US-Israel war on Iran day 16: Trump calls for allies on Strait of Hormuz security as Iran vows retaliation

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call from His Majesty King Felipe VI of the Kingdom of Spain, who condemned the blatant Iranian attacks that continue to target the UAE and several countries in the region. His Majesty also affirmed Spain’s solidarity with the UAE in all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and security and ensure the safety of its territory.

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that RAF jets continued air defence patrols to protect British interests and allies across Qatar, Cyprus, the UAE, and Bahrain. A British counter-drone unit simultaneously shot down multiple Iranian drones following strikes on coalition bases in the region. The operations form part of Britain’s strictly defensive role in the 2026 Iran conflict.

The Ministry of Defence of the State of Qatar announced that the country was subjected on Sunday to an attack involving a number of drones launched from Iran.

In a statement carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ministry said that Qatar's Armed Forces had successfully intercepted all drones.

Israel said it would partially reopen Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt on Wednesday, after it closed the key gateway when it launched a joint attack on Iran with the US.

"The Rafah Crossing will reopen for movement in both directions starting this coming Wednesday (March 18), for limited movement of people only," COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry agency in charge of civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories, said in a statement on Sunday.

Air India and Air India Express will operate 48 flights, to and from West Asia on March 16, they announced.

Both carriers will continue their scheduled operations to Jeddah and Muscat, including a total of 10 flights between India and Jeddah. Air India will operate one return service each from Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India Express will operate one flight each from Bengaluru, Kozhikode and Mangalore.

In addition, Air India Express will operate 12 scheduled flights to and from Muscat, with one service each from Delhi, Kannur, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram and two services from Kochi.

In addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express will operate 26 non-scheduled flights to and from theUAE and Saudi Arabia, subject to availability of slots and other prevailing conditions at the departure stations at the time.

Several drones and rockets targeted on Sunday a military base at the Baghdad airport complex, which also houses a US diplomatic facility, three security sources told AFP.

"Nine attacks with drones and rockets targeted the Victory military base in the airport," a security official said.

Another security source said at least three drones were downed. It remains unclear if the military base was directly hit.

Five were wounded in a rocket attack on Baghdad airport, however, said Iraqi authorities. "Five rockets targeted Baghdad International Airport and its surrounding area, injuring four airport employees and security personnel, and an engineer," the security media cell said in a statement.

It added that rockets "struck the airport and a water desalination plant", while others crashed near a prison where Daesh suspects are detained and an Iraqi airbase base next to a US diplomatic facility.

The statement reads:

If you want to leave the Middle East, the US government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available. An increasing number of commercial flights are operating out of international airports in the UAE. Seats on commercial flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai are available now for travel to multiple US and European cities. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been advised by their airline to do so. Access to some airports is restricted to confirmed travelers only. Borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia have been open, and commercial flights from those countries are operating. There are reports of congestion at border crossings, and both Oman and Saudi Arabia continue to enforce visa requirements. UAE immigration authorities continue to enforce exit bans, and if you are subject to one, you will not be permitted to travel. The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and US Consulate in Dubai have suspended all routine consular services. Do not approach the embassy or consulate for any reason. To request emergency passport services, email ACSAbuDhabi@state.gov if you are in Abu Dhabi or DubaiACS@state.gov if you are in Dubai.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a short video on Sunday making light of rumours on social media that he was dead.

"I'm dead for coffee," he said sarcastically on his official X account as he received a steaming cup at a cafe outside Jerusalem, employing a colloquial Hebrew expression meaning to love something to death.

He then raised his hands to the camera, asking, "Do you want to count the number of fingers?" - a reference to speculation on social media that his latest televised address was generated by AI as he appeared to have six fingers on one hand.

The premier then urged Israeli citizens to respect safety instructions in the event of incoming rockets, adding their resilience "gives strength to me, to the government, to the army, to the Mossad (spy agency)."

"We are doing things that I cannot share at this moment, but we are striking Iran very hard, and also Lebanon," he added.

Strategic oil reserves will be released "immediately" in Asia and Oceania, and as early as the end of March in America and Europe, the International Energy Agency said Sunday.

"Individual implementation plans have been submitted to the IEA by Member countries. These plans indicate that stocks will be made available by IEA Member countries in Asia Oceania immediately while stocks from IEA Member countries in the Americas and Europe will be made available starting from the end of March," said the IEA, whose members agreed on March 11 to tap stockpiles to cushion the surge in prices caused by the war in the Middle East.

Kuwait announced that its armed forces detected 14 hostile drones that entered the country's airspace during the past 24 hours, eight of which were destroyed.

The falling debris caused some material damage and three members of the armed forces sustained minor injuries.

Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) quoted Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, Spokesperson for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence, as saying during a media briefing on the ongoing developments that the injured personnel received the necessary treatment and their health condition is stable.

He added that three of the hostile drones targeted Kuwait International Airport, causing damage to the radar system without any human injuries being recorded, while three others fell outside the threat zone and did not pose any danger. He noted that the National Guard forces also managed to intercept and destroy five hostile drones.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was not interested in talks with the United States, pushing back on President Donald Trump's stance that Tehran wants a deal to end the war.

"We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people," Araghchi told CBS's "Face The Nation," in an interview aired Sunday.

"We don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us.

"There is no good experience talking with Americans."

Trump on Saturday said Iran wanted a deal, but that he was not prepared to make one on current terms, without giving further details.

"We never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation," Araghchi said.

He added that Iran was ready to talk to countries who want to negotiate for selected oil tankers to pass through the key Strait of Hormuz export route.

"I cannot mention any country in particular, but we have been approached by a number of countries who want to have a safe passage for their vessels," he said.

At least eight people were injured in Israel Sunday following repeated missile launches from Iran, at least two of which contained cluster munitions according to Israeli authorities.

Israeli police released footage from a CCTV camera in the Tel Aviv area showing an impact on a road, saying that it was from "cluster munitions" that caused "damage at several locations".

An Israeli military source on Sunday denied media reports that Israel was running low on missile interceptors crucial to its air defences, adding that the army was "continuously monitoring the situation".

Citing US officials, news outlet Semafor had reported that Israel had informed the United States that it was "running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors", as the US-Israeli war against Iran entered its third week.

"As of now, there is no interceptor shortage. The IDF prepared for prolonged combat. We are continuously monitoring the situation," the military source said, in response to media queries.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also dismissed the reports when questioned by journalists earlier on Sunday.

Italy's military said Sunday there had been a drone attack on the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait hosting Italian and US forces, but said all its personnel were safe.

"This morning, Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait was the target of a drone attack that hit a shelter housing a remotely piloted aircraft of the Italian Task Force Air (TFA), which was destroyed," Chief of the Defence General Staff, General Luciano Portolano, said in a statement posted by the military on X.

A hospital in Gaza said it had received the bodies of eight people killed when a police vehicle was hit by an Israeli strike in the centre of the territory on Sunday.

"Eight martyrs arrived as a result of the targeting of a police vehicle in the town of Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip," the Al-Aqsa hospital said in a statement.

Gaza's Hamas-run interior ministry confirmed the toll, saying all those killed were policemen, including the head of police in the central governorate, Colonel Iyad Abu Yousef.

Pope Leo XIV demanded a ceasefire in the Middle East on Sunday in his strongest comments to date, directly addressing the leaders who launched the war in Iran.

"On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict," Leo said. "Cease fire so that avenues for dialogue may be reopened. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that the people are waiting for."

Leo didn't cite the United States or Israel by name in his comments at the end of his Sunday noon blessing. But history's first US pope mentioned the attacks that targeted a school, an apparent reference to the missile strike on an elementary school in Iran in the opening days of the war that killed over 165 people, many of them children.

The captain of the Iranian women's football team, which played in the Asian Cup in Australia, has withdrawn her bid for asylum, state media said Sunday, making her the fifth member of the delegation to change her mind.

Zahra Ghanbari will in the next hours fly from Malaysia to Iran, the IRNA news agency said. Three players and one backroom staff member had already in previous days withdrawn their bids for asylum and travelled to Malaysia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced the continuation of their efforts to facilitate the return of around 500 Golden Visa holders and residents to the country through air and land entry points.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview published on Sunday that the war pitting his country against the United States and Israel will only end when Tehran can be certain it will not be restarted.

"This war will end when we are certain it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid. We experienced this last year: Israel attacked, then the United States... they regrouped and attacked us again," Araghchi told Arabic-language news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, referring to Iran's war with Israel and the US in June 2025.

The Qatar Moto Grand Prix has been postponed due to the prevailing tensions in the Middle East. The MotoGP scheduled for April 12 has been moved now to November 8, the organisers confirmed on Sunday.

With the World Endurance Championship and Formula 1 halting races in the region, MotoGP has followed suit, citing the need to prioritise “safety, well-being of the event for all participants and attendees.”

As a result of the revised schedule, Qatar will now be the third race in a triple-header with Australia and Malaysia.

Qatar has postponed the first edition of the Arabian Gulf Minifootball Cup, which was set to bring together Gulf national teams in Doha from 1 to 5 April, as organisers cited the current regional situation.

The organising committee said the decision was taken to ensure the tournament is held under the right conditions, both organisationally and logistically, and in a way that reflects the importance of the event for players and supporters alike.

The UAE’s air defence systems intercepted four ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran on 15 March 2026, the Ministry of Defence said. 

 Since the start of the Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have dealt with 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,606 drones, according to the ministry.

 The ministry said the attacks had resulted in six deaths among UAE, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals, as well as 142 minor to moderate injuries among individuals of various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepali, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian and Swedish nationals.

The Ministry of Defence said it is fully prepared to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security, stressing its commitment to safeguarding the UAE’s sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Israel has approved an $827 million emergency budget allocation for military purchases, Israeli media reported Sunday, as the war with Iran entered its third week.

The 2.6-billion-shekel package was approved over the weekend by cabinet ministers during a telephone meeting, the daily Haaretz reported.

It will be used for "security purchases" and to address "urgent needs", it said, without providing further details.

The government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet officially commented on the measure nor specified what purchases the funds will cover.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai are monitoring reports that Filipino nationals may have been arrested for sharing videos related to recent Iranian drone attacks and air defence interceptions in Dubai.

Officials have sought confirmation from UAE authorities on the identity and status of any Filipinos involved. The UAE has warned that sharing misleading or fabricated security content is a criminal offence with fines and imprisonment.

Filipinos in the UAE are urged to avoid posting or forwarding unverified content and rely only on official announcements. The Embassy and Consulate continue to coordinate with UAE authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the community.

Iran's army said on Sunday it had targeted a police unit and a satellite communications centre in Israel with drone strikes.

In a statement, carried by the official IRNA news agency, the army said "it has targeted the security centres and police headquarters of the Zionist terrorist regime, including the regime's special police unit called 'Lahav 433' and the 'Gilat Defence' satellite communications centre with powerful drone attacks".

Bahrain’s interior ministry has arrested six individuals for sharing videos linked to Iranian attacks, spreading false information, and inciting attacks on sites within the country.

Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, SpiceJet flights to and from Dubai may face schedule changes or delays.

Passengers are being informed of updates via SMS or email sent to registered contact details.

Before leaving for the airport, travellers are advised to:

• Check flight status online: spicejet.com/#status

• Contact 24×7 reservation helpline: +91 124 4983410 / +91 124 7101600

SpiceJet is actively monitoring the situation and assisting affected passengers.

The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that through the unwavering vigilance of its personnel, the BDF's air defence systems continue to successfully counter successive waves of the hostile terrorist Iranian aggression. Since the onset of hostilities, air defences have intercepted and destroyed 125 ballistic missiles and 211 drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The General Command urged all members of the public to exercise the utmost caution for their personal safety.  Citizens and residents are advised to: Keep clear of affected areas and any suspicious objects; refrain from filming or photographing military operations or debris sites; avoid spreading unverified information; and consult only official and government media channels for updates, alerts, and advisories.

Bahrain’s interior ministry said six people were arrested for sharing videos related to Iranian attacks, spreading false news and inciting the targeting of sites in the country

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged other countries on Sunday to refrain from any action that could widen the scope of the war with Israel and the United States.

In a phone call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Araghchi called on other countries to "refrain from any action that could lead to escalation and expansion of the conflict", according to an Iranian foreign ministry statement.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump called for other nations' warships to help protect world oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been virtually blocked by the threat of Iranian attacks.

Iran’s Health Ministry says US and Israeli strikes have killed 223 women and 202 children since the start of the war on Feb. 28, according to Mizan, the official Iranian judiciary news agency.

The Iranian Red Crescent has said that more than 1,300 people have been killed.

The United States is deploying about 2,500 Marines to the Middle East as the war with Iran enters a new phase centred on the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on shipping have disrupted one of the world’s most critical oil routes.

The Marines are expected to come from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), normally based in Okinawa, Japan, according to US defence officials. The unit will deploy alongside amphibious warships including the assault ship USS Tripoli, forming part of a rapid-response force aimed at protecting shipping and countering Iranian attacks in the Gulf.

The International Organisation for Migration said that deteriorating conditions in Iranian cities were “driving increasingly complex mobility patterns.” It says the destruction of homes and facilities that provide basic services are pushing many Iranians to northern provinces, where they think they could be safer.

The UN agency said people have been displaced to more than 20 provinces and that shelters were facing strain throughout Iran.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is urging full public compliance, warning that violations will carry legal penalties. Beyond the legal risk, the GCAA stressed that grounding personal drones is a direct contribution to community safety during the current situation.

Think before you click — taking photos or videos of incident sites, can do more harm than it seems. A seemingly harmless snapshot could reveal sensitive details like nearby roads, entrances, exits or movement patterns, potentially putting lives at risk and disrupting emergency operations.

UAE authorities have warned residents not to film or share footage from security incidents, saying online posts can expose critical information that could be exploited by hostile groups or actors.

The United States Embassy in Riyadh has issued an urgent security alert urging American citizens in Saudi Arabia to depart the country via commercial flights while they still can.

The Embassy said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation across the Middle East, and that the safety of American citizens remains the top priority for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the State Department.

Check directly with airlines for flight updates

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports are currently open and operational. However, Saudi airspace continues to face frequent restrictions due to ongoing missile and drone threats and travellers are being warned to check directly with their airline for possible delays and cancellations before heading to the airport.

If you're not leaving, prepare to shelter in place

For those who choose to remain, the Embassy has clear instructions: identify a secure location in your home or a nearby safe building and stock up on essentials such as food, water, medications, and other critical supplies.

The Embassy urged all Americans to:

• Follow instructions from local authorities at all times

• Stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement

• Monitor the latest guidance from the US Embassy or Consulates

Emirates has updated its booking policies to provide more flexibility for travellers amid ongoing changes in flight schedules. Passengers can now amend bookings and rebook flights online within 72 hours of their original departure date, helping reduce disruption and avoid unnecessary trips to the airport.

Bookings can be managed through the Emirates website at Manage Your Booking or via the Emirates mobile app, allowing passengers to select new dates and manage their travel plans from anywhere.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense has intercepted and destroyed four drones over Riyadh, ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki Al Malki announced Sunday.

The strike brings the total number of drones fired at Saudi Arabia since the start of what the ministry describes as 'Iranian aggression' to 318, alongside 37 missiles — 30 ballistic and seven cruise.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has issued a travel update for passengers flying between the UAE and India. Following instructions from the UAE Civil Aviation Authorities, airlines have released revised and curtailed flight schedules.

Limited flights will operate from airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Fujairah to various destinations in India. Passengers are advised to check details with their respective airlines before travelling.

Qatar Airways will operate a restricted schedule of special flights in the coming days after receiving temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to open limited operating corridors.

The move comes as Qatari airspace remains officially closed, a situation the Doha-based carrier described as 'beyond our control.' While the airline has not yet confirmed a full resumption of scheduled commercial operations, the new corridors are intended to support passengers stranded by the recent disruption.

Air India and Air India Express will further curtail operations on March 15 following instructions from UAE airport authorities. All Air India Express flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are cancelled, while both airlines will operate only one round trip each on the Delhi–Dubai sector, subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions. Passengers on cancelled flights may rebook for a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund.

The airlines apologised for the inconvenience and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing stranded guests home safely.

Saudi Arabia's Royal Air Defense Forces have intercepted and destroyed 10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeting the Riyadh Region and Eastern Region, the Saudi Ministry of Defense spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al Maliki announced Sunday morning.

The latest intercepts bring the cumulative number of drones fired at the Kingdom to 314 since the the onset of Iranian aggression two weeks ago. Saudi forces have also repelled 37 missiles in that period — 30 ballistic and seven cruise.

Airlines have scaled back several flights to and from the UAE following the latest directives from airport authorities, affecting operations by Air India and Air India Express.

Multiple services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled or reduced, while a limited number of flights continue to operate to selected destinations. Passengers impacted by the changes are being offered free rebooking on future flights or the option of a full refund.

Air travel in the UAE continues under a reduced schedule due to ongoing regional airspace restrictions. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are operating limited flights to key destinations, with passengers advised to check their flight status, ensure bookings are confirmed, and follow official airline updates before travelling to the airport.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the cancellation of Class XII board examinations for students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The decision follows a review of the feasibility of conducting exams in these countries, taking into account inputs from schools and authorities in the affected regions. All examinations scheduled from 16 March to 10 April 2026 are cancelled, including exams that were earlier postponed.

The mode of declaration of results for affected students will be announced separately. CBSE has circulated the decision to Indian embassies and consulates across the Middle East, as well as to relevant regional offices.

CBSE statement: “This measure ensures the safety and well-being of students while maintaining academic standards. Further details on results and evaluation will be shared in due course,” said Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations.

UAE residents have received a mobile alert from the Ministry of Defence confirming that the situation in the country is currently safe, following earlier warnings about potential missile threats.

The message, sent across the UAE, thanked residents for their cooperation and reassured the public that normal activities can now resume.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that air defense systems are actively engaging a missile threat. Residents are urged to stay in safe locations and follow official updates and alerts on government channels.

The Bahrain Ministry of Interior has sounded the siren, urging citizens and residents to remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe location. Authorities are monitoring the situation and advise everyone to follow official updates.

The US Department of Defence identified six service members who died when the military refueling aircraft they were aboard crashed Thursday while supporting operations against Iran.

The service members were Maj. John A. Klinner, 33; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, according to U.S. officials.

The crash in western Iraq followed an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace,” according to U.S. Central Command. The other plane landed safety.

The Official Spokesman for the National Guard, Brigadier General Dr. Jadaan Fadel, confirmed today that the (Duty Force) successfully downed 5 drone aircraft in its assigned responsibility areas over the last 24 hours.

This decisive action is part of the Guard's ongoing mission to enhance overall security and ensure the protection of vital sites.

The US State Department has directed all non-emergency government employees, along with their family members, to depart Oman immediately due to “safety risks.” The move underscores growing security concerns in the region, with officials urging American citizens in Oman to stay alert and follow government guidance.

The Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia confirmed that several drones were intercepted and destroyed across the kingdom.

Three drones were intercepted in the Eastern Region, according to a spokesperson.

Earlier, one drone was taken down in the Eastern Region.

Two additional drones were destroyed in Riyadh and the Eastern Region.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to follow official updates.

The FIA announced today that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, will not take place due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

After careful evaluation of possible alternatives, the FIA confirmed that no substitutions will be arranged for the April calendar.

The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds planned in the region will also be postponed or cancelled during their scheduled times.

The decision was made in full consultation with the Formula One Group, local race promoters, and FIA Member Clubs in the region, emphasising safety and operational considerations.

Dubai authorities have confirmed that the loud noises heard on Sunday morning in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas were the result of successful air defence interceptions.

The Dubai Media Office said the defensive measures successfully intercepted incoming threats. Residents are urged to stay calm and follow verified government updates.

Abu Dhabi authorities responded on Tuesday to an incident at a facility in the Ruwais Industrial Complex following a drone strike.

According to Abu Dhabi Media Office, relevant teams have contained the resulting fire and brought it under control, with cooling operations currently underway. No injuries were reported.

The public is urged to obtain information from official sources only and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information.

Authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah said emergency teams are continuing to deal with a fire that broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone after debris fell in the area following successful air defence interceptions.

According to official information, the incident was caused by falling fragments resulting from the interception operations carried out by the country’s air defence systems.

The competent authorities in Fujairah confirmed that response teams remain on site managing the situation and ensuring safety in the affected area.

Officials also reported that a Jordanian national sustained a minor injury in the incident.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to contain the fire and maintain safety measures while monitoring the situation closely.

Three Iranian women footballers granted asylum in Australia have changed their minds and decided to return home to Iran, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Sunday.

"Overnight, three members of the Iranian Women's Football Team made the decision to join the rest of the team on their journey back to Iran," Burke said in a statement.

One other team member seeking refuge had a change of heart earlier in the week and left the country, leaving a total of three out of seven asylum seekers from the squad still in Australia.

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the arrest of a further group of 25 individuals of various nationalities. 

The accused have been referred for an expedited trial for publishing misleading content on digital platforms that harms national defence measures and glorifies acts of military aggression against the State.

The move follows rigorous monitoring of digital platforms to combat the spread of fabricated information and artificial content intended to incite public disorder and undermine general stability.

Day 15: Trump threatens Iran’s oil infrastructure after US bombs Kharg

Day 14: Trump vows intense strikes against Iran in coming days

Day 13: US refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Day 12: Donald Trump says Iran near point of defeat

Day 11: US says today will be the 'most intense' of attacks

Day 10: UAE intercepts 15 missiles and 119 drones

Day 9: Gulf nations face fresh attacks

Day 8: US forces hit Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains

Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump

Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled

Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure

Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate

Day 3: Trump lists 'clear' Iran war objectives

Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations

Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed