The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified into one of the most volatile crises in the Middle East in recent years, with missile strikes, drone attacks and air raids reported across several countries in the region. The confrontation began after coordinated American and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, triggering a series of retaliatory attacks from Tehran and expanding the conflict beyond the three main adversaries.Since the initial strikes, the war has rapidly spread across multiple fronts. Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities as well as US military installations across the Gulf region. Several countries hosting American bases including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, have reported interceptions of drones or missile threats, highlighting the widening geographical scope of the conflict.The fighting has also disrupted global energy routes, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway carries a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments, and fears that the conflict could affect tanker traffic have already pushed global energy markets into uncertainty.Amid the escalating violence, US President Donald Trump has said Washington is in contact with Tehran but believes Iran is not yet ready to reach a deal. At the same time, he claimed US and Israeli strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military infrastructure, including its air defence systems and drone production capabilities.Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said that nuclear material at Iranian facilities is currently buried under rubble following recent attacks, adding that it could only be retrieved under supervision from the International Atomic Energy Agency. With missile exchanges continuing and regional states increasingly affected, the crisis has raised global concerns about a wider war and a prolonged disruption to international energy supplies.Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the killing of Ali Khamenei in the opening phase of the conflict.US President Donald Trump has said Washington is in discussions with Tehran while also claiming Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened.Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said nuclear material at damaged facilities remains buried under rubble following attacks. 14:57 (IST) Mar 16 Poll Over 4,300 flights cancelled by Indian carriers amid West Asia crisis. What does this indicate? Major Disruptions Precautionary Move 14:57 (IST) Mar 16 Middle East crisis: Internet blackout enters day 17 in Iran Watchdog NetBlocks said that the internet blackout in Iran has entered its 17th day. “Over the last day a decline has been tracked in reserved telecoms network infrastructure, further reducing VPN availability and sending some whitelisted users and NIN services offline,” they said. 14:49 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: Ram Mohan Naidu says over 4335 flights cancelled amid crisis Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu informed the Lok Sabha of the number of flights cancelled by Indian carriers and foreign carriers due to the West Asia crisis and the number of Indian nationals who have returned during the 6th day of the Parliamentary Budget Session. Naidu said that the Indian carriers have cancelled a total of over 4335 flights, while the foreign carriers cancelled upto 1187 flights, according to ANI. "Indian carriers have cancelled 4335 flights, foreign carriers have cancelled upto 1187 flights. The first thing we have to remember is safety. If the airspace itself is closed, there is no need for us to operate in this area," he said. Furthermore, he informed that almost 2,197,80 people have travelled during this period of tensions in West Asia. "Our DGCA and Aviation department is in thorough communication with the authorities there," he said. 14:35 (IST) Mar 16 Iran Israel war: Jaishankar thanks Armenia for facilitating return of 550 Indians stranded in Tehran External affairs minister S Jaishankar said that over 550 Indians were safely evacuated from Iran. He thanked Armenia for the facilitation. "Thank the Government and the people of Armenia for facilitating the safe evacuation of over 550 Indian nationals from Iran so far. Appreciate their support in these challenging times." 14:31 (IST) Mar 16 Middle East crisis: One Iranian missile struck central Israel, reports Al-Jazeera At least one Iranian missile has struck central Israel, Al-Jazeera reported citing the state's local media outlets. Following an air raid alert that sounded across central and southern Israel, the Haaretz newspaper reported that there had been an “impact” in central Israel, but no injuries were reported at this time. The Times of Israel newspaper, citing Israel’s rescue services, said there were at least “two impacts … reported in central Israel”, adding that there are “no immediate reports of injuries in the attack”. Israeli Army Radio, citing an Israeli military source, reported that an Iranian missile fell in the area around Tel Aviv. 14:23 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: Blast rocks central Tehran again, reports AFP According to AFP, explosions were heard at Tehran again, hours after Israel said it conducted large-scale overnight strikes. The blasts were heard in central Tehran as air defence systems were activated. 14:20 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: Tehran calls US Gerald Ford 'target' Iran declared that logistical and service facilities supporting the United States aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Gerald Ford would be considered legitimate military targets. Tehran warned that any infrastructure assisting the carrier's operations could face attacks as tensions escalate, news agency ANI reported citing Press TV. According to Iranian reports, authorities stated that the support centres providing services to the American carrier group deployed in the Red Sea are now viewed as part of the operational network of the vessel and therefore legitimate targets under wartime conditions. 13:34 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: Israel destroy plane used by late supreme leader Ali Khamenei In a statement, the Israeli military said that it has destroyed a plane used by Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei at Mehrabad airport. 13:29 (IST) Mar 16 Middle East crisis: Israeli strikes reported on several towns in southern Lebanon Israeli air strikes have targeted several towns in southern Lebanon, according to Al-Jazeera. The targeted towns include Qantara, Sawana, Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniyeh and Shaqra. 13:18 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: Fire breaks out at UAE’s Fujairah industrial zone after drone strike A fire broke out at an industrial zone in UAE’s Fujairah after a drone strike, Al-Jazeera reported citing Emirate’s media office. 13:08 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar updates on ongoing war Amid the escalating conflict, Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar said, "Iranians have launched a counter-attack. They fired hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones into Israel...We have about 12 casualties so far. We have hundreds of wounded. Several buildings were damaged. Not to the extent that we had back in June, the damage is much less because their capability to launch at Israel has diminished. They decided to retaliate not only against us but to attack 12 countries in the region. They are targeting not only military targets but mainly civilian targets, both in Israel and also in the Gulf." 12:53 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: 5 killed in US-Israel strikes on Tehran's Markazi province At least 5 people were killed in the US-Israel strikes on Iran's Markazi province, Al-Jazeera reported citing state's Mehr news agency. 12:46 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: Tehran's school attacked by US-Israel led strikes Iran’s Fars news agency reported a US-Israeli attack on the Shahid Khomeini Boys’ School at dawn today. Later, the Mehr news agency quoted a deputy governor of Iran’s Markazi province saying that a school was attacked in the city of Khomein without causing any casualties, however several houses around the facility were damaged, according to Al-Jazeera. 12:31 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: Missile hits civilian vehicle in Abu Dhabi; one Palestinian killed Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an “incident involving a missile striking a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyan area,” the city’s media office said. The attack left “one casualty of Palestinian nationality,” the office added in a post on X. 12:18 (IST) Mar 16 Iran Israel war: US fighter jets strike military facility near Chabahar Free Trade Zone: Report US fighter jets have reportedly struck military facilities on a mountain near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, Al-Jazeera reported citing Voice of America’s Persian language service. Sound of intense explosions were heard in the area behind the zone, the report said. The Chabahar Free Trade Zone is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province near the border with Pakistan. 12:04 (IST) Mar 16 Iran Israel war: Saudi Arabia intercepts three drones Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said that it has intercepted three drones and destroyed them over Riyadh and the Eastern regions. In a statement, the ministry’s official spokesperson said that the drones were shot down by Saudi air defences. 11:56 (IST) Mar 16 Iran Israel war: IDF begins ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it has begun a limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. In a post on X, the troop shared the update and wrote, "This activity is part of broader defensive efforts to establish and strengthen a forward defensive posture, which includes the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists operating in the area, to create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel." 11:37 (IST) Mar 16 Dubai Airport news: Emirates airlines to 'operate limited schedule' after Dubai airport fire Emirates airlines has announced that it will “operate a limited schedule” after 10am (06:00 GMT) today. This comes after Dubai airport was temporarily closed and all flight operations suspended after a drone hit a fuel tank and set it on fire. “Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled,” the airline's update read. 11:21 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: Israeli air strikes hit southern Lebanon’s Khiam city Israeli warplanes have carried out three air strikes on the city of Khiam in southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera. 11:05 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: UAE says air defence system responding to incoming missiles UAE defence ministry said that its air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. In a statement, the ministry said the sounds heard in parts of the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting the incoming projectiles. 10:54 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: Air India suspends Dubai flights for the day Air India has suspended Dubai flights for the day as the crisis deepens. In the advisory published on X, the airlines have offered the facilities of rebooking and full refund to passengers. 10:41 (IST) Mar 16 Iran Israel war: Tehran hit by US-Israel strikes overnight Iran reported fresh strikes here overnight. According to Al-Jazeera journalists, columns of smoke were visible from 2-3 locations. As of now, more than three million people have been displaced from their home due to intense bombardment. 10:27 (IST) Mar 16 Middle east crisis: Explosion heard in Iraq’s Nineveh, reports Al-Jazeera 10:17 (IST) Mar 16 US-Iran war: Saudi Arabia intercepts 60 drones Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said that it has intercepted 60 drones, AFP reported. Earlier, the reported number was 23 when three waves of drones were seen in the country’s east. It said 12 were destroyed in the latest wave, while six were shot down before that. Another five were intercepted earlier. The report comes after the ministry reported intercepting 37 drones in the early hours of the morning, according to Al-Jazeera 09:57 (IST) Mar 16 Iran war news: Australia denies sending ships to Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing war After Japan, Australia also denies sending ships to Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at an interview with ABC Radio, Australia's transport minister Catherine King said, “We’ve been very clear about what our contribution is in relation to our requests, and so far that is to the UAE, obviously providing aircraft to assist with defence, particularly given the number of Australians that are in that area in particular,” CNN reported. “But we won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is. That’s not something that we’ve been asked or we’re contributing.” 09:43 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran war: Emirates Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai bound flight returns following closure of airport The Emirates Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai flight returned midway following the closure of Dubai International Airport and has landed back at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, ANI reported. Passengers will be shifted to the terminal. 09:35 (IST) Mar 16 Middle east crisis: UAE orders arrest of 35 individuals over misleading posts amid war The UAE has ordered the arrest of 35 individuals, including 19 Indians for allegedly publishing video clips on social media containing misleading and fabricated content using AI amid rising regional tensions due to the Israel-US-Iran war. The accused have been referred for an expedited trial, according to a report by the state's official news agency WAM. Read full story 09:21 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran War: Japan PM says not planning to send ships to Strait of Hormuz Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that Japan is currently not planning to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump requested help from allies, according to CNN. “We have not yet made any decisions whatsoever regarding the dispatch of naval vessels. We are currently examining what Japan can do independently within our legal framework,” Takaichi said in parliament. 09:09 (IST) Mar 16 Israel-Iran war news: Emirates suspends all flights to and from Dubai UAE's airline Emirates has issued a statement suspending all flights to and from Dubai after a drone-related incident caused a fire at the airport. "All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport. Emirates will share updates when available. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised," the statement read. 09:04 (IST) Mar 16 US Iran War: Iran condemns US-Israel strikes on civil aviation infrastructure Iran's civil aviation organisation has issued a statement saying that recent attacks on aircraft and facilities supporting civil aviation in Iran are a clear violation of the Chicago Convention, which establishes the foundations for protecting international aviation rights. The statement also said that the attacks directly contradict the “accepted principles and commitments” that govern the civil aviation sector, according to state news agency Press TV. “These actions constitute a clear example of violating the provisions and requirements set out in this international civil aviation convention, and the resulting consequences will be borne by the United States and the Zionist regime (of Israel),” the organization said. The statement added that all countries have a duty to comply with international laws and regulations that protect the safety of civil aviation, passengers, and staff. The statement comes following the attacks by the Israeli regime and the United States that have targeted planes and airports in several Iranian provinces. 08:48 (IST) Mar 16 Middle East Crisis: Dubai Police announces temporary road closure after fire was controlled Dubai Police announced temporary road closures on Airport Road and the Airport Tunnel, urging drivers to use alternative routes while emergency operations continue, Al-Jazeera reported. This comes after the Dubai Media Office said civil defence teams had “successfully contained the fire resulting from impact to one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity” of Dubai International Airport. 08:37 (IST) Mar 16 Iran War news: Strait of Hormuz remains under critical threat despite no incident has been reported in 3 days, says UK Maritime Trade Operations The Strait of Hormuz remains under “critical” threat even though no incidents have been reported in the past three days, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. At least 20 vessels have been attacked around the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman since the war began three weeks ago, CNN reported.. “The overall maritime threat environment remains at a critical level due to recent attack patterns, continued navigation interference and persistent operational disruption, to include port facilities, across the region.” 08:20 (IST) Mar 16 Iran War News: 20 Thai crew members who were attacked in Strait of Hormuz returns home Twenty crew members from a Thai cargo ship that was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last week have arrived safely in Bangkok, CNN reported. They landed in Bangkok’s main airport around 8 am (local time) on Monday, according to the country’s foreign ministry. The “Mayuree Naree” ship was fired upon last Wednesday after “disregarding warnings and insistently attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement at the time, according to the nation’s semi-official Fars News Agency. 08:08 (IST) Mar 16 Iran War News: Araghchi condemns Israeli strikes on fuel depots on Tehran Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Israeli strikes on fuel depots on Tehran. He labeled the actions as a violation of international law and a form of 'ecocide'. In a post on X, Araghchi said, “Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being” and that “contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts”. “Israel must be punished for its war crimes,” he added. 07:54 (IST) Mar 16 Iran War News: Trump says US 'hitting' Iran's drone manufacturing locations Donald Trump said that the US is 'hitting' locations where Iran is building drones being used to launch attacks against the US and Israel, according to Al-Jazeera. “Iran has very little firepower left. We have decimated their manufacturing capability,” he said. “Likewise, the drones are way down, about 20 percent of what they have. As of yesterday, we’re hitting places where they manufacture them,” Trump added. 07:41 (IST) Mar 16 Iran War News: Drone-related incident sparks fire near Dubai International Airport, blaze controlled Authorities in the Dubai said emergency services responded to a fire caused by a drone-related incident near Dubai International Airport. The Government of Dubai Media Office said response teams were working to contain the situation and ensure public safety. Officials added that all necessary measures were being taken while investigations into the incident continue. The Dubai Media Office later said that their civil defence teams have “successfully contained the fire resulting from impact to one of the fuel tanks in the vicinity” of the city’s international airport. “No injuries have been reported,” it said. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said that it was temporarily suspending flights at the airport “as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff”, according to Al-Jazeera. 07:39 (IST) Mar 16 Iran War news: Iran says nuclear material buried under rubble after strikes Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said nuclear material at the country’s facilities is currently buried under rubble following recent attacks. Araghchi said the materials could potentially be recovered in the future but only under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He also noted that Iran had earlier offered to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium during negotiations with the United States as part of a possible deal. 07:38 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran War: Trump claims Iran ‘essentially defeated’ militarily US President Donald Trump claimed that American and Israeli military operations have severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities. According to Trump, Iran’s missile stockpiles have dropped significantly and its drone capacity has fallen to roughly 20 per cent of what it previously had. He also said the US had destroyed large parts of Iran’s air force and air defence systems, adding that American forces were now targeting locations believed to be manufacturing drones. 07:37 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran War: Trump pushes for global coalition to police Strait of Hormuz Donald Trump said the United States is speaking with several countries about forming a coalition to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes and has faced disruptions during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Trump said countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil supplies should help keep the strait open, adding that Washington was receiving a “good response” from potential partners. 07:36 (IST) Mar 16 Israel Iran War: Middle East War enters day 17, Trump says Tehran not ready to end war As the war enters third week, there is no signs of backing down from any side. US President Donald Trump said Washington was in discussions with Iran but Tehran is not yet ready to reach an agreement. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One Trump said, "Yes, we're talking to them. But I don't think they're ready. But they are getting pretty close." US President further said that he was not sure whether he wanted to make a deal to end the war "because first of all nobody even knows who you're dealing with, because most of their leadership has been killed." This comes after Iran's supreme leader Ali Khameini and dozens of other Iranian officials were killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks on February 28. Trump insisted however that "they want to make a deal badly". As the war enters third week, the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is intensifying with no side ready to back down. Military strikes and retaliatory attacks are spreading across multiple countries in the Middle East. What began with coordinated American and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure quickly escalated into a broader confrontation involving missile barrages, drone warfare and cross-border air raids. The opening phase of the war saw extensive attacks on Iran’s air defence systems, missile launch facilities and military installations. Iranian authorities reported heavy damage across several cities, while the strikes also resulted in the killing of the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Following his death, Iran appointed his son Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader, signalling a continuation of Tehran’s hardline response to the attacks. Iran retaliated by launching waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities and US military facilities across the region. Several Gulf countries hosting American bases soon found themselves drawn into the conflict as missiles and drones crossed their airspace or targeted infrastructure within their territory. Nations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait reported interceptions of incoming drones and missile threats. The conflict also expanded beyond the Gulf when the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah opened another front by launching rockets into northern Israel. Israeli forces responded with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, adding another theatre to an already complex war. A major strategic flashpoint in the crisis has been the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a large share of the world’s oil supply passes. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the corridor, triggering sharp volatility in global energy markets and raising fears of a wider economic shock. Amid the continuing hostilities, US President Donald Trump has said Washington is in discussions with Tehran but believes Iran is not yet ready to reach a deal. He has also claimed that American and Israeli operations have severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities, including its missile stockpiles and drone production capacity. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said nuclear material at Iranian facilities is currently buried under rubble following attacks, adding that any potential recovery would take place only under supervision from the International Atomic Energy Agency. With missile exchanges continuing, regional states increasingly affected and global markets reacting to the instability, the conflict has raised serious concerns about a prolonged war and its implications for international security and energy supplies.