12 Updates on the Iran War: NATO-Strait of Hormuz, Ballistic Missiles Strike Saudi
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - War continues to rage in the Middle East. Attacks persist between the United States (US)-Israel and Iran.
Here are the latest developments from Wednesday to Thursday morning (19/3/2026) compiled by CNBC Indonesia.
- NATO’s Response to the Strait of Hormuz
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that alliance members are discussing the “best way” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Those waters are the main shipping route for the world’s oil, carrying about 20% of the global supply.
“I have been in touch with many allies. We all agree, of course, that the strait must be reopened. And what I know is that allies are working together, discussing how to do it, what is the best way to do it,” Rutte said in a press conference during a visit to NATO exercises in northern Norway.
“They are working on it collectively, to find a way forward,” Rutte added.
Previously, US President Donald Trump urged other global powers to send warships to escort tanker convoys through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively closed the strait since the US and Israel began the war against the republic, causing global oil prices to rise more than 40%.
On Tuesday, Trump even criticised the alliance. He said “NATO made a very stupid mistake” by not sending aid.
“I have long said that I wonder if NATO will ever be there for us. So this is a big test,” he told reporters.
- Iranian Intelligence Chief Killed
Israel killed another high-ranking Iranian official on Wednesday. This time, Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
The Israeli military claims the authority to kill any senior figure of the Islamic Republic that it targets. News of Khatib’s death came a day after Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani was confirmed killed in an Israeli strike.
“Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian officials whose intelligence and operational circles have been closed off, without needing additional approval,” said Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.
“We will continue to thwart them and hunt them all down,” he added.
Israel has also vowed to hunt down Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since replacing his father. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called Khatib’s death a “cowardly assassination”.
- Germany Shouts It Won’t Go to War
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin “would advise against” starting a war with Iran, should they be consulted by the US or Israel. Although Tehran is “responsible” for the current crisis in the region, Merz said, Germany has made it clear that the country still has many questions about this war.
“Israel and the US have shown no convincing plan on how this operation can succeed,” he added.
- Qatar Condemns Israeli Attack on Iranian Gas Field
Qatar condemned Israel’s attack on facilities related to Iran’s South Pars gas field. This is an extension of Qatar’s North Field.
The country called it a dangerous and irresponsible act. Previously, the Iranian military had said it would retaliate with “heavy attacks” on energy infrastructure across the Gulf.
“Gas imports to Iraq, the neighbouring country that is highly dependent on Iranian gas, have been immediately halted,” authorities said, adding that it would have a domino effect on electricity supplies there.
- Oil Prices
Oil prices surged after the Israeli attack on South Pars. On Wednesday, Brent crude jumped more than 5% to US$108.60 per barrel, while the main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, rose 1.9% to US$98.01.
- Russia Rages at US-Israel
The UN nuclear watchdog said Iran reported an attack on the country’s only operating nuclear power plant. However, the attack caused no damage.
Russia, which helped build the plant and has staff on site, said it had received reports of a missile strike on the perimeter inside the plant. That, Moscow added, is “completely unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Russia condemned the killing of Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, after its ally Tehran vowed to avenge the death of the military official. Israel has admitted responsibility.
“We strongly condemn actions aimed at endangering health and, moreover, the murder of Iran’s sovereign and independent leadership,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
- Funeral in Iran
Iran is scheduled to hold a funeral in Tehran for the slain security chief, Ali Larijani, and other influential figures killed by Israel. In addition to Larijani, it was reported that Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, was also killed by the Zionists.
- Swedish Citizen Executed by Iran
Iran executed a Swedish citizen. This happened after Iranian authorities announced they had carried out the death penalty on someone suspected of being an Israeli spy.
“I am saddened to receive information that a Swedish citizen was executed in Iran today,” said Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in a statement.
- Attack in Beirut, Lebanon
A new Israeli strike hit the Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhood in central Beirut. This is the second attack in that densely populated area.
The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 12 people were killed in central Beirut. The bombing occurred amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
- Iraq’s Oil Exports
Iraq announced it has resumed limited oil exports of 250,000 barrels per day through the Ceyhan port in Turkey, bypassing the Gulf.