Donald Trump has warned the US will “massively blow up” a key Iranian natural gas field if Tehran continues to attack Qatar.
In a furious Truth Social post, Mr Trump warned that if Iran repeats its Wednesday attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas fields, the US “will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before”.
Qatar's Ras Laffan was hit for a second time on Thursday morning shortly before Trump's warning. Yesterday, Iran fired five ballistic missiles at Qatar – four were intercepted, but the fifth struck Ras Laffan, causing a fire.
The attack on the world's largest liquified natural gas facility has seen oil prices climb to $112 a barrel in early trading this morning, as the UAE suspended operations at another facility.
Meanwhile, the US Defense Department will seek more than $200bn from Congress to continue funding the war in Iran, according to a new Washington Post report.
Key Points
- Trump warns Iran against attacks on Qatar
- Qatar gas plant badly damaged by missile strike blamed on Iran
- Gulf oil sites evacuated as Iran threatens strikes following South Pars attack
- Qatar condemns 'dangerous' Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field
- Trump threatens to abandon allies in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices hit $112 a barrel as Iran targets Gulf energy sites
04:45 , Stuti MishraOil prices have climbed to $112 a barrel in early Asian trading today as Iran struck energy infrastructure across the Gulf in retaliation for Israeli strikes on its South Pars gas field.
Brent crude rose 4.27 per cent to $112, while US West Texas Intermediate climbed 2.73 per cent to $98.95.
Qatar confirmed Iranian missiles caused "extensive damage" around the Ras Laffan industrial complex, the world's largest liquefied natural gas facility. The UAE suspended operations at its Habshan gas facility after missile-related incidents, with debris from intercepted projectiles also affecting the Bab oil field. Saudi Arabia said air defences had destroyed 19 drones in the Eastern Province and four missiles launched toward Riyadh.
A vessel east of the Strait of Hormuz also caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile, the UK's maritime security agency said.
The US is reportedly considering deploying additional military assets to the region to secure shipping through the strait.
Full story: Pentagon asks White House to approve $200B request to Congress for Iran war: report
04:30 , Stuti MishraThe Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a more than $200 billion funding request to Congress for the war in Iran, according to a new report.
It’s been nearly three weeks since the U.S, along with Israel, began launching strikes against Iran to “dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus,” according to the U.S. military.
President Donald Trump has contentiously claimed Iran posed an “imminent” threat to Americans due to its “nuclear ambitions” and development of long-range missiles. But this fight is not free, and the cost of it will come out of the American taxpayers’ pockets.
Pentagon officials are seeking a more than $200 billion bump in defense spending to keep up with its military campaign against Iran, The Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing a senior Trump administration official.
Reed more:
Pentagon asks White House to approve $200B request to Congress for Iran war: report
Iran strikes Qatar's Ras Laffan energy complex again, causing fires
04:15 , Stuti MishraIran has struck Qatar's Ras Laffan energy complex for a second time, with Qatar's energy company confirming that gas facilities at the site were hit by rockets early this morning, causing fires and more significant damage. No injuries were reported, the state media reported.
The strike came before Donald Trump issued his warning today against further attacks on the facility.
QatarEnergy Statement on Missile Attacks on its LNG Facilities
— QatarEnergy (@qatarenergy) March 19, 2026
In addition to the previous attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday 18 March 2026 that resulted in extensive damage to the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, QatarEnergy confirms that in the early hours…
US Senate votes down effort to curb Trump's power over Iran war...again
04:00 , Rachel DobkinThe Republican-led US Senate voted down a Democrat effort to curb President Donald Trump's power over the Iran war again on Wednesday local time.
The Senate voted mostly along party lines against advancing a War Powers Resolution that would have prohibited Trump from launching further attacks against Iran without congressional approval.
This is the second time the Senate defeated a War Powers Resolution on the matter.
Trump says US and Qatar had no involvement in Israel's strike on Iran's South Pars gas field
03:45 , Stuti MishraPresident Donald Trump has said Israel carried out the attack on Iran's South Pars gas field without US or Qatari involvement.
"The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen," Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Kuwait to close Grand Mosque for Eid al-Fitr
03:30 , Rachel DobkinKuwait’s Ministry of Information has announced that the Grand Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Kuwait’s capital, will be closed on Eid al-Fitr due to the “current circumstances” in the region, the Associated Press reported.
The holiday will take place between Thursday and Friday and mark the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is considered the most sacred time of year for the Muslim community, but this year it has been plagued by the Iran war.
Australia urges residents not to panic buy petrol
03:15 , Stuti MishraAustralian prime minister Anthony Albanese has urged residents to avoid panic buying petrol and diesel, saying a surge in demand had led to localised shortages in rural areas despite overall supply remaining stable.
"Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be over-prepared," Mr Albanese told reporters on today. "My message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help, that's the Australian way."
Fuel demand has doubled in some regions in recent days, Mr Albanese said, even as shipments continue to arrive as scheduled. The government has appointed Anthea Harris, former boss of the Australian Energy Regulator, as national fuel supply taskforce coordinator.
Australia's competition regulator has also launched an investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers including Ampol, BP's Australian unit, Mobil Oil Australia and Viva Energy's Shell-branded stations.
The Reserve Bank of Australia warned in its latest Financial Stability Review that the Iran war was a "material risk" to the Australian economy.
Trump official says Iran will not 'hold us hostage with energy blackmail'
03:00 , Rachel DobkinWhite House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has said Iran will not “hold us hostage with energy blackmail”.
“President Trump will not allow this regime, this bloodlusting regime, to hold us hostage with energy blackmail, missile blackmail or nuclear blackmail”, Miller told Fox News Wednesday night local time.
Gas prices have been surging as Iran has effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Middle East that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.
Trump called on his allies to send ships to escort tankers through the key waterway, but he was rebuffed.
WATCH: Saudi foreign minister says trust in Iran has been 'shattered'
02:45 , Rachel DobkinTrump warns US will 'massively blow up' Iran's South Pars if it continues attacks on Qatar
02:30 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump has warned that the US will “massively blow up” Iran's South Pars natural gas field if it continues attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas site.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said Wednesday local time Iran fired five ballistic missiles at the country. Four of those missiles were intercepted, but the fifth struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.
The attack came after Israel reportedly hit Iran’s South Pars natural gas field.
In a raging Truth Social post Wednesday local time, Trump warned if Iran continues to attack Qatar’s gas site, the US “will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before”.
Read Trump’s full post here:
“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran.
“A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen. Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.
“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar - In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before. I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
UAE responds to targeting of gas facilities: 'Dangerous escalation'
02:00 , Rachel DobkinThe United Arab Emirates has said the targeting of its gas facilities is a “dangerous escalation,” per the Associated Press.
The Abu Dhabi media office announced early Wednesday morning the Habshan gas facilities and the Bab oil field were affected by “falling debris from the successful interception of missiles”.
“The gas facilities have been shut down and no injuries have been reported”, the media office wrote on X.
Qatar announces another attack on its Ras Laffan gas site
01:48 , Rachel DobkinQatar’s Ministry of Defence announced another attack on its Ras Laffan gas site early Thursday morning local time.
“The Qatari Ministry of Defense announces that the State of Qatar was subjected to a ballistic missile attack from Iran, targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, resulting in damages”, a statement shared on X read.
The Defence Ministry said Wednesday Iran fired five ballistic missiles at Qatar. Four of those missiles were intercepted, but the fifth struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing a fire.
Trump’s former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent blames Israel for war with Iran and claims Tehran was not on verge of having nukes
01:30 , Brendan RasciusOne day after he resigned in protest of the Iran war, President Donald Trump’s former counterterrorism chief, Joe Kent, placed the blame for the conflict squarely on Israel and stated that Tehran was nowhere close to developing a nuclear weapon.
“The Israelis drove the decision to take this action, which we knew would set off a series of events, meaning the Iranians would retaliate,” Kent, who served as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told Tucker Carlson on Wednesday. The Israeli government “felt emboldened” that they could launch the war, and that the U.S. would “just have to react,” he said.
Carlson — who has described the war as ‘‘absolutely disgusting and evil” — asked Kent whether the regime was on the verge of creating a nuclear bomb.
“No. They weren't three weeks ago when this started, and they weren't in June either,” he said, referring to the U.S. military’s June 22 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Read more...
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Trump’s former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent blames Israel for war with Iran
Fatalities in Israel and occupied West Bank grow amid Iran war
01:00 , Rachel DobkinFatalities in Israel and the occupied West Bank have increased amid the Iran war, with several new deaths reported.
The Israeli military told the Associated Press that an Iranian missile struck the West Bank Wednesday night local time.
While the death toll has fluctuated, the humanitarian network, Palestinian Red Crescent, said at least three people have died, and at least 13 more were injured as of early Thursday morning, per the AP.
Israel’s medical service, Magen David Adom, said early Thursday a foreign worker in his 30s was killed by shrapnel in the South Sharon region following missile fire.
Ship hit off UAE coast: UKMTO
00:30 , Rachel DobkinThe UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre has announced a report of a ship being hit by an “unknown projectile” east of Khawr Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.
The strike caused a fire on board. It’s unclear what damage the ship sustained and whether there were any casualties.
“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities continue to investigate”, the centre said.
Qatar warns of possible attack after its Ras Laffan plant hit
00:07 , Rachel DobkinQatar warned of a possible incoming attack early Thursday morning local time, according to an emergency alert on residents’ phones, the Associated Press reported.
It comes after the country said its Ras Laffan plant, the largest liquefied natural gas plant in the world, suffered extensive damage from an Iranian strike Wednesday.
In pictures: Aftermath of alleged Israeli strikes on Iran's South Pars oil fields, which sparked retaliation threats
00:01 , Maira Butt-copy.jpeg)
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Watch: Missile attack from Iran hit Ras Laffan gas plant, says Qatar
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:40 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump attends transfer of fallen American soldiers
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:20 , Maira ButtUS president Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of American troops killed in the ongoing war with Iran.
In a statement on X on Wednesday, the White House wrote: “President Donald J. Trump attends the dignified transfer of six American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in a refueling plane crash while serving our nation. May God bless them and their families. In Honor of: Maj. John A. Klinner,Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons.”
Two men charged with ‘spying on UK Jewish community’ for Iran
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:00 , Maira ButtTwo men have been charged in relation to spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community for Iran.
Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, a dual Iranian and British national has been charged with engaging in contact that is likely to assist a foreign intelligence service relating to Iran.
Alireza Farasati, 22, an Iranian national, has been charged with the same offence.
The alleged offences occurred between July 9 2025 and August 15 2025, Counter Terrorism Police London said.
Two men charged with ‘spying on UK Jewish community’ for Iran
Operations suspended at Abu Dhabi gas facilities after missiles intercepted
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:40 , Maira ButtAbu Dhabi’s media office says operations have been suspended at gas facilities in the country after more missiles were intercepted on Wednesday.
Missiles had been on course for the Habshan gas facility and the Bab oil field, it said. Incidents involving fallen debris from the interceptions led to operations being called to a halt.
No injuries have been reported.
Qatar asks all Iranian embassy to leave country 'within 24 hours'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:08 , Maira ButtQatar’s foreign ministry has declared Iranian embassy officials “persona non grata” after Tehran attacked the country’s Ras Laffan energy hub on Wednesday.
All staff at the embassy have been asked to leave the country within 24 hours.
“Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices ‘persona non grata’, and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of 24 hours,” it wrote in a statement on social media.
What is Qatar’s Ras Laffan? World’s largest liquefied natural gas plant struck by Iran
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:05 , Maira ButtQatar’s massive Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility was hit by Iranian revenge strikes Wednesday as the war in the Middle East escalated with attacks on energy facilities.
Iran had threatened to attack Gulf energy facilities after its South Pars natural gas field was struck Wednesday, reportedly by Israel.
Hours later, Qatar said it had successfully intercepted four out of five ballistic missiles launched from Iran, while the fifth hit Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused "extensive damage."
Ras Laffan is an energy-industry hub where the core of QatarEnergy’s LNG processing takes place. The company had already stopped production at the site because of Iranian attacks.
The state oil giant had evacuated Ras Laffan LNG installations after Iran said several energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar would be targeted by strikes "in the coming hours.”
Analysis: Unlike Trump, Iran’s regime has been plotting this war for decades
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:45 , Maira ButtBent on regime change by attacking Iran from the air, Israel and America failed to plan for a war beyond bombing, but Tehran has spent decades preparing to frustrate exactly the kind of conflict it is now enduring.
Iran’s regime has a system known as the “mosaic defence”, which has been implemented for battlefield decision-making, counterattacks and state oppression.
Tehran knew that Israel planned to lead American attempts to destroy its theocracy by using its staggering levels of air power.
The Independent’s world affairs editor Sam Kiley reports:
Unlike Trump, Iran’s regime has been plotting this war for decades
Trump 'does not want any further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:40 , Joe MiddletonPresident Donald Trump does not want any further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after Israel's attack on the South Pars , the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials.
Trump, who knew about the Israeli strike on South Pars in advance, supported it as a message to Tehran over its blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and could again be open to targeting more Iranian energy facilities depending on Tehran's future actions, the WSJ said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Watch: Russia has already made $10bn on Iran war, says Zelensky
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:44 , Maira ButtBallistic missile from Iran hit gas plant, says Qatar
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:41 , Jane DaltonQatar says it intercepted four out of five ballistic missiles launched from Iran, while a fifth hit Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused "extensive damage”.
Ras Laffan is where the core QatarEnergy LNG processing takes place.
The state oil giant had evacuated Ras Laffan LNG installations, a source told Reuters, following Iran's threat to attack Gulf energy facilities.
Iran issued an evacuation warning for several energy facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes "in the coming hours", Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
Qatar says Iranian attacks 'threat to country's security'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:26 , Jane DaltonQatar says it "reserves its right to respond" to the "brazen" missile attacks at its Ras Laffan gas plant, warning Iran’s attacks were a "direct threat to its national security and the stability of the region".
"The Iranian side continues its escalatory policies that are pushing the region toward the abyss and drawing in countries that are not parties to this crisis into the circle of conflict," the country's foreign ministry wrote on social media.
The statement said Qatar would "not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens".
Who is Esmail Khatib? The Iranian intelligence minister Israel claims to have killed
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:10 , Maira ButtIsrael’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli military has killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
This killing follows previous Israeli actions against other high-ranking Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani and the head of the Basij force.
Khatib was sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2022 for directing cyber-enabled activities against the United States and its allies, and his ministry was accused of severe human rights abuses.
Iran has not officially acknowledged Khatib’s death, with state television instead broadcasting a funeral procession for Ali Larijani and other officials.
Qatar gas plant badly damaged
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:06 , Jane DaltonQatar’s main gas plant has been extensively damaged by missile attacks, QatarEnergy says.
The Ras Laffan Industrial City was subjected to missile attacks, the firm said, shortly after the country's interior ministry reported a fire resulting from an Iranian attack on the area.
“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused. All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported,” QatarEnergy wrote on social media.
Oil prices surge as Iran warns energy sites across Gulf to evacuate ahead of retaliatory strikes
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:50 , Maira ButtEnergy sites across the Gulf have been forced to evacuate after Iran warned it would launch strikes on the facilities imminently, sending the price of oil soaring and threatening a fresh crisis in the markets.
Tehran urged staff working at sites in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to leave ahead of airstrikes “in the coming hours”, in an escalation that would further cripple global gas and energy supplies in the third week of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Bryony Gooch reports:
Oil prices surge as Iran warns of retaliatory strikes in Gulf
Qatar oil processing plant hit by missile attack
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:27 , Maira ButtQatarEnergy, the country’s state owned energy company, has reported “extensive damage” on Wednesday after a suspected Iranian missile attack at Ras Laffan Industrial City.
“The Iranian side continues its escalatory policies that are pushing the region toward the abyss and drawing in countries that are not parties to this crisis into the circle of conflict,” the country's foreign ministry wrote on social media.
UK steps up support to Gulf allies amid Iranian attacks
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:04 , Maira ButtBritain said on Wednesday it was working to provide more support for its partners in the Gulf who are under attack from Iran, as it announced plans to buy extra missiles to protect the region.
In a statement, the ministry of defence said it would order further Lightweight Multirole Missiles from Thales UK in Belfast to supply its forces as well as partners in the region, and said it would also provide them with training in the UK.
“Lightweight Multirole Missiles have already proven highly capable for air defence in the Middle East,” the statement read.
Last night UK Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, supported by Voyager air-to-air refuelling, continued to conduct defensive air patrols over Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and the Eastern Mediterranean, it said.
Watch: Iran threaten retaliatory strikes on oil sites after energy infrastructure targeted
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:52 , Maira ButtMissile hits UAE airbase housing British personnel
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:32 , Alex CroftThe Independent’s political correspondent Athena Stavrou reports:
An Iranian missile hit an airbase housing British and Australian personnel in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday night, amid ongoing strikes in the region.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the missile hit Al Minhad Air Base late on Tuesday night, though there were no UK casualties or damage to UK equipment.
Explosions were heard near the base, which has been used by RAF personell since 2024.
Known as Donnelly Lines, it has been described as “an essential part of the UK’s global footprint”
Albanese did not confirm whether the base was targeted, but said: “The Iranian regime is engaging in random attacks right across the region. We know that is the case.”
Vance to meet oil executives amid spiking gasoline prices
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:16 , Alex CroftWe’re seeing a report from Bloomberg News that US vice president JD Vance and other top Trump administration officials plan to meet with oil executives on Thursday.
The meeting will come as oil prices continue to spike as a result of the Middle East conflict, which has dragged into its 19th day.
The meeting will be held at the American Petroleum Institute and include members of the US oil and gas trade group's board, the report said.
The Iran war video that fooled Donald Trump | Debunked
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:02 , Alex CroftA viral video claiming to show an Iranian strike on a US warship has even fooled Donald Trump.
The AI-generated clip, viewed nearly four million times, appears to show the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Independent compared runway markings in the video with verified satellite images from 2012 and February 2026 – they do not match.
Its audio also shows telltale signs of AI generation with unnatural tone.
The footage was amplified by an account linked to Iranian media, but no evidence supports the claim.
The Independent also found multiple AI-generated videos, which have since been deleted, relating to the US-Israel-Iran conflict published by the same account.
Watch our video report below:
Four ballistic missiles intercepted in Riyadh
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:47 , Maira ButtSaudi Arabia’s defence ministry has said it intercepted four ballistic missiles headed towards Iran.
It comes after loud booms were heard in the city earlier today.
No injuries or damage has been reported.
Merz says Europe was 'not consulted' before Trump attacked Iran
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:40 , Maira ButtGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated Europe’s position in not joining Donald Trump’s war against Iran on Wednesday.
He agreed that Iran must not be allowed to pose a threat to its neighbours but did not believe military action was necessary.
“To this day, there is no convincing plan for how this operation could succeed. Washington has not consulted us and did not say European assistance was necessary,” he told lawmakers.
“We would have advised against pursuing this course of action as it has been pursued. Therefore, we have declared that as long as the war continues, we will not participate in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, for example, by military means.”
The UK, France, Greece and others have so far declined Trump’s call for assistance.
Israel struck two bridges over Lebanon's Litani river, says defence minister
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:27 , Alex CroftIsrael's Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that the military struck and destroyed two additional bridges over Lebanon's Litani River, adding that they were used by the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group to smuggle weapons south.
He did not specify where the bridges were located.
"This is a clear message to the Lebanese government, Israel will not allow Hezbollah to use Lebanese state infrastructure," he said.
Israel destroyed a bridge in southern Lebanon on Friday and dropped leaflets in Beirut threatening Gaza-scale devastation.
In pictures: Iranian responders at the scene of US-Israeli strike
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:10 , Alex Croft
Two loud booms heard in Riyadh
Wednesday 18 March 2026 16:48 , Alex CroftTwo loud booms have been heard in Riyadh, according to a witness for Reuters news agency.
Some of the city's residents received phone alerts for the first time warning them of a hostile aerial threat, according to the report.
We’re working to bring you more.
Vatican urges Trump to end war 'as soon as possible'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 16:32 , Alex CroftThe Vatican's top diplomat on Wednesday called on US president Donald Trump to end the expanding Iran war as soon as possible and suggested Israel should also stop its strikes against Lebanon.
"I would say to finish it as soon as possible ... and to leave alone Lebanon," Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a senior advisor to Pope Leo, said in an unusually direct appeal.
"This message goes also to the Israelis," he added.
Iranian gas flows to Iraq halted after South Pars attack
Wednesday 18 March 2026 16:14 , Alex CroftIranian gas flows to Iraq were halted on Wednesday following an attack on Iran's Pars gas field, a senior Iraqi official told Reuters.
Tehran supplies between a third and 40 per cent of Iraq's gas and power needs.
Iran diverted its gas domestically following the attack, the official added.
The attack was widely reported in Israeli media to have been carried out by Israel with the consent of the United States. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Qatar's gas installations being evacuated - Reuters
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:53 , Alex CroftQatar's Ras Laffan LNG installations are being evacuated, Reuters is reporting, following Iran's threat to attack Gulf energy facilities.
Iran issued an evacuation warning for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes "in the coming hours", Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
It came after Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field.
Ras Laffan Industrial City is the workplace of around 115,000 people, according to QatarEnergy, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas company.
UN envoy for Lebanon warns against making 'grave mistake' amid Iran war - ICYMI
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:46 , Alex CroftJeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon, has warned against making a “grave mistake” amid the war in Iran.
During a closed briefing to the UN Security Council, Hennis-Plasschaert warned that “betting on a regional settlement to solve Lebanon’s problems would be a grave mistake”, according to a press release issued by the UN Tuesday.
“Lebanon must urgently focus on what can be done at the domestic level, including the development of a comprehensive roadmap to address the question of Hizbullah’s future”, the UN envoy said, referring to the Iranian-backed militant group, which is also spelled as Hezbollah.
Hennis-Plasschaert said the plan must not only “encompass the group’s weapons, but also its financial networks and social infrastructure”.
Russia condemns strike near Iranian nuclear power plant
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:29 , Alex CroftRussia has condemned a strike near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday, which it said was just metres away from an energy unit.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Moscow’s foreign ministry ministry, called on the United States and Israel to stop attacking the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities, during a news briefing.
Russia built the Bushehr plant and helps Iran run it.
Iran on Tuesday told the International Atomic Energy Agency that the attack had caused no damage or injuries.
Analysis | Unlike Trump, Iran’s regime has been plotting this war for decades
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:22 , Alex CroftBent on regime change by attacking Iran from the air, Israel and America failed to plan for a war beyond bombing - but Tehran spent decades preparing to frustrate exactly the kind of conflict it is now enduring.
Iran’s regime has a system known as the “mosaic defence” which has been implemented for battlefield decision making, counter attacks and state oppression.
Tehran knew that Israel planned to lead American attempts to destroy its theocracy by using its staggering levels of air power.
The result, nearly three weeks into the air war against Iran, is that its headless government lives on.
It has been planning for the moment when Iran’s leadership was, literally, wiped out and decapitated with a system to devolve, delegate and disperse its decision makers.
Read the full analysis from our world affairs editor Sam Kiley.
Fifa responds to Iran request to move their World Cup games from United States
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:13 , Alex CroftFifa has appeared to rule out the possibility of relocating Iran’s matches at the World Cup to Mexico following the US and Israeli airstrikes on the country.
It comes after the president of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj, said Iran was “negotiating” with Fifa to move the team’s matches outside of the United States due to the ongoing conflict.
US president Donald Trump said last week that he did not believe it was “appropriate” for Iran to play games in America “for their own life and safety”.
Iran are scheduled to play all three of its group matches at the World Cup in the US, kicking off against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.
Jamie Braidwood reports:
Fifa responds to Iran request to move their World Cup games from United States
Pezeshkian confirms Iranian intelligence minister Khatib was killed
Wednesday 18 March 2026 15:01 , Alex CroftIranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed that intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib was killed by an Israeli strike, describing it as a “cowardly assassination”.
Pezeshkian wrote on X that the killings have “left us in deep mourning”.
I extend my condolences to the great people of Iran for the martyrdom of two cabinet members, the secretary of the Shura, and the military and Basij commanders,” he added. “I am certain their path will continue more steadfastly than before.”
Trump threatens to abandon allies in Strait of Hormuz
Wednesday 18 March 2026 14:53 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has warned he will leave responsibility for opening the Strait of Hormuz to the main countries that use the route.
The threat came amid the US president’s latest tirade against America’s allies over their refusal to provide military support.
Iran announced it had closed the key waterway, through which around a fifth of the world’s crude oil flows, more than a fortnight, in a move that sent global oil prices soaring.
“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Strait?’” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“That would get some of our non-responsive “Allies” in gear, and fast!!! President DJT”.
Trump on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Nato, claiming the alliance abandoned the US “in its time of need”. Nato leaders insist that helping to open the Strait is not a job for the alliance.
Gulf oil sites evacuated as Iran threatens strikes following South Pars attack
Wednesday 18 March 2026 14:47 , Alex CroftIran has issued an evacuation warning for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes "in the coming hours."
The warning, reported by Iranian state media Wednesday, was directed at Saudi Arabia's Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical Complex, the United Arab Emirates' Al Hosn Gas Field, and Qatar's Mesaieed Petrochemical Complex, Mesaieed Holding Company and Ras Laffan Refinery.
"These centres have become direct and legitimate targets and will be targeted in the coming hours,” the message said.
“Therefore, all citizens, residents, and employees are requested to immediately leave these areas and move to a safe distance without any delay.”
It was issued shortly after Iranian oil facilities in South Pars and Asaluyeh came under attack by Israel, in a move that has been condemned by Qatar.
You can read the full report here.
Iran's regime appears in tact and able to attack US interests, says Tulsi Gabbard
Wednesday 18 March 2026 14:36 , Bryony GoochAs US senators question Donald Trump’s intelligence team, director national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has said the Iranian regime appears to be in tact but largely degraded after the US military operation.
She added that Iran and its proxies remain capable of attacking the US and allied interests in the Middle East.
According to the national intelligence chief, if the Iranian regime survives the current conflict, it will begin “years long” efforts to rebuild its missiles and drone forces.
She added that Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated in the 12 Day War last year and there has been little effort to rebuild the capability.
Russia says Hormuz shipping can only be restored through talks
Wednesday 18 March 2026 14:23 , Bryony GoochRussia believes that restoring shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz can only be achieved through negotiations, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
Watch: Funeral held for Iranian security chief Ali Larijani killed in Israeli air strikes
Wednesday 18 March 2026 14:15 , Alex CroftLack of plan for Strait of Hormuz closure 'frustrating', says Reeves
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:57 , Alex CroftThe lack of a plan from the US and Israel to deal with the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran was "frustrating", Britain's chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Wednesday.
"It is frustrating that there doesn't seem to be a plan for what to do now after the very predictable closure of the Strait of Hormuz," Ms Reeves told an event alongside Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo.
Qatar condemns Israeli hit on Iran's South Pars gas field, linked to Qatar's North Field
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:44 , Bryony GoochQatar’s minister of foreign affairs appears to have criticised Israel for targeting facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field.
Dr. Majed Al Ansari said in a post on X: “The Israeli targeting of facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars field, an extension of Qatar’s North Field, is a dangerous & irresponsible step amid the current military escalation in the region.
“Targeting energy infrastructure constitutes a threat to global energy security, as well as to the peoples of the region & its environment. We reiterate, as we have repeatedly emphasized, the necessity of avoiding the targeting of vital facilities.
“We call on all parties to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, & work toward de-escalation in a manner that preserves the security & stability of the region.”
The Israeli targeting of facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars field, an extension of Qatar’s North Field, is a dangerous & irresponsible step amid the current military escalation in the region.
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) March 18, 2026
Targeting energy infrastructure constitutes a threat to global energy security, as…
Iran executed a Swedish citizen, foreign ministry says
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:39 , Alex CroftWe’re hearing from Sweden’s foreign minister that Iran has executed a Swedish citizen on Wednesday, adding that she summoned the Iranian ambassador in Stockholm to condemn the decision.
The person, who has not been named, was arrested in Iran in June of last year and Sweden has repeatedly raised the case with Iranian officials, foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said.
"The death penalty is an inhumane, cruel and irreversible punishment. Sweden, together with the rest of the EU, condemns its application in all circumstances," Stenergard said.
The legal proceedings leading up to the execution did not meet the standards of due process, she added.
The Swedish foreign ministry and the Iranian embassy in Stockholm did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Reuters via phone and email.
Iran women's team return home
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:22 , Alex CroftPlayers from Iran's women national soccer team and their technical staff returned to their country on Wednesday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Several of the players refused asylum in Australia, where they played in the AFC Women's Asian Cup and were offered asylum following fears they could be punished on their return home after refusing to sing the national anthem.
They were welcomed by officials and members of the public at the Turkey-Iran Bazargan border, Fars news added.
In pictures: Destruction in Lebanon after Israeli strikes kill 10
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:17 , Alex Croft
Spanish PM says Middle East crisis will not distract from Ukraine support
Wednesday 18 March 2026 13:06 , Alex CroftSpanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that the crisis in the Middle East would not distract from his country's support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia.
"We cannot deny that the crisis in the Middle East is monopolising conversation and precisely for that reason, I want to say to the government of Ukraine that nothing and no one will make us forget what is happening in Ukraine," he said.
"We will keep our support for the Ukrainian people with the same intensity."
In a post on X, in which he criticised one of his domestic political opponents for failing to clarify whether he supports Donald Trump’s war, Mr Sanchez said: “You cannot encourage someone who sets the fire and then complain about the effects of the smoke caused by that fire.”
Watch: Trump accuses BBC of ‘corrupt and fraudulent’ Iran coverage
Wednesday 18 March 2026 12:45 , Alex CroftTwo people killed near Tel Aviv - ICYMI
Wednesday 18 March 2026 12:39 , Alex CroftTwo people were killed near Tel Aviv during an Iranian missile barrage, Israeli officials said.
The deaths brought the toll from missiles fired on Israel to 14, and came after another day of heavy Israeli bombardment of targets in Iran and Lebanon.
“We saw smoke rising from a building with extensive damage and shattered glass,” the Magen David Adom emergency responders said.
The pair had no pulse and were not breathing, it added. “We had no choice but to pronounce them dead at the scene.”
German minister doubts military means will bring positive change to Iran
Wednesday 18 March 2026 12:14 , Alex CroftGermany would like to see a change within Iran, but that will not be brought about through military means from the outside, said foreign minister Johann Wadephul in Berlin on Wednesday.
"Given the brutality and ruthlessness of this regime, it is desirable that regime change occur," said the foreign minister at a press conference with his French counterpart.
"I just believe that this has to develop from within the country, and fortunately there are positive attempts at this," he said, adding Germany is in discussions with the opposition.
