Iran’s internet chokes under wartime clampdown
Iran has imposed new restrictions on internet access, further limiting VPN connections and reportedly targeting Starlink users, leaving even fewer people able to access global networks.
Iran has imposed new restrictions on internet access, further limiting VPN connections and reportedly targeting Starlink users, leaving even fewer people able to access global networks.
South Korea warns of 'worst-case scenario' on energy South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned that the worst-case energy scenario must be considered if the Middle East conflict continues, calling for diplomatic efforts to secure stable alternative energy sources. Speaking in a televised address, Lee said South Korea may consider limiting energy exports if necessary and urged the country to accelerate the development of renewable energy. His remarks came as Seoul also declined to commit naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz despite US calls for allied support.
Fire erupts at UAE's Fujairah oil zone after drone strike A fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates after the site was targeted by drones, according to the Fujairah government’s media office. Officials said there were no casualties from the attack and emergency crews responded to the scene to contain the blaze at the facility, located about 150 kilometres east of Dubai.
Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 17 (ANI): The General Civil Aviation Authority has announced the temporary and full closure of the United Arab Emirates airspace, Al Jazeera reported. As per Al Jazeera, State media said the move was 'an exceptional precautionary measure' aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, as well as safeguarding the UAE's territory.
MANAMA, 17th March, 2026 (WAM) -- The Kingdom of Bahrain expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued hostile Iranian attacks targeting civilian and vital facilities in the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in the death of a resident after a missile struck a civilian vehicl
Tel Aviv [Israel], March 17 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday extended greetings to the people of Iran on the holiday season, expressing hope for the triumph of good over evil amid ongoing regional tensions. In a video message shared on X, Netanyahu said, 'To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year, a happy holiday season, beginning with the Festival of Lights.
Iraqi militia group says it launched 21 attacks on US bases in 24 hours Iraqi militia group, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, said it carried out 21 operations targeting US military bases in Iraq and the wider region over the past 24 hours. In a statement, the group said its armed factions used “dozens of drones and missiles” in attacks on enemy bases across Iraq and the region.
US urges allies to designate Iran Guards, Hezbollah terrorists The Trump administration has asked US diplomats worldwide to urge allies to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Lebanon’s Hezbollah as terrorist organisations, citing an increased risk of attacks, according to an internal State Department document, Reuters reported. The cable, dated 16 March and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instructed diplomats to raise the issue with foreign counterparts by 20 March. It said efforts to blacklist the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah should be coordinated with Israeli officials.
Operations suspended at UAE’s Shah gas field after drone attack Authorities in Abu Dhabi suspended operations at the Shah gas field after a drone attack ignited a fire at the major energy facility, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said. The fire was later contained and no injuries were reported, the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said. The Shah gas field, about 180 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi, is among the world’s largest and can produce about 1.
Trump says 'numerous countries' ready to help reopen Hormuz President Donald Trump said “numerous countries” are preparing to help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz but declined to identify them, citing concerns they could become targets. “Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way. Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some are countries that we’ve helped for many, many years,” Trump said during his remarks at a White House event.
Hezbollah fighters clash with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon Hezbollah fighters clashed with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon as Israel said its ground operation inside the country had begun and could expand. Hezbollah said it fired rockets at Israeli forces near the town of Khiam and claimed to have hit an Israeli tank in the nearby town of Taybeh. Israeli troops have been attempting to take control of Khiam amid escalating fighting along the border.
War on Iran launched on 'dubious basis' under international law, Germany says German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the war on Iran “was launched on a dubious basis under international law” and urged a swift end to the conflict, according to the dpa news agency. Speaking in Panama City, Steinmeier described the war as “politically disastrous” and warned that further escalation would be equally dangerous. “We should therefore bring the hostilities to an end as soon as possible and, above all, work toward that goal with all parties involved,” he said.
China, U. S. hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues The Chinese and U.
RIYADH, 17th March, 2026 (WAM) -- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the continued heinous Iranian attacks on GCC member states. Yesterday, in the United Arab Emirates, these attacks resulted in the death of one person after a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahia area of the capital, Abu Dhabi.
UAE closes airspace amid missile and drone threats The United Arab Emirates has temporarily closed its airspace as an “exceptional precautionary measure,” the country’s state news agency reported, citing aviation authorities. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said air defence systems were responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. Authorities said the precautionary step was taken to ensure flight safety as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Locked in a cruel lose-lose scenario, the players must contend with a regime designed to make resistance almost impossible When seven members of Iran’s women’s national football team sought protection in Australia, it appeared they had finally found safety. Within days, some made the difficult decision to return to Iran despite the risks. For many Iranian athletes, the most powerful opponent they face is not across the field.
Explosions rock northern Tehran following reported air strikes Several large explosions were heard in northern Tehran near the Saadabad Palace complex, Al Jazeera reported. Witnesses said the blasts occurred close to the former royal palace, though the exact cause was not immediately clear. Earlier reports indicated strikes in Karaj, Shahriar and areas toward Shiraz following a major attack in central Tehran on Monday.
Washington, DC [US], March 17 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said that the ongoing conflict involving Iran would end soon, saying the situation would be 'wrapped up' shortly and would ultimately result in a safer world. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said that the war could be 'wrapped up soon', adding, 'It won't be long.
Seoul says Hormuz naval deployment needs careful deliberation South Korea said US President Donald Trump’s request for Seoul to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz requires “very careful” deliberation and no decision has been made on any deployment. “This is an issue that should be decided after sufficient discussions between South Korea and the US and with adequate time for deliberation,” presidential secretary Lee Kyu-yeon said, adding that the government intends to handle the matter “very carefully.
An investigation by Amnesty International has concluded that a deadly strike on a school in southern Iran last month may have violated international humanitarian law, adding to mounting scrutiny of one of the war’s deadliest incidents.