Iran’s actions in Strait of Hormuz increase global energy crisis concerns
Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations and its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported, have given rise to increasing concerns of a global energy crisis, PA reports.
Early on Tuesday, it hit a tanker anchored off the coast of Fujairah, one of about 20 vessels hit since Israel and the United States started the war with an attack on Iran on February 28.
With Washington under increasing pressure over rising oil prices, Brent crude, the international standard, remained over 100 dollars (£75) a barrel, up more than 40% since the war started.
US President Donald Trump said he had demanded that roughly a half-dozen countries send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
But his appeals brought no immediate commitments, with many saying they are hesitant to get involved in a war with no defined exit plan and sceptical that they could do more than the US Navy.
17th Mar09:00 BST
US embassy in Iraq hit by shrapnel
The US embassy in Iraq’s capital, Baghadad, has been struck by shrapnel from drones intercepted by air defences overnight.
Iraqi security sources described the incident, which involved at least five drones, as the most intense assault since the attacks began, reports Sky News.
17th Mar08:57 BST
Israeli Army ‘eliminates top commander’
The Israel Defence Force has said it has killed a top commander of a paramilitary group under the Iranian regime.
A spokesperson for the IDF said on X that the Israeli Air Frorce carried out a targeted raid yesterday in Tehran, “eliminating” Gholam Reza Soleimani, commander of the Basij organisation over the past six years.
The IDF said that under Soleimani, the Basij unit led the main repression of Iran’s population by “employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators”.
COMMANDER OF THE BASIJ UNIT ELIMINATED
Yesterday, the IDF targeted & eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past 6 years.
Under Soleimani, the Basij unit led the main repression operations in Iran, employing severe violence,… pic.twitter.com/aJ0dNtCFz0
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 17, 2026
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17th Mar08:11 BST
British Airways issues Middle East flights update
British Airways has suspended all Middle East flights until summer as the Iran war shows no sign of coming to an end any time soon.
The airline said on Monday that flights to Bahrain, Dubai, Tel Aviv and the capital of Jordan, Anman, would be cancelled until after May 31, reports The Telegraph.
While flights to Doha have been suspended until April 30 and flights to Abu Dhabi cancelled until October.
READ THE FULL STORY: British Airways issues Middle East flights update
17th Mar07:36 BST
Iran looking to have World Cup matches moved from the United States
Iran are seeking to have their World Cup matches moved from the United States to Mexico, PA reports.
The Middle East nation’s participation at this summer’s tournament in North America has been cast into doubt after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, which then retaliated with attacks on US bases in other Gulf countries.
US president Donald Trump said last week he did not think it was “appropriate” for Iran to be at the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
Now, the president of Iran’s football federation Mehdi Taj has said one solution being considered is to move the team’s matches to co-host Mexico.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in a statement posted on the X account of the Iranian embassy in Mexico.
“We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
17th Mar06:46 BST
Starmer to hold Cabinet talks
Sir Keir Starmer will hold talks with his Cabinet after Donald Trump again lashed out at the UK as European countries resisted immediately agreeing to US calls for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The Middle East crisis, and the domestic impact of soaring oil prices triggered by the conflict, is likely to top the agenda as the Prime Minister chairs a weekly meeting with his senior ministers on Tuesday.
It comes after the US President said he was “not happy” with Britain as allies including the UK mulled how to respond to Iran’s blockade of the strait, which is a key global shipping route for oil and gas.
Sir Keir Starmer has insisted the UK will not be drawn into a “wider war,” and said he was working with partners including in Europe on a “viable collective plan” to free up navigation in the strategic sea passage.
Britain could potentially provide mine-hunting drones to the mission rather than a warship, although the Prime Minister insisted no final decisions had been made.
Benjamin Blosse
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17th Mar06:31 BST
Explosions across Middle East
Residents of Dubai and Doha, Qatar, awoke to the sound of explosions on Tuesday as air defences worked to intercept new waves of incoming Iranian fire, and Israel launched new strikes on Iran and Lebanon.
Dubai, a major transit hub for international travel, briefly shut its airspace as the military said it was “responding to incoming missile and drone threats” around the city.
The Israeli military said early on Tuesday it had begun a “wide-scale wave of strikes” across Iran’s capital and was also stepping up strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Israel also reported two incoming salvos before dawn from Iran at Tel Aviv and elsewhere, and said Hezbollah targeted Israel’s north.
Benjamin Blosse
16th Mar20:56 BST
Trump says it’s unlikely war will end this week
Speaking in the Oval Office at the White House on Monday, US President Donald Trump said he doesn’t think the war with Iran will end this week.
When asked by a reporter if the conflict can end this week given what the president described as an “obliteration” of the Iran’s military, Trump replied: “Yeah, sure.”
However, when asked if the war actually will end this week he said: “I don’t think so, but it’ll be soon. It won’t be long.”
Trump added that he had an “obligation to do this” and that we will have a “safer world” after the war is over.
16th Mar20:19 BST
UK joins four other nations in call for ‘peace talks’ between Israel and Lebanon
The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the UK have called for talks over the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said.
They said in a joint statement: “We are gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and call for meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution. We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge for immediate de-escalation.
“Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease, and they must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities, which further jeopardises regional peace and security.”
It continues: “We condemn attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers and infrastructure, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. These actions are unacceptable and we call on all parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law.
“A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict. It must be averted. The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming.
“We reiterate our call for the full implementation of UNSC resolution 1701 by all parties and support the efforts of the government of Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, prohibit Hezbollah’s military activities, and curb their armed hostilities. We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, who have been unwillingly drawn into conflict.”
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16th Mar19:03 BST
Europe seeks more details about Trump’s plans in Iran
European countries have sought more details about US president Donald Trump’s plans for the war on Iran and warned that Nato must not become involved it, as they weighed whether to agree to his call to send warships to help shore up security in the Persian Gulf.
The cool response to Mr Trump’s demand reflects wide caution about the US-Israeli war among allies kept in the dark before, and largely since, it was launched on February 28.
Mr Trump has asked partners — including France, China, Japan, South Korea and Britain — to help secure the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.
He said the United States was talking to “about seven” countries, but he would not say which ones and gave no indication of when such a coalition might be formed.
Tom Burnett
16th Mar17:09 BST
US President Donald Trump indicated he believed the UK would be involved with helping in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
He added: “They should be involved enthusiastically”.
This comes after PM Sir Keir Starmer has continued to resist Donald Trump’s calls to send Royal Navy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz
16th Mar17:07 BST
Donald Trump has said he’s ‘not happy’ with the UK
US president Donald Trump said he was “not happy” with the UK and “very surprised” over its response to the Iran war.
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16th Mar15:14 BST
Passengers redirected back to Manchester on Emirates flight to Dubai
The flight was diverted back to Manchester in the early hours of the morning meaning passengers were mid-flight. It appears that after flying over Cairo, Egypt the aircraft received the news that Dubai Airport (DXB) was shut and not accepting any flights to land there.
Read the full story here.
16th Mar13:48 BST
Emirates has resumed reduced flight operations after a temporary suspension earlier this morning
Emirates has resumed reduced flight operations after a temporary suspension earlier this morning (16 March, 2026).
Some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.… pic.twitter.com/4M6A7xRE8D
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
16th Mar11:34 BST
Sir Keir Starmer has continued to resist Donald Trump’s calls to send Royal Navy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz
Asked on Monday morning whether the UK would commit warships to the Middle East, the Prime Minister said: “There have been discussions going on in relation to a viable plan.
“We want to make sure that that involves as many partners as possible, that’s been our stated directive here, particularly talking to European partners, inevitably talking to Gulf partners and to the US, because we need a credible, viable plan, if we can.”
He added: “This is, to say the least, not easy. It is not straightforward. And therefore we have to make sure we’ve got that credible in place.”
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16th Mar11:24 BST
Fire breaks out in Umm Al Quwain building after drone strike
16th Mar11:17 BST
Dubai Airport has urged travellers not to arrive at DXB unless contacted directly
Do not to proceed to DXB unless you have been contacted directly by your airline with a confirmed departure time, as schedules remain subject to change.
Please continue to contact your airline for the latest updates regarding flight status and timings.
— DXB (@DXB) March 16, 2026
16th Mar10:34 BST
Sir Keir Starmer has addressed the nation
While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war. I want to see an end to this war as quickly as possible”.
The PM has said he will work for a quick resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
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16th Mar10:29 BST
Strait of Hormuz remains open for the arrival of goods to the Gulf and export of energy products
The Qatari Foreign Ministry has shared that communications are still ongoing with various parties after Donald Trump has urged the UK to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz to help end the blockade by Iran.
16th Mar10:19 BST
Flights between Manchester and Middle East remain disrupted
Aviation continues to be impacted by the conflict in the Middle East with several flights between the region and Manchester Airport cancelled today, March 16.
According to FlightAware, a total of 3,957 flights were cancelled around the world yesterday. So far today 1,805 flights have been cancelled.
Dubai Airport said flights are gradually resuming following an overnight drone attack which struck a fuel tank and started a fire.
Check out the full list of flights cancelled today.
16th Mar09:50 BST
Dubai Airport closed and person killed in Abu Dhabi after car hit by missile
Dubai was forced to temporarily close its airport overnight after an Iranian drone hit a fuel tank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As morning broke on Monday, a drone hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, causing a large fire.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and there were no injuries reported but the airport temporarily suspended all flights before resuming them a few hours later.
Later, a person was killed in the capital when an Iranian missile hit a vehicle, the Abu Dhabi media office said. Fire also broke out at an oil facility in Fujairah, one of the UAE’s seven emirates, following a drone attack.
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16th Mar09:05 BST
Saudi air defences scramble to intercept drones
Saudi air defences have been deployed to intercept a number of drones in Riyadh, reports the Qatar news Agency.
Posting on its website, the agency said:
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced Monday the interception and destruction of three drones in the Riyadh and Eastern regions.Brigadier General Turki Al Malki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, stated in a press release that three drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh and Eastern regions, following an earlier announcement regarding the interception and destruction of dozens of drones last night.
16th Mar08:40 BST
Iranian leader’s plane ‘destroyed’ in attack
Israel’s Defence Force has said they destroyed the plane used by the Iranian leader, Ali Khamenei, overnight.
Posting on X this morning, a spokesperson for the IDF said the plane, which they said was used by Iran’s leader and top officials to advance arms deals was destroyed in a precision strike.
16th Mar08:15 BST
Sir Keir Starmer to address UK today in major press conference
Sir Keir Starmer is set to address the nation today as the war in the Middle East goes on for a third week.
The Prime Minister will hold a Downing Street press conference on Monday (March 16) where he is expected to pledge to help households with the cost of living amid the energy price spike caused by the war. The press conference will also come after Sir Keir appeared to resist Donald Trump’s calls to send warships to the region, following a phone call between the leaders on Sunday.
The Prime Minister is expected to say that helping UK households with living costs is his ‘first priority’. He is set to announce a subsidy for those who use heating oil to warm their homes, after they faced price spikes caused by the war.
READ THE FULL STORY: Sir Keir Starmer to address UK today in major press conference hours after Donald Trump call
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16th Mar07:46 BST
Keir Starmer resists Donald Trump’s new Iran demand
Sir Keir Starmer has appeared to resist Donald Trump’s calls to send warships to the region.
Sir Keir did not respond to calls from Mr Trump on Sunday to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route in the Middle East being blockaded by Iran. Instead, Britain is currently mulling over the possibility of sending mine-hunting drones to the region amid worries of an Iranian build-up of explosives in the narrow sea passage.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Trump reiterated his call for allied assistance in the Straight of Hormuz, telling the paper: “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there.”
He also said Nato faces a “very bad” future should its member states fail to help, adding: “We’ll see if they help us. Because I’ve long said that we’ll be there for them but they won’t be there for us.”
READ THE FULL STORY: Sir Keir Starmer resists Donald Trump’s new Iran demand after US President sends ‘very bad future’ warning
16th Mar07:04 BST
Trump criticises UK response
After speaking with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Trump again hit out at the UK response to the Iran war.
Speaking to the Financial Times, he said: “The UK might be considered the number one ally… and when I asked for them to come, they didn’t want to come.”
Sir Keir on Sunday spoke to Mr Trump for the first time since the US president called for help from other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The pair “discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide”, a Downing Street spokeswoman said.
But there was no response from the Prime Minister to the President’s call for the UK and other nations impacted by the blockade to send warships to the region to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
Benjamin Blosse
16th Mar07:02 BST
Trump issues warning
Donald Trump called on allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route in the Middle East being blockaded by Iran.
However his appeal to China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and others to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe” brought no commitments on Sunday.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Trump reiterated his call for allied assistance in the Straight of Hormuz, telling the paper: “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there.”
He also said Nato faces a “very bad” future should its member states fail to help, adding: “We’ll see if they help us. Because I’ve long said that we’ll be there for them but they won’t be there for us.”
Benjamin Blosse
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16th Mar06:45 BST
Dubai flights ‘gradually resuming’
Dubai Airport flights are ‘gradually resuming’, authorities have said.
On X, Dubai Airport posted: “Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure. Please check with your airlines for the latest updates regarding your flights.”
And Dubai Media Office said: “Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.”
Benjamin Blosse
16th Mar06:23 BST
Emirates ‘expects a limited schedule’
In an update on Dubai Airport’s closure, Emirates has said: “Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today [6am GMT].
“Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
Benjamin Blosse
16th Mar06:10 BST
Dubai Airport remains shut
Dubai Airport remains shut this morning.
Benjamin Blosse
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