The conflict in the Middle East has entered its sixth day, with escalating tensions and expanding regional involvement. The ongoing hostilities are raising concerns about wider instability in the region and prompting international efforts to de-escalate the situation.
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Iranian army denied accusations of launching a drone strike against Azerbaijan, which had earlier claimed two drones originating from Iran impacted the Nakhchivan region. Azerbaijan’s government reportedly summoned the Iranian ambassador and stated the attack would not go unanswered, according to reports.
France, Italy, and Greece announced plans to “coordinate” the deployment of military assets to Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, a decision made following the outbreak of the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron initiated calls with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to coordinate the effort, which also aims to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. France is deploying the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, and Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands are also sending naval resources to defend Cyprus after a drone attack on a British base located on the island.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport and a nearby airbase. The Guard stated that “heavy Khorramshahr-4 missiles, carrying a one-ton warhead, were launched at dawn today (…) towards the heart of Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport and the 27th Air Squadron base located at the airport,” according to a statement relayed by the Tasnim news agency.
The conflict has also prompted increased security measures in France, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez requesting maximum vigilance from regional prefects. France has also temporarily authorized the use of its bases by U.S. Aircraft and other military assets.
Iran has accused Israel and the United States of deliberately targeting civilian areas in their military actions, stating that “our people are brutally massacred while the aggressors deliberately target civilian areas and any place they think will inflict maximum…suffering and human losses,” RTL Info reported.
The U.S. Senate recently rejected a resolution to limit the powers of President Donald Trump in the conflict with Iran, demonstrating robust support from the Republican majority. Israel and the United States have jointly stated they have made “historic advances to protect our citizens and the civilized world,” according to Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ouest-France reported.
Explosions have been reported in Tehran, Jerusalem, southern Beirut, and Qatar, where residents near the U.S. Embassy were evacuated as a precaution. The escalation underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for a protracted conflict.
