Iran War Day 17 Live News: Oil prices surge above $100 as Strait of Hormuz standoff deepens, drone strike hits Dubai Airport again
Drone attacks and missile strikes have been reported across Gulf countries, Israel and Lebanon, while a drone-related incident near Dubai International Airport has temporarily disrupted one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.
Also Read | Nations respond cautiously to Trump’s call to deploy warships in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump said Washington is in communication with Iran but believes Tehran is not yet ready for a deal to end the war, even as global oil markets react sharply and countries debate whether to join a naval coalition to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Trump pushes for coalition to secure Strait of Hormuz
Washington is urging major oil-dependent economies to deploy naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, but allies remain cautious.
- Trump said he has approached about seven countries to send warships to help secure the strategic shipping corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade normally passes.
- The U.S. president argued that countries benefiting from the route should help protect it, noting that China receives about 90% of its oil through the strait, while the United States relies on it far less.
- Trump has previously appealed to China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to participate in a multinational naval coalition.
- He said countries could contribute minesweepers and other military assets to counter drones, naval mines and other threats to shipping.
Despite the push, Trump acknowledged that firm commitments have yet to materialise. He warned allies that the United States would remember which countries chose to support the effort.Also Read |Trump leaves allies and foes guessing on endgame for Iran
Governments weigh response to US call
Several governments are reviewing Washington’s request but have so far avoided direct military commitments.
- Britain confirmed Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed reopening the strait with Trump, though the UK was initially reluctant to send aircraft carriers into the conflict zone.
- Japan said it is currently not considering maritime security operations in the region.
- Germany signalled it would not become an active participant in the conflict, while Australia said it would not send a naval ship to the strait.
- France said discussions are underway with partners in Europe, India and Asia about a possible escort mission once circumstances permit.
China has said all parties must ensure stable energy supply and indicated it would maintain communication with relevant countries to ease tensions.
Iran signals controlled access but rejects talks
Tehran says the Strait of Hormuz remains open for most countries but maintains a hard line against negotiations with Washington.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said several countries have approached Tehran seeking safe passage for vessels through the strait.
- Iran has already allowed ships from different countries to transit the waterway, though details were not disclosed.
- Tehran maintains the strait is open to all except the United States and its allies.
- Araghchi also said Iran sees no reason to negotiate with Washington, blaming the United States and Israel for launching coordinated strikes that triggered the conflict.
He also said Iran has no plans to recover enriched uranium buried under rubble after previous strikes on nuclear-related sites.
Drone incident disrupts Dubai airport operations
A drone strike near Dubai International Airport briefly halted flight operations and underscored the regional spillover of the war.
- Authorities said a drone struck a fuel tank near the airport, sparking a fire in the vicinity of the aviation hub.
- The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority temporarily suspended flights as a precaution while emergency teams secured the area.
- Officials confirmed the fire was quickly contained and no injuries were reported.
- Passengers were advised to check with airlines for updates while authorities monitored the situation.
The incident occurred amid rising drone and missile activity across Gulf states linked to the ongoing conflict.
Missile and drone attacks escalate across the region
Military exchanges intensified with strikes targeting U.S. bases, Israeli territory and sites across Gulf countries.
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched coordinated missile and drone attacks on four U.S. airbases, targeting command centres and air defence infrastructure.
- Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain reported new missile or drone strikes.
- Israel said Iranian missiles hit central Israel and the Tel Aviv area, damaging multiple sites and starting fires.
- Israeli aircraft carried out air raids in southern Lebanon, striking towns including Zibdin, Hanin and Aita al-Shaab.
Iran has warned it could target oil and energy infrastructure linked to the United States if its own facilities come under attack.
Oil prices climb as Strait closure rattles markets
Energy markets reacted sharply as the war entered its third week, with crude prices rising further amid fears that attacks on oil infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could severely disrupt global supplies.
Benchmark crude contracts surged at the start of Monday trading, extending the rally triggered by Iran’s decision to halt shipping through the strategic waterway after US–Israeli strikes on its territory.
- Brent crude futures rose $2.01, or 1.95%, to $105.15 a barrel, after already gaining $2.68 in the previous trading session.
- U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $1.61, or 1.63%, to $100.32 a barrel, following a jump of nearly $3 in the prior session.
- Both benchmarks have surged more than 40% this month, reaching their highest levels since 2022 as fears of a prolonged supply disruption intensify.
- The surge follows Tehran’s decision to halt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a chokepoint that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil supply.
