US destroys 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels as Tehran threatens to block Gulf oil exports
K N Mishra
11/Mar/2026
What's covered under the Article:
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Iranian drones struck near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people including one Indian national.
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The US-Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate across the Middle East, with missile strikes, drone attacks and naval confrontations.
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The UN warned that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global surge in food and living costs.
The Middle East conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its twelfth day on Wednesday, with tensions escalating across multiple countries in the region.
One of the most alarming developments came when two Iranian drones struck near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people including one Indian national.
The incident has heightened concerns that the war could increasingly impact major civilian infrastructure and international travel hubs across the Gulf region.
Drone Strike Near Dubai International Airport
Authorities confirmed that two Iranian drones hit an area near Dubai International Airport, causing injuries to several people.
According to the Dubai Media Office, four individuals were wounded in the incident.
The injured included:
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Two Ghanaian nationals who suffered minor injuries
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One Bangladeshi national with minor injuries
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One Indian national who sustained moderate injuries
Officials said that airport operations continued despite the strike, and flights were not significantly disrupted.
However, the incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of major aviation hubs amid the expanding conflict.
Iran Refuses Ceasefire
Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated that it will not agree to a ceasefire, insisting that those it considers aggressors must face consequences.
Iranian officials said the conflict would continue until the objectives of defending the country’s sovereignty are achieved.
This came shortly after the White House indicated that the conflict would end only when former US President Donald Trump declares that all military objectives have been fulfilled.
The statements from both sides suggest that the conflict may continue for a prolonged period.
Rising Civilian Casualties in Iran
Iran has accused the United States and Israel of causing heavy civilian casualties through their military operations.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani claimed that more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in strikes carried out since the conflict began on February 28.
According to Iranian officials, nearly 9,700 civilian sites have been damaged or destroyed in the attacks.
Explosions have reportedly continued to shake the capital Tehran, forcing many residents to flee the city or seek shelter in safer areas.
Reports suggest that tens of thousands of people have moved to rural regions to escape the fighting.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Raises Global Alarm
The conflict has also created serious concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy supplies.
Around 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making it one of the most important trade routes in the world.
The United Nations has warned that any disruption or closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a sharp rise in global food prices and living costs.
Such a disruption could severely impact global supply chains and energy markets.
Cargo Ship Hit in Strait of Hormuz
Earlier on Wednesday, a cargo ship sailing through the Strait of Hormuz caught fire after being struck by a projectile.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre confirmed that the vessel was hit north of Oman, prompting the crew to abandon the ship.
The incident occurred shortly after the United States targeted Iranian mine-laying vessels suspected of threatening shipping routes in the region.
Maritime authorities have warned vessels passing through the strait to exercise extreme caution.
Missile and Drone Attacks Across Region
The war has spread beyond Iran and Israel to several countries in the Middle East.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched four missiles targeting US military positions, including Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted six ballistic missiles and two drones that were heading toward Prince Sultan Air Base.
Authorities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates also issued warnings about incoming Iranian strikes, with air defence systems activated.
Israeli Strikes Continue in Lebanon
The conflict has also intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have caused multiple casualties.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, several people were killed in strikes across southern Lebanon, including a member of the Red Cross who died after a rescue team was targeted.
The strikes have raised international concerns about the growing humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Cluster Munition Controversy
Israel has accused Iran of using cluster munitions during attacks, a controversial type of weapon that disperses multiple smaller explosives over a wide area.
These bomblets can explode mid-air and scatter across large areas, making them difficult to intercept.
In addition, many sub-munitions fail to explode immediately and remain on the ground as unexploded ordnance, posing long-term risks to civilians.
More than 120 countries have signed a treaty banning cluster munitions, but Iran, the United States and Israel are not signatories.
UN Calls for Protection of Civilians
Amid the growing humanitarian crisis, a draft resolution at the United Nations has called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The resolution strongly condemns attacks on civilian areas and urges all parties to return to diplomacy and negotiations.
Although the draft does not explicitly name any country, it highlights the urgent need to prevent further civilian casualties.
The proposal is expected to be voted on by UN members soon.
Conclusion
The drone strike near Dubai International Airport marks another alarming escalation in the widening Middle East conflict.
With missile attacks, naval confrontations and airstrikes continuing across several countries, the war is increasingly affecting critical infrastructure, global shipping routes and civilian populations.
As the United Nations warns of economic consequences if the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, the situation remains volatile, with the world closely watching developments in a conflict that could reshape regional stability and global energy markets.
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