UAE busts Iranian, Hezbollah terror cell; condemns attack on Abu Dhabi gas facility

Day 20 of war

As the war enters its 20th day, the focus has shifted towards energy sites across the region after a gas field in Iran was attacked, drawing condemnation from UAE and other Gulf countries.

Meanwhile, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said that its forces intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones on March 18.

With the war escalating, Lebanon continues to face brutal conditions and mass displacement as Israeli strikes persist. At least 12 were killed in an attack in Beirut on Wednesday.

When it comes to the economic brunt of the war, the US Federal Reserve raised its outlook for inflation as it held interest rates steady, citing an "uncertain" economic outlook due to the ongoing situation.

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

Trump says US knew nothing about Pars gas field attack

Trump on Thursday morning said the US knew nothing about the Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars Gas Field. Taking to his Truth Social platform, the president said the "United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen".

"Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit.

"Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar's LNG Gas facility," said Trump.

'No more attacks by Israel' on Iran gas field, says Trump

In his Truth Social post, Trump went on to say Israel would not attack Iran's gas field any more unless Iran attacks Qatar.

"NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar — in which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.

"I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar's LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added.

Kuwait downs drones at dawn

Kuwait's Task Force downed four drones at dawn today in the responsibility sites secured by the National Guard, the authority announced.

UAE denies claims of capital movement restrictions

The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism denied the rumours circulating on some social platforms claiming that the country is imposing restrictions on the movement of capital or preventing foreign investors from transferring or managing their funds in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The authority underscored the UAE’s firm commitment to policies of economic openness and the free movement of capital, in line with international best practices, in a manner that reinforces a stable and attractive investment environment.

The ministry urged the public and media to rely on official sources for accurate information.

Cathay Pacific suspends Dubai flights

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific has suspended flights to and from Dubai over the war in the Middle East.

"In view of the developing situation in the Middle East, all Cathay Pacific flights to and from Dubai have been cancelled up to and including 30 April 2026," the company said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that "further changes to our flight schedule may be needed in the coming days".

Public safety alert

Some UAE residents received public safety alerts on their phones, warning them of a potential missile threat. Residents have been urged to stay in a safe location and steer away from windows, doors and open areas.

The public has been advised to await for further instructions.

UAE responding to missile and drones 

Did you hear those loud sounds? The UAE's air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, the Ministry of Defence revealed, assuring residents the sounds were due to interceptions.

Fire at Qatar industrial area after Iranian attack

A fire broke out during the early morning hours of Thursday at Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial area after an Iranian attack.

Two hours later, the country's Ministry of Interior said two fires out of three sites in the Ras Laffan Industrial area had been fully brought under control without any injuries.

Cooling and securing operations are currently underway at the sites, while the explosives group affiliated with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) carries out its tasks in dealing with any hazardous parts.

Reports of vessel being hit off Qatar industrial hub

The UKMTO operations centre revealed it had received a report of an incident 4NM east of Ras Laffan, Qatar, highlighting a vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile.

All crew have been reported to be safe and well. The authority advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities continue to investigate.

Attacks on Qatar LNG facilities 

In addition to the attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City which led to extensive damage to the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, Qatar's energy authority confirmed several of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities were the subject of missile attacks, causing sizeable fires and extensive further damage.

Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting damage with no reported casualties.

Situation safe in UAE

Residents in the UAE received the all-clear alert after a previous missile threat warning, assuring them the situation was safe to resume normal activities.

The public has been urged to still take precautions, remain cautious and take necessary measures.

All fires at Ras Laffan Industrial area under control 

Qatar confirmed its civil defence had fully contained all fires in the Ras Laffan Industrial Area without recording any injuries, with cooling and securing operations continuing at the sites.

The authority confirmed the explosives unit affiliated with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) was carrying out its tasks in dealing with any hazardous parts.

No Eid, Friday prayers at Kuwait's Grand Mosque

Kuwait's Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that no Eid or Friday prayers will be held in its Grand Mosque due to the ongoing regional situation.

4 expats injured in Riyadh

Four Asian expats were injured in Riyadh due to falling debris from the interception of a ballistic missile at a residential site in the capital.

The incident also led to material damage at the city, Saudi Arabia's civil defence authority confirmed.

The spokesperson emphasised that attempts to target civilian objects constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and that the approved procedures for such incidents have been carried out.

UAE condemns attack on Habshan gas facility, Bab field

The UAE has strongly condemned the Iranian terrorist attack targeting the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field, which was intercepted by the country's air defenses with no injuries reported.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that these attacks constitute a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law. It stated the UAE reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and national security, and to safeguard its national interests.

The authority further emphasised that this attack targeting critical infrastructure and oil facilities represents a direct threat to regional security and stability, as well as to global energy security.

Iran hangs 3 for killing police

Iran's judiciary announced the country had hung three people convicted of killing police in recent unrest.

Overnight attacks in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian authorities intercepted 26 drones and 2 ballistic missiles in overnight attacks across the Kingdom.

12.04am: Drone attack thwarted on gas facility in eastern region.

12.38am: Interception of six drones in eastern region.

1.48am: Interception of two drones in eastern region.

2.03am: Interception of ballistic missile launched towards eastern region.

2.31am: Interception of ballistic missile launched towards eastern region.

4.16am: Interception of five drones in eastern region.

4.49am: Interception of three drones in the eastern region.

5.29am: Interception of four drones in the eastern region.

6.30am: Interception of five drones in Riyadh and eastern regions.

Qatar warns against false AI-videos

Qatar's Ministry of Interior urged the public to verify information and avoid circulating and publishing of false AI-generated videos and unreliable news via social media.

The authority stressed that such actions could threaten public safety and cause panic in the community amid the ongoing regional war.

Saudi Arabia reserves 'right to take military actions'

Saudi Arabia has not ruled out military action in response to repeated missile and drone attacks from Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting in Riyadh of foreign ministers from the region, Prince Faisal said that Iran "tries to pressure its neighbours" with attacks.

"The kingdom is not going to succumb to pressure, and on the contrary, this pressure will backfire... and certainly, as we have stated quite clearly, we have reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary," he said.

US detects drones over base where Rubio, Hegseth live

US officials detected unidentified drones above an army base in Washington where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth live, the Washington Post reported, citing three people briefed on the situation.

The officials have not determined where the drones came from, the report said, citing two of the people.

The drones over Fort McNair prompted officials to weigh relocating Rubio and Hegseth. However, the secretaries have not moved, the report added, citing a senior administration official.

The newspaper said the US military was monitoring potential threats more closely because of the heightened alert level over the US and Israeli war against Iran.

Iraqi group conditionally halts US embassy attacks 

Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah, an influential pro-Iran armed group, said it was halting attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad for five days, pending certain conditions.

The group notably demanded Israel stop bombing Beirut's southern suburbs, a stronghold of Lebanon's Hezbollah, and that US-Israeli operations not target residential areas in Iraq.

The US embassy has been targeted by drone and rocket attacks several times in recent days, with air defences intercepting most of the projectiles.

A US diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad International Airport, which houses military personnel, has also been regularly targeted.

First Iranian attack to kill Palestinians

Three Palestinian women were killed in an Iranian missile attack in the occupied West Bank late on Wednesday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said, in the first deadly Iranian strike there, and the first to kill Palestinians, since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

The missile struck a hair salon in the town of Beit Awwa, southwest of Hebron, the Palestinian Authority's official news agency WAFA reported. Thirteen were wounded, one of them seriously.

The Israeli military said it understood the strike was caused by a cluster munition, a warhead that splits into tiny bomblets that scatter into a disparate area.

FBI probes top US security official who resigned over Iran war

Joe Kent, the top US security official who resigned over the war in Iran, is under an FBI investigation for allegedly leaking classified information, Semafor reported citing three sources.

The investigation pre-dates his departure as the head of the National Counterterrorism Center on Tuesday, Semafor added.

Foreign worker killed in Israel

An overnight round of Iranian missile fire killed a man identified as a foreign worker about 20 kilometers northeast of Tel Aviv, medics said Thursday, bringing the death toll in Israel from the ongoing war to 15.

UK charges 2 with national security offences linked to Iran

British prosecutors said they have charged two men with engaging in contact that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service, following a counter-terrorism policing investigation.

The country to which the investigation relates is Iran, the Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement.

The men were arrested and detained earlier this month as part of an investigation into alleged surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area.

Ongoing attacks in Kuwait

Kuwaiti air defences are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks, the country's army announced in a statement.

Residents were alerted that explosion sounds are the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks. The public has been urged to adhere to security and safety instructions issued by competent authorities.

Ukraine peace talks paused amid Iran war

Peace talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine are on pause amid the Iran war, Izvestia reported on Thursday, citing Russian officials.

Izvestia said the Kremlin had confirmed the pause and that the Iran war could push Kyiv towards compromise.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev would continue working on investment and economic cooperation but the trilateral talks were on pause.

Trump may push Japan for help with Iran war in White House meeting

President Donald Trump may use a White House meeting with Japan’s prime minister on Thursday to press for help in the war on Iran, placing Sanae Takaichi in an awkward position as Tokyo weighs how much support it can provide.

Trump has lashed out at allies for their lukewarm support for the US-Israeli war on Iran and said the US doesn't need any help. However, he is still pushing for more ships to clear mines and escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, largely closed by Iran in the conflict.

Trump hosts Takaichi for a long-scheduled White House visit aimed at burnishing the decades-old security and economic partnership between Washington and its closest East Asian ally.

Takaichi has sought to move Japan away from a pacifist constitution imposed by Washington after World War Two, but with the Iran war unpopular at home, she has so far not offered to assist in clearing the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Red Sea port Yanbu targeted in aerial attack: Source

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu, currently the only export outlet for its crude, was targeted in an aerial attack on Thursday, an industry source told Reuters, adding there was minimal impact.

It was not immediately clear what specifically was targeted in Yanbu.

Saudi Aramco did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Macron urges moratorium on targeting civilian infrastructure

French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump and the Qatari emir about attacks that hit energy sites in Iran and Qatar.

"It is in the common interest to implement without delay a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water infrastructure," Macron said.

Iran continuing World Cup prep but will not play in US

The Iranian national team are continuing to prepare for the World Cup finals and have no intention of pulling out of the tournament even if they will not travel to the United States, soccer chief Mehdi Taj said on Wednesday.

Iran were one of the first nations to qualify for the finals but their participation has been in doubt since the war between the Islamic Republic and the United States began in late February.

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being staged in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Eid drums ring despite war

As the Israel-US-Iran war rages on and Gulf countries bear the brunt with daily drone and missile attacks, residents across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have been doing their best to cling on to the normalcy of life and place their trust in their nations' security.

With Eid Al Fitr falling on March 20 and faithful marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, markets across the region have seen a buzz as people prepare for the Muslim festival despite occasional safety warning alerts bringing the reminder of the ongoing war.

In Qatar's capital of Doha, markets were full with people shopping for sweets and clothes ahead of the festive occasion.

Meanwhile in Kuwait, tailoring shops saw a surge in customers as both men and women flocked markets to buy new clothes — a special tradition observed during Eid.

Saudi Arabia's old markets also witnessed a crowd, as citizens and residents headed out after evening Iftar for Eid shopping.

Malls in the UAE saw people shopping for new clothes as stores displayed their latest Eid collections.

Drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted eight drones in Riyadh and the eastern regions.

Drone attack on Kuwait refinery

One unit at Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery was hit in a drone attack, resulting in a small fire breaking out.

The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the attack did not result in any injuries, and the fire was handled.

Pakistan's delivery riders race for Eid, but Iran war squeezes earnings

As Eid al-Fitr approaches, marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, delivery riders on Karachi's streets say they're working longer hours, but earning less, with little left for the new clothes and treats that usually mark the festival.

A few weeks ago, 23-year-old Mohammad Mohsin could make around 1,500 rupees ($5.38) a day. Now, with the US-Israeli war on Iran choking oil supplies, petrol prices have surged above 320 rupees per litre and Mohsin's earnings have shrunk to around 1,100 rupees.

"Before it was all mine," he said. "Now, a huge sum goes into petrol." The rising cost of fuel is hitting some of Pakistan's lowest-paid urban workers hardest, and many riders are making barely enough to cover the essentials, let alone the Eid celebrations.

Inflation, which had eased after hitting a record 38 per cent in 2023, has accelerated to around 7 per cent, pushing up food, rent and utility costs. Many gig workers earn below the 32,000 rupee ($114.67) monthly minimum wage, with no fixed pay or benefits.

Austerity measures, school closures and work-from-home policies have cut commuting trips, reducing ride-hailing income even as delivery demand rises for the breaking of fast and Eid, which falls this week. The platforms that rely on the workers, including grocery delivery app foodpanda, say they are adjusting pricing and taking other steps to boost riders' earnings.

But workers say the measures have not kept pace with rising costs, and they are spending longer on the road.

"We cannot afford clothes or shoes," said Hizbullah, a 26-year-old delivery rider.

For many drivers a usually joyous holiday has turned into a painful calculation on just how many hours they will have to work to enjoy any celebration at all.

China calls killing of Iran's Larijani, leaders 'unacceptable'

China on Thursday called the killing of Iran's Larijani and other top leaders 'unacceptable'.

Larijani, 67, was killed by a US-Israeli air attack as he was visiting his daughter in the eastern outskirts of a Tehran suburb, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said on Tuesday.

Crude prices surge, stock sinks

Oil surged more than five per cent Thursday and stocks sank as Iran carried out a series of attacks on Gulf energy facilities and warned of more following a strike on one of its key gas fields, while warnings of higher US inflation also soured the mood.

After spending much of Wednesday hovering around $100, crude soared as Tehran threatened to target regional installations in reply to what it said was an Israeli hit on a site serving its massive South Pars field, which it shares with Qatar.  

Mina Abdullah refinery in Kuwait hit

One of the operational units at the Mina Abdullah refinery was hit by a drone, resulting in fire breaking out at the site.

The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of workers and secure the facility.

Warning issued in Saudi's Yanbu

A warning was issued in Saudi Arabia's Yanbu region by the National Early Warning Platform, alerting residents to remain safe amid ongoing threats.

The alert warned of the following:

• 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.

Saudi says 'danger passed' in Yanbu

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence said the danger had passed from Yanbu after an earlier threat warning. Residents have been urged to avoid gathering or filming, stay away from dangerous areas, and report any danger by calling (911).

Iran internet blackout enters 20th day

Iran's internet blackout has entered its 20th day, with international connectivity unavailable to the general public for over 456 hours, according to data from NetBlocks.

The incident is now the longest recorded shutdown in Iran's history, surpassing the blackout imposed during protests in January.

Air India to run special UAE flights

Air India and Air India Express will operate 48 flights to and from the Middle East on March 19, with UAE services continuing largely through additional, non-scheduled operations as regular flights to several airports remain suspended, as per a report by KT's Mazhar Farooqui.

In the UAE, most services will be operated as ad-hoc flights, subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals. Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah will see multiple Air India Express flights connecting Indian cities including Bengaluru, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Lucknow, Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram.

Dubai will not have scheduled services, though one ad-hoc flight is planned along with limited operations under special arrangements. In total, the airline group plans around 30 additional flights to and from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Surge in gas prices after Iranian attacks

European gas prices soared as much as 35 per cent as fresh strikes hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including Qatar's main gas facility.

The Dutch TTF natural gas contract, considered the European benchmark, jumped to 74 euros, before paring gains slightly.

Conditional halt of attacks

A pro-Iran group in Iraq said it will stop attacking the US embassy for five days, but only under certain conditions including that Israel stop strikes on an area of Lebanon where its allies hold sway.

Strikes have targeted Iran-backed groups, which in turn have claimed near daily attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region.

Kataeb Hezbollah listed several conditions for halting its attacks, including Israel ceasing its bombardment of the southern suburbs of Beirut. That area is a bastion of Lebanon's Hezbollah, which is also Iran-backed and is at war with Israel.

Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah also demanded "a commitment to refrain from bombing residential areas in Baghdad and other provinces".

Whenever "the enemy violates" the truce "the response will be immediate", it said, warning of more strikes after the five-day period.

Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile launched towards Yanbu city: Ministry

Damage assessment underway

Saudi Ministry of Defence said that a drone fell in Samref refinery and efforts are being taken to assess the damage following the attack.

Firefighting underway in Kuwait

Six firefighting teams are currently working to bring fires at Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah under control, the country's fire force said. The blazes were attacked by drones.

Attack on Ras Laffan causes damage to Pearl GTL

Shell said Wednesday's attack on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City caused damage to the Pearl GTL (gas-to-liquids) facility, adding the fire was quickly put out, there were no reported injuries and Pearl is now in a "safe state".

Shell has a 100 per cent interest in Pearl GTL in Qatar, which has capacity to process up to 1.6 billion cubic feet per day of wellhead gas, converting it into 140,000 bpd of gas-to-liquids.

Philippines transport groups launch strike amid high fuel prices

Major cities in the Philippines woke up to noticeably less noise on Thursday, March 19, as public transport drivers launched their nationwide transport strike amid runaway fuel prices brought by the US-Israel-Iran war.

The usual, almost permanent, cacophony of horns and blaring exhaust pipes are replaced by angry voices demanding government control of runaway fuel prices, writes Khaleej Times' Raymund Villanueva.

Enraged by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s veto of announced fare hikes yesterday, thousands of public transport workers took to the streets to condemn government’s refusal to suspend taxes on petroleum products.

In Manila’s metropolis, transport group Piston, supported by various activist groups, put up at least 15 strike centres with several major thoroughfares reporting of 85 per cent paralysis.

In Cebu City in central Philippines, transport paralysis is between 75 to 100 per cent as of 10am Thursday.

Bahrain interceptions to date

Bahrain's air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 238 UAV drones and 134 missiles launched by Iran since the Israel-US-Iran war began on February 28.

Parents warned of childrens' safety during Eid in Qatar

During the festive period of Eid Al Fitr, when families tend to head outdoors for celebrations during the public holiday, Qatar urged parents to ensure children remain within the family circle during these days.

The Ministry of Interior advised parents to not allow them to go out into residential neighborhoods or move on foot between homes for greetings, in order to avoid any potential risks to their safety during the ongoing regional attacks.

The authority also urged them to limit activities to family visits and small gatherings, and adhere fully to instructions and guidelines issued by the competent authorities, calling on everyone to uphold a sense of shared responsibility in a manner that enhances public safety and ensures that Eid is observed in a safe and reassuring atmosphere.

Blasts heard over Tel Aviv

An AFP journalist heard three blasts over the Tel Aviv area on Thursday, after the Israeli military announced it had detected missiles fired from Iran.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said.

Gulf states request urgent debate at UN Human Rights Council

Gulf states have requested an urgent debate at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva over Iran's strikes on civilians and energy infrastructure across the Middle East, documents show.

A diplomatic note sent by Gulf states, seen by Reuters, describes the ballistic missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as a "situation of serious concern for international peace and security," with severe human rights implications.

The expanding US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its third week, sparked large-scale Iranian retaliation in the form of drone and missile strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries.

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy facilities across the region has spiked energy prices and fuelled fears of a rise in inflation globally.

The "unprovoked attacks" on Gulf countries — despite their assurances to Tehran that their territories won't host anti-Iran launches — demand immediate attention, the diplomatic note said.

The draft resolution proposed by the Gulf states strongly condemns and calls for Iran to immediately stop strikes on civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and also seeks reparations for civilian, infrastructure and environmental damage.

The Council has received the request and is considering a date to hold the debate, stated a letter from its president, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro.

Fire still burning at Iran's South Pars field

A video from Iran International showed a fire still burning at the South Pars gas filed in Asaluyeh at around midnight after the facilities in the area were hit in an airstrike on the 19th day of the war.

Oman condemns attacks on energy facilities in region

Oman condemned the attacks targeting energy facilities in the UAE and Qatar, as well as other attacks that targeted Saudi Arabia.

The Sultanate affirmed the necessity of adhering to international laws and norms, and refraining from targeting civilian facilities and global energy supplies.

It also expressed its solidarity with the countries in the "legitimate measures" they are taking to safeguard their security and stability.

Iran 'boycotting' USA but not World Cup

Iran will "boycott the United States" but "not the World Cup", Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video released by the Iranian press agency Fars.

Iran is currently scheduled to play its group matches in the US in this year's tournament.

"We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the World Cup," Taj said in the video released on Wednesday.

Iran's football federation says it has opened talks with FIFA about potentially relocating its matches from the United States, though the global governing body has so far maintained that the tournament's schedule remains unchanged.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that her country is prepared to host Iran's first-round matches if required, due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Iran FM slams Macron's stand on US-Israel attacks

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has openly criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for not siding with Iran during the ongoing war between the country and US-Israel.

In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, "Macron has not uttered one word of condemnation of the Israel-US war on Iran. He did not condemn Israel when it blew up fuel storage in Tehran, exposing millions to toxins. His current "concern" didn't follow Israel's attack on our gas facilities. It follows our retaliation. Sad!"

Macron had originally spoken about his call with US President Donald Trump and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

In a post on X, Macron wrote, "I have just spoken with the Emir of Qatar and President Trump following the strikes that hit gas production facilities in Iran and Qatar today."

"It is in our common interest to implement, without delay, a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water supply facilities. Civilian populations and their essential needs, as well as the security of energy supplies, must be protected from military escalation."

Rescuers pull survivors out of rubble in Tehran

Videos posted on social media on March 18, 2026, by the Iranian Red Crescent show rescuers pulling survivors from the rubble of a damaged building in Tehran, which the organisation says was hit a US–Israeli strike.

Fires at refineries put out in Kuwait

Kuwait announced six firefighting teams fully controlled a fire in two operating units at the Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries, after the sites were targeted by drone attacks as part of hostile strikes against the country.

No injuries were recorded in the attacks.

Iran urges regional vigilance against US, Israeli 'destabilisation'

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called for vigilance and coordination among regional countries to counter what he described as "destabilising and escalatory actions" by the United States and Israel, Iranian state media reported on Thursday.

Araqchi made the remarks in separate phone calls with his counterparts in Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan.

He said recent US and Israeli attacks on Iranian infrastructure were aimed at escalating tensions and added that Iran would spare no effort in defending its sovereignty and security.

Distance learning school hours in Kuwait

Kuwait on Thursday set the school hours under the distance learning system, with institutions starting classes at 9am and continuing until 12.35pm.

The school day will consist of a total of five class periods per day.

Iran MPs propose tolls on shipping through Hormuz Strait

Iranian lawmakers have proposed a plan to impose tolls and taxes on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, local media reported on Thursday.

Officials have said shipping conditions through the waterway will not return to those from before the Middle East war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. 

"We in parliament are pursuing a plan under which countries will pay tolls and taxes to the Islamic republic if the Strait of Hormuz is used as a secure route for transit, energy and food security," Tehran lawmaker Somayeh Rafiei was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.

"The security of the strait will be established with strength, authority and grandeur by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay a tax in return," she said.

Traffic through the vital strait has been brought to a near-standstill since the start of the war.

Iranian forces have attacked multiple vessels, saying they failed to heed "warnings" against transiting the waterway.

New threat by Iran

Iran once again threatened to destroy the region's energy infrastructure if its facilities were attacked. This warning comes after an earlier threat following Israeli attacks on Iran's South Pars gas field.

UAE air defences deal with 7 ballistic missiles, 15 drones

The UAE's air defences dealt with 7 ballistic missiles, 15 drones on March 19, the Ministry of Defence announced.

Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defenses have dealt with 334 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1714 drones.

Ferrari temporarily suspends deliveries

Ferrari has temporarily suspended deliveries in the Middle East as it continues to monitor developments in the region, the company said in a statement.

Australia says fuel supply levels stable

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday urged Australians to avoid panic buying of petrol and diesel, which he said had led to shortages in some rural regions, and stressed the nation's fuel supply levels remained stable.

Australia is dependent on imports for about 90 per cent of its fuel needs, and fear of supply disruptions due to the escalating war in the Middle East has led to a doubling of fuel demand in some regions resulting in localised shortages.

Albanese said the federal government had already taken steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel into the country.

"Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over-prepared," Albanese told reporters.

"My message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help. That's the Australian way," he said, following a meeting with state and territory leaders.

Air quality near Ras Laffan, Al Dhakhira normal

Qatar's Civil Defence Council has reviewed reports from the competent authorities and confirmed that the air quality indicators in areas near Ras Laffan Industrial City, Al Dhakhira, and Al Khor remain within normal levels.

All recorded readings fall within approved limits, with no violations of national standards reported, they said.

The Council also reaffirmed the readiness of the national air quality monitoring network and the continuation of environmental surveillance around the clock, emphasizing full preparedness to handle any developments in constant coordination with the relevant state authorities.

The announcement comes after Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that an Iranian attack on Ras Laffan caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility.

Advisory for Indian nationals in Jordan

The Indian embassy in Amman has reiterated that all Indian nationals and visitors in Jordan should continue to remain alert, exercise extreme caution and adhere to the advisories and safety guidelines issued by the local authorities.

As Jordan's airspace remains open and commercial flights are operating, Indian nationals, including visitors, desiring to leave Jordan may exercise their option accordingly.

All Indian nationals and visitors are further encouraged to continue to monitor local media, follow National Center for Security and Crises Management on X [@NCSCMJordan] and news outlets for updates. They must refrain from approaching any suspicious or unidentified objects. If any such object is observed, the competent authorities may be called at the emergency number 911.

As per the guidelines issued by Jordan's National Center for Security and Crises Management, when the sirens go off and till the all clear siren is not heard:

• Stay where you are and do not leave your home or gather in crowds;

• If you are in a car or any means of transport, stop immediately on the side of the road and stay inside;

• If you are outside, immediately seek the nearest building and take shelter inside;

• If there is no building nearby, lie down on the ground, cover your head with your hands and avoid being in open areas as much as possible; iv)

• Do not use elevators to avoid the risk of power outage;

• If you are home, stay away from windows to ensure protection from any debris

Egyptian President condemns attacks on UAE

During his meeting with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi renewed his condemnation of the blatant Iranian attacks that continue to target UAE and a number of other countries.

He affirmed Egypt's solidarity with UAE regarding all measures it takes to protect its security and the safety of its territories and citizens.

Both sides stressed the need for an immediate cessation of escalation and for resorting to serious dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve the various outstanding issues in the region.

Bahrain condemns attack on UAE's Habshan gas facility, Bab field

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the heinous Iranian terrorist attack that targeted the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field in UAE, which was successfully countered by its air defences.

They called it a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability, a flagrant violation of the principles of good neighborliness and the rules of international law, and a breach of UN Security Council Resolution No. (2817).

UK PM condemns attack on Qatar's gas facility

UK PM Keir Starmer has condemned in the strongest terms the overnight Iranian strike on a Qatari gas facility, Reuters reported.

"We are working towards a swift resolution to the situation in the Middle East," he added.

Kuwait condemns targeting of refineries in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expresses the State of Kuwait's condemnation of the Iranian attacks on a refinery in southern Riyadh and the Samref refinery in Yanbu in Saudi Arabia, in flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness, and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region, as well as a clear breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

The Ministry affirmed Kuwait's categorical rejection of the hostile acts carried out by Iran, which have led to heightened escalation and increased tension — a matter that undermines the security and stability of the region— while stressing the necessity of refraining from targeting civilian facilities and energy infrastructure, given the clear threat they pose to states and the safety of their peoples.

US military expands strikes

The US military is expanding strikes deeper into Iranian territory as part of efforts to degrade its missile, drone and naval capabilities, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said on Thursday.

“CENTCOM remains on plan… and remains unrelenting in our pursuit of Iranian missile capabilities, UAV capabilities and their navy,” Caine said during a briefing.

He said US forces had used 5,000-pound bunker-busting munitions against underground facilities storing coastal defense cruise missiles.

“These weapons are designed to get through concrete… and function after penetrating those barriers,” he said.

Caine said US forces were targeting mine storage sites, naval depots and vessels, adding that more than 120 vessels and dozens of mine-laying platforms had been hit.

“We’re flying further to the east now and penetrating deeper into Iranian airspace,” he said.

He added that A-10 aircraft and Apache helicopters were operating in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas, targeting fast attack boats and Iranian-aligned groups.

US may remove sanctions on Iranian oil

The US may soon remove sanctions from Iranian oil that is stranded on tankers to help lift global supplies and reduce prices, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday.

"In the coming days, we may unsanction the Iranian oil that's on the water. It's about 140 million barrels," Bessent told Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" programme.

Explosion heard near Iraq's Erbil airport: AFP

An explosion was heard on Thursday afternoon near the international airport of Erbil city in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region, AFP journalists reported, saying they saw smoke rise just outside the surrounding fence.

A witness said two similar explosions were heard in the morning. Erbil is home to a major US consulate complex, while its airport houses US-led coalition troops.

IRGC says ready to counter enemy moves in Strait of Hormuz

The IRGC Navy has expressed its readiness to counter any "plots hatched by Iran's enemies" in its territorial waters, including the Strait of Hormuz.

No 'definitive time frame' for ending Iran war: Pentagon

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday there is no "time frame" for ending the US-Israeli war against Iran, which was launched three weeks ago.

"We wouldn't want to set a definitive time frame," Hegseth told reporters, adding that "we're very much on track" and that President Donald Trump will be the one to decide when to stop.

"It will be at the president's choosing, ultimately, where we say, 'Hey, we've achieved what we need to.'"

'No winners' in Middle East crisis, airlines body chief says

The widening conflict in the Middle East will push up airline ticket prices and leave "no winners," Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association told Reuters on the sidelines of an airline event in Brussels on Thursday.

The comments come as attacks on oil facilities in the Gulf have pushed crude prices up over $100 a barrel, rattling the aviation market, while missile and drone threats have snarled airline traffic to normally busy Middle Eastern transport hubs.

Hegseth says Kharg Island strike gives US control over Iran's fate

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that strikes on Iran's military capabilities on Kharg Island give the US control over the fate of the country.

US-Israel-Iran war squeezes earnings of Pakistan's delivery riders

Reuters spoke to more than half a dozen riders in Karachi, the country's biggest city, all of whom said the fuel price surge had squeezed earnings ahead of Eid, a time when they are usually able to boost their income.

UAE air defences responding to missile, drone threats from Iran

The Ministry of Defense announced that the UAE air defences are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks coming from Iran.

The ministry confirmed that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, and fighter jets intercepting drones and roving aircraft.

Authorities urged the public to remain in a safe place and follow the warnings and updates on official websites.

Israeli officials say attack on Iran gas field was coordinated with US

Israel's attack on Iran's South Pars gas facilities on Wednesday was coordinated with the United States but will likely not be repeated, three Israeli officials said on Thursday.

Trump said in a social media post that Washington "knew nothing about this particular attack", which has drawn widespread Iranian attacks on energy installations in the Gulf.

KLM cancels flights to Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai

Dutch airline KLM on Thursday said it would not resume flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until at least May 17 out of safety considerations.

Gulf energy attacks 'unacceptable', India says

India condemned strikes on energy facilities in the Gulf as "unacceptable" on Thursday, warning they risk worsening global energy flows.

Iran's assault on Qatar's Ras Laffan facility has stoked fears of wider disruptions to fuel supplies, including for India, which relies on Qatar for over 40 per cent of its LNG needs — crucial for power generation, industry, fertiliser production and household cooking.

The latest strikes were "unacceptable and need to cease", India's foreign ministry said, reiterating New Delhi's call to avoid targeting energy infrastructure.

Iran attack wipes out 17% of Qatar's LNG capacity for up to 5 years

Iranian attacks have knocked out 17 per cent of Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in lost annual revenue and threatening supplies to Europe and Asia, QatarEnergy's CEO told Reuters on Thursday.

Saad al-Kaabi said two of Qatar's 14 LNG trains and one of its two gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities were damaged in the unprecedented strikes. The repairs will sideline 12.8 million tons per year of LNG for three to five years, he said.

"I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that Qatar would be — Qatar and the region — in such an attack, especially from a brotherly Muslim country in the month of Ramadan, attacking us in this way," Kaabi said.

Hegseth says US controls Iran's fate

Iran's attacks on energy infrastructure in response to Israeli attacks on its gas facilities marked the biggest escalation of the nearly three-week war, causing gas prices to surge and oil prices to rise further on Thursday.

Reuters has reported that one of the locations where the Trump administration discussed sending ground forces was Kharg Island, the hub for 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports where the US carried out strikes on Friday, saying it had only hit military targets.

Hegseth, in the press conference, cited the strikes against Kharg Island as an example of how the United States could control Iran's fate, warning Iran against targeting Arab countries.

"The United States military controls the fate of that country," he said.

Dubai Police warns against opening links for latest updates on current situations

The Fraud Prevention Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigations and Criminal Detection in Dubai Police has warned community members against opening an electronic link that reaches mobile phones via text message, claiming that "the link enables them to access the latest updates issued by the Dubai government regarding current situations."

It confirmed that following news and information is exclusively through approved official channels. It called on the public to report any fraud attempts via the Dubai Police Smart App, or by calling the number 901, or through the eCrime platform dedicated to receiving reports of cybercrimes.

UAE welcomes International Maritime Organization’s condemnation of Iranian attacks against vessels

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the decision of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Council, adopted during its 36th extraordinary session, strongly condemning Iranian threats and attacks against vessels, as well as its purported closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Council affirmed that such actions are contrary to the purposes of the IMO and represent a grave danger to life, particularly seafarers, and a serious risk to the marine environment.

The Council further condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s attacks against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States and Jordan, calling the attacks a breach of international law.

The Declaration was tabled by the UAE and co-sponsored by over 115 IMO Member States, the most co-sponsors in the history of the IMO, demonstrating the global impact and condemnation of Iran’s actions and the international community’s shared responsibility to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

With this decision, the IMO Council demands that Iran immediately refrain from any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or against merchant or commercial vessels in and around the Strait. It also reaffirms that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels must be respected.

The IMO Council underscored the paramount importance of preserving the safety and welfare of seafarers and further recalled UN Security Council resolution 2817 (2026) which affirmed that any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation through international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.

The Declaration urges the IMO committees to consider the implications of the situation for the implementation of IMO instruments and to take appropriate action.

The UAE also welcomes the adoption by the Council of Japan’s proposal which encourages the establishment of a framework of a maritime security corridor to facilitate the safe evacuation of seafarers from the Strait.

His Excellency Mohamed Khamis Saeed AlKaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the IMO, welcomed the Council Declaration, stating: “The Council, and the international community as a whole, spoke in clear terms today to demand that Iran respect its obligations under international law and allow merchant and commercials vessels to navigate freely and safely through the Strait of Hormuz, an essential international waterway to energy supply and global economy”.

The UAE underscores that the Strait of Hormuz is not only a vital energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass, but also a critical artery for global trade, including fertilizers, minerals, petrochemicals, and essential goods. Any disruption carries far-reaching consequences for global markets, economic stability, and the cost of living worldwide, particularly in vulnerable regions.

The UAE reiterates that any attempt to use the Strait as a tool of economic coercion or to threaten international shipping is unacceptable and risks undermining both regional stability and the broader global economic order.

The UAE remains committed to engagement in all relevant multilateral fora to effectively address the impacts of Iran’s unlawful actions. The threat to maritime security and the freedom of navigation deeply undermines regional and international stability and mut be addressed.

UAE issues alert

UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, authorities have said. The Ministry of Defence said that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.

Qatar rejects Iranian claim gas facility attacks in Qatar targeted US-linked sites, PM says

Qatar rejects Iranian claims that Wednesday's attacks on gas facilities in the Gulf state were aimed at US-linked sites, the nation's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said during a joint press conference with the Turkish foreign minister.

Iraq condemns strikes on Mideast energy facilities: statement

Iraq condemned on Thursday recent strikes on oil and gas facilities in the Middle East, as the conflict launched by the US and Israel against Iran threatened its already battered economy.

"Recent attacks targeting energy facilities in several of Iraq's neighbouring countries and other brotherly nations in the region constitute a worrying escalation that threatens to undermine efforts to reduce tensions and jeopardise stability," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

It also stressed the importance of "ensuring continuous supplies to global energy markets", following the severe disruption to the Strait of Hormuz through which Iraq previously exported the majority of its oil.

Egypt's economic hit from Iran war "relatively contained," IMF says

The impact of the war in Iran on Egypt's economy is thus far "relatively contained", the International Monetary Fund said in a press conference on Thursday.

Egypt has taken a "proactive, timely and well coordinated" response to the Middle East conflict and its economic impact, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said.

The country's exchange rate flexibility has allowed its currency to act as a "shock absorber" to external pressures Kozack said, and has helped Egypt preserve its foreign currency buffers and international reserves.

Egypt is also "carefully balancing" the need for fiscal discipline with the need to support vulnerable households, Kozack said, by targeting social spending targeted at vulnerable households.

Europe,  Japan ready to help stabilise energy prices

Leading nations in Europe, with Japan, said on Thursday they would act to stabilise energy markets and join "appropriate efforts" to open the Gulf's oil chokepoint after tit-for-tat strikes on energy plants dramatically escalated the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Major economies have been scrambling to cushion the impact of soaring oil prices after state oil giant QatarEnergy reported "extensive damage" from Iranian missile strikes on the Ras Laffan Industrial City in response to Israel's bombing of Iran's major gas field.

They also suggested a lack of coordination of strategy and war aims almost three weeks into the war. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, told a briefing that US objectives in the war were "unchanged, on target and on plan".

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan issued a joint statement urging "an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations".

"We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait," they added.

Qatar PM says gas hub attack 'clear proof' Iran not only targeting US interests

Israeli media reports damages in Haifa refineries following Iranian attack

UN maritime body urges 'safe maritime corridor' in Gulf

The UN's maritime body called Thursday for a safe shipping "corridor" in the Gulf to evacuate stranded vessels and seafarers, in a declaration following an emergency meeting that also condemned Iran.

Following two days of urgent talks in London convened because of the Middle East war, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said in formal declaration that the "safe maritime corridor" should be established as "a provisional and urgent measure".

The UN agency -- responsible for regulating international shipping safety -- added that the corridor must "facilitate the safe evacuation of merchant ships from the high-risk and affected areas to a safe place".

Siren sounded in Bahrain

The siren has been sounded in Bahrain. Citizens and residents have been urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.

Trump says not putting US troops in region amid Iran war

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday said "I'm not putting troops anywhere" when asked whether he was planning to send soldiers to the Middle East region amid the Iran war.

Trump says Netanyahu agreed not to attack Iran's energy fields

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had told Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iranian energy fields, adding that the Israeli Prime Minister had agreed not to.

"I told him, 'Don't do that', and he won't do that," he told reporters in the Oval Office.

Three drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence confirmed that three drones were intercepted and destroyed in Eastern Region.

Kuwait says 18 drones detected in 24 hours

Kuwait, in a statement mtoday, said its air defense systems detected a total of 18 hostile drones within Kuwaiti airspace.

Thirteen drones were destroyed, while two drones targeted two operational units affiliated with the National Petroleum Company. This resulted in limited fires breaking out, with no human casualties recorded.

Additionally, three drones fell outside a threat area.

Dubai gives travellers token of appreciation

In a heartwarming gesture, Dubai is giving travellers a small token of appreciation. The note, posted on social media, shows that the government thanked travellers for handling the "unique situation" and wished them a safe return.

How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?

Iranian forces' closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global trade, with little sign of a break in the deadlock.

Here are five ways that experts say commodities could begin moving again through the strait, through which 20 percent of global oil supplies normally pass.

US-led military action: The most-talked-about option is for the US and willing allies to secure the 167km (104-mile) long passage militarily, but it is a mission fraught with difficulties.

Diplomatic off-ramp: A purely diplomatic solution remains on the table and is the preferred solution touted by many global leaders.

However, recent tit-for-tat attacks on energy infrastructure have further ramped up hostilities, with neither side indicating any appetite for talks.

Take the chance: Another option is for shipowners to risk crossing the strait without dealing with Iran.

"Greek owners and operators have, typically, a higher risk appetite" and continue to move tankers through the route, Bridget Dyken, an analyst at analysis group Lloyd's List Intelligence, said.

Her colleague Cichen Shen added there was evidence of a potential Chinese exit plan where tankers pay a "7.5 per cent of hull value" insurance rate for 72 hours of coverage to transit the strait.

Alternative routes: Shipping companies are exploring other ways to move their cargo, with Gulf maritime traffic patterns indicating "early signs of global rebalancing," said marine intelligence group Windward in a report.

In recent days, transit volumes through the Bab el-Mandeb strait off east Africa surged 280 per cent, and 70 per cent through the Suez Canal, it said, indicating that "shipping is adapting through alternative corridors."

Passages around the Cape of Good hope off South Africa rose 13 per cent.

Wait it out: Dyken said that some operators may refuse to move, even under escort, without a "guarantee from Iran or the IRGC" that attacks will cease.

But the thousands of seafarers on board already face dwindling supplies of fuel and water, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) warned Tuesday.

Lebanon’s electricity authority says Israeli attack put main substation out of service

The Lebanese state electricity company said on Thursday that Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon earlier that day had put a main power substation out of service, a sign of expanding Israeli attacks on Lebanese infrastructure.

In a statement carried by Lebanon’s state media, the electricity authority said the attack damaged various parts of the station in Bint Jbeil, impacting power provision in the city and surrounding towns.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

UAE diplomat gives sharp statement on Iranian claims of attacks on Gulf states

UAE diplomat and advisor to the UAE President, Dr Anwar Gargash, said in a statement on X that the "justification by some Iranian officials of their country’s aggression against the Arab Gulf states—including the extremist parliamentarian Hamid Resaei—through claims that are absurd and irresponsible".

He added that they "carry explicit threats and a justification for targeting civilian and economic facilities" that does not just violate international humanitarian law, and the principles of good neighbourliness but also "reflects a dangerous approach that undermines the foundations of the international system and threatens regional stability".

These statements, he said, represent a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition of the threat or use of force.

Dr Gargash also said that these steps "amount to irresponsible escalation", calling them "international crimes" that place the "region at serious risk".

He concluded: "Wisdom dictates the immediate cessation of Iranian aggression against neighbouring countries, a prohibition on the use of force, and adherence to the rules of international law."

Watch: Iran claims to attack US F-35 fighter jet

Iran's IRGC has claimed that it attacked an American F-35 fighter jet. Media reports later said that an F-35 jet had made an emergency landing.

In case you missed it — updates from the day

Lebanon truce

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun renewed his call for a truce and the opening of negotiations with Israel to stop the war between it and Hezbollah, as he received France's foreign minister.

Earlier, Lebanon's health ministry said that Israeli attacks have killed 1,001 people in the country since the war erupted, including 79 women, 118 children and 40 health workers, with 2,584 other people wounded.

US airbase in Germany

Iran said it had asked Germany to clarify the role of the Ramstein airbase in the war.

"We have asked them to clarify or explain regarding the role of Ramstein," Tehran's ambassador to Germany Majid Nili told AFP, charging that "the role of Ramstein is not officially clear for us".

Israel told not to attack

US President Donald Trump said he had told his ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not to carry out any more strikes on gas fields in Iran, which retaliated to an earlier attack by hitting Qatari energy sites.

"I told him, don't do that, and he won't do that," Trump told reporters as he met Japan's prime minister. "We get along great. It's coordinated, but on occasion, he'll do something" that the United States opposes.

Migrant warning

The prime ministers of Denmark and Italy have called for tougher border controls, warning that the war in the Middle East could trigger an influx of migrants and refugees into the European Union.

Mette Frederiksen and Giorgia Meloni wrote in a joint letter that Europe "cannot risk a repeat" of 2015-2016, when hundreds of thousands of people arrived -- many fleeing the civil war in Syria.

No US ground troops

US President Donald Trump said he was not sending ground troops to Iran.

"If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you. But I'm not putting troops," Trump told reporters as he met Japan's prime minister in Washington.

'Safe' Hormuz passage

The UN maritime body called for a safe shipping "corridor" in the Gulf to evacuate stranded vessels and seafarers, at the end of a two-day emergency session on the war.

Some 20,000 seafarers are stuck on approximately 3,200 vessels, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Israel refinery hit

Israeli media reported that an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa was hit, after the military warned of incoming missiles from Iran.

Israel's Kan 11 public broadcaster aired images on television showing a thick plume of dark smoke rising from the area of the refinery. In a post on X, Kan reported that there were no concerns that hazardous materials had leaked.

Gas hub attack

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned that Iran's attack on the country's main gas hub risked "significant repercussions for global energy supplies" and was "clear proof" that Iran wasn't only targeting US interests in the war.

Caspian Sea strikes

The Israeli military said that its fighter jets had struck several Iranian naval vessels in the Caspian Sea the previous day, including vessels equipped with anti-submarine missiles.

"We have for the first time carried out strikes in northern Iran in the Caspian Sea," a military spokesman said. "This is the first time we have done that in our history."

Bahrain blasts

At least two loud explosions rocked Bahrain's capital of Manama after warning sirens sounded, according to an AFP correspondent.

Food security, trade

The World Trade Organization warned that the war posed a dire threat to global food security and could weigh heavily on already slowing global trade.

"Sustained increases in energy prices could increase risks for global trade, with potential spillovers for food security and cost pressures on consumers and businesses," WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in a statement.

Iran vows 'zero restraint'

Iran vowed to hit hard if its energy facilities were attacked again.

"ZERO restraint if our infrastructures are struck again," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.

Netanyahu says Iran has no capacity to enrich uranium

Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles after 20 days of US-Israeli air attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a news conference on Thursday.

Netanyahu says Iran's 'blackmail' by closing Strait of Hormuz won't work

Netanyahu says Iran war could end 'faster than people think'

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he believed the war in Iran could finish sooner than "people think".

"I also see this war ending a lot faster than people think," Netanyahu said at a press conference.

Keep reading Khaleej Times for the latest updates

As the US-Israel-Iran war entered the twentieth day, the most significant escalation yet came when Israel struck Iran's South Pars gas field, one of the largest in the world.

Iran retaliated by striking Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City, knocking out 17 per cent of the country's LNG capacity for an estimated three to five years and causing $20 billion in projected annual revenue losses. Trump publicly distanced the US from the Israeli strike and warned that any further attack on Qatar's LNG facilities would be met with a massive US response against South Pars.

Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries were hit by drones, causing fires that were subsequently brought under control. Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu — currently the country's only functioning crude export outlet — was also targeted.

The UAE condemned an Iranian attack on its Habshan gas facility and Bab field, which was intercepted by air defences with no injuries. UAE air defences dealt with 7 ballistic missiles and 15 drones on March 19.

This blog is now closed, but keep following Khaleej Times' live coverage of the US-Israel-Iran war.

UAE President receives phone call from US President Donald Trump

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a phone call from President Donald Trump of the United States of America, during which they discussed developments in the region and their serious implications for regional and international peace and security.

They also discussed the ongoing Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and other countries in the region, including attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and vital facilities, noting that they constitute a violation of state sovereignty and international law.

US President Trump condemned these attacks and affirmed the United States’ solidarity with the UAE and countries in the region, as well as its full support for efforts to defend their territory, stability, and security.

UAE dismantles terrorist network linked to Hezbollah, Iran; arrests members

UAE's State Security Apparatus (SSA) has announced the dismantling of a terrorist network funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran, and the arrest of its members.

The network had been operating within the country under a fictitious commercial cover and sought to infiltrate the national economy and carry out external schemes threatening the country’s financial stability.

The SSA explained that the network operated according to a pre-established strategic plan in coordination with external parties linked to Hezbollah and Iran, in violation of economic and legal regulations, to launder money, finance terrorism and threaten national security.

UAE sends emergency alerts

Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat, the NCEMA informed. Residents were urged to remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates.

The authorities updated soon after that the situation was safe and normal activities could be resumed, while continuing to remain cautious and taking necessary precautions.