Day 17 of war: Emirates to resume some flights after temporary halt due to drone incident
Emirates expected to resume limited flightsEmirates announced it expects to operate limited flights after 10am today, after an earlier drone incident near the Dubai International Airport brought operations to a halt. The airline said some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled and affected customers would receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options. Iran hikes wagesIran's labour minister announced a more than 60-per cent hike in the minimum wage, local media reported, months after anti-government protests that began over discontent with dire economic conditions.Japan not mulling maritime ops despite Trump pressureJapan said it was not currently thinking about ordering maritime security operations, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz."In the current Iran situation, we are not at the moment considering issuing a maritime security operation," Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament.Trump called for reinforcements on Saturday from countries including Japan after earlier vowing that the US Navy would "very soon" begin escorting tankers through the vital shipping lane for oil in the Middle East.Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that any maritime security operation would be "extremely difficult legally".Sending its Self-Defense Forces abroad is politically sensitive in officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the US-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution.Airlines steadily restore operations in GulfAlthough on Monday morning a drone incident at DXB halted flight operations, airlines across the Gulf have been steadily restoring operations after days of disruption caused by the ongoing war. By Sunday, flight activity had begun to pick up noticeably. Emirates had started increasing the number of flights in the air, while Etihad Airways operated more than 100 flights in a single day for the first time since the conflict began, according to Flightradar 24. UK to provide $6.62 million emergency funding to LebanonBritish Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday said the UK will provide over 5 million pounds ($6.62 million) of emergency funding to support humanitarian work of the Lebanese government amid conflict in the region."Today, I am mobilising over 5 million pounds in emergency funding including to the Lebanese Red Cross, the UN Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and the World Food Programme, in support of the humanitarian work of the Lebanese Government," she said.Wide-scale attacks in IranThe Israeli military said early on Monday it was conducting a fresh wave of "wide-scale" strikes on Tehran."The IDF has begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran," the Israeli military posted on Telegram. Omanis return from IranOman's Foreign Ministry said it was facilitating the return of citizens stuck in Iran via land and air routes. The arrangements were made in coordination with the Sultanate's missions in Tehran and Ankara, as part of the approved plan.The authority affirmed its ongoing round-the-clock monitoring of the citizens' situations, in coordination with its missions abroad, to ensure their security and safety.Bahrain arrests motorists for causing panicAmid the ongoing attacks, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior arrested a number of motorists and seized their vehicles for 60 days for causing disturbances, spreading panic among citizens and residents, and disrupting public order.The authority revealed legal measures were taken against these individuals.Ongoing missile threatThe UAE's NCEMA announced the country's air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Residents have been urged to remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.Air India cancels Dubai flights on March 16In light of the temporary flight suspension at Dubai International Airport, Air India and Air India Express announced they would be cancelling all its flights to and from Dubai on March 16. The airlines are offering the following options to all affected passengers at no additional cost:Rebook to a future travel dateCancel and receive a full refund Meanwhile, Air India Express' ad-hoc flight operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are continuing. For further assistance, travellers have been advised to contact the 24x7 customer support: +91 11693 29333 or +91 11693 29999. 5 wounded in Baghdad airport attackA rocket attack on Baghdad International Airport, which houses a US diplomatic facility, wounded five people on Sunday, Iraqi authorities said.The evening attack was followed by a fresh rocket and drone barrage targeting the airport around midnight, a security source told AFP. The Iraqi government's security media cell earlier confirmed that at 7pm (1600 GMT) "five rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport and its surrounding area, injuring four airport employees and secur
Emirates expected to resume limited flights
Emirates announced it expects to operate limited flights after 10am today, after an earlier drone incident near the Dubai International Airport brought operations to a halt.
The airline said some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled and affected customers would receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.
Iran hikes wages
Iran's labour minister announced a more than 60-per cent hike in the minimum wage, local media reported, months after anti-government protests that began over discontent with dire economic conditions.
Japan not mulling maritime ops despite Trump pressure
Japan said it was not currently thinking about ordering maritime security operations, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.
"In the current Iran situation, we are not at the moment considering issuing a maritime security operation," Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament.
Trump called for reinforcements on Saturday from countries including Japan after earlier vowing that the US Navy would "very soon" begin escorting tankers through the vital shipping lane for oil in the Middle East.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that any maritime security operation would be "extremely difficult legally".
Sending its Self-Defense Forces abroad is politically sensitive in officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the US-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution.
Airlines steadily restore operations in Gulf
Although on Monday morning a drone incident at DXB halted flight operations, airlines across the Gulf have been steadily restoring operations after days of disruption caused by the ongoing war.
By Sunday, flight activity had begun to pick up noticeably. Emirates had started increasing the number of flights in the air, while Etihad Airways operated more than 100 flights in a single day for the first time since the conflict began, according to Flightradar 24. 
UK to provide $6.62 million emergency funding to Lebanon
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday said the UK will provide over 5 million pounds ($6.62 million) of emergency funding to support humanitarian work of the Lebanese government amid conflict in the region.
"Today, I am mobilising over 5 million pounds in emergency funding including to the Lebanese Red Cross, the UN Lebanon Humanitarian Fund and the World Food Programme, in support of the humanitarian work of the Lebanese Government," she said.
Wide-scale attacks in Iran
The Israeli military said early on Monday it was conducting a fresh wave of "wide-scale" strikes on Tehran.
"The IDF has begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran," the Israeli military posted on Telegram.
Omanis return from Iran
Oman's Foreign Ministry said it was facilitating the return of citizens stuck in Iran via land and air routes.
The arrangements were made in coordination with the Sultanate's missions in Tehran and Ankara, as part of the approved plan.
The authority affirmed its ongoing round-the-clock monitoring of the citizens' situations, in coordination with its missions abroad, to ensure their security and safety.
Bahrain arrests motorists for causing panic
Amid the ongoing attacks, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior arrested a number of motorists and seized their vehicles for 60 days for causing disturbances, spreading panic among citizens and residents, and disrupting public order.
The authority revealed legal measures were taken against these individuals.
Ongoing missile threat
The UAE's NCEMA announced the country's air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat.
Residents have been urged to remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.
Air India cancels Dubai flights on March 16
In light of the temporary flight suspension at Dubai International Airport, Air India and Air India Express announced they would be cancelling all its flights to and from Dubai on March 16.
The airlines are offering the following options to all affected passengers at no additional cost:
Rebook to a future travel date
Cancel and receive a full refund
Meanwhile, Air India Express' ad-hoc flight operations to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are continuing.
For further assistance, travellers have been advised to contact the 24x7 customer support: +91 11693 29333 or +91 11693 29999.
5 wounded in Baghdad airport attack
A rocket attack on Baghdad International Airport, which houses a US diplomatic facility, wounded five people on Sunday, Iraqi authorities said.
The evening attack was followed by a fresh rocket and drone barrage targeting the airport around midnight, a security source told AFP.
The Iraqi government's security media cell earlier confirmed that at 7pm (1600 GMT) "five rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport and its surrounding area, injuring four airport employees and security personnel, and an engineer".
It added that rockets struck the airport and a water desalination plant and others crashed near a prison where Islamic State group (IS) suspects are detained as well as at an Iraqi airbase next to the US diplomatic facility.
Security forces had earlier seized the launchpad used for the first attack in the al-Radwaniya area southwest of Baghdad, the government media cell said.
Baghdad's airport includes a sprawling military complex that is divided into several bases belonging to the Iraqi army and security services, as well as a US diplomatic and logistics facility, and a central prison.
Oil hovers around $100 a barrel
Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the US president said at the weekend that forces struck military targets on Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the Gulf that handles almost all of Iran's oil exports.
Both main crude contracts advanced. Brent shot up around three per cent to as high as $106.50 before paring the gains, while West Texas Intermediate sat around $99.
Diverted Dubai flights return to origin
Data from Flightradar24 showed some of the diverted Emirates flights returning to their origins after operations to and from Dubai were temporarily suspended following a drone incident near the Dubai International Airport. 
Australia won't send ship to Hormuz Strait
Australia's transport minister said Monday the country won't be sending a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the strategic waterway.
"We won't be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is but that's not something we've been asked or we're contributing to," Transport Minister Catherine King told national broadcaster ABC.
Japan releases strategic oil reserves
Japan said it is beginning the release of strategic oil reserves.
Overnight attacks in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia intercepted 49 drones throughout the night as attacks across the region escalated.
1.33am: Interception of a drone in eastern region.
3.22am: Interception of seven drones in eastern region.
3.25am: Interception of six drones in the eastern region.
3.41am: Interception of five drones in the eastern region.
3.58am: Interception of seven drones in the eastern region.
4.17am: Interception of nine drones in the eastern region.
4.52am: Interception of three drones in the eastern region.
5.41am: Interception of five drones in the eastern region.
6.09am: Interception of six drones in the eastern region.
Safety instruction for workers
Qatar's Ministry of Interior has sent repeated reminders to employees to follow safety guidelines int he workplace.
This includes familiarising oneself with emergency exits and evacuation routes, which protects everyone from risks.
Trump eyes seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil
US President Donald Trump is working to assemble a coalition of countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and is hoping to announce it later this week, Axios reported on Sunday citing four sources.
Th report also stated the president was eyeing the seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil.
Trump pressures NATO, China over Hormuz Strait
President Donald Trump sought to pressure NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit that Iran has effectively closed in retaliation for the US and Israeli war against Tehran.
The US president had called on countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain Saturday to send ships to escort tankers through the strait, but various countries he listed have given only guarded responses. An LPG gas tanker at anchor as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Shinas, Oman, March 11, 2026
"It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there," Trump told the Financial Times on Sunday. Unlike the United States, Europe and China are heavily dependent on the Gulf for oil imports.
He warned that no response or a negative reply to his request would be "very bad for the future of NATO". Trump also threatened to delay a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month if Beijing does not assist on reopening the strait.
Saudi Arabia intercepts drones
Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry said it had intercepted 12 drones in the eastern region of the country.
Iran calls Israeli strikes on fuel depots 'ecocide'
Iran's foreign minister said on Monday that Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constituted "ecocide" due to the long-term risks to residents' health.
"Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide," Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X.
"Residents face long-term damage to their health and wellbeing. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts," the post added. 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
Trump says 'Iran not ready for deal'
US President Donald Trump said that the United States was in discussions with Iran as the war enters its third week but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end it.
"Yes, we're talking to them," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, without detailing the nature of such talks, when asked if there was any diplomacy under way to end a conflict that has spread across the Middle East and roiled global markets. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media onboard Air Force One on March 15, 2026 while en route to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland from West Palm Beach Florida
Iran's foreign minister had denied earlier that any talks with the United States were taking place.
Trump said he was not sure he wanted to make a deal to end the war "because first of all nobody even knows who you're dealing with, because most of their leadership has been killed."
Trump insisted however that "they want to make a deal badly".
UAE President, Saudi CP discuss 'immediate cessation' of escalation
The UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a telephone call from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, during which they discussed regional developments amid escalating military actions and their threats to regional and global security and stability.
The call also addressed the 'continued and blatant' Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region, noting 'their violation of the sovereign rights' of these countries and international norms.
Both sides stressed the need for the immediate cessation of military escalation, warning that it threatens stability and security in the region and beyond.
'Thousands more targets in Iran,' says Israeli army spokesperson
Israeli army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin delivered a briefing to the Israeli media, saying Israel will continue to act in both Iran and Lebanon until its operation's goal are achieved, adding that more targets are generated every day.
Watch the video here: Israeli army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin delivered a briefing to the Israeli media, saying Israel will continue to act in both Iran and Lebanon until its operation's goal are achieved, adding that more targets are generated every day. pic.twitter.com/tLmz6qj1aA— Reuters (@Reuters) March 16, 2026
Daily updates
Since this war broke out, Khaleej Times has been following up the events and keeping its readers well-informed.
Take a look at developments in this escalating conflict:
Day 17 of Israel-US-Iran war
As the war enters its 17th day, the direction seems to be moving towards diplomatic conversations with Trump saying he was 'talking' to Iran and leaders in the Middle East having their own discussions as the war escalates and impacts stability and security in the region.
Meanwhile in the UAE, an early morning drone incident on Dubai International Airport disrupted air travel in the emirate.
On March 15, UAE air defences dealt with 4 missiles and 6 drones from Iran. The Emirates also brought back nearly 500 Golden Visa holders and stranded residents from abroad.
Deadly Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran continue, with the death toll rising.
Stay tuned to Khaleej Times as we bring you the latest developments in the region as they unfold.
Emirates temporarily suspends flights
Emirates announced early on Monday the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Dubai, following a drone-related incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport.
The airline urged travellers not to go the airport, saying that updates will be shared when available. "The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised."
Some roads temporarily closed
In light of the latest incident, Dubai Police announced the closure on some roads close to the airport to ensure the safety of motorists. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes to reach their destination.
Airport Road
Airport Tunnel
Al Garhoud Bridge leading to Casablanca Street
Intersections at Cargo Village and Marrakech Street towards the airport
Some flights diverted
Some flights have been diverted from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai Airports announced.
Flights temporarily suspended
After the drone incident near DXB, Dubai's Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.
Travellers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.
Further updates will be announced through official channels as soon as they become available, the authority stated.
Drone incident at Dubai International Airport
At 3.56am, Dubai Media Office announced authorities were responding to a fire resulting from a drone-related incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport.
Soon after, the authority revealed a drone incident in the vicinity of the airport had affected one of the fuel tanks, with Dubai Civil Defence teams on site to bring the fire under control.
No injuries have been reported.
Within an hour, the authority announced the fire had been contained.
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