US‑Israel war with Iran Day 17: Trump urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz, Dubai flights suspended

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.

"This activity is part of broader defencive efforts to establish and strengthen a forward defensive posture, which includes the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists operating in the area, in order to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel," it said.

"Prior to the troops' entry into the area, the IDF conducted strikes using both artillery and the Israeli Air Force", it added.

Britain is sending 5 million pounds ($6.6 million) to humanitarian organisations in Lebanon.

The funds are intended to help provide food, water and shelter for some of the more than 800,000 people displaced by Israel’s offensive against the militant group Hezbollah.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says she is “gravely concerned about the developing conflict in Lebanon and the scale of the humanitarian impact.”

Cooper says the UK is working with European allies and the U.S. to prevent the conflict from escalating.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, has praised the country’s resilience, saying recent attacks would not undermine national unity or stability.

In a post on X, Gargash said he was not surprised by the UAE’s steadfastness, citing the strength of its leadership, the loyalty of its people and the support of residents.

He said that Iranian aggression would not break the country, adding that life continues as normal after each incident, reflecting the UAE’s focus on progress and development.

Gargash added that the country would continue to move forward, defending its security and reinforcing the UAE’s model of stability and achievement.

The US government is closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, urging American citizens to stay informed and make safety decisions. Those wishing to leave the region can access assistance and updated departure information from the US government.

Commercial flights are currently available via Middle East Airlines from Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport. Americans are advised to consider these flights if they believe it is safe to travel. US officials emphasise that the safety and security of citizens remains the highest priority.

Dubai-based carrier flydubai will gradually resume flight operations with a reduced schedule starting Monday, March 16, following a temporary Monday morning suspension that disrupted several services.

The airline said some scheduled flights have been affected by the earlier halt in operations and passengers will be notified if their flights have been cancelled or rescheduled.

Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport unless they have confirmation that their flight is operating.

Oman Air says its flights continue to operate as normal with additional services across its network, but regional airspace closures have forced the carrier to suspend routes to nine destinations.

Flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, and Khasab are cancelled until March 31, 2026.

Passengers on affected routes are advised to contact the airline for rebooking assistance and to check for updates via official channels.

Dubai Police have confirmed that traffic has resumed across most areas of the city following earlier closures.

Drivers should note, however, that Airport Road remains closed for vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection heading towards Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

A fire broke out at a petroleum industries site in the Emirate of Fujairah following a drone attack, according to an official statement issued by the Fujairah Government Media Office. 

Specialised emergency teams confirmed that the incident resulted in a limited fire at the facility, with no injuries reported. 

Dubai Police have confirmed that traffic on Airport Road has returned to normal following an earlier closure that caused significant disruption.

The closure affected vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Al Khawaneej, as well as traffic from the Marrakech Street intersection heading toward Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.

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.

Qatar Airways has announced the continuation of the temporary suspension of most flights, while operating a limited number of services between March 18 and March 28, 2026.

The airline said the decision comes as part of ongoing operational adjustments, with select flights continuing during the period to maintain essential connectivity.

Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with the airline and stay updated through official channels for any changes to schedules or travel plans

The Philippine peso weakened to a record low against the UAE dirham on Monday morning, trading at 16.24 per Dh1 around 9.45am. The slide comes amid global market volatility and rising oil prices that are putting pressure on fuel-importing economies. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it intervened in currency markets after the peso approached the key 60-per-dollar level.

Brent crude oil is trading near the $105 per barrel level on Monday.

A barrel of Brent, the international standard, was up 1.6% at $104.73, dipping slightly after opening above $106 per barrel. It’s up more than 40% since the war began.

Share prices in Asia were mixed and US futures advanced.

The official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that three drones were intercepted and destroyed over the Riyadh and Eastern regions of Saudi Arabia.

Authorities said the air defence systems successfully neutralised the threats, with operations ongoing to ensure public safety.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has announced the gradual resumption of flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following a temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules before travelling.

Emirates said it expects to operate a "limited schedule after 10 am Dubai local time today (Monday, March 16)," it said in an update.

Unfortunately, some flights on today’s schedule have been cancelled, said the airline.

"Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options. We apologise for the inconvenience caused," it said.

Aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump said he is in talks with “about seven” countries to help “police” the Strait of Hormuz, according to the BBC. He added it “will be interesting to see” which nations step up to support what he described as a “very small endeavour.”

The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that 12 drones were intercepted and destroyed over the country’s eastern region, the SPA reported.

Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Residents and the public are advised to remain in safe locations and follow official channels for warnings and updates.

Authorities emphasise the importance of staying alert and adhering to safety instructions until the situation is resolved.

All Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice. The airline is working closely with relevant authorities to assess the situation and ensure the safe resumption of operations.

Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport and to check Emirates travel updates for the latest information.

Amid ongoing regional tensions, UAE authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents and travellers. Flights and traffic around Dubai are affected, while leaders call for de-escalation and efforts continue to support UAE residents abroad.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government “has not heard anything” from Washington about US President Donald Trump’s calls for countries including Japan to send ships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi told a parliamentary session that officials have been discussing everything Japan can do to protect Japanese ships in the region within its legal limitations “regardless of a US request.”

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said he has no plans to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz under the current safety conditions.

“What we can technically do and whether we should do it under the current circumstances is a different story,” he said.

Iran's foreign minister said on Monday that 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.

“We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed talks on Friday.

Trump said his supporters in south Florida are eager to see change after decades of animosity.

He has been talking about the island since January, when the U.S. military ousted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to the U.S. to face drug charges.

Before that, Venezuela had long supported Cuba financially.

“I think we will pretty soon either make a deal, or do whatever we have to do,” Trump said.

Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the US president said at the weekend that forces struck military targets on Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the Gulf that handles almost all of Iran's oil exports.

He also warned attacks could expand to energy infrastructure if the Islamic republic interferes with transit through Hormuz, which has been effectively closed since the US-Israel operations began on February 28.

Iran's Fars news agency reported soon after that no oil infrastructure was damaged in strikes.

The Al Garhoud Bridge towards Casablanca Street is temporarily closed. Motorists are advised to take alternative routes and follow traffic instructions.

Dubai Airports has announced that some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) are being diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) due to ongoing operational disruptions. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight information.

Dubai Police have temporarily closed Airport Street and Airport Tunnel. Drivers are advised to take alternative routes and stay updated for real-time traffic information.

Bahrain’s air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 125 ballistic missiles and 212 drones targeting the Kingdom since the start of the Iranian aggression, the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) said.

In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the BDF General Command said the attacks on civilian areas and private property represent a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence announced the interception and destruction of seven drones in the Eastern Province. Major General Turki bin Saleh Al Maliki, the ministry’s official spokesperson, confirmed the operation via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Saudi Ministry of Defence announced the interception and destruction of seven drones in the Eastern Province. Major General Turki bin Saleh Al Maliki, the ministry’s official spokesperson, confirmed the operation via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

US President Donald Trump said Sunday 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, without detailing the nature of such talks, when asked if there was any diplomacy under way 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 said he was not sure he wanted to make a deal to end the war "because first of all nobody even knows who you're dealing with, because most of their leadership has been killed."

The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) said it intercepted and downed two drones within its areas of responsibility over the past 24 hours.

In a statement Monday, KNG spokesperson Brigadier General Dr. Jadaan Fadhel said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and protect strategic sites.

He added that the National Guard is coordinating closely with the Kuwait Army, Ministry of Interior and Kuwait Fire Force, with all forces maintaining high readiness to address potential threats.

All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended, with passengers advised not to travel to the airport until further notice.

Dubai-based carrier Emirates said it will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has announced the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Authorities advised travellers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and travel plans.

Further updates will be issued through official channels as soon as more information becomes available.

Dubai Civil Defence teams have successfully contained a fire that broke out after a drone strike affected one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB). Authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported.

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a telephone call from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, during which they discussed regional developments amid escalating military actions and their grave threats to regional and global security and stability.

The call also addressed the continued and blatant Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region, noting their violation of sovereign rights of these countries and international norms.

Both sides stressed the need for the immediate cessation of military escalation, which poses a threat to stability and security in the region and the world at large, underscoring the importance of prioritising serious dialogue and diplomatic means in addressing the issues of the region in a manner that preserves regional security and peace.

Civil Defence teams continue their efforts to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far.

Civil Defence teams continue their efforts to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from His Excellency Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, during which they discussed developments in the region and their serious repercussions on its security and stability, in addition to the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several brotherly countries in the region.

MANAMA: The Kingdom of Bahrain announced that the air defence systems of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) intercepted and destroyed 125 ballistic missiles and 212 drones that targeted the Kingdom since the start of the Iranian aggression.

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that RAF jets continued air defence patrols to protect British interests and allies across Qatar, Cyprus, the UAE, and Bahrain. A British counter-drone unit simultaneously shot down multiple Iranian drones following strikes on coalition bases in the region. The operations form part of Britain’s strictly defensive role in the 2026 Iran conflict.

Day 16: Trump calls for allies on Strait of Hormuz security

Day 15: Trump threatens Iran’s oil infrastructure after US bombs Kharg

Day 14: Trump vows intense strikes against Iran in coming days

Day 13: US refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Day 12: Donald Trump says Iran near point of defeat

Day 11: US says today will be the 'most intense' of attacks

Day 10: UAE intercepts 15 missiles and 119 drones

Day 9: Gulf nations face fresh attacks

Day 8: US forces hit Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains

Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump

Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled

Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure

Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate

Day 3: Trump lists 'clear' Iran war objectives

Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations

Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed