GULF SECURITY & STRAIT OF HORMUZ
Military threats, attacks and geopolitical tensions affecting Gulf states and the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, including Iranian confrontations with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Western naval forces
41 articles
Live Updates: US-Israel War on Iran — Trump Dismisses Allies on Hormuz, Israel Claims Key Iranian Security Chiefs Killed
EL PAÍSÚltima hora del ataque de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Irán, en directo | Trump, sobre la negativa de sus aliados a sumarse a su ofensiva en Ormuz: “¡No necesitamos la ayuda de nadie!”
3/17/2026, 6:31:41 PM
The US-Israel military offensive against Iran continues to escalate, with Trump dismissing allied reluctance to join operations in the Strait of Hormuz by declaring "We don't need anyone's help!" Meanwhile, Israel claims to have killed Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief, as well as the head of the Basij paramilitary force — a killing confirmed by Iranian state media. Adding to the turmoil, the director of the US National Counterterrorism Center has resigned, stating that "Iran did not pose an imminent threat."
Modi and UAE President Agree to Work for Peace, Free Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz
NDTV'Will Work Together For Restoration Of Peace': PM Modi Speaks To UAE President
3/17/2026, 5:56:04 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, discussing the escalating situation in West Asia. Both leaders agreed on the importance of restoring peace in the region and ensuring safe, unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The call underscores India's active diplomatic engagement in the Middle East crisis amid growing concerns over energy supply security.
Trump Says US Needs No NATO Help Escorting Tankers Through Hormuz, Slams Alliance
NHK WORLDトランプ氏 ホルムズ海峡船舶護衛 “支援は不要” NATOを批判
3/17/2026, 5:16:21 PM
President Trump told reporters at the White House on the 17th that the US needs "absolutely no support" from allies to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. He went further, criticising NATO as having made "an extremely foolish mistake," and saying the situation had been "a good test" of whether the alliance would act in America's interest. The remarks signal deepening frustration with NATO over burden-sharing amid the ongoing Gulf maritime crisis.
How Iran Keeps Oil Flowing Despite the Hormuz Blockade
AL JAZEERA ARABICكيف تصدّر إيران نفطها بسلاسة رغم إغلاق مضيق هرمز؟
3/17/2026, 2:02:17 PM
Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has managed to continue exporting its crude oil through special alternative arrangements, raising significant questions about who benefits economically. The report highlights a sharp debate over whether Iran's economic gains from these workarounds outweigh the losses caused by damaged infrastructure and the broader conflict. The situation has drawn wide international attention to the resilience — and opacity — of Iran's oil export network.
Qatar Turns Food Security Into a National Priority
FRANCE 24La sécurité alimentaire, nouvelle priorité stratégique du Qatar
3/17/2026, 1:49:24 PM
Since the 2017 Gulf blockade, Qatar has made food security a top strategic priority, building up strategic reserves and investing heavily in local agricultural production to guard against future geopolitical isolation. Despite the country's harsh climate, Qatari farms now produce tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and mushrooms, driven by a growing sense of national duty among consumers. Over nine years, this push for self-sufficiency has reshaped how Qataris think about food and sovereignty.
Iran's Qeshm Island: Why It Could Be Washington's Next Military Target in the Hormuz Battle
AL JAZEERA ARABICجزيرة قشم الإيرانية.. لماذا أصبحت هدفا أمريكيا محتملا في معركة هرمز؟
3/17/2026, 12:22:27 PM
Iran's Qeshm Island, located at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, gives Tehran direct capability to monitor and threaten maritime traffic through missiles, fast boats and heavily fortified military infrastructure. Analysts say this makes it a prime candidate for US strikes in any operation aimed at securing the strait and neutralising Iran's offensive arsenal. Its strategic position effectively turns Qeshm into a chokepoint within a chokepoint, central to both Iranian deterrence and American war planning.
Iran Strikes Dubai and Doha as Gulf Tanker Hit Near Hormuz
FRANCE 24Nouvelles frappes iraniennes dans le Golfe, à Dubaï et Doha
3/17/2026, 7:14:01 AM
Iran has escalated its strikes against Gulf neighbours hosting US military bases and interests, with large explosions reported in Dubai and Doha. A tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, was damaged by an unidentified projectile, according to the British maritime agency UKMTO. The strikes signal a dangerous broadening of the conflict beyond Iranian borders into the heart of Gulf commerce and energy infrastructure.
Iranian Missile Hits Vehicle in UAE, Killing Palestinian Woman
YNETטיל איראני פגע ברכב באמירויות, פלסטינית נהרגה; הרשות: "תוקפנות מסוכנת"
3/17/2026, 4:48:57 AM
An Iranian missile struck a vehicle in the United Arab Emirates, killing a Palestinian woman identified as Alaa Mushtaha, according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry. The Palestinian Authority condemned the strike as "dangerous aggression" and expressed support for any steps Arab states take to protect their lands and citizens.
Gulf States Lose Patience with Iran: "It Has Become an Enemy"
YNETמדינות המפרץ מאבדות סבלנות: "איראן הפכה לאויב"
3/17/2026, 4:09:01 AM
Eighteen days into the war, Gulf state leaders have crossed a threshold in their view of Iran, declaring it has "crossed every red line" by attacking its neighbours and closing the Strait of Hormuz. Regional leaders are now united around the position that Tehran's military capabilities must be comprehensively degraded. A key Gulf concern is that once the conflict ends, Iran will continue to use the Strait as a strategic hostage to threaten the region.
Israel Strikes Tehran and Beirut as Iran Hits UAE and Iraq
FRANCE 24En direct : nouvelles frappes iraniennes aux EAU et en Irak, Israël bombarde Téhéran et Beyrouth
3/17/2026, 2:54:01 AM
On the 18th day of the Middle East war, Israel announced fresh strikes on Tehran and Hezbollah positions in Beirut, while Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Gulf neighbours. At least four people were killed in Baghdad when an airstrike targeted a house sheltering Iranian advisers. In Abu Dhabi, one person died after being struck by debris from an intercepted missile as Iran continued its campaign against Gulf states.
Are French Rafales Running Low on MICA Air-to-Air Missiles?
FRANCE 24Les Rafale français bientôt à court de missiles air-air MICA ?
3/16/2026, 11:20:27 PM
As French Rafale jets take part in defending UAE airspace amid the broader Middle East war, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is convening an emergency meeting at Matignon with senior ministers and military officials to assess the defence industry's ability to fulfil munitions orders. The central concern is a potential shortage of MICA air-to-air missiles, which are critical to current French combat operations. The meeting underscores growing anxiety in Paris about the sustainability of France's military engagement in the conflict.
Allied Nations Split Over Trump's Call to Send Warships to the Strait of Hormuz
NHK WORLD【詳しく】ホルムズ海峡への艦船派遣 各国の対応分かれる
3/16/2026, 10:56:08 PM
US President Trump has asked multiple countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation. UK Prime Minister Starmer said he is consulting allies on a workable plan, while German Chancellor Merz flatly refused to join any military operation to secure the waterway by force. The diverging responses highlight growing divisions among Western allies over how to respond to threats in the strategically vital strait.
Trump's Challenge: Reopen the Strait of Hormuz Before the Global Economy Takes a Fatal Blow
YNETהאתגר של טראמפ: לפתוח את מצר הורמוז לפני פגיעה אנושה בכלכלה העולמית
3/16/2026, 10:53:08 PM
Iran is imposing a selective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, throttling energy routes to major European and Asian economies and shaking global markets. Trump is pressing NATO allies to form an escort coalition for oil convoys, but they fear being dragged into a war the US initiated — while Putin stands as the primary beneficiary of soaring oil prices. Israel is providing intelligence for all options under consideration, and the Pentagon is reportedly preparing a plan to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal.
Europe Doesn't Actually Rely on the Strait of Hormuz for Its Oil
FRANCE 24Non, l'Europe ne dépend pas du détroit d'Ormuz pour ses importations de pétrole
3/16/2026, 10:13:18 PM
Donald Trump has called on the international community to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that countries benefiting from it should share the burden — singling out Europe and China. However, while Asian nations are indeed heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil transiting the strait — Japan sourcing 95% of its oil from the region and China buying 80% of Iran's exports — European countries tell a different story. Europe sources the bulk of its oil from the United States and Norway, making it largely insulated from any disruption at Hormuz.
Live: US-Israel Strikes on Iran — Lebanon Surpasses One Million Displaced as EU Mission in Baghdad Hit by Drone
EL PAÍSÚltima hora del ataque de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Irán, en directo | Líbano supera la barrera del millón de desplazados forzosos por la ofensiva israelí
3/16/2026, 10:07:33 PM
The United States and Israel have launched joint military strikes against Iran, triggering a major regional crisis. In Lebanon, the number of people forcibly displaced by the Israeli offensive has exceeded one million. A drone struck the EU mission headquarters in Baghdad without causing casualties, while Brussels rebuffed a US request for involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it "not Europe's war."
Iran Missile Debris Kills Resident in UAE as Saudi Arabia and Qatar Intercept Attacks
AL JAZEERA ARABICاعتراض هجمات بالسعودية وقطر وقتيل في الإمارات جراء شظايا صاروخ إيراني
3/16/2026, 9:33:51 PM
Iranian missile and drone attacks struck multiple Gulf capitals, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar announcing successful interceptions. In the UAE, a resident was killed after missile debris fell in the Bani Yas area of Abu Dhabi, marking one of the most serious escalations of the conflict into Gulf territory. The attacks signal a significant widening of Iran's regional military campaign.
Kuwait Dismantles Hezbollah-Linked Cell Accused of Planning Destabilisation Campaign
AL JAZEERA ARABICالكويت تعلن تفكيك خلية مرتبطة بحزب الله خططت "لزعزعة الاستقرار"
3/16/2026, 8:45:49 PM
Kuwait's Interior Ministry has announced the dismantling of a 16-member cell allegedly linked to Hezbollah, accused of planning to undermine the country's security and sovereignty. Authorities seized weapons, drones and encrypted communications devices during the operation. The suspects have been referred to the public prosecutor for further legal proceedings.
World Stays Silent as Trump Calls for Warships in the Strait of Hormuz
RTHow the world’s reacting to Trump’s call to patrol the Hormuz Strait
3/16/2026, 8:40:45 PM
US President Donald Trump has called on nations to send warships to patrol the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, amid rising tensions with Iran. The appeal has largely been met with silence from the international community, with few governments publicly endorsing or responding to the proposal. The muted reaction underscores the reluctance of US allies and other powers to be drawn into a potential confrontation in the Gulf.
Japan Weighs Naval Deployment to Strait of Hormuz Ahead of US-Japan Summit
NHK WORLD政府 艦船派遣期待で関係国に連絡し対応検討 日米首脳会談前に
3/16/2026, 8:12:51 PM
Ahead of a Japan-US summit, the Japanese government is consulting with allies including the UK and France on whether to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, following calls from US President Trump for countries to contribute ships. Tokyo is carefully weighing its options, balancing diplomatic commitments with constitutional and strategic considerations. The deliberations reflect growing international pressure to secure the critical waterway amid heightened regional tensions.
Trump Rallies Allies to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open as Iranian Strikes Hit Gulf
NDTVTrump Seeks To Reopen Strait Of Hormuz Amid Iran War
3/16/2026, 7:42:11 PM
President Donald Trump has called on approximately seven nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian strikes continued to target Gulf states. The escalating military activity threatens one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Trump's demand underscores the growing urgency to maintain freedom of navigation amid the widening conflict with Iran.
Trump Lashes Out at NATO, Postpones China Trip and Claims He Can End Iran War in a Week
AL JAZEERA ARABICتوبيخ للناتو وتأجيل زيارة الصين ووعيد بحسم الحرب.. أبرز تصريحات ترمب الليلة
3/16/2026, 7:34:55 PM
President Trump launched a sharp public rebuke of NATO allies, accusing them of failing to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced the postponement of his planned visit to China, while boasting that he could bring the war against Iran to a decisive end within a week.
Ex-IRGC Commander Warns Japanese Ships Will Be in Danger If Deployed to Hormuz
NHK WORLDイラン元司令官 海峡へ派遣で“日本艦船は危険にさらされる”
3/16/2026, 7:29:25 PM
A former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Japanese ships would be put in danger if they were deployed to the Strait of Hormuz, following reports that US President Trump has urged Japan and other nations to send vessels there. The ex-commander called on Japan to stay out of the dispute and avoid military involvement in the region. The warning signals Iran's intent to deter US allies from participating in any multinational naval presence near the strategically vital waterway.
Trump Scolds Allies for Lack of Enthusiasm Over Hormuz Shipping Protection
NDTVTrump Pushes For 'Enthusiasm' From US Allies To Secure Strait of Hormuz
3/16/2026, 6:21:23 PM
President Trump publicly criticized US allies on Monday for their lukewarm response to his appeal for joint efforts to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US war against Iran. Trump called for greater "enthusiasm" from partner nations to secure the critical waterway through which a significant share of global oil supply flows. The remarks underscore deepening tensions within the Western alliance over burden-sharing in the Gulf conflict.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Offers Gulf States Security Guarantees While Condemning Their Role in Strikes
YNETבכיר איראני: רוצים הסכמים עם מדינות ערב, לא ציפינו ששטחן ישמש לתקיפה
3/16/2026, 6:18:00 PM
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf offered Gulf Arab states "security guarantees" while simultaneously criticising them for allowing their territory to be used in strikes against Iran. In an interview with a Qatari newspaper, he warned that Tehran is preparing for a prolonged war and ruled out any ceasefire that would allow the enemy to repair radar systems. A senior Iranian official also challenged Arab leaders directly, asking: "Which side are you on?"
Caught Between Iran's Attacks and Israel's Plans: How Gulf States Are Protecting Their Security
AL JAZEERA ARABICبين هجمات إيران ومخططات إسرائيل.. كيف تحافظ دول الخليج على أمنها؟
3/16/2026, 5:51:51 PM
Two regional experts analyse how Gulf states are responding to Iranian attacks and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. They examine the security strategies available to Gulf countries as they navigate the crossfire between Iran and Israel. The analysis highlights the delicate balancing act Gulf nations must perform to protect their stability amid growing regional volatility.
India Denies Tanker Release Linked to Hormuz Safe Passage Deal with Iran
NDTVCentre Trashes Reports Linking Release Of Tankers To Hormuz Access: Report
3/16/2026, 5:32:51 PM
The Indian government has dismissed reports claiming that Tehran is seeking the release of three oil tankers seized by India in exchange for guaranteeing safe passage to Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi firmly denied any such quid pro quo arrangement with Iran, calling the reports inaccurate. The denial comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region affecting maritime navigation and energy security.
US wants help to guard Strait of Hormuz, but EU is not keen
DEUTSCHE WELLE3/16/2026, 5:20:00 PM
The Trump administration is pressing European allies to take on a greater role in securing the Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Gulf escalate. The EU, however, is reluctant to commit, wary of being drawn into a US-led military posture in the region. Meanwhile, Russia is capitalising on rising energy prices triggered by the tensions, dealing a further economic blow to Ukraine and its European supporters.
US wants help to guard Strait of Hormuz, but EU isn't keen
DEUTSCHE WELLE3/16/2026, 5:20:00 PM
The Trump administration is pressing European allies to take on a greater role in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Gulf, but EU member states are reluctant to commit. Meanwhile, soaring energy prices triggered by regional instability are providing a windfall for Russia, undermining Ukraine and its European backers. The divergence highlights deepening transatlantic rifts over burden-sharing and energy security.
Trump: "Today We Bomb Near the Strait of Hormuz — Israel Won't Use Nuclear Weapons Against Iran"
YNETטראמפ: "היום נפציץ אזור שקשור למצר הורמוז. ישראל לא תשתמש בגרעין שלה נגד איראן"
3/16/2026, 4:43:01 PM
President Trump announced that the US would strike a target linked to the Strait of Hormuz and stated that Israel would not use nuclear weapons against Iran. He called on Western nations to help secure shipping through the strategically vital strait, expressing frustration that allies the US has protected for 40 years are reluctant to assist. Trump also claimed that Iranians want to reach a deal, dismissing their remaining leverage as "the worst kind of AI," pointing to AI-generated imagery showing buildings burning in Tel Aviv.
Israeli Officials Blast Europe's "Spinelessness" on Iran: "France and Britain Are Doormats"
YNETבכירים בישראל נגד "רפיסות" אירופה מול איראן: "צרפת ובריטניה - סמרטוטי רצפה"
3/16/2026, 2:51:35 PM
Senior Israeli officials in Jerusalem have sharply criticised European powers — particularly France and the UK — for refusing to defend shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz and for failing to adequately support the US-Israel war effort against Iran. Officials accused the Europeans of "hypocrisy" and said they had squandered a historic opportunity, calling Macron and Starmer's governments "doormats." Germany's Chancellor Merz was among the few European leaders to receive any praise from Jerusalem.
US Allies Running Low on Missiles as Iran War Costs Mount
RTDwindling stockpiles and soaring costs: US allies struggle to contain Iranian attacks
3/16/2026, 10:53:21 AM
US allies are struggling to sustain their air defence operations against ongoing Iranian drone and missile attacks, with stockpiles of interceptor missiles dwindling and operational costs soaring. France in particular is reported to be running critically low on air-launched interceptor missiles used to shoot down Iranian drones over the UAE. The situation highlights the growing strain on Western military resources as the conflict with Iran drags on.
Trump Weighs Seizing Iran's Critical Oil Hub, Kharg Island
RTTrump eyes seizure of key Iranian oil island – Axios
3/16/2026, 10:02:07 AM
According to Axios, President Trump is considering seizing Kharg Island, Iran's most critical oil export hub, which handles the vast majority of the country's crude shipments. US forces have already reportedly conducted strikes on military targets on the island. Such a move would represent a dramatic escalation of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran and could severely disrupt global oil markets.
India denies blanket deal with Iran over Strait of Hormuz ship transit
RTIndia comments on Strait of Hormuz talks with Iran
3/16/2026, 6:55:41 AM
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has clarified that there is no "blanket arrangement" with Iran guaranteeing safe transit for Indian-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz. His comments come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region affecting maritime navigation. India is seeking to protect its shipping interests while managing its diplomatic relationship with Tehran.
Trump Calls for Global 'Team Effort' to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
RTSecuring Strait of Hormuz should be ‘a team effort’ – Trump
3/15/2026, 12:49:46 PM
US President Donald Trump has called on China, Japan and other nations to jointly take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "team effort." The appeal underscores Washington's desire to share the burden of protecting the critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of the world's oil passes. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
No US withdrawal from Persian Gulf, no peace — Iran's top general
RTNo peace until US moves out of Persian Gulf – senior Iranian official
3/15/2026, 5:35:22 AM
Senior Iranian official Major General Mohsen Rezaee has declared that Iran will not consider the war with the United States over until Washington withdraws its forces from the Persian Gulf. The statement signals Tehran's hardline stance amid the ongoing military conflict, making any prospect of peace contingent on a fundamental shift in US regional military posture.
Trump Lashes Out at Allies Who Refused to Help Secure the Strait of Hormuz
RTTrump criticizes allies who declined his calls to help secure Strait of Hormuz
3/14/2026, 9:45:58 PM
President Trump has publicly criticized allied nations that declined his requests to contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the region. The standoff is already hitting American consumers hard, with US gas prices reaching their highest level since October 2023 and diesel approaching $5 a gallon. The dispute highlights deepening fractures in Western alliances over burden-sharing in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
UAE Arrests 45 People for Sharing Videos of Iranian Strikes
RTUAE arrests 45 over Iran strikes videos
3/14/2026, 9:13:14 AM
Abu Dhabi police have arrested 45 people for sharing videos related to Iranian military strikes, in what appears to be a sweeping crackdown on the spread of conflict-related footage. The UAE authorities have not detailed the specific charges, but the arrests signal the Gulf state's sensitivity to content depicting the regional conflict. The move underscores growing efforts by Gulf governments to control the domestic information environment amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
'I'm not thinking of leaving': African migrants trapped in the Gulf by the need to send money home
EL PAÍS“No pienso en marcharme”: la necesidad de seguir enviando remesas atrapa a los migrantes africanos en el Golfo
3/14/2026, 4:30:00 AM
Around five million African workers are employed in Gulf states — mainly in construction, hospitality and domestic service — and rely heavily on remittances to support families back home. Despite deteriorating conditions tied to volatile oil revenues, most say they cannot afford to leave. The fluctuation in global oil prices now threatens their livelihoods and deepens their precarity.
Trump Calls on China and Allies to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz as US-Israel War on Iran Enters Third Week
RTTrump demands China, other nations deploy warships to Strait of Hormuz (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)
3/13/2026, 8:55:34 PM
Now in its third week, the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran continues with long-range strikes and escalating rhetoric on both sides. President Trump has called on China and other nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions. The demand underscores the conflict's growing global dimensions and threat to critical maritime energy corridors.
Is Dubai Finished? A Millionaire's Haven Faces the Harsh Reality of Great Power Politics
RTIs Dubai finished? A millionaire Mecca meets the harsh reality of great power politics
3/13/2026, 6:40:38 PM
Dubai's reputation as a safe haven for the ultra-wealthy is under threat as the US-Israeli war against Iran reshapes the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The emirate, long celebrated as a neutral hub for global capital and millionaires, now risks being caught in the crossfire of great power conflict. Its carefully maintained neutrality may be increasingly difficult to sustain as regional hostilities intensify.
Iran assures India of safe passage through Strait of Hormuz
RTIranian envoy signals safe passage for Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz
3/13/2026, 3:22:07 PM
Iran's ambassador to India has confirmed that Indian ships will have safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the two countries' strong bilateral ties. The assurance comes amid heightened regional tensions and concerns about potential disruptions to the critical oil transit chokepoint. Tehran framed the guarantee as a reflection of its longstanding friendship with New Delhi.