Trump warns NATO, discusses Hormuz blockage with Starmer

This live blog follows updates for Day 17 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 16, go here.

• Iran announces 60% minimum wage hike
• Drone and missile attack on Baghdad airport: security sources
• Iran FM sees no reason for talks after Trump says it wants deal
• Iran urges countries to avoid action that could widen war
• Israel army says begun 'wide-scale' wave of strikes on western Iran

Trump says he has 'absolute right' to charge tariffs in another form

Published March 16, 2026 | 03:30 GMT

US President Donald Trump asserted he had the authority to impose duties despite the US Supreme Court last month striking down his global tariffs.

"I have the absolute right to charge TARIFFS in another form, and have already started to do so," he said in a long post on his Truth Social network. Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on US imports via executive order shortly after the Supreme Court ruling.

Flights temporarily suspended at Dubai's airport following nearby drone incident

Published March 16, 2026 | 02:23 GMT

Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai's airport after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fire nearby, city authorities said on Monday.

The incident impacted a fuel tank, the Gulf financial hub's media office said, later adding authorities had extinguished the blaze that broke out.

The office said no injuries had been reported.

"Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff," Dubai's media office posted on X.

Iran says Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constitute 'ecocide'

Published March 16, 2026 | 02:19 GMT

Iran's foreign minister said Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots constituted "ecocide" due to the long-term risks to residents' health.

"Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide," Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X.

"Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts," the post added.

Trump says 'we're talking' to Iran, but it's not 'ready' for deal to end war

Published March 16, 2026 | 01:40 GMT

US President Donald Trump said that the United States was in discussions with Iran as the war enters its third week, but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end it.

"Yes, we're talking to them," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, without detailing the nature of such talks, when asked if there was any diplomacy underway to end a conflict that has spread across the Middle East and roiled global markets.

"But I don't think they're ready. But they are getting pretty close," Trump said.

Iran's foreign minister had denied earlier that any talks with the United States were taking place.

Trump says NATO faces 'very bad' future if allies don't help open Hormuz

Published March 16, 2026 | 00:15 GMT

In a brief interview with The Financial Times, President Donald Trump said NATO faces a "very bad" future if US allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit effectively shut by Iran in the Mideast war.

Trump added that as the United States has aided Ukraine in the war with Russia, he expects Europe to help on the Strait of Hormuz, whose closure has sent energy prices soaring around the world.

"If there's no response or if it's a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO".

Trump also said an upcoming summit in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be delayed as he presses for China's help to open the strait.

Trump, Starmer discuss Hormuz blockage in war: UK

Published March 16, 2026 | 00: 05 GMT

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke Sunday about the "importance" of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, currently blocked by Iran, the UK leader's office said.

"The leaders discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide," a Downing Street spokeswoman said in a statement.

On Saturday, Trump urged other countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to send warships to help the United States secure the strait.

Iran's military is effectively blocking the crucial waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, aiming to damage the world economy and pressure Washington as oil prices soar.

Starmer also "expressed his condolences for the American service personnel who have lost their lives during the conflict", the statement said.