The war that began on February 28 has now spilled across airspace, sea routes and energy hubs, with fresh strikes and political pressure reshaping the conflict’s next phase. The area continues to be tense, with drone strikes in Baghdad and missile firings throughout the Gulf.
Even as fighting continues, Washington appears to be balancing military action with economic caution. Oil routes are slowly reopening, but attacks on critical infrastructure and diplomatic sites underline how fragile the situation remains.
Top pdates: Middle East tensions | March 17
Trump says US don't need NATO allies' assistance in Iran war
In the Truth Social post, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said, “Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer “need,” or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea. In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!”
'EAM discussed the need for dialogue to end Middle East conflict,' MEA says
Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Brussels at the invitation of EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas.
Jaiswal, while addressing the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, said that the leaders underlined the need for dialogue to bring an end to the crisis.
"Our External Affairs Minister visited Brussels. He was invited by the EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas, to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. At the meeting, apart from discussing India-EU ties, he and other ministers of the European Union, foreign ministers of the various countries of the EU, discussed global challenges, particularly the situation in West Asia, including its effects on energy security. The ministers also underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy to be drafted to bring an early end to this particular conflict," he said.
Top Iranian security official targeted in Israeli airstrike, fate unclear
Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, was targeted in an overnight Israeli strike, reported The Times of Israel. It is not yet clear if he was killed or injured. Israeli military officials said “significant elimination achievements” were recorded in the latest round of strikes.
Iraq oil field attacked as strikes spread to energy infrastructure
The Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq was targeted amid the escalation, ANI reported. The attack adds to growing concerns over repeated hits on energy facilities across the region.
Drones, rockets hit Baghdad’s Green Zone, embassy area targeted again
Multiple drones and rockets targeted the US Embassy zone and nearby sites, ANI reported citing CNN and Al Jazeera. Air defences intercepted several threats, while a drone struck a hotel without casualties. Fresh blasts were also reported near Baghdad airport.
Air raid kills four in Baghdad as explosions rock capital
At least four people were killed in a strike on a building linked to an Iran-backed group in Baghdad, ANI reported citing Al Jazeera. Explosions were heard near the US Embassy, with fires and smoke seen rising from the area.
Israel plans weeks-long operations, claims major damage to Iran’s capabilities
Israeli military officials said the campaign could continue for at least three more weeks, ANI reported. They claimed significant damage to Iran’s missile production and said around 70% of launchers have been disabled. The focus is now on dismantling Iran’s wider military infrastructure.
Israel strikes Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz; targets missile and defence sites
Israel said it carried out fresh strikes across Iran, hitting command centres and missile storage sites in Tehran, ANI reported. Additional targets in Shiraz and Tabriz included air defence systems and internal security facilities. The IDF said operations are expanding, with “thousands of targets” still ahead.
Qatar intercepts missiles, reports limited fire from debris
Qatar said it intercepted most of the 14 ballistic missiles and several drones launched towards its territory, ANI reported. One missile fell in an uninhabited area, while debris caused a small fire in an industrial zone. No injuries were reported.
Kuwait downs drone, condemns attacks on Gulf nations
Kuwaiti forces intercepted a drone as part of heightened security measures, ANI reported. The country also condemned strikes targeting the UAE, calling them a serious violation of international norms and warning of wider escalation risks.
Tanker hit near Fujairah, no injuries reported
A vessel anchored near Fujairah was struck by an “unknown projectile”, ANI reported citing UKMTO. The ship sustained minor damage but remained stable, with no injuries or environmental impact. Ships in the region have been advised to move cautiously.
UAE air defences intercept missiles, drones from Iran
The UAE said its air defence systems are actively engaging incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran, ANI reported. Loud blasts heard across the region were due to interceptions. Authorities said emergency teams remain on alert amid continuing aerial threats.
Drones, rockets target US Embassy zone in Baghdad again
Multiple drones and rockets were fired towards the US Embassy area in Baghdad, ANI reported citing CNN and Al Jazeera. Iraqi air defences intercepted several threats, while one drone hit the Al-Rasheed Hotel without casualties. Explosions were seen close to the embassy compound.
Moscow urges ceasefire, pushes for diplomatic solution
Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, Russia said the conflict must shift to a political track, ANI reported. It warned that continued strikes on infrastructure could worsen humanitarian conditions and said it is ready to support efforts for a long-term settlement.
Russia blames US and Israel for ‘spiral of violence’
Russia has accused the US and Israel of triggering an “unprecedented spiral of violence” in the Middle East, ANI reported. Moscow said civilian casualties are rising and warned that the Strait of Hormuz is now effectively paralysed, with global economic fallout already visible.
UAE, Saudi leaders call for immediate de-escalation
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the worsening situation, warning it poses “grave threats” to regional and global security, ANI reported. Both leaders stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation and called for dialogue.
Saudi Arabia intercepts multiple drones in eastern region
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed several unmanned aerial vehicles in the kingdom’s east, ANI reported. In a separate operation earlier, six drones were also intercepted and neutralised.
Iran warns of ‘deadly retaliation’ after naval losses
Iran’s navy chief vowed strong retaliation after sailors were killed near Sri Lanka, ANI reported. Officials described the incident as a “war crime” and warned of strikes “where it least expects”.
Iran launches fresh wave of strikes under ‘Operation True Promise 4’
Iran’s IRGC said it carried out new missile and drone strikes targeting US-linked bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, ANI reported citing Press TV. The operation aimed at disrupting command systems and military coordination.
Drone strike sparks fire at Fujairah oil facility
A drone attack triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, with emergency teams working to contain the blaze, ANI reported. Authorities confirmed no casualties, even as concerns grow over attacks on key energy infrastructure.
Trump delays China visit, says war could end soon
US President Trump said the conflict may conclude “soon” but postponed a planned visit to China to remain in Washington. He said the decision was necessary given the ongoing military situation.
US Democrats demand answers on Iran war strategy
House Democrats have asked senior officials to testify on the decisions that led to the conflict, questioning the lack of transparency, IANS reported. Lawmakers said Congress must understand the diplomatic process and planning behind the military action.
JD Vance backs strikes, says US must act
US Vice President JD Vance defended the military campaign, saying the US action was necessary to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, IANS reported. He urged political unity and said he trusted President Trump to avoid past mistakes in foreign interventions.
Allies push back against Trump’s Hormuz plan
Key US allies have resisted calls to join efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Germany rejected the idea outright, while Japan and Australia signalled reluctance. European leaders said they do not want to be drawn deeper into the conflict.
Trump criticises allies for not backing US efforts
US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over limited support from allies, saying countries dependent on Gulf oil “should be helping us”. He pointed to China, Japan, and South Korea as major beneficiaries of the route. Trump said some nations had “greatly disappointed” him.
US House passes bill to tighten sanctions on Iran’s energy sector
Lawmakers in the US House approved a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Iran’s oil trade network, with bipartisan backing, IANS reported. The legislation allows action against foreign firms linked to Iranian petroleum transactions. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.
US Embassy in Baghdad hit by drone attack, fire breaks out
Explosions rocked the US Embassy compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone after two explosive-laden drones struck inside the perimeter, triggering a fire, IANS reported citing Xinhua. Sirens blared as defence systems failed to stop the drones. No casualties have been reported, but the attack caused visible damage.
US allows Iranian oil to move despite war
The United States has allowed Iranian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid a global supply crunch, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, according to IANS. He noted that Indian and some Chinese ships were also moving through, as oil prices hover near $100 a barrel. Washington expects shipping to increase gradually without military escorts.
UAE reopens airspace after temporary shutdown
Air traffic across the UAE has resumed after authorities lifted precautionary restrictions following missile and drone threats, ANI reported. Officials said operations were restored after a security review, though monitoring continues.
Full story: UAE shuts skies, then reopens within hours: What triggered the sudden disruption
Netanyahu sends message to Iranians amid conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended holiday greetings to the people of Iran, expressing hope that “good will triumph over evil,” ANI reported. The message comes amid escalating hostilities.