- New strikes on Iran -

Israel's military said it had launched a broad wave of strikes on the Iranian cities of Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz, more than two weeks into the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.

Explosions hit the centre of the Iranian capital, an AFP journalist reported.

- UK weighing options -

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London was working with allies to come up with a "viable" plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, adding that while Britain was "taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war".

Germany meanwhile said the war in the Middle East started by US-Israeli strikes on Iran has "nothing to do with NATO" and is "not NATO's war".

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's spokesman said Monday: "NATO is an alliance for the defence of territory" and "the mandate to deploy NATO is lacking" in the current situation,.

- Hormuz crossing -

A non-Iranian oil tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz with its automatic transponder system activated, despite major disruption to shipping in the crucial waterway from the war, monitor Marine Traffic said Monday.

"The Aframax tanker Karachi, carrying Abu Dhabi's Das crude, has become the first non-Iranian cargo to transit the chokepoint while broadcasting its AIS signal, suggesting that select shipments may be receiving negotiated safe passage," the monitor said.

- Iran warning -

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had shown it was ready to take the war with Israel and the United States as far as necessary.

"I think by now they have learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are dealing with, one that does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary," he said.

- 'Limited' operations -

The Israeli military said it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

"In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed at enhancing the forward defence area," it said.

- UAE, Saudi leaders discuss attacks -

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed discussed Iran's retaliatory strikes on the Gulf and expressed solidarity and sympathy in their second call since a public row in late December.

"Both sides stressed the need for the immediate cessation of military escalation... underscoring the importance of prioritising serious dialogue and diplomatic means," it added.

- Dubai resumes flights -

Authorities said flights were gradually resuming at Dubai airport Monday after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire nearby.

Following the incident, flights had been suspended at the airport, which is usually the world's busiest for international travel but has seen major disruptions since the war erupted on February 28.

The Emirati defence ministry later said its air defence systems were intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles, without specifying where in the Gulf nation.

- EU weighs naval mission -

EU foreign ministers will Monday discuss extending the bloc's Red Sea naval mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, said the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas.

US President Donald Trump is pressuring world powers to help reopen the vital oil transport conduit, which has effectively been shut by Iran.

- Oil rises further -

Oil prices rose further, with Brent North Sea Crude up three percent to $106.50 per barrel in Monday trading.

- UAE oil zone attacked -

A drone slammed into oil infrastructure on the Fujairah oil industry zone on the UAE's east coast and sparked a large fire, authorities said.

- Drones over Saudi -

Saudi Arabia has intercepted 61 drones in the east of the country since midnight, according to a tally of defence ministry figures posted Monday on X.

- Missile strikes car in Abu Dhabi -

A Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi when a missile hit their car, authorities said.

- Iran to play World Cup -

The Iranian men's football team is still planning to play in the upcoming World Cup in North America, an Asian football official said, despite Trump warning their "life and safety" could be at risk.

"As far as we know, Iran is playing," Windsor Paul John, the Asian Football Confederation's general secretary, told a press conference.

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