International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol stated there is a "huge surplus" of oil in the markets, but warned of a potential "gas bidding war" due to the conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices have risen by 50% since the beginning of the year, and the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed to tankers.
Due to the war in the Middle East and the escalation around Iran, fuel prices in Europe have risen. The highest prices are recorded in the Netherlands, where gasoline costs 2.19 euros per liter.
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced the return of 300 servicemen in exchange for 300 captured Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel. This is the second stage of the 500-for-500 exchange, following the return of 200 Ukrainians.
The UAE's national airline, Etihad Airways, is resuming a limited flight schedule from its hub in Abu Dhabi starting Friday. The carrier plans to fly to over 70 destinations by March 19.
A week after the war began, the US and Israel exchange strikes with Iran. Persian Gulf countries defend themselves against Iranian attacks, the number of which has decreased.
Satellite images confirmed serious damage to US AN/TPY-2 strategic radar systems in Jordan and the UAE. This weakens the defense of American bases on the Arabian Peninsula.
The UAE Ministry of Defense reported the interception of missiles and drones by air defense systems. A CNN crew in Abu Dhabi heard loud explosions.
Missile and drone attacks continue in the Middle East. Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Israel, Iran, and Lebanon report explosions and interceptions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has received 58 appeals from citizens since February 28 due to the escalation in the Middle East. Airspace remains closed in some countries, but airports in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Oman are operating normally.
Iran has significantly expanded the scale of military strikes in the region, using missiles and drones against a number of states. The attacks affected 11 countries, including Israel, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
Six people were injured in Abu Dhabi by debris from an intercepted drone, and Qatar was hit by a missile. Cyprus reported a security incident near a British airbase amid the war in the Middle East.
China will send its special envoy Zhai Jun to the Middle East to help de-escalate tensions. Chinese diplomats have already held talks with a number of countries in the region.
Iran struck Kurdish groups in Iraq, claiming the US was arming Iranian Kurdish guerrillas. This occurred amid the spread of war in the Middle East, which has engulfed the entire region.
The Pentagon and the government of a Persian Gulf country are discussing the purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones to combat Iranian drones. This would allow them to replace expensive Patriot missiles and preserve their stocks for other purposes.
Drone strikes damaged three Amazon facilities in the UAE and Bahrain, while the US and Israel attacked data centers in Tehran. This indicates that computing power is becoming a priority for attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's readiness to help stabilize the situation in the Middle East. He instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other agencies to develop options for support without compromising Ukraine's defense.
Qatar's state energy company, QatarEnergy, has declared force majeure on liquefied natural gas supplies. This happened after Iranian attacks on the company's facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed.
Two Greek F-16 fighter jets based in Cyprus were scrambled after a drone was detected near Lebanese airspace. The airspace over Larnaca airport was temporarily closed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs about the closure of airspace in Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Iran, and Iraq as of March 4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received 54 appeals from Ukrainian citizens regarding the escalation of the situation in the region.
Russian propaganda uses events in the Middle East to spread disinformation about Ukraine. The occupiers are spreading fakes about the detention of Ukrainians in Dubai and the destruction of Syrskyi's estate.
The conflict in the Middle East is spreading, with strikes and attacks continuing. Israel has launched strikes against Iran, while Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have also been attacked.
Gulf countries may not be able to withstand Iranian airstrikes for more than a week or two. This is because cheap Iranian Shahed-136 drones deplete the stocks of expensive Patriot missiles.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Israel has no data on dead or wounded Ukrainians. There is no need for evacuation, but 25 people, mostly pilgrims and short-term visitors, have applied for assistance.
Iraq's Ministry of Oil will halt production at a key field due to disruption of the waterway. The war in Iran has stopped tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a rise in oil prices.
Hundreds of people, including children and teachers, have died amid escalation in the Middle East - casualties reported in 7 countries.
In Ukraine, fuel prices rose by 5% due to news of oil supply problems from the Persian Gulf. However, according to an analyst, the price increase is unlikely to continue.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed the situation in the Middle East and Iran's strikes on civilian targets.
A fire broke out in the port of Fujairah in the UAE after a drone attack attempt, with debris falling on the facility. In Oman, the port of Duqm was again targeted by drones, one of which hit a fuel tank.
Iran continues to strike US allies in the Middle East, with over 700 people reported dead in Iran and six American servicemen. The US has urged its citizens to leave the region immediately.
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.
