President Donald Trump has warned that the US will continue “bombing the hell out of the shoreline” of Iran in a bid to break the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The major shipping route has been under siege after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to take "complete control" of the waterway through which one fifth of the world's oil and liquefied gas passes.
Writing on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump called for “many countries” to send warships to the area to help end the blockade and listed the UK, China, Japan, France and South Korea among them.
His comments came after a fire broke out at the Fujairah port in the UAE after being targeted in an Iranian drone strike, forcing the facility to suspend part of its operations. It is one of the Middle East’s largest oil storage hubs, heightening concerns over already-surging oil prices.
Meanwhile, residents living near Jebel Ali port in Dubai, Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi and the Fujairah port were warned to evacuate the areas, according to Iranian state media.
Iranian forces had threatened to expand strikes to US allies in the region after the US hit Iran’s crucial Kharg Island and Trump said the US had “totally obliterated every military target in Iran’s crown jewel.”
Read MoreA tiny island in the Persian Gulf could be Trump’s secret weapon against Iran
Trump shares bombing video showing apparent strike on Kharg Island
Will Iran boycott the World Cup over US strikes and who might replace them?
Key Points
- Fire breaks out at key UAE oil terminal after Iranian drone strike
- Trump vows to 'bomb the hell' out of Iran's shoreline
- UK, China, Japan and others should 'hopefully' send ships to Strait of Hormuz, says Trump
- Iran orders UAE residents to evacuate key ports
- US embassy hit in Iranian missile strike in Baghdad
- Trump says US forces 'obliterated' military targets on Iran's Kharg island
Why the Houthi rebels have yet to join the war in Iran
18:00 , Maira ButtIran's Shi'ite allies in Lebanon and Iraq have joined the war in the region unleashed by US and Israeli strikes on Tehran.
But Yemen's Houthi rebels, heavily armed and capable of striking Gulf neighbours and causing major disruption to maritime navigation around the Arabian Peninsula, have not yet entered the fray.
Here is a look at why that might be:
On March 5, Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi said his group was ready to strike at any moment.
“Regarding military escalation and action, our fingers are on the trigger at any moment should developments warrant it," he said in a televised speech. But unlike Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi armed groups, they have not made any formal announcement of joining the war.
Houthi religious doctrine does not adhere to Iran's supreme leader in the same way Hezbollah and the Iraqi groups do.
While Iran champions the Houthis as part of its regional "Axis of Resistance", Yemen experts say the movement is motivated primarily by a domestic agenda though they share a political affinity with Iran and Hezbollah.
The US says Iran has armed, funded and trained the Houthis with help from Hezbollah.
The Houthis deny being an Iranian proxy and say they develop their own weapons.
US embassy urges Americans to leave Iraq
17:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS citizens should leave Iraq immediately, the US embassy in Baghdad said in an updated security alert on Saturday, following an overnight missile attack on the embassy's building.
“US citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are strongly encouraged to reconsider in light of the significant threat posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups," the embassy said.
Iran launch strikes at Israel
17:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIran has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Israel on Saturday, according to the Israeli military.
The IDF said defensive systems are operating to “intercept the threat”.
How the White House is using memes and viral content to frame violence in Iran
17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMillions of people recently watched a video posted by the White House showing US strikes against Iranian targets. The clip didn’t just resemble Call of Duty: it mixed real strike footage with footage from the game itself, complete with “killstreak” animations designed to reward performance and simulate achievement.
Governments are increasingly communicating war using the visual language of video games and internet memes. In doing so, they don’t just trivialise violence – they make it harder to grieve the victims of the violence, by anaesthetising our responses to the suffering.
It’s a tactic that shapes how we interpret violence, and which quietly determines whose deaths register as deaths at all.
Daniel Baldino reports:
How the White House is using memes and viral content to frame violence in Iran
Strait of Hormuz 'only closed to enemies', Iranian foreign minister says
17:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIran’s foreign minister has insisted the Strait of Hormuz remains “open” and is only closed to “enemies” of Iran.
In an interview on Saturday, Abbas Araqchi said tankers and ships belonging to countries not attacking Iran or their allies are “free to pass”.
“The Strait of Hormuz is open,” he said.”It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass.
“Of course, many of them prefer not, because of their, you know, security concerns. This has nothing to do with us. And at the same time, there are many tankers and ships who are passing through the Straits of Hormuz.
“And I can say that the Strait is not closed, but it is only closed to American, Israeli, you know, ships and tankers, and not to others.”
'Semper Fi': US senator uses Marine Corps motto amid reports troops are preparing for deployment
17:10 , Nicole Wootton-CaneUS senator Lindsey Graham has signed off a post on social media with the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fi” amid reports troops are preparing for deployment.
In a post on X, senator Graham wrote: “Iran’s attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz is done at its own peril. President Trump’s decision to take the war to Kharg Island - the crown jewel of Iran’s oil and gas economy - was necessary, bold and in my view, highly effective. This will help shorten the war.
“Seldom in warfare does an enemy provide you a single target like Kharg Island that could dramatically alter the outcome of the conflict. If Iran loses control or the ability to operate its oil infrastructure from Kharg Island, its economy is annihilated. He who controls Kharg Island, controls the destiny of this war.
“Semper Fi.”
The phrase is an abbreviation of the Latin Semper Fidelis, meaning "always faithful" or "always loyal".
Iran’s attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz is done at its own peril.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 14, 2026
President Trump’s decision to take the war to Kharg Island - the crown jewel of Iran’s oil and gas economy - was necessary, bold and in my view, highly effective. This will help shorten the war. Seldom in…
Trump rejects efforts to launch Iran ceasefire talks, sources say
17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePresident Donald Trump’s administration has turned down proposals by Middle Eastern allies to launch ceasefire talks in the region, sources have said.
A senior White House official told Reuters Trump has rebuffed those efforts to start talks and is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran's military capabilities.
"He's not interested in that right now, and we're going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there's a day, but not right now," the official said.
Equally Iran has also rejected the possibility of any ceasefire until US and Israeli strikes end, two senior Iranian sources told Reuters, adding that several countries had been trying to mediate an end to the conflict.
Air attack kills 15 in Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reports
16:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAt least 15 people have been killed in an air attack on a factory in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, according to the Fars news agency.
There were workers inside the factory, which produces heaters and refrigerators, when the strike hit, Fars reported.
What to know about the Strait of Hormuz and why Iran can close it off so easily
16:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneEarlier, we brought you the news Donald Trump has called on the UK, China, Japan, and others to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.
His calls come as the battle between US and Iranian troops intensifies over the major shipping route.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps once warned that cutting off the strait would be "easier than drinking a glass of water" – but why?
You can read more below:
What to know about the Strait of Hormuz and why Iran can close it off so easily
UK defence ministry responds to Trump call for ships in Strait of Hormuz
16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe UK’s Ministry of Defence has said it is “discussing a range of options” with allies and partners following Donald Trump’s call for military assistance in the Strait of Hormuz.
"As we've said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region,” a spokesperson said on Saturday.
British counter-drone forces shoot down multiple drones in Middle East
16:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBritain's counter-drone forces in the Middle East have shot down multiple drones overnight.
The counter-attacks were part of the UK's operations to defend its bases in Qatar, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Turkey discussing contradiction with Iran over missiles, foreign minister says
16:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIran has denied responsibility for missiles fired toward Turkey, the Turkish foreign minister said on Saturday, adding that Ankara was discussing contradictions between Tehran's statements and available technical data on the launches.
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Hakan Fidan said Turkish authorities possessed technical data regarding the missiles fired toward Turkey and were raising the inconsistencies with Iranian officials.
It comes after Nato air defences in the eastern Mediterranean shot down a third ballistic missile that was fired from Iran towards Turkey on Friday.
Watch: Marjorie Taylor Greene confused by Trump's Iran war timeline: 'I have no idea what that means'
16:05 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSpecial report: ‘There is nothing, no one left’: Inside Lebanon’s destroyed south where Israel threatens ground invasion
15:54 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFor nearly two weeks, Lebanon has been pounded by Israeli strikes.
The brutal and relentless bombing has seen families flee their homes and take shelter in classrooms and displacement camps, forced to leave everything behind. For many, the cost of war is more than they can bear.
The Independent’s Bel Trew has this special dispatch from Tyre in south Lebanon.
Inside Lebanon’s destroyed south: ‘There is nothing, no one left’
Israeli strikes kill 826 in Lebanon, authorities say
15:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIsraeli strikes in Lebanon have killed 826 people, with a further 2,009 people injured, according to the country’s health ministry.
It comes as the Israeli military issues an evacuation order for the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as the Dahiyeh, telling people to “evacuate immediately and not return to these neighbourhoods until further notice”.
Iran threatens to target US company facilities in region if its energy sites are hit
15:37 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIran vowed on Saturday to attack facilities of US companies the region if its energy infrastructure is targeted.
In comments reported by state media, foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran would act with caution to avoid targeting populated areas.
'Humanitarian aid must be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz,' says UN official
15:00 , Maira ButtA United Nations official has called for humanitarian aid to be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator said: "When routes close and costs surge, the help we can deliver shrinks and the people who need it most are the ones who lose it first.”
"So my message to the parties to the conflict and all those with influence over them is simple: humanitarian cargo must be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz."
Trump says four Air Force refueling planes are ‘back in service’ after damage from Iranian strike in Saudi Arabia
14:45 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump said four U.S. Air Force tanker planes are “back in service” following reports of damage from an Iranian missile strike in Saudi Arabia.
Five U.S. Air Force refueling tanks were damaged, but not completely destroyed, in a strike at Prince Sultan air base in recent days, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. No one was killed, and officials are now working to repair the tankers, the outlet’s sources said.
In a Saturday morning Truth Social post, Trump railed against the “Fake News Media” and said the base was “hit a few days ago.” None of the planes were “‘struck’ or ‘destroyed,’” he added.
“Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service,” Trump wrote. “One had slightly more damage, but will be in the air shortly.”
Trump says four Air Force refueling planes are ‘back in service’ after Iranian strike
Watch: Major UAE port hit in drone strike after Trump claims key oil island ‘obliterated’
14:33 , Maira ButtTrump calls on UK, China, Japan and others to send ships to Strait of Hormuz as battle intensifies
14:23 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has emphasised the importance of opening the Strait of Hormuz as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to take “complete control” of the major shipping route last week.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Saturday.
“We have already destroyed 100 per cent of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated.
“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
Iran orders Gulf residents to evacuate key port areas
14:16 , Maira ButtIran has warned residents to leave areas near Jebel Ali port in Dubai, Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi and the Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates, according to Iranian news agencies.
It comes as a fire broke out at the major UAE port on Saturday, forcing the facility to suspend part of its oil operations.
Trump admits damage to four US Air Force refuelling planes
14:08 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has appeared to admit that five US Air Force refuelling planes were damaged amid the ongoing war with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday afternoon, he wrote: “Yet again, an intentionally misleading headline by the Fake News Media about the five tanker planes that were supposedly struck down at an Airport in Saudi Arabia, and of no further use.
“In actuality, the Base was hit a few days ago, but the planes were not ‘struck’ or ‘destroyed.’
“Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service. One had slightly more damage, but will be in the air shortly.
“None were destroyed, or close to that, as the Fake News said in headlines.”
Five refueling planes were hit in Iranian strike on Saudi Arabia, according to reports by the Wall Street journal earlier today.
Casualties of the US-Israeli war on Iran
13:50 , Maira ButtWill Trump's attack on Kharg Island cause further mayhem for the global oil economy?
13:30 , Maira ButtNeil Quilliam, an energy policy and foreign affairs analyst at Chatham House, previously told The Independent that while it is “unlikely” President Donald Trump would completely take over the territory, any attempt would “likely send the markets into a tailspin”.
It could also block any future resolution between the countries, leading to an endless standoff.
“The US would effectively control Iran’s major export terminal but the Iranian leadership would remain in control of the country’s production so there would be a standoff,” he said. It could also be a “major cause for concern” for Gulf countries, setting a dangerous precedent.
“It is Iran’s Achilles heel in this war but fighting for and occupying Kharg could cause irreparable damage to the terminal and hurt any successor regime’s chances of managing the economy,” he continued. “Previous presidents have steered away from Kharg understanding its strategic important to global oil markets.”
Putin ‘offered to move Iran’s uranium to Russia’ to end war against Tehran. Trump rejected it
13:15 , Maira ButtDonald Trump has reportedly rejected an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin to move Iran's enriched uranium to Russia.
The proposal was made as part of a deal to end the U.S. and Israel's war against Tehran, Axios report.
The offer was put forward during a phone call between the two leaders this week, but Trump is said to have declined it.
This rejection comes amid Mr Trump's recent admission that Mr Putin could be assisting Iran in its military efforts against the U.S.
It appeared to contradict earlier assertions from his Middle East envoy. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who had previously stated that following a conversation with Mr Trump and other Russian officials on Monday, Moscow had denied sharing intelligence with Iran.
Iran says US 'begging the world' to buy oil after bullying tactics
13:00 , Maira ButtIran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticised the US over what he described as a shift in Washington’s stance on Russian oil amid its ongoing war with Iran.
In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said the Donald Trump administration was now urging countries, including India, to buy Russian crude despite previously pressuring them to stop such imports.
“The US spent months bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, the White House is now begging the world – including India – to buy Russian crude,” Araghchi wrote.
"Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia. Pathetic," he said.
Iran say USA should be banned from World Cup 2026 after Trump claims ‘not appropriate’ for them to play
12:45 , Maira ButtThe Iran national team has said that hosts USA should be “excluded” from the World Cup 2026, just hours after Donald Trump claimed it would not be “appropriate” for them to participate.
While the national team have qualified for the tournament and are scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle between 15 and 26 June, their participation has been thrown into doubt after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing the country's supreme leader.
Iran responded with military action of its own against Israel and US interests and allies in the Gulf, further escalating a conflict that has run since the end of February.
And while US president Trump claimed that Iran is “welcome” at this summer’s tournament, he has outlined that he does not think it is “appropriate that they be there”.
Chris Wilson reports:
Iran say USA should be banned from World Cup 2026 after latest Trump claims
Analysis: Trump’s terror claim about Iran could help an accused Osama bin Laden henchman walk free again
12:30 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump’s invocation of the 25-year-old bombing of an American warship as part of his justification for launching a massive bombing campaign against Iran could hamper long-running Pentagon efforts to finally bring the alleged terrorists accused of perpetrating the terror attack to justice.
On two occasions over the nearly two weeks since the Defense Department launched Operation Epic Fury against targets across Iran, Trump has claimed Tehran was responsible for the October 2000 bombing of U.S.S. Cole, a grisly attack that killed 17 U.S. Navy sailors and left 37 others injured.
When he announced the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign in the early hours of Feb. 28, Trump claimed Tehran “knew and [was] probably involved” with the Cole attack, and he repeated the allegations during a press conference on Monday when he insisted that Iran had been “involved very strongly” in the attack.
Yet according to the very government he leads — including a blue-ribbon commission’s report on the attacks and filings by military prosecutors seeking to convict the alleged perpetrators — Iran wasn’t involved at all.
Trump’s terror claim about Iran could help an accused bin Laden henchman walk free
Watch: Smoke and fire at US embassy compound in Baghdad after reported missile strike
12:15 , Maira ButtRachel Reeves vows to support households with rising energy costs as Middle East crisis hits oil prices
12:00 , Maira ButtRachel Reeves has vowed to support households grappling with spiralling energy bills as a result of the deepening crisis in the Middle East.
The chancellor’s announcement comes as a package of support for those reliant on heating oil, a fuel not covered by the energy price cap, is expected to be set out next week.
Approximately 1.5 million households currently using heating oil are facing severe cost increases, with the price per litre having doubled since the onset of the crisis.
It comes amid concerns that instability in the Middle East could hit the cost of living around the world, after Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil prices, jumped to more than $100 (£74) a barrel earlier this week for the first time since 2022, contributing to higher fuel bills and the risk of increased household energy costs across the UK.
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Reeves vows to support households with energy costs as Iran war hits oil prices
The Independent View: Having misjudged Iran, Donald Trump now risks falling into his own trap
11:53 , Maira ButtThe most grievous of the very many baleful consequences of Donald Trump’s war of choice in Iran is that it has given Vladimir Putin’s struggling war machine a vital boost.
With US sanctions on sales of Russian oil now being relaxed, the Kremlin can take further advantage of the energy crisis, and sell yet more oil and natural gas into world markets at inflated rates. This will, in turn, help fund Russia in its grinding war of attrition in time for new spring offensives, after it found itself perilously short of money, and even manpower, in recent months.
Having misjudged Iran, Donald Trump now risks falling into his own trap
US strikes more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, CENTCOM says
11:42 , Maira ButtUnited States forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island in Iran on Friday night, the US Central Command said on Saturday.
“U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites, it added.
Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg… pic.twitter.com/2X1glD4Flt
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 14, 2026
Iran makes exception for some Indian vessels to sail through Strait of Hormuz, says envoy
11:32 , Maira ButtIran has permitted some Indian vessels to pass through the beleaguered Strait of Hormuz, where millions of barrels are being held up as war in the region rages.
Mohammad Fathali, Tehran's Ambassador to India said on Saturday, that a rare exception was made to the blockade that has disrupted global energy supplies.
He did not confirm the number of vessels that have been provided safe passage, speaking at broadcaster India Today's conclave in New Delhi.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have largely halted traffic through the strait, which runs past its coast and through which around 20 per cent of global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas is supplied.
Iran continuing business and oil exports from Kharg Island after US attacks
11:20 , Maira ButtEhsan Jahanian, political deputy to the governor of the Bushehr province in southern Iran, has said that oil exports are “fully under way” and oil terminals “remain intact” after US strikes on Kharg Island.
He said: “The process of exporting oil from the Kharg oil terminal is fully under way, and the activities of companies based on the island are continuing without interruption”, according to a report by the Tasnim News Agency.
Jahanian added that “parts of the military facilities and Kharg Airport” were damaged, but explained that “no military personnel, oil company employees, or island residents suffered casualties in the attack, and all sectors are continuing their routine activities”.
In pictures: US embassy hit in Baghdad
11:11 , Maira Butt Israel strikes 'Hezbollah command centres' in Beirut
10:45 , Maira ButtIn a statement released on Saturday, the Israeli military said it “completed several additional waves of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon” on Friday.
It added that “additional command centers established by the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Beirut were struck and destroyed”.
“This included Hezbollah command centers from which terrorists operated to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its residents,” the military continued.
“Since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, IDF strikes in Lebanon have severely damaged the organization’s command and control capabilities, its financial situation, and the weapons in its possession.”
The Israeli military claimed it had struck “approximately 110 Hezbollah command centers” as part of the Operation.
Israel went on to accuse Hezbollah of embedding its infrastructure “within the civilian population across Lebanon”.
Iran to use 'upgraded weapons' in new attacks
10:35 , Maira ButtIran is to use new “upgraded weapons” in the attacks against the US and Israel, the country’s defence ministry spokesperson told Iranian state media on Saturday.
“Iran will use ballistic missiles and different types of missiles with greater destructive power and greater precision,” they said.
Experts have speculated that Iran is engaging in a war of attrition, exhausting expensive American weaponry before using its best resources.
Russia becomes first country to send humanitarian aid to Iran
10:30 , Maira ButtRussia is the first country to send Iran humanitarian aid amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes on the country. Azerbaijan is assisting in the mission.
The country has found itself isolated from its Gulf neighbours after attacking US military bases in surrounding countries.
“Russia becomes the first country to send humanitarian aid to Iran,” wrote the Russian embassy in Kenya on Saturday.
“An Il-76 aircraft delivered more than 13 tons of medical supplies to Azerbaijan which will assist in transferring it to the Iranian authorities.”
Over 3.2 million have been displaced in Iran according to the United Nations and over 1,300 people have been killed.
Football, anthems and war: How Iran’s women’s football team became centre of an international incident
10:15 , Maira ButtIt was a moment of silence that spoke a thousand words.
When the Iranian women’s national football team refused to sing their country’s national anthem on Tuesday 3 March, they were branded “wartime traitors” by state TV presenters. Broadcaster Mohammad Reza Shabazi went as far as saying their actions were the “pinnacle of dishonour”.
The silent protest took place at the opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Australia, just days after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since the beginning of the war, more than 1,300 people in Iran have been killed and the conflict has spread throughout the Middle East.
Read the full story below
How Iran’s women’s football team became the centre of an international incident
In pictures: US army releases new images of Operation Epic Fury
10:00 , Maira Butt Iranian politician threatens to capture US troops after Kharg Island attack
09:50 , Maira ButtAn Iranian politician has threatened that the Islamic Republic could capture US troops after President Donald Trump ordered attacks on Kharg Island, which exports over 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports and is home to its main oil export terminal.
“If they dare to commit such an act and sit on a part of our soil, why shouldn't we go to a part of their soil - which now exists in the form of their regional bases - carry out a helicopter landing there, and capture their forces?” Manouchehr MottakiI, a former foreign minister and currently a member of Iran’s parliament.
Iran threatens US-linked facilities in UAE after strikes on Iranian islands
09:46 , Maira ButtIran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday that US interests in the United Arab Emirates, including ports, docks and military locations, are legitimate targets after US forces attacked Iranian islands, Iranian state media reported.
In its statement, IRGC urged residents in UAE to evacuate ports, docks, and US military shelters to avoid civilian casualties.
It comes after Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Thursday that Tehran will "abandon all restraint" if any of Iran’s islands were attacked after Axios reports that the US was eyeing a take over.
“Any aggression against soil of Iranian islands will shatter all restraint. We will abandon all restraint and make the Persian Gulf run with the blood of invaders,” said Ghalibaf in a post on X.
‘You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?’ How the UAE ‘safe haven’ tried to spin two weeks of drone strikes
09:30 , Maira Buttrones have crashed near Dubai airport, its harbour and the financial district. Flights have been cancelled, daily alerts warn residents to stay away from windows and tourists are being arrested on suspicion of filming missiles.
But two weeks after the US-Iran war began, some corners of social media would have you believe it’s still business as usual in the emirate.
As the conflict has widened across the Middle East and beyond, Dubai’s air defences have faced down more than 260 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,514 drones, according to the Ministry of Defence.
As of 10 March, the UAE’s defence system had intercepted more than 90 per cent of all projectiles, but some have nonetheless gone on to strike targets in the country’s most populous city.
Bryony Gooch reports:
‘You live in Dubai, aren’t you scared?’ How UAE ‘safe haven’ tried to spin a war
Watch: Smoke and fire at US embassy compound in Baghdad after reported missile strike
09:15 , Maira ButtFruit and vegetable producers say Iran war could cause empty supermarket shelves
08:45 , Maira ButtRising energy costs and transportation costs could leave supermarket shelves empty, Lea Valley Growers Association (LVGA) has warned.
The company’s secretary Lee Stiles warned that the industry requires immediate support if crisis is to be averted.
He said: “Growers are in the same position now as they were when Russia invaded Ukraine, because the wholesale gas prices are creeping up.
“With rising costs, many growers are thinking they might as well send the staff home, stop for the season and not produce anything.
“They’re going to have to make a decision in the next few weeks as to whether or not it’s going to be economic to continue for the rest of the year.”
Qatar evacuates parts of Doha with government offices and US university branch campuses, witnesses say
08:30 , Shweta SharmaQatari authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s Msheireb district, which includes government offices and a Google office, early on Saturday, witnesses said.
Witnesses also said authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s Education City, which is home to branch campuses of six US universities.
The evacuation orders came after Qatar’s interior ministry said authorities were clearing a “number of specified areas as a temporary precautionary measure,” without providing details.
The move came about an hour before authorities reported missile interceptions in Qatar.
UAE suspends some oil operations at Fujairah after drone strikes
08:22 , Maira ButtThe United Arab Emirates has suspended some of its oil loading operations at the port of Fujairah after Iranian drone strikes, according to Bloomberg News.
A fire is reported to have broken out on Saturday morning at the port, which is located near the Strait of Hormuz, people familiar with the matter told the publication.
Watch: Trump releases video showing apparent strike on Kharg Island
08:15 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has released footage showing an apparent strike on Iran’s crucial Kharg Island.
