Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily halted on Monday, March 16, after a drone strike sparked a massive fire near a fuel tank facility, authorities said, as the US–Israel–Iran conflict entered its 17th day and tensions surged across the Middle East.
Dubai Civil Defence teams quickly brought the blaze under control, and officials confirmed that no injuries were reported. The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority described the suspension of flights as a precaution to ensure passenger and staff safety.
A video circulating on social media showed towering flames visible from a considerable distance, highlighting the scale of the fire.
US President Donald Trump said the military operation against Iran was “progressing wonderfully” and warned that the United States was not receiving oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He urged nations benefiting from the strategic shipping route to help defend it and suggested that a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be postponed due to regional tensions affecting global shipping.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Tehran was seeking truce negotiations, insisting the country would continue defending itself. He condemned Israeli strikes on fuel depots in Tehran as violations of international law, warning of long-term environmental damage.
The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces also cautioned that any attack on Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export terminal, would disrupt global energy prices and supply.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting towns including Khiam and Bint Jbeil. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported five dead and seven injured in raids on Majdal Selm and Aytit. Iran continued missile launches towards Israel, triggering air raid sirens, though projectiles reportedly fell in open areas without casualties.
Air defence systems across the Gulf intercepted drones and missiles, with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain reporting multiple interceptions since the conflict began. Rockets and drones also targeted Baghdad International Airport, which hosts a US diplomatic mission.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned what they described as “unjustified” Iranian attacks during a phone call between Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, urging a halt to escalation and a return to negotiations to preserve regional stability. India confirmed that diplomatic talks with Tehran allowed two Indian-flagged gas tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict’s toll has spread across at least 12 countries. As of March 15, Iran reported 1,444 deaths and 18,551 injuries. Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed 826 and injured more than 2,000, while Israel reported 15 deaths and 3,138 injuries. Iraq reported 27 deaths, Kuwait six, the UAE six, Oman three, Bahrain two, and Saudi Arabia two, with several other nations reporting injuries.
The US military confirmed 13 personnel killed and between 140 and 150 injured since the outbreak of hostilities.