Iran is standing up to United States and Israel, who continue their bombing campaign for the sixth consecutive day against the Persian country, while the Israeli government has intensified attacks on Lebanon. In Europe, where France and the United Kingdom are actively supporting the United States, the conflict has reached Cyprus today, specifically at the British base of Akrotiri in the south of the island, a country that holds the rotating EU presidency.
Tonight, Israel has continued to bomb various locations, including Beirut and Tehran. Additionally, a separate attack on a residential building in northern Lebanon left at least six dead. Furthermore, new explosions rocked Tehran, the Iranian capital, throughout the night and early Thursday morning, marking the sixth day of war between Iran, the United States, and Israel. These bombings come after Iran launched a new wave of missiles against Israel.
Regarding the economic consequences of the war, the European Commission does not fear that the conflict in the Middle East will affect the EU's energy supply security, as the bloc barely imports hydrocarbons from the region. However, there is "great concern" about price escalation if the conflict prolongs.
Spain's Defense Minister Says Spain Has Not Changed Its Position and Is Not Confronting Anyone
The Minister of Economy, Trade, and Business, Carlos Cuerpo, stated on Thursday that Spain "has not changed its position at any time" regarding "non-participation in this war" in Iran and that "it is not confronting anyone" due to this stance, which has led to the refusal to allow the US to use its military bases in Morón de la Frontera and Rota.
In an interview on COPE reported by Servimedia, the minister was asked about the different statements made yesterday, Wednesday, when the US indicated that Spain is cooperating in the mission in Iran, while the Spanish government reiterated that there had been no changes in its position.
Today, Cuerpo referred to the statements made by the Minister of Defense yesterday and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and reiterated that "there has been no change in its position," which "has been an unequivocal position regarding non-participation in this war" initiated last Saturday by the US and Israel with an attack on Iran, to which the country is responding with attacks on other countries in the region.
Israel Opens Airspace for Repatriation Flights as Missiles Continue to Arrive
Israel opened its airspace on Thursday after closing it last Saturday at the start of its offensive against Iran to receive repatriation flights for Israelis stranded abroad. This opening coincided with the activation of alarms in the country due to missiles coming from the Persian country.
The Ministry of Transport had already announced that repatriation flights would resume from Wednesday night to Thursday, and the first arrivals took place on Thursday morning, according to Israeli media reports.
The first flights were two planes from Athens and Rome operated by Israeli airlines El Al and Israir, and more flights from Arkia and Air Haifa are expected, as reported by The Times Of Israel.
Spain Sends the Frigate Cristóbal Colón to Cyprus
Spain will send the frigate 'Cristóbal Colón' to Cyprus, marking the country's involvement in the conflict created after the US and Israel's attack on Iran. As announced by the Ministry of Defense, the ship will sail alongside the French aircraft carrier 'Charles de Gaulle' and other Greek Navy vessels, as reported by Marina Pina.
The 'Cristóbal Colón' joined the Naval Group of the 'Charles de Gaulle' on March 3 to carry out escort, protection, and advanced training tasks in the Baltic Sea. Now, the group will head to the Mediterranean to reach the coasts of Crete around March 10.
The replenishment ship 'Cantabria' will also briefly set sail to supply fuel and provide logistical support during the Naval Group's transit through the Gulf of Cadiz.
The 'Cristóbal Colón' is the most technologically advanced frigate. Its mission in the Mediterranean will be to provide air defense and protection, complementing the capabilities of the 'Patriot' battery deployed in Turkey. It will also be on standby to support any civilian evacuation that may be affected by the conflict.
US Considers Buying Ukrainian Drones to Counter Iranian Shahed Drones
The Pentagon and at least one Gulf government are in talks to acquire interceptor drones manufactured in Ukraine to counter Iranian Shahed drone attacks, as reported by the 'Financial Times', citing Ukrainian defense sector sources, according to Efe.
Gulf countries have been using US-made Patriot missiles, including PAC3, to repel waves of Iranian drones since the US and Israel launched their offensive against the Persian nation last Saturday. However, their stocks are dwindling, and they are seeking cheaper alternatives.
The FT points out that PAC3 missiles from the Patriot system cost millions of dollars, compared to Iranian Shahed drones that are worth just around $30,000.
Russia Criticizes Gulf Monarchies for Not Condemning the Attack on Iran
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the Gulf monarchies for not condemning the US attack on Iran from the outset during a meeting with ambassadors in Moscow, as reported by Efe.
"The group of Arab states on behalf of which you speak, many of the Arab monarchies publicly stated that the situation should not be brought to an armed conflict and will not allow the use of their airspace. But when everything started, despite your repeated calls to the US and Israel, did you condemn what they started to do?" he asked.
He went on to be even more incisive: "Did you condemn the death of 170 girls in the (bombed) primary school? I believe we should take a common stance," he added.
Azerbaijan Accuses Iran of Attacking Najichevan Airport with Drones
The Government of Azerbaijan accused Iran on Thursday of attacking Najichevan airport with drones, located 10 kilometers from the border with the Persian country in the southwest of Azerbaijan, as reported by Efe.
"As a result of the attack, the airport was damaged, and two civilians were injured. Baku strongly condemns this incident; these actions violate international law and principles and contribute to escalating tensions in the region," emphasized the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
Baku summoned the Iranian ambassador, Mojtaba Demirchilu, to provide explanations for the attack. "A strong protest has been lodged with the Iranian side, and the corresponding protest note will be delivered," the ministry explained.
Explosions Heard in Doha
A new series of explosions was heard on Thursday over the capital of Doha, Qatar, as reported by journalists from the Agence France-Presse.
Doha has been the target of waves of Iranian drones and missiles since Iran launched a broad campaign of retaliation in the Gulf following the US and Israel's attacks on Iranian territory.
Australia Deploys Two Military Aircraft in the Middle East to Repatriate Citizens
The Australian Government confirmed on Thursday the deployment of two military aircraft in the Middle East as part of a contingency plan to support the repatriation of Australian citizens remaining in the region amid the escalating conflict.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated during a parliamentary session that the aircraft were sent earlier this week to support evacuation planning coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The aircraft deployed are a C-17A transport plane and a KC-30 tanker aircraft from the Australian Defense Force, although the government has not detailed their exact location or the operational scope of the mission.
Israeli Army Claims Its Attacks Continue to "Shake" the Iranian "Regime"
The Israel Defense Forces army claimed on Thursday that its bombings in Iran continue to "shake" the regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran. "We continue to deepen the blows against the regime," declared the army's spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, to the press.
"It was shaken from the first attack, on Saturday morning, when the leadership was neutralized. And every day we continue to shake it more, deepening the damage inflicted until the existential threat is eliminated," he stated.