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LiveUS strikes Iran’s Kharg Island export hub, as war enters third week

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Meanwhile, Iran launched a fresh round of missiles towards Israel late on Friday but there were no reported casualties following the strikes.

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Rhea Yasmine, Alessia Mah

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Published: Feb 28, 2026

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Follow ST for updates.","ogDescription","jsonLd","{\"@context\":\"https:\\/\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"LiveBlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/live-us-trump-israel-iran-attack\",\"headline\":\"Live: US, Israel, Iran crisis (Day 14)\",\"description\":\"\",\"coverageStartTime\":\"2026-03-13T06:00:00+08:00\",\"coverageEndTime\":\"2026-03-13T23:59:00+08:00\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/assets\\/ST-logo-default-aoeSLh4S.png\",\"width\":\"1228\",\"height\":\"96\"}},\"liveBlogUpdate\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"The situation so far\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-14T00:00:16+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-14T00:00:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"As the Middle East war continued into its 14th day, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with further attacks after the Islamic Republic\\u2019s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei signalled defiance.Meanwhile, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres called on Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah to \\u201cstop the war\\u201d, as Israel expanded its strikes across the Islamic Republic. Israeli warplanes have also dropped leaflets on the Lebanese capital, causing panic.Here are some other key developments: All six crew members aboard a US refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have been confirmed dead.Mr Trump said in a Fox News interview that the US would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz \\u2013 which has been effectively closed \\u2013 if needed. The US issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea, drawing criticism from Germany and other European allies but approval from Moscow.NATO confirmed its air defences shot down a third ballistic missile fired from Iran towards Turkey. The first Iranian ballistic missile fired at Turkey was shot down on March 4, and the second on March 9. Deadly explosions rocked Tehran close to a pro-government rally attended by top officials. Iran\\u2019s state media said at least one person, a woman, was killed.The second Republic of Singapore Air Force repatriation flight \\u2013 from Saudi Arabia \\u2013 landed early this morning at Changi Airport. There were 81 Singaporeans and their dependants on board, apart from other foreign nationals who had available seats extended to them.PHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"daniellai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Reliance on Gulf oil exposes South Korea and Japan to looming energy crisis\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T22:35:33+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T22:35:33+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Iran\\u2019s blocking of the Strait of Hormuz is threatening an energy crisis for South Korea and Japan, neither of which has significant domestic oil production.Japan imports about 95 per cent of its oil needs from the Gulf, while South Korea imports 70 per cent, to fuel key export industries such as semiconductors, petrochemicals and automobiles.South Korea\\u2019s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, in a recent written interview with The Straits Times, said his country is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.\\u201cAs the situation in the Middle East has implications both for the region and beyond, we are concerned about its impact on global security and economy, including energy supply chains, logistics and aviation networks,\\u201d he was cited as saying by South Korea correspondent Wendy Teo.While the two countries\\u2019 substantial oil reserves \\u2013 254 days for Japan and 207 days for South Korea \\u2013 are sufficient to cushion shocks in the short term, analysts say prolonged supply chain disruptions would put strain on the economies. READ MORE HERE \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"daniellai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"ASEAN braces itself for economic fallout from Mid-East crisis, warns of \\u201cprolonged instability\\u201d\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T21:31:42+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T21:31:42+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"ASEAN economic ministers on March 13 warned that prolonged geopolitical instability from the escalating conflict in the Middle East could threaten economic security across South-east Asia, disrupt supply chains and hinder the region\\u2019s growth.\\u201cA prolonged period of geopolitical instability could pose sustained challenges to the global economic outlook, which has already been battered by multiple headwinds in recent years,\\u201d read the joint statement issued after the ASEAN Economic Ministers\\u2019 Retreat held in Manila.\\u201cIt will also impact economic security and stability, the livelihoods of millions of people in the region, and hinder economic progress in ASEAN,\\u201d added the economic ministers, who were hosted by the Philippines as chair of the regional grouping in 2026.The ASEAN economic ministers then pledged to work together more closely and to keep ASEAN markets open for trade and investment \\u201cby maintaining a transparent and predictable regional economic architecture\\u201d.They also echoed the March 4 statement of ASEAN foreign ministers calling for the de-escalation of the conflict through diplomatic and peaceful means.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"daniellai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singaporeans still in Oman, UAE urged to update e-registration status with MFA\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T19:31:23+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T21:07:07+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Singaporeans who are still in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being urged to update their e-registration status with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).This is so MFA and overseas Singapore diplomatic missions can contact Singaporeans, should the need arise, and give timely updates and assistance.The Singapore Embassy in Muscat in a Facebook post today said it is updating its records of Singaporeans who remain in the country, given the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.The MFA\\u2019s missions in the UAE also said yesterday in a Facebook post that they are updating records of Singaporeans who remain there.Both diplomatic missions urged those who have already e-registered to update their status \\u2013 to indicate whether they remain in the country or if they have left, and to update their contact details.This can be done at https:\\/\\/eregister.mfa.gov.sg, and Singaporeans who have not yet e-registered should do so soon.Here are the contact details for the MFA\\u2019s diplomatic missions in Oman and the UAE, as well as the MFA emergency line:Singapore Embassy in MuscatPhone number: +96824607760 (during office hours: Sunday \\u2013 Thursday) Phone number: +96899102558 (after office hours) E-mail address: singemb_mct@mfa.sgSingapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi Phone number: +971 2 222 2083Phone number: +971 50 812 2413 (Emergency)E-mail address: singemb_auh@mfa.sgSingapore Consulate-General in Dubai Phone number: +971 4 321 9498Phone number: +971 50 455 1959 (Emergency)E-mail address: singcg_dxb@mfa.sgSingapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24-hour Consular Response Centre)Phone number: +65 6379 8800 \\/ +65 6379 8855E-mail address: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"daniellai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"US military confirms four crew killed in plane crash over Iraq\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T18:09:14+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T19:32:31+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Four of the six crew members aboard a US military aircraft that crashed in western Iraq are confirmed to have been killed, the US military said on March 13, as rescue efforts continued for the remaining two.A US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12, in an incident the military said involved another aircraft, but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.The deaths add to the seven US service members who have already been killed as part of US operations against Iran.\\u201cThe circumstances of the incident are under investigation,\\u201d said the US Central Command in a statement.The US has deployed a large number of aircraft into the Middle East to take part in operations against Iran, and the incident highlights the risk of not just operations, but of refuelling aircraft in the air.The Islamic Resistance in Iraq \\u2013 an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions \\u2013 claimed \\u200bresponsibility for downing the US military refuelling aircraft.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"daniellai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Iran Guards vow \\u2018stronger\\u2019 response than in January if new protests erupt\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T16:35:11+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T16:35:11+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp \\u2013 the ideological arm of the country\\u2019s military \\u2013 has warned that any new protests against the authorities would be met with a stronger response than in January, when several thousand people were killed.In a statement broadcast on TV, the IRGC said: \\u201cThe evil enemy, failing to achieve its field battle goals, is once again pursuing the instillation of fear and street riots.\\u201d It promised \\u201ca stronger blow than on Jan 8\\u201d in the event of new unrest.The IRGC\\u2019s warning comes two weeks into the Middle East war, in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says one of the aims is to \\u201ccreate, for the Iranian people, the conditions to bring down\\u201d the Iranian government.US President Donald Trump has also called for Iranians to rise up and overthrow their government.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"daniellai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"In Pictures: 2nd RSAF flight returns from Saudi Arabia with S\\u2019poreans, foreign nationals\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T11:35:13+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T16:05:15+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"A second RSAF flight returned from Saudi Arabia on Friday morning, bringing home 81 Singaporeans and their dependants, as well as foreign nationals, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.After prioritising Singaporeans who registered for the flight, available seats were also extended to nationals from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, said the Ministry of Defence.\\u201cThis is in the spirit of solidarity, just as how other countries have assisted Singaporeans in returning home in past crises.\\u201d READ MORE HERESingapore\\u2019s Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged overland transport to Jeddah for 42 students studying at Islamic universities in the Middle East region, so they could take the evacuation flight back home.Among those who boarded the flight were 24 distressed overseas Filipino workers who had been unable to secure outbound flights from Jeddah owing to limited availability. The Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See, in response to queries, said: \\u201cSingapore and the Philippines are close friends, and we were very glad to help these Filipinos begin their journey home.\\u201dPassengers on board were assisted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force\\u2019s air crew specialists throughout the duration of the flight.Passengers tucking into a meal on board the flight. Those who registered for the flight had earlier been advised to expect limited cabin service, especially for food and beverage.Mr Solihin Zainel, 19, embracing his father, Mr Zainal Osman, 55, after returning from Jeddah, at Changi Airport Terminal 2. Mr Solihin, who began studying Shariah law at the University of Jordan in September 2025, described his time there since the war began as \\u201ca rough ride\\u201d.Mr Talhatul Khair (left), 25, who recently graduated from Yarmouk University in Jordan with a major in Islamic jurisprudence, made a 23-hour overland journey to Jeddah to board the repatriation flight. He had originally booked a commercial flight to leave on March 29, but decided to return home earlier when the repatriation opportunity arose.Ms Nur Nadhrah (right), 24, who recently graduated from Yarmouk University with a degree in Arabic language and literature, was also among those welcomed home by family members, including her mother and father. Ms Nur Nadhrah was scheduled to return to Singapore on Feb 28, but her flight was cancelled owing to the attacks disrupting travel in the region.PHOTOS: JASON QUAH, MINDEF\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"rachaelgoh\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"News analysis: S\\u2019pore could face double whammy of rising energy costs and higher US tariffs\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T14:36:15+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T16:04:01+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Amid the spiralling conflict in the Middle East that has sent oil and natural gas prices spiking, the Singapore economy now faces another potential threat: US probes on alleged excess manufacturing capacity and forced-labour practices.For both the Iran war and the US trade probes, the stakes are high and the outcomes uncertain, writes The Straits Times Senior Business Correspondent Ovais Subhani.At risk is the Monetary Authority of Singapore\\u2019s core inflation and all-items inflation forecast of 1 per cent to 2 per cent for 2026, already higher than the respective 0.7 per cent and 0.9 per cent rises experienced in 2025.Singapore may have a way out, as the probe on excess manufacturing appears to be based on data discrepancies.However, some analysts believe that negotiating with President Donald Trump\\u2019s administration is a tall order even if facts are on your side.READ MORE HEREST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"rachaelgoh\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Fourth Middle East repatriation flight lands in Singapore\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T07:20:02+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T15:30:00+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) said on Friday its repatriation flight from the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah arrived safely in Singapore at 5.59am.A total of 81 Singaporeans and their dependants returned via the RSAF A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) that was deployed to bring Singaporeans home because some locations are not accessible by commercial flights. Among them were students who were studying in Islamic universities in the region.This follows an RSAF evacuation flight deployed to Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh, which returned to Singapore on March 11 with 218 Singaporeans and their dependants \\u2013 the largest group of Singaporeans returning from the Middle East so far. \\u201cOver the two deployments of the RSAF MRTT to Saudi Arabia, the Singapore Armed Forces has successfully supported the return of 299 Singaporeans and their dependants from the Middle East,\\u201d said the Ministry of Defence in a statement on Friday.\\u201cToday, we welcome our Singaporeans flying in from Jeddah. I\\u2019d like to thank our RSAF officers, MFA officers and all those who made this mission possible. They served with determination, courage, professionalism,\\u201d said Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo at Changi Airport Terminal 2 on Friday.\\u201cWherever Singaporeans need help, we will not hesitate to act. For this repatriation mission, we prioritise Singaporeans and used the remaining seats to help our friends from overseas countries where they need help.\\u201cIt's important that, and with a huge sense of relief and encouragement, all our Singaporeans come back home safely. We will continue to serve our Singaporeans wherever we can.\\u201dActing Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim, who was also at Terminal 2 to greet the returnees, said: \\u201cAmong those returning today are 42 students. \\u201cSome have only just begun studies in their first year, while others are in their final semester and were close to completing their studies.\\u201dHe said that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) will be reaching out to returning students to provide assistance, such as through exploring other study arrangements and counselling.\\u201cStudents who chose to remain in the Middle East are all safe,\\u201d he said, adding that Muis student liaison officers will stay in close contact and continue providing updates and support to them.The RSAF repatriation flights follow the return of two evacuation flights from Oman arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in March.ST PHOTOS: JASON QUAH\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"White House posts apparent Nintendo Wii Sports game clip to tout US strikes on Iran\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T12:33:58+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T12:33:58+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The White House posted a video on Thursday that appears to use footage from popular Nintendo sports simulation video game Wii Sports to tout the results of US strikes on Iran.In a mash-up posted on social media platform X, Wii Sports characters are shown engaging in sports including golf, tennis, boxing and bowling along with real-life footage of the bombing of Iranian military sites, with one scene flashing the words \\u201cHole in one\\u201d.The roughly 50-second video, posted with the caption \\u201cUNDEFEATED\\u201d, opens with the words \\u201cOperation Epic Fury\\u201d, in reference to the US-led operation against Iran. Two buttons that read \\u201cWii Menu\\u201d and \\u201cStart\\u201d are seen below the words in the video.The post sparked online fury over the inappropriate imagery amid the high casualties in the ongoing conflict.Users on X condemned the post, with one calling it \\u201ccrazy\\u201d and others saying, \\u201cThis isn\\u2019t a game\\u201d.UNDEFEATED. pic.twitter.com\\/Jt69bcag5y\\u2014 The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 12, 2026 \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Middle East conflict and related disruptions could lead to increase in sea robberies, piracy: Murali\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T10:47:35+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T10:47:35+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The situation unfolding in the Middle East shows how quickly global trade can be disrupted, said Senior Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai.Speaking at a symposium marking the 20th anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), he said the disruptions have led to cargo like oil and gas costing more.This could in turn increase the potential for sea robberies and piracy occurring, he noted, due to the higher value of such cargo becoming more enticing targets. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"French soldier killed in drone attack in Iraqi Kurdistan: Macron\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T10:32:47+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T10:32:47+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"An attack killed a French soldier in Erbil in Iraq\\u2019s autonomous Kurdistan region, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.Mr Macron added that several other soldiers had been wounded in the incident, which the French military earlier said was a drone attack on troops carrying out a training exercise.This is the first French military death in the Middle East war that began late last month.France has hundreds of troops based in the Erbil region as part of a broader international coalition to fight Islamic State militants in the area.READ MORE HERE \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Iran laid about a dozen mines in Strait of Hormuz, sources say\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T10:17:24+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T10:17:24+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Iran has deployed about a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz, two sources familiar with the matter said.One source said the mines were deployed \\u201cin the last few days\\u201d and that most of their locations were known, but declined to say how the US planned to deal with them.The move is likely to complicate the reopening of the narrow waterway, which is an important route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).Exports of oil and LNG through the strategic chokepoint along Iran\\u2019s coast have effectively been halted by the war launched on Feb 28 by the United States and Israel, helping to drive a surge in world energy prices.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"US allows countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea for 30 days\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T10:00:21+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T10:00:21+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The United States has issued a 30-day licence for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea.The licence, which authorises the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels as of Thursday, was a step to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the war on Iran, said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.He added that the measure would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"US refuelling aircraft crashes in western Iraq\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T09:45:26+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T09:45:26+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, \\u200ban \\u200bumbrella group of \\u2060Iran-backed \\u200barmed factions, claimed responsibility for downing a US military refuelling aircraft in western Iraq on Thursday.The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft \\u201cin defence of our country\\u2019s sovereignty and airspace\\u201d.US Central Command, which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East, said earlier that the crash \\u201cwas not due to hostile fire or friendly fire\\u201d, adding that it was carrying out rescue efforts.This is at least the fourth US military aircraft lost during the war in the Middle East, after three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"News analysis: Netanyahu maintains uncharacteristic silence as quick resolution in Iran eludes US and Israel\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T08:00:10+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T09:38:21+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"For someone who has been in the thick of all the preparations for the military offensive against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now uncharacteristically quiet, says The Straits Times\\u2019 Global Affairs Correspondent Jonathan Eyal. Two weeks into a war that he passionately promoted, his voice is seldom heard.When Mr Netanyahu does communicate, he prefers to do this in English-language interviews with US TV outlets he knows will be watched by US President Donald Trump, rather than address his own Israeli citizens, who are spending large chunks of their daily lives in air raid shelters.He knows that the original aims of this war \\u2013 to achieve regime change in Iran and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons \\u2013 will now not be quickly achieved, so keeping silent for now may be the best political course.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Trump says not appropriate for Iran to be at World Cup \\u2018for their own life and safety\\u2019\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T09:31:15+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T09:32:24+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the Iranian men\\u2019s national football team were welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but that he believed it was not appropriate that they be there \\u201cfor their own life and safety\\u201d.An official withdrawal by Iran from the showpiece event, which has not yet happened, would be a first in the modern era and would leave football\\u2019s global governing body FIFA with the urgent task of finding a replacement team.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"How war is messing with GPS in the UAE\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T09:16:58+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T09:16:58+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Owing to the Iran war, people in the United Arab Emirates are finding that their phones are locating them out at sea or in cities hundreds of kilometres away.Jamming and spoofing, used as a defensive tactic against missiles and drones, are to blame, experts say. Jamming makes it hard to receive a GPS signal, and spoofing involves someone sending out a false signal broadcasting the wrong location.The risks to aviation, shipping, and other infrastructure in the region are significant. However, with the potential costs of a successful drone or missile strike so high, Gulf states clearly see the risks as worth taking.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Malaysia says airlines may suspend some flights on rising fuel costs\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T09:07:13+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T09:08:01+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Malaysia said airlines may need to suspend some flights if the Middle East war pushes fuel costs significantly higher.Malaysia\\u2019s Transport Minister Anthony Loke said late on Thursday that he met airline management staff, airport operators, jet fuel suppliers and aviation authorities to coordinate their response to the US-Israeli war with Iran amid skyrocketing global fuel prices.The transport ministry will hold discussions with airports and relevant stakeholders to support the survival of local airlines, he said.In the short term, Malaysia needs to ensure that air cargo services for goods, including food, can continue to operate \\u201cdespite the increasingly challenging conditions\\u201d, especially in the run-up to the Hari Raya celebrations next week, Mr Loke said.READ MORE HEREST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Australia orders all \\u2018non-essential\\u2019 officials to leave Israel, UAE\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T08:45:00+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T08:45:00+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to leave the countries owing to the \\u201cdeteriorating security situation\\u201d.Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that \\u201cessential Australian officials will remain in-country to support Australians who need it\\u201d.The Australian government continued to advise its citizens not to travel to Israel and the UAE. \\u201cDon\\u2019t wait until it\\u2019s too late. It may be the last chance for some time.\\u201dREAD MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Iran\\u2019s Shi\\u2019ite allies step up strikes despite weakened hand\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T08:30:33+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T08:30:33+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Shi\\u2019ite Muslim armed groups in Lebanon and Iraq are stepping up their role in the war with the US and Israel, showing the Iran-backed \\u201cAxis of Resistance\\u201d can still wage attacks despite damage inflicted on the alliance during the Gaza conflict.Groups that have long been armed and financed by Iran and loyal to its Shi\\u2019ite Islamist rulers are now helping Tehran intensify the war around the region, strikes in recent days show.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"UN Security Council condemns Iran\\u2019s retaliatory strikes in the Middle East\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T08:17:02+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T08:17:02+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The United Nations Security Council on March 11 decisively adopted a Bahraini-led resolution condemning Iran\\u2019s regional attacks and rejected a Russian proposal seeking an end to the conflict in the Mid-east.Supporters pointed out that 135 nations co-sponsored the resolution, demonstrating widespread unity against Iran\\u2019s actions that block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil, and threaten the global economy.Iran\\u2019s representative called it \\u201ca deeply regrettable day\\u201d for the council, accusing it of misusing its mandate and the United States of \\u201cabusing its position\\u201d as the current head of the council, while noting that Washington was the aggressor in a war that killed Iran\\u2019s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and others.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: REUTERS\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Iran says it will make US regret war as oil prices soar\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T07:45:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T08:16:38+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Iran vowed on Thursday to make the United States regret attacking the Islamic republic and said it would keep up a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz that has sent oil prices soaring.Supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a message read by an anchor on state television, called for vengeance, saying \\u201cthe lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely be used\\u201d.The International Energy Agency warned that the Middle East war could lead to \\u201cthe largest supply disruption\\u201d in oil industry history, but US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that defeating Iran\\u2019s \\u201cevil empire\\u201d was more important than crude prices.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint US-Israeli campaign was \\u201ccrushing\\u201d Iran and the Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, and that the war on Iran was intended \\u201cto create, for the Iranian people, the conditions to bring down this regime\\u201d, in addition to hobbling its nuclear and missile programmes.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: AFP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan thanks counterparts in Middle East for assistance\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T07:36:13+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T07:36:13+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post on Friday that he held a \\u201ccandid exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East\\u201d via a call with his counterparts in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Oman.Dr Balakrishnan said he thanked them for their assistance in facilitating the departure of Singaporeans during the ongoing conflict.\\u201cOur officials remain in close contact to ensure the safety and well-being of Singaporeans who remain in their countries,\\u201d he said.\\u201cSingapore supports the efforts of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan to restore peace and stability as soon as possible.\\u201d \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"The situation so far\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-13T07:00:19+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-13T07:00:19+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Another group of Singaporeans and their dependants have returned safely from the Middle East at Changi Airport this morning after an evacuation flight was deployed to the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah to bring them home. This follows the return of repatriation flights from Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh on March 11 and Oman on March 8 and 7.Passengers returning on the flight on Friday morning included students studying in Islamic universities in the region.As we enter day 14 of the Middle East war, here\\u2019s a recap of other developments in the last 24 hours:Iran vowed Thursday to make the US regret attacking the Islamic republic and said it would keep up a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz that has sent oil prices soaring. The International Energy Agency warned that the war could lead to \\u201cthe largest supply disruption\\u201d in oil industry history, but US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that defeating Iran\\u2019s \\u201cevil empire\\u201d was more important than crude prices.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint US-Israeli campaign was \\u201ccrushing\\u201d Iran and the Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.Gulf states have borne the brunt of retaliatory attacks from Iran, which said Thursday that it would \\u201cset the region\\u2019s oil and gas on fire\\u201d if its own energy infrastructure and ports were attacked.With Gulf states slashing production and oil tankers stuck in the Gulf, benchmark oil prices have risen 40 per cent to 50 per cent since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28, threatening to crimp growth and stoke inflation.Iraq and Oman closed their oil terminals on Thursday after two tankers were attacked and left burning off the Iraqi coast. Three other ships were struck in the Gulf, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility for at least one attack.Iran said it targeted Israeli and US sites in the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait, while Israel said it struck a site in Iran it believed was being used by the Islamic Republic to develop nuclear weapons.ASEAN ministers are expected to address the widening Middle East war at a retreat on Friday.PHOTO: MINDEF\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"rachaelgoh\"}}]}","keywords","Iran, Israel, US, attack, war, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Middle East, missiles, strikes, Iran news, live coverage, flight cancellations, Singapore, Singaporeans Middle East, live updates, latest, Iran news, Hezbollah, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Dubai flights, gold, dollar, flights, oil, petrol prices","robots","index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1","gaData",{"_126":127,"_128":21,"_129":21,"_20":130,"_131":132,"_133":134,"_135":136},"level2","23","chapter1","chapter2","Live:_US_strikes_Iran’s_Kharg_Island_export_hub_as_war_enters_third_week","title_ga","Live: US strikes Iran’s Kharg Island export hub as war enters third week","pagination","1","contenttype","live blog","additionalVariants","dependentPaths",[],"actionData","errors"]