Israel claims IRGC navy commander killed; Trump urges Iran to 'get serious'
France holds talks on freedom of navigation
Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff for the French Navy, said he had held talks recently with various naval counterparts - including from Britain, Germany, Italy, India and Japan - over the current situation in the Middle East.
"We are exchanging views on issues related to freedom of navigation and maritime security, as the sea is a vital artery for our global economy and regional stability," added Vaujour.
Pakistani embassy in UAE offers condolences
Pakistan's embassy in the UAE issued the following statement to comment on the killing of a Pakistani national in an incident in Abu Dhabi this morning:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Pakistani national in an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan Street, Abu Dhabi, today.
"In this difficult time, we stand with the bereaved family, offering our heartfelt condolences and prayers. The Embassy is in close coordination with local authorities to extend all possible support and to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the deceased."
Iran responded to 15-point proposal: Tasnim
Iran has formally delivered its response to a 15-point proposal from the US through intermediaries overnight, according to Tasnim news agency quoting an informed source.
Tehran is now awaiting Washington’s reply, the source added.
Bahrain shares update
Bahrain shared an update of the number of Iranian drones and missiles it successfully intercepted and destroyed since February 28. Take a look:
Iran 'better get serious' in talks: Trump
US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Thursday to engage in talks to end the Middle East war "before it is too late".
Israel says it killed IRGC navy commander
⚓️ELIMINATED: The IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri, in a precise IDF strike in Bandar Abbas. pic.twitter.com/ubrIhNbLL2
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 26, 2026
Jordan condemns Abu Dhabi attack
Jordan strongly condemned the Iranian attack on the UAE Capital, Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the deaths of an Indian and a Pakistani, and the injury of a Jordanian citizen, an Emirati, and an Indian, after shrapnel fell following successful interception.
In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s rejection and denunciation of these brutal attacks, describing them as a flagrant violation of UAE sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability.
The Phillipines acts to improve fuel security
To strengthen fuel security amid continued volatility in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Philippine government said it is activating a P20 billion ($333 million/ Dh1.25 billion) emergency fund.
"This decisive action demonstrates the administration's firm resolve to protect the Filipino people from external supply shocks and to ensure the continuous, adequate, and reliable availability of fuel across the country," the Philippine energy department said.
Award dedictaed to Sheikh Mohamed, frontline workers
During his recent visit to Washington, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, received the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award from the Washington DC-based Middle East Institute (MEI).
In a gesture of gratitude, Al Jaber, who is also Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, dedicated the recognition to President Sheikh Mohamed, and to every member of the Armed Forces, nurse, engineer, and citizen keeping the UAE safe.
Watch a part of his speech here shared by Adnoc on X:
True leadership moves through a nation. From our President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to every Member of the Armed Forces, nurse, engineer, and citizen keeping the UAE safe. Bravery is natural, not commanded. pic.twitter.com/CX5aCf6TcP
— ADNOC Group (@ADNOCGroup) March 26, 2026
UAE deaths at 11
The Death toll from Iranian attacks on the UAE since February 28 stands at 11, including a Pakistani and an Indian who were killed in a shrapnel incident in Abu Dhabi on March 26, following a successful interception.
Injuries now stand at 169, including 3 who sustained moderate to severe wounds in the same Abu Dhabi incident.
On Thursday, the country dealth with 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones, the Ministry of Defence said in its daily update.
Oil jumps
Oil prices surged five percent amid uncertainty over talks between Iran and the US.
International benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, jumped 5.2 per cent to $107.54 per barrel, while main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, advanced 4.9 per cent to $94.71, with President Donald Trump warning Tehran to engage in talks "before it is too late".
Kuwait defence minister visits the airport following attack
Kuwait's defence minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al‑Sabah visited Kuwait International Airport this morning to assess the aftermath of the drone attack which targeted aircraft fuel supply tanks, and to review the efforts being made to bring the fire under control.
The damage was limited to material losses, the Kuwait army clarified, with no human injuries reported.
During the visit, Sheikh Abdullah was briefed on the security and safety measures in place to deal with and combat the fire.
14 referred to criminal court in Bahrain
In Bahrain, 14 individuals were referred to criminal trial in four cases of spying for Iran. They had formed separate cells in three of those cases, while the fourth case involves a female defendant.
Their crimes include conspiring with the IRGC with the intent of carrying out hostile and warlike acts against Bahrain, providing assistance to it in its hostile activities, and receiving, delivering, and transferring funds to support such hostile operations.
One of the defendants also received military training at camps run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Malaysian vessels to be allowed to cross Hormuz
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had spoken to the leaders of Iran, Egypt, Turkey and other regional countries and said Malaysian vessels were now being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
"We are now in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil tankers and the workers involved so that they may continue their journey home," he said.
Indian, Pakistani killed in Abu Dhabi shrapnel incident
The two individuals who died earlier in Abu Dhabi have been revealed to be of Pakistani and Indian nationality.
The three people injured in the incident were an Emirati, a Jordanian and an Indian and their injuries range from moderate to severe.
Kuwait Airways provides service for submitting visa requests to Saudi Arabia
Kuwait Airways has introduced a service for residents to submit visa issuance requests to Saudi Arabia, conditional on prior booking of flights with the airline. This comes as the carrier opens flight routes to various cities via Saudi airports.
Pakistan says 'US-Iran indirect talks are taking place'
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Thursday that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran were being held to end their war, using Islamabad as an intermediary.
Dar, who is also deputy prime minister, described speculation about "peace talks" as "unnecessary", adding: "In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.
"In this context, the United States has shared 15 points, being deliberated upon by Iran. Brotherly countries of Turkiye and Egypt, among others, are also extending their support to this initiative," he wrote on X, using Turkey's official name.
Dar's comments are the first on-the-record confirmation from Islamabad that Pakistan is playing a facilitating role.
Trump says US 'needs nothing from NATO'
Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States "needs nothing from NATO".
"NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran," he posted on his Truth Social platform.
"The USA needs nothing from NATO".
Canada urges G7 to 'collectively' back Iran de-escalation: minister to AFP
The G7 should collectively back a de-escalation of the war in the Middle East, Canada's foreign minister said Thursday, before a meeting of top diplomats from the group expected to be dominated by the conflict.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand told AFP in an interview that she had spoken to all countries impacted in the region and all G7 members "to ensure that we are all collectively advocating for de-escalation and for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and for a path forwards for the Iranian people that preserves their lives."
Trump says Iran must act quickly to salvage talks
US President Donald Trump said Iranian negotiators were "begging" for a deal despite what he described as having been "militarily obliterated," rejecting Tehran's public stance that it is only reviewing Washington's proposal.
"They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty," he said in a Truth Social post on Thursday.
US Army raises maximum enlistment age to 42
The US Army has raised its maximum enlistment age from 35 to 42, aligning its recruitment policy with that of most other US military branches.
The new rules allow individuals aged up to 42 to enlist in the US Army, the National Guard and the Army Reserve, according to the 159-page regulation published by the Army this month.
The change takes effect on April 20.
The Army previously raised the enlistment age to 42 in 2006, during the Iraq War, but lowered it back to 35 a decade later.
The Air Force and Navy already accept recruits up to age 40.
Saudi Arabia intercepts, destroys 3 drones
Saudi Arabia has intercepted and destroyed yet another wave of drones in its eastern region on Thursday.
Dubai Police issue reminder on debris
Dubai Police on Thursday sent residents a reminder not to approach, touch or photograph any debris or objects that have fallen after missile interceptions.
"While some objects may appear harmless, interacting with them may pose safety risks," said the message from the authority.
Pentagon considers diverting Ukraine military aid to the Middle East, Washington Post reports
The Pentagon is considering whether to divert weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East as the war in Iran depletes some of the US military's most critical munitions, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported Reuters.
Israeli soldier killed in south Lebanon fighting
An Israeli soldier was killed in fighting in south Lebanon on Thursday, the military said, after the army announced it was conducting ground operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah.
"Staff sergeant Ori Greenberg, aged 21, from Petah Tikva, a soldier of the Reconnaissance unit, Golani Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon," the military said.
Asian Cup 2027 draw postponed
Next month's draw for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has been indefinitely postponed, the continental football body said Thursday, amid the war.
No new date was immediately set by the Asian Football Confederation, which has also seen regional club competitions disrupted following the US-Israel-Iran war.
The draw was supposed to take place on April 11 in Riyadh but has been postponed "after careful consideration to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders", the AFC said.
The 19th edition of the Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from January 7 to February 5 next year. Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are the host cities.
Israel took Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf off hit-list on Pakistan request, Pakistani official says: Reuters
Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit-list after Pakistan requested Washington not to target them, a Pakistani official told Reuters on Thursday.
"The Israelis had their ... coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the US if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the US asked the Israelis to back off," the official said.
2 dead, 3 injured after shrapnel falls in Abu Dhabi
A ballistic missile interception by UAE air defence systems has caused falling debris in Sweihan Street in Abu Dhabi — resulting in the deaths of two unidentified persons and three injuries.
Number of wounded rises to 6 in Iranian missile attack in Israel
The Israeli military said air defences responded to missile attacks from Iran on Thursday that according to medics left six people lightly wounded and caused some damage.
A spokesperson for Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said paramedics were providing medical treatment to "six people who were lightly injured by blast effects", updating an earlier toll of two injured.
Earlier on Thursday, a spokesperson for MDA told public radio there was damage to several houses in the central city of Kafr Qassem, whose Mayor Haitham Taha said it was caused by cluster munitions.
Oman Air flights to Dubai remain cancelled till April 15
Oman Air announced on Thursday that flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Copenhagen and Khasab will remain cancelled until April 15.
It also said that flights to Amman and Dammam will resume on April 1.
UAE deals with second wave of incoming missile, drone threats from Iran
The UAE Ministry of Defence said air forces are dealing with a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran on Thursday, just two hours after the first one.
The ministry confirmed that the sounds heard were that of missile and drone interceptions.
Why is the Indian rupee sliding so sharply?
The Indian rupee’s slide toward the 94-per-dollar mark has emerged as one of the most closely watched market signals for investors, policymakers and millions of overseas Indians — especially the large UAE-based diaspora.
The currency’s weakness reflects a powerful mix of surging oil prices, a strong US dollar, foreign capital outflows and rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, raising important questions about inflation, remittances and the outlook for Asia’s third-largest economy.
Israel medics say Iranian missile attack leaves 2 wounded
The Israeli military said air defences were responding to "missiles launched from Iran" early Thursday, with sirens activated across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
Israel says air defences responding to Iranian missiles
The Israeli military said air defences were responding to "missiles launched from Iran" early Thursday, with sirens activated across central Israel, parts of Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.
"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," a military statement said, more than 14 hours after announcing a previous missile attack.
UAE authorities say situation safe
Residents received an alert signalling that the situation is safe after a wave of missile and drone threats from Iran.
Philippines suspends electricity market due to Middle East conflict
The Philippines' energy market regulator said on Thursday it had suspended the country's wholesale electricity spot market across all its three grids until further notice due to fuel supply risks and price volatility over the Middle East conflict, Reuters reported.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it has proposed to implement a modified administered pricing, which it expects to be finalised by April 1.
"Under the proposed scheme, coal plants may be paid at a fixed rate, natural gas plants based on contracted prices, and renewable energy sources such as hydro and geothermal, under administered pricing with preferential dispatch," the ERC said in a statement.
What to do when you receive an emergency alert
In case of emergencies, residents are asked to remain in a safe location through alerts sent by the authorities.
Here's what you should do if you receive an alert.
If you are inside a building:
Step away from balconies or windows.
Move to the central area of the structure.
Stay clear of glass partitions or surfaces.
Listen to building security or announcements.
Avoid using elevators, unless specifically instructed to do so.
Continue to take these measures until the follow up safety message from MOI is sent out.
If you are outdoors:
Move into the nearest building.
Avoid open spaces.
Do not stand next to an external wall or glass panel.
If you are driving:
Continue driving calmly and with caution.
Do not stop on the road or get distracted by filming.
Proceed to the nearest indoor location and take shelter there.
Once the all-clear is issued, residents may resume normal activities.
UAE air defences currently dealing with missile threat
The Ministry of Defence says that air defence forces are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks from Iran. It confirmed that the sounds heard in some areas of the country are those of interceptions of ballistic missiles and combat drones.
Saudi Arabia intercepts 3 drones in eastern region
The Ministry of Defence in Saudi Arabia said that three drones has been intercepted and destroyed in the eastern part of the country. This comes after an initial round of interceptions an hour ago in the same region.
Japan says beginning release of state oil reserves
Japan said it had started to release another part of its strategic oil reserves Thursday as it looks to temper the impact on the resource-poor nation from the surge in prices caused by the war.
Japan is the fifth-biggest importer of oil, with more than 90 per cent of it from the Middle East.
"The release (of national stockpile) started at 10:59 am (0159 GMT) to oil refiners," Kaname Morimoto, an official of the ministry of economy, trade and industry, told AFP.
Israel military says carried out 'wide-scale strikes' in Iran
Israel's military said Thursday its forces had carried out a wave of strikes across Iran, including in the central city of Isfahan.
A brief military statement said Israeli forces "completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in several areas across Iran", according to AFP.
Adnoc CEO Sultan Al Jaber says weaponising Hormuz strait is 'economic terrorism'
He said that when Iran holds the passage hostage, every nation pays the price "at the gas station, at the grocery store, at the pharmacy."
Kuwait downs two drones
Kuwait National Guard (KNG) Duty Force intercepted and destroyed two hostile drones in the areas under their jurisdiction on Thursday early morning, the authority said in a post on X.
What has happened so far?
Take a look at Khaleej Times's live coverage from the beginning of the war to find out how events have unfolded.
Day 27 begins with strikes in Iran, drone attacks in GCC
The war enters its 27th day, with Israel launching 'widespread attacks' in Iran, and Kuwait downing two drones on Thursday morning.
US President Donald Trump said he was ready to "unleash hell" if Iran doesn't accept a deal to end the Middle East war, but the Iranian foreign minister said that they do not intend to negotiate.
Meanwhile, Adnoc CEO Sultan Al Jaber was received at the White House, and has spoken out against the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it 'economic terrorism'.
Stay tuned to this Khaleej Times live blog to get all the latest updates from the war today.
