Did Kuwait really shoot down three US F-15s?
The US military wants you to believe that its worst day of air combat losses since the Vietnam War was the result of a “friendly fire” mishap. But do some digging and that story begins to look far-fetched. Three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait on Monday morning in what»»»
European nations facing ‘hell’ over Iran war energy disruption – Serbia
European nations are facing “a literal hell” due to an energy price surge caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said. Tehran’s retaliation to the regime-change military action launched on Saturday has disrupted crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments»»»
China lists five lessons from US-Israeli war on Iran
China’s military has outlined five strategic lessons it says can be learned from the US-Israeli attack on Iran, warning against “blind faith in peace” and over-reliance on outside powers. China Military Bugle, the official press account of China’s armed forces, published a bilingual graphic on X on»»»
European Stocks Firm after Sell-off on Middle East Turmoil
European stock markets firmed on Wednesday after a global rout driven by fears that surging energy prices from the Middle East war could fan inflation and hit the global economy. The gains followed steep losses across Asian stock markets, where rising oil prices rattled investors on the fifth day o»»»
Gold Gains as Middle East Conflict Revives Safe-haven Bid
Gold prices climbed 2% on Wednesday, rebounding from their lowest in more than a week reached in the previous session, as the dollar took a breather and mounting tensions in the Middle East drove investors toward safe havens. Spot gold gained 2.2% to $5,198.58 per ounce by 1017 GMT, after falling m»»»
Starmer defends Iran response as Badenoch calls for offensive action
Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government's approach to the conflict in Iran, saying protecting British nationals is his "number one priority". It comes after President Trump criticised the prime minister for refusing to allow the use of UK bases in the initial US-Israel strikes on Saturday, say»»»
UAE stock markets plunge after two-day halt as regional tensions escalate
Dubai: Trading across the UAE's main stock exchanges opened with sharp declines on Wednesday after a two-day suspension, as investors rushed to reprice assets amid rapid geopolitical developments across the region. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Dubai Financial Ma»»»
Greek court upholds criminal organisation verdict on neo-Nazi Golden Dawn
An appeal court in Athens has upheld the 2020 convictions of 42 defendants linked to the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party. Founder Nikos Mihaloliakos and six other leading Golden Dawn officials were found guilty of "belonging to and running a criminal organisation" under the guise of a political party. A»»»
U.S. says it has dealt major blow to Iran's ability to inflict harm - UPI.com
1 of 2 | A smoke column rises above the Iranian capital capital, Tehran, on Tuesday following a U.S. airstrike. Photo by Nahal Farzaneh/UPI | License Photo March 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. military said it has hit almost 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 munitions since launching its "unprecedented opera»»»
UAE residents defy 'paid influencer' smears: 'This is our home, not a narrative’
Dubai: In the midst of heightened regional tensions stemming from the US–Israel–Iran conflict, a remarkable show of solidarity has emerged from an unexpected quarter - the everyday residents of the UAE. Across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, expatriates from dozens of nationalities hav»»»
Not all eyes are on the Middle East
On Tuesday, three NATO surveillance aircraft operated simultaneously near Russia’s northern borders as the ballistic missile submarine Knyaz Vladimir departed from the Kola Peninsula for patrol. While global attention remains fixed on the war in the Middle East, NATO continues to closely monitor Ru»»»
Fact check: Viral video of Filipina during blast not in Dubai, streamed six years ago
Dubai: As tensions rise amid the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, a wave of photos and videos has flooded social media. However, not all circulating content is accurate. One of which is a footage of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) on a livestream when a massive explosion occur»»»
Turkey warns Iran after Nato downs missile near its airspace
Dubai: Turkey on Wednesday warned Iran against actions that could widen the regional war after a missile launched from Iranian territory towards Turkish airspace was intercepted by Nato defence systems, officials said on Wednesday. Ankara said the ballistic munition was detected travelling through »»»
Leonardo Badea (BNR): Macroeconomic and geo-strategic perspectives on the recalibration of Romania’s economic growth model in the context of the new normality
2026 is an important stage in the current structural transition path for our country. Although consumption is under pressure due to the necessary adjustments, accession to the OECD and the completion of investments financed by European funds (especially within the NRRP) significantly orient the eco»»»
Etihad Rail is transporting those stranded in Saudi Arabia, neighboring countries to Abu Dhabi
In response to the current regional developments and the resulting disruptions to travel movements, Etihad Rail has decided, in coordination with all security authorities in Abu Dhabi, to operate exceptional train services from the Al Ghuwaifat border area with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Al Fay»»»
India and Afghanistan have only seen a ‘fraction’ of Pakistan’s military capabilities – Islamabad
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has called on India to return to the “negotiating table,” while asserting that New Delhi and Kabul have only seen a “fraction” of Islamabad’s military capabilities. In an address to the joint session of Pakistan’s parliament on Monday, Zardari said war was a las»»»
Fact check: Viral video of Filipina during blast not in Dubai, streamed five years ago
Dubai: As tensions rise amid the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, a wave of photos and videos has flooded social media. However, not all circulating content is accurate. One of which is a footage of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) on a livestream when a massive explosion occur»»»
EU’s Kallas and von der Leyen on ‘collision course’ – Politico
The US-Israeli strikes on Iran have exposed a deepening rift at the top of the EU, as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, find themselves on a “collision course” in a backroom power struggle, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing sources. The EU was wi»»»
Hezbollah’s rash decision to support Iran in the war deepens its isolation at home – Ya Libnan
Share: Image- Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Claudia Greco By Laila Bassam, Maya Gebeily, Tom Perry and Nazih Osseiran, Reuters BEIRUT – »»»
Smoke rises over Beirut suburbs after Israeli strike
Dubai: Smoke billowed above damaged buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Israeli air strikes hit the Haret Hreik neighbourhood, a known stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The attack came as the widening Middle East conflict entered its fifth day, raising fears of further regiona»»»
Cabinet renews Qatar's strong condemnation of Iranian aggression on Qatari territories
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thanichaired the regular meeting of the Cabinet held this afternoon at its headquarters in the Amiri Diwan. At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet commended the decisive role of the Qatari Ar»»»
Hezbollah Strikes Deep Despite Brutal Israeli Attacks
Despite a devastating war that was followed by 15-month Israeli aggression and renewed brutal offensive that started on Monday, Hezbollah continues to carry the fight deep into the occupied territories, demonstrating sustained operational capacity and unwavering resolve. The Lebanese resistance gro»»»
Nearly 150 missing after Iranian warship sinks off Sri Lanka
Nearly 150 people were missing and several dead after an Iranian warship sank Wednesday off Sri Lanka following what crew members reported as an explosion, officials said. Sri Lanka's navy rescued 32 sailors from the frigate IRIS Dena but hopes were fading for 148 other sailors, the island's Foreig»»»
Stranded in Tanzania: Dubai travel creator Kaunain Fatima awaits flight home amid conflict
Dubai: The irony isn’t lost on Dubai-based travel content creator Kaunain Fatima, 29, who finds herself stranded in Tanzania after what was meant to be a carefree girls’ trip to Zanzibar. “Most of the stranded tourists are hoping to fly out, but my friend and I just want to get home to the UAE,” sh»»»
Donald Trump has compared Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky to P.T. Barnum
US President Donald Trump has likened Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky to 19th-century showman and hoaxer P. T. Barnum. Trump made the remarks on Tuesday while criticizing his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, for providing unconditional military aid to Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, »»»
US base in Kuwait where six troops were killed lacked fortifications – media
Six US servicemen were killed in an Iranian strike on a military installation in Kuwait on Sunday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has confirmed. While the Pentagon chief claimed the base’s defenses were penetrated by a single munition, media reports suggest it lacked proper fortifications and ant»»»
Germany’s Merz said Spain should spend more on defense amid row with Trump
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz refused to back Spain while US President Donald Trump trashed Madrid over its refusal to host American planes for the ongoing war in the Middle East. Instead, Merz fell into NATO talking points, criticizing Madrid for not committing to the military bloc’s target of »»»
Europe wary as Iran war deepens, divisions emerge over US-Israel strikes
Europe has reacted cautiously — and in some cases critically — to the escalating conflict with Iran, as several leaders express concern over the widening war and the continent struggles to present a united response. When the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, “very fe»»»
Iran postpones state funeral for Khamenei
TEHRAN Iran announced that a state funeral for supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which had been planned for Wednesday evening in Tehran, was postponed "in anticipation of unprecedented turnout," state television reported. "The farewell ceremony for the martyred Imam has been postponed. The new»»»
Media Review: March 4
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS Former Bulgarian deputy defence minister Rumen Kanchev described the situation in the Middle East as a “regional conflict” in an interview with Bulgarian National Radio on Wednesday. “America has concentrated colossal power in the area,” Kanchev said. He quoted statements in Wash»»»
Israel strikes hotel in Hazmieh, buildings in Aramoun, Saadiyat and Baalbek
Israeli strikes hit a Beirut hotel and residential complex in Lebanon's east, Lebanese state media said Wednesday, as Israel announced broad strikes in response to Hezbollah missile and drone launches. Lebanese state media said the Israeli attacks targeted a building in Baalbek, in Lebanon's east f»»»
We stand with UAE: Residents affirm safety, normalcy amid Middle East conflict
Dubai: For people in the UAE, including locals, residents, expatriates, and tourists, life in the country remains “business as usual” as they feel reassured in the government and military’s effectiveness to lead and protect. Gulf News has gathered the voices of residents as they remain firm that th»»»
Israel Orders Evacuation of Swathe of South Lebanon as Katz Authorizes Military to Advance
The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of a swathe of southern Lebanon on Wednesday, telling residents to move north of the Litani River on a third day of full-blown hostilities with Hezbollah. While Israel has already warned residents to leave dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, Wednesda»»»
Flights cancelled and rerouting for days: Residents fly back to the UAE because Dubai is home
Dubai: When the Gulf airspace was disrupted and flights began cancelling one after another, many residents found themselves stuck abroad, far from the city they had built their lives in. For some, that meant days of uncertainty, rerouting through multiple countries, and scrambling for any flight th»»»
Qatar says Iran strikes across Gulf have crossed ‘all red lines’
Dubai: Iran’s expanding missile and drone campaign across the Gulf is testing the patience of Arab states, with Qatar warning that “all red lines have already been crossed” as Tehran’s retaliation against US-Israeli strikes begins spilling across the region. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed»»»
Saudi Arabia condemns blatant Iranian aggression, warns Iran attacks will not go unanswered
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has warned it reserves the “full right” to respond to blatant Iranian aggression after a series of drone and missile strikes targeted Riyadh and the Kingdom’s Eastern Province. The warning came during a late-night Cabinet meeting on Tuesday chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Mini»»»
Children Must Not Be ‘Collateral Damage’ in Middle East War, Urge UN Experts
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child insisted Wednesday that children must be protected during the war in the Middle East, highlighting an alleged air strike on an Iranian school. Iran has blamed Israel and the United States for the strike on the school in the Iranian city of Minab on the fi»»»
UAE intercepts 3 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s air defence systems successfully intercepted three ballistic missiles and tracked 129 drones on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said. In a statement, the ministry said air defences intercepted 121 drones while eight fell within the country’s territory. The ministry added tha»»»
Morality, Unity and Honour Party Registers for April Snap Parliamentary Elections
The Morality, Unity and Honour party (MECh) submitted documents to the Central Election Commission (CEC) to register for participation in the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19, MECh Floor Leader Kiril Veselinski told journalists on Wednesday. Veselinski said the party was register»»»
Visa update in UAE: What VFS just announced
Dubai: Visa services are slowly resuming at the Dubai centre of VFS Global, but only for some countries. VFS Global said it has restarted partial operations amid ongoing regional disruptions. Some applicants can submit fresh visa applications. However, all countries are returning passports to appli»»»
United and unshaken: How the UAE stands together in the face of blatant Iranian aggression
Dubai: In moments of crisis, the true character of a nation reveals itself not only in the strength of its defences, but in the steadiness of its people. As the United Arab Emirates confronts what officials have described as blatant Iranian aggression, the country’s response has not been defined by»»»
No Increased Migration Pressure on Bulgaria over Middle East Conflict, Deputy Interior Minister Says
There is no increased migration pressure on Bulgaria in connection with the conflict in the Middle East, Deputy Interior Minister Ivan Anchev said here on Wednesday. “There is no reason for us as a state to worry about any increased immigration pressure in connection with the conflict in the Middle»»»
Discussions With Board of Peace ‘On Hold’ Due to Iran War, Indonesia Says
Indonesia's foreign minister said talks on US President Donald Trump's Gaza "Board of Peace," of which the Southeast Asian nation is a key troop-contributing member, were on hold due to the Middle East war. The US and Israeli air war against Iran has killed scores of civilians, thrown global air t»»»
ASEAN ready to extend aid to Southeast Asians if crisis deepens
Dubai: As the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines has noted that it is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, particularly its impact on millions of Southeast Asians living and working across the Gulf. Officials have mentioned that assis»»»
Trump says US Navy will protect ships in Middle East 'if necessary'
US President Donald Trump has said the country's navy will protect ships in the Middle East "if necessary" in a bid to stop the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran. A fifth of the world's oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway wedged between Iran a»»»
US and Ecuador forces launch operation to fight drug trafficking
Ecuadorean and US forces have launched operations against what it said were designated terrorist organisations in the South American country, the US military's Southern Command said on Tuesday. The Southern Command said the action was aimed at tackling illicit drug trafficking, but did not provide »»»
Bulgaria: Defense Ministry Authorizes Allied Forces’ Transit and Presence on National Territory
Parliament Speaker Raya Nazaryan announced that Acting Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov has informed the National Assembly of his decision to authorize the transit through Bulgarian airspace and the temporary presence of allied and foreign military forces on the country’s territory. The notificati»»»
Canada PM: Israel-US strikes on Iran ‘inconsistent with international law’
Sydney: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that US-Israeli strikes on Iran had been “inconsistent with international law”, calling for a rapid de-escalation of the conflict. Speaking at a gathering of the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney, Carney said Canada welcomed steps to chan»»»
Russia Blames Ukrainian Drones for Attack on LNG Ship in Mediterranean
Russia's transport ministry on Wednesday accused Ukrainian naval drones of attacking a Russian liquefied natural gas carrier, the Arctic Metagaz, which caught fire in the Mediterranean a day earlier. If confirmed, it would be the first time that Ukraine has attacked a Russian LNG carrier. The Sec»»»
US Department of State orders non-emergency staff to leave Pakistan, Cyprus
Washington: The US Department of State announced Wednesday that it has ordered non-emergency embassy and consulate staff and their families to leave Pakistan and Cyprus, amid growing security concerns resulting from regional developments. The US Embassy in Pakistan explained that the State Departme»»»