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World / Gulf

LIVE UPDATES: US sailors and marines arrive in Middle East on day 30 of war

Published: 29 Mar 2026 - 10:15 am | Last Updated: 29 Mar 2026 - 06:22 pm
Marines and soldiers arriving. Picture: X / Centcom

Marines and soldiers arriving. Picture: X / Centcom

Doha, Qatar: Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as the Pentagon considers next steps in the war with United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing the arrival of thousands of US sailors and marines in the Middle East. 

Stay tuned for more live updates: 

6:15PM Doha Time
Qatar intercepts drones from Iran on Sunday: MOD

The Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that the State of Qatar was subjected to an attack by a number of drones from Iran, today, Sunday. READ MORE.

6:00pm Doha Time
Missile strike damages Alaraby TV bureau in Tehran, injures 10: Statement

Alaraby TV said its bureau in Tehran sustained significant damage after a missile strike targeted the building housing its office on Sunday morning. READ MORE.

3:50pm Doha Time
Bahrain announces curfew for maritime traffic effective today

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced a ban on maritime movement for seafarers using fishing and leisure vessels, as part of the measures taken to protect Bahrain’s coasts.

This comes for the protection of seafarers amid the blatant Iranian aggression against the Kingdom of Bahrain and the serious risks it poses to the safety of citizens and residents. 

The ban will be in effect daily from 6pm (1800) until 4am (0400), starting today and until further notice. Read more

3:30pm Doha Time 
Beirut rescuers risk their lives to save animals

Armed with thick gloves and small plastic crates Kamal, Khalil and Reem jump on two mopeds and head into Beirut's southern suburbs, which see almost daily strikes by Israeli aircraft.

Hands scarred by a thousand bites and scratches, the small rescue team from Lebanese NGO Animals Lebanon uses two-wheelers to navigate streets made narrow by piles of rubble as they search for trapped animals.

In drizzling rain, the team is responding to two calls, passing from crammed central districts filled with people seeking safety into increasingly abandoned streets where Israeli airstrikes are concentrated.

The duo are seeking a pet cat they've been trying to trap for a week since it jumped through a bombed-out ground-floor window, and another showing signs of paralysis, they think from a recent Israeli bombing. Read more

3:15pm Doha Time
UAE intercepts 42 drones, 16 ballistic missiles from Iran

The UAE Ministry of Defence said that it has intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones launched from Iran today, March 29, 2026.

Its said that since the start of the war, Iran has launched 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 drones at the Emirates.

1:55pm Doha Time
Pakistan hosts Saudi, Turkiye, Egypt for talks on Mideast war

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye were expected to meet on Sunday for talks on the war in the Middle East, with Islamabad acting as a go-between between the United States and Iran.

The four-way meeting between the top diplomats of the Muslim nations was slated to discuss "a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region", Pakistan's foreign ministry has said.

Egypt's Badr Abdelatty and Hakan Fidan from Turkiye arrived in Islamabad on Saturday night while Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan touched down on Sunday afternoon. Read more

1:40pm Doha Time
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for talks

The Saudi foreign minister has arrived in Islamabad for a meeting also involving officials from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye.

10am Doha Time
Oman condemns ongoing war, military attacks on region

The Sultanate of Oman condemned and denounced the ongoing war and all acts of violence and military attacks against all countries in the region.

The Foreign Ministry has stated that no party claimed responsibility for recent treacherous and cowardly attacks targeting the Sultanate of Oman. The relevant authorities are still investigating their true source and motives, the Ministry added.

The Ministry said that Oman remains committed to its firm principles based on a policy of active neutrality, calling for the establishment of peace, security, and stability for all countries in the region, an end to the ongoing war, and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to address the root causes of the current conflict in the region, in order to preserve its foundations, prosperity, and the safety of its people.

9:30am Doha Time
Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones 

The Saudi Defence Ministry said it has destroyed 10 drones over the past few hours.

No further details were provided on where the drones were downed or whether there was any damage or casualties.

9am Doha Time
Kuwait National Guard downs 4 drones

The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) announced Sunday that it downed four drones in the areas under their jurisdiction.

In a statement, KNG spokesman Brigadier General Dr. Jadaan Fadhel said that this procedure came as part of the ongoing efforts exerted to enhance the security and protection of the vital sites and confront any possible threats. He urged all to abide by the safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

He affirmed that the National Guard forces, in cooperation with the Army, the Police, and the Fire Service, are fully prepared to deal with any threats and to resolutely confront anything that aims to destabilize the country's security, thus ensuring the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protecting its national interests and resources. 

8:15am Doha Time
Aluminium Bahrain says facility subject to Iranian attack

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed that its facility was subject to an Iranian attack on Saturday Mar. 28, 2026.

A statement issued by Alba said: "The safety and security of Alba's people remain its top priority and the Company confirms that two of Alba’s employees sustained minor injuries."

8:10am Doha Time
Foulath Holding in Bahrain declares force majeure due to regional developments

Foulath Holding, an industrial group specializing in iron and steel and the parent company of Bahrain Steel and SULB, declared force majeure regarding certain Group operations as a result of the ongoing regional developments in the Middle East and the associated security and logistical challenges.

The company said in a statement that the rapidly evolving situation in the region, including airspace restrictions, disruption to certain maritime routes, and heightened security risks, has created circumstances beyond the Group’s control and has impacted operations and supply chains across parts of the Group’s activities.