US-Israel War Against Iran LIVE Updates: Iran Warns Strait of Hormuz Cannot Be Used to Launch Attacks Against It

16 Mar, 26 : 04:08 PM

Iran Warns Strait of Hormuz Cannot Be Used to Launch Attacks Against It

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said the Strait of Hormuz cannot be used by any country to launch attacks against Iran. Baghaei stated that ship traffic through the strategic waterway would continue, but under special conditions due to what he described as security threats created by Israel and the United States in the region. He added that Iran’s armed forces maintain control over the passage and would not allow it to be used for hostile actions. He also said that as a coastal nation, Iran has the right to take necessary measures in the strait to protect national security and prevent what he called aggressors from misusing the route. Baghaei noted that Iran has historically ensured safe navigation through the strait but blamed the current tensions on the US and Israel.

16 Mar, 26 : 04:04 PM

Nearly 900 Civilian Buildings Damaged in Khuzestan During US-Israeli Attacks: Official

Nearly 900 civilian building units have been damaged in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan Province since the start of US-Israeli attacks on the country, a provincial official told Mehr News Agency. According to the official, a total of 869 civilian structures were affected in the strikes, including 847 residential units and 22 commercial properties. The damage has been reported across various parts of the province as the conflict continues.

16 Mar, 26 : 03:31 PM

Israel Launches Simultaneous Strikes on Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz

The Israeli military has announced the start of a “wide-scale wave of strikes” targeting infrastructure in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Tehran, the capital of Iran, is located in the northern part of the country. Tabriz, Iran’s fourth-largest city, lies in the northwest near the borders with Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, while Shiraz is situated in southwestern Iran. The strikes were reported to be taking place simultaneously across the three locations.

16 Mar, 26 : 02:11 PM

Israel Signals Possible Major Ground Operation in Lebanon to Expand Security Buffer Zone

The Israeli military has signaled preparations for a potential large-scale ground operation in southern Lebanon. According to the army, a “focused and limited ground operation” began on Saturday, with units from the 91st Division entering select areas to establish what they describe as a “security buffer zone” stretching from the border to south of the Litani River. While Israel frames the move as a defensive measure to prevent Hezbollah attacks from reaching northern Israel, officials have not ruled out a broader ground invasion into regions not entered since 2006. Israeli media reports suggest the military may ask the government to increase reserve forces from 280,000 to 450,000, hinting at preparations for an expanded ground campaign in Lebanon.

16 Mar, 26 : 02:09 PM

Over 500 Dead and Thousands Injured in Tehran Province Since US-Israeli Attacks: Official

Mohammad Esmaeil Tavakoli, head of Emergency Medical Services in Iran’s Tehran province, told Mehr news agency that US-Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of 503 people in the province since the start of the war. He added that around 5,700 others have been injured in the region since February 28.

16 Mar, 26 : 02:02 PM

Israeli Strikes Hit Multiple Towns in Southern Lebanon

Israeli air attacks have been reported across multiple towns in southern Lebanon, including Qantara, Sawana, Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniyeh, and Shaqra. Officials on the ground say there are no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

16 Mar, 26 : 01:39 PM

Israeli Minister Warns Iran War Likely to Continue for Several More Weeks

Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar has urged the nation to brace for potential escalation in the coming days, stating that the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran is “very likely” to last several more weeks. “We know that in the coming days there could be an escalation. All of the State of Israel, all of us, need to be more prepared in the coming days. It is very likely that the war will take several more long weeks,” Zohar told Israel’s Radio 103FM broadcaster.

16 Mar, 26 : 01:37 PM

Fire Erupts in UAE’s Fujairah Industrial Zone Following Drone Strike

A fire has erupted in an industrial zone in Fujairah, UAE, following a drone strike, the emirate’s media office reported. Civil defence teams are currently working to control the blaze, and no injuries have been reported so far, the statement added.

16 Mar, 26 : 12:40 PM

Abu Dhabi Authorities Respond to Missile Strike on Civilian Vehicle in Al Bahyah

Abu Dhabi authorities have issued an official response after a missile fell on a civilian vehicle in the emirate’s Al Bahyah area, resulting in the death of a Palestinian national. The emirate’s media office stated, “Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving a missile falling on a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah area, resulting in one casualty of Palestinian nationality. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.”

Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving a missile falling on a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah area, resulting in one casualty of Palestinian nationality.

The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading…

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 16, 2026

16 Mar, 26 : 11:30 AM

Emirates to Run Limited Flights Following Dubai Airport Fuel Tank Fire

Emirates Airlines announced that it will operate a limited flight schedule starting after 10 a.m. (06:00 GMT) today. The decision comes after Dubai Airport was temporarily closed and all operations suspended following a drone strike that ignited a fuel tank, causing a fire. “Unfortunately, some flights on today’s schedule have been cancelled,” the airline added in its update.

16 Mar, 26 : 10:30 AM

Air Strike Hits Pro-Iranian Militia Base in Iraq, Three Wounded

An Iraqi security official told Al Jazeera that an airstrike targeted the headquarters of the Popular Mobilisation Forces in the Jurf al-Sakhar area. The official also confirmed that at least three people sustained injuries in the attack. The PMF, also known in Arabic as Hashd al-Shaabi, is an umbrella group of primarily Shia paramilitary factions. It has been formally integrated into Iraq’s state security forces and includes multiple groups aligned with Iran.

16 Mar, 26 : 10:28 AM

Israeli Air Raids Damage Iranian Red Crescent Clinic and Relief Post in Tehran

The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that recent Israeli air strikes on Tehran damaged one of its clinics and an aid relief post. Footage shared online by the society showed shattered glass and scattered equipment inside the affected facilities. The damage follows multiple explosions in the city after Israel announced a new round of air attacks on Tehran. Since the start of the US-Israeli campaign on February 28, numerous hospitals and health centres across Iran have also suffered damage from ongoing strikes.

آسیب به یکی از پایگاه های امدادی و درمانگاه هلال احمر در استان تهران به دنبال حملات هوایی

Tonight, airstrikes damaged one relief post and one clinic of the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Tehran province. pic.twitter.com/E0sKavhXwH

— جمعیت هلال‌احمر ایران (@Iranian_RCS) March 15, 2026

16 Mar, 26 : 10:09 AM

UAE Orders Arrest of 35, Including 19 Indians, for Posting ‘Misleading Content’ Online

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 individuals, including 19 Indians, for sharing misleading or fabricated videos on social media amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran War. The suspects, divided into three groups, allegedly circulated real clips with misleading commentary, AI-generated footage, and content glorifying Iran’s military actions. Two other Indians face similar charges. UAE authorities said such acts endanger public security and national stability. The accused will face expedited trials, with penalties including a minimum of one year in prison and fines of at least AED 100,000. Read More: UAE Orders Arrest of 35, Including 19 Indians, for Posting ‘Misleading Content’ Online

16 Mar, 26 : 09:29 AM

Iran Mourns Red Crescent Worker Killed During Rescue Operation in Isfahan

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has announced the death of one of its workers who was killed while carrying out a search and rescue mission in Tiran-o-Korun in Isfahan Province on March 8. The organisation identified the victim as Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh, who died while assisting relief efforts during the ongoing conflict. Both the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed condolences over his death. The IFRC said it was deeply disturbed by the incident, adding that several other Red Crescent staff and volunteers have also been injured while performing humanitarian duties since the conflict began.

16 Mar, 26 : 09:02 AM

Japan Says It Is ‘Not Considering’ Maritime Security Mission in Strait of Hormuz

Japan said it is not currently considering participating in maritime security operations in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a call from Donald Trump for allied nations to deploy warships to help safeguard the key shipping route. Japanese officials indicated that no plans are under discussion to send naval forces to the strategic waterway, which is vital for global oil transport and regional trade. The statement comes amid growing international concerns over security in the area as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.

16 Mar, 26 : 09:01 AM

Surviving Crew of Thai Vessel Hit Near Strait of Hormuz Return to Bangkok

The surviving crew members of the Thai-flagged dry bulk ship Mayuree Naree have arrived in Bangkok after their vessel was struck by two projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz. According to media reports, three crew members remain missing and were believed to have been trapped in the engine room when the attack occurred. Thai news outlet Khaosod English earlier reported that the vessel’s crew had been rescued by the Omani Navy.

16 Mar, 26 : 08:43 AM

Fire at Dubai International Airport Brought Under Control After Drone Attack

A fire that broke out at Dubai International Airport following a drone attack has now been brought under control, according to authorities. Civil defence teams responded quickly to the incident and managed to contain the blaze after it erupted at the airport. Video footage circulating online showed flames and smoke rising from the site before emergency crews intervened. Officials have not yet released further details about the extent of the damage or whether there were any injuries.

⚡️#BREAKING Fires erupt in Dubai following Iranian drone strikes pic.twitter.com/sBDs9JX809

— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) March 16, 2026