Trump: I asked China to postpone my trip by a month because of the war in Iran

"What we can do now is to strengthen the Aspides mission, so let's talk about the Red Sea. On the Strait of Hormuz, it is clearly more challenging, because it would mean taking a step towards involvement. On the one hand, freedom of navigation is fundamental for us, which is also the subject of a statement that was made today with our partners. To intervene would objectively mean taking a step forward in involvement'. Thus Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, guest on Quarta Repubblica, broadcast on the evening of Monday 16 March on Rete4. 'We are working for de-escalation, that is, to make sure that the war can end and diplomacy can return,' she added.

And on the referendum on justice on 22 and 23 March, he clarified: 'I intend to get to the end of the legislature and be judged by the Italians on the totality of the work I have done so it would not make sense for me to resign even if the No vote wins. "But meanwhile today you don't vote on Meloni, you vote on justice. And if you vote No today to send Meloni home, you end up with Meloni remaining in place, and yet a justice system that continues not to work. It does not seem to me, let's say, a big deal,' said the Prime Minister. 'It is better to go and vote in the meantime to bring home a justice reform and improve the state of justice in Italia, regardless of who should go into government in a year's time'.

"We are deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Lebanon and call for concrete efforts by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution. We strongly support initiatives to facilitate talks and urge immediate de-escalation. This was stated in a joint statement by the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italia and the United Kingdom on the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. "Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must stop, and the group must disarm. We condemn Hezbollah's decision to join Iran in hostilities, a decision that further jeopardises regional peace and security," the leaders point out, adding, "We condemn the attacks directed against civilians, civilian infrastructure, health workers and medical facilities, as well as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. These actions are unacceptable and we call on all parties to act in accordance with international humanitarian law".

A drone strike on Monday sparked a fire at a major oil field in the United Arab Emirates, authorities said, as Iran continues its drone and missile attacks in the Gulf. Authorities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi said they were still engaged in firefighting operations at the Shah oil field, with no injuries reported. The Shah oil field, located 230 kilometres south of the city of Abu Dhabi, has a production capacity of about 70,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to the state-owned Emirati company Adnoc.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on social media that he had had a phone call with Emmanuel Macron, to whom he "stressed that Iran did not start this brutal war. Defence against aggression is a natural right that we know well. The use of US bases in the region against Iran, with the aim of undermining our relations with neighbouring countries, must stop'. Iran, he added, "will not give in to bullies. We expect the international community to condemn this aggression and convince the aggressors to respect international law'.

A loud explosion was heard in downtown Baghdad, inside the Green Zone. This was reported by Afp.

Iran's deputy foreign minister has issued a harsh warning to Donald Trump's US saying that the Americans will face another Vietnam if they send ground troops into the Middle East conflict. 'A ground intervention would be completely illegal but we are still ready to defend ourselves,' Saeed Khatibzadeh added in an interview in Tehran with Sky News correspondent. The deputy minister stressed that Iran is willing to fight as long as necessary and that the country is not currently focused on a diplomatic solution.

Mojtaba Khamenei allegedly survived the Israeli-American raid on 28 February, in which his father and five other family members died, because he had "gone out to do something" moments before the attack. The Telegraph writes this exclusively, citing an audio recording and explaining that Mojtaba Khamenei had probably gone for a walk in the garden. The recording obtained by the Telegraph includes statements by Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in Ali Khamenei's office, addressed to officials and members of the Revolutionary Guards. According to the article, Hosseini confirms in the audio that Mojtaba suffered leg injuries as a result of the attacks.

No injuries were reported.

About 200 US soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war with Iran, and of those 200, more than 180 have returned to duty, while 10 soldiers are considered seriously wounded. This was told to Associated Press by Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the US Central Command. The previous update, released last week by the Pentagon, put the number of wounded at around 140, of which eight were 'seriously injured'. Centcom did not specify when or where these soldiers were wounded, nor did it provide details on the type of injuries. Since the beginning of the war in Iran, 13 US soldiers have lost their lives.

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, confirmed that the officials and leaders appointed by his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli-American raid on Tehran on 28 February, remain in office. "I hereby announce that, for the time being, none of them need their appointments renewed. It is essential that they continue their work in accordance with the policy and directives they received while he was alive'" Ayatollah Khamenei, reads a post on X.

"The damage and weakening of the regime in Iran is also being felt in the campaign against Hezbollah'". Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said this while announcing the approval of plans for the continuation of the Northern Command's activities in Lebanon. "The Northern Command has eliminated more than 400 Hezbollah terrorists. Iran is the main theatre of this campaign, and another central front is underway against Hezbollah," Zamir added, echoed by Ynet.

The security spokesman of the pro-Iranian Iraqi militia Kataeb Hezbollah, high-ranking commander Abu Ali al-Askari, was killed in Iraq. This was announced by Kataeb Hezbollah leader Ahmad al-Hamidawi, also known as Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, in a statement. "We announce the martyrdom of Haj Abu Ali al-Askari>," the note states without, however, providing any details on how and when Askari was killed. A security official told Afp that 'Abu Ali al-Askari is Abu Ali al-Amiri, the commander killed in an attack in Baghdad on Saturday'.

US President Donald Trump rejected the need to follow the advice of his advisors and criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in this regard. In response to a question about what his advisors told him about the duration of the petrol price increase, Trump said: 'I don't need the advisors to tell me. I know better." He added that he had spoken to Keir Starmer on Sunday and that the British prime minister had told him he had to meet with his team to decide whether to provide support to the US in the war with Iran. "You are the prime minister. You can decide for yourself," Trump said, "why do you have to meet with your team?"

"It has always been clear that this war is not a Nato issue. There has never been a joint decision to intervene'. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this at a press conference in Berlin, answering questions about the US request to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz. Merz emphasised that he was committed to increasing the countries' defence budgets to 3.5 and 5 per cent (including infrastructure), but also stressed that 'NATO is a defence alliance'.

China declines Donald Trump's proposal to join a coalition of countries willing to send ships to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The recent tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz and neighbouring waters 'has had an impact on the international flow of goods and energy trade, adversely affecting peace and stability in the region and beyond', Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian confined himself to replying to journalists who had asked him about Beijing's position on the US proposal. Beijing 'once again urges the parties to halt military operations immediately, avoid further escalation of the tense situation, and prevent regional unrest from further impacting the global economy. We are communicating with the parties involved to work on a de-escalation of the situation,' Lin added, in response to a questioner asking whether the US had contacted China on the issue, as reported by Global Times.

Six people, two adults and four minors, were injured when a Hezbollah rocket fired from Lebanon at a house in the Israeli town of Nahariya. The victims are in good condition.

'Hezbollah is a big problem'. So said US President Donald Trump when asked if he supported the Israeli-led ground operation in southern Lebanon to target the Iran-backed group. "They are being eliminated quickly," Trump added, speaking to reporters at the White House. Trump said he had spoken with Israeli leaders about the ground offensive launched by the IDF in southern Lebanon.

"In the short term, my country is ready to accelerate gas production in our part of the North Sea to ensure more production and to prevent other countries from being completely dependent on imports from abroad." Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said this at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.

A total of 1,049,328 displaced persons have registered on the website of the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs and 132,742 of them are housed in more than 600 shelters, according to a statement by the emergency management agency reported by the Lebanese National News Agency.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has warned that it will strike US-affiliated industries in the region in the coming hours, urging workers and the population in the surrounding areas to evacuate. "We warn the defeated US regime to evacuate all US-affiliated industries in the region and call on the population of the areas surrounding the industrial plants in which the Americans are shareholders to evacuate those areas so as not to be harmed," the Pasdaran spokesman said in a message reported by Iran's Tasnim news agency.

US President Donald Trump said he believes France will join the Strait of Hormuz coalition after a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. "I think he will help us. I mean, I'll let you know," Trump said, adding, "Macron? I give him eight." Last week, Macron said France was preparing an international mission with its allies to reopen the strait once the intensity of military attacks had diminished. On Sunday, he said he had spoken with the Iranian president and urged him to put an end to the 'unacceptable attacks that Iran is conducting against countries in the region'.

"Israel would not do that. Israel wouldn't do that'. This is how US President Donald Trump responded to those who asked him to comment on the words of his advisor on artificial intelligence, David Sacks, in favour of quickly proclaiming victory against Iran, on pain of becoming embroiled in a protracted conflict in which Israel could well use a nuclear weapon.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the launching of a barrage of rockets and drones on the northern Israeli town of Nahariya, where one man was injured, according to Israeli rescue workers. Hezbollah launched "an avalanche of rockets and a swarm of attack drones" on Nahariya, the pro-Iranian group said in a statement. According to Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross, rescuers on the scene gave aid to a man 'in mild to moderate condition, due to injuries sustained from an explosion'.

"The objectives of this military action must be defined by those who started this war. Europe is not part of this war. We did not start this war, the war and the political objectives are not clear. Of course, we talk to different sides'. Says EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, at the press conference after the Foreign Affairs Council.

"But you know, with wars it is easy to start, very difficult to stop them, and also the situation becomes very chaotic. It gets out of hand,' he adds. 'What we see now in terms of economic consequences is that 20 per cent of the world's energy, I mean oil and gas, goes through the Strait of Hormuz. It is affecting Asia. Most of the fertiliser also goes through the Strait of Hormuz. It is affecting Asia, but also Africa: if we don't have fertiliser this year, we will have famine next year. So it's a very, very big war, with many consequences, and that's why we are also reaching out to our partners. So we are working on it."

"Iran wants a deal. They are talking to our team." Donald Trump said this at the White House.

"There is currently no appetite to change the mandate of the Aspides Mission". This was indicated by European foreign and security policy chief Kaja Kallas, at the end of the foreign ministers' meeting. Operation Aspides ((shields in Greek)) was established by the EU with the aim of ensuring freedom of navigation, protecting merchant ships, in particular during transit off the coast of Yemen from attacks from the mainland by the Houthis (Red Sea). The foreign ministers discussed the possibility of extending the mandate to the Strait of Hormuz.

Further reading

EU evaluates enhancement of Aspides maritime security mission in the Red Sea

16 March 2026

The US has struck more than seven thousand targets across Iran since the military operation began on 28 February and destroyed 100 vessels. This was stated by US President Donald Trump at the White House. The US military campaign "has continued in full force over the last few days'', he said, claiming that "Iran's military capabilities have literally been wiped out, the air force is gone, the navy is gone, many ships have been sunk''. Trump added that 'we have achieved a 90 per cent reduction in ballistic missile launches and a 95 per cent reduction in drone strikes'. In addition, he continued, the US has destroyed more than 30 minelayer ships and that Iran's drone capability is being 'reduced to almost zero'.

"The war in Iran must be ended with a clear plan as soon as possible". German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this in Berlin, at a press conference together with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. "Like the US and Israel we want an end to Iran's nuclear programme, but we do not participate in this war," he added.

"The campaign against Iran continues in full force." Donald Trump said this at the White House, reiterating that the regime in Tehran has been "destroyed"

The death toll in Lebanon has risen to 886 dead and 2,141 injured since 2 March, when the latest wave of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began following the launch of the US-Israeli attack against Iran. This was reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health, which specified that among the dead were 111 children and 67 women. Also according to the Lebanese ministry, the number of wounded includes 332 children and 362 women. The Israeli attacks mainly hit the south and east of Lebanon, as well as parts of Beirut, targeting buildings, vehicles, and even tents for internally displaced persons, which number in the hundreds of thousands.

Donald Trump threatens to strike Kharg Island again. In a three-minute interview with Pbs, the US president reportedly 'told them outright: I will destroy it completely'. Trump then explained that the previous attack on the island had destroyed all military targets. "It is militarily dead," he reported, highlighting that the US did not even come close to the military infrastructure.

The US president claims that with their attacks, the US is trying to avoid causing massive damage to Iran's infrastructure, which in turn had already threatened to plunge the entire region into darkness if its power grid is hit.

"I left [intact] a lot of infrastructure in Tehran because if [it's affected], it's years of construction," he said during a phone interview with PBS. "I could destroy power plants in an hour... but if I do that, it's years of reconstruction and it would be a trauma. So I'm trying to postpone that kind of thing," he added.

"Cooperation between Iran and Russia continues" despite the war, said Foreign Ministry spokesman in Tehran, Esmail Baghaei. "The implementation of several projects in various areas may have been temporarily suspended due to martial law. But in general, all bilateral agreements and treaties, part of strategic cooperation and partner relations, remain in force,' he explained. "The representatives of the two countries spare no efforts to do everything possible within their powers to implement agreements and treaties."

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's security council and an influential figure in the Islamic Republic, appealed to Muslim countries to choose between supporting Tehran or the US and Israel. "Which side are you on? Think about the future of the Islamic world. You know that America is not loyal to you and that Israel is your enemy. Think for a moment about yourselves and the future of the region. Iran is your benefactor and has no intention of dominating you,' reads the six-point message Larijani shared on X, where he criticised the attitude of Muslim countries during the conflict. "Iran continues to resist the big and small demons (America and Israel), but isn't the behaviour of the Islamic states contradicting the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who said: 'If you don't answer the cry of a Muslim, you are not a Muslim'? What kind of a Muslim is that?!" said Larijani, defending Tehran's attacks on US military bases in the Gulf. "Should Iran allow itself to be attacked by American bases in your countries? They are looking for excuses; on one side of today's battle are America and Israel, on the other side are Muslim Iran and the resistance forces," the security council secretary wrote, adding that "the unity of the Islamic Umma (community), with all its strength, can guarantee the security, excellence and independence of all countries.

Intercepted Iranian ballistic missile fragments fell in Jerusalem near the National Library, not far from the Knesset, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. This was reported by the Times of Israel, citing Israeli police and emergency services, according to which a large fragment also hit a house in East Jerusalem, causing material damage.

In the latest attack launched by Iran, a large piece of missile shrapnel fell near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, photos were released by rescue workers. The fire brigade also published an image of a huge missile fragment launched from Iran and falling on a house in Jerusalem. The site of a large Jewish school was also hit. Rescuers report that in the Holy City area, a 42-year-old man was injured by burning shrapnel and suffered burns.

Médecins Sans Frontières (Médecins Sans Frontières - MSF) continues to bring assistance to the population in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks and evacuation orders are intensifying, affecting around 14% of the country's territory, including hundreds of towns in the south of the country, in the southern suburbs of Beirut and in some areas of the Bekaa Valley, causing a rapid deterioration in the humanitarian situation. More than 822,000 people are currently displaced, but only about 125,000 are inside official reception centres. Many other civilians live in makeshift shelters, in cars or along the roads. ''The conditions in the shelters are extremely difficult,'' says Emmanuel Massart, Msf's head of mission in Lebanon.

"During a visit to a reception centre, I met about 800 people living in the same building with only 8 toilets available. In practice, this means 1 bathroom for every 100 people. In many of these places, almost everything is missing: food, drinking water, essential goods, toilets and adequate living space,' he adds. The Lebanese health care system is under increasing pressure: many primary health care centres have had to stop their activities due to the continuous attacks, while the number of victims continues to rise. According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), five hospitals have been forced to close, more than 45 health facilities and 11 emergency medical service vehicles have been damaged. At least 18 health workers were killed and 45 injured.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on media reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had arrived in Moscow to undergo medical treatment after being injured in the 28 February Israeli-US raid in which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. "We do not comment on such news," the Kremlin spokesman said. Earlier, the daily Al-Jarida, citing sources, had reported that Mojtaba Khamenei would be transferred to Moscow on 12 March aboard a military plane and undergo surgery in a private clinic.

'The war will end soon'. This was stated by US President Donald Trump, announcing on Truth Social that he will hold a press conference today. Speaking to Pbs, Trump assured that 'the price of oil will drop like a rock once it's all over'.

Donald Trump announces a press conference for today. The president wrote in Truth Post that the conference will be 'before the meeting with the board of the Trump Kennedy Center', which in the agenda of the day circulated by the White House is scheduled for 11.45 a.m., 4.45 p.m. in Italia.

The US confirmed that it had moved two of the only three mine-capable ships normally located in the Persian Gulf to Malaysia. No explanation was given as to why they are there and not in the region at the centre of the conflict with Iran.

A spokesman for the US Fifth Fleet explained that the anti-mine ships were 'conducting short logistical stops in Malaysia', where US forces make 'regular' port stops.

US President Donald Trump may postpone his trip to China because of the war in Iran, but this, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued, is not intended to pressure Beijing over the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent said that any postponement of Trump's trip to Beijing would not be due to differences over the Iran war or efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "If the meeting were to be rescheduled for any reason, it would be for logistical reasons," he said. "The president wants to stay in Washington to coordinate the war and travelling abroad at a time like this may not be the optimal choice," he added. Trump suggested that he might postpone his much-anticipated visit to China later this month as he seeks to increase pressure on Beijing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and calm oil prices that have skyrocketed during the Iran war.

The US is allowing Iranian oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this in an interview with Cnbc. 'We have allowed this to happen to supply the rest of the world,' Bessent explained.

The US military provided updated data on air strikes against Iran, stating that over 100 Iranian naval vessels were destroyed in the course of more than 6,000 US military flights. Centcom chief Brad Cooper, in a video update posted on X, also noted that Iran had attacked more than 300 civilian targets in the Gulf, saying Tehran had launched a 'reckless attack on civilian neighbourhoods in Tel Aviv with cluster bombs, an inherently indiscriminate type of munition'. "It is one thing to defend yourself by hitting the launching sites and intercepting missiles and drones. It is another thing to eliminate the entire production apparatus behind it. And that is exactly what we are doing today," Cooper said. "The attacks by the US and its allies are doing exactly what they are designed to do: achieving very specific military objectives, which is to eliminate Iran's ability to project its power against the Americans and against neighbouring countries," he added.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that the Strait of Hormuz, the channel through which about a fifth of the world's oil exports pass, is only closed to the Islamic Republic's 'enemies'. Since the start of the conflict between Iran, the US and Israel, Tehran has almost completely blocked the strait, maritime traffic in the area has substantially reduced, and attacks on vessels have been reported. The Strait of Hormuz "is open, but closed to our enemies, those who perpetrated this cowardly aggression against us and their allies", Tehran's diplomatic chief said, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"This morning, the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV received a telephone call from Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, on the worrying developments in the Middle East conflict and the living conditions of the Palestinian people. During the conversation, the Holy Father renewed the Holy See's commitment to peace, to be achieved through political and diplomatic dialogue, and full respect for International Law". This was announced in a communiqué from the Vatican press office.

"We have been in contact with Nato before, but this is really outside Nato's area of operation. That's why we have Operation Aspides, and there are member states that are also willing to contribute, both in the coalition of the willing and in the operation itself. But it is outside NATO territories. There are no Nato countries in the Strait of Hormuz'. This was stated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas upon her arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, strategic for global hydrocarbon trade and beyond, cannot be entrusted to 'a NATO mission'. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this morning, responding to reporters. "Let me be clear, this will not and has never been envisioned as a Nato mission," Starmer cut in, when asked about the words of President Donald Trump, who in recent hours has described as "very negative for Nato" the possible refusal of allies to get involved by sending naval vessels to Hormuz.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius rejected US President Donald Trump's request to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. "It is not our war, we did not start it. We want diplomatic solutions and a quick conclusion, but more warships in the region will probably not contribute to that,' Pistoris told a conference in Berlin of his Latvian counterpart, Andris Spruds. Pistorius emphasised the special responsibility of Nato partners for the protection of their own territory. 'We have a responsibility for the eastern flank and the Atlantic, especially as Germany, given our geopolitical position. This is our primary responsibility. Everything else may or may not come into play in individual cases,' he explained.

A diplomatic solution to the war in the Middle East is possible if the Islamic Republic puts an end to its attacks. This was emphasised by Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari as Iran's retaliation against its Gulf neighbours continues. "If the attacks cease, then we can find a way out through diplomacy," al-Ansari told a press conference in Doha. "It is time to take a very firm stance and protect our countries, and demand that they immediately stop attacking us," he added.

Four people were killed, including two children, in an Israeli air raid in southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health quoted by the government agency NNA. The sources specify that Israel's bombing took place in Qantara, a location in the central sector of the war front with Hezbollah.

The UK is working with allies on 'a sustainable collective plan' to restore freedom of navigation for ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Keir Starmer said this at a press conference today in London. "We are working with all our allies, including our partners, to bring forward together a sustainable collective plan to restore freedom of navigation in the region as soon as possible and alleviate the economic impact," said the British PM, who stressed that "we have already acted with other countries by releasing emergency oil reserves at a level that is completely unprecedented, but ultimately we must reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure market stability."

Iran has warned that it will not allow ships from countries it considers hostile to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated today by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei. "The Strait of Hormuz will not be opened to any country that intends to harm Iran," Baghaei said in a statement released by state media. The spokesman added that the transit through the strait is under the control of the Iranian armed forces. "The armed forces are controlling the transit and no country will be allowed to use the Strait of Hormuz to target Iran," he said.

Iran today reiterated its accusation against the United States of spreading a 'campaign of lies and deception' on the nuclear issue to justify war against Tehran. Responding to claims by US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, that Iran might be able to build 10 or 11 nuclear bombs with its enriched uranium, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that such claims 'are absolutely not true'.

The spokesman - as reported by the Fars news agency - argued that the possession of enriched uranium does not equate to the availability of nuclear weapons. "To say that Iran has 10 or 11 bombs is like saying that I have discovered an iron mine and that if that iron is processed and turned into steel, we could eventually make a knife out of it," he said.

According to Baghaei, the claims about the number of bombs stem from theoretical estimates that around 400 kilograms of enriched uranium could, if further increased to 90 per cent and processed with appropriate technology, be enough to produce up to ten nuclear devices. "How much manipulation there is in this claim," he said, accusing US officials of using these arguments to justify military action.

The spokesman also denounced what he called a strategy aimed at creating divisions between Iran and the countries in the region. "In these complex conditions, the enemies are using every means to make the situation more complicated and to create divisions between Iran and the countries in the region," he said.

Il fumo dopo un raid a Teheran

"We want to see this war end as soon as possible". British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this while updating the country on the situation in the Middle East triggered by the US and Israeli attack on Iran. Starmer insisted that the Kingdom intends to move 'defending national interests' and 'protecting allies', but 'will not enter into a full-scale war'. He went on to acknowledge that the US has greatly weakened the military apparatus of 'the appalling regime' in Iran, stressing the need now to ensure for the future that Tehran does not pursue military projects and does not 'continue to threaten' its neighbours.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health says that an Israeli air raid on the village of Qantara in southern Lebanon killed four people, including two children.

"This is not a Nato war and has nothing to do with Nato". This was said by German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, responding to a question from reporters in Berlin, on Donald Trump's threats to Nato. "We have taken note of the position of the US president," he added

"What is happening in Lebanon is a disgrace. We have hundreds of thousands of displaced people, a systematic violation of sovereignty and humanitarian law, the risk of a ground invasion, attacks on a UN peacekeeping force'. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said this on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council. "Europe must give a signal," Albares stressed, explaining at the same time that "coherence is needed. In Ukraine and the Middle East we must defend the same values, when it comes to Ukrainian civilians or Lebanese civilians. Europe must be a bulwark' of law

'It is an environmental bomb that risks doing serious damage to the entire surrounding area in the Mediterranean Sea'. Thus the undersecretary to the presidency of the Council, Alfredo Mantovano, on Radio 24 about the Russian LNG carrier* Arctic Metagaz, adrift without a crew - of 30 members, no victims, recovered by another ship - in Maltese waters.

According to Ais data (Imo 9243148), the ship was reported to be headed to Port Said in Egypt. On 15 March 2026, the ship was still reported to be afloat, but drifting at a steep angle about 50 nautical miles southwest of Malta. The causes of the explosions have not been clarified. Some sources have speculated a Ukrainian naval drone attack from the Libyan coast, while others suggest a possible technical accident.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov did not comment on Kuwaiti media reports that Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been secretly transferred to Moscow for medical treatment. "You know, news of this kind we don't comment on," Peskov told reporters, responding to a question as to whether the Kuwaiti daily Al-Jarida's report that Iran's new supreme leader is in Moscow for treatment after being injured in an Israeli-American attack is true

The Israeli Air Force has launched a new wave of 'extensive' air strikes on the Iranian cities of Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz, according to an announcement by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The army adds that the attacks are directed against Iranian regime infrastructure sites. The Times of Israel reports.

Il satellite mostra l’immagine del fumo che sale dal porto degli Emirati Arabi via REUTERS

"It does not seem to me that NATO has made a decision or that it can take responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz. If that were the case, NATO bodies would take care of it." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said this on arrival at the EU Foreign Council, responding to a question about the possibility of a role for the alliance after Donald Trump's statements, which warned of a "very bad future" for Nato if it does not contribute to operations related to the war with Iran

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said it would be 'legally difficult' for Japan to order maritime security operations to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, following US President Donald Trump's appeal to allies to help secure the energy route. Speaking in Parliament, Takaichi explained that Tokyo has not yet received a formal request from Washington: 'We have not yet been officially approached, so it is difficult to comment on a hypothetical situation'. The premier pointed out that the government is nevertheless examining possible options. 'The Japanese government is currently considering how to take the necessary measures,' she said

Explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran, just hours after Israel announced large-scale attacks overnight. This was reported by reporters on the spot. The deflagrations were felt in central Tehran, where air defence systems were activated. It is unclear at the moment which targets were hit, local media report. The capital of the Islamic republic had already been rocked by heavy explosions during the night.

- "We are aware that we must not only monitor the situation, but also prepare ourselves because the situation may deteriorate further. We have to be ready to implement short-term measures to try to help the Member States". This was said by EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen on arrival at the EU Energy Council, when asked about the energy impact of the war in the Middle East. The EU is "not so dependent on fuel supplies, both gas and oil, from the area so we do not have a security problem, but we do have a price problem," he stressed.

The Israeli army claims to have destroyed about 70% of the Iranian missile launchers during the first two weeks of the war. The military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, told reporters that although Iran continues to launch missiles at Israel, the number of launches has been significantly reduced. He added that Israel has carried out some 7,600 attacks in Iran, knocking out 85% of Iran's air defences and targeting several Iranian nuclear sites. Shoshani stressed that the war will continue "as long as it is necessary" and that Israel still has thousands of targets it is ready to strike.

The Israeli Air Force struck and destroyed the plane of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran overnight. The IDF reported this, adding that the plane had been used by Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials "to promote military procurement and manage relations with Axis countries through domestic and international flights". The military adds that the destruction of this 'strategic asset' is a blow to Iran's 'coordination capabilities' with groups supporting the country, its 'strengthening of military power and the regime's rehabilitation capabilities'. Earlier this month, the Israeli Air Force struck and destroyed 16 aircraft at Mehrabad Airport, which according to the military were being used by the Quds Force, the extra-territorial arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, to transport weapons and money to terrorist groups, foremost among them Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to military reports, Iran moved some of the planes to storage areas designated for off-duty aircraft in an attempt to make it more difficult for Israel to identify them.

Israeli air raids targeted several cities in South Lebanon. The attacks targeted the towns of Qantara, Sawana, Burj Qalawiya, Sultaniyeh and Shaqra. This was reported by Al Jazeera.

Mohammad Esmaeil Tavakoli, head of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the Iranian province of Tehran, told the Iranian news agency Mehr that 503 people have been killed in the province since the beginning of the war. He added that some 5,700 people have been injured in the area since 28 February.

"At the weekend I spoke with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to see if it is possible to have an initiative in Hormuz like the one on the Black Sea for Ukraine's grain". This was said by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas arriving at the Foreign Affairs Council. The closure of the strait poses a serious danger for oil supplies, especially for Asia, but the situation is also problematic "with regard to fertilisers", Kallas said. "And if there is a shortage of fertiliser this year, there will also be a shortage of food next year."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged US President Donald Trump to 'continue to hit Iran hard', according to a report in the New York Times, which cites unnamed White House sources and reports that Trump speaks regularly with Arab leaders.

Air traffic has partially resumed at Dubai International Airport. This was announced by the company operating the airport, after a suspension of several hours caused by a fuel tank fire following an 'accident' involving a drone.

"Flights to and from DXB (the airport's acronym, ed) are gradually resuming to some destinations after the temporary suspension introduced as a precautionary measure," Dubai Airport indicated on X.

He calls them 'indiscriminate attacks', but at the same time emphasises 'the professionalism and readiness of our military that continue to be demonstrated even in times of crisis'. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone - former Chief of Defence and Navy Staff, and today Chairman of the NATO Military Committee - in an interview with the 'Corriere della Sera' follows "with great attention what happened at the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait", and expresses "closeness to the Italian military involved", but also "solidarity with the countries in the region. Fortunately, in relation to yesterday's attack, no personnel were injured. The Alliance remains in solidarity with all countries and military personnel affected by these attacks'. In an increasingly heated climate, the confirmation that crises can no longer be contained but 'now have worldwide effects' and all this can happen 'in a matter of days'. With Iran, in this case, which "constitutes a challenge to our security", admits Dragoon, adding that the Atlantic Alliance is ready to repel any threat, "even in the Mediterranean".

The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that the country's air defences have intercepted missiles and drones from Iran. "The UAE's air defences are currently responding to missile and drone threats from Iran," the ministry wrote on X. These incidents are part of the current regional escalation, with several missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against Gulf countries, to which the UAE is responding through its air defence systems.

The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that the country's air defences have intercepted missiles and drones from Iran. "The UAE's air defences are currently responding to missile and drone threats from Iran," the ministry wrote on X. These incidents are part of the current regional escalation, with several missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against Gulf countries, to which the UAE is responding through its air defence systems.

Donald Trump expects help from China in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, before travelling to Beijing at the end of the month for a summit with his counterpart Xi Jinping. "I think China should also help out, since it gets 90 per cent of its oil right through the Strait," said the tycoon, who said waiting until the summit "would be too late". "We would like an answer before then. That's a pretty long time," Trump noted in an interview with the Financial Times, adding that his trip to China could be postponed. "We could postpone," he pointed out, without specifying for how long.

Donald Trump expresses frustration at Britain's response to his call for mobilisation in Iran. The tycoon, who spoke with PM Keir Starmer on Sunday, said that 'the UK could be considered the number one ally, the one with the longest history and so on: and yet, when I asked them to intervene, they refused'. And as soon as 'we virtually nullified Iran's threat capability, they said, 'Well, then we'll send two ships'. And I said, 'We need these ships before we win, not after we win,'" Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times.

Donald Trump accuses Iran of disinformation based on AI and compliant media, denying reports of damage to US aircraft and naval assets. In a lengthy post on Truth, 'the tycoon wrote that "Iran has long been known as a master of media manipulation and public relations. Militarily it is weak and ineffective, but it is truly adept at 'feeding' the 'Fake News' media - always very receptive - with false information. Now, AI has become another weapon of disinformation'. Tehran, is the accusation, has circulated fabricated images and videos, with alleged attacks on ships and aircraft to amplify its capabilities.

The US is in talks with Iran as the war enters its third week, but Tehran is not yet ready for an agreement to end hostilities. "Yes, we are talking to them," President Donald Trump replied to reporters on Air Force One, but without specifying the nature of the talks, to a question about whether there were any diplomatic initiatives underway to end the conflict that has spread across the Middle East. "But I don't think they are ready. They are, however, getting pretty close," Trump added. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied ongoing talks with the US.

The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that Israeli attacks against fuel depots in Tehran constitute 'ecocide' due to the long-term health risks to residents. "Israeli bombings against fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide," Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in X. "Residents risk long-term damage to their health and well-being. Soil and groundwater contamination could have generational repercussions,' the post added.

Donald Trump again urged support for securing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil transport route, believing that the future would be 'very bad' for NATO if its allies refused assistance. And that he might postpone his visit to China if Xi Jinping and China do not respond positively.

"It is quite normal for those who profit from this strait to help ensure that nothing untoward happens over there," the US president said in an interview with the Financial Times, recalling that Europe and China are heavily dependent on Gulf oil, unlike the US.