This live blog follows updates for Day 17 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 16, go here.

Iran announces 60% minimum wage hike
Drone and missile attack on Baghdad airport: security sources
Iran FM sees no reason for talks after Trump says it wants deal
Iran urges countries to avoid action that could widen war
Israel army says begun 'wide-scale' wave of strikes on western Iran

Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli troops in Lebanese border towns

Published March 16, 2026 | 19:12 GMT

Hezbollah on Monday said it targeted Israeli troops and vehicles in at least three Lebanese border towns, after the Israeli army announced it had begun limited ground operations in Lebanon.

In three separate statements, the group said it targeted an Israeli site "in the border town of Aitaroun with a rocket salvo" as well as "a gathering of Israeli vehicles and soldiers" in Odaisseh with artillery shells, and "a gathering of Israeli vehicles and soldiers" and a Merkava tank in the town of Taybeh with a rocket salvo.

Drone attack targets major southern Iraqi oil field: officials

Published March 16, 2026 | 17:42 GMT

Drone attack targets major southern Iraqi oil field: officials

Hezbollah says launched rockets, drones at north Israel city

Published March 16, 2026 | 17:26 GMT

Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said it launched an attack on Monday targeting the northern Israeli city of Nahariya, where Israeli first responders reported a man was wounded.

Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters targeted Nahariya "with a barrage of rockets and a swarm of attack drones". Israel's Magen David Adom first responders said that paramedics in the area were treating a man "in mild to moderate condition suffering from blast injuries".

Trump says unclear if new Iran leader is 'dead or not'

Published March 16, 2026 | 17:17 GMT

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he does not know whether Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, adding that Washington was unclear whom it could negotiate with in Tehran.

"We don't know... if he's dead or not," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"A lot of people are saying that he's badly disfigured. They're saying that he lost his leg -- one leg -- and he's, you know, been hurt very badly. Other people are saying he's dead. Nobody's saying he's 100 percent healthy. You know he hasn't spoken."

"We don't know who we're dealing with" in Iran, Trump said. "We don't know who their leader is."

Trump says he expects Britain, France to help secure Strait of Hormuz

Published March 16, 2026 | 17:12 GMT

US President Donald Trump stepped up the pressure on Britain and France on Monday, saying he expected them to help secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the war against Iran.

Trump said he had talked with French President Emmanuel Macron about it and his response had been "an eight, not perfect."

"I think he's going to help," Trump said, adding that he also believed Britain would be involved in a Hormuz mission.

Israel army says ground assault against Hezbollah underway in Lebanon

Published March 16, 2026 | 16:51 GMT

The Israeli military said on Monday it was carrying out what it described as "limited" ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with its defence minister warning that those displaced would not return home until northern Israel was secure.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Tehran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Israel responded with air raids on its northern neighbour and troop incursions into border areas.

Lebanon said on Monday that Israeli attacks have killed 886 people, including 111 children, in the country since the latest war erupted. More than 830,000 people have registered as displaced.

Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon is an 'error': Germany

Published March 16, 2026 | 16:44 GMT

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Monday that an Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon was an "error" which would "further exacerbate the already highly tense humanitarian situation" in the country.

"We urgently call on our Israeli friends: Do not take this path -- it would be an error," Merz said after Israeli military announced what it described as "limited ground operations" in Lebanon.

Trump says some countries not 'enthusiastic' about Hormuz help

Published March 16, 2026 | 16:26 GMT

President Donald Trump criticized US allies on Monday for their lukewarm response to his call to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the US war against Iran.

"For 40 years, we're protecting you, and you don't want to get involved," Trump told reporters.

"We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us and get involved quickly and with great enthusiasm," he added.

IRGC says industries dependent on America in the region will be targeted and struck

Published March 16, 2026 | 16:12 GMT

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that industries linked to the United States in the region could come under attack in the coming hours, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The IRGC urged the U.S. government to evacuate all American-run or American-linked industrial facilities in the region. It also advised residents living near factories or industrial sites with U.S. investment to leave the surrounding areas.

Turkiye condemns Israeli ground operation in Lebanon

Published March 16, 2026 | 15:45 GMT

Turkey on Monday condemned Israel's ground operation in Lebanon, cautioning against "another humanitarian catastrophe" unfolding in the Middle East.

"We firmly condemn the Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, which is worsening instability in the region," the ministry said in a statement.

"The implementation by the (Benjamin) Netanyahu government of genocidal and collective punishment policies, this time in Lebanon, will lead to yet another humanitarian catastrophe in the region," it said.

Trump says will hold news conference Monday

Published March 16, 2026 | 15:05 GMT

US President Donald Trump said he will hold a "news conference" on Monday as the war he ordered against Iran continues for a third week.

Trump frequently takes questions from reporters so it was not immediately clear if the latest event had a specific topic.

"News Conference today," Trump announced on his Truth Social Platform, adding it would take place just before a meeting at the White House on the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Trump, who has come under criticism for mixed messaging on the goals of the Iran war, has indicated he may delay a planned summit in China as he scrambles to try and get other countries to help reopen the strategic Straits of Hormuz.

Drone attack causes building fire in a northern emirate of UAE: statement

Published March 16, 2026 | 14:59 GMT

A drone attack caused a fire in a building in the north of the UAE on Monday, authorities said, amid a slew of nationwide attacks that disrupted Dubai's airport, hit an oil hub and killed a civilian.

"A building in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain was targeted by a drone, causing a fire but resulting in no injuries," the Umm Al Quwain Government Media Office said in a statement published by the official WAM news agency, without naming the building.

UK prime minister says ‘we will not be drawn into wider war’

Published March 16, 2026 | 13:58 GMT

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that Britain will not allow itself to be pulled into a broader conflict in the Middle East.

"We will not be drawn into wider war," he said, adding that the government will continue efforts to achieve a quick resolution to the crisis.

Iran judiciary chief urges swift verdicts for those linked to US, Israel

Published March 16, 2026 | 13:48 GMT

Iran’s head of the judiciary says there should be no leniency or delay in issuing verdicts against those affiliated with Israel and the United States, AFP reports.

“We must not delay or show leniency in executing final verdicts against those who, during wartime and unrest, committed crimes and were affiliated with the aggressor enemy,” said Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, according to Tasnim news agency.

He added that it was “necessary to accelerate the review and resolution of cases involving elements accused of threatening public security.” Authorities have in recent weeks carried out sweeping raids across Iran, arresting in the last few days hundreds of people suspected of cooperating with Israel and the United States, local media reported.

Oil eases on hopes for Strait of Hormuz passage

Published March 16, 2026 | 12:48 GMT

Oil prices dipped and equities rose on Monday as investors focused on the crucial Strait of Hormuz and the head of the IEA said more crude could be released on the market if necessary.

As the Middle East war entered its third week, Wall Street opened higher while most European stocks climbed after Asian stocks mainly dipped.

International benchmark Brent North Sea crude dropped back two percent to $101 after rising about three percent earlier in the day while the main US contract West Texas Intermediate plunged more than five percent to $93.37.

The price falls came as the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said member countries could unlock more oil from strategic stocks "if needed". The IEA on March 11 already agreed its biggest-ever release, of 400 million barrels.

Explosions heard across Doha: AFP journalists

Published March 16, 2026 | 12:41 GMT

Explosions heard across Doha: AFP journalists

Qatar says diplomacy with Iran possible 'if they stop the attacks'

Published March 16, 2026 | 11:44 GMT

Diplomatic talks with Iran are only possible if it ceases its attacks, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday, as Tehran presses its missile and drone campaign against Gulf states.

"If they stop the attacks, then we can find a way out with diplomacy. But as long as our countries are being attacked, this is not the time to establish committees, it's the time to take a very principled position (on) protecting our countries and for them to stop attacking us immediately," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.

UK PM says any plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz 'won't be' a Nato mission

Published March 16, 2026 | 11:34 GMT

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that a plan the UK is working on with allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during the Middle East war would not involve NATO.

"Let me be clear, that won't be and it's never been envisioned to be a NATO mission," Starmer told reporters.

His comments came after President Donald Trump said NATO faces a "very bad" future if US allies fail to help open the key oil transport route.

More than 3,300 Israelis injured since start of war on Iran

Published March 16, 2026 | 10:34 GMT

Israel’s Health Ministry on Monday said at least 3,329 people, including civilians and military personnel, have been injured and hospitalized since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

It said this figure includes 142 in the past 24 hours.

UAE, Saudi leaders discuss Tehran's attacks in second call since Israel's war on Iran

Published March 16, 2026 | 10:34 GMT

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed discussed on Monday Iran's retaliatory strikes on the Gulf and expressed solidarity and sympathy in their second call since a public row in late December.

The de facto Saudi ruler and the UAE's president discussed "the continued and blatant Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region," according to a statement published by Emirati news agency WAM.

"Both sides stressed the need for the immediate cessation of military escalation... underscoring the importance of prioritising serious dialogue and diplomatic means," it added.

Explosions hit Iranian capital: AFP journalist

Published March 16, 2026 | 09:00 GMT

Explosions hit the Iranian capital on Monday, an AFP journalist reported, hours after Israel said it conducted large-scale overnight strikes.

The blasts were heard in central Tehran as air defence systems were activated, the journalist said. It was not immediately clear what was targeted.

The city was rocked by heavy explosions overnight, the reporter added.

EU to discuss extending naval mission to Strait of Hormuz

Published March 16, 2026 | 08:45 GMT

EU foreign ministers will Monday discuss extending the bloc's Red Sea naval mission to help reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said.

The Iran war has virtually halted activity in the key waterway, through which a fifth of the world's crude supplies and a substantial amount of gas normally run -- sending oil prices soaring.

"It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that's why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard," Kallas told journalists in Brussels ahead of the talks.

Trump Administration to announce coalition for Strait escort: WSJ

Published March 16, 2026 | 08:12 GMT

The Trump administration as soon as this week, plans to announce that multiple countries have agreed to form a coalition that will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which runs along the Iranian coast, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday, citing US officials.

They are still discussing, however, whether those operations would begin before or after hostilities end, the report said.

The White House declined to comment on the expected announcement, which could shift depending on battlefield conditions, it said.

Publicly, many countries have been noncommittal to such an escort mission until hostilities cease, given the risks involved, the WSJ report said.

Fire in UAE's Fujairah oil industry zone after drone attack

Published March 16, 2026 | 08:05 GMT

A drone attack on oil infrastructure on the UAE's east coast sparked a fire on Monday, authorities said as Iran presses its campaign of strikes against Gulf states.

"A large fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone as a result of being targeted by a drone, with no injuries reported," Fujairah authorities said, adding "efforts continue to bring it under control".

The site sits on the UAE's Gulf of Oman coast, beyond the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed by Iran.

One person killed by missile attack on civilian car in Abu Dhabi

Published March 16, 2026 | 07:00 GMT

A Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi when a missile hit their car on Monday, authorities said, as Iran pressed on with strikes on the Gulf following US-Israeli attacks.

"Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

Israel army says begun 'limited targeted ground operations' against Hezbollah in south Lebanon

Published March 16, 2026 | 06:16 GMT

The Israeli military said on Monday it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

"In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area," the military said in a statement.

UAE says air defence systems intercepting Iranian missiles and drones

Published March 16, 2026 – 05:30 GMT

The United Arab Emirates' air defence systems were intercepting Iranian missiles and drones on Monday, the Gulf nation's defence ministry said.

"UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran," the UAE Ministry of Defence posted on X.

Earlier, Dubai authorities said a "drone-related incident" had sparked a fire near the airport and flights had been temporarily suspended.

Japan, Australia not considering maritime ops at Hormuz despite Trump request

Published March 16, 2026 | 05:21 GMT

Japan said Monday it was not currently thinking about ordering maritime security operations, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.

"In the current Iran situation, we are not at the moment considering issuing a maritime security operation," Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament.

Separately, Australia's transport minister said on Monday the country won't be sending a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz.

"We won't be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that's not something we've been asked or we're contributing to," Transport Minister Catherine King told national broadcaster ABC.

Earlier, the United Kingdom (UK) said it was planning to send minesweeping drones to the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to allow the flow of oil exports to resume, the Guardian reported on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia has intercepted more than 60 drones since midnight

Publsihed March 16, 2026 | 04:35 GMT

Saudi Arabia has intercepted more than 60 drones since midnight, according to a tally of defence ministry figures released on Monday.

The Saudi defence ministry posted a series of statements on X describing the interception of a total of 61 drones in the east of the country in the early hours of Monday morning.

Trump says he has 'absolute right' to charge tariffs in another form

Published March 16, 2026 | 03:30 GMT

US President Donald Trump asserted he had the authority to impose duties despite the US Supreme Court last month striking down his global tariffs.

"I have the absolute right to charge TARIFFS in another form, and have already started to do so," he said in a long post on his Truth Social network. Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on US imports via executive order shortly after the Supreme Court ruling.

Flights temporarily suspended at Dubai's airport following nearby drone incident

Published March 16, 2026 | 02:23 GMT

Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai's airport after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said on Monday.

The incident impacted a fuel tank, the Gulf financial hub's media office said, later adding authorities had extinguished the blaze that broke out.

The office said no injuries had been reported.

"Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff," Dubai's media office posted on X.

Iran says Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constitute 'ecocide'

Published March 16, 2026 | 02:19 GMT

Iran's foreign minister said Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constituted "ecocide" due to the long-term risks to residents' health.

"Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide," Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X.

"Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts," the post added.

Trump says 'we're talking' to Iran, but it's not 'ready' for deal to end war

Published March 16, 2026 | 01:40 GMT

US President Donald Trump said that the United States was in discussions with Iran as the war enters its third week, but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end it.

"Yes, we're talking to them," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, without detailing the nature of such talks, when asked if there was any diplomacy underway to end a conflict that has spread across the Middle East and roiled global markets.

"But I don't think they're ready. But they are getting pretty close," Trump said.

Iran's foreign minister had denied earlier that any talks with the United States were taking place.

Trump says NATO faces 'very bad' future if allies don't help open Hormuz

Published March 16, 2026 | 00:15 GMT

In a brief interview with The Financial Times, President Donald Trump said NATO faces a "very bad" future if US allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit effectively shut by Iran in the Mideast war.

Trump added that as the United States has aided Ukraine in the war with Russia, he expects Europe to help on the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure has sent energy prices soaring around the world.

"If there's no response or if it's a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO".

Trump also said an upcoming summit in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be delayed as he presses for China's help to open the strait.

Trump, Starmer discuss Hormuz blockage in war: UK

Published March 16, 2026 | 00: 05 GMT

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke Sunday about the "importance" of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, currently blocked by Iran, the UK leader's office said.

"The leaders 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 in a statement.

On Saturday, Trump urged other countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to send warships to help the United States secure the strait.

Iran's military is effectively blocking the crucial waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, aiming to damage the world economy and pressure Washington as oil prices soar.

Starmer also "expressed his condolences for the American service personnel who have lost their lives during the conflict", the statement said.

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Israel army says ground assault against Hezbollah underway in Lebanon

Israel army says ground assault against Hezbollah underway in Lebanon