Dubai, Abu Dhabi News Live Updates: Qatar PM says gas hub attack ‘clear proof’ Iran not only targeting US interests
Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi Attack News Today Live Updates: A lawmaker said Thursday that Tehran is weighing a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz — effectively monetising its grip over the world’s most critical energy chokepoint.
Iran has already been selectively blocking passage for vessels linked to its adversaries since Operation Epic Fury began. A formal toll system would shift disruption from a weapon to a revenue stream.
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Trump’s ultimatum: Israel — not the US — struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, Trump said. Iran retaliated by hitting Qatar, which Trump called unfair. He warned Tehran that the US will “blow up the entirety of South Pars” with or without Israel if Qatar is struck again. He urged Iran to accept a nuclear deal and “stop the insanity.”
Ras Laffan hit twice: Five missiles were fired at Qatar’s Ras Laffan on March 18 — four intercepted, one struck. A second wave hit early March 19, damaging LNG trains and the Pearl GTL plant. QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on all deliveries. Fires were contained while no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Qatar has expelled Iran’s military attachés.
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh has formally reserved the right to take military action against Iran. Air defences downed a missile near Prince Sultan Air Base and destroyed 13 drones.
Arab bloc: Foreign ministers of 12 nations in Riyadh demanded that Iran immediately halt all attacks on Gulf states.
The Strait of Hormuz carries 20% of the world’s oil. Ras Laffan supplies 20% of its LNG. South Pars holds its largest gas reserves. Iran now has its hand on all three.
7,000+
Targets struck across Iran
2x
Air power vs. Shock & Awe 2003
⇧
Accelerating, not decelerating
“Today will be the largest strike package yet, just like yesterday was. Our capabilities continue to build, Iran’s continue to degrade. We’re hunting and striking. Death and destruction from above.”
— Pete Hegseth, Pentagon Briefing, Mar 19, 2026 | CNBC
“Operation Epic Fury has so far delivered twice the air power of ‘Shock and Awe’ in Iraq in 2003. We are accelerating, not decelerating.”
— Pete Hegseth, Pentagon Briefing, Mar 19, 2026 | The White House
MILITARY DESTRUCTION
Iran’s Armed Forces: A Pentagon Assessment
Hegseth described a systematic dismantling of Iran’s military capacity — from command structure to naval presence — in some of the most sweeping language of the campaign.
✈
Air Force: “Built for 1996; destroyed in 2026”
Hegseth declared Iran’s Air Force entirely eliminated in the campaign.
⚓
Navy: “Rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf”
The Iranian Navy, per Hegseth, has been sunk in its entirety.
☠
Command: “Dead, missing, or cowering in bunkers”
Iranian commanders described as too terrified to occupy the same room.
GEOPOLITICAL CONTROL
The Strait of Hormuz and Who Holds Power
Two short quotes from today’s briefing defined the U.S. posture on the broader theatre — the Strait of Hormuz and the power dynamic with Iran overall.
“That’s not a strait we’re going to allow to remain contested.”
— Pete Hegseth, on the Strait of Hormuz | CBS News
U.S. Position
“We hold the cards”
Iran at Hormuz
“Sheer desperation”
CONTEXT
Why Hormuz Matters
About 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has previously threatened to close it during periods of military tension. Hegseth’s remarks signal the U.S. considers control of the strait a non-negotiable war objective.
$200B
War funding request — “could move higher”
6
Airmen killed in KC-135 crash in Iraq
“It takes money to kill bad guys. We’re going back to Congress to ensure we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future — and not just refill ammunition, but above and beyond.”
— Pete Hegseth, on war funding | Axios
“What I heard through tears, through hugs, through strength and through unbreakable resolve was the same from family after family: ‘Finish this. Honor their sacrifice. Do not waver. Do not stop until the job is done.'”
— Pete Hegseth, relaying message from families of fallen airmen | Stars and Stripes
HISTORICAL CONTRAST
“This Is Not Those Wars”
Hegseth, a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, drew a sharp line between Operation Epic Fury and what he called the “squandered credibility” of previous administrations — while also leaving the door open on Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Hear it from me, one of hundreds of thousands who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, who watched previous foolish politicians like Bush, Obama and Biden squander credibility. This is not those wars.”
— Pete Hegseth | CBS News
“We have options, for sure.” — on whether the U.S. would need to control Iran’s enriched uranium to conclude the operation. Preventing Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a core goal.
— Pete Hegseth, on Iran’s nuclear programme | CBS News
Sources: CNBC · Axios · CBS News · Stars and Stripes · The White House
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The Indian Express Global Desk is tracking all developments across Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf in real time. Refresh for the latest updates.
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