A boat floats as commercial vessels appear anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran. (Photo: AP)US-Iran War Live News Updates: Tensions across the Middle East stayed high on Friday, with fresh attacks and warnings reported in the Gulf, Yemen and the occupied West Bank. Several governments and armed forces issued statements, and the situation continues to evolve.The Saudi-led coalition said it stopped a mix of weapons: a ballistic missile, two cruise missiles and three drones, fired at Saudi targets from Yemen. Separate reports described a projectile hitting a tanker near Hormuz and a fire on another ship in the Sea of Oman.Key world updatesStory continues below this adThe Saudi-led coalition says it stopped a missile aimed at Yanbu, plus two cruise missiles and three drones.Iran’s acting oil minister Hamid Bovard says Iran will respond “at the right time” to threats against its energy sites.Iran’s navy says a tanker caught fire in the Sea of Oman after it switched off its tracking systems.An Indian oil tanker with 15 crew was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.The Washington Post wants an investigation after its photojournalist was hurt in a settler attack in the West Bank.Follow the latest world news and major international developments here. This live blog is a rolling curation of the day’s key global stories, with updates added as events unfold and the news agenda changes. The headline, introduction and Top Developments section will be refreshed throughout the day to reflect the stories that matter most at that moment.Live UpdatesOct 17, 2026 05:27 AM ISTTrump mocks popularity of the name Mohammad, common among MuslimsUS President Donald Trump made a joke about the popularity of the name Mohammad in the Muslim world as he mocked Iran's presidency during a campaign speech on Friday."You know, if you're in doubt about somebody's name from the Middle East, just say 'Mohammad,'" Trump told a crowd in Dalton, Georgia. "You have about a 65% chance. 'Hello, Mohammad.' I've done it for years now. I've never been wrong."Mohammad is one of the most common male names among Muslims, who often name their sons after the Prophet Mohammad, the founder of Islam.Oct 17, 2026 05:11 AM ISTSaudi Civil Defence issues alerts for Abha and Khamis MushaitSaudi Arabia’s Civil Defence says it has issued warnings through the National Early Warning Platform for Abha city and Khamis Mushait governorate.In separate posts on X, the agency warned of a potential danger and urged residents to follow safety instructions.تم إطلاق إنذار من المنصة الوطنية للإنذار المبكر في حالات الطوارئ في مدينة أبها للتحذير من خطر، اتبع الآتي: A warning has been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in Abha City to alert of a potential danger. Please follow the instructions below: https://t.co/Eabrabp1de— الدفاع المدني السعودي (@SaudiDCD) October 16, 2026Oct 17, 2026 05:09 AM ISTYemeni army says it captured Houthi drone operating team in TaizYemen’s government forces say they have captured a Houthi team specialising in operating and controlling drones in the southwestern governorate of Taiz.In a statement posted on Facebook, the army’s 35th Armoured Brigade said its troops detained the team on the al-Aqrud–Kahlan front, southeast of Taiz.The announcement comes amid escalating fighting in Taiz this month, with worsening humanitarian conditions and thousands displaced by clashes and restrictions on supply routes.Oct 17, 2026 05:09 AM ISTIran denies Saudi Arabia's accusation of involvement in Houthi attacksIran's foreign ministry on Friday denied a Saudi claim that Tehran had a role in Houthi attacks on the kingdom. It also offered to act as a go-between for the Houthis and Riyadh.Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran "rejects any claim" that it played a part in Houthi operations, and that it is ready to use its good offices to help end the fighting if both sides ask.Tehran has often said it does not direct the Houthis, who are part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" with Hezbollah and armed groups in Iraq, and who act in their own interests.In recent weeks, the Houthis have hit Saudi targets, including ships in the Red Sea, oil sites and Riyadh's international airport, where 13 people died in one attack last week.Oct 17, 2026 05:07 AM ISTWelcome to our live blog. We will bring you the latest updates from across the Middle East and the world, so stay with us.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd