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Mar 16, 2026 4:00 AM

US-Iran War Updates March 16: Iran Denies Truce Talk, Dubai Airport Confirms Fire As Trump Demands Help With Hormuz

Here are the latest developments in the U.S.–Israel–Iran war on Monday at 2:45 AM ET, as the conflict enters its seventeenth day.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump urged countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz to deploy military assets, including minesweepers, to help secure the shipping route amid tanker attacks and rising tensions, warning NATO allies of consequences if they fail to assist.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on X joking about rumors that he had been killed in an Iranian strike, showing himself at a café and dismissing the claims while praising the Israeli public.

אומרים שאני מה? צפו >> pic.twitter.com/ijHPkM3ZHZ

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 15, 2026

Japan Taps Oil Reserves

Japan has begun releasing oil from private-sector reserves to stabilize supply as the Iran war disrupts Middle East tanker routes. The release equals about 15 days of consumption, while companies still hold roughly 70 days of reserves. The government may also release an additional month of oil from its national stockpile later in March, reported NHK World.

Drone Strike Sparks Dubai Airport Fire

A drone strike hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport on Monday, causing a ...