Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that Iran's security chief Ali Larijani was killed in targeted strikes on the country.
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced it has confiscated hundreds of Starlink satellite internet systems, claiming they were smuggled into the country by the U.S. and Israel, according to Tasnim News Agency.
The ministry said it will continue to track down all illicit Starlink terminals, labeling their use a crime punishable with the severest wartime penalties, particularly for anyone “connected to or acting on behalf of the enemy.”
Oil tankers are starting to move through the Strait of Hormuz, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNBC, calling the flow a “dribble.”
He said the Trump administration expects the Iran conflict to last weeks, not months.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Russia is benefiting from the ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran tensions, warning that the conflict could indirectly strengthen Moscow’s war effort.
Speaking to journalists in Germany after a closed-door meeting with his Greek counterpart, Giorgos Gerapetritis, on Tuesday, Wadephul called for de-escalation in the Middle East but stressed that the war in Ukraine remains a top security priority.
He said, "We must not forget that the situation in Ukraine remains our absolute security priority. Russia is a beneficiary of the current crisis. Russia is benefiting from higher oil and gas prices, which are filling its war coffers."
Wadephul warned that increased revenues could enable Russia to sustain its military campaign, which he said shows no signs of ending.
He also raised concerns about maritime security, noting that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is not guaranteed. He added that Europe needs to work closely with partners and also stressed that if the U.S. military cannot secure the strategic waterway, Europe would struggle to do so.
Iraeli air strikes on residential buildings in Lebanon have raised concerns under international law, the U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters: “Israeli air strikes have destroyed entire residential buildings in dense urban environments, with multiple members of the same family, including women and children, often killed together.”
He added: “Such attacks raise concerns under international humanitarian law.”
Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has denied reports that the country’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is receiving medical treatment in Moscow, TASS news agency reported on Tuesday.
The claims were published over the weekend by Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, which said the 56-year-old had been moved to Russia following a U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed his father, allegedly at the personal invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin has declined to comment on the report.
India has denied holding any discussions with Iran over the release of three vessels, a spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Iran has called on the international community to condemn U.S. and Israeli attacks, linking them to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that such disruptions “cannot be addressed independently of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran,” according to his Telegram account.
Araqchi also urged states and institutions responsible for global peace and security to speak out against the attacks, highlighting Tehran’s demand for international action.
The war in Iran could push an additional 45 million people into acute hunger by June, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.
Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau said rising food, oil, and shipping costs mean the global total of people facing severe hunger could exceed the current record of 319 million.
“The situation is extremely concerning. The conflict in Iran has global consequences for food security,” Skau added.
Israel’s Minister of Defence, Israel Katz, says Ali Larijani, Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary, has been killed.
In a statement, Katz says he was just informed of the top Iranian security official's death following Israeli strikes overnight.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the expanding military operations in Lebanon. Türkiye has called for an immediate de-escalation of attacks by Israel.
"Israel intends to drag Lebanon once again to a humanitarian disaster and lasting political instability," Fidan said in a statement to journalists on Monday. He urged the international community to act without delay in the face of the "war crimes Israel continues to commit."
Lebanon was pulled into the conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran two weeks ago when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader in February 2026 by a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike in Tehran on February 28. Israel has justified its attacks on Lebanon as a necessary response to those strikes, which effectively ended a 2024 ceasefire agreement.
According to a report by the BBC, at least 886 people, including 111 children, have been killed since Israel launched its offensive on March 2. One million others have been displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.
Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek has raised concerns over the impact of the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran war on the global economy, warning of a potential recession if the conflict continues to destabilise critical energy corridors.
Speaking on Türkiye's Akit TV on Monday night, Şimşek stressed that the war, which occurs in one of the world's most critical energy and trade corridors, is taking a toll on the global economy as crude oil prices reach record highs.
He noted that the region supplies nearly 20% of global oil, and any sustained supply chain disruption could have dire consequences for world economies. He explained that, "If oil price hikes remain permanent, they could negatively impact global inflation significantly."
According to the Minister, Brent crude prices have surged more than 40% compared to their pre-war closing levels. Natural gas prices in Europe have jumped over 56%, while jet fuel costs have increased by more than 80%. Şimşek emphasised that a prolonged war brings risks of global inflation, tighter financial conditions, and potential recession.
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Israel's military has targeted Iran's security chief Ali Larijani, four Israeli officials said, adding that it was not immediately clear whether he was killed or injured.
Larijani was one of the targets of strikes carried out by the Israeli military last night across Iran, the officials told Reuters.
Iran has not yet commented on the report.
If his death is confirmed, he would be the most senior Iranian official to be killed after the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died on the first day of the war.
Larijani, a former nuclear negotiator and a close ally of Khamenei, was seen in Tehran on Friday taking part in Quds Day rallies.
Later that day, the U.S. offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, as part of a list of 10 figures linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Multiple Israeli media outlets also said the strikes targeted Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the Basij Resistance Force and other senior Basij figures, with the outcome of the strikes still being assessed.
Middle East crude oil and the cost of purchasing an insurance policy have reached record highs recently. The crude from this region has now become the most expensive in the world, with insurers benchmarking prices as high as 5% of the value of the vessel as a price tag. This price increase has been attributed by stakeholders in the industry to the conflict in the region. The volatility, especially within the Strait of Hormuz, which provides passage for about one-fifth of the world's crude oil, is responsible for this.
For insurance, a vessel worth about $100m will be looking at an insurance policy of about $5m. Businesses buying this crude oil will now have to pay this much, especially if the vessel will be navigating through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a report by Reuters, Cash Dubai was assessed at a record $153.25 per barrel on Monday for May-loading cargoes, surpassing Brent futures’ LCOc1 all-time high of $147.50 in 2008, while Oman crude futures hit a record of $147.79 a barrel.
While Middle East crude exports to Asia fell to 11.665 million barrels per day this month, down from nearly 19 million per day in February before the war started and about 32 per cent lower than in March 2025.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has announced a $20 billion reinsurance programme to help revive shipping through the Hormuz Strait. President Trump’s push to help secure the waterway has not been met with enthusiasm from allies.
Missiles were seen streaking across the night sky over Jerusalem and Bethlehem on Tuesday, March 17, as Iran continues their barrage of missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Tehran has continued retaliatory attacks following strikes by the United States and Israel. Israeli air defence systems, the Iron Dome, have been activated to intercept the barrage of incoming missiles from Iran.
Hostilities in the region have escalated since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28. The attack targeted and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has now been replaced by his son Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
Thailand's foreign minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, confirmed that Thailand is actively pursuing new energy partnerships, most notably with Russia, to safeguard the nation's fuel security as conflict in the Middle East destabilises energy supply routes.
While the minister said Thailand can sustain fuel supply from reserves for a 95-to-100-day period, he emphasised that the government is moving to diversify its sources to mitigate the high uncertainty of ongoing regional fighting.
Minister Sihasak revealed that Russia has already expressed readiness to sell oil to Thailand, marking a significant potential shift in the kingdom's energy procurement strategy.
This move comes as the United States relaxes certain sanctions on oil-bearing vessels, easing the path for Thailand to engage with a broader range of suppliers, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan.
A man from Pakistan has died after sharpnel fell to the ground during a ballistic missile interception in Abu Dhabi, the emirate's media office said in a post on X. The man was struck in the Bani Yas area on the western edge of the city.
Speaking to the Financial Times, IMO chief Arsenio Dominguez said naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz will not "100 percent guarantee" the safety of ships attempting to transit the waterway.
Military assistance was "not a long-term or sustainable solution" to opening up the strait, he added.
His remarks come as the U.S. pushes to form a coalition of countries to help ships safely sail through the waterway.
The blaze was caused by falling debris after a missile was destroyed, Qatar's Minister of Interior said in a post on X. The nation's Civil Defense force are battling the fire.
Iran's Football Federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said on Monday.
Iran's Sports Minister said last week it was not possible for Iranian players to participate in the tournament after the U.S. launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran. President Trump reacting to the decision, said it was 'not appropriate' for the Iranian team to participate in the World Cup for their own life and safety.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had also said last week that Trum told him the Iranian team would be welcomed in the United States.
Marco Rubio told his South Korean counterpart that coordination between nations to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz was more important than ever in a conversation on Monday (17 March).
Seoul's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun later declined to say whether Washington had asked South Korea to deploy a naval ship to the strait, despite intense questioning by members of parliament, some of whom suggested such a move could breach domestic laws.
"The question of how we're going to respond to an ally's demand is a very important one," Cho said. "As we make a decision, I assure you we will act according to the constitution and the law," he told a parliament committee hearing.
Donald Trump was warned that launching strikes on Iran could result in Gulf allies, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, being targeted by Tehran, a U.S. official and two sources with U.S. intelligence reports told Reuters on Monday (16 March).
The President said twice on Monday that Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait were a surprise, the first time at a Kennedy Center board meeting in the White House.
"They (Iran) weren’t supposed to go after all these other countries in the Middle East," he said. "Nobody expected that. We were shocked," he said.
A tanker has been struck by a projectile while at anchor east of the UAE's city of Fujairah, according to the UK Royal Navy's maritime security authority. No crew sustained injuries and only minor structural damage was reported, UK Maritime Trade Operations said. There was no environmental impact reported.
Multiple rockets and at least five drones were fired at the U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital, according to Iraqi security sources.
A witness told Reuters that one of the drones struck inside the embassy compound, from which fire and smoke could be seen to be rising. A further two drones were shot down by a C-Ram air defence system, the witness added.
Iranian backed militias have been attacking Washington's interests in Iraq in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iran which began on February 28.
Iraqi security forces have been deployed across parts of the capital and have closed Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and diplomatic missions including the U.S. Embassy.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that Iran's security chief Ali Larijani was killed in ta...
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the country’s military killed two of Iran’s most senior security figu...
Kazakhstan’Kazakhstan’s lower house has approved plans for a green energy corridor with Azerbaijan and Uz...
Chile’s newly inaugurated president, José Antonio Kast, has taken his first major step on immigration, launching plans fo...
When the current confrontation around Iran eventually fades into history, the real story for the South Caucasus may n...
The real power of the Strait of Hormuz lies not in closing it, but in the threat of closure.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the country’s military killed two of Iran’s most senior security figures in overnight airstrikes, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
Kazakhstan’Kazakhstan’s lower house has approved plans for a green energy corridor with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Once implemented, the project would see renewable electricity generated in the two Central Asian countries transmitted to Europe via Azerbaijan.
Chile’s newly inaugurated president, José Antonio Kast, has taken his first major step on immigration, launching plans for a fortified barrier along the country’s northern border just days after entering office.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that Iran's security chief Ali Larijani was killed in targeted strikes on the country.
Kazakhstan’Kazakhstan’s lower house has approved plans for a green energy corridor with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Once implemented, the project would see renewable electricity generated in the two Central Asian countries transmitted to Europe via Azerbaijan.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the country’s military killed two of Iran’s most senior security figures in overnight airstrikes, as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
When the current confrontation around Iran eventually fades into history, the real story for the South Caucasus may not be about missiles or military balances. It is likely to be about ports, railways and trade routes.
The European Union will send a team to Armenia to counter democratic threats ahead of its parliamentary elections in June.
Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of killing at least 400 people and injuring 250 others in an air strike on a drug treatment centre in Kabul on Monday night (16 March).
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