March 16, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeMarch 16, 2026UpdatesIDF expands ground operations in southern LebanonThe IDF said it has expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon as part of efforts to widen the forward defense zone along the border.According to IDF officials, the operation targets Hezbollah infrastructure and militants operating in the area to reduce threats and create an additional security buffer for communities in northern Israel, adding that it struck targets in the area with airstrikes before troops entered.Report: More Iranian women's soccer players withdraw asylum requests in AustraliaA fifth member of Iran's women's national soccer team has withdrawn her asylum claim in Australia and is expected to rejoin the squad in Malaysia, Australian media reported.That leaves two players and one staff member from the group that sought asylum last week, citing fears of persecution after the team declined to sing Iran's national anthem at an Asian Cup match earlier this month.Officials said the team cannot currently return to Tehran because of the ongoing war in the region and is waiting in Kuala Lumpur for flight connections to another destination.Iranian soccer fans hold up signs reading Woman Life Freedom and Freedom For Iran, prior to the World Cup soccer match between England and Iran in Doha, Qatar, Monday. Credit: Alessandra Tarantino / AP Iranian soccer fans hold up signs reading Woman Life Freedom and Freedom For Iran, prior to the World Cup soccer match between England and Iran in Doha, Qatar, Monday. Credit: Alessandra Tarantino / AP EU ministers to discuss Iran war, consider new sanctionsEuropean Union foreign ministers are set to discuss the war involving Iran and its regional fallout when they meet Monday, including possible new sanctions targeting Iranian officials and organizations.The talks come as Iran's attacks and the broader conflict with the United States and Israel strain regional security and global energy markets. EU officials have warned the crisis could divert military resources and drive up fuel prices, which they say has already boosted Russia's oil revenues.Trump eyes 'Hormuz coalition', seizure of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub, Axios reportsThe oil terminal on Iran's Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. Credit: Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu via AFPThe oil terminal on Iran's Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. Credit: Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu via AFPU.S. President ‌Donald Trump ⁠is working ⁠to assemble a coalition of countries to ‌reopen ‌the Strait of Hormuz and is hoping to ⁠announce it later this ‌week, Axios ⁠reported ‌on Sunday, citing four ⁠sources.Trump suggests U.S. leading Iran war for 'very good Middle East allies'U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States is leading the war in Iran, at least in part, for "some very good allies that we have in the Middle East," while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would describe the U.S. as "leading the whole thing" in the conflict. "I can say it or not say it, it doesn't matter," he added.The president also said he and Netanyahu "really get along well," calling their relationship "extraordinary."Iran's FM says Israeli strike on Tehran fuel depot violates international lawPeople record smoke rising after a reported strike on Shahran fuel tanks, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on Sunday. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/ REUTERSPeople record smoke rising after a reported strike on Shahran fuel tanks, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on Sunday. Credit: Majid Asgaripour/ REUTERSIran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel's bombing of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitude "ecocide," citing long-term damage to residents' health, and soil and water pollution.Drone hits fuel tank near Dubai airport; no injuries reportedThe ‌Dubai Media Office said on Monday ‌that authorities were dealing with a ⁠fire resulting from a drone attack ⁠in the vicinity of the Dubai International Airport, adding that no injuries were reported.Dubai authorities said that the drone ‌attack hit a fuel tank and ‌the civil defence teams were working to bring the fire under control.A smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. Credit: AFP/-A smoke plume rises from an ongoing fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. Credit: AFP/-Trump accuses U.S. news outlets of treason for spreading 'fake' reportsU.S. President Donald Trump accused major news outlets of spreading false information about Iran and suggested some could be guilty of "treason."In a post on TruthSocial, Trump claimed Iran uses artificial intelligence to create fake images of attacks on U.S. ships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, and alleged that reports of damaged U.S. refueling planes were false. He criticized the media for knowingly distributing these stories and praised Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr for reviewing broadcast licenses of outlets he called "corrupt" and "highly unpatriotic."Trump framed the coverage as part of a broader effort by the "radical leftwing press" to undermine his credibility, while insisting U.S. forces remain operational and Iran is being "decimated."Trump warns NATO faces ‘very bad future’ if allies don’t help secure Hormuz, Financial Times reportsU.S. President Donald Trump warned that NATO could face a "very bad future" if U.S. allies refuse to help secure the Strait of Hormuz against threats from Iran.In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said countries that benefit from the shipping lane should contribute forces, including minesweepers and personnel to counter "bad actors" along Iran's coast."If there's no response or if it's a negative response I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO," Trump said.Trump also argued that Washington had supported allies in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and now expected reciprocal assistance.He downplayed Iran's capabilities, saying Tehran could mainly cause "a nuisance" by placing mines in the water, while warning the U.S. could quickly strike critical infrastructure such as Kharg Island. He also said he might delay a planned trip to China if Beijing does not assist.In the NewsRoman Gofman Is Just the Man to Lead the MossadTensions Flare Near Strait of Hormuz as Ship Seized, Another StuckU.S. Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks U.S. Sanctions Against Francesca AlbaneseNext Spy Chief Attempted to Meddle in Matter Affecting Witness on His NominationIsrael Preparing to Sue NYT Over Column Alleging Sexual Abuse of PalestiniansRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIWhatsApp Co-founder Donates Record-breaking $200 Million to Jerusalem HospitalThe Hasidic Jews Behind Florida's Giant Golden Trump StatueLeaked Video of Arab Lawyer's Violent Arrest Contradicts Israel Police Account'A Slave Economy': Inside Israel's ultra-Orthodox Parallel StateIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaIsraeli Artists Slam Venice Biennale Participation: 'Again, Israel as a Victim'