US-Israel war on Iran, day 13: Iran's new supreme leader issues first message; minor drone incidents in Dubai

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Oman shoots down a drone

Oman shoots down a drone in Khasab governorate overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran allowed ships from some countries to cross Strait of Hormuz: deputy FM

Iran has allowed ships from some countries to cross the Strait of Hormuz, deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said on Thursday, as the waterway remained effectively closed during the war with the US and Israel.

“Some countries have already talked to us about passing the strait and we have cooperated with them,” said Takht-Ravanchi during an interview with AFP in Tehran.

“As far as Iran is concerned we feel that those countries that joined the aggression should not benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

ICSE and ISC Board Exams cancelled for UAE schools

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially cancelled the 2026 ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) board examinations for all centres in the UAE, according to a circular sent to school principals on Thursday.

The decision follows earlier notices issued on March 1, March 3, and March 6, 2026, which had postponed the exams originally scheduled between March 2 and March 14 for CISCE-affiliated schools in the UAE.

CISCE confirmed that results for UAE candidates will be prepared using an alternative assessment mechanism, the details of which will be announced later.

UAE allows expats abroad with expired visas to return without new entry permit

The UAE has allowed expatriate residents currently abroad whose residency visas have expired to return to the country without obtaining a new entry permit, under a temporary measure announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

The decision applies for one month, from February 28 until March 31, and comes in response to exceptional circumstances that prevented some residents from returning to the UAE before their visas expired.

According to the ICP, the measure aims to facilitate the return of expatriate residents and ease travel procedures during the specified period. Eligible residents will be permitted to re-enter the country and regularise their residency status through the relevant official procedures after arrival.

Authorities said the initiative reflects the UAE’s continued efforts to support residents and ensure flexible administrative measures in response to exceptional situations.

Air India, Air India Express to fly 78 flights

Air India and Air India Express will together operate a total of 78 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on Mar 13.

The two carriers continue to operate their respective scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat on 13 March – operating a total of 6 flights to and from Jeddah, and Air India Express operating 12 scheduled flights to and from Muscat.

Additionally, Air India will operate one round-trip each from Delhi and Mumbai to Jeddah while Air India Express will operate one flight from Hyderabad to Jeddah and back.

Both the airlines will operate one non-scheduled round flight each tomorrow to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia from Mumbai and Kozhikode, respectively.

Air India Express will also operate its scheduled services to Muscat, including one round-trip each from

Delhi, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram

In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express would operate a total of 60 non- scheduled flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, subject to availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time. These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities.

Bahrain has intercepted 112 missiles

Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) General Command: Bahrain has intercepted 112 missiles and 186 drones destroyed since start of Iranian attacks.

International maritime body calls emergency talks on Hormuz

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will convene an “extraordinary session” next week to discuss threats to shipping in the Middle East and particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, the agency said Thursday.

The meeting, scheduled for March 18-19 at the IMO headquarters in London, was requested by several council members.

The IMO’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has held briefings with industry groups and member states to discuss developments in the US-Israel war in Iran over the past two days, the statement added.

Gulf Air flights temporarily grounded

Gulf Air flights will remain temporarily suspended as the closure of Bahrain airspace continues. Services will resume once  Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirms safe reopening.

SalamAir suspends some flights

Oman’s budget carrier SalamAir has announced the suspension of several flights across the region due to ongoing airspace closures linked to recent regional developments. So far, the suspensions are as follows:

• Flights to and from Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran are suspended until Mar 28

• Flights to and from Kuwait, Sharjah, Doha and Dammam are suspended until Mar 20

Israel army warns residents it will target building in central Beirut

Kuwait bans weddings, parties during upcoming Eid

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior prohibits theaters, weddings, concerts parties during Eid Al-Fitr holiday as a precautionary measure to limit gatherings to enhance safety and security under the current circumstances.

Stopping a nuclear Iran more important than oil prices: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons was more important to him than controlling oil prices.

“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World,” said Trump in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Middle East tourism is suffering 

WTTC estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is already impacting travel and tourism across the Middle East, reducing international visitor spending by at least $600 million per day as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence, and regional connectivity affect demand. WTTC is the global, private sector voice of the travel and tourism industry.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issues statement

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei says that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used and that Iran’s attacks on Gulf Arab neighbours will continue. His first statement since his appointment was read on state television Thursday by a news anchor. Khamenei did not appear on camera, and an Israeli assessment indicates he was wounded in the war’s opening salvo.

Here are some takeaways from his message:

• The leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used

• Attacks on Gulf Arab neighbours will continue

• Calls on Gulf neighbours to to close US bases

• “We will obtain compensation’ from the enemy or ‘we will destroy its assets to the same extent”

• He vows to avenge ‘martyrs,’ including from Minab school attack

• He says vengeance is priority ‘until fully achieved’

• He thanks ‘resistance front’ in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq

US military ‘not ready’ to escort tankers through Hormuz Strait: energy secretary

The US military is currently “not ready” to escort tankers through the critical Strait of Hormuz because all its assets are focused on striking Iran, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday.

Wright’s comments came as an attack on two oil tankers off Iraq killed at least one person, and oil prices briefly soared past $100.

Since launching the war on Iran, US President Donald Trump has sought to calm the markets by offering US Navy escorts for oil tankers and reinsurance facilities for shipping companies – but no escorts have so far taken place.

“It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready,” Wright told CNBC. “All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities.”

He added that it was “quite likely” such escorts would be taking place by the end of the month.

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UK minister on 1st visit to Middle East since start of conflict

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday on the first ministerial visit to the region since the start of the Middle East war.

Cooper said Saudi Arabia was an “essential partner for the UK in the Gulf, who have been targeted by reckless attacks by the Iranian regime”.

The minister was expected to discuss cooperation with regional partners to “ensure continuity of oil supply in the face of strikes in the Strait of Hormuz”, a Foreign Office statement added.

Shrapnel hit sparked fire on Hapag-Lloyd ship in Gulf: company

German shipowners Hapag-Lloyd said Thursday that one of their cargo vessels in the Gulf caught fire after being “hit with shrapnel” overnight, adding that no one was injured.

A company spokesman told AFP that “we don’t know where (the debris) came from, whether it was a rocket or a drone” or another munition. He said “the fire has been put out and the crew is unharmed”.

Iran’s new supreme leader to issue first message

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei will issue his first message since his appointment “in a few moments”, his official Telegram channel said, without specifying if it will be a recorded message or written statement.

“The first message of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the supreme leader of the Islamic revolution, will be released in a few moments,” the channel said.

The message will address “the martyred leader of the revolution (Ali Khamenei), the role and duties of the people, the armed forces, executive bodies, the resistance front, as well as the countries of the region and dealing with enemies.”

Athens to move Tehran embassy to Azerbaijan

Greece on Thursday became the latest European state to relocate its Iran embassy services from Tehran to Baku in Azerbaijan due to the Middle East war.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou said the decision was taken owing to “deteriorating security conditions” in Tehran.

The move follows Spain, Austria and Italy, which have temporarily closed and relocated their embassies to Baku in recent days because of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Switzerland on Wednesday said it was temporarily closing its embassy.

US military ‘not ready’ to escort tankers through Hormuz Strait

The US military is currently “not ready” to escort tankers through the critical Strait of Hormuz because all its assets are focused on striking Iran, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday.

“It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready,” Wright told CNBC. “All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities.”

He added that it was “quite likely” such escorts would be taking place by the end of the month.

Attacks on oil tankers off Iraq kills one

An attack on two oil tankers off Iraq killed at least one crew member, an Indian national, as Iran pressed a campaign to disrupt global energy markets in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes.

Iran said it was behind one of the attacks, but made no comment on the other.

Farhan Al Fartousi, from Iraq’s General Company for Ports, told AFP that “all crew members of the two tankers were rescued,” adding that the 51 workers were in good condition.

The attack killed at least one crew member, said Fartousi.

India’s embassy in Iraq said on Thursday an Indian national had died in the attack, with 15 other Indian crew members evacuated.

The attack occurred roughly 50 kilometres from Iraq’s coast.

Poland links cyberattack on nuclear centre to Iran

Poland’s National Centre for Nuclear Research has been hit by a cyberattack, likely from Iran, Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski said Thursday.

“The attack did not succeed on the scale that had been planned,” he said, adding that “a lot indicates that (it) took place from the territory of Iran”.

“There was an attempt to breach security, which was stopped,” Gawkowski told a podcast for rolling news channel TVN24+.

While Gawkowski said that he could not reveal when exactly the attack to place, he said it had been within “the last few days”.

He said security services in the NATO member had been on high alert since the war in the Middle East broke out.

“Incidents have emerged that may be connected to adversaries from that part of the world,” he said.

The minister said “the places from which” the nuclear centre near the central city of Otwock “was attacked are linked to Iran”.

But Gawkowski warned that “this may be a kind of camouflage” and that further investigation was going on.

“When there is final information and the (security) services have checked everything, we will verify it,” he said.

Israel army says struck site it claims Iran used for developing nuclear arms

Israel’s military said Thursday that it had struck a site in Iran it claimed was being used by the Islamic republic to develop nuclear weapons.

“The Israeli Air Force, acting on precise IDF intelligence, struck an additional Iranian nuclear programme site,” the military said, claiming the “Taleghan compound was utilised by the regime to advance critical capabilities for developing nuclear weapons”.

The Taleghan compound likely refers to a facility in Parchin, southeast of Tehran, where US-based think tank the Institute for Science and International Security, which has been monitoring Iran’s nuclear programme, recently claimed the Islamic republic conducts covert military activities.

“The IDF has recently identified that the regime has taken steps to rehabilitate the compound after it was struck in October 2024,” the military said.

Middle East war displaces 3 million inside Iran: UN

Up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since the Middle East war erupted nearly two weeks ago, the United Nations refugee agency said Thursday.

“Between 600,000 and one million Iranian households are now temporarily displaced inside Iran as a result of the ongoing conflict, according to preliminary assessments, representing up to 3.2 million people,” said Ayaki Ito, who heads UNHCR’s emergency support team and is refugee response coordinator for the Middle East emergency.

“This figure is likely to continue rising as hostilities persist, marking a worrying escalation in humanitarian needs,” he said in a statement.

India says Iran to allow tankers via Strait of Hormuz

Iran has agreed to allow Indian-flagged oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route that carries about 40% of India’s crude imports, according to an Indian government source. However, an Iranian source outside the country denied that any such arrangement had been finalised.

According to Reuters, India’s foreign ministry said the two countries’ foreign ministers have spoken three times in recent days, with the latest discussion focusing on shipping safety and India’s energy security.

The Indian source, speaking anonymously, said Iran had assured safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels after a phone call between the ministers on Tuesday. However, the situation remains unclear and evolving, with questions about how directives are being implemented within Iran.

Iran will ‘abandon all restraint’ if US, Israel attack Gulf islands

Iran’s powerful parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned on Thursday that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if the United States and Israel attack any of its islands in the Gulf.

“Any aggression against soil of Iranian islands will shatter all restraint. We will abandon all restraint and make the Arabian Gulf run with the blood of invaders,” said Ghalibaf in a post on X.

It was not immediately clear which islands he was referring to, but a recent Axios report cited US officials as saying that capturing Kharg was on the table as the war in the Middle East spirals.

Strikes kill nine Iran-backed fighters near Iraq-Syria border: security officials

Air strikes killed at least nine Iran-backed fighters in Iraq on Thursday near the Iraqi-Syrian border, two senior security officials told AFP.

Another 10 fighters were wounded in the strikes that targeted a base belonging to the US-blacklisted Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, the officials added on condition of anonymity, with one saying that the death toll could rise.

“The base was destroyed, and the rescue teams who arrived at the site were also targeted,” one of the officials said.

Muharraq fuel tank fire controlled

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that civil defence have controlled the fire that broke out in Muharraq, following Iranian attack that targeted fuel tanks at a facility, KUNA reported.

In a statement, the ministry said cooling operations are currently underway, expressing gratitude for the public’s cooperation and adherence to instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Marshall Islands-flagged ship struck

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Thursday they had struck a Marshall Islands-flagged ship, which they claimed was US-owned, in the northern part of the Gulf.

On their website Sepah News, the Guards said the ship Safesea was “one of the assets of the US terrorist army” and that it “was hit in the northern Gulf after ignoring and not complying with warnings and alerts”.

Israel army says launched new broad wave of strikes across Iran

Israel’s military said it began a new “wide-scale” wave of strikes across Iran on Thursday, on the 13th day of the US-Israeli war with the Islamic republic.

“The IDF has begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure across Iran,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

Verify news before sharing

NCEMA urge everyone to verify the source of any news before sharing it and rely on official sources for updates. Information spreads quickly in times of tension, and not all of it may be accurate.

Information spreads quickly in times of tension, and not all of it may be accurate.
We urge everyone: Verify the source of any news before sharing it, and rely on official sources for updates. pic.twitter.com/FvawaTDm5t

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 12, 2026

112 missiles,186 drones intercepted and destroyed

The Bahrain Defence Force’s (BDF) air defence systems continue to face successive waves of Iran’s attacks, as 112 missiles and 186 drones have been intercepted and destroyed since the start of attack on Bahrain.

Air India seeks DGCA approval to extend pilot duty hours on long flights

Air India has asked India’s aviation regulator for temporary rule changes because flights are taking longer routes due to tensions in the Middle East and closed airspace.

The airline wants permission for some long flights to be operated by two pilots instead of three, and for pilots to fly and work longer hours than normally allowed.

This is because planes now have to take big detours around restricted airspace, which makes flights longer, uses more fuel and pushes pilots closer to their duty time limits. The regulator has also warned airlines to avoid airspace in 11 Middle Eastern countries for safety reasons.

Mideast war sees Gulf states slash oil output by 10m bpd

The Mideast war has caused the “largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market”, leading Gulf oil producers to slash production, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

In its latest report, the IEA said crude oil production was currently down by at least 8.0 million bpd, with an additional 2.0 million related to petroleum products including condensates shut off.

The war has see Iran tighten its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for oil trade, reducing supplies to a trickle.

Minor incident on Sheikh Zayed Road building

Dubai authorities are responding to a minor incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell onto the façade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road. No injuries were reported.

Kuwait reports damage after drone attack on airport

Drone strikes caused damage at Kuwait’s international airport, authorities said Thursday, after the facility came under fire again during Iran’s attacks against the Gulf.

“The civil aviation announces that Kuwait International Airport was targeted by several drones, resulting only in material damage,” authorities said in a statement, adding that there were no casualties.

Dubai responds to minor drone incident

Authorities in Dubai are responding to a minor incident involving a drone crash in the Al Bada’a area. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Relevant teams are handling the situation and assessing the incident.

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Iran army says targeted Israel military bases, security service

Iran’s army said Thursday it had targeted Israeli military bases and the country’s security service Shin Bet as the war entered its 13th day.

“The Palmachim and Ovda air bases of the Zionist regime as well as the headquarters of Shin Bet were targeted by drones from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s army,” the military said in a statement carried by state television.

Cathay Pacific roughly doubles fuel surcharge on most routes

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific on Thursday announced new fuel surcharges for most routes that are roughly double the existing ones.

The company revealed a detailed list of affected routes in a statement titled “Fuel surcharge updates”, a day after warning that fuel prices had soared in March with the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

Blasts over Jerusalem after Israel detects missiles fired from Iran

Blasts were heard over Jerusalem on Thursday, AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military detected missiles fired from Iran.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military posted on Telegram.

Kuwait reports power outages after drone interception

Kuwait’s Ministy of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said that size overhead power transmission lines went out of service after debris fell during the interception of several drones.

Official spokesperson Fatima Abbas Jawhar Hayat said the incident caused a temporary disturbance in the electricity network and limited, partial outages in several areas across the country.

Emergency teams immediately began work, in coordination with security authorities, to assess damage and carry out repairs, restoring electricity to affected areas quickly under approved safety and technical procedures.

India says sailor killed in attack on tanker off Basra

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker was attacked near the Iraqi port city of Basra, India’s embassy in Baghdad said Thursday.

The vessel, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, came under attack March 11 while operating near Basra, the embassy said.

The remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated and are safe, the embassy said.

Qatar condemns Iranian attack on Salalah Port in Oman

Qatar has strongly condemned an Iranian drone attack on the port of Salalah in Oman that damaged fuel tanks.

Doha called the strike a blatant violation of international law and an escalation that undermines regional stability, expressing full solidarity with Oman and support for measures to protect its sovereignty and security.

Iranian footballer who received asylum returns to Iran

One of the seven Iranian women’s football team players has requested to return back to her homeland after being granted asylum in Australia confirms Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Burke said that one of the two individuals who had chosen to remain in Brisbane before the team travelled to Sydney later reversed their decision.

“(She) had spoken to some of the teammates that had left and had changed her mind,” said Burke.

Italy says its military base in Iraqi Kurdistan attacked

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Thursday there had been an “attack” on an Italian base in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil, but there were no injuries.

“I strongly condemn the attack on the Italian base in Erbil,” Tajani said on X, without giving details. “I just spoke with the Italian ambassador to Iraq. Fortunately, all our soldiers are well and safe in the bunker,” he said.

Italy has soldiers in Erbil training Kurdistan security forces as part of an international force.

Drones were shot down on Wednesday over Erbil by the US-led international forces, which are based at Erbil airport, a Kurdish security source said.

No casualties were reported, the source said.

AFP journalists reported hearing loud bangs near Erbil airport from air defences engaging drones.

Drone shot down in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Empty Quarter heading toward the Shaybah field, said the country’s Ministry of Defense.

Dubai gold dips below Dh620 after recent spike

Gold prices in Dubai eased on Thursday morning, with the 24K rate falling to Dh619.75 per gram from Dh623.75 a day earlier, while 22K slipped to Dh574 from Dh577.50. The pullback follows recent swings in global bullion markets after prices briefly climbed above Dh640 earlier this month, with traders reacting to US inflation signals, a stronger dollar and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.

UAE reiterates ban on drones and light sport aircraft

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has reaffirmed the complete ban on operating all types of drones and light sport aircraft in the UAE, citing exceptional circumstances currently facing the country.

In a statement, the authority stressed that the prohibition remains strictly in force and applies to all operators without exception. The GCAA said compliance with the decision is mandatory and urged the public and hobbyists to fully adhere to the regulations to avoid legal consequences.

The GCAA reaffirms the temporary suspension of all drone operations across the UAE. Strict compliance with official instructions protects you from legal action and ensures the safety of our airspace. Updates will be shared via our official channels in due course pic.twitter.com/UVAaGcdwJt

— الهيئة العامة للطيران المدني (@gcaauae) March 12, 2026

Pakistan Ambassador visits injured nationals in UAE hospital

Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, visited Sheikh Shakhbout Hospital to meet Pakistani nationals receiving treatment. He wished them a speedy recovery, praised the hospital administration for their care, and commended the UAE government for its commitment to providing top-tier medical services to all affected residents.

The visit highlights ongoing bilateral support and attention to the welfare of Pakistani citizens in the UAE.

Lebanon says 7 killed in Israeli strike on central Beirut

Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut’s seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.

The Israeli military said separately it had carried out strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight against Hezbollah, which had announced a major new operation against Israel.

Local media aired footage showing smoke rising along the seaside road area after the strike in central Beirut, which state-run National News Agency (NNA) said targeted a car.

“The Israeli enemy strike on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut led to an initial toll of seven dead and 21 wounded,” the health ministry said in a statement.

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Three crew ‘believed trapped’ aboard Thai ship attacked in Gulf: firm

Three crew members were “believed to be trapped” aboard a Thai bulk carrier that was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while travelling through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the vessel’s owner said.

“Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room” of the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree which was damaged in the strikes, Thai transport company Precious Shipping said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday they struck the ship because it had ignored “warnings”.

Drone targets residential building in Kuwait, 2 injured

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that an enemy drone struck a residential building in a southern region of the country at dawn today, KUNA reported.

The attack injured two people, who are receiving medical treatment, and caused material damage, the ministry’s official spokesman added.

Dubai tourist police available 24/7 to assist visitors

Tourists in Dubai can now access round-the-clock support from the Dubai Tourist Police, ensuring safety and assistance throughout their stay.

Visitors can reach the service via:

• Dubai Police App – Tourist Support Service

• Smart Police Stations (SPS)

• Call Center: 901

• Email

From guidance and general assistance to emergency support, the Dubai Tourist Police are on duty 24/7 to help travellers across the city.

Are you a tourist in Dubai?
The Dubai Tourist Police are here to help.
Our teams are available 24/7 to ensure your safety and security throughout your stay.
You can reach us through the Dubai Police App – Tourist Support Service, Smart Police Stations (SPS), the Call Center… pic.twitter.com/CrngPXsWIY

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 12, 2026

Brent crude oil tops $100 a barrel amid Iran attacks

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil, the international standard, topped $100 a barrel early Thursday, just days after it spiked near $120.

Oil prices shot more than 9% higher as supply concerns worsened with Iranian attacks on commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. benchmark crude oil jumped to about $95 a barrel.

Israeli strikes kill 3 near Beirut

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli strikes early Thursday a town in the hills overlooking Beirut killed three people and wounded a child.

Aramoun, a town about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Beirut where dozens of displaced families have found shelter, has been targeted twice since the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel renewed after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2.

The Health Ministry also said the death toll from an earlier Israeli strike on central Beirut had risen to eight people, with 31 wounded.

UAE sends missile threat alert

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of staying in safe locations, relying only on verified government updates, and remaining alert while the situation is closely monitored. Residents received mobile alerts through official channels to ensure timely warnings.

The UAE continues to monitor the situation and coordinate defensive measures to protect residents and critical infrastructure.

Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Please remain in a safe location and follow official channels for warnings and updates. pic.twitter.com/GvPfsRKt2e

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 12, 2026

Saudi Arabia says shot down drone approaching embassy district

Saudi Arabia shot down a drone approaching a district housing foreign embassies, the country’s defence ministry said on Thursday.

“An enemy drone was shot down while attempting to approach the embassies district,” a defence ministry spokesperson posted on X, after confirming Saudi Arabia had also intercepted a drone in the east of the country.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence also said on Thursday its air defences had intercepted several drones as Iran carries out strikes on oil-rich Gulf countries, vowing to target global energy markets in response to US-Israeli strikes.

Iraq shuts oil terminals after deadly strike hits Basra port

An attack on Iraq’s Basra port early Thursday killed at least one person and forced authorities to halt operations at all the country’s oil terminals, officials said.

Farhan al-Fartousi, the director-general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, made the announcement in a statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency on Thursday. Al-Fartousi said the attack targeted a ship engaged in a ship-to-ship transfer of oil in the Basra port on the Persian Gulf. He said it remained unclear if the ship was targeted by a flying or seaborne drone or a missile.

Rescuers recovered one dead body and helped 38 others after the attack. He said commercial ports in Iraq remained open, though the oil terminals had been shut.

Drones intercepted in Kuwait

Official Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Al-Otaibi said Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted a number of hostile drones that breached the airspace in the north of the country at dawn.

Israeli military says more missiles from Iran heading towards Israel

The Israeli military said Thursday that a new barrage of missiles was heading for Israel, following an early wave of strikes that coincided with Israeli strikes on Tehran and Beirut.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the Israeli military said on its official Telegram channel.

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Bahrain arrests four over espionage with Iranian Guard

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science has arrested four Bahraini nationals and identified a fifth, currently at large abroad, in connection with espionage activities linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps through terrorist elements operating in Iran.

Investigations revealed that the first arrestee, acting on organisational instructions and with the assistance of the others, used high-resolution photography equipment to record and photograph coordinates of vital and sensitive locations in Bahrain. This information was reportedly transmitted to the IRGC via encrypted software. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the arrested individuals have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

Trump says Iran near point of defeat

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran was on the verge of defeat, but warned that US forces could escalate strikes such that the country would be “almost impossible” to rebuild.

“They are pretty much at the end of the line,” Trump told reporters in Washington.

He added: “We can hit sections of Tehran and other places that if you do it, it’ll be almost impossible for them to rebuild their country, and we don’t want that.”

Bahrain arrests six for sharing videos of Iranian attacks

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that the Anti-Cybercrime Directorate at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security has identified and arrested six individuals for filming and posting videos showing the aftermath of the recent Iranian aggression.

The videos, shared via social media, were found to express sympathy for the hostile acts, potentially misleading public opinion, spreading fear among citizens and residents, and undermining security and public order.

Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the arrestees have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from circulating or reposting unreliable videos or news, warning that doing so could carry legal consequences and compromise the Kingdom’s safety and security.

Bahrain authorities urge residents to stay indoors amid fire

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior has urged citizens and residents in Hidd, Arad, Qalali, and Samaheej to remain in their homes and close windows and ventilation openings as a precaution against smoke from a fire currently being fought.

Authorities earlier sounded the siren, advising residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location. Relevant authorities have said they will provide continuous updates.

Bahrain authorities respond to Iranian attack on fuel facility

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior reported that the recent Iranian aggression targeted fuel tanks at a facility in Muharraq Governorate. The competent authorities are taking all necessary measures to manage the situation.

No injuries or further details have been reported at this time.

UAE condemns unprovoked drone attack on Oman’s Salalah port

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the unprovoked Iranian drone attack targeting the Port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which resulted in damage to several fuel tanks at the port.

UAE residents told: Situation safe after emergency alert

Authorities have issued an all-clear alert, confirming that the situation is currently safe and residents can resume normal activities.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that UAE air defence systems were actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Residents have been urged to stay informed through official sources as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

UN Security Council condemns Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the Gulf nations and Jordan

The UN Security Council, through Resolution 2817, has condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The resolution had overwhelming support – the highest number of co-sponsorships in the Security Council’s history – a clear message from the international community to Iran.

Today, the UN Security Council condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
The UAE strongly welcomes the adoption of Resolution 2817. The overwhelming support – reflected in… pic.twitter.com/lPZbLEJtZV

— UAE Mission to the UN (@UAEMissionToUN) March 11, 2026

Saudi Arabia intercepts multiple drones

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that several drones were intercepted and destroyed across the Eastern Region and the Empty Quarter.

• A drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter was intercepted and destroyed.

• In the Eastern Region, authorities intercepted and destroyed 18 drones, including multiple incidents reported over the past hours.

• Additional reports confirm at least three more drones were intercepted and neutralised in the Eastern Region.

The Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasised that Saudi air defence systems continue to actively monitor and respond to aerial threats to protect vital facilities.

Dubai firefighters bring a minor fire under control following drone incident

Dubai Civil Defence teams have brought a minor fire in a Dubai Creek Harbour building under control, with no injuries reported so far, as per the Dubai Media Office. Authorities earlier responded to an incident involving a drone that fell on a building in the vicinity of Dubai Creek Harbour.

Civil Defence teams have brought a minor fire in the building under control. No injuries have been reported so far. pic.twitter.com/CDQwp4JmwD

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 11, 2026

1 killed, 38 rescued as 2 tankers hit in ‘sabotage’ attacks off Iraq

Two oil tankers were attacked off Iraq in what authorities called a “sabotage”. An attack on oil tankers near Iraq killed one crew member, Iraqi state television reported on Thursday, citing port authorities. 

Farhan Al-Fartousi, from Iraq’s General Company for Ports, told state television that one crew member had been killed and 38 rescued so far, and the “search continues for the missing.”

He did not specify their nationalities or provide details on who was behind the attack. 

US to release 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve: Energy department

The US government will release 172 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve “beginning next week,” as the Middle East war disrupted oil prices, the US Department of Energy said Wednesday.

The release would “take approximately 120 days to deliver based on planned discharge rates,” the agency said in a post to X.

Firefighting efforts continue to extinguish fire at fuel storage tanks at Salalah Port

Emergency crews in Oman are continuing efforts to extinguish a fire that broke out at fuel storage tanks at the Port of Salalah following an Iranian drone attack, authorities said.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority confirmed that specialised response teams were immediately dispatched to the site after the incident and began firefighting operations to contain the blaze.

The operation is being carried out with support from the Sultan’s Armed Forces as well as companies operating in the surrounding industrial area, as authorities work to bring the situation under control.

Officials said teams are deploying extensive resources to limit the spread of the fire and protect nearby facilities, adding that extinguishing the blaze may take some time due to the nature of fuel storage fires.

The authority stressed that all necessary safety and security procedures are being implemented while emergency crews continue their operations.

Authorities have also urged the public to follow official updates and avoid the area while response teams work to fully contain the fire and ensure the safety of the port and surrounding infrastructure.

Qatar intercepts 9 ballistic missiles, several drones from Iran

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the country’s air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones on Wednesday.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that the Qatari Armed Forces intercepted nine ballistic missiles and a number of drones, neutralising most of the incoming threats before they could reach their targets.

“Our Armed Forces successfully intercepted nine aerial threats, of which eight ballistic missiles were destroyed, while one missile fell in an uninhabited area,” the ministry said.

Authorities added that the interception operation was carried out as part of Qatar’s integrated air defence system, which is designed to protect the country’s airspace, critical infrastructure and civilian areas.

US‑Israel war on Iran as it happened: What we know so far

Day 12: Donald Trump says Iran near point of defeat

Day 11: US says today will be the ‘most intense’ of attacks

Day 10: UAE intercepts 15 missiles and 119 drones

Day 9: Gulf nations face fresh attacks

Day 8: US forces hit Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains

Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump

Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled

Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure

Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate

Day 3: Trump lists ‘clear’ Iran war objectives

Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations

Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed

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