**Summary:** The ongoing five-day war involving the U.S. and Israel targeting Iran is reportedly ahead of schedule, according to U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, leading to significant regional disruption, including flight cancellations and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

**Key points:**
- The U.S. operation, 'Operation Epic Fury,' was described as nearly double the scale of the 2003 Iraq War's opening 24 hours.
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in the opening salvos on Saturday.
- Iran reported 787 deaths by Tuesday, including 165 girls killed in a school bombing, an incident Israel denies involvement in.
- The conflict has caused over 20,000 flight cancellations globally and led the U.S. State Department to evacuate nonemergency personnel from six nations.
- Israel targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon, issuing evacuation warnings to 16 southern villages after the group retaliated for Khamenei's death.

**Why it matters:** The escalating conflict is severely impacting global markets and critical regional infrastructure, including oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while prompting foreign governments to repatriate their citizens.

Cyprus Mail - US assault on Iran ahead of schedule, says US Middle East Commander

Deccan Chronicle - Country by Country, Here's How the Unfolding War Is Affecting the Middle East

US-Israel Assault on Iran Ahead of Schedule, Causing Regional Disruption

**Summary:** Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been chosen as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts, allegedly under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday, March 1st, following joint US-Israeli strikes.

**Key points:**
- Mojtaba Khamenei is Ali Khamenei's second oldest son and is 56 years old.
- Mojtaba has strong ties to the IRGC and the Basij volunteer paramilitary force.
- The Assembly of Experts met in Qom to select the successor.
- Ali Khamenei was buried in Mashhad on March 3rd.
- The US and Israel flattened the building where the Assembly of Experts met.
- Following Ali Khamenei's death, Iran is temporarily governed by a three-person council.

**Why it matters:** The succession of Iran's Supreme Leader is a pivotal moment, especially following the death of Ali Khamenei in a military conflict, potentially shifting the country's strategic direction.

Более 9 тысяч американцев покинули Ближний Восток после операции против Ирана

Сын Хаменеи стал новым Верховным лидером Ирана - СМИ

ЗМІ: Новим верховним лідером Ірану став син Алі Хаменеї – Мотжабу

Сын Али Хаменеи стал новым верховным лидером Ирана

Iran International: Majelis Ahli Pilih Mojtaba Khamenei Jadi Pemimpin Tertinggi Iran

Iran's new supreme leader is named as Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba - Iranian TV network reports

Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Iran's New Supreme Leader After Ali Khamenei's Death

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump announced the United States would cut off all trade with Spain after the country refused to allow US military use of its bases for missions targeting Iran. Spain responded by citing international law and bilateral agreements regarding the use of its sovereign territory.

**Key points:**
- Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut off all dealings" with Spain, calling the country "terrible."
- The US relocated 15 aircraft, including refuelling tankers, from Rota and Moron military bases following Spain's refusal.
- Trump also referenced Spain's failure to meet NATO's 5% GDP defence spending target.
- Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed European pressure on Spain regarding its NATO defence spending contribution.
- Spain stated it has resources to manage the embargo's impact and continues to advocate for free trade.

**Why it matters:** This action represents a significant escalation in US-Spain relations, linking military cooperation and NATO commitments to severe economic penalties, potentially impacting European security dynamics.

Trump’s dramatic trade break with Spain: Will the Sánchez presidency survive? - Euro Weekly News

Trump says US will cut all trade with Spain over military bases, defence spending - The Straits Times

Trump dice que puede usar las bases militares en España cuando quiera, pero los tratados sostienen lo contrario - elDiario.es

Trump threatens Spain with total trade cut over military base access refusal

**Summary:** The government in Kiev plans to introduce restrictions, specifically licensing, on the import of grapes, wine, and alcohol from the Republic of Moldova. This measure is described as a "mirror" response to Chișinău's temporary ban on poultry imports from Ukraine, which was enacted after detecting a prohibited substance in feed.

**Key points:**
- The Ukrainian restrictions, potentially starting around March 5-6, target the main export item from Moldova to Ukraine.
- The value of Ukrainian poultry exports to Moldova in 2025 was about $33 million, similar to Moldovan wine/grape exports to Ukraine.
- Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Taras Visoțki, stated this is a proportional response to a measure considered restrictive.
- Moldova's National Food Safety Agency suspended Ukrainian poultry imports on January 26 due to metronidazole detection in feed, leading to the culling of about 110,000 birds.
- Visoțki claimed Ukrainian authorities conducted necessary investigations according to European standards and found only a small, destroyed lot of non-compliant feed.

**Why it matters:** This escalating trade dispute, framed as a proportional reaction by Ukraine, highlights bilateral tensions stemming from food safety measures imposed by Moldova.

Ziarul de Gardă - Kievul urmează să introducă restricții la vinurile și strugurii din R. Moldova, ca răspuns la interdicția asupra cărnii de pasăre: „Nu ne-a rămas altă opțiune”

moldova1.md - Zelenski: Dacă alegerile vor avea loc după încheierea războiului, nu sunt sigur că voi candida

Ukraine to restrict Moldovan wine/grapes in response to poultry ban

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump claimed that "just about everything's been knocked out" in Iran following US-Israel strikes that began Saturday, while denying that Israel forced the US into the war, asserting he acted to prevent an Iranian assault first. Trump also downplayed the leadership chances of exiled activist Reza Pahlavi, preferring a moderate leader from within Iran.

**Key points:**
- Trump made the comments on Tuesday while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated the US acted only after learning Israel was going to strike.
- Trump expressed concern that a hardline leader could replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the strikes.
- Reza Pahlavi, exiled since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, advocates for secular governance and democratic reforms.

**Why it matters:** The statements provide insight into the US administration's justification for military action against Iran and its preferred outcome for post-Khamenei leadership.

National Post - Trump says ‘everything’s been knocked out’ in Iran

inquirer.net - US-Israeli strikes pummel Tehran, as Trump says 'too late' for talks

News18 - Could Reza Pahlavi Lead Iran? Trump Says ‘He’s A Very Nice Person But...'

News24 | Trump says 'everything's been knocked out' in Iran, denies Israel pushed US into war

Trump Boasts of Wide Damage in Iran After US-Israel Attack; Denies Being Forced Into War

**Summary:** Apple announced the lower-priced iPhone 17e, starting at $599, to expand its smartphone lineup and counter concerns about its standing in artificial intelligence. The new device launches on March 11 and is a pared-back version of the iPhone 17.

**Key points:**
- The iPhone 17e has the same processor as the iPhone 17 but a smaller screen, one camera instead of two, and lacks the Dynamic Island bar.
- The launch follows the introduction of the iPhone 16e last year, suggesting increased demand for cheaper phones.
- The new model costs $200 less than the iPhone 17 and may boost adoption of Apple Intelligence by appealing to users with older phones.
- The launch occurs during a challenging time for the smartphone industry, with IDC estimating a 6.8% global market decline in Q1 due to the memory shortage driven by AI.
- Apple also announced a new version of the iPad Air on Monday.
- The iPhone 17e includes a new cellular modem claimed to be twice as fast as the one in the iPhone 16e.

**Why it matters:** The iPhone 17's success has been instrumental in quelling Wall Street's concerns about Apple's position in the AI race, and the 17e aims to further boost adoption of Apple's AI features.

sudaress.com - "أبل" تطلق آيفون 17e.. سعر ومواصفات الهاتف

Egypt Independent - Apple launches cheaper iPhone 17e in push to boost iPhone sales

Apple launches cheaper iPhone 17e to boost sales amid AI concerns

**Summary:** Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in jeopardy following escalating military conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Iranian government declared a 40-day mourning period, halting national team preparations, leading federation officials to suggest they may not travel to North America.

**Key points:**
- Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation, expressed skepticism about competing on American soil due to current hostilities.
- The domestic Iranian soccer league has been suspended indefinitely.
- Iran's Group G matches are scheduled entirely within U.S. territory (Los Angeles and Seattle).
- FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström stated the organization is monitoring the situation but focuses on a safe World Cup with everyone participating.
- The White House World Cup task force director, Andrew Giuliani, commented on celebrating freedom rather than soccer games.

**Why it matters:** The conflict threatens the participation of a qualified nation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially forcing FIFA to select a replacement team like the UAE to maintain the 48-team structure.

sudaress.com - بعد الحرب.. ترجيح انسحاب إيران من \"المونديال الأميركي\"

myjoyonline.com - Iran World Cup participation in doubt after US-Israeli strikes

Iran World Cup 2026 Participation in Doubt Amid US-Israeli Strikes

**Summary:** Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 2nd, leading to dozens of oil tankers being stranded in the Persian Gulf. This action has caused Brent crude oil prices to surge above $84 per barrel, reaching a maximum since mid-2024.

**Key points:**
- China urged all parties to cease military operations and ensure safe passage through the Strait.
- Qatar is pressuring Iranian officials to avoid attacks on oil and LNG tankers passing through the strait.
- Shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have significantly increased container tariffs due to war risk.
- Insurance companies are cancelling war risk coverage or imposing very high premiums.
- The closure impacts approximately 20% of global oil transit, with tanker traffic down over 80%.

**Why it matters:** The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor, is impacting global oil prices and has geopolitical ramifications, potentially benefiting Russia's economy and diverting US resources away from supporting Ukraine.

МАГАТЭ подтвердило повреждения на ядерном объекте в Натанзе - Day.az

Стоимость нефти подскочила до максимума с лета 2024 года - Lenta.ru

Судноплавні компанії масово припиняють рейси через Ормузьку протоку - Espreso.tv

Путин станет единственным победителем в войне Трампа с Ираном, - обозреватель Bloomberg - UNIAN

Жизненно важный партнер Ирана недоволен перекрытием Ормузского пролива - UNIAN

Iran's actions in Strait of Hormuz cause global energy market disruption