News from March 2, 2026
Germany Will Not Participate in Military Strikes Against Iran, Foreign Minister Says
Germany will not take part in military attacks on Iran, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Deutschlandfunk today. But, German soldiers would defend themselves if attacked, he added. Wadephul stated on Sunday evening that a war with Iran would last longer than just a few days.
European Wholesale Gas Prices Surge Over 20% Following US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
17 Flights Canceled from Prague Airport Today, All Destinations in the Middle East
Gold Prices Rise Sharply Amid US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
The price of gold has increased significantly in response to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, gaining approximately 2.5 percent and surpassing $5400 per troy ounce.
Explosions Heard in Jerusalem Early Today as Iranian Rockets Target Israel
Sirens sounded in Jerusalem early this morning as the Israeli military reported incoming rockets from Iran, according to AFP. Explosions were also reported in the Tel Aviv area in central Israel. Three armed drones were reportedly shot down over Irbil Airport in northern Iraq, where US forces are stationed, Israeli security sources told Reuters.
Oil Prices Jump as Markets React to US-Israeli Strikes on Iran
Brent crude oil prices are rising sharply in reaction to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, gaining around eight percent and approaching $79 per barrel.
79 Czech Citizens to be Evacuated from Israel to Egypt Today, Flight to Czech Republic Scheduled for Tuesday
Seventy-nine Czech citizens will be moved from Israel to Egypt today, with a flight to the Czech Republic planned for Tuesday, Prime Minister Babiš said.
Israeli Strikes on Lebanon Reportedly Claim at Least 31 Lives
At least 31 people have been killed and 149 injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to initial reports from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, as reported by Reuters. The Israeli military launched attacks overnight on targets linked to Hezbollah after the group claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on Israel.
Babiš Expects Extraordinary Measures in Czech Republic, Security Council to Discuss Repatriation
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expects the Czech Republic to implement extraordinary security measures in response to the situation in the Middle East. He stated the specifics will depend on recommendations from the Ministry of Interior and the police, speaking to reporters before an emergency meeting of the State Security Council, which convened at 7:00 PM local time Monday.
Iran Will Not Negotiate with the US, Says Security Council Secretary
Iran will not negotiate with the United States, according to Ali Laridjani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in response to reports of potential renewed talks with Washington. The statement was reported by multiple news agencies. President Trump expressed openness to negotiations with Iranian officials who survived recent US and Israeli strikes.
British Base in Cyprus Hit by Drone, London Reports
A drone struck a British air force base in Cyprus, the UK Ministry of Defence reported, according to Sky News and PA. The ministry did not disclose who launched the drone. No injuries were reported, and Cypriot authorities said damage was minimal. London also announced on Sunday that a British Typhoon aircraft intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK had granted the US access to British bases for attacks on Iranian launch sites, while emphasizing that London would not participate in offensive actions against Iran.
Israel Launches Strikes on Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon
The Israeli military announced today that it has begun striking targets in Lebanon associated with Hezbollah. This action followed Hezbollah’s claim of responsibility for drone and missile attacks on Israel overnight. News agencies are reporting explosions in Beirut, the Lebanese capital. According to The Times of Israel, this marks the first time Hezbollah has joined the current attacks by Iran on Israel, and the first shelling of Israel by Hezbollah since a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon went into effect in November 2024, brokered by the United States.
News from March 1, 2026
At least six people were injured in the Jerusalem area as a result of another Iranian air attack on Israel, AFP reported, citing rescue services.
France, Britain, and Germany could strike Iran, stating they may participate in destroying Iranian rockets and drones at the source.
Babiš: Four Smartwings Planes to Fly to Oman Monday for Czech Citizens
Four Smartwings aircraft will depart for Oman on Monday to bring Czech citizens stranded in the Middle East home after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš told Novato television tonight. Each Boeing 737 Max aircraft can carry up to 189 people, offering a total of 756 seats, according to Babiš. Smartwings spokesperson Vladimíra Dufková confirmed the airline plans to resume air service to Oman on Monday, dispatching four flights.
Babiš said three planes will head to Muscat, and one to Salalah. “Each 737 Max plane will bring 189 of our compatriots,” he added.
Long-Term Closure of Hormuz Strait Would Shock Global Markets, Expert Says
A complete and prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would represent a significant shock to global markets, said Filip Sommer, Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at CEVRO University in Prague. While alternative routes exist for energy transport and oil exports, they cannot fully replace the disruption of maritime traffic. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil production and more than 30 percent of oil transported by sea passes through the Strait. It also carries about a third of the world’s liquefied natural gas consumption. Shipping through the strait has largely halted due to the current conflict in the Middle East.
Strikes on Tehran Continued in the Evening, Reportedly Hit a Hospital
Explosions in Tehran continue into the evening, AP and AFP report. State television said one strike hit its headquarters and has ceased broadcasting. Iranian state media also reported that evening strikes hit a hospital in Tehran, which Reuters confirmed with witnesses. The Israeli military stated its forces were destroying military targets, such as command posts.
AFP reporters described a series of explosions in the Iranian capital since Saturday morning, when Israel and the United States began strikes on the country. Targets included facilities linked to armed forces and power structures. Iranian officials claim civilian objects, such as a girls’ school, were also hit.
Iraqi militants launched a number of drone attacks targeting US air bases in Iraq and surrounding areas, news agencies report.
Death Toll from Attack on Iranian Girls’ School Rises to 165, Nearly 100 Wounded
The death toll from the attack on a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran has risen to 165, with at least 96 injured, the Iranian prosecutor said today, according to IRNA. Previous reports indicated 108 deaths. The school was hit by massive US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on Saturday. The Israeli military said it was unaware of any strikes in the area. The US military said it was investigating the reports.
43 percent of Americans disapprove of the strikes on Iran, while 27 percent expressed support in a poll by Ipsos, Reuters reports. Nearly 30 percent were undecided.
Iran will not negotiate with the United States, Ali Laridjani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Monday in response to reports of possible renewed talks with Washington.
Trump explained the military operation in Iran as an effort to prevent the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon. During the strikes, Iranian spiritual leader Ali Khamenei was also killed. Prior to the military intervention, Iran and the US held three rounds of indirect talks regarding Tehran’s nuclear program in February.
“We will not negotiate with the US,” Laridjani said on X, according to AFP. “Trump plunged the region into chaos with his ‘illusory dreams’ and is now afraid of further losses among American forces,” Laridjani added, who was also an advisor to Khamenei.
Trump, in an interview published Sunday by The Atlantic, said the Iranians want to negotiate and that he agrees with negotiations. He declined to tell the reporter when they might begin. Trump also said the US and Israeli strikes killed 48 high-ranking Iranian officials. He acknowledged that the conflict with Iran has resulted in casualties among American troops. The military has so far reported three soldiers killed.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also expressed a willingness to negotiate. Oman itself has been mediating talks between the US and Iran in recent weeks, urging a return to negotiations.
