Tehran/Tel Aviv, March 16, 2026: Iran has signalled its readiness to continue its war with Israel and the United States for as long as necessary, while warning that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will not be allowed to be used for attacks against the country.
Speaking during a weekly briefing, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had already demonstrated its resolve in confronting its adversaries.
“I think by now they have learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are dealing with — one that does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary,” he said.
Iran warns against use of Strait of Hormuz for attacks
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the Strait of Hormuz would not be accessible to any country attempting to strike Iran.
According to Baghaei, Iran’s armed forces maintain control over the strategic waterway and will take necessary measures to safeguard national security. He said ships would still be allowed to pass through the strait but under “special conditions” due to what he described as insecurity caused by the United States and Israel.
The spokesperson emphasised that Iran, as a coastal state, has the right to protect the waterway from being misused by what he called aggressors. He also said Tehran never trusted Washington during negotiations and conducted talks with “eyes wide open”.
Qatar urges Iran to halt attacks
In Doha, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari urged Iran to stop attacks targeting the Gulf state.
He said Qatar had distanced itself from the ongoing conflict but retains the right to respond if necessary. According to al-Ansari, a missile aimed at a residential area was intercepted early Saturday, prompting authorities to evacuate residents as a precaution.
The spokesperson added that Qatar, along with Egypt and other Arab countries, is coordinating efforts to address the crisis but stressed that there is currently no active mediation between the United States and Iran.
Al-Ansari called on all parties to pursue de-escalation and allow diplomacy to prevail.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom is working with allies on a plan to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the oil market. That is not a simple task,” Starmer told reporters.
He added that London is coordinating with European partners to develop a collective strategy to reopen the shipping route and reduce the economic impact of the conflict.
NATO distancing itself from conflict
The government of Germany said the war in the Middle East triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran is not linked to North Atlantic Treaty Organization operations.
A spokesman for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said NATO is a defensive alliance and lacks the mandate to intervene in the current conflict.
Meanwhile, key US allies Japan and Australia have rejected a call by US President Donald Trump to deploy naval forces to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump argued that countries dependent on Gulf oil should contribute to protecting the vital shipping lane, through which around 20 percent of the world’s energy supplies pass.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament that Tokyo has made no decision to dispatch naval vessels, citing constitutional constraints that limit Japan’s military operations abroad.
Similarly, Australia said it had not been asked to contribute naval ships and currently has no plans to participate in escort operations.
Trump has also urged countries including China, France, South Korea and the United Kingdom to assist in reopening the strait, warning that NATO could face serious consequences if allies fail to support Washington.
Energy markets and air travel disrupted
The conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets and air travel across the Middle East. Key aviation hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have experienced flight cancellations and operational disruptions due to security risks.
Authorities in Dubai temporarily suspended flights after a drone attack struck a fuel tank, though officials said the fire was contained.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 34 drones in its eastern region within an hour.
Fighting continues across the region
Israeli forces have continued strikes on targets in Iran as well as in Lebanon and Gaza Strip, targeting groups including Hezbollah and Hamas.
The Israeli military also announced the start of limited ground operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Iranian media reported that a school building in the city of Khomein was damaged in what Tehran described as a US-Israeli airstrike, though local officials said there were no casualties.
Global leaders warn of energy risks
The crisis has highlighted vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said the disruption demonstrates the risks of reliance on fossil fuels.
“Fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty and replacing it with subservience and rising costs,” he said during an event in Brussels.
Despite rising oil prices and global economic uncertainty, US officials said they expect the war to end within weeks. However, Iran insists it remains prepared to defend itself for as long as the conflict continues.
