Morning update

AI Summary

A morning briefing covers multiple developments in the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, including Japan releasing strategic oil reserves amid surging fuel prices, UAE air defences responding to Iranian missile and drone threats, US plans to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil hub and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and all Dubai flights suspended after a fire near the airport. Saudi Arabia intercepted over 60 drones, Israeli raids killed 10 in Lebanon, and Iran accused Israel of environmental crimes after Tehran fuel tank strikes.

Morning update Good morning, Middle East Eye readers,  Here are some of the latest key updates from the Iran war: Japan has started to release strategic oil reserves to combat surging fuel prices amid the ongoing US-Israeli attack on Iran. The UAE’s defence ministry says its air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. US President Donald Trump is working to assemble a coalition of countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and is planning the seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub, Axios reported. All flights to and from Dubai were suspended following a fire near Dubai International Airport, according to Emirati authorities, who urged passengers not to travel to the airport. Saudi Arabia has intercepted more than 60 drones over its territory since Monday at midnight, according to figures released by its defence ministry. Israeli raids on several towns in the south of the country killed 10 people and wounded 13 others, Lebanon’s ministry of health said. The UK sait it will provide over 5 million pounds ($6.62 million) of emergency funding to support humanitarian work of the Lebanese government. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Israel of committing a crime against the environment after strikes hit fuel tanks in Tehran. A boy stands near a house that was damaged by a strike, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, 15 March, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS)