March 1, 2026 UPDATE 3
A roundup of domestic and international news
Lăcrămioara Simion, 01.03.2026, 13:55
Iran – New explosions were heard in Tehran on Sunday morning, and Israel claims that half of Iran’s missile stockpiles were destroyed. The day before, American-Israeli bombings of Iran were followed by Iranian retaliations on surrounding Arab countries hosting US military bases. The bombings killed Iran’s supreme religious leader, Ali Khamenei, the defense minister, the chief of staff of the armed forces and other high-ranking Iranian generals. Following Ali Khamenei’s death, 40 days of mourning were announced in Iran, as well as a team that will ensure the transition of power, led by the country’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian. He declared that avenging the death of the supreme leader is a legitimate right and duty for the Islamic Republic. Images of happy Iranians appeared on social media after the disappearance of the religious leader who ruled the country with an iron hand for almost four decades. President Donald Trump reiterated, in a message, that it is the great chance for the Iranian people to reclaim their country and again asked Iranian forces to lay down their arms in exchange for total immunity.
Reactions – UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East and warned that international peace and security were being undermined, but at an emergency meeting of the Security Council, the United States and Israel argued that the attacks in Iran were aimed at removing an imminent danger posed by the Islamic regime, through its nuclear and ballistic programs. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized the joint attacks by the US and Israel, calling them completely unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate. Russia, an ally of Tehran, condemned the aggression against Iran, describing it as irresponsible. In turn, France and Germany called on Iran, in a joint statement, to seek a negotiated solution, and the European Union, through its leaders, urged the parties to show restraint and protect civilian lives. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is ready to act alongside its partners to protect stability in the region.
Meeting – The Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu is participating today in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, in online format, to discuss ways of diplomatic dialogue to prevent a long-term conflict in the Middle East. Previously, the FM said that the announcement regarding the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei represents a turning point, and Romania supports the right of Iranians to freedom, security and to choose their future. In a Facebook post, she also writes that the risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East remains a major concern, and international collaboration to de-escalate the situation is essential, as is ensuring the safety of Romanian citizens in the area. Oana Ţoiu participated last night, together with the Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in a meeting of a crisis cell specially established at the level of the Foreign Ministry. She stated that no Romanians were injured and that Romania’s representations are in contact with approximately 1,000 people who requested consular assistance. Hundreds of Romanians were turned away or were stranded for hours in airports after flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv or other destinations in the region were canceled or redirected. The Romanian diplomacy strongly recommends avoiding non-essential travel to several states in the area, in addition to Iran and Israel, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Today, 36 flights were canceled at Otopeni International Airport due to the conflict in the Middle East. According to the National Airports Company of Bucharest, most of the canceled flights – 21 – are to or from Tel Aviv. The other affected destinations are Dubai, Doha, Beirut and Damascus.
Budget – Parliamentarians in Bucharest will begin, next week, discussions on the draft budget for this year drawn up by the coalition government and about which the prime minister stated that it will be based on real data, not on overestimated revenues. Ilie Bolojan specified that all expenses will be covered in reality, in order to achieve the deficit and inflation targets, that should lead to the re-launch of the national economy as early as this summer. Also on Parliament’s agenda next week is the debate and vote in the Senate, on Monday, on a simple motion of the opposition against the Minister of Culture, András Demeter, and in the Chamber of Deputies, the Environment Minister, Diana Buzoianu, is invited to the “Government Hour”. (LS)
