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.

Qatar issued two consecutive missile attack warnings within an hour on March 16, 2026. The country’s defense ministry reported that its armed forces intercepted a missile attack before issuing a second alert, instructing residents to remain indoors. The alert was lifted shortly afterward. In neighboring Bahrain, the Interior Ministry activated warning sirens and urged citizens to move to the nearest safe locations.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command stated that missiles were launched from Iran toward central Israel and Jerusalem. Following the alerts, explosions were heard in Jerusalem, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.

The incidents occurred amid a broader escalation across the region, with reports of drone and air attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan and rising military casualties involving U.S. forces. The situation underscores heightened instability and the potential for further conflict in the Middle East.

Iran carried out overnight attacks across several Gulf countries on Saturday, according to regional reports. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense stated that its forces intercepted and destroyed 26 Iranian drones, mostly near the capital Riyadh and in the eastern region. The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems were countering missile and drone attacks from Iran, with a fire breaking out at Fujairah port following a drone strike.

Bahrain reported that warning sirens were sounded and residents were instructed to move to the nearest shelters. The United States ordered non-essential government employees and their families to leave Oman due to security concerns. Kuwait announced that its National Guard had downed five Iranian drones within the past 24 hours. Qatar said it had intercepted missile and drone attacks throughout Saturday but did not report any overnight strikes.

The widespread attacks have heightened regional security tensions, prompting multiple Gulf states to activate defense systems and issue civilian safety alerts.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a direct threat to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that he will be hunted down and killed if still alive. The statement came on the 16th day of the ongoing Middle East conflict, referring to Netanyahu as a 'child-killing criminal' and vowing to use full force against him.

Speculation about Netanyahu’s whereabouts has spread on social media after a video released on March 12 showed the 76-year-old leader speaking at a February 28 press conference. Some users claimed the footage was artificially generated, pointing to anomalies such as an apparent sixth finger. In the video, Netanyahu appeared to threaten Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and voiced support for Israeli military operations against Iran.

Conservative U.S. commentator Candace Wings questioned Netanyahu’s visibility, alleging that his office was releasing and deleting AI-generated videos. Netanyahu’s office dismissed the rumors, telling Anadolu Agency that the reports were false and that the prime minister was in good health, though no detailed official statement has yet been released.

At least 17 ships have been attacked in the Middle East over the past two weeks following the outbreak of regional conflict, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incidents occurred around the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. The UKMTO and the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that two Indian nationals were killed in the attacks.

The UKMTO reported that on March 1, two tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, and another vessel was struck while anchored in Bahrain. Additional attacks took place in the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz between March 3 and March 12, involving explosions, drone strikes, and projectile impacts. The most recent incident on March 12 set a container ship ablaze in the Persian Gulf.

The series of maritime attacks highlights growing insecurity in key shipping routes of the Middle East, though the source did not specify who was responsible for the assaults or the broader military context.

The death toll from the ongoing Middle East conflict has surpassed 2,200 following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, according to Al Jazeera. Iran has recorded the highest number of casualties with 1,444 deaths, followed by 773 in Lebanon and 14 in Israel. Additional fatalities include six in the United Arab Emirates, two in Bahrain, two in Saudi Arabia, six in Kuwait, and three in Oman. Eleven US military personnel and 26 people in Iraq have also been reported killed.

The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iranian military and energy facilities, sparking rapid escalation across the region. Iran responded by announcing missile and drone strikes, which spread the violence to several Gulf countries.

The situation remains volatile as regional tensions continue to rise, with widespread concern over further escalation and humanitarian impacts across affected nations.

Missiles were launched toward Israel from Iran and Lebanon on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera’s live updates. Explosions were heard over western Jerusalem after Israeli defenses detected incoming missiles from Iran. The Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on northern Israel’s Goren area and said it targeted an Israeli air defense system in the Ma’alot-Tarshiha city.

Al Jazeera reported that the Middle East war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran, has now entered its third week. The Israeli military stated that its defense systems were actively working to intercept the incoming missiles and neutralize threats.

The continued exchange of attacks underscores the deepening regional conflict involving Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, with no immediate sign of de-escalation mentioned in the report.