Trump announces pause in military strikes on Iran power plants; Tehran denies reports of talks

UAE, Saudi Arabia deal with drone threats as Iran war continues

Day 24 of the US-Israel-Iran war started with a fresh wave of Iranian attacks on GCC countries UAE and Saudi Arabia.

A successful interception of a ballistic missile in the early hours of Monday morning caused falling debris, which caused a minor injury. As the morning progressed, UAE announced that air defence forces were dealing with incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, and that residents should stick to the safety instructions issued.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said that it had successfully intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region. Earlier, two ballistic missiles were detected heading towards Riyadh. One was intercepted and the other fell in an uninhabited area.

What has happened so far?

The war started with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In what it says are retaliatory strikes, Iran has been targeting the GCC and other countries in the region with missiles and drones.

Here is how the conflict has unfolded so far, day by day:

• Day 1

• Day 2

• Day 3

• Day 4

• Day 5

• Day 6

• Day 7

• Day 8

• Day 9

• Day 10

• Day 11

• Day 12

• Day 13

• Day 14

• Day 15

• Day 16

• Day 17

• Day 18

• Day 19

• Day 20

• Day 21

• Day 22

• Day 23

Blasts reported in Tehran as Israel says launched strikes

Explosions rang out in Tehran early Monday morning, Iranian media reported, as Israel announced it launched a fresh wave of strikes. 

"Explosion heard in Tehran," local media Mehr posted on Telegram, while Fars news agency said airstrikes had targeted five areas of the Iranian capital and that "terrible sounds of explosions have been reported".

"More details on the extent of damage and possible casualties will be announced later," Fars posted.

In its own statement, Israel's military announced it had "begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran".

UAE-Saudi Arabia trade bridge

A trade bridge between Sharjah and Saudi Arabia is set to strengthen logistics connectivity between the two countries.

The infographic below details the operational capabilities and value of the bridge.

Global economy under 'major threat' from Strait of Hormuz crisis: IEA chief

The global economy is under "major threat" from the energy crisis caused by the Middle East war and "no country will be immune" to its effects, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol has said.

Birol compared the current energy crisis to those of the 1970s and the impact of the 2022 Ukraine war.

"This crisis as things stand is now two oil crises and one gas crash put all together," Birol said.

"The global economy is facing a major, major threat today, and I very much hope that this issue will be resolved as soon as possible."

"No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction. So there is a need for global efforts."

How much will UAE petrol prices rise?

The UAE will announce petrol prices next week for the month of April 2026.

Going by the rally in global oil prices in the first three weeks of March due to the regional military conflict, petrol prices in the UAE are also expected to see a big jump in April.

Many countries have already increased petrol prices due to a spike in global oil prices.

The Brent oil price has jumped by 54 per cent or $39.32 a barrel in three weeks, rising from $72.87 a barrel at the end of February to $112.19 a barrel at the close of markets on March 20. It hit a high of over $118 a barrel last week due to the Middle East military conflict.

Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv overnight

These photos from Reuters show Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv and Hebron pre-dawn on March 23.

Iran media says one dead in attack on broadcaster

A strike on a broadcast station in southern Iran killed at least one person, state television reported on Monday, according to AFP. 

The state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting said that a 100-kilowatt AM transmitter of the Persian Gulf Radio and Television Centre was attacked by US and Israeli forces.

"In this attack, which was against international laws, one of the centre's security colleagues was martyred and another person was injured," the report said.

IRGC threatens Israeli power plants that supply electricity to US bases if Iran's attacked

Iran will retaliate to an attack on its electricity sector by targeting Israel's power plants as well as power plants supplying US bases with electricity in regional countries, a statement by the Revolutionary Guards on Monday said.

The statement seemingly retracted earlier threats to desalination plants in the region, which are crucial for providing drinking water in Gulf countries.

"The lying ... US President has claimed that the Revolutionary Guards intends to attack the water desalination plants and cause hardship to the people of the countries in the region," the statement shared on state media said.

Israel's army say intercepting missiles from Iran

Eid amidst war

Young Emiratis marked Eid prayers and family gatherings without disruption, even as UAE air defence systems remained active overhead, with residents describing the experience as one of calm continuity during a period of regional tension.

“It honestly felt like any other Eid,” Yousef Hakeem, a university student in Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times. “We went for prayer, met family, everything was the same. Even knowing what was happening, it didn't change the day.”

Read more here.

Saudi Arabia early warning system

A warning was issued in the Al Kharj Governorate in Saudi Arabia, and then lifted later as the situation was deemed safe.

Saudi civil defence authority detailed what to do when the early warning system sends alerts.

Thunder, not threat

As the UAE enters a day of unstable weather and thunderstorms, NCEMA took to X to reassure residents that the sounds of thunder are "normal and expected."

"We emphasise that in the event of any threat, warnings and instructions will be issued immediately through the National Early Warning System to ensure everyone's safety," the authority said.

No shortage of supply in UAE supermarkets

Even as concerns around supply chains and prices grow globally, UAE supermarkets remain fully stocked with essentials and more. Yusuff Ali, Chairman and Managing Director of Lulu Group, on Sunday, made a quiet stop at a Lulu hypermarket to check the availability of food and stability of prices.

“There is no panic, no shortage of any food products,” he said. “All items including meat, cheese, frozen vegetables, fruits, rice and pulses are available. There is also no price hike, and we will ensure that prices remain stable," he said.

Another drone intercepted in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said that another drone has been intercepted and destroyed in the eastern part of the country.

UAE diplomat questions Arab League and OIC silence amid regional tensions

Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said:

"We in the Arab Gulf states have the right to wonder: Where are the joint Arab and Islamic labour institutions, chief among them the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while our countries and peoples are subjected to this treacherous Iranian aggression? And where are the "major" Arab and regional countries?

In this absence and impotence, it is unacceptable later to speak of the decline of the Arab and Islamic role or to criticise the American and Western presence."

Russia opposes Hormuz blockade, Interfax reports

Russia opposes any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but says such issues must be viewed in the context of the broader global situation, Interfax reported on Monday, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Japan 'not thinking about' discussing Hormuz passage with Iran

Tokyo is "not thinking about" calling on Iran to let Japanese tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign minister has said, after Tehran said it was ready to help.

Asked about whether the government would urge Iran to let Japanese ships transit Hormuz, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Sunday on a Fuji Television programme that "for the time being, we are not thinking about that".

His comment came after Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said in a telephone interview with Kyodo News Friday that Tehran was prepared to ensure safe passage for Japan. 

Motegi spoke with Iranian counterpart Araghchi on Tuesday but he told Fuji Television that there was no mention from his counterpart of helping Japanese ships. "Safety of navigation is extremely important. That's what we spoke about," Motegi said.

In the Kyodo interview, Araghchi denied the passage was closed, insisting "from our perspective, the strait is open". 

"It is only closed to ships belonging to our enemies — countries that attack us. For other countries, (their) vessels can pass through the strait," Araghchi said according to a Farsi transcript of the interview posted on his Telegram channel.

KHDA confirms distance learning to be extended till April 3 for private schools in Dubai

KHDA confirmed that distance learning would be extended for private schools in Dubai from Monday, March 23 till Friday, April 3 — two weeks after spring break.

Iran says will lay sea mines in Gulf if southern coast attacked

An attack on Iran's southern coast and islands will lead to Gulf routes being cut with the laying of sea mines, the country's Defence Council said on Monday according to state media.

The US is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub, to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, according to Axios.

"Any attempt to attack Iran's coasts or islands will cause all access routes in the Gulf (...) to be mined with various types of sea mines, including floating mines that can be released from the coast," the statement read.

"In this case, the entire Gulf will practically be in a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz for a long time (...) One should not forget the failure of more than 100 minesweepers in the 1980s in removing a few sea mines."

The Defence Council recalled that non-belligerent states can only pass through the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating passage with Iran.

Israel army confirms own artillery fire killed civilian on northern border Sunday

Iran's defence council says only way for non-belligerent states to pass through Strait of Hormuz is by coordinating with Tehran

UK sees no evidence of Iran targeting Britain, says Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday there had been no assessment that mainland Britain was being targeted by Iran.

"We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there's no assessment that we're being targeted in that way," Starmer told reporters.

He was asked if Britain could be targeted by Iran after reports at the weekend that Iran had fired two ballistic missiles ​at the US-UK ‌military base Diego Garcia in the ​Indian Ocean.

Starmer also said that any attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz needed careful consideration and a viable plan, and that his number one priority was to protect British interests and de-escalate. 

End of remote work in Qatar

Employees in all ministries, other government agencies, public bodies and institutions are required to return to their workplaces from Tuesday, March 24, after a period of remote work for security reasons.

Jazeera Airways resumes Dubai, Lahore flights via Saudi Arabia

Jazeera Airways, a Kuwaiti airline, has announced that it will resume operations to Dubai and Lahore through Qaisumah in Saudi Arabia.

UAE defence forces deal with 7 ballistic missiles, 16 drones on March 23

The UAE air defence systems have engaged 7 ballistic missiles and 16 UAVs launched from Iran today.

Since the onset of the war, UAE air defences have engaged 352 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1789 UAVs.

These attacks resulted in the death of 2 members of the armed forces and 6 civilians, as well as injuries to 161 people — ranging from minor to severe.

Cebu Pacific raises fares, flags potential capacity cuts

Philippine budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Monday said it raised all-in average fares by as much as 26 per cent and may cut capacity in the third quarter as soaring jet fuel costs triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran threaten to erode profitability.

Adnoc Gas says operations continue safely after debris incident

Adnoc Gas, a subsidiary of Adnoc, said on Monday that its operations will continue after debris fell near certain facilities. The gas giant confirmed that there were no reported injuries and no impact to its “core processing integrity.”

In response to the ongoing shipping disruption caused by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, Adnoc Gas said that it has separately made “temporary operational adjustments” to its production of liquefied natural gas and export traded liquids.

South Korea FM Cho requests Iran to ensure safety of vessels inside Strait of Hormuz

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun asked his Iranian counterpart on Monday to ensure the safety of vessels that remain inside the Strait of Hormuz and expressed deep concern about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the global economy, his office said.

Cho spoke to Iran's Abbas Araqchi by telephone and urged Tehran to stop strikes against civilian facilities in Gulf states and to ensure the safety of navigation through the Strait, his ministry said in a statement.

Araqchi explained Iran's position on the crisis and agreed with Cho to continue communication, the ministry said.

South Korea has more than two dozen vessels stuck in the Gulf with more than 100 crew members as Iran halted tanker traffic through the Strait following strikes by the U.S. and Israel against it.

UAE air defence forces deal with missile threat

Trump announces US will postpone military strikes on Iran power plants after talks with Tehran

Trump said on Monday that over the last couple of days, the US and Iran have had "very good and productive conversations."

He said that the talks were about "a complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East."

He also said that the has instructed the Department of War to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, as the talks are set to continue through this week.

Oman says 'working intensively' for safe passage in Strait of Hormuz

Oman, which has mediated nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, on Monday said it was working on securing safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has de facto blockaded.

"Oman is working intensively to put in place safe passage arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz," Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said in a statement on X, adding: "Whatever your view of Iran, this war is not of their making."

Oil falls over 13% on Trump postponing military strikes

Oil prices fell by over 13 per cent on Monday after Trump said he would order the military to postpone any strikes against Iranian power plants.

Iran news agency cites source saying no communication with US

Iran's Fars News Agency cited a source saying that there is "no direct communication with US nor through intermediaries."

The agency also cited a source saying that "Trump retreated after hearing that Iran would target all power plants in West Asia."

'Iran will continue to respond': Tasnim citing source

Iran's Tasnim News Agency cited a source which said Iran will continue to respond and broadly defend its territory.

Israeli military says it is conducting strikes in heart of Tehran

The Israeli military said on Monday it is conducting strikes in Tehran, after Trump said the United States and Iran had held talks and that he would postpone any strikes on power plants and energy infrastructure.

Trump's remarks are 'meant to decrease energy prices': Iran's Mehr News Agency cites foreign ministry

Iranian media said on Monday there were no negotiations between Tehran and Washington after Trump announced talks towards ending the war.

"There are no talks between Tehran and Washington," said Mehr news agency citing Iran's foreign ministry, adding that Trump's statements were part of a push "to reduce energy prices".

Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions: Iran official

Iran's Tasnim news agency, citing an Iranian official, said that the strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions and energy markets will remain unsettled, adding that no negotiations with the US are under way.

Tasnim said U.S. President Donald Trump backed down from attacking critical Iranian infrastructure amid financial market pressure, warning Tehran would continue to defend itself until it achieves deterrence.

Britain welcomes Trump's productive talks with Iran

Productive talks between Trump and Iran are welcome as Britain wants de-escalation in the Middle East and the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Asked about Trump's announcement that he would postpone strikes against Iranian power plants following "very good" conversations with Tehran, Starmer's spokesperson said: "Any reports of productive talks are welcome."

"We've always said that swift resolution to the war is in global interests and the Strait of Hormuz specifically needs to be reopened," the spokesperson told reporters.

Gold recovers from four-month low as oil falls after Trump delays Iran strikes

Gold pared some earlier losses on Monday after Trump said he would delay any strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.

Spot gold was down 2.2 per cent at $4,388.22 per ounce by 12.30 GMT, extending losses into a ninth straight session. Before Trump's announcement, gold had fallen 8 per cent at one point to a four-month low.

"Despite having a pretty epic collapse in the early hours, we're seeing some bargain hunting coming in at the lower levels, driving the market back to roughly where it ended last week. So I suspect we've got some traditional, macro plays going on," said independent analyst Ross Norman.

Oil prices fell more than 13 per cent after Trump postponed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

Trump says Iran wants to make a deal badly: Fox Business

Iran wants to make a deal badly and that could come within five days or less, Trump told Fox Business Network on Monday.

The most recent talks between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and their counterparts took place on Sunday night, Trump said in a telephone interview, according to the host of the "Mornings with Maria" programme.

Senior officials from Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan passing messages between US, Iran: Axios reporter

Senior officials from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iran FM Abbas Araghchi, according to an Axios reporter on X.

The three countries have been passing messages between US and Iran over the past two days in an effort to escalate, the reporter said.

Germany's Merz says spoke to Trump, outlined concern over Iran

German Chancellor Merz says he spoke with Trump on Sunday evening, and outlined concern over Iran situation.

Trump tells AFP 'things are going very well' on Iran

Trump told AFP on Monday that "things are going very well" with Iran, shortly after announcing talks with Tehran and a five-day pause on targeting the Islamic republic's power plants.

"Things are going very well," Trump said in brief comments by telephone to AFP when asked about Iran, following an earlier Truth Social post on the negotiations that immediately sent oil prices tumbling.

Trump says both US, Iran want deal

Trump on Monday told reporters the US has had strong talks with Iran and said the two sides had "major points of agreement." He said both sides want a deal, and that if the talks carry through, they will end the conflict.

He said the Witkoff and Kushner had talks. Trump said Iran and US have 15 points of agreement.

Trump says Iran agreed to demand on 'nuclear dust'

Trump says talked to Israel 'a little while ago'

Trump said he talked to Israel "a little while ago", and that Israel will be "very happy with what we have."

Trump says talked to 'top, respected Iranian leader'

Trump said that he talked to 'top Iranian leader', and said that the US hopes to meet with Iran soon. Meanwhile, the two parties will probably have a phone conversation, he added.

Trump speaks on Mojtaba

The US President said he had not heard from Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump added that he does not want the leader to be killed, but was not sure if he is alive.

Trump says he wants 'as much oil in system as possible'

Trump on Monday told reporters he wanted there to be "as much oil in the system as possible" when asked about the US Treasury's decision last week to ease sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in sea.

Trump says Iran called

The US President claimed on Monday that it was Iran who called, not himself. He added that he cannot guarantee a deal, although he stated that if the deal happens, it would be a great start for both Iran and the region.

Trump claims Iran agreed to no nuclear weapon

Trump said the US was looking for peace in the Middle East, and no nuclear weapons, a demand which he claimed that Iran had agreed to.

He added that Iran was "an imminent threat."

Trump says Iran will have 'very serious form of regime change'

Trump said Monday that "regime change" was effectively underway in Iran, while warning that if talks with Iranian figures contacted by the United States do not succeed then bombing will continue.

Trump made clear talks were not with Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei but with people he described as "very reasonable," while so many top officials had already been killed in the conflict that "there's automatically a regime change."

If talks fail, he told reporters, "we'll just keep bombing our little hearts out."

Oil prices will 'drop like a rock' if deal announced: Trump

Trump on Monday said that oil prices will "drop like a rock" as soon as there's a deal. He added that the Strait of Hormuz would "be opened very soon" if there's a deal.

Trump says wants no enrichment, but wants enriched uranium

Trump said Monday that there are "major points of agreement" in US-Iran talks which he said must result in Tehran giving up its nuclear ambitions and enriched uranium stockpile.

"We want no enrichment, but we also want the enriched uranium," he said.

Trump says wiped out phases of Iran's leadership

Trump said the talks, which Iran denies are taking place, were being conducted with a "top person" but not the country's supreme leader.

"We've wiped out the leadership phase one, phase two, and largely phase three. But we're dealing with the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader," Trump told reporters.

Kremlin says monitoring 'conflicting signals' on Iran situation

The Kremlin said on Monday that it was monitoring what it described as contradictory statements regarding the situation in Iran, but hoped the conflict would be resolved quickly, the state TASS news agency reported.

"There have been many different statements today, including some contradictory ones. We continue to monitor the situation closely and hope that it will soon return to a peaceful course," TASS cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Adnoc CEO says 'deploying extraordinary measures'

Qatar announces gradual resumption of in-person classes

Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced the gradual resumption of in-person classes in various educational institutions starting on March 24. Full in-person classes for all students in schools and kindergartens will resume on March 29, the country's news agency reported.

UK must prepare for prolonged Middle East conflict: Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that Britain must plan for the possibility that the Iran war could continue for some time, but added that he had no "meaningful concerns" about energy supply.

"All of our focus and energy has to be in the swift de-escalation, but we've got to plan on the basis that it could go on for some time, and that's the way in which we'll plan this afternoon," Starmer told a parliamentary committee, referring to an emergency meeting with his ministers taking place later on Monday.

He added that while the government had to plan for potential pressures on energy security, he said that the government does not have "any meaningful concerns about energy supplies.”

Israeli official says mediating countries trying to convene Islamabad meeting: Axios reporter

An Israeli official said mediating countries were trying to convene a meeting in Islamabad with Ghalibaf, Witkoff, Kushner and Vance later this week, according to an Axios reporter on X.

UK working with defence sector to distribute missiles to Gulf partners

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday the government was working with the defence industry to distribute air defence missiles to Gulf partners and was deploying short-range air defence systems to Bahrain rapidly.

"We're deploying short range air defence systems to Bahrain at speed," Starmer told a parliamentary committee.

"This was an issue that came up as a matter of some urgency over the course of this weekend. We're doing the same with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia," he added.

Israeli officials believe US and Iran could hold talks in Islamabad as soon as this week, source tells Reuters

'Point of no return' looming in Mideast war: Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross demanded Monday a halt to the "war on essential infrastructure" in the Middle East, warning of potential "irreversible consequences" including harm to nuclear facilities.

"What we have seen in recent days in the Middle East risks reaching a point of no return," ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric warned in a statement.

Iran did not have talks with US: IRNA cites ministry spokesperson

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said they had no talks with US, IRNA reported. While friendly countries have sent messages indicating US request for talks to end war, Iran did not respond, IRNA said.

Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz and the conditions to end the war did not change, IRNA cited foreign ministry spokesperson.

Iran's Ghalibaf denies reports of negotiations with US

Iran's parliament speaker MB Ghalibaf denied reports of negotiations with US, and said that "fake news" is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped."

Pakistan positioning itself as lead mediator: FT

Pakistan is positioning itself as the lead mediator trying to broker an end to the US' and Israel's war against Iran, FT reported.

Senior Pakistani officials were back-channelling communications between Tehran, and Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to FT.

US asked for meeting with Iran's Ghalibaf, Iranian official says

US has requested a meeting with Iran's parliament speaker Ghalibaf on Saturday, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, without mentioning any proposed venue.

The official, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the Supreme National Security Council had yet to decide on any proposed talks and Iran had yet to respond.

Iran Guards say launched new attack on Israel, US base in region

The "contradictory behaviour" of the US President does not cause any negligence on the war front, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said, according to Iranian media.

Iran launched a new attack on targets in Israel, and US base in the region, according to Iranian media reports.

TotalEnergies CEO predicts 'very high' LNG prices by summer if Strait of Hormuz not reopened

TotalEnergies chief Patrick Pouyanne said on Monday that he expected "very high" prices of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by the summer if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened.

"If the Strait of Hormuz is not open again, I can predict a very high price for LNG by summer and September, when we are refilling the gas storage in Europe," the French executive said at the annual CERAWeek energy conference in Houston.

"The consequence is not only high energy prices, it would damage also other economies, for example, supply chain."

UK summons Iran ambassador

The UK government said the Iran ambassador to UK was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office.

The summons follows the recent charging of two individuals, one Iranian national and one British-Iranian dual national.

Explosions, sirens ring out in Bahrain: AFP journalist

Several strong explosions and air alert sirens rang out on Monday in Bahrain, according to an AFP journalist, the first to be heard in the Gulf since Trump said talks to end the war with Iran were underway.

"Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," Bahrain's interior ministry said on social media.

Trump claims Iran 'means business', wants peace

The US President said discussions with Iran are looking at whether a broader agreement can be reached. He said Iran "means business" this time, and that "they want to settle."

He added that the "world will be safer soon." Trump also claimed that US has eliminated everything in Iran, "including the leaders".

Trump said that there is a very good chance of a deal with Tehran, and that Iran wants peace. He said he "would give it five days."

Oil prices plunge 8 per cent

Oil prices dropped about 8 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump said he would postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days and cited constructive talks to resolve hostilities in the Middle East, hours before a deadline that threatened to escalate the four-week-old war.

Brent futures fell $8.92, or 8.0 per cent, to $103.27 a barrel at 12.31 pm EDT (1631 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate lost $7.17, or 7.3 per cent, to $91.06.

Extreme price changes in recent weeks — Brent closed at its highest since July 2022 on Friday — boosted both crude benchmarks' historic or actual 30-day futures volatility to the highest levels since April 2022.

Pakistan PM hold talks with Iranian President

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said he spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, and promised Islamabad's help in bringing peace to the region.

The pair have spoken several times in the last month, notably to exchange Ramadan and Eid greetings but also to reaffirm Pakistan's hope for an end to the conflict with the United States and Israel.

Sharif said he extended greetings to Pezeshkian for the Persian new year and they also discussed "the grave situation in the Gulf region and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy".

Warning issued in Saudi provinces

Saudi Arabia has issued warnings in the eastern province and Al-Kharj Governorate, alerting residents of a potential danger. The National Early Warning Platform has advised the public to follow certain instructions:

• Remain calm and follow official instructions.

• Immediately proceed to the nearest safe place (inside a building or an interior room away from windows) and stay there until the danger has passed.

• Do not leave your home or building until the danger has passed.

• Stay away from open areas, windows, and glass, and do not stand on balconies or roofs.

• If you are outdoors, enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid barrier.

• Avoid crowds or going to dangerous areas, and refrain from taking photos.

• If you receive the warning message while driving, pull over to the side of the road away from bridges and high-rise buildings.

• If you notice any danger, call the emergency number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and (998) in the rest of the Kingdom.

• Follow the instructions issued by the competent authorities through official channels.

Israel army says struck site in Tehran used for directing Basij force

The Israeli military announced it struck a site in Tehran on Monday belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and used for directing battalions of the Basij paramilitary force.

The hit came days after Israel announced it had "eliminated" the intelligence chief of the Basij in a strike that had also killed the force's top commander, Gholamreza Soleimani.

Israel has been targeting the Basij force as part of efforts to try to undermine the Iranian authorities' grip on power.

Israel's David's Sling failed to intercept Iranian missiles

A malfunction in the David's Sling aerial interceptor system allowed two Iranian ballistic missiles to strike southern Israel, wounding dozens of people over the weekend, the military confirmed Monday.

The towns of Dimona and Arad were hit on Saturday evening, with the former widely believed to hold Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal.

Most of the wounded were injured by shrapnel or while rushing to shelters, Israeli first responders said. Several buildings were also damaged in the strikes.

UAE official says those who 'bet on fear or confusion errs in understanding the Emirates'

Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said those who "bet on fear or confusion errs in understanding the Emirates."

More than 2,156 ballistic missiles and drones have been launched by Iran toward UAE so far, in a "futile, rejected terrorist attack that the international community has clearly condemned."

Vance, Netanyahu speak about Iran negotiations, Axios reports

US Vice President JD Vance discussed efforts to open negotiations with Iran during a phone call on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reported, citing a source familiar with the call.

The source said the pair also discussed the components of a possible agreement to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, Axios reported.

Final date for Umrah pilgrims to depart Saudi 'not connected to any security situation'

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that April 18, 2026 is the final date for Umrah pilgrims to depart from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This deadline is "part of the regular seasonal transition", Inside the Haramain reported on its X handle.

The date marks the end of the Umrah season as preparations begin for the upcoming Hajj season.

"There is no connection whatsoever to any security situation. Such claims are false and misleading," Inside the Haramain added.

IRGC says no need to mine Hormuz Strait as Iranian Armed Forces have full control

Trump approved Iran operation after Netanyahu argued for joint killing of Khamenei: Reuters cites sources

Less than 48 hours before the US-Israeli strike on Iran began, Netanyahu spoke by phone to President Trump about the reasons for launching the kind of complex, far-off war the American leader once had campaigned against, Reuters reported.

Both Trump and Netanyahu knew from intelligence briefings earlier in the week that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his key lieutenants would soon meet at his compound in Tehran, making them vulnerable to a “decapitation strike” – an attack against a country's top leaders often used by Israelis but traditionally less so by the United States.

Before the phone call between Netanyahu and Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a small group of top Congressional leaders on February 24 that Israel was likely to attack Iran, whether or not the US participated, and Iran would then likely retaliate against US targets, according to three people briefed on the meeting, according to Reuters.

Trump had also been briefed that there was a chance, even if small, that the killing of Iran's top leaders could usher in a government in Tehran that was more willing to negotiate with Washington, said two other people familiar with Rubio's briefing.

The possibility of regime change was one of Netanyahu's arguments in the call shortly before Trump gave final orders to attack Iran, said the people briefed on it, as reported by Reuters.

US advises citizens in Oman to 'shelter in place'

The United States on Monday advised its citizens in Oman to shelter in place "due to ongoing activity," according to a security alert from the US embassy in Muscat.

Netanyahu says spoke with Trump

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump, who believes war achievements can be leveraged into deal with Iran.

Netanyahu said any deal will preserve Israel's "vital interests.

Israel says captured two Hezbollah members in south Lebanon 

The Israeli army said Monday that it had captured two Hezbollah members during ground operations in south Lebanon after they surrendered.

"During an activity to locate weapons in southern Lebanon, (Israeli) troops identified several armed Hezbollah Radwan Force terrorists who were planning to fire an anti-tank missile," the military said, referring to Hezbollah's commando force.

"After being identified, the terrorists surrendered. They were apprehended by the troops and transferred to Israeli territory for further questioning," it added.

Israeli strike hits Beirut's southern suburbs after warning: State media

An Israeli strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday, state media reported, hours after the Israeli army issued a warning for residents of the area to evacuate.

AFPTV's live broadcast showed a cloud of smoke over the southern suburbs.

Stay tuned for latest updates

Things have taken a turn in the regional conflict, and the Middle East now stands at the brink of what may be an end to the hostilities. Trump claimed that the US and Iran had 15 points of agreement, productive talks, and some demands accepted on both ends.

However, less than an hour after those declarations, Iran denied reports of negotiations with US, with the country's parliament speaker MB Ghalibaf saying "fake news" was being used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.

Global powers welcomed reports of talks; oil prices dropped, while gold rates went up. As the region holds its breath, hoping for de-escalation, every eye will be trained on the news over the next 5 days of reported negotiations.

At Khaleej Times, we will continue to bring you the latest developments, so stay tuned.

Israel military says it identified missiles launched from Iran