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.
One person has died after a fire broke out in two vehicles near Israel’s northern Galilee, the Israeli emergency service reported on Sunday.
The incident follows projectile strikes from Lebanon toward a community along the northern border, according to the Israeli military.
Damage and injuries were reported, though details on casualties remain limited.
The Israeli military has confirmed a projectile was launched from Lebanon toward a community along Israel’s northern border. Authorities reported damage to property and wounded civilians or personnel, though casualty details have not yet been fully released.
The military said the launch was immediately identified, and emergency response teams were deployed to the affected area. Residents in northern Israel were reportedly put on alert as the situation unfolded.
Iran has said it is ready to work with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.
Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the UN maritime agency, said the Strait of Hormuz remained open to shipping, but excluded vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies”. He added that passage could be coordinated with Tehran on security and safety arrangements.
“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority,” Mousavi said, adding that a complete cessation of aggression and the building of mutual trust were essential.
He also blamed Israeli and U.S. attacks for 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.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 22 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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.
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.
The trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially become the most-watched trailer of all time, racking up 718.6 million views in its first 24 hours and surpassing the previous record set by Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.
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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