The U.S. Central Command reported that on March 18, American forces conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. This military action was described as a response to perceived threats posed by Iranian missiles to international shipping in the region.
Context: On March 14, U.S. President Donald Trump urged several European and Asian nations to deploy naval vessels to safeguard maritime traffic in the Strait, which had been under threat due to Iranian activities. Some countries declined to assist, leading Trump to assert that the U.S. did not require external support.
European Experts Assess Damage to Druzhba Pipeline in Ukraine
A delegation of European engineers is set to inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine, which has suffered damage attributed to Russian military actions. Sources indicate that the team is currently in Kyiv, with logistical support provided by the EU representation in the country. An official from the European Commission noted that the mission aims to conduct the inspection promptly, ahead of an upcoming EU leaders’ meeting focused on unlocking financial aid for Ukraine. Notably, representatives from Slovakia and Hungary will not participate in the assessment, opting instead to involve independent experts from other EU member states.
Context: Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel that Ukraine has agreed to the EU’s proposal for financial and technical assistance to repair the Druzhba pipeline. The transportation of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via this pipeline has been halted since January 27 due to a Russian attack, as confirmed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Romania Scrambles F-16s Amid Drone Threats
On March 17, Romanian F-16 fighter jets were deployed twice in response to threats from Russian drones near the Ukrainian border. Fragments of a downed drone were later discovered on Romanian territory, opposite Izmail in the Odesa region.
Context: The same day, Russian forces targeted infrastructure at a port along the Danube and attacked energy facilities in the region, resulting in damage to both infrastructure and residential buildings in Izmail. This was not the first instance of Romanian air force activity; F-16s were previously scrambled on March 13 due to similar threats.
New Supervisory Board of Naftogaz Holds First Meeting
The newly appointed supervisory board of Naftogaz Ukraine convened for its inaugural meeting, during which it elected its leadership. Canadian expert Duncan Nightingale, who boasts over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, was appointed chair, while Konstantin Maryevich, a government secretary, was named deputy chair. The board also resolved to establish three committees focused on appointments, remuneration and evaluation; audit and finance; and strategy and sustainable development.
Context: Earlier in March, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the appointment of the new supervisory board, which comprises four international experts and two government representatives. The selection process was characterized as open and competitive, emphasizing the professional qualifications of the candidates.
Iran Confirms Death of National Security Secretary
On March 17, Iranian authorities confirmed the death of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who was a close associate of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He died alongside his son, his deputy for security Ali Reza Bayat, and a group of bodyguards during an attack by U.S. and Israeli military aircraft.
Context: Earlier that day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Larijani was killed in an Israeli strike. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the operation, which also resulted in the death of Gholamreza Soleimani, a commander of the Basij paramilitary forces.
Recent military actions by the U.S. against Iranian missile sites highlight ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, European experts are set to assess damage to the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine, while Romania responds to drone threats near its border. In Iran, the confirmed death of a key national security figure underscores the region's volatile security landscape.