Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is trying to position himself as a mediator between Iran and the Persian Gulf states. This is happening against the backdrop of a US-Israeli operation against Iran.
The US State Department has urged Americans to leave Middle Eastern countries immediately due to serious security risks. The list includes Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Qatar's Patriot interceptor missile stockpiles will last for four days at current usage rates. Qatar halted LNG production after an Iranian drone attack, causing gas prices to rise.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered Middle Eastern countries experts on shooting down Iranian drones. This will happen if the leaders of these countries convince Vladimir Putin to agree to a month-long truce in the war against Ukraine.
12 Etihad Airways flights departed from Abu Dhabi, although the airline had announced a suspension of operations. Almost 100,000 people tracked the first plane heading to London.
Qatar has halted LNG production after two Iranian drones attacked its energy facilities. Israel and Iran exchanged new strikes, and drones were intercepted over Cyprus and the UAE.
European gas prices could rise by 130% if supplies through the Strait of Hormuz are halted for a month. This is due to the threat of the Iranian crisis to global supplies, which has already led to a 25% price increase.
The conflict with Iran has led to mass cancellations of flights by Emirates and Qatar Airways, causing airline shares to fall. Over 400 flights have been canceled by each airline, and Dubai and Doha airports have suspended operations.
Residents of the Persian Gulf countries awoke to explosions after night attacks, in which Hezbollah intervened in the conflict. Explosions were recorded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Lebanon, Israel, Kuwait, Iran, and Cyprus.
The US Central Command has attacked over 1,000 Iranian targets, including command centers and ships. The Iranian regime has also attacked civilians in several countries.
The conflict in the Middle East threatens the stability of global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's LNG exports pass, is blocked. This leads to a halt in tanker traffic and a critical fuel shortage.
Ukraine expresses solidarity with the Middle Eastern countries affected by Iran's attacks. The Foreign Minister condemned Iran's criminal policy and called for support for the Iranian people.
Iran launched strikes on US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait, as well as on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. This was in response to a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran.
Due to US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory measures, 8 Middle Eastern countries have closed their airspace. This has led to mass flight cancellations by many major airlines.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran's actions and violations of the sovereignty of several countries, calling on the international community to resist. The country is ready to provide allies with all capabilities to support any measures against Iran.
Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, primarily targeting the northern part, in response to the American-Israeli operation. Missile debris damaged a residential building in the north, injuring one person.
One person was killed in Abu Dhabi after the interception of missiles launched from Iran. Qatar also intercepted two Iranian missiles after a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran.
Qatari authorities reported the interception of two Iranian missiles by a Patriot system after a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran. Residents of the country were urged to stay home and away from military facilities.
The US evacuated some personnel from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This happened amid Israel's attack on Iran, which was jointly planned with the US.
US President Donald Trump opened the first meeting of the Peace Council, calling it his most important undertaking. He welcomed world leaders, including representatives from Saudi Arabia and Hungary.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced the detention of a National Guard lieutenant who helped a Kyiv official organize a scheme to evade military service. The detained NGU officer tried to flee Ukraine but returned and was apprehended.
The US has deployed Patriot air defense systems on mobile trucks at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for more agile position changes. This decision allows US forces to respond more quickly to potential Iranian attacks, despite ongoing negotiations in Oman.
Algeria has initiated the procedure to terminate its air service agreement with the UAE, which has been in effect since 2013. This move is a consequence of a prolonged diplomatic crisis and accusations of UAE interference in Algeria's internal affairs.
The GUR reported the elimination of three Kenyan mercenaries near Lyman who were working for the Russian Federation. They arrived at the war, lured by promises of earnings.
Israeli aircraft struck the Gaza Strip, killing 24 Palestinians, including two infants. This was in response to an attack by Hamas militants that wounded an Israeli soldier.
The leader of the AFC/M23 rebel movement, Corneille Nangaa, has claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Bangboka International Airport in Kisangani. He called the attack a "warning" to the regime in Kinshasa.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group and F-35 fighters have arrived in the Middle East. The US is deploying additional air defense assets to protect allies and American troops.
In December 2025, the "Freedom of Russia Legion" group destroyed an ammunition depot in Kharkiv region. There were no losses among the fighters.
The German Football Association (DFB) has rejected a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The decision was made despite criticism of Donald Trump's foreign policy.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) eliminated Kenyan citizen Clinton Nyapara Mogesu, born in 1997, in the Donetsk direction. He signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence after working in Qatar and died during a "meat assault."
