U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, saying American forces could strike Iranian power plants if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Israel has also signalled it will step up military action in the region, raising fears of a wider escalation.
Iran has said it is ready to work with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Sunday.
Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the UN maritime agency, said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping, except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies,” and that passage is possible through coordination with Tehran on security and safety arrangements.
“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority,” Mousavi added, noting that a complete cessation of aggression and the building of mutual trust are key, while accusing Israeli and U.S. attacks of being at the root of tensions in the strait.
Japan may consider deploying military minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is reached in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said.
Speaking on Fuji TV, Motegi emphasised that the scenario is hypothetical, adding that Japan currently has no plans to escort stranded vessels.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring safe passage for all shipping through the strategic waterway, which carries around a fifth of the world’s oil.
"If there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like minesweeping could come up," Motegi said during a Fuji TV programme.
"This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire were established and naval mines were creating an obstacle, then I think that would be something to consider."
The Saudi Defence Ministry has reported that three missiles were launched toward Riyadh. One missile was successfully intercepted, while the other two fell in uninhabited areas, causing no reported casualties.
Authorities said they were monitoring the situation.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry has reported that a helicopter crashed in regional waters early on Sunday following a technical malfunction during routine duty.
Search operations are under way for crew and passengers. No further details have been released.
An unknown projectile struck a vessel 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported early on Sunday.
All crew members were reported safe. The incident comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the Gulf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is determined to continue striking “our enemies” on all fronts, amid ongoing regional tensions.
Speaking on Saturday, Netanyahu emphasised the country’s commitment to national security and military operations, signalling that Israel will maintain its offensive posture in response to perceived threats.
Saudi Arabia has declared Iran’s military attache and four embassy staff persona non grata, ordering them to leave within 24 hours, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
Riyadh cited continued Iranian attacks on its territory as the reason, warning that further aggression could have "significant consequences".
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was aware of reports that a projectile struck Dimona in southern Israel on Saturday.
The agency said there were no indications of damage to the Negev nuclear research centre, and no abnormal radiation levels had been reported.
Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, warning that the U.S. will strike Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
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A British nuclear-powered submarine armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles has reportedly taken up position in the Arabian Sea, the Daily Mail reported on Saturday (21 March). The deployment gives the UK the ability to carry out long-range strikes if tensions in the Gulf escalate.
Robert Mueller, the former special counsel whose investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election shaped much of Donald Trump’s presidency, has died at the age of 81.
Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday (22 March) in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Janša.
Iceland could reopen talks on joining the European Union after a 13-year pause, as shifting security concerns and renewed economic debate bring EU membership back to the centre of national politics.
Israel reportedly launched a fresh wave of attacks on Iran on Friday (20 March), a day after U.S. President Donald Trump told it not to repeat its strikes on Iranian natural gas infrastructure, which sharply escalated the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Carlos Ray “Chuck” Norris, the martial artist, actor and cultural icon best known for his roles in action films and the long-running CBS series Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at the age of 86.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. was considering "winding down" its military operation against Iran, as Iran and Israel traded attacks on Saturday (21 March) and Iranian media said the nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz had been attacked.
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Slovenia heads to the polls on Sunday (22 March) in a closely contested race between incumbent Prime Minister Robert Golob and right-wing former Prime Minister Janez Janša.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. was considering "winding down" its military operation against Iran, as Iran and Israel traded attacks on Saturday (21 March) and Iranian media said the nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz had been attacked.
The U.S. President’s Board of Peace has presented Hamas with a written proposal on disarmament, two sources said, a step the group has so far refused as Washington presses ahead with its plan for Gaza’s future.
Uzbekistan has outlined plans to select its first astronaut and launch two Earth observation satellites, as it steps up efforts to build a national space programme and strengthen its scientific and technological capacity.
Israel launched strikes on Tehran and Beirut on Saturday (21 March) as the United States deployed thousands of additional Marines to the Middle East, while President Donald Trump criticised NATO allies as "cowards" over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz.
The Trump administration has waived sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days on Friday (20 March) in its latest attempt to ease oil prices that have been driven up by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
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