UAE brings back 500 Golden Visa holders, residents; deals with 4 missiles, 6 drones

Day 16 of US-Israel-Iran war

As the was enters its 16th day, there has been chatter around keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, with US President Donald Trump urging countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain to send warships to help secure the vital pathway, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.

As of March 15, the war has killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in Iran, according to reports from governments and state media, since Israel and the United States began air attacks on Iran on February 28.

Meanwhile in the UAE, air defence systems on March 14 engaged 9 ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran, with no new injuries being reported on Saturday.

Stay tuned to Khaleej Times as we bring you the latest developments in the region as they unfold.

Trump warship call

US President Donald Trump urged countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.

"The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!" Trump said on social media.

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 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

UAE arrests 25 for misleading public opinion

The UAE arrested 25 individuals for their involvement in publishing and circulating digital content intended to mislead public opinion, harm national security and stability, and glorify the Iranian aggression.

Investigations into the case revealed that the defendants were divided into three groups that committed various acts.

• Group 1: Publishing authentic footage of attacks and their impact

• Group 2: Publishing fabricated content via artificial intelligence

• Group 3: Promoting a hostile state and glorifying its leadership

The authority shared images of the arrested with the public, while disclosing their nationalities.

GCC condemns attack on US Consulate General in Iraqi Kurdistan

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) condemned in the strongest terms the second blatant attack targeting the Consulate General of the UAE in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The council's Secretary General stressed that the continuation of these "treacherous assaults" on the UAE consulate constitutes a gross violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. 

He further noted that such actions represent a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and safety of diplomats and mission personnel.

Overnight attacks in Saudi Arabia

Throughout the night and early morning hours of March 15, Saudi Arabia intercepted drones in parts of the Kingdom.

12.13am: Interception of two drones in the Riyadh and Eastern regions.

1.59am: Interception of two drones in the eastern region.

2.56am: Interception of a drone in the eastern region.

4.37am: Interception of three drones in the eastern region.

5.58am: Interception of seven drones in the Riyadh and Eastern regions.

6.30am: Interception of two drones in the eastern region.

Sirens sounded in Bahrain

Sirens have been sounded in Bahrain, with citizens and residents being urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.

Air defence interceptions in Dubai 

Authorities in Dubai confirmed at 3.18am that the sounds heard in Marina and Al Sufouh areas were due to successful air defence interceptions.

Ongoing 'missile threat' in UAE

The UAE's NCEMA said its air defence 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.

Fire at Ruwais oil facility under control

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have brought a fire under control that broke out after a drone targeted an oil facility in the Ruwais area on Tuesday.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that response teams contained the fire and are conducting cooling operations.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Non-emergency govt employees ordered to leave Oman

The US State Department said it had ordered non-emergency government employees and the family members of government employees to leave Oman, citing safety risks as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues. 

F1 races cancelled in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

Formula 1 officially cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia scheduled for April because of safety concerns from the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for April 12, while the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix was set for April 19.

"While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April," F1 said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones

Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted 10 drones in Riyadh and Eastern regions on Sunday.

Attack on Baghdad military base

A drone attack targeted the Baghdad airport complex, which houses a military base and a US diplomatic facility, two security sources told AFP.

The drones "targeted the military base" but were brought down just outside the complex, one source said, while a second source said a crashed drone sparked a huge fire outside.

Identities of 6 US crew members killed in Iraq

The Pentagon released the identities of six US crew members killed during the crash of a refuelling aircraft in western Iraq earlier this week, which authorities said was not caused by "hostile fire".

The KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, bringing the number of US troops killed in war against Iran to at least 13. A second aircraft involved in the operation landed safely.

The Pentagon said the six members killed in the crash were: John Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.

The first three were members of the US Air Force, while the latter three were stationed with the US Air National Guard.

Russia supplying Iran with Shahed drones, says Zelenskiy

During an interview with CNN, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed drones to use against the US and Israel.

Zelenskiy told CNN that it is "100 per cent facts" that Iran has used Russian-made Shaheds to attack US bases.

Shahed drones have been linked to other attacks on countries in the region, although their manufacturers are not always clear.

Iran pioneered the Shahed drone, a much cheaper alternative to expensive missiles. They first saw mass use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where thousands of them have been launched by Russian forces since fall 2022, according to the Ukrainians.

Although Iran initially provided the drones, Russia now manufactures its own Shaheds. The armed forces of other countries have since adopted Shahed-type drones, including the US military, which has said they are part of the current campaign against Iran.

More Iranian footballers drop asylum bid

Three members of the Iranian women's football team granted asylum in Australia have changed their minds and decided to return home to Iran, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said.

One other team member seeking refuge had a change of heart earlier in the week and left the country, leaving a total of three out of seven asylum seekers from the squad still in Australia.

CBSE cancels Class 12 board exams

CBSE announced on Sunday it would be cancelling board exams for Class 12 students across Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Due to the ongoing regional situation, all exams between March 16 and April 10 have been cancelled. Examinations which were earlier postponed have also been cancelled, the education board stated.

CBSE said it would announce the mode of declaration of results in these countries separately in due course.

Indian carriers limit Dubai flights

Indian airlines have scaled back flight operations to Dubai and other UAE destinations after airport authorities imposed restrictions amid the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.

Low-cost carrier IndiGo said flight schedules to and from Dubai have been affected due to the restrictions.

“Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules,” the airline said in a travel advisory on Sunday, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Air India and Air India Express also confirmed that they had to significantly reduce their services on March 15 following instructions from UAE airport authorities.

Air India said it will operate only one Delhi–Dubai return flight, while four of its five planned services to Dubai have been cancelled.

Air India Express has cancelled five of its six Dubai flights, operating only a single Delhi–Dubai return service.

The airline also announced wider disruptions across the UAE network.

Japan says bar high for sending warships to Hormuz Strait

A senior Japanese policy adviser said Sunday the threshold is "extremely high" for Tokyo to send its warships to help protect a shipping lane for oil in the Middle East, hours after US President Donald Trump's call for other countries to do so.

"I regard the threshold as extremely high" for sending Japanese navy ships to the region under existing Japanese laws, Takayuki Kobayashi, the policy chief of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said Sunday on the public broadcaster NHK's political debate programme.

"Legally speaking, we do not rule out the possibility, but given the current situation in which this conflict is ongoing, I believe this is something that must be considered with great caution," he said.

Sending its Self-Defence Forces abroad is politically sensitive in the officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the US-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution.

Last week, Takaichi said at a parliament session "nothing has been decided" over whether to send Japanese warships to the Middle East to escort tankers.

Takaichi is expected to visit Washington this week to hold talks with Trump, in which a range of issues including security in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the Iran war, will likely be discussed.

US regulator threatens media outlets over Iran coverage

A top US broadcast regulator threatened media outlets over negative coverage of the Middle East war, after President Donald Trump slammed critical headlines from the "Fake News Media".

The president since his first term has derided mainstream media as "fake news" and has sued major outlets over what he sees as unfair coverage.

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — which oversees US radio, television and internet media — said broadcasters risked losing their licenses over news coverage.

"The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not," Carr said in a post on X.

"Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions — also known as the fake news — have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up."

Death toll in Lebanon

Since the beginning of the latest war with Hezbollah, Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes had killed 826 people, including 65 women and 106 children.

The authority added 2,009 others had been wounded in the ongoing attacks.

Tehran accuses US, Israel of using rebranded Shahed drones

The spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has accused the US and Israel of conducting a false-flag campaign using a rebranded version of Iran's Shahed-136 drone, known as 'Lucas', state broadcaster Press TV reported on Sunday.

The official claimed these drones are being deployed against civilian infrastructure across the region to deliberately frame the Islamic Republic.

In a formal statement, the spokesman suggested that after facing military challenges and failing to establish political alliances against Tehran, the "enemy has turned to deceptive tactic".

The objective of these manoeuvres, according to the statement, is to "create doubt and accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran" while damaging ties between Tehran and its regional partners, Press TV noted.

Iran Guards vow to 'pursue and kill' Netanyahu

Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed on Sunday to "pursue and kill" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to their website Sepah News. 

20 arrested in Iran for sharing military location

Twenty people were arrested in northwestern Iran for attempting to cooperate with Israel, Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday, citing a statement by the West Azerbaijan province's prosecutor office.

They are accused of sending location details on Iran's military and security assets to Israel.

Israel has launched a new phase of its assault on Iran, targeting security checkpoints based on tip-offs from informants on the ground, a source briefed on Israel's military strategy told Reuters last week.

Iraq football team to travel to Mexico

Iraq will travel to Mexico for a 2026 World Cup playoff match despite calls for it to be postponed due to the Middle East war, the country's football association said Saturday.

The national team would depart at the end of this week via a private plane ahead of the match scheduled for March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey.

Post-attack effect on sky

A shot of the skyline of Erbil, Iran, after drone strikes on Lanaz Refinery.

Deadly Israeli settler violence surges in West Bank

While the world's attention is focused on the US-Israeli war with Iran, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has experienced a surge in deadly settler violence. 

Since the start of the month, six Palestinians have been shot dead in settler attacks, according to a tally of data from the Ramallah-based health ministry.

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem said the increase in bloodshed "indicates the intensification of Israel's ethnic cleansing efforts under cover of the war with Iran".

That sentiment was shared by Palestinians on the ground. 

In addition to roughly three million Palestinians, more than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law.

AI fakes about Iran-US war swirl on X

AI-created videos circulating on Elon Musk's X depict American soldiers captured by Iran, an Israeli city in ruins, and US embassies ablaze — a surge of lifelike deepfakes despite a policy crackdown to curb wartime disinformation.

The Middle East war has unleashed an avalanche of AI-generated visuals, dwarfing anything seen in previous conflicts and often leaving social media users unable to distinguish fabrication from reality, researchers say.

In a bid to protect "authentic information" during conflicts, X announced last week that it would suspend creators from its revenue sharing program for 90 days if they post AI-generated war videos without disclosing they were artificially made.

Subsequent violations will result in permanent suspension, X's head of product Nikita Bier warned in a post.

Grok, X's own AI chatbot, appeared to make the problem worse, wrongly telling users seeking fact-checks that numerous AI visuals from the war were real.

Researchers have also warned that X's model — allowing premium accounts to earn payouts based on engagement — has turbocharged the financial incentive to peddle false or sensational content.

Lebanon preparing to negotiate

Lebanon is working to form a delegation to negotiate with Israel in a bid to stop the war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, an official told AFP, though Israel has not committed to the initiative.

"Negotiations are on the table and preparations are underway to form a delegation, but... neither the timing nor the location has been determined, with Paris and Cyprus being considered," the official said.

Jordan intercepts missiles

Jordan's military said it had intercepted 79 of 85 missiles and drones launched by Iran at the kingdom.

Iran launches missiles towards Israel 

During the early morning hours of Sunday, Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles towards Israel amid the ongoing war with Israel and the US.

Reports of "loud explosions" emerged in central Israel as air raid sirens sounded across the region following a missile strike from Iran.

Debris was seen falling in central parts of Israel with ambulances providing medical assistance to four individuals who sustained injuries while heading to a shelter.

Stranded abroad during leave? What UAE law says

As some UAE residents leave to visit their home countries during current regional escalations, there might be those wondering what would happen to their job if they are stranded abroad.

As per UAE law, if an employee is stranded abroad due to extraordinary circumstances such as geopolitical developments, travel restrictions, or suspension of flights, such circumstances may constitute a legitimate reason for being absent from work.

In such cases, dismissal solely based on absence from work may be challenged by an employee if an employee can demonstrate that the absence was unavoidable and properly communicated to an employer.

With respect to remote working arrangements, the employment law is silent on the demand for work-from-home arrangements where an employer has not implemented such a policy.

However, in adverse circumstances the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or any other relevant government authority in the UAE issues notifications/advisories for remote working which apply to all employers.

Nevertheless, if an employee remains willing and able to perform their duties and the nature of the role allows the work to be carried out remotely, an employee may request temporary remote work as a practical arrangement during the period they are unable to return to the UAE.

Drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said it had intercepted four drones in Riyadh amid ongoing attacks in the region.

Iran's Isfahan targeted in Israeli attacks

The central Iranian city of Isfahan was targeted by further raids during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Visual evidence from the scene, including videos and images, showed clouds of thick smoke rising over the city as dawn broke, with one particular video clip capturing military jets flying low over the area.

South Korea to 'carefully review' deployment of warships 

South Korea said it would carefully review whether it would deploy its warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

The country said it would closely communicate with the US regarding Trump's request on the warships, state media reported on Sunday.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump urged countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain to send warships to help secure the vital pathway, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.

Trump warns of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island

US President Donald Trump threatened further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and urged allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, an artery for global energy supplies, as Tehran vowed to intensify its response.

With the US-Israeli war on Iran in its third week, Trump said US strikes had "totally demolished" much of the island and warned of more, telling NBC News on Saturday, "We may hit it a few more times just for fun."

The remarks marked a sharp escalation from Trump, who had previously said the US was targeting only military sites on Kharg, and undercut diplomatic efforts. His administration has rebuffed efforts by Middle Eastern allies to start negotiations, three sources told Reuters.

South Korea evacuates citizens from Middle East 

South Korea is evacuating 204 of its citizens and seven other nationals from the Middle East using a military aircraft, the foreign ministry said, calling the operation "unprecedented".

The evacuees are due to arrive in South Korea on Sunday afternoon.

UAE retailers continue Ramadan, Eid offers despite regional tensions

UAE retailers said they’re continuing Ramadan offers and discounts, as they have sufficient supplies and well-stocked shelves to meet customer needs amid the ongoing regional military conflict.

While speaking to Khaleej Times, Retail giant Lulu said there is no panic buying among consumers, but only thoughtful, cheerful preparation for the celebrations ahead.

Carrefour said it remains committed to its Ramadan offers, and it is maintaining prices on key commodities and everyday products to provide stability and reassurance for its customers at a time when it matters most.

ADCoop also confirmed that its supermarkets and supply network are fully prepared to meet customer demand, with strong inventory levels maintained across its branches and logistics centres.

Israeli drones head towards Iranian airspace

Iran's state agency said on Sunday three "enemy drones" were shot down before breaching Tehran’s airspace, according to the IRGC.

Israeli attack on Lebanon's Sidon

An Israeli airstrike targeted Lebanon's southern coastal city of Sidon on March 15.

The attacks comes a day after an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed a dozen medical staff at a clinic, after Iran-backed Hezbollah's leader said his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.

Emirates allows rebooking within 72 hours

Emirates announced passengers can now amend their bookings and rebook flights online within 72 hours of their original departure date.

The carrier is allowing travellers to do so by visiting the 'manage booking section on the website or the 'Manage Your Booking' on the Emirates app.

WHO condemns killing of healthcare workers in Lebanon

The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the deaths of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon describing the events as a "tragic development in the escalating Middle East crisis."

In a statement, the WHO chief revealed that 12 medical staff members, including doctors, paramedics, and nurses, were killed during a strike on the Bourj Qalaouiyeh primary healthcare centre late on Friday night.

According to the Director-General, this fatal incident followed another attack just hours earlier, where "two paramedics lost their lives in attacks on a health facility in Al Sowana".

Ghebreyesus emphasised that these latest casualties are part of a broader pattern, stating that these incidents "highlight the ongoing assault on Lebanon's healthcare system, which is crucial for the populations it serves."

Condemning the violence, the ministry asserted that such actions "contradict international humanitarian law", as medical personnel "should never be attacked or militarised."

US embassy in Saudi Arabia encourages citizens to leave

US citizens in Saudi Arabia have been encouraged to leave the Kingdom via commercial flights if they are able to safely.

The US Embassy in Riyadh said the airspace remains open with frequent air traffic restrictions to address continued missile and drone threats

Those who choose to travel by air are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline due to possible delays and cancellations at Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports.

For those opting not to leave the country, the embassy advised them to be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within their residence or another safe building. They must also ensure they have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.

Ukraine hopes to not lose US support amid Iran war

Ukraine does not want to lose US support for its struggle against Russia as a result of Washington's war with Iran, President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists. 

"We don't want to lose the Americans" while they are "without a doubt currently preoccupied with the Middle East", the Ukrainian leader told the press, including AFP reporters, on Saturday. His comments were under embargo until Sunday.

"We are showing our willingness to help the United States and their allies in the Middle East" by offering to share Ukraine's drone expertise, and "we strongly hope that as a result of the Middle East, the United States will not turn its back on the question of the war in Ukraine", he added.  

Iranian FM denies attacks on residential areas

Iran's Foreign Minister on Sunday denied targeting any civilian or residential areas in regional countries, Fars news agency stated.

The minister further went on to say that it was possible Israel is behind the attacks on civil targets in Arab countries.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi also claimed US-made drone Lucas may be behind the attacks on regional targets.

Tehran to form investigative committee

Iran's Foreign Minister announced Tehran was ready to form an investigative committee with regional countries to probe into targets that were attacked.

Israel begins 'broad wave of strikes' on Iran

Israel's military said it began a broad wave of strikes on western Iran on Sunday, more than two weeks into the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.

"A short while ago, the IDF began a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in western Iran," the army said in a statement.

'Complete end of war'

Iran's Foreign Minister said Tehran welcomes any initiative that would lead to the "complete end of the war", state media reported on Sunday.

The minister further added that diplomatic communications with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other neighbouring countries continue.

Iraq warns of strikes near prison housing IS militants

Iraq warned on Sunday that drone attacks near Baghdad airport threatened the security of the nearby prison housing Islamic State group suspects recently brought from Syria.

In February, the United States completed the transfer of 5,700 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq.

They have been held since in Baghdad's al-Karkh prison, once a US Army detention centre known as Camp Cropper, which is part of Baghdad airport's complex.

SpiceJet restricts flights from Dubai

SpiceJet announced it was restricting flights to and from Dubai due to the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The Indian carrier said it was actively communicating with passengers about the changes via SMS/email on the registered contact details.

Travellers have been urged to check their flight status before leaving for the airport, or can contact their 24×7 Reservation Helpline numbers at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for any immediate assistance.

Filipinos in UAE urged to follow rules

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai announced on Sunday they were closely monitoring reports that Filipino nationals were among those arrested for posting and sharing videos and other online content related to the recent attacks and air defense interceptions in Dubai.

They revealed Philippine officials have sought official confirmation and further details from the competent UAE authorities regarding the identity, status, and legal circumstances of any Filipino nationals involved.

The authorities reminded Filipino nationals in the UAE to exercise utmost caution and responsibility in their use of social media and messaging platforms and further advised them to:

• Refrain from recording, posting, forwarding, or commenting on unverified or sensitive security‑related content

• Avoid spreading rumors or speculative information and

• Rely only on official announcements of UAE authorities and credible news sources for information on ongoing security situations

Supply chain issues for Dubai's gold sector eased

The resumption of flights in Dubai has eased some of the supply chain and logistics issues for the emirate’s gold and jewellery sector, said Tawhid Abdullah, chairman of Dubai Jewellery Group.

This came during a meeting between the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Dubai Jewellery Group to support business continuity within Dubai’s gold and jewellery sector under the current circumstances and enhance the efficiency of all operational and commercial activities linked to this vital industry.

Lebanon 'genocide' fear

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country feared Israel was "moving toward a new genocide under the pretext of fighting Hezbollah" in its ongoing assault on Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the most recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon was an airstrike on the southern suburb of Haret Hreik on March 15 as the country works on forming a delegation to negotiate with Israel in a bid to stop the war with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

At least 4 killed in overnight strikes in Lebanon

Overnight strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least four people, Lebanese state media and the government said on Sunday, as Israel said it was pressing its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said Israel struck "an apartment in a residential building" in a northern district of the coastal city of Sidon, killing one person and causing a fire.

An AFP journalist at the scene saw damage to the third storey of an apartment building as the Lebanese army cordoned off the area and rescue teams worked to extinguish the blaze.

To the southeast of Sidon, in the village of Al-Qatrani, three people were killed in an overnight Israeli strike, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

UK govt urges deescalation of conflict 

UK Energy Security Minister Ed Miliband on Sunday said it was essential to calm the situation in the Middle East after US President Donald Trump called for other nations to help protect world oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The "plan now has to be to de-escalate the conflict", Miliband told the BBC.

Oil poised for further gains as war threatens export facilities

Oil prices could extend gains at Monday's open as the US-Israeli war against Iran entered a third week, putting oil infrastructure at risk and keeping the Strait of Hormuz shut in the world's largest supply disruption.

Brent and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures have already spiked sharply and rattled global financial markets. Both contracts have surged more than 40 per cent so far this month to their highest levels since 2022 after the US-Israeli attacks on Iran prompted Tehran to halt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for a fifth of global oil supply.

Iran FM speaks to French counterpart

Iran's foreign minister told his French counterpart that countries must refrain from any action that could escalate the conflict in the Middle East, Abbas Araqchi said in comments posted on his Telegram account on Sunday.

This comes after US President Donald Trump called upon various states, including France, to deploy vessels to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran following US-Israeli strikes on its territory.

Egypt foreign minister to visit Qatar

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty will travel to Qatar on Sunday as part of a Gulf tour to discuss regional developments amid the Israeli-US war on Iran, the ministry said.

The foreign ministry's statement did not mention which other Gulf states Abdelatty was due to visit.

Trump not ready to end war yet

Donald Trump warned that he is not ready to seek a deal to end the war with Iran, as US ally Israel launched a new wave of strikes Sunday and Tehran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to hunt down and kill the Israeli leader.

"Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it because the terms aren't good enough yet," Trump told NBC News, warning that US forces would step up strikes on the Iranian coast north of the strait to clear a path for oil shipments to resume.

Gulf Air expands operations

Gulf Air announced it would be expanding its operations through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

All travellers can now book commercial flights to London, Mumbai, and Bangkok via their website or the mobile app for the travel period of March 15-16.

Iran says it struck police bases in Israel

Iran said its army carried out a drone strike against police bases of the Israeli regime, retaliating for the regime's attacks on Iranian police positions, according to the IRNA news agency.

Israel to continue war until 'goals' achieved 

Israel's Foreign Minister on Sunday said the country shared a "decisiveness with the US" to continue the war with US "until we achieve our goals".

Bahrain intercepts 211 drones, 125 missiles since Feb 28

Bahrain announced its air defences had intercepted and destroyed 211 drones and 125 missiles since the start of the regional war on February 28.

Iraq says ready to export oil

Iraq oil ministry announced it was ready to resume exports of no more than 300,000 barrels of oil through the Ceyhan pipeline.

Israel does not plan to hold talks with Lebanon, says Israeli FM

In regards to the escalation of the ongoing war to include attacks on Lebanon, Israel's foreign minister said they do not plan to hold direct talks with the Lebanese government in the coming days.

The minister also said they expect the government to take serious steps to stop Hezbollah from shooting at Israel.

Israel approves emergency military funding 

Irael has approved an $827-million emergency budget allocation for military purchases, Israeli media reported Sunday, as the war with Iran entered its third week.

The 2.6-billion-shekel package was approved over the weekend by cabinet ministers during a telephone meeting, the daily Haaretz reported.

It will be used for "security purchases" and to address "urgent needs", it said, without providing further details.

A finance ministry document circulated to all ministers and reported by several media outlets, including Channel 12, said that "given the intensity of the fighting" the additional budget allocation was necessary.

"An urgent and immediate need has arisen to provide an operational response, including the acquisition of munitions, the procurement of advanced weapons systems and the replenishment of critical combat stocks," the document said.

Kurdish ministry refuses to resume oil exports for time being

Iraq's oil ministry said on Sunday that the Kurdish Ministry of Natural Resources had refused to resume oil exports for the time being.

The Kurdish ministry placed conditions that have no relevance to exporting crude, the Iraqi ministry said in a statement.

Oil production from Iraq's ⁠main southern oilfields, where most of its crude is produced and exported, has plunged 70 per cent to just 1.3 million bpd, sources told Reuters on March 8, as the ​country is unable to export via the Gulf due to the Iran war.

India relaxes pet import rules amid Middle east war

The import of pet dogs and cats by Indians returning home from the war-hit countries in the Middle East has been relaxed by the Indian government as “a one-time relaxation measure".

Considering the unique and extraordinary situations in war-hit Middle East countries wherein pre-export requisite formalities to export of pets into lndia may not be fulfilled, the import of pet dogs and/or pet cats along with stranded lndians is being facilitated as one time relaxation measure," announced India’s Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

The government has set a few pre-import and post-import conditions on Indians bringing their pets along with them home when they return from the region.

Iran war appears to be escalating: Norway PM

The ongoing Iran war appears to be escalating, Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Sunday, adding that the plan for the military campaign seemed unclear, Reuters reported.

Kuwait speaks to Qatar about regional war

Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs, conducted a phone call on Sunday with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

During the call, they discussed the escalating military tensions in the region resulting from Iran's aggression against regional countries, as well as the serious repercussions and alarming consequences this entails for security and stability at both the regional and international levels.

Kuwait discusses Iranian aggression with UAE

Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE on Sunday.

During the call, they discussed the escalating military tensions in the region resulting from Iran's aggression against regional countries, and the serious repercussions and alarming consequences that ensue for security and stability at both the regional and international levels.

IndiGo flight changes to and from Dubai

Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, IndiGo has announced that flight operations in Dubai have been further restricted, leading to changes in flight schedules.

As a result, some flights scheduled to operate between 15-17 March have been affected, the airline said.

Customers have been requested to note the following:

• Check flight status at https://bit.ly/31paVKQ before leaving for the airport.

• IndiGo is sending timely notifications to customers through their registered contact details.

• Customers may also contact their Customer Contact Centre at +91 124 6173838 for further assistance.

5 arrested in Bahrain for sharing senstive information

Bahrain has arrested 5 individuals for collecting and passing sensitive information to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, endangering the country's security and safety, the Ministry of Interior announced.

UAE deals with 4 missiles, 6 drones on March 15

UAE air defences dealt with 4 ballistic missiles and 6 drones coming from Iran on March 15, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

Since the start of the brazen Iranian attacks, UAE air defenses have dealt with 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1606 drones.

These attacks resulted in the deaths of 6 individuals of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 142 cases of minor and moderate injuries among individuals 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.

Missile fragment hits US consul residence in Israel: Reports

A fragment of an Iranian missile struck a residential building used by the US consul in Israel, Israeli media reported on Sunday.

The reports did not immediately provide further details on the incident.

What to do when you receive an emergency alert

Ras Al Khaimah media office has issued a precautionary guide for residents to follow if they receive an official Ministry of Interior (MOI) alert on their phones.

Take a look:

War to end when Iran 'certain' it cannot be repeated: FM

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview published on Sunday in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the war pitting his country against the United States and Israel will only end when Tehran can be certain it will not be restarted. 

Iran state media says women's football team captain withdraws Australia asylum bid

5 steps of 'Transition System' in Iran

Reza Pahlavi addressed Iranians in a social media post, outlining five steps of what he termed a "transition system", which he said is based on the "Iran Prosperity Project plan":

1. "First, the transitional system will free our country's economy from the grip of military and paramilitary forces and economic criminals and return it to citizens and stakeholders.

2. Second, the transitional system will reclaim Iran's wealth that is frozen abroad and return it to Iranian citizens.

3. Third, the Transitional System is committed to spend Iran's wealth for Iranians, instead of spending it for terrorists. This includes rebuilding and modernising infrastructure, especially the water supply, electricity, and fuel networks across the country.

4. Fourth, the transitional system will dismantle the structures of rent-seeking, institutionalised corruption, and monopolies, and will direct national wealth toward healthcare, education, and the eradication of poverty.

5. Finally, Iran's greatest asset is not oil and gas, it is [citizens]. The transitional system will invest in Iran's human capital, connect Iran to the global economy, and restore economic stability, growth, and prosperity to our homeland.

"These are not empty promises, but commitments of the transitional system for implementation," Pahlavi added.

Hamas official killed in Israel strike in south Lebanon's Sidon: Group source to AFP 

An Israeli strike in south Lebanon's Sidon area early Sunday killed a Hamas official, a source from the Palestinian group told AFP.

The source, requesting anonymity, said the strike killed Hamas official Wissam Taha, after state media earlier reported a strike on an apartment in a residential building in a northern district of Sidon.

The coastal city is home to Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, which Israel has previously struck in recent months, saying it was targeting Hamas.

UAE facilitates return of nearly 500 Golden Visa holders, stranded residents

UAE authorities facilitated the return of around 500 Golden Visa holders and residents to the country through air and land entry points.

The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) worked together to ensure their return.

Their return had previously been hindered due to ongoing regional developments, including airspace closures and disruptions to global aviation.

MoFA and NCEMA affirmed that from the very first moments of the developments witnessed in the region, both entities were fully prepared to respond by taking the necessary precautionary and proactive measures, each within its respective mandate.

This included continuous coordination and communication with the relevant authorities in the UAE and the country’s diplomatic missions abroad, ongoing monitoring of developments and assessment of their implications, Mofa said.

Hezbollah says fired 'advanced missile' at Israeli air base south of Tel Aviv 

Hezbollah said its fighters targeted an Israeli air base south of Tel Aviv on Sunday, as Israel has kept up strikes on Lebanon.

In a statement, Hezbollah said it targeted the Palmachim air base, around 140 kilometres (85 miles) from the Lebanese-Israeli border, with "an advanced missile", after claiming several other attacks on sites in northern Israel and on Israeli troops in Lebanon near the frontier.

Israel weighs cancelling gas deal with Lebanon

Israel's government is considering cancelling a gas agreement with Lebanon, GLZ radio reported on Sunday, citing the country's energy minister.

EU ministers to discuss widening naval mission to Strait of Hormuz, FT reports

European Union foreign ministers will discuss a potential widening of the EU Aspides naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing an official with knowledge of ongoing discussions.

An EU-UN joint naval mission to ensure safe passage "seems more likely" than EU countries approaching Iran bilaterally, the FT report quoted the official as saying.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report.

Iran conflict to end in 'next few weeks': US official

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday that he expects the US war with Iran to end within "the next few weeks," with oil supplies rebounding and energy costs declining afterwards.

"I think that this conflict will certainly come to the end in the next few weeks — could be sooner than that. But the conflict will come to the end in the next few weeks, and we'll see a rebound in supplies and a pushing down in prices after that," Wright told ABC's "This Week" program.

8 killed in airstrike on police vehicle in Gaza: Medics

Eight people were killed in an airstrike that targeted a police vehicle in Gaza, according to medics.

CBSE Class 12 exam cancelled: Will grading affect university placement?

CBSE students of Grade 12 across the UAE remain in a waiting period — relieved that the uncertainty around the exams is over, yet anxious about how their academic futures will ultimately be calculated.

CBSE has said the mode of result declaration for affected students will be announced later.

While the move brings relief for some, it has also raised pressing questions for students in the UAE — especially those whose university admissions, scholarships and entrance exam timelines hinge on their final board scores.

Read the full Khaleej Times report by Nandini Sircar on whether CBSE class 12 exam grading will affect university placements.

No shortage at LPG distributorships, fuel stations in India, government says

There have been no reports of dry-outs of gas supply at LPG distributorships across India, the government said on Sunday in its latest update.

India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that LPG bookings have shown a decline, with about 77 lakh bookings recorded yesterday compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, 2026, ANI reported.

850 dead in Lebanon

Lebanon's health ministry said on Sunday that Israeli attacks have killed 850 people in the country during two weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah.

The ministry statement said the toll included 66 women, 107 children and 32 health workers, with 2,105 other people wounded.

SpiceJet says Dubai operations 'further restricted'

Indian carrier SpiceJet said "East, flight operations to/from Dubai have been further restricted, which may result in changes to flight schedules" amid the regional developments.

However, the airline is continuing to operate special flights from Fujairah to India.

ANI reported in addition to these services, the airline is also operating a special flight from Dubai to Pune today to assist passengers looking to travel to India. On March 16, the airline will operate four special flights from Fujairah to India and one additional flight from Dubai to India.

Egypt's FM, Qatar Emir discuss regional de-escalation, ending war

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Sunday discussed regional de-escalation and ending the ongoing war between Israel, the US and Iran, the Egyptian foreign ministry said.

Abdelatty had travelled to Qatar as part of a Gulf tour to discuss regional developments.

India's Jaishankar, UAE's Abdullah bin Zayed speak

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said he spoke to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Jaishankar said the two leaders "exchanged views on various aspects of the regional situation."

Finalissima cancelled

The Union of European Football Associations announced that "due to the current political situation in the region", and after discussion with Qatar authorities, it was decided that Finalissima would be cancelled.

"It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar – a country that has demonstrated time and again its capability of staging world class international events in state-of-the-art facilities," UEFA said.

The Finalissima was introduced as part of the close partnership between UEFA and CONMEBOL and brings together the European and South American champions in a celebration of the highest level of international football. Argentina, the reigning world champions, won the inaugural edition in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.

UEFA said it "explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association."

India's DGCA temporarily relaxes flight duty norms for Air India's long haul flights: PTI

India's aviation safety watchdog DGCA has provided temporary relaxations in flight duty norms for Air India's long-haul flights as the airline is taking longer routes due to the airspace curbs amid the Middle East conflict, news agency PTI said, citing sources.

Israeli military says expanding scope of strikes against Iranian infrastructure

The Israeli military on Sunday said it is expanding scope of strikes against Iranian infrastructure in additional areas in western and central Iran.

An Israeli military source also added that there is no interceptor shortage.

Iran FM sees no reason for talks after Trump says Tehran wants a deal

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was not interested in talks with the United States, pushing back on Trump's stance that Tehran wants a deal to end the war.

"We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people," Araghchi told CBS's "Face The Nation," in an interview aired Sunday.

"We don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us."

Israel military says 'no interceptor shortage' after reports of scarcity

An Israeli military source denied media reports that Israel was running low on missile interceptors crucial to its air defences, adding that the army was "continuously monitoring the situation".

Citing US officials, news outlet Semafor had reported that Israel had informed the United States that it was "running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors", as the US-Israeli war against Iran entered its third week.

"As of now, there is no interceptor shortage. The IDF prepared for prolonged combat. We are continuously monitoring the situation," the military source said, in response to media queries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also dismissed the reports when questioned by journalists earlier on Sunday.

IEA says oil from emergency reserves will soon start flowing to global markets

International Energy Agency said that its emergency reserves will soon start flowing to global markets. Stocks from Asia, Oceania countries will be available immediately, while stocks from Europe and Americas will be available by the end of March, it said.

8 injured in Israel

At least eight people were injured in Israel Sunday following repeated missile launches from Iran, at least two of which contained cluster munitions, according to Israeli authorities.

Israeli police released footage from a CCTV camera in the Tel Aviv area showing an impact on a road, saying that it was from "cluster munitions" that caused "damage at several locations".

Indian embassy in Qatar facilitating travel of stranded Indian nationals

The Indian embassy in Qatar said it "continues to coordinate with local authorities and Qatar Airways for facilitation of travel of stranded Indian nationals and emergency cases."

The airline operated one flight to India's New Delhi today. Three flights are planned by the airline to India on March 16 as well as on March 17. These flights will be to New Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi.

Qatar Airways has also asked passengers not to arrive at departure airport unless they hold a valid, confirmed ticket for travel.

The Indian embassy in Qatar said it also continues facilitation of travel of Indian nationals through Salwa border to Saudi Arabia on temporary transit visas of 96 hourrs validity.

Some Indian nationals stranded (on transit or short-term visitors) in Qatar due to the current situation may have specific needs for essential medicines. They can approach the helpline (00974-70462114) of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) if they need assistance. The embassy added it, and ICBF, will try and help such cases, if feasible.

IEA says planned releases include 72% crude oil, 28% oil products

The IEA said governments have committed to make available 271.7 million barrels of oil from government stocks, 116.6 million barrels from obligated industry stocks, and 23.6 million barrels from other sources.

Meanwhile, member countries in Americas will make 172.2 million barrels available, according to the IEA statement.

Out of the planned releases, 72 per cent are crude oil, while 28 per cent are oil products, IEA said.

Stocks from Asia Oceania countries will be available immediately and stocks from Europe and the Americas will be available at the end of March

Pakistan PM says exports to Gulf countries must be 'high quality'

Amid the regional situation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said exporters must "ensure high quality" when sending food items to Gulf countries.

Due to the disruption of global supply chains, there has been an "increase in the capacity to export Pakistani products to the region," he said.

In a meeting, Sharif also said the "demand and supply of food items for Pakistan's nutritional needs should be fully monitored" amid regional developments.

3 Kuwaiti armed forces members sustain minor injuries from drone debris

Kuwait Army said the country's air defence system detected, during the past 24 hours, 14 hostile drones that breached the country's airspace, of which eight were destroyed.

The fall of their debris resulted in some material damage, in addition to three members of the armed forces sustaining minor injuries, Kuwait Army said.

The injured officers have received necessary treatment, and their health condition is stable.

Additionally, three hostile drones targeted Kuwait International Airport, resulting in damage to the radar system with no human casualties recorded, while three other drones fell outside the threat area and posed no danger, Kuwait Army added.

Rockets target US diplomatic facility near Baghdad airport: Reuters

Rockets targeted a US diplomatic facility near Baghdad International Airport, Reuters reported, citing police sources.

Netanyahu mocks social media rumours about his death

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a short video on Sunday making light of rumours on social media that he was dead.

"I'm dead for coffee," he said sarcastically on his official X account as he received a steaming cup at a cafe outside Jerusalem, employing a colloquial Hebrew expression meaning to love something to death.

He then raised his hands to the camera, asking, "Do you want to count the number of fingers?" — a reference to speculation on social media that his latest televised address was generated by AI as he appeared to have six fingers on one hand.

WHO increases support for affected countries 

The WHO is increasing support to countries affected by the conflict. The organisation said it is releasing $2 million in emergency funds to support the health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.

"These resources are from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, thanks to the support of donors," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General"

"The funds will help strengthen emergency coordination, trauma care, disease surveillance and ensure access to essential medicines and medical supplies. As casualties rise, so do attacks on health care, which are increasing the burden on the health systems at a time when they are most needed."

UN force in Lebanon says peacekeepers fired upon 'likely by non-state armed groups'

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said its peacekeepers were fired upon three times on Sunday "likely by non-state armed groups" in the country's south, two days after another position was hit by fire.

"Today, UNIFIL peacekeepers were fired upon, likely by non-state armed groups, on three separate occasions while conducting patrols around their bases" in south Lebanon, the force said, adding that "two patrols returned fire in self-defence and after brief exchanges, the patrols resumed their planned activities. No peacekeeper was injured."

Lebanese fleeing war huddle under makeshift shelters in heavy rain: Reuters

Mohammad Marie, who fled the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, has been sheltering under a tree on Beirut's seafront Corniche, protected by a plastic sheet before it was blown away.

"It might keep raining for a week, so where will I go? I will stay here, what else can I do?" Marie said, his clothes soaked through.

Hussain Murtada and his family are camping in the back of a small truck, a flimsy tarpaulin shielding them from a storm on Sunday, with no room left at shelters for displaced people in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon.

"We are putting tarp over it because we're soaked," said Murtada, using string to fasten the plastic sheet over the back of the truck parked on the seafront. Inside, an infant peered out, surrounded by pillows, blankets and other possessions.

"I asked here at the schools and they are full, they're all full," said Murtada, who fled the town of Hanawiya, some 12 km (8 miles) from the border with Israel, with his family of seven.

UAE, Egypt Presidents speak

During a phone call to the UAE President, the Egyptian President condemned the blatant Iranian attacks targeting UAE and a number of brotherly countries in the region.

He affirmed Egypt's solidarity with the UAE, regarding all measures it takes to preserve its security and sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens.

GCC, UK ministers meet

Foreign Ministers of GCC countries and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister held a meeting on March 12. They discussed developments in the Middle East region and the escalation it has witnessed, including the blatant aggression launched by Iran and its regional proxies against the GCC countries and Jordan.

The Ministerial Council noted the unprecedented level of international solidarity with the GCC states and Jordan, demonstrated by the support of 136 UN member states for Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).

The ministers reiterated their continued urging of Iran to curb its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and to refrain from activities that would destabilise the region, including the use of its proxies and interference in the internal affairs of states.

The ministers emphasised the importance of protecting regional airspace, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, as well as ensuring the safety and security of supply chains, shipping operations, and seafarers, and the stability of global energy markets.

Pope Leo laments 'atrocious violence', makes plea for immediate ceasefire

Pope Leo made an impassioned plea on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in the expanding Iran war, lamenting "atrocious violence" that he said had killed thousands of non-combatants and caused suffering across the region.

As the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its third week, the first US pope warned that violence would not bring the justice, stability and peace that the peoples of the region long for.

"For two weeks, the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering the atrocious violence of war," the pope said at his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square.

"In the name of Christians in the Middle East and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire!" Pope Leo said.

UAE's National Human Rights Institution condemns Iranian attacks

The UAE's National Human Rights Institution issued a statement condemning the Iranian attacks on the Emirates.

The institution expressed its profound sorrow for the loss of civilian lives and extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims. It also wished for a swift recovery to those injured.

The Institution said it will also cooperate with international human rights mechanisms and with other national human rights institutions to ensure accurate monitoring and systematic documentation of human rights violations resulting from these ongoing attacks.

Five wounded in rocket attack on Baghdad airport: Iraqi authorities

A rocket attack on Baghdad International Airport, which houses a US diplomatic facility, wounded five people on Sunday including security personnel, Iraqi authorities said.

"Five rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport and its surrounding area, injuring four airport employees and security personnel, and an engineer," the security media cell said in a statement.

It added that rockets "struck the airport and a water desalination plant", while others crashed near a prison, and an Iraqi airbase next to a US diplomatic facility.

Israel says Gaza's Rafah crossing to reopen partially on Wednesday

Gaza's main gateway, the Rafah crossing with Egypt that was shut at the start of the Iran war, will open on Wednesday for limited movement of people in both directions, Israel's COGAT, the military body in charge of humanitarian matters, said on Sunday.

The crossing had reopened in early February after being largely shut since May 2024, in the early months of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Its reopening offered some relief to Palestinians who want to leave Gaza for medical care or those who want to return after fleeing the fighting.

India hails talks with Iran to open Strait of Hormuz, FT reports

 Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, in an interview published on Sunday.

“I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results,” Jaishankar told the Financial Times, adding that talks are ongoing. "If it is yielding results for me, I would naturally continue to look at it.”

Qatar 'targeted' by Iran drones

Qatar said it was targeted by a number of drones launched from Iran. Qatar armed forces "successfully intercepted and neutralised all the drones," the country's Ministry of Defence said.

Flynas flight suspensions

Saudi carrier flynas said flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria remain suspended due to the regional situation.

Iran President, France's Macron call

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed regional developments with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call, Iran's Tasnim news agency said on Sunday.

Israel and Lebanon expected to hold talks in coming days, Israeli officials say

Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold talks in the coming days aimed at securing a durable ceasefire that will see Hezbollah disarmed, two Israeli officials said on Sunday.

Israel army says still has thousands of targets left to hit in Iran

The Israeli military said it still has thousands of targets to hit across Iran, with new ones identified every day, as the war entered its third week on Sunday.

"We have a precise plan. We still have thousands of targets in Iran, and we are identifying new targets every day," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said in a televised briefing.

Stay tuned for updates

Uncertainties continue throughout the region; Trump claimed that he rejected Tehran's request for a deal, while Iran's FM denied this, saying they see "no reason" for talks.

Could an end to the war take place soon? Hopes are up, as US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he thinks the war would end in the "next few weeks."

As oil prices soar, IEA has said its members will release hundreds of millions of barrels from emergency reserves, which will soon start flowing to global markets. On the trade front, Trump has urged countries to come together to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

As regional developments keep taking place, Khaleej Times (www.khaleejtimes.com) will keep you updated on the latest news.