Dubai international airport temporarily suspended flight operations after a fire broke out following a drone attack this morning near the airport.
"A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks", the Dubai media office said on X. Authorities added that the fire has been contained with no injuries.
The fresh strike comes after Donald Trump warned Nato that the bloc faces a “very bad future” if allies refuse to help the US open up the Strait of Hormuz.
It comes after the US president’s calls for assistance in the key shipping waterway have so far gone unheeded, prompting the comments in an interview with the Financial Times.
The chief executives of Exxon, Chevron and Conocophillips have told the White House that disruption through the Strait of Hormuz will continue to wreak havoc on global energy markets, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Over 400 million barrels of oil from the International Energy Agency's emergency reserves are set to be released in a bid to counter a significant surge in crude prices since the onset of the Iran war.
Key Points
- Nato faces 'very bad future' if allies fail to help US in Iran, Trump warns
- Dubai airport temporarily shut after attack
- US oil CEOs warn Trump administration that energy crisis likely to worsen
- Iran says it will 'fight as long as it takes' and denies asking Trump for ceasefire
- Fire breaks out in vicinity of Dubai International Airport after drone attack
- Sir Keir Starmer has discussed 'importance' of opening Strait of Hormuz with Trump, Downing Street says
Watch: Three arrests made amid Al Quds Day demonstration and counter-protest
03:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarMinister says Australia will not send warships to Strait of Hormuz
03:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAustralia will not send ships to the Strait of Hormuz, federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said this morning.
Ms King told RN Australia: "It’s clear, obviously, the longer that the war continues, the greater the impacts will be felt, not just by us, but obviously the Asia-Pacific region overall. We’ll continue to monitor those events as they occur."
"But at this stage, all of the ships that are planned to come into Australia are coming in. The fuel supply is holding," she added.
However, she admitted that there were local distribution issues, but the national fuel stockpile would hold Australia “in good stead”.
Dubai airport temporarily shut
03:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDubai international airport temporarily suspended flight operations after a fire broke out following a drone attack this morning near the airport.
The fire has been contained with no injuries, authorities said."A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks", the Dubai media office said on X.
Emirates airline also announced in a post on X the temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai.
Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on 28 February, with targets including US diplomatic missions and military bases but also critical Gulf oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels and residential and office buildings.
Yesterday Dubai – tomorrow, who knows? How Iran conflict could change UK travel plans once and for all
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDubai, seen for decades as a safe and serene haven, now finds itself on the Foreign Office no-go – along with Abu Dhabi, just down the road in the UAE, and Doha in Qatar. So what does this mean for the future of tourism in the Gulf?
The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder finds out.
Yesterday Dubai – tomorrow, who knows? How Iran conflict could change UK travel plans
Watch: Hundreds protest against Iran at Al Quds rally in London
02:55 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAnalysis: Artificial intelligence has brought a new way of war to the Middle East – and it makes crimes harder to hide
02:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe staggering pace of air attacks by the US and Israel against Iran has been driven by the same artificial intelligence systems that contributed to the indictment of Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity.
According to arms industry insiders and the US Department of War, more than 2,000 targets were hit by American forces in just four days of the ongoing Iran conflict.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley has this report:
AI has brought a new way of war to the Middle East – and makes crimes harder to hide
How the White House is using memes and viral content to frame violence in Iran
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMillions of people recently watched a video posted by the White House showing US strikes against Iranian targets. The clip didn’t just resemble Call of Duty: it mixed real strike footage with footage from the game itself, complete with “killstreak” animations designed to reward performance and simulate achievement.
Governments are increasingly communicating war using the visual language of video games and internet memes.
Daniel Baldino has this report:
How the White House is using memes and viral content to frame violence in Iran
Recap: US energy secretary says Iran war will end 'in weeks' and oil prices will bounce back
01:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS energy secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday that he expects the war with Iran to end within “the next few weeks,” with oil supplies rebounding and energy costs declining afterwards.
“I think that this conflict will certainly come to the end in the next few weeks - could be sooner than that. But the conflict will come to the end in the next few weeks, and we'll see a rebound in supplies and a pushing down in prices after that,” Wright told ABC's This Week program.
Watch: Chris Wright says he thinks Iran conflict 'will end in next few weeks'
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePictured: The six US crew members killed in Iraq crash
00:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Fire breaks out in vicinity of Dubai International Airport after drone attack, Dubai Media Office says
00:04 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA fire has broken out at Dubai International Airport following a drone attack, authorities have said.
We will bring you more information as it comes.
Trump accuses Iran of AI manipulation and takes aim at 'fake news media'
Sunday 15 March 2026 23:58 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDonald Trump has accused Iran of using AI to spread “disinformation” while taking aim at the “fake news media”.
In a post on Truth Social, the US president said Iran had used AI to generate “phony kamikaze boats” as well as to suggest that buildings and ships that had not been targeted were on fire.
“Iran has long been known as a Master of Media Manipulation and Public Relations,” he wrote. “They are Militarily ineffective and weak, but are really good at “feeding” the very appreciative Fake News Media false information.
“Now, A.I. has become another Disinformation weapon that Iran uses, quite well, considering they are being annihilated by the day. They showed phony “Kamikaze Boats,” shooting at various Ships at Sea, which looks wonderful, powerful, and vicious, but these Boats don’t exist — It’s all false information to show how “tough” their already defeated Military is!”
He accused the Wall Street Journal of false reporting over the five US refuelling planes that were reportedly badly damaged in Iraq.
“The five U.S. Refueling Planes that were supposedly struck down and badly damaged, according to The Wall Street Journal’s false reporting, and others, are all in service, with the exception of one, which will soon be flying the skies,” he wrote.
“The fact is, Iran is being decimated, and the only battles they “win” are those that they create through AI, and are distributed by Corrupt Media Outlets,” the president continued.
Nato faces 'very bad future' if allies fail to help US in Iran, Trump warns
Sunday 15 March 2026 23:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDonald Trump has warned allies that Nato faces a “very bad future” if they fail to step up to help the US in Iran.
It comes after the US president’s call for ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday has so far gone unanswered.
Mr Trump told the Financial Times he could also delay his summit with China’s president Jinping later this month as he presses Beijing to help unblock the crucial waterway.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make that nothing bad happens there,” Mr Trump told the newspaper.
US oil CEOs warn Trump administration that energy crisis likely to worsen
Sunday 15 March 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneChief executives of major US oil companies warned an official of US President Donald Trump's administration that the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war is likely to get worse, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
The CEOs of Exxon, Chevron and Conocophillips warned in a series of White House meetings last Wednesday and in recent conversations with energy secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that the disruption to energy flows through the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway would continue to create volatility in global energy markets, the report said.
Fifth member of Iranian women's soccer team withdraws Australia asylum offer
Sunday 15 March 2026 22:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA fifth member of the Iranian women's soccer team who had sought asylum in Australia has changed her mind and decided to return home to Iran, Australian media reported on Monday. Australia had granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member last week from the Iranian squad after they sought asylum over fears of possible persecution upon returning home.
The concerns came after they failed to sing the national anthem at a Women's Asian Cup match. Three members of the delegation on Sunday decided to abandon the asylum offer. Another member changed her mind last week, leaving only two members in Australia.
Macron tells Iranian president to end 'unacceptable attacks'
Sunday 15 March 2026 22:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFrench president Emmanuel Macron has warned his Iranian counterpart to end the country’s “unacceptable attacks” on countries in the region.
In a post on X, Mr Macron said France is acting in a strictly defensive capacity and called for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“I have just spoken with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian,” he wrote.
“I called on him to put an immediate end to the unacceptable attacks Iran is carrying out against countries in the region, whether directly or through proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq.
“I reminded him that France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners, and freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted.
“The unchecked escalation we are witnessing is plunging the entire region into chaos, with major consequences today and for the years to come. The people of Iran, like those across the region, are paying the price.
“Only a new political and security framework can ensure peace and security for all. Such a framework must guarantee that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons, while also addressing the threats posed by its ballistic missile programme and its destabilising activities regionally and internationally.
“Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible.”
I have just spoken with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 15, 2026
I called on him to put an immediate end to the unacceptable attacks Iran is carrying out against countries in the region, whether directly or through proxies, including in Lebanon and Iraq. I reminded him that France…
Health experts warn of breathing and heart problems and even cancer after 'black rain' in Iran
Sunday 15 March 2026 22:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneInternational health officials have issued health warnings after clouds of toxic smoke unleashed into the atmosphere by US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian oil facilities made a dangerous return to Earth in the form of "black rain”.
Residents in Tehran complained last week of burning eyes and difficulty breathing when the dark and oily precipitation fell near the Iranian capital after several fuel oil depots and a refinery were struck.
Plumes of dark smoke have also been seen across other parts of the region over two weeks of war, as Iran retaliates against US-Israeli airstrikes by firing drones and missiles at the oil and natural gas facilities of its Persian Gulf neighbours.
Black rain occurs when soot, ash and toxic chemicals combine with water droplets in the atmosphere, then fall back to Earth when it rains.
It's common after oil refineries or oil fields catch fire, and it can also be caused by wildfires, volcanic eruptions and industrial pollution.
In Iran, microscopic soot formed when hydrocarbons in the fuel oil burned incompletely, experts said.
Microscopic soot, whose particles are about 40 times smaller than the width of a human hair, can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing breathing and heart problems that can lead to premature death, experts said. Exposure to PAHs can increase cancer risk.
"We can definitely expect acute health effects from an event like this," said V Faye McNeill, a chemical engineering professor at Columbia University who specializes in atmospheric chemistry.
Iran and the US have been at war for decades. Here’s how it began
Sunday 15 March 2026 22:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Iran and the US have been at war for decades. Here’s how it began
Recap: Israel is running critically low on interceptors, Semafor reports
Sunday 15 March 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsrael informed the US this week that it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors as the conflict with Iran continues, Semafor reported on Saturday, citing US officials familiar with the matter.
The Independent could not immediately verify the report.
The US has been aware of Israel's low capacity for months, the report said, adding that it is not running low on interceptors of its own.
Residents of parts of Dubai and Doha warned of incoming attacks, Iran's state media says
Sunday 15 March 2026 21:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIranian state media is reporting the country has warned residents in parts of Dubai and Doha of incoming attacks.
We will bring you more information as it comes.
Trump administration to announce coalition to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz, according to reports
Sunday 15 March 2026 21:42 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Trump administration plans to announce as early as this week that multiple countries have agreed to form a coalition that will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing US officials.
The key shipping artery is currently blocked by Iran, who on Saturday insisted it was open to everyone except “enemies” of the Islamic Republic.
Finalissima between Spain and Argentina cancelled due to conflict in Iran
Sunday 15 March 2026 21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe 2026 Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, scheduled to take place in Qatar on March 27, has been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, UEFA has announced.
The match, between the respective reigning champions of Europe and South America, will not be rearranged after UEFA said the Argentinian Football Association rejected a number of alternative proposals.
They included switching the game to the Bernabeu, or a two-legged encounter with matches in Madrid and then Buenos Aires.
“It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” the European governing body said in a statement on Sunday.
“With strong determination to save the important fixture, and despite the understandable difficulties of relocating a match of such importance at extremely short notice, UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.”
Special report: Israeli strike kills 12 medics in bloody attack on Lebanon’s healthcare system
Sunday 15 March 2026 21:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn the past two weeks, Israel has pounded vast swathes of Lebanon, killing at least 850 people, according to health authorities. Health facilities are also being targeted, causing widespread casualties.
Bel Trew reports from the scene of the latest deadly strike:
‘It was like an earthquake’: Rescuers describe Israel’s attack on medical centre
Emergency oil stocks released to counter Iran war price shock
Sunday 15 March 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOver 400 million barrels of oil from the International Energy Agency's emergency reserves are set to be released, the organisation has confirmed, detailing its plan to counter a significant surge in crude prices since the onset of the Iran war.
Stocks from countries in Asia and Oceania will become available immediately, while those from Europe and the Americas are slated for release by the end of March.
The announcement came Sunday, four days after the initial agreement was reached.
You can read the full report below:
Emergency oil stocks released to counter Iran war price shock
Trump’s UN ambassador declares ‘dominant victory’ in Iran — then says Pentagon could still send in US troops
Sunday 15 March 2026 20:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe US Ambassador to the United Nations has said that the White House could still decide to deploy troops to Iran in the coming weeks even after claiming that the US had already achieved a “dominant victory” in the war.
Mike Waltz, who served as Trump’s national security adviser before he was ousted in the wake of Signalgate, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Sunday that the United States had “decimated” Iran’s military, including its naval, air and ballistic missile capabilities.
John Bowden reports:
Trump official declares ‘victory’ in Iran — then says US could still send troops
‘You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?’ How the UAE ‘safe haven’ tried to spin two weeks of drone strikes
Sunday 15 March 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDrones have crashed near Dubai airport, its harbour and the financial district. Flights have been cancelled, daily alerts warn residents to stay away from windows, and tourists are being arrested on suspicion of filming missiles.
But two weeks after the US-Iran war began, some corners of social media would have you believe it’s still business as usual in the emirate.
The Independent’s Bryony Gooch reports on how the emirate has been spinning its own story of the last fortnight:
‘You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?’ How UAE ‘safe haven’ tried to spin a war
Watch: Inside Lebanon’s destroyed south where Israel threatens ground invasion
Sunday 15 March 2026 20:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIranian missile fragment hits US consul residence building in Israel
Sunday 15 March 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA fragment of an Iranian missile struck a residential building used by the US consul in Jerusalem, Israeli media reported, although the US State Department said there were no injuries to American personnel.
A State Department spokesperson said in a statement that debris struck a residential area following the intercept of a missile.
"The United States strongly condemns Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias' attacks on diplomatic, military, and civilian infrastructure, in the region," the spokesperson added.
Sir Keir Starmer has discussed 'importance' of opening Strait of Hormuz with Trump, Downing Street says
Sunday 15 March 2026 19:39 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has discussed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz with Donald Trump and Mark Carney, according to Downing Street.
Giving a readout of the prime minister’s call with the US president, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The prime minister spoke to the president of the United States Donald Trump this evening.
“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.
“The prime minister also expressed his condolences for the American service personnel who have lost their lives during the conflict.”
In a readout of a separate call with Canadian prime minister Mr Carney, the No 10 spokesperson said: “The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the impact of the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz on international shipping.
“They agreed to discuss the ongoing conflict further in their meeting tomorrow, among other bilateral issues.”
Three more from Iranian women’s football delegation leave Australia despite being granted asylum
Sunday 15 March 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThree more members of the Iranian women’s football delegation have changed their minds and decided to leave Australia after initially being granted asylum there.
Iranian state media has gloated over their decision, describing it as a victory against “psychological warfare”, but there are mounting reports that the team has faced huge pressure from the authorities back home.
The team drew international attention when they refused to sing the Iranian national anthem during an AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournament match on 2 March, just days after US-Israeli strikes had killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Full report below:
Three more from Iran women’s football team leave Australia after being granted asylum
Israel and Lebanon expected to hold talks in coming days, Israeli officials say
Sunday 15 March 2026 19:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsrael and Lebanon are expected to hold talks in the coming days aimed at securing a durable ceasefire that will see Hezbollah disarmed, two Israeli officials said on Sunday.
Lebanon has come under heavy fire from Israeli forces over the last two weeks after Hezbollah fired at Israel in retaliation for massive US and Israeli strikes over Iran.
You can read The Independent’s Bel Trew’s dispatch from Lebanon below:
Inside Lebanon’s destroyed south: ‘There is nothing, no one left’
Pope Leo demands Middle East ceasefire after deadly Iran school attack
Sunday 15 March 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePope Leo XIV issued his most forceful demand to date for a ceasefire in the Middle East on Sunday, directly appealing to the leaders responsible for the conflict in Iran.
"On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict," he said during his weekly address.
"Cease fire so that avenues for dialogue may be reopened. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that the people are waiting for."
You can read more below:
Pope Leo demands Middle East ceasefire after deadly Iran school attack
Iran president has phone call with France's Macron, Tasnim news agency says
Sunday 15 March 2026 18:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed regional developments with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call, Iran's Tasnim news agency said on Sunday.
It comes after France’s minister of armed forces and veteran affairs, Catherine Vautrin, said Paris has no plans to send naval vessels to the waterway on Thursday.
Police made 12 arrests at Al Quds Day demonstration in London
Sunday 15 March 2026 18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Metropolitan Police said it made 12 arrests amid a protest and counter-protest during a banned Al Quds Day demonstration in London.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “We saw significantly fewer people attend than we had anticipated. The restrictions and conditions meant many people chose to stay away and not to attend the protest or counter-protest.
“This shows our decision to apply for the ban was the right one. A static protest meant it was easier for officers to keep the two groups apart and prevent serious public disorder.
“We made 12 arrests, including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour. We are also investigating chants made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest.
“As I said from the outset, the decision to ban the protest march does not set a precedent and we will continue to consider each protest on a case-by-case basis.”
Gaza's Rafah crossing will open Wednesday 'for limited movement of people,' Israel says
Sunday 15 March 2026 18:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGaza's main gateway, the Rafah crossing with Egypt that was shut at the start of the Iran war, will open on Wednesday to allow limited movement of people in both directions, Israel's COGAT, the military body in charge of humanitarian matters, said on Sunday.
The crossing had reopened in early February after being largely shut since May 2024, in the early months of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Its reopening offered some relief to Palestinians who want to leave Gaza for medical care or those who want to return after fleeing the fighting.
Iran wants 'serious review' of Arab Gulf ties, denies role in Saudi oil attacks
Sunday 15 March 2026 18:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIran's relations with Arab Gulf states will require a "serious review" in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia has said.
Asked by Reuters if he was concerned that relations would be harmed by the war, ambassador Alireza Enayati said: "It's a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbours and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review.
“What the region has witnessed over the past five decades is the result of an exclusionary approach [within the region] and an excessive reliance on external powers," he said in a written response to questions, calling for deeper ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council's six members, along with Iraq and Iran.
He also denied that Iran was responsible for the attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery on the east coast and dozens of attempted drone attacks on the Shaybah oil field in the desert near the UAE border.
Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the war on February 28, with targets including US diplomatic missions and military bases but also critical Gulf oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels and residential and office buildings.
All Gulf Arab states have been impacted, and all have condemned Iran.
Behind the scenes, analysts and regional sources say there is also growing frustration at the US, long their security guarantor, at dragging them into a war they did not endorse but for which they are paying a hefty price.
Where is Kharg Island? Tiny oil hub in Persian Gulf that could be Trump's secret weapon against Iran
Sunday 15 March 2026 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKharg Island, whose total area is just 7.7 square miles, is situated northwest of the strategically important shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite its small size, the island holds around 94 per cent of the country’s crude oil for export, mostly bound for China, and its main oil export terminal.
US administration officials said that discussions on seizing the key island have taken place, according to Axios. The land, which is smaller than the city of Westminster in London, could choke off Iran’s economy and leave a devastating impact for years to come.
WHO releases $2 million in emergency funds to Lebanon, Iraq and Syria
Sunday 15 March 2026 17:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has released $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to support the health response in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The conflict has triggered a large-scale population movement, the WHO said last week, estimating that more than 100,000 people in Iran have relocated, and up to 700,000 people in Lebanon have been internally displaced.
$1 million has been allocated to Lebanon to strengthen the WHO's emergency coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, scale up trauma care, reinforce disease surveillance, and procure and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies, the agency said in a statement.
Iraq and Syria have each been allocated $500,000 to support emergency coordination and mass-casualty management, procure and distribute essential medicines and supplies, provide health services for displaced populations, and strengthen disease surveillance and community outreach, it added.
"At a time when health services are already facing significant challenges, support is essential to sustain frontline health workers and maintain critical care services," Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean said.
Germany sceptical about expanding EU Operation Aspides in Strait of Hormuz
Sunday 15 March 2026 17:38 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGerman foreign minister Johann Wadephul has said he is sceptical about a potential widening of European Union's Aspides naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Germany’s ARD broadcaster, Mr Wadephul said that the mission to help commercial shipments pass through the Red Sea was "not effective".
"And that is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security," he added.
US-Italian base in Kuwait struck by drone, authorities say
Sunday 15 March 2026 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA US-Italian military base in Kuwait was struck by a drone on Sunday, according to Italian authorities.
In a post on X, the Italian chief of defence staff, General Luciano Portolano, wrote: “This morning, the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait, which hosts American and Italian capabilities and personnel, was the target of a drone attack that struck a shelter, inside which a remotely piloted aircraft from the Italian Task Force Air was housed and was destroyed.
“I immediately contacted Colonel Mangini to check on the conditions of the Italian personnel present at the base. At the time of the attack, all personnel were safe and were not involved. I promptly informed Defense Minister Crosetto of the incident, with whom I am in constant contact for ongoing updates on the situation of all our overseas contingents.”
US energy secretary dodges questions over soaring oil prices
Sunday 15 March 2026 17:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneDonald Trump’s energy secretary has warned that the Iran war could likely last for several more weeks and deflected a question about whether it was possible that oil prices could hit $200 a barrel.
Chris Wright appeared on several programs on Sunday as he presented the Trump administration’s domestic response to a war in Iran that despite the president’s proclamations seems far from over just yet.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Wright was questioned by moderator Kristen Welker about a prediction from Iranian officials that oil would soon reach $200 per barrel.
You can read what he had to say below:
US energy chief has dire prediction about gas prices under Trump
Charity 'appalled' by death of humanitarian worker in Iran
Sunday 15 March 2026 17:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has said it is “appalled” by the death of a humanitarian worker in Iran.
Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh, a staff member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) from Isfahan Province, was killed during a search and rescue operation in Tiran-o-Korun, Isfahan Province, on 8 March, it said.
“Hamidreza Jahanbakhsh lost his life while carrying out his humanitarian duty to assist people affected by the ongoing hostilities,” the organisation said. “The IFRC expresses its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all IRCS colleagues.
“Since the outbreak of the conflict, several other IRCS staff and volunteers have also sustained injuries while carrying out their duties.The Red Crescent emblem is a symbol of protection, humanity, neutrality, and hope. Yet too often, our volunteers and staff are killed while performing life-saving work. This is unacceptable.
“We stand in solidarity with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and all humanitarian workers providing life-saving assistance in difficult and often dangerous conditions.”
US hits back at Iran's claims it is attacking Gulf regions
Sunday 15 March 2026 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe US has hit back at Iran’s foreign minister’s claims it is striking Gulf nations with one-way missiles and blaming the attacks on Iran.
In a post on X, Centcom said: “The Iranian regime’s foreign minister claims that the United States is using one-way attack drones to attack Gulf countries and shifting the blame to Iran. LIE.”
🚫The Iranian regime’s foreign minister claims that the United States is using one-way attack drones to attack Gulf countries and shifting the blame to Iran. LIE.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2026
✅Iranian forces have launched thousands of drones AND missiles at its neighbors, indiscriminately targeting… pic.twitter.com/kr7slhdtEO
Netanyahu shares video to dispel rumours of his death
Sunday 15 March 2026 16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBenjamin Netanyahu has posted a video of himself online in an apparent bid to dispel rumours of his death.
The Israeli president has not been seen since roughly the start of the war in Iran.
But on Sunday he shared the video showing himself buying a coffee.
“They say I'm what? Watch,” he wrote alongside it.
אומרים שאני מה? צפו >> pic.twitter.com/ijHPkM3ZHZ
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 15, 2026
Araghchi says Iran 'open to talk' to countries about Strait of Hormuz
Sunday 15 March 2026 16:30 , Maira ButtIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also said in his comments today that the country is open to having discussions with others about the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently disrupting oil markets.
“We are open to countries who want to talk to us about the safe passage of their vessels,” he told NBC.
Negotiations between Iran and India had seen the safe passage of the country’s vessel through the vital waterway.
“I cannot mention any country in particular, but we have been approached by a number of countries who wants to have a safe passage for their vessels. And this is up to our military to decide, and they have already decided to let, you know, a group of vessels belongs to different countries to pass in a safe and secure.”
Three arrests made amid Al Quds Day demonstration and counter-protest in London
Sunday 15 March 2026 16:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThree arrests have been made amid a protest and counter-protest for Al Quds Day, police said.
Al Quds Day demonstrators chanted “from the river to the sea” and held pictures of the late leader of Iran at a static protest in London on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Police said they were “aware of chanting made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest and will be investigating”.
Scotland Yard had braced for a “difficult public order” environment, with at least 1,000 officers drafted in to manage the crowd.
In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers have made three arrests, one for showing support for a proscribed organisation, one for dangerous driving and a third for threatening and abusive behaviour.”
The force added: “We are aware of chanting made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest and will be investigating.
“We recognise the concern footage and chanting like this causes, particularly with London’s Jewish communities.
“When this language had been used previously we sought advice from the CPS who determined that there would be insufficient evidence to take a case forward.”
Oil from emergency reserves will start flowing soon, says IEA
Sunday 15 March 2026 16:10 , Maira ButtOver 400 million barrels of oil from the emergency reserves of the International Energy Agency are to flow into global markets soon, the agency said in a statement on Sunday.
Governments have committed to make available 271.7 million barrels of oil from government stocks, 116.6 million barrels from obligated industry stocks and 23.6 million barrels from other sources, the statement said.
It added that 72 per cent of planned releases are in the form of crude oil and 28 per cent are oil products.
Stocks from Asia Oceania countries will be available immediately and stocks from Europe and the Americas will be available at the end of March.
Alabama airman killed in Iraq crash leaves behind 7-month-old twins and 2-year-old son, widow says: ‘Our world shattered’
Sunday 15 March 2026 15:50 , Maira ButtThe widow of an Alabama airman killed when a U.S. refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq last week says her family’s “world shattered” after learning he was aboard the doomed aircraft.
Major Alex Klinner, 33, left behind 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son when the KC-135 Stratotanker he and five other crew members were aboard Thursday to support the U.S. war against Iran crashed, his brother-in-law James Harrill told the Associated Press.
“On March 12, our world shattered,” his wife, Libby, wrote on Instagram. “I’m devastated to lose the best person I know, the person that made everything more fun, my best friend.”
Alabama airman killed in Iraq crash had 7-month-old twins and 2-year-old son
Iran says it is fighting 'war of self defence'
Sunday 15 March 2026 15:50 , Maira ButtIranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said that he sees no point in negotiating with the US and said his country is fighting a war of “self-defence”.
“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us, and that was for the second time,” Araghchi told CBS News.
“This is a war of choice by President Trump and the United States, and we are going to continue our self-defence.”
Watch: Chris Wright says he thinks Iran conflict 'will end in next few weeks'
Sunday 15 March 2026 15:30 , Maira ButtIran ready to fight 'as long as it takes', denies asking US for ceasefire
Sunday 15 March 2026 15:08 , Maira ButtIran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a defiant message after President Donald Trump claimed that the Islamic Republic had been pleading for a deal.
”We never asked for a cease fire, and we have never asked even for negotiation,” he told CBS News.
“We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes. And this is what we have done so far, and we continue to do that until President Trump comes to the point that this is an illegal war with no victory.”
He also appeared to refer to Trump’s comments about striking Kharg Island “just for fun”.
“And you know, there are people being killed only because President Trump wants to have fun.”
Israel to 'widen scope of strikes'
Sunday 15 March 2026 14:53 , Maira ButtIsrael is to widen the scope of strikes against Iran, the military has said in a new update.
Several central command centres of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are said to have been damaged as well as several command centres associated with the Basij unit of the country’s security forces.
“The IDF is expanding in these days the scope of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in additional areas in western and central Iran, with the aim of broadly and systematically impairing the regime's command and control capabilities,” it wrote in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
“The completed strikes are part of the phase of deepening the damage to the core arrays of the Iranian terror regime and its foundations.”
US Central Command releases new footage of strikes on Iranian targets
Sunday 15 March 2026 14:45 , Maira ButtThe US Central Command has shared new footage of strikes on Iranian targets on Sunday.
“Iranian combat power declines, as US dominance builds over vast swaths of Iran,” it wrote in a caption to the video.
Iranian combat power declines, as U.S. dominance builds over vast swaths of Iran. pic.twitter.com/LrYe5PVMj1
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2026
Five arrested in Bahrain accused of passing information to Iran
Sunday 15 March 2026 14:37 , Maira ButtFive people in Bahrain have been arrested for allegedly collecting and passing on “precise and sensitive information” to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
They were also arrested for “recruiting terrorist elements” in order to carry out plots against Bahrain, the country’s ministry of the interior confirmed on Sunday.
A sixth individual is on the run.
Operations resume at major oil UAE port after strikes
Sunday 15 March 2026 14:25 , Maira ButtOil loading operations at the Fujairah port have now resumed, several sources familiar with the situation told Bloomberg.
Earlier on Saturday, a fire broke out at the Fujairah port in the UAE, which had been targeted in an Iranian drone strike, forcing the facility to suspend part of its operations. It is one of the Middle East’s largest oil storage hubs, heightening concerns over already-surging oil prices.
The Fujairah media office said the blaze was sparked by debris from a drone intercepted by air defences and that no injuries were reported.
Death toll rises to 850 in Lebanon, say health authorities
Sunday 15 March 2026 14:16 , Maira ButtLebanese authorities have reported that the death toll in Lebanon has climbed to 850 following Israeli attacks in the south of the country and on its capital Beirut.
Israel issued evacuation orders for several neighbourhoods and said it civilians would be at risk if they did not move.
Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the warning applies especially to residents of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Lilaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir and Chiyah.
Adraee warned that Israel will not hesitate to target “anyone found in the vicinity of Hezbollah operatives”.
“You are putting yourselves and your lives at risk... evacuate the area immediately,” he writes on X.
US energy secretary says Iran war will end 'in weeks' and oil prices will bounce back
Sunday 15 March 2026 13:54 , Maira ButtUS energy secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday that he expects the war with Iran to end within “the next few weeks,” with oil supplies rebounding and energy costs declining afterwards.
“I think that this conflict will certainly come to the end in the next few weeks - could be sooner than that. But the conflict will come to the end in the next few weeks, and we'll see a rebound in supplies and a pushing down in prices after that,” Wright told ABC's This Week program.
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