March 4, 2026
A roundup of local and world news
Newsroom, 04.03.2026, 13:55
IRAN The US has hit nearly 2,000 targets since the start of the war with Iran, a US military official said, adding that the strikes in the first 24 hours were “twice” as substantial as those carried out at the start of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, AFP reports. For its part, the Israeli military announced it had attacked dozens of targets in Iran, including command centers in Tehran, according to a statement quoted by AFP. Air raid sirens sounded in Israel prior to the missile launches on Wednesday morning, but no injuries were reported, according to emergency services. One of the main objectives of the operation launched on Saturday by US and Israeli forces is Iran’s missile launch platforms and factories. The problem facing the allies is that many of the Iranian installations are in underground bunkers, but some of them were attacked with special 2,000 pound bombs, The New York Times reads. On the other hand, CNN reports that the CIA has begun working with the main Kurdish opposition groups in Iran, which are preparing ground operations against the regime, with thousands of fighters expected to take part. In turn, Iran continued to attack targets in the Middle East, and hit the US consulate in Dubai, a military base in Qatar, the largest the US has in the region, and a CIA location in Saudi Arabia. The US State Department has authorised non-essential employees and their families in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Cyprus to leave these countries.
DIPLOMACY The interim chargé d’affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bucharest, Javad Karimi, was summoned on Tuesday to the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry ‘to be presented Romania’s deep concerns regarding the conduct of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the context of the current crisis in the broader Middle East region’. The Romanian side conveyed its firm protest against Tehran’s military attacks on states in the Middle East, as well as against the recent developments in Cyprus, emphasising their profound negative impact on regional security and stability, including maritime security. Romania firmly calls for the urgent de-escalation of tensions and for the protection of civilians, highlighting the importance it gives to the safety of its own citizens in the conflict zone’, the said press release reads. At the same time, the Romanian side conveyed its deep concern for the violation of the sovereignty of the states in the region that were targeted by Iran’s indiscriminate attacks, and Romania’s full solidarity with these countries, the same source adds. The Iranian diplomat was also communicated the constant request of Romania and its European partners for Iran to act responsibly regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and to refrain from destabilising actions in the region.
FLIGHTS A total of 29 flights to or from Egypt, Israel, Dubai, Qatar, Lebanon and Cyprus are canceled on Wednesday due to the developments in the Middle East, according to the Bucharest National Airports Company. This includes 14 takeoffs and 15 landings. The transport ministry recommends that Romanian citizens who have planned trips to Israel or neighboring states directly affected by the conflict cancel or reschedule these trips.
VISIT Romania wishes to cooperate in the Romania-Poland-Turkey and Bucharest 9 (B9) formats, the foreign minister Oana Ţoiu said on Tuesday, during an official visit to Poland at the invitation of her counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski, occasioned by the Romanian-Polish Solidarity Day. “Our collaboration is essential if we want the priorities of our region to be at the center of European policies, as well as for transatlantic cooperation and security on the Eastern Flank,” the Romanian diplomacy chief posted on Facebook. Minister Oana Ţoiu added that she discussed with her counterpart the developments in the Middle East and ways to protect the citizens who wish to repatriate. She said Bucharest supports the Iranian people’s right to freedom and calls for the de-escalation of tensions, in coordination with its European partners, including Poland. The European Union, the Romanian official emphasised, remains a political project for peace, and the transatlantic partnership with the US, although affected by the lower priority given to Europe, remains critical to the security of the eastern flank. According to Oana Toiu, the parties agreed to initiate negotiations for a new bilateral Action Plan (2027-2031), which is to be signed during the next joint government meeting to be held in Warsaw this year.
AMBASSADORS President Nicuşor Dan Tuesday received the US Ambassador Darryl Nirenberg, for the presentation of his credentials. The talks between the two officials focused on the joint commitment to expand and deepen the Romanian-American Strategic Partnership. Also on Tuesday, the Romanian head of state received the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Mîţu. Nicuşor Dan assured him that Romania will continue to provide consistent bilateral support on all relevant levels.
STOCK MARKETS Asian stock markets see drastic losses in the 5th day since the attack on Iran. In Seoul, the Stock Exchange temporarily suspended trading after shares fell by more than 12%, as South Korea heavily relies on oil and gas from the Middle East. The Nikkei index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange is down by 4%, as are the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Sydney. The Brent oil barrel price went up by 1 US dollar, to USD 83.5, after reaching USD 85 on Tuesday. The Revolutionary Guards in Iran announced they had completely blocked ships routes through the Strait of Hormuz, but the US President Donald Trump announced he would order the Navy to escort oil tankers through the strait, if necessary. (AMP)
