US-Israel-Iran Live Updates: Trump Says NATO Making Foolish Mistake As Countries Deny Joining Hormuz Campaign

#WATCH | US-Israel vs Iran war, US President Donald Trump says, "... If I didn't terminate Obama's horrible deal that he made, the Iran nuclear deal, you would have had a nuclear war four years ago. You would have had a nuclear holocaust, and you would have had it again if we… pic.twitter.com/87uKGRCZ95, — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2026

The powerful Iran-backed militia Kataeb Hezbollah issued a stark ultimatum late Tuesday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops.

The group's new security chief, Abou Moujahed al-Assaf, pinned the nation's instability directly on the United States, stating that "security will not be achieved until the last foreign soldier leaves Iraqi territory." This rhetoric follows a wave of drone and rocket attacks on US diplomatic sites earlier that day.

Renewed rocket and drone attacks struck the US Embassy and a nearby diplomatic facility in Baghdad on Tuesday, following a series of strikes earlier that day.

According to security sources via Reuters, the embassy compound faced a coordinated assault from rockets and an explosive drone, triggering emergency sirens. Simultaneously, at least three explosive drones targeted a US diplomatic site near Baghdad International Airport, forcing the activation of C-RAM air defense systems.

President Trump stated that the current damage to Iran’s infrastructure and economy could take 10 years to fully repair. However, he signaled a shift toward a long-term strategy, noting that the US intent is to ensure these setbacks become "more permanent."

Addressing British lawmakers in the UK Parliament on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that 201 Ukrainian military specialists are currently stationed across the Middle East to counter Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Zelenskyy revealed that these expert teams are active in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with an additional 34 personnel prepared to deploy and more currently en route to Kuwait.

In a lighthearted video posted on X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared alongside US Ambassador Mike Huckabee to debunk persistent social media rumors regarding his death. When Huckabee joked that President Trump had sent him to verify the PM was "alright," Netanyahu replied, "Yes, Mike, I’m alive.",

Crossing names off the list is good - doing it shoulder to shoulder with our American friends is even better.

Good to see Ambassador @GovMikeHuckabee. Always a pleasure.

🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FZrZN03IZI, — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 17, 2026

During an Oval Office meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin on Tuesday, President Donald Trump criticised NATO allies for their refusal to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump labeled the alliance's reluctance a "very foolish mistake," pointing out the contradiction in allies identifying Iran as a threat while declining to support military efforts to secure the vital oil waterway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, reiterating India’s "strong condemnation" of the ongoing drone and missile attacks targeting the Emirates.,

Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and conveyed advance Eid greetings.

We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives…, — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2026

During a White House press briefing, President Donald Trump responded to the resignation of Joseph Kent, the US National Counterterrorism chief. Addressing Kent's claims that Iran posed no imminent threat, Trump stated that while he previously viewed Kent as a "nice guy," he was "always weak on security."

The President argued that Kent’s departure was a positive development, asserting that Iran remained a global threat to all nations and dismissing the former chief's assessment of the conflict.

The Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Joe Kent, has resigned with immediate effect, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and becoming the first high-level exit from the administration in protest against the ongoing war in Iran.

"After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today," Kent said in a public statement on Tuesday.

He directly challenged the rationale for the conflict, stating, "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."

Kent also acknowledged his tenure.

US President Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday that most NATO allies have declined to participate in the US military offensive against Iran, despite shared concerns over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. In a sharp critique, Trump labeled the alliance a "one-way street" and declared that the United States no longer requires or desires international help.

Citing what he described as overwhelming military success, the President stated that American forces have effectively neutralised the threat. He further clarified that the US does not seek military support from other key partners, including Japan, Australia or South Korea, as the campaign continues.

The Israeli military has issued an urgent alert, stating it has detected preparations by Hezbollah for a massive rocket offensive expected to launch in the coming hours. According to the IDF, the planned attack is set to target both northern and central Israel with a significant volume of fire.

In response, the Israeli Air Force is actively conducting preemptive operations to neutralise launch sites, while air defense systems have been placed on high alert for interceptions. Military officials noted that this public warning was issued to ensure civilian readiness and avoid panic, following criticism over a lack of transparency regarding a similar large-scale attack last week.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed on Tuesday that Canada was not consulted regarding the US-Israeli strikes that ignited the current conflict in the Middle East. Speaking in Ankara, Anand clarified that Ottawa has no intention of participating in offensive military operations, focusing instead on de-escalation and humanitarian aid.

While reaffirming Canada's commitment to NATO coordination, she emphasised that the protection of civilians remains the government's top priority. Following discussions with Turkish officials, both nations agreed on the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating crisis.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday that Mexico is prepared to host Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup fixtures, pending approval from FIFA. The offer follows a formal request from the Iranian football federation to relocate their matches from the United States to Mexico. Iranian officials cited significant safety concerns for their squad in the wake of recent US-led military strikes on Iranian territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that Israel’s resolve, from its top commanders to its citizens, is the decisive factor in winning the current conflict. Urging the public to ignore pessimistic media reports, Netanyahu claimed that the nation has achieved "historic accomplishments" since the events of October 7.

He emphasised that Israel is emerging from the struggle stronger than ever, bolstered by unwavering military and strategic coordination with the United States.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that Israel is operating in lockstep with the United States to maintain military pressure on Iran.

Highlighting a "close engagement" with Donald Trump, Netanyahu noted that the two nations’ air forces and navies are coordinating both direct and indirect actions across the Gulf. While keeping specific operational details classified, the Prime Minister teased further escalations, warning that there are "many surprises" prepared for the Iranian leadership in the coming days.

In a stinging resignation letter addressed to President Trump, Joseph Kent, the US National Counterterrorism chief, stepped down in protest of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kent asserted that he "cannot in good conscience" support the military campaign, claiming Iran never posed an imminent threat to the US.

He further alleged that the war was initiated due to intense pressure from Israel and its influential lobbying groups rather than American national security interests.

A Pakistani commercial oil tanker, the MT Karachi, has successfully transitioned through Iranian-controlled waters in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report from PTI citing official sources. The vessel is transporting approximately 109,990 tonnes of crude oil and is expected to arrive at Karachi Port on Wednesday.

Farooq Nizami, spokesperson for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, confirmed the tanker departed Abu Dhabi’s Das Island on March 15. Due to the high-risk security environment in the Gulf, the transit was conducted under the direct protection of a Pakistan Navy escort.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the elimination of Ali Larijani, identifying him as the head of the Revolutionary Guards and a key national security figure. Netanyahu framed the strike as a strategic move intended to empower the Iranian people to reclaim their sovereignty from clerical rule.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video address on X wishing the Iranian people a Happy Nowruz. The outreach occurred as unconfirmed reports regarding his death began to spread across social media.,

تبریک نوروزی نخست وزیر بنیامین نتانیاهو برای مردم ایران

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s greetings to the Iranian people on the occasion of Nowruz. pic.twitter.com/fVb0aTvhMZ, — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 17, 2026

Around 300 members of the Basij paramilitary were reportedly killed in a series of overnight Israeli airstrikes, according to Iran International. These strikes followed an earlier IDF announcement confirming the deaths of Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani and other high-ranking officials.

Crude prices jumped nearly 3 per cent on Tuesday, reversing Monday's decline as renewed Iranian strikes on the UAE heightened fears of prolonged supply shortages. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked, the energy market remains volatile.

Recent drone attacks have crippled key infrastructure, including a fire at the Port of Fujairah, a critical export terminal and the ongoing shutdown of the Shah gas field. These disruptions come as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran enters its third week, placing severe pressure on global energy security.

A Lebanese soldier has died and four others remain injured following an Israeli airstrike in the southern city of Nabatieh on Tuesday. According to the Lebanese army, the troops were traveling via car and motorcycle when they were struck; one of the wounded later passed away at the hospital.

The IDF stated the incident is currently under review, maintaining that their operations specifically target Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese Armed Forces. This event occurs against a backdrop of intensifying Israeli strikes across Lebanon, which have resulted in over 880 deaths and displaced more than one million people. Israel continues to warn of potential territorial consequences should Hezbollah remain armed near the border.

The United Arab Emirates intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones launched by Iran on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Emirati Defense Ministry.

The ministry further disclosed the scale of its defensive operations since the onset of the US-Israel conflict with Iran on February 28. To date, the UAE has successfully neutralised a total of 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,672 drones targeting its territory.

The Israeli Air Force has launched a new wave of targeted strikes against Iranian regime infrastructure sites in Tehran. This offensive follows a confirmed IDF operation overnight that killed Ali Larijani, identified by the military as Iran’s "de facto leader," alongside Basij paramilitary commander Gholamreza Soleimani and several other senior officials within the Basij leadership.

White House economic director Kevin Hassett signaled on Sunday that the military campaign against Iran is nearing its final phase, estimating the conflict will conclude within weeks rather than months.

Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Hassett noted that while the Pentagon initially projected a four-to-six-week mission, the operation is currently ahead of schedule. Despite the USD 12 billion price tag and rising fuel costs, he dismissed concerns over long-term economic damage, asserting that the US is "far more resilient" today than during the 1970s energy crisis due to domestic oil production.

Beijing announced a major humanitarian relief package on Tuesday, targeting Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq as the conflict in West Asia spirals. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the "unacceptable" civilian toll, citing the displacement of over 800,000 people in Lebanon alone.

This latest move follows China's recent USD 200,000 donation after the Iranian school bombing. In a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire, Beijing positioned itself as a stabilising force, pledging to work with regional partners to restore peace.

In a significant security sweep, the intelligence arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) has detained 55 individuals in the country’s southern provinces. According to the Tasnim news agency, those arrested are accused of collaborating with US and Israeli intelligence services.

The crackdown occurs as Tehran intensifies domestic surveillance during its ongoing military conflict with the West. 

In a high-stakes diplomatic call on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told UN Secretary-General António Guterres that the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is inseparable from the broader conflict with the US and Israel.

According to a statement on his Telegram channel, Araqchi argued that maritime stability cannot be restored while the "US-Israeli war against Iran" continues into its third week. He called on the international community to move beyond silence and formally condemn the strikes on Iranian territory, framing the naval blockade as a direct consequence of regional aggression.

India has officially dismissed claims of a "vessel swap" deal with Tehran aimed at bypassing the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson categorically denied a Reuters report suggesting that Iran had offered safe passage for Indian-flagged ships in exchange for the release of three seized tankers.

While rejecting the notion of a quid pro quo, the MEA confirmed that diplomatic channels remain open. India is actively engaging with Iranian authorities to secure the release of Indian vessels and crew members currently caught in the maritime standoff.

The United Nations warns of a deepening humanitarian disaster in Lebanon as the conflict enters its third week, with civilians paying a staggering price. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza described a "perfect storm" of suffering, noting that hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes with only the clothes on their backs.

Tehran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly dismissed all proposals for a ceasefire or de-escalation with the United States. According to a senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters, these proposals facilitated by two intermediary nations, were flatly rejected during Khamenei’s inaugural foreign policy session.

The official described the Supreme Leader’s stance as "uncompromising and severe," focusing on a mandate of "retaliation" against both the US and Israel. Khamenei reportedly asserted that peace is not an option until adversaries "accept defeat and pay reparations." While it remains unclear if he attended the session in person, the directive marks a definitive hardline shift for the Islamic Republic.

In anticipation of the funeral services for the personnel lost aboard the IRIS Dena, Ali Larijani’s office released a handwritten tribute honoring their memory amid his death news. Issued from Tehran under the auspices of the Supreme National Security Council and dated 26 Esfand 1404, the note offers a solemn reflection on their service.,

به مناسبت مراسم تشییع سلحشوران نیروی دریایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران: یاد آنان همواره در قلب ملت ایران خواهد بود و این شهادت‌ها بنیان ارتش جمهوری اسلامی را برای سالها در ساختار نیروهای مسلح استوار می‌نماید. ازخداوند متعال علو درجات برای این شهدای عزیز خواستارم. pic.twitter.com/dvTdhyDYbY, — Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 17, 2026

Israel stated that Iran launched missiles towards the country. Sirens sounded in Nahariya and  Western Galilee.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has highlighted the need for urgent talks to prevent further escalation in the region. She said “We must find a diplomatic solution to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.”

Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that top Iranian official Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Iran last night. The Times of Israel quoted Katz as saying: “Larijani and the Basij commander were eliminated overnight and joined the head of the annihilation program, Khamenei, and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil, in the depths of hell."

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday confirmed the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Basij Unit. According to the Jerusalem Post, the IDF confirmed the death of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Basij paramilitary militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, and his deputy, Seyyed Karishi. As per the report, the two were killed in a makeshift tent area, which had been set up to make it harder to follow them as opposed to in a known headquarters. Providing the details in a post on X, the IDF said that under Soleimani, the Basij Unit employed severe violence and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.

Kuwait Health Ministry on Tuesday stated that two medical staff were injured at an ambulance center after falling shrapnel struck the site.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past 6 years.,

🔴 COMMANDER OF THE BASIJ UNIT ELIMINATED

Yesterday, the IDF targeted & eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past 6 years.

Under Soleimani, the Basij unit led the main repression operations in Iran, employing severe violence,… pic.twitter.com/aJ0dNtCFz0, — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 17, 2026

Iran Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Tuesday stated that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be "as it was before" as Iranian fire keeps nearly all traffic out of the waterway. Speaking to Iranian state television, he said, "Certainly, from now on, with the interventions that have taken place, the strait can no longer be, from a legal standpoint and in terms of transit, as it was before."

Lebanese army on Tuesday informed that five soldiers got injured in an Israeli strike on vehicles in southern regions, reported Al Jazeera.

Israeli media on Tuesday said that Iranian security chief Ali Larijani was targeted, further not clarifying whether he was killed in the attacks or not. However, Iran has not commented on any such attack, reported Reuters.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that any ground invasion attempt in the country will be crushed. "Just read what happened in Vietnam," the diplomat told Sky News.

As per the experts, oil prices on Tuesday surged more than five per cent as US' allies denied to directly participate in the war around the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli health ministry informed that 3,530 people have been injured since the start of the war, reported Al Jazeera.

The Israeli army on Tuesday asked the residents of Lebanon's Zahrani River to flee ahead of a new action. "Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, their facilities, or their combat vehicles is endangering their life," its spokesperson said.

The defence ministry of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday stated that three more drones were intercepted in the Eastern Province.

Amid the ongoing war in Middle East, Iranian military officials on Tuesday asserted that the duration and outcome of the war will be decided by Tehran.

Israel has deployed additional troops in Lebanon to add an extra layer of security for residents in northern part of the country amid the escalated tensions.

As per the National News Agency, Israel launched strikes on the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, leading to severe damages.

As per the Abu Dhabi media office, a Pakistani national was killed in Bani Yas area after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell on him.

The authorities from the UAE on Tuesday stated that the operations at the Shah gas field remained suspended following a drone attack at the site.

Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the country is exploring the possibility of purchasing crude oil from Russia amid the crisis in Middle East.

Amid the ongoing conflict, the experts have pointed out that disruption in the ships through the Strait of Hormuz will affect several industries along with oil. 

Qatar on Tuesday informed that it intercepted and destroyed several missile attack after loud explosion was heard in Doha. Iran continued its attack on the US bases in the Arab nations following killing of his Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

As per Iran's state broadcaster Press TV, navy commander Shahram Irani stated that Tehran will take revenge of its soldiers killed in the attack on IRIS Dena. "We will not forget the enemy's crime, and we will exact retribution for the blood of our martyrs," he said. 

Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israel launched fresh strikes on multiple towns in Southern Lebanon, leading to severe damages.

As per Al Jazeera, authorities in Doha have issued a public safety alert urging the residents to avoid unnecessary outings following loud blasts were heard in the city.

Iran's embassy on Tuesday said that the country is negotiating with FIFA over the possibility of moving its upcoming Football World Cup matches to Mexico instead of the United States

The security forces said that a drone struck the Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad's Green Zone, leading to severe material damages.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry on Tuesday said its air defence system intercepted and destroyed six drones in the eastern part.

In a fresh statement, Russia has blamed the US and Israel for the military conflict in the Middle East. "Once a stable and prosperous region, the Persian Gulf is rapidly descending into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The economic repercussions of the reckless venture initiated by Washington and Tel Aviv are being felt ever more acutely far beyond the conflict zone–indeed, on a global scale," Moscow said in its statement.

Iran launched a drone attack on the UAE's Fujairah, leading to a fire in an oil tank; however, the authorities assured that no one got injured in the attacks.

Israel on Tuesday launched fresh strikes on key infrastructures of Iran's capital city, Tehran, the Israeli military informed. Israel's emergency service also stated that no casualties were reported in the recent attacks from Iran.

The UAE's state media on Tuesday stated that the country's airspace was temporarily closed following attacks from Iran as a precautionary measure.