Here are the latest developments in the U.S.–Israel–Iran war on Monday at 5:45 AM ET, as the conflict enters its seventeenth day.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump urged countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz to deploy military assets, including minesweepers, to help secure the shipping route amid tanker attacks and rising tensions, warning NATO allies of consequences if they fail to assist.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on X joking about rumors that he had been killed in an Iranian strike, showing himself at a café and dismissing the claims while praising the Israeli public.

UAE Fujairah Oil Hub Hit By Drone Attack

A drone attack at the UAE's Fujairah oil trading hub sparked a large fire, prompting authorities to suspend oil loading operations, though no injuries were reported.

Lebanon Ex-Leader Urges Israel Talks

Lebanon's former President Michel Sleiman backed efforts for direct negotiations with Israel, saying Beirut should not bear the conflict's burdens alone and noting that regional countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Syria have already held talks with Israel, reported Al Jazeera.

EU Floats Black Sea Grain-Deal Model for Opening Hormuz

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she discussed with UN Secretary General António Guterres the possibility of using a wartime corridor model, similar to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, to ensure oil and gas shipments continue through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that its closure would threaten energy supplies to Asia and disrupt fertilizer production, reported The Times of Israel.

Iran Flags USS Gerald Ford As Target Risk

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea is viewed as a threat to Iran, warning that logistical and support centers serving the carrier group could be considered targets, reported Al Jazeera.

Japan Taps Oil Reserves

Japan has begun releasing oil from private-sector reserves to stabilize supply as the Iran war disrupts Middle East tanker routes. The release equals about 15 days of consumption, while companies still hold roughly 70 days of reserves. The government may also release an additional month of oil from its national stockpile later in March, reported NHK World.

Drone Strike Sparks Dubai Airport Fire

A drone strike hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport on Monday, causing a fire and briefly halting flights. Emergency crews responded quickly, and authorities reported no injuries. Dubai Airports said some flights were diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Jebel Ali after a drone attack.

Pahlavi Urges Embassy Protests Worldwide

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians worldwide to mark Chaharshanbe Suri on March 18, a pre-Navroz ritual, with protests outside Iranian embassies, framing the celebration as a defiant tribute to anti-regime victims and a call to end the Islamic Republic.

Iran Denies Truce, Vows Continued Strikes

Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister, Syed Abbas Araghchi, told CBS News it has not sought a truce or negotiations and dismissed such claims as false, warning that its armed forces will continue strikes until the U.S. recognizes the war as illegal and compensates victims.

Oil CEOs Warn Crisis May Worsen: Report

Oil executives from ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX), and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) warned U.S. officials that the war involving Iran could worsen the energy crisis, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz likely to keep global oil markets volatile, reported the Wall Street Journal.

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