Representational file photo
Doha, Qatar: The US temporarily lifted sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil loaded on vessels as of March 20, in a bid to curb the increase in energy prices resulting from the war in the Middle East. The suspension of sanctions would expire on Apr. 19.
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent wrote on Twitter: "Today, the Department of the Treasury is issuing a narrowly tailored, short-term authorization permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea."
He added that the decision will bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets to ease pressure on energy supply caused by Iran.
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2:54pm Doha Time
Indian Prime Minister Modi speaks to Iran’s Pezeshkian
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi says on X that he has spoken with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East region, while also reiterating the importance of ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure, Al Jazeera reports.
“Appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran,” Modi added.
1:45pm Doha Time
UAE air defences engage 3 ballistic missiles, 8 UAVs
The UAE air defence systems on March 21, 2026, engaged 3 ballistic missiles and 8 UAVs launched from Iran, stated the country's Ministry of Defense.
"Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 341 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,748 UAVs," it said.
These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as 6 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities.
A total of 160 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.
1:03pm Doha Time
UN expresses readiness to support de-escalation efforts in Middle East
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the United Nations was ready to contribute to efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and ensuring the protection of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
He explained that the UN had previously played a key role in facilitating the Black Sea Initiative, which enabled the export of Ukrainian food and fertilizers through a humanitarian corridor starting in July 2022.
Guterres added that his main objective was to explore whether similar conditions could be created in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the UN was currently engaging with key parties in the Gulf, as well as the European Council.
He further said that while the context and solutions would differ, the UN was willing to assist and had teams ready to manage such efforts, emphasizing a preference for working directly with the United States and other partners.
11:55am Doha Time
Iran is providing safe passage to ships in the Strait of Hormuz: Iran foreign minister
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi repeated previous statements that the Strait of Hormuz is open, provided countries liaise with Tehran.
“We have not closed this strait. In our opinion, this strait is open. It is closed only for ships belonging to our enemies, countries that attack us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait,” he said in an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News on Friday.
“We are ready to provide them with safe passage in case of contact … All they need to do is contact us to discuss how this route will be,” Araghchi said, according to a transcript of the interview shared on his Telegram account.
