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Dubai, UAE News Highlights: At least 1,116 killed, 3,229 injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since March 2
Dubai, UAE News Highlights: US President Donald Trump on Friday said his administration will continue to halt the war for next ten days, that means till April 6. The pause currently in place was set to expire today (Friday). Meanwhile, an Indian national is among two persons who tragically lost their lives following a ballistic missile interception over Abu Dhabi on Thursday, even as Iran-US-Israel war entered its 27th day. One Indian national is also injured in the incident.
Possible talks between US and Iran? There might be a possibility of talks between US and Iran. US on Thursday laid out 15-point peace plan to Iran via Pakistan. While Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged an indirect “exchange of messages” with the US, he denied that they amounted to negotiations. Instead, Iran outlined five conditions that must be met for any negotiations to take place.
At least 1,116 people have been killed and 3,229 others injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since March 2, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported Thursday. Of those, at least 121 were children and 42 were health workers, the Health Ministry said.
US’s 15-point plan vs Iran’s five: The plan included limits on Tehran’s defence capabilities, a cessation of support for proxies and an acknowledgement of Israel’s right to exist, the sources said, CNN reported. However, Iran, in response to the US’s plan, outlined five conditions for ending the war. It includes assurances that hostilities will not resume, compensation for war damages and reparations, and that the war should be concluded for all Iranian proxies throughout the region, which includes Israel’s attacks on Lebanon that target Hezbollah.
In attacks on Gulf nations, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed its systems are intercepting incoming missiles and drones, with authorities confirming that the loud explosions were linked to mid-air interceptions. “UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones”, the ministry said in a post on X.
Here are key developments in the past 24 hours
INTERNATIONAL LAW
UN Human Rights Council Passes Historic Resolution on Iran
The UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus a landmark resolution condemning the human rights implications of Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE and other Gulf states. Co-sponsored by more than 100 countries, the resolution labels Iran’s strikes as clear violations of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.
100+
Co-sponsoring states
1
Unanimous consensus adoption
“The Middle East conflict is spreading and intensifying, with civilians bearing the brunt — the situation is extremely dangerous and unpredictable.”
— Volker Türk, UN Human Rights Chief
DOMESTIC CRACKDOWN
UAE Arrests 189 Over War-Related Social Media Posts
Since the start of the Iran conflict, UAE authorities have charged 189 people under the country’s cybercrime laws for filming and sharing content about the attacks. Abu Dhabi Police said those detained were caught filming sensitive sites and spreading what officials called inaccurate information capable of stirring public opinion.
2 yrs
Maximum prison term
$54K
Max fine (AED 20,000–200,000)
📹
Filming sensitive sites
Detainees were accused of capturing footage of locations linked to defence or government infrastructure during active strikes.
📲
Sharing “inaccurate information”
Authorities cited posts that could “stir public opinion” as a violation of UAE cybercrime law, regardless of whether the content was true.
ACTIVE CONFLICT
UAE Air Defences Intercepting Ongoing Iranian Strikes
UAE authorities confirmed that air defence systems are actively engaged against incoming missile and drone threats launched from Iran. Officials clarified that loud sounds reported across parts of the country were caused by defensive interceptions in the air — not by weapons impacting the ground.
CONFLICT ONSET
Iran begins launching missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE and neighbouring Gulf states, triggering the crisis.
ESCALATION PHASE
Loud booms reported across the UAE. Public alarm grows as residents hear repeated blasts — authorities rush to clarify these are interceptions, not impacts.
NOW — MAR 2026
Air defences remain on active duty. Authorities continue to intercept incoming threats; no confirmed ground-level impacts reported as of latest update.
ECONOMIC STRAIN
Strait of Hormuz Closure Forces 7,000km Freight Detours
A UAE supermarket is now routing freight on a 7,000km detour from Europe to keep shelves stocked, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. The supply chain disruption is deepening economic pain across the region as businesses scramble to find alternative routes.
🚢
Strait of Hormuz effectively closed
The world’s most critical oil and gas chokepoint — through which roughly 20% of global petroleum flows — is no longer usable for normal shipping.
🛢️
Iran threatens oil facilities and US bases
Tehran has vowed retaliation against oil facilities, US military installations, and American businesses across the region to pressure neighbours away from Washington.
🛒
Consumer goods rerouted via Europe
Retailers are absorbing massive logistical costs as standard supply lines are disrupted, with knock-on effects expected on consumer prices.
US RESPONSE
“Depart Now”: US Orders Evacuation, Suspends UAE Consular Services
The US State Department has classified the UAE at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) as part of a broader advisory covering 16 Middle Eastern countries. The Department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and their family members from the UAE — a step distinct from the formal travel level. As of March 20, 2026, the US Mission to the UAE has suspended all routine consular services, including visa and passport processing.
16
Countries under US travel advisory
L3
UAE travel level: Reconsider Travel
Mar 20
Date consular services suspended
Suspended Services
Visa processing, passport renewal, routine appointments
Who Must Leave
Non-emergency US staff and family members
Sources: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs · The National · TIME Magazine · Gulf News · Newland Chase · US State Department
The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.
US paper currency will bear President Donald Trump’s signature starting this summer, the first time a sitting president has signed American money, the Treasury Department […]
