According to the latest update from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on Telegram, Iran has launched another round of missile attacks toward Israel. The Israeli military stated that it is actively working to counter the threat and has sent warning messages to residents in the affected areas. Iran’s state media IRIB also confirmed that a new phase of missile strikes has begun.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense reported that it intercepted four ballistic missiles and 25 drones launched from Iran on Sunday. In a post on social media platform X, the UAE said its air defense systems have so far intercepted a total of 345 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,773 drones since the start of what it described as Iran’s open aggression.

The renewed attacks have raised concerns about escalating regional tensions, with both Israel and the UAE emphasizing their defensive responses to Iran’s actions.

A researcher at the Centre for International Studies at Sciences Po has warned that Israel’s expanding role in the Middle East’s gas infrastructure is granting it increasing leverage over neighboring Arab states. The analysis highlights that during the US-Israeli war on Iran, Jordan and Egypt halted gas supplies to Syria, exposing how dependent regional energy flows have become on Israeli gas. Egypt’s declining production and Jordan’s limited output have led both countries to rely heavily on imports from Israel, which now forms the backbone of the Arab Gas Pipeline network linking Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

The report explains that even when gas is imported as liquefied natural gas through Jordan’s Aqaba terminal, it mixes with Israeli gas within the shared pipeline system. This structural dependence was underscored when shutdowns at Israel’s Leviathan field twice disrupted supplies to Jordan and Egypt, forcing emergency measures. The researcher argues that such reliance allows Israel to wield political and economic influence, using energy as a tool of coercion and control.

The article concludes that Syria and Lebanon could reduce vulnerability by developing their own gas reserves, though doing so would require significant investment and political resolve to resist external pressure favoring continued dependence on Israeli energy.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on a Syrian military base, describing it as an act of aggression. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the strike violated international law and Syria’s sovereignty, urging the international community to take steps to halt such actions. The condemnation aligns Saudi Arabia with Turkey, which has also called for global intervention over the incident.

According to Israeli forces, the strike targeted southern Syria in response to an attack on the Druze community in Suwayda province, claiming it was intended to protect that group. Turkey labeled the assault a dangerous provocation and demanded its immediate cessation. The Syrian government also denounced the strike, calling Israel’s justification baseless and asserting that the attack infringed on its sovereignty.

The report noted that Israel has previously carried out strikes in Syria during periods of conflict. Despite ongoing regional tensions, Syria has sought to avoid direct involvement in broader warfare.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed held a phone conversation to discuss the latest developments following Iran’s attacks. According to a statement from the Qatari Emir’s office, the two Gulf leaders examined the serious impact of these attacks on regional security and stability.

Both leaders described the attacks as a grave violation of state sovereignty and the principles of international law. They emphasized the urgent need to end all forms of conflict, reduce tensions, and strengthen regional and international diplomatic efforts to restore calm.

Their discussion reflects growing concern among Gulf states about the potential escalation of violence in the region and highlights a shared call for diplomatic engagement to prevent further instability.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that more than 200 Ukrainian specialists have been deployed to the Middle East to assist Gulf countries in defending against Iranian drones. The initiative aims to help nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait strengthen their defenses against the same type of Iranian 'Shahed' drones that were previously sold to Russia in 2022. Ukraine claims to have achieved about 90 percent success in intercepting these drones, according to Al Jazeera.

Analysts cited in the report noted that Iranian drones have become a growing threat to U.S.-aligned Gulf states, which have traditionally focused on high-altitude missile defense systems while neglecting low-altitude threats. The report also highlighted the stark cost difference between defense systems: a U.S. ballistic missile interceptor can cost around 10 million dollars per use, whereas a Ukrainian counter-drone costs roughly 3,000 dollars and can destroy a 50,000-dollar Shahed drone.

The cooperation underscores Kyiv’s effort to share its wartime experience and expand defense partnerships in the region.

Several Gulf countries have banned open-field Eid congregations due to heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. According to Al Jazeera, authorities in these nations have instructed that Eid al-Fitr prayers be held only inside mosques. Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have already urged citizens not to gather in traditional open prayer grounds after Ramadan.

Officials stated that the decision followed a reassessment of public safety risks in light of the current regional tensions. They described the measure as a precautionary step to prevent potential security incidents during large gatherings.

The move reflects growing unease across the Middle East as the Iran-Israel confrontation intensifies, prompting governments to tighten security and limit public assemblies during major religious events.

Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Middle East have been subdued this year as war and economic hardship overshadow the festive spirit. From Beirut to Dubai and Jerusalem, millions of Muslims are marking the end of Ramadan under the shadow of conflict and rising prices. In Lebanon, residents like Aziza Ahmed say there is little to celebrate, with families struggling to afford basic necessities and many displaced people unable to return home.

The region’s tensions have intensified since February 28, when conflict erupted involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, leaving at least 30 people dead in Gulf countries. Kuwait has temporarily banned public gatherings such as plays, concerts, and weddings during Eid, while Qatar has suspended all mass events. The United Arab Emirates has instructed worshippers to perform Eid prayers inside mosques for safety reasons.

In occupied East Jerusalem, Israel’s closure of holy sites including Al-Aqsa Mosque has left Palestinians grieving. Despite the fear and restrictions, some families in Bahrain and elsewhere are trying to maintain normalcy, preparing for Eid in hopes that the turmoil will soon pass.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced deep concern over a potential nuclear disaster as tensions escalate among Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East. WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director, Hanan Balkhy, told Politico that the organization is preparing for possible radiation risks and warned that any such incident would have catastrophic consequences. She said that while preparations are underway, the damage could not be fully prevented and its effects might last for decades.

The report notes that the United States possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, while Israel, though not officially acknowledging it, is regarded as the only nuclear-armed state in the region. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has not yet enriched uranium to weapons-grade levels, though its nuclear program remains a source of long-standing concern. In June last year, the United States carried out strikes on Iran’s Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow nuclear facilities, which President Donald Trump claimed were “completely destroyed.”

Balkhy cited the 1945 atomic bombings in Japan and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster as examples of long-term health and environmental impacts. WHO is currently advising governments on preparedness measures, though details of its guidance have not been disclosed.

Foreign ministers from twelve Arab and Muslim countries have jointly called on Iran to stop its attacks and comply with international law. The appeal was issued in a joint statement following a meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ministers condemned Iran’s assaults on Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, stating that residential areas, oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, housing complexes, and diplomatic zones had been targeted.

The ministers also denounced Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and reaffirmed their support for Lebanon’s security, stability, and territorial integrity. The joint statement came amid a period of heightened regional tension, as Iran has been carrying out strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf region.

According to the report, Iran’s state media has accused the United States and Israel of attacking its oil and natural gas production centers. The statement was issued on behalf of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran has issued a final warning of large-scale attacks on several key oil and gas installations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar within the next few hours. Tehran has instructed civilians and workers near these facilities to evacuate immediately, according to reports published on Wednesday, March 18, by Iranian state media.

The warning specifically mentioned Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical Complex, the UAE’s Al Hosn gas field, and Qatar’s Mesaieed Petrochemical Complex, Mesaieed Holding Company, and Ras Laffan Refinery. Iranian media described these sites as direct and legitimate targets, urging all residents and employees to move to safe distances.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as a source, signals a potential escalation of regional tensions involving Iran and Gulf states, though no immediate response from the targeted countries was included in the report.

For more than two weeks, Israel and the United States have been carrying out attacks on Iran, yet no Muslim-majority country has stepped forward to assist Tehran. Many Muslim nations are instead viewing Iran as a threat, reflecting deep divisions driven by sectarian differences, national interests, and dependence on the United States. Experts note that Iran’s recent strikes on neighboring Arab states during Ramadan have further alienated potential allies and intensified distrust across the region.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has sought to position itself as a leading Islamic power and protector of Shia minorities, often clashing with Sunni-led Arab monarchies such as Saudi Arabia. Despite a brief diplomatic thaw in 2023, Iran’s actions following the latest US-Israel offensive have revived fears among Gulf states about Tehran’s ambitions and destabilizing influence. Analysts suggest that Iran’s regional image has suffered severe damage, and its isolation has become more pronounced.

The ongoing conflict has disrupted the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, with some experts predicting closer security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Israel as Gulf nations seek advanced defense systems against potential Iranian threats.

Iran has launched additional missiles toward Israel, prompting the Israeli military to activate its defense systems to intercept the attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that their defense mechanisms were engaged to counter the incoming projectiles. Iranian state media also reported that missiles were fired toward what it described as 'occupied territories.'

The renewed missile exchange marks an escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. Both sides have been engaged in heightened tensions, with Iran framing its actions as targeting occupied areas and Israel maintaining defensive operations to protect its territory. The reports from both Israeli and Iranian sources confirm the continuation of direct military confrontation.

Further details on the scale of the attacks, potential damage, or casualties were not provided in the initial reports, leaving the full impact of the incident unclear.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that up to 45 million people in the Middle East could face severe food shortages by June if the United States and Israel continue their military actions against Iran. The agency’s Deputy Executive Director, Carl Skau, said rising costs of food, oil, and maritime transport are pushing millions toward acute hunger. Speaking to journalists in Geneva, he noted that global hunger levels could surpass the current record of 319 million people.

According to the WFP, the escalating conflict is driving up essential commodity prices and disrupting supply chains across the region. The organization expressed concern that without immediate international action, the situation could trigger a major humanitarian crisis.

The WFP urged the global community to act swiftly to preserve food security and prevent further deterioration of living conditions in the affected areas.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, has announced the likely date for Eid al-Fitr in Arab countries this year. According to his statement, the holy month of Ramadan in the Arab world is expected to complete 30 days, making the first day of Shawwal likely to fall on March 20. This means that most countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, are expected to celebrate Eid on Friday, March 20.

Al Jarwan also noted that on the 29th day of Ramadan, which falls on the preceding Wednesday, there will be no crescent moon visible in the skies over Arab nations. His assessment was reported by The National, indicating that astronomical conditions support the likelihood of Eid being observed a day later.

The announcement provides early guidance for communities and authorities in the Middle East to prepare for the festival, though the final confirmation will depend on the official moon sighting closer to the date.

Oil exports from the Middle East have fallen by at least 60 percent due to disruptions and heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The near-closure of the Hormuz Strait has forced many exporting nations to cancel shipping plans and suspend production at several oil fields, creating one of the largest supply disruptions in history. Crude oil prices have surged to their highest level in four years.

According to data from analytics firm Kpler, as of March 15, average daily exports of crude oil, condensate, and refined products from eight Middle Eastern countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates — dropped to 9.71 million barrels, down from 25.13 million barrels in February. Kpler analyst Johannes Raubal reported that floating crude inventories in the region exceeded 50 million barrels this week, compared to about 10 million barrels before the conflict began.

Analysts warn that if the Hormuz Strait disruption persists, global energy markets could face further instability and oil-importing nations may experience additional price increases.