputnik affiliates, and social media summaries from observers.

03:45 AM, 30 June 2026

Lebanon state media says Israeli strike hits south

Lebanese state media on Monday said an Israeli strike hit the country’s south, despite a framework accord signed by the two countries last week aimed at securing a peace deal.

“Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike targeting the area between the southern Lebanese towns of Qantara and Deir Seryan,” the state-run National News Agency said.

03:07 AM, 30 June 2026

Iran says ‘expert delegation’ heading to Qatar this week

Iran said a delegation of experts would travel to Doha this week for discussions on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States earlier this month.

“An expert delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran will travel to Doha later this week” to discuss the implementation of clauses of the memorandum, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.

“We have not yet entered the stage of negotiating a final agreement,” he said, noting that “over the coming days, we will not have any negotiation meetings with the US side at any level”.

01:14 AM, 30 June 2026

Conflicting US-Iran signals keep Mideast on edge

Mixed signals over planned US-Iran negotiations injected fresh uncertainty into Middle East diplomacy, as Tehran denied that any talks were scheduled despite President Donald Trump’s announcement that American and Iranian officials would meet in Qatar this week.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said no negotiations with the US were planned “at any level” in the coming days, contradicting Trump’s statement that talks would begin Tuesday. The conflicting messages have raised questions about the status of diplomatic efforts following weeks of heightened tensions in the region.

The uncertainty comes as negotiators seek to build on a fragile US-Iran memorandum of understanding intended to reduce hostilities and pave the way for a broader agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear program, regional security and sanctions relief.

01:02 AM, 30 June 2026

Shipping through Hormuz inches higher: tracking data

More than two dozen commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, according to MarineTraffic data, as global shipping companies cautiously resumed operations ahead of expected US-Iran peace talks that President Donald Trump said are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The vessel count remains well below pre-conflict levels, underscoring continued concerns over security in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

MarineTraffic data showed that 25 commercial ships passed through the strait during the latest 24-hour period. The outbound traffic from the Persian Gulf included six oil tankers and eight cargo vessels, while five tankers and six cargo ships entered the Gulf.

12:53 AM, 30 June 2026

Iran says implementation of MoU underway, final talks not yet started

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has briefed reporters on developments related to the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), outlining progress on key provisions, according to official remarks.

He said the United States has issued the necessary authorisations under Article 10 of the MoU, related to oil sales, and that Iran is monitoring the implementation process.

Baghaei added that steps are also underway regarding the release of Iran’s frozen assets.

However, he clarified that negotiations on a final agreement have not yet begun.

He further said any visit by US representatives to Qatar is unrelated to the Iranian delegation’s trip, which is focused solely on follow-up implementation issues, including Article 11 of the MoU.

12:39 AM, 30 June 2026

Israel says Trump linked Iran and Lebanon conflicts during talks

US President Donald Trump pushed to link the wars in Lebanon and Iran during ceasefire discussions, despite Israel’s preference to treat them as separate conflicts, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, according to a CNN report.

Katz said he regretted the linkage but noted it “served an American interest,” adding that Washington wanted to advance negotiations with Iran and saw the Lebanon front as an obstacle.

He also said Israel had no territorial ambitions in Lebanon but remains in place with US backing until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.

According to Katz, Israel has destroyed large parts of border villages and said displaced residents from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return.

He also reiterated that Israel would strike Beirut’s Dahiyeh district if Hezbollah attacks northern Israel and said it is prepared to resume operations against Iran if diplomacy fails or if Iran attacks Israel.

12:19 AM, 30 June 2026

UAE allows citizens to travel to Lebanon

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Emirati citizens will be allowed to travel to Lebanon from Monday, June 29, 2026.

The ministry said registration through the Tawajudi service is mandatory before travel, adding that citizens will not be allowed to leave UAE ports of departure before completing the registration process to avoid travel procedures being suspended or legal accountability.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the ministry said UAE citizens must also notify the relevant authorities of their return through Tawajudi.

It urged citizens to contact the ministry in emergencies on +97180024.

The decision follows an earlier travel ban announced on April 30, 2026, when the ministry barred UAE citizens from travelling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq due to regional developments and called on citizens already in those countries to leave and return to the UAE as soon as possible.

world

Qatar vessel incident: One killed, one injured

The Ministry of Interior of Qatar has confirmed that maritime search operations were carried out after a vessel carrying two individuals failed to return at its scheduled time, prompting an immediate response from the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security.

According to an official statement, routine monitoring and verification procedures first flagged the delay, following which maritime patrols launched a search operation on the evening of Saturday, June 27, 2026

The Maritime Search and Rescue Team located the vessel in the early hours of Sunday, June 28, the ministry said.

One killed, one injured in incident

The ministry confirmed that a Qatari citizen was killed after sustaining injuries from shrapnel linked to military activity in the area.

An Arab resident on board was also injured and has been hospitalised in stable condition.

Condolences and ongoing investigation

The Ministry of Interior extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for mercy upon him, and wished a swift recovery for the injured individual.

It added that investigations are ongoing in accordance with established legal procedures.