The war involving the United States and Israel against Iran entered its seventeenth day on Monday, with military strikes intensifying and casualties continuing to rise. Reports indicate that more than 1,400 people have been killed since the conflict escalated, with the majority of deaths occurring in Iran.
Below are the latest major developments from the ongoing conflict.
Trump Warns NATO Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has called on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to assist in securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid growing fears of disruptions to global oil supplies.
Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said NATO members that benefit from energy shipments through the strait should help ensure its security.
He warned that NATO could face a “very bad future” if its allies fail to support efforts to keep the vital shipping route open. Trump also revealed that he had contacted seven NATO countries, urging them to contribute to protecting the narrow waterway.
“It’s only appropriate that countries benefiting from the Strait help make sure nothing bad happens there,” he said.
Trump added that while he believes Iran’s naval capabilities have been significantly weakened, the US remains concerned that small groups could still disrupt shipping by placing mines in the water.
“All it takes is a few people dropping mines here and there,” he said.
On Sunday, Trump had already called on allied nations to deploy warships to help maintain safe passage through the strait.
Japan, Australia and UK Decline Warship Deployment
However, several US allies have indicated they will not send naval forces to the region.
Japan said it has no plans to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by Bloomberg, Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament that the country would instead focus on diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
“What is most important is to put our efforts, including diplomatic efforts, into calming the situation,” he said.
Australia also ruled out sending a warship to the strait. Transport Minister Catherine King stated that the country is prepared to handle potential fuel disruptions but will not deploy naval assets to the area.
Similarly, the United Kingdom has declined the request. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly said the country is not ready to send ships to escort oil tankers through the strait.
Iran Rejects Talks With the United States
Iran has dismissed claims by Trump that it is seeking negotiations with Washington to end the war.
According to reports by Premium Times, Trump previously suggested that Iranian officials had reached out for a possible deal, although he said the proposed terms were “not good enough.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied the claim, stating that Tehran has no reason to engage in negotiations with the United States.
“We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people,” Araghchi said during an interview with CBS News.
He added that Iran lost trust in negotiations after the US launched attacks while diplomatic talks were ongoing.
US Energy Secretary Predicts Conflict May End Soon
Despite escalating tensions, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he expects the conflict to end within a few weeks.
Speaking to ABC News, Wright suggested the war may conclude sooner than expected, a statement widely viewed as an attempt to calm markets amid concerns about rising fuel prices.
Earlier, Trump had also said the conflict would end “very soon,” although he did not provide a specific timeline.
UN Peacekeepers Attacked in Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that three of its patrols came under attack from Hezbollah fighters.
The peacekeeping mission said its personnel returned fire in self-defence and continued their operations without injuries.
Meanwhile, authorities in Lebanon said the death toll in the country has risen to about 850 people, including more than 100 children.
Iranian Strikes Continue Across the Gulf
Iranian military actions have also affected parts of the Gulf region. In Dubai, flights were temporarily suspended after a drone strike triggered a fire near the international airport.
The Dubai Media Office announced on X that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority temporarily halted flights at Dubai International Airport as a precaution to ensure passenger and staff safety.
Travellers were advised to contact their airlines for updated flight information.
Iran Arrests Hundreds Over Alleged Espionage
Iranian authorities have arrested more than 500 people accused of spying or sharing sensitive information with enemy forces.
Police chief Ahmadreza Radan said many of those detained were suspected of providing intelligence used to identify strike targets or recording and sharing footage of attack sites.
Pope Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties involved in the conflict to return to dialogue.
In a message posted online, the Catholic leader appealed for peace in the Middle East.
“Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people are waiting for,” he said, urging leaders to reopen diplomatic channels and end the hostilities.
