> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middlepowers.fyi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Near East and South Asia

> Week of March 9, 2026

## Regional Summary

**The Price of Shelter**

The war with Iran is revealing which Middle Eastern and South Asian governments can absorb punishment and which are postponing its consequences. Across the region this week, states took hits to oil infrastructure, airspace and budgets, yet responded not with panic but with a rush of deal-making, austerity and repression. The pattern looks like resilience. It is actually opportunism: regimes using external crisis to accelerate existing domestic agendas—centralising power, disciplining spending and silencing opposition—while hoping the international order holds together long enough for the bills to come due elsewhere.

Saudi Arabia shows how to convert strategic vulnerability into planned change. Aramco's 12% profit drop and its first-ever share buyback signal real fiscal strain. Yet Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince, has used the moment to do what peacetime politics made difficult. He shelved NEOM's most absurd ambitions in favour of data centres and industrial zones. He locked Pakistan into a mutual-defence pact that gives the kingdom military options beyond Washington. At a French fair, investors pledged \$3.8 billion in fresh property investment, suggesting foreign capital still trusts the Saudi trajectory—or at least fears missing out on it. The crown prince's domestic calendar, from arts universities to Vision 2030 anniversaries, proceeded without interruption, projecting a normality that is itself a political act.

Pakistan is discovering that crisis on multiple fronts leaves no room for pretence. General Asim Munir's government is backing Riyadh, bombing Taliban positions in Kandahar and imposing austerity measures—school closures, salary cuts of up to 30%, a four-day working week—that no elected government could survive without serious unrest. The State Bank held its policy rate steady, but the decision to allow emergency crude-import procedures for 60 days amounted to an admission that normal economic governance had been suspended. Imran Khan's party is already threatening a nationwide movement, sensing that war-driven hardship could do what courtroom battles could not. Pakistan is not adapting to crisis so much as being reshaped by it, with the military tightening its grip on both foreign and economic policy under cover of emergency.

Turkey and India show how middle powers exploit the fog of regional war for domestic ends. In Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan positioned himself as indispensable mediator—Hakan Fidan, the foreign minister, shuttled between Iranian and Western interlocutors—while the judiciary opened the largest corruption trial in Turkish history, aimed at eliminating the opposition's leadership. The central bank held rates at a punishing 37%, daring inflation to blink first. The message was unmistakable: orthodoxy at home, diplomacy abroad, repression where convenient. Narendra Modi turned a phone call with Iran's president into a tangible win—safe passage for liquefied petroleum gas tankers—then used the energy crisis against Congress on the campaign trail, calling opponents "puppets of anti-India forces." Emergency fuel regulations and ₹42,000 crore in infrastructure launches served the dual purpose of crisis management and electoral stagecraft ahead of state elections.

The United Arab Emirates proved the point. Iran struck the Ruwais refinery complex—922,000 barrels a day, the backbone of Abu Dhabi's downstream economy—and the Emirates responded not with escalation but with a rush of institution-building: an Australian military deployment secured within days, diplomatic calls to a dozen capitals, a sovereign wealth fund property venture with a French partner, and an award for artificial intelligence-driven financial surveillance, all while the attorney-general arrested 25 people for spreading panic online. The government even folded Emirati Children's Day into its crisis messaging, telling families their children were safe. Every gesture carried a second meaning: reassurance doubled as control.

War does not simply test these governments—it offers them cover. Each of these states used Iranian aggression to justify measures—austerity, repression, military centralisation, diplomatic realignment—that would have drawn sharper scrutiny in peacetime. The danger is that the crisis becomes self-sustaining: regimes grow comfortable with emergency powers, populations grow accustomed to diminished expectations, and the question of whether the adaptation was wise gets deferred until the shooting stops. Resilience, in this region and this moment, is often just another word for opportunism.

**Headline:** *Opportunity Knocks, Disguised as a Missile*

## Country Summaries

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/sa.svg" alt="Saudi Arabia flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Saudi Arabia

Iranian attacks have cut deep into Saudi Arabia's oil revenues, but the kingdom is adapting rather than collapsing.

Saudi Aramco reported \$104.7 billion in profits for 2025, down 12% from the year before. The state oil giant has been forced to cut production and reroute exports through the Red Sea pipeline as Iranian strikes disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Amin Nasser, the chief executive, warned of "catastrophic consequences" for global oil markets if the crisis continues. The company announced its first-ever share buyback worth \$3 billion, a sign of financial stress and an attempt to shore up investor confidence.

Yet private money keeps flowing into the kingdom's transformation projects. King Salman Park secured \$3.8 billion in new commitments at a property fair in France this month, bringing total pledged investment to over \$5 billion. The project won backing from international developers for a metro-linked district and cultural neighbourhood, suggesting that outside investors still believe in Saudi Arabia's economic pivot despite the regional chaos.

That pivot is becoming more realistic. Saudi Arabia has quietly scaled back the most fantastical element of NEOM — the 170-kilometre linear city — and is focusing instead on AI data centres and industrial development. Rising construction costs played a part, but the shift also reflects Mohammed bin Salman's move away from megaproject dreams towards commercially viable infrastructure.

The security pressure is relentless. Saudi forces intercepted over 250 Iranian drones and missiles this week alone, targeting oil facilities, air bases and diplomatic sites. Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed successful intercepts at Prince Sultan Air Base and the Shaybah oilfield. The kingdom's defences are holding, but the scale of attacks shows the strain on Saudi military systems.

Mr bin Salman is responding by expanding his security partnerships beyond traditional American guarantees. Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir met Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi defence minister, to activate their mutual defence pact signed last September. Both men discussed ways to halt Iranian attacks under the pact — the first operational test of Saudi Arabia's push for other security deals. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister, meanwhile coordinated with Marco Rubio and other Western counterparts, showing the kingdom is working several diplomatic channels.

Through it all, the domestic machinery runs smoothly. Saudi media marked nine years since Mr bin Salman became crown prince, highlighting Vision 2030 reforms. King Salman established a new arts university in Riyadh. These routine activities suggest the external pressure has not created internal stress or weakened the government's ability to function.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Aramco warns of 'catastrophic consequences' as Iran war disrupts global oil markets** — Saudi Aramco's chief executive warned of catastrophic impacts on global oil markets if the Strait of Hormuz crisis continues, as the company reported 12% drop in 2025 profits to \$104.7 billion and announced its first-ever \$3 billion share buyback. The company has been forced to cut production and reroute exports via Red Sea pipeline. *([oilprice.com](https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Aramco-Warns-of-Catastrophic-Consequences-from-Hormuz-Crisis.html))*
  * **King Salman Park secures \$3.8 billion in private investment commitments** — King Salman Park Foundation announced over \$3.8 billion in new private-sector commitments at MIPIM 2026, including a \$3 billion fund for mixed-use development. Retal Urban Development won an \$852 million contract for the Cultural Neighbourhood project, bringing total committed investment to over \$5 billion. *([prnewswire.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2635945/business-economy))*
  * **King Salman establishes Riyadh University of Arts** — King Salman issued a royal order approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts. The initiative underscores the Kingdom's commitment to bolstering its position as a regional cultural hub and fostering growth of its creative industries under Vision 2030. *([saudigazette.com.sa](https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/659754))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Aramco warns of 'catastrophic consequences' as Iran war disrupts global oil markets" type="March 10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Aramco Warns of Catastrophic Consequences from Hormuz Crisis — oilprice.com](https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Aramco-Warns-of-Catastrophic-Consequences-from-Hormuz-Crisis.html)
      * [Saudi Aramco Profits Fall 12% to \$104.7 Billion as Oil Prices Weigh — oilprice.com](https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Saudi-Aramco-Profits-Fall-12-to-1047-Billion-as-Oil-Prices-Weigh.html)
      * [Aramco posts drop in annual profit, announces first buyback — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/energy/aramco-posts-12-drop-2025-net-profit-2026-03-10)
      * [Saudi Aramco warns of 'catastrophic consequences' if Iran war drags on — ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/2a83b917-62f3-4294-875c-a397fc68c652?syn-25a6b1a6=1)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Arabia intercepts hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles amid regional war" type="March 11–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Saudi Ministry of Defense intercepts six ballistic missiles — sharjah24.ae](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/03/11/gh-5)
      * [Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense announces the interception and destruction of 9 drones — voiceofemirates.com](https://www.voiceofemirates.com/en/news/2026/03/15/saudi-arabias-ministry-of-defense-announces-the-interception-and-destruction-of-9-drones/)
      * [Saudi Arabia intercepts 6 drones in Eastern Province: Defense Ministry — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-arabia-intercepts-6-drones-in-eastern-province-defense-ministry/3862624)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Salman Park secures \$3.8 billion in private investment commitments" type="March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Global Investors Commit USD 3 Billion Fund to Develop Mixed-Use District at King Salman Park — prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-investors-commit-usd-3-billion-fund-to-develop-mixed-use-district-at-king-salman-park-302710901.html)
      * [King Salman Park Foundation awards contract for \$3bn Metro-linked district — tradearabia.com](https://www.tradearabia.com/News/390185/King-Salman-Park-Foundation-awards-contract-for-%243bn-Metro-linked-district-)
      * [Global investors commit more than \$3bn to King Salman Park as Saudi giga-project secures new deals — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2635945/business-economy)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Pakistan activates mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia amid Iranian strikes" type="March 8–12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Saudi Arabia, Pakistan reaffirm mutual defense pact after Iranian missile, drone strikes — jpost.com](https://www.jpost.com/international/article-889455)
      * [PM Shehbaz in Saudi Arabia on brief visit for talks with MBS on regional tensions — thenews.pk](https://www.thenews.pk/story/1404127-pm-shehbaz-heads-to-saudi-arabia-for-talks-with-mbs-on-regional-tensions)
      * [Pakistan-Saudi Defense Pact Activated After Iran Strikes — houseofsaud.com](https://houseofsaud.com/pakistan-saudi-arabia-defense-pact-iran-strikes-2026/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Saudi Foreign Minister conducts intensive crisis diplomacy amid regional escalation" type="March 11–12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Secretary Rubio's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud — state.gov](https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/03/secretary-rubios-call-with-saudi-foreign-minister-prince-faisal-bin-farhan-al-saud-12)
      * [Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Discuss Iranian Attacks and Regional Security — kurdistan24.net](https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/899641/saudi-foreign-minister-and-us-secretary-of-state-discuss-iranian-attacks-and-regional-security)
      * [Saudi foreign minister joins Arab leaders and EU chiefs to discuss regional escalation — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2635969/saudi-arabia)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="NEOM scales back linear city plans, pivots to AI data center development" type="March 9–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Saudi Arabia's Dream of a Futuristic Mega-City Collides With Reality — oilprice.com](https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Saudi-Arabias-Dream-of-a-Futuristic-Mega-City-Collides-With-Reality.html)
      * [Saudi Arabia Scales Back The Line Project to Build AI Data Centers — parametric-architecture.com](https://parametric-architecture.com/saudi-arabia-scales-back-the-line/)
      * [Saudi Arabia cancels The Line? The future of NEOM's most ambitious megaproject in doubt — domusweb.it](https://domusweb.it/en/news/2026/03/09/saudi-Arabia-the-line-halt.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mohammed bin Salman marks nine years as Crown Prince with reform achievements highlighted" type="March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Mohammed bin Salman in Nine Years: Domestic Growth and Global Engagement — english.aawsat.com](https://english.aawsat.com/features/5251281-mohammed-bin-salman-nine-years-domestic-growth-and-global-engagement)
      * [ولي العهد.. ٩٠٠ إصلاح تقود الوطن للريادة والتحديث — al-madina.com](https://al-madina.com/article/980455/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="King Salman establishes Riyadh University of Arts" type="March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [King Salman orders establishment of Riyadh University of Arts — saudigazette.com.sa](https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/659754)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Trump ally Lindsey Graham issues threat to Saudi Arabia over Iran war support — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/09/lindsey-graham-saudi-arabia-iran)
      * [Saudi Arabia Turns to Ukraine for Air Defense Weapons Amid Iran Strikes — thedefensepost.com](https://thedefensepost.com/2026/03/11/saudi-arabia-ukraine-air-defense/)
      * [Lucid CFO Says PIF Sees EV Maker as Financial and Domestic Priority — eletric-vehicles.com](https://eletric-vehicles.com/lucid/lucid-cfo-says-pif-sees-ev-maker-as-a-financial-and-domestic-priority/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/pk.svg" alt="Pakistan flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Pakistan

Pakistan lurched between crises this week as the Iran war pulled it deeper into Saudi Arabia's orbit while fighting with Afghanistan escalated into what Asif Ali Zardari, the president, called "open war." Field Marshal Asim Munir's military regime is managing three fronts at once — backing Saudi Arabia through diplomacy, bombing Taliban positions across the western border, and cutting spending at home because of spiking oil prices.

The Iran war has activated Pakistan's defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, met Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, in a restricted session, pledging Pakistan's full support during what he called "challenging times." Field Marshal Munir and Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister, accompanied Mr Sharif. Pakistan positioned itself as a "bridge builder" advocating dialogue to end the war.

Even as it courted Saudi Arabia, Pakistan abandoned diplomacy on its western border. Mr Zardari declared the Taliban had "crossed a red line" with drone attacks on Pakistani civilians. Pakistan hit back with airstrikes on drone storage facilities and military installations in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Both sides accused each other of targeting civilians, with dozens killed in cross-border attacks.

The crisis forced tough choices at home. The government cut spending across the board — closing schools, cutting salaries up to 30% in state firms, and moving to a four-day work week because of oil price spikes. The State Bank of Pakistan kept its policy rate unchanged at 10.5% amid uncertainty about the war, though foreign reserves increased by \$41 million to \$16.34 billion. The central bank authorised special crude oil import arrangements for 60 days, abandoning normal procedures.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) threatened to launch a nationwide movement for Imran Khan's release amid health concerns. The Islamabad High Court ordered the formation of a medical board to evaluate his condition. The opposition pressure comes as the government faces austerity measures that may fuel popular discontent.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Pakistan navigates Iran war crisis through Saudi alignment and domestic austerity** — Pakistan responded to the Iran war with diplomacy, pledging full support to Saudi Arabia through meetings between Mr Sharif and the crown prince, while Field Marshal Munir coordinated defence cooperation. Domestically, the government imposed sweeping austerity measures including school closures, salary cuts, and a four-day work week to cope with oil price spikes. *([livemint.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-announces-austerity-measures-save-fuel-amid-mideast-conflict-2026-03-09/))*
  * **PTI escalates pressure over Imran Khan's health and hospital transfer** — PTI warned of a nationwide movement for Imran Khan's release amid growing concerns over his health in prison. The Islamabad High Court ordered formation of a medical board to evaluate his condition after PTI demanded his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for proper medical treatment. *([geo.tv](https://dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-to-evaluate-imrans-health))*
  * **PML-N's Nehal Hashmi appointed as new Sindh governor** — President Zardari approved the appointment of PML-N leader Nehal Hashmi as Sindh governor, replacing MQM-P-backed Kamran Tessori. The move sparked criticism from MQM-P, which claimed it wasn't consulted on the decision that ended the party's long-standing hold on the governor's position. *([geo.tv](https://dawn.com/news/1981494))*
  * **Pakistan launches 5G spectrum auction marking digital transformation milestone** — Pakistan kicked off its largest-ever spectrum auction in Islamabad with three telecom companies bidding for 600 MHz of 5G spectrum. IT Minister Shaza Fatima called it a technology revolution aligned with PM Shehbaz Sharif's Digital Nation Pakistan vision. *([phoneworld.com.pk](https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/pakistan-kicks-off-5g-spectrum-auction-in-islamabad-a-new-digital-era-begins/comment-page-1/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Pakistan navigates Iran war crisis through Saudi alignment and domestic austerity" type="February 15 – March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (16)">
      * [Asim Munir meets Khalid bin Salman as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia mull action to halt Iranian attacks under defence pact — livemint.com](https://livemint.com/news/world/pakistans-asim-munir-meets-saudis-khalid-bin-salman-mull-action-to-halt-iranian-attacks-11773053749653.html)
      * [Bahrain king, Pakistan Army Chief discuss regional developments — sana.sy](https://sana.sy/en/international/2301536)
      * [Asim Munir Seeks Emergency Funds For Pakistan Army Amid Multi-Front Conflicts — news18.com](https://news18.com/amp/world/asim-munir-seeks-emergency-funds-for-pakistan-army-amid-multi-front-conflicts-exclusive-ws-l-9954209.html)
      * [Pakistan hit hard by Iran war: Shehbaz Sharif govt shuts schools, announces four-day work week — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistan-hit-hard-by-iran-war-shehbaz-sharif-govt-shuts-schools-announces-four-day-work-week/articleshow/129377343.cms)
      * [Pakistan employees face the heat: PM Shehbaz Sharif approves up to 30% salary cuts in state firms amid fuel crisis — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-employees-face-the-heat-pm-shehbaz-sharif-approves-up-to-30-salary-cuts-in-state-firms-amid-fuel-crisis/articleshow/129575129.cms)
      * [Iran war fuel crisis forces Pakistan to close schools, take austerity measures — middleeasteye.net](https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-war-fuel-crisis-forces-pakistan-closes-schools-austerity-measures)
      * [PM and MBS agree to work towards regional peace — dawn.com](https://www.dawn.com/news/1981543)
      * [Pakistan to close schools, take other measures to cut energy as oil spikes — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-announces-austerity-measures-save-fuel-amid-mideast-conflict-2026-03-09/)
      * [Pakistan's PM Sharif discussed regional developments with Saudi crown prince — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/pakistans-pm-sharif-discussed-regional-developments-with-saudi-crown-prince-2026-03-12/)
      * [PM Shehbaz assures Saudi crown prince of firm support during challenging times — geo.tv](https://geo.tv/latest/655414-shehbaz-assures-saudi-crown-prince-of-firm-support-during-challenging-times)
      * [Pakistan Seeks Diplomatic Solution as Sharif Meets Saudi, Engages Iran — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/pakistan-s-pm-heads-to-saudi-arabia-after-talks-with-iran-leader)
      * [Shehbaz Sharif backs Saudi Arabia amid Gulf tensions after Iran attacks — deccanherald.com](https://deccanherald.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-expresses-full-solidarity-with-saudi-arabia-in-prevailing-situation-in-gulf-region-3930582)
      * [PM Shehbaz, Iranian president reaffirm Pakistan–Iran cooperation in phone call — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597033/pm-shehbaz-iranian-president-reaffirm-pakistaniran-cooperation-in-phone-call)
      * [Pakistan orders sweeping austerity measures as Iran war triggers oil crisis — aljazeera.com](https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/10/pakistan-orders-sweeping-austerity-measures-as-iran-war-triggers-oil-crisis)
      * [Pakistan Sends Navy Escort for Its Ships in the Middle East — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/03/10/world/middleeast/pakistan-gulf-conflict-oil-economy.html)
      * [Pakistan's Iran Trap — mecouncil.org](https://mecouncil.org/blog_posts/pakistans-iran-trap)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Pakistan and Afghanistan engage in escalating border conflict" type="February 15 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Dailypioneer — dailypioneer.com](https://dailypioneer.com/news/zardari-warns-afghan-govt)
      * [Pak President Zardari slams Taliban drone attacks on civilians, calls it 'red line breach' — hindustantimes.com](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pak-president-zardari-slams-taliban-drone-attacks-on-civilians-calls-it-red-line-breach-101773478845342.html)
      * [Pakistan's Zardari warns Afghanistan: Drone strikes crossed "red line" — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistan-president-zardari-issues-stern-warning-to-taliban-over-drone-strikes-calls-it-a-red-line/articleshow/129575072.cms)
      * ['Audacity to provoke major military power': Zardari blasts Taliban drone attacks — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597571/audacity-to-provoke-major-military-power-zardari-blasts-taliban-drone-attacks)
      * [Pakistan says Afghan Taliban forces crossed a 'red line' with drone attacks — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-afghanistan-drone-attacks-zardari-89e68a28e725c7e8f5609ec8a253796b)
      * [What Does Pakistan Want in Afghanistan? — nationalinterest.org](https://nationalinterest.org/blog/what-does-pakistan-want-in-afghanistan)
      * [Pakistan army destroys Taliban post in Chitral under operation Ghazab-lil-haq — english.aaj.tv](https://english.aaj.tv/news/330454847/pakistan-army-destroys-taliban-post-in-chitral-under-operation-ghazab-lil-haq)
      * [Pakistan Army strikes Taliban oil storage sites in Kandahar — english.aaj.tv](https://english.aaj.tv/news/330454707/pakistan-army-strikes-taliban-oil-storage-sites-in-kandahar)
      * [Pakistan targets militant hideouts in Afghanistan as conflict continues — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/15/pakistan-targets-militant-hideouts-afghanistan-conflict)
      * [Pakistan's Two-Front Nightmare — asiasentinel.com](https://asiasentinel.com/p/pakistan-two-front-nightmare)
      * [Pakistan launches deadly airstrikes in Afghanistan as hostilities continue — cbc.ca](https://cbc.ca/news/world/afghanistan-deadly-strikes-pakistan-9.7127102)
      * [Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of targeting homes in airstrikes that kill at least 4 civilians — nbcnews.com](https://nbcnews.com/world/asia/afghanistan-accuses-pakistan-targeting-homes-airstrikes-kill-least-4-rcna263306)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PTI escalates pressure over Imran Khan's health and hospital transfer" type="February 15 – March 11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (10)">
      * [PTI warns of nationwide movement for Imran Khan release amid health concerns — geo.tv](https://www.geo.tv/latest/655609-pti-warns-of-nationwide-movement-for-imran-khan-release-amid-health-concerns)
      * [Pakistan Court Orders Medical Board On Imran Khan's Plea For Hospital Transfer — abplive.com](https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-court-orders-medical-board-on-imran-khan-s-plea-for-hospital-transfer-1830975)
      * [IHC orders formation of medical board to evaluate Imran's health — dawn.com](https://dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-to-evaluate-imrans-health)
      * [PTI signals drive for Imran's release 'after Eid' — dawn.com](https://www.dawn.com/news/1981886)
      * [PTI's persisting concerns — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597623/ptis-persisting-concerns)
      * [PTI presses for Imran's hospitalisation — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597538/pti-presses-for-imrans-hospitalisation)
      * [Free Imran Khan — goodonewilson.substack.com](https://goodonewilson.substack.com/p/free-imran-khan)
      * [PTI chairman questions delay in Imran Khan's release — pakistantoday.com.pk](https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/11/pti-chairman-raises-concerns-over-delay-in-imran-khans-release)
      * [PTI expresses concern over Imran's health, reiterates demand to shift him to Shifa International Hospital — dawn.com](https://dawn.com/news/1981728)
      * [PTI calls for OIC moot over war on Iran — dawn.com](https://www.dawn.com/news/1982250)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="State Bank maintains interest rate amid regional tensions and rising reserves" type="March 10–12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [SBP maintains interest rate at 10.5% on inflation fears amid surging oil prices — geo.tv](https://www.geo.tv/latest/654841-sbp-maintains-interest-rate-at-105)
      * [Business leaders concerned over SBP's 10.5% interest rate — pakistantoday.com.pk](https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/10/business-leaders-express-concern-over-sbps-decision-to-maintain-interest-rate-at-105-percent)
      * [SBP-held foreign reserves rise \$41mn to \$16.34bn — brecorder.com](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40411327)
      * [SBP reserves rise \$41.1m to \$16.34bn — mettisglobal.news](https://mettisglobal.news/SBP-reserves-rise-411m-to-1634bn-59010)
      * [SBP's liquid foreign reserves rise by \$41 million to \$16.34 billion — pakobserver.net](https://pakobserver.net/sbps-liquid-foreign-reserves-rise-by-41-million-to-16-34-billion)
      * [SBP keeps a calm face in rising war storm — mettisglobal.news](https://mettisglobal.news/SBP-keeps-a-calm-face-in-rising-war-storm-58950)
      * [SBP Reserves Rise by \$41 Million to Near \$16.5 Billion — propakistani.pk](https://propakistani.pk/2026/03/12/sbp-reserves-rise-by-41-million-to-near-16-5-billion/)
      * [SBP maintains policy rate at 10.5pc — dawn.com](https://dawn.com/news/1980133/sbp-maintains-policy-rate-at-105pc)
      * [SBP reserves up \$2bn since July 2025 — dawn.com](https://www.dawn.com/news/1981513)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PML-N's Nehal Hashmi appointed as new Sindh governor" type="March 9–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [PML-N's Nehal Hashmi sworn in as Sindh governor — geo.tv](https://geo.tv/latest/655491-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-sworn-in-as-sindh-governor)
      * [Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi: A Call for Responsibility — pakistantoday.com.pk](https://pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/15/governors-post-is-responsibility-not-privilege-nehal-hashmi)
      * [PM nominates PML-N's Nihal Hashmi for appointment as Sindh new governor — pakobserver.net](https://pakobserver.net/pm-nominates-pml-ns-nihal-hashmi-for-appointment-as-sindh-new-governor)
      * [President signs off on Centre's move to replace Tessori with Nehal Hashmi as Sindh governor — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2597190/pm-nominates-nihal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor-amid-mounting-criticism-of-tessori)
      * [Is Tessori MQM-P's last governor? — geo.tv](https://geo.tv/latest/655497-is-tessori-mqm-ps-last-governor)
      * [Tessori sacked as PML-N stalwart Nehal Hashmi made Sindh governor — dawn.com](https://dawn.com/news/1981494)
      * [President Asif Ali Zardari meeting Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi and Chairman MQM-Pakistan Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui — app.com.pk](https://www.app.com.pk/photos-section/president-asif-ali-zardari-meeting-federal-minister-for-interior-and-narcotics-control-mohsin-naqvi-and-chairman-mqm-pakistan-khalid-maqbool-siddiqui/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Pakistan launches 5G spectrum auction marking digital transformation milestone" type="February 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Pakistan Kicks Off 5G Spectrum Auction in Islamabad, A New Digital Era Begins — phoneworld.com.pk](https://www.phoneworld.com.pk/pakistan-kicks-off-5g-spectrum-auction-in-islamabad-a-new-digital-era-begins/comment-page-1/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [President Zardari meets Interior Minister Naqvi and MQM-P leader in Karachi unity discussions — dawn.com](https://www.dawn.com/news/1982355)
      * [PML-N, JUI-P senators raise concerns over Israeli links in Islamabad Safe City surveillance system — geo.tv](https://www.geo.tv/latest/655296-pml-n-jui-p-senators-suspect-israeli-links-to-safe-city-surveillance-system-in-islamabad)
      * [Pakistan's defense exports boom with JF-17 fighter jet deals to multiple countries — himalmag.com](https://himalmag.com/politics/pakistan-jf17-fighter-jet-defence-exports)
      * [IMF team continues Pakistan program review discussions after assessing Iran war impact — imf.org](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/03/11/pr-26075-pakistan-end-of-mission-statement-3rd-rev-37mo-ext-arrang-eff-2nd-rev-28mo-arrang-rsf)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/tr.svg" alt="Turkey flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Turkey

Turkey opened the largest corruption trial in its history this week, with Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul's mayor, and over 400 defendants facing charges that could eliminate the main opposition party's leadership. The judge refused to let Mr İmamoğlu address the court, and 106 defendants are already in prison.

While the regime pressed ahead with what Human Rights Watch called the culmination of a 17-month campaign against the opposition, Turkey positioned itself as the key mediator in the Iran crisis. Hakan Fidan, the foreign minister, conducted diplomacy with Iranian counterparts, insisting no serious US-Iran negotiations were under way but that Iran remained open to back-channel talks. He warned against plans to provoke Iranian civil war and said Turkey would stay out of regional escalation.

The crisis reached Turkish airspace twice when Iranian ballistic missiles crossed into the country and were intercepted by NATO systems. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called his Iranian counterpart to insist that airspace violations were unacceptable, though Iran denied the missiles were theirs. Mr Fidan met his Iranian counterpart for damage control.

Turkey's coalition partner signalled limits to regional engagement. Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the nationalist MHP, declared that "Kurdish brothers will not engage in mercenary activities for any foreign power" and criticised plans to use Kurdish forces against Iran. The message was clear: Turkey would broker but not provide proxies.

Meanwhile, orthodox economic policies held firm despite regional pressure. The central bank kept interest rates at 37%, citing the geopolitical turmoil and its potential impact on inflation. Mehmet Şimşek, the finance minister, acknowledged that energy price fluctuations might push the current account deficit above projections but insisted the shocks were temporary and Turkey's macroeconomic foundations were sound.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Iran missile incidents prompt Turkish diplomatic response and NATO defence coordination** — Iranian ballistic missiles crossed into Turkish airspace twice and were intercepted by NATO systems. Mr Erdoğan held phone calls with Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's president, with Iran denying the missiles were theirs while Turkey insisted airspace violations were unacceptable. *([bloomberght.com](https://www.bloomberght.com/erdogan-ile-pezeskiyan-telefon-gorusmesi-gerceklestirdi-3771397))*
  * **İmamoğlu's corruption trial begins with courtroom tensions** — The corruption trial of Mr İmamoğlu started with 402 defendants including 107 in detention. The trial featured heated exchanges between Mr İmamoğlu and the judge, with prosecutors seeking up to 2,352 years in prison for him. *([nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/03/09/world/middleeast/turkey-trial-imamoglu-erdogan.html))*
  * **Fidan conducts intensive diplomacy on regional conflicts** — Mr Fidan held multiple meetings and phone calls with counterparts from Iran, Germany, Bangladesh, Qatar, Azerbaijan and others, discussing regional tensions. He warned against civil war scenarios in Iran and emphasised Turkey's diplomatic role in de-escalating conflicts. *([sozcu.com.tr](https://trtworld.com/article/443df9846989))*
  * **AKP submits omnibus legislation including alcohol sales restrictions** — The AKP submitted a bill to parliament covering agricultural land use, with amendments that include new restrictions on alcohol marketing and sales. The proposal also addresses forest cadastration issues and includes various land use regulations. *([diken.com.tr](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/akp-nin-torba-yasasindan-icki-yasagi-cikti-2486285))*
  * **CHP operations in opposition municipalities continue with arrests and investigations** — Law enforcement conducted operations at CHP-controlled municipalities including Mersin and Manavgat, with arrests for alleged corruption and bid-rigging. Operations continued the pattern of investigations targeting opposition-run local governments. *([nefes.com.tr](https://www.takvim.com.tr/guncel/2026/03/11/chpli-mersin-bbye-ihale-ve-rusvet-operasyonu))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Iran missile incidents prompt Turkish diplomatic response and NATO defense coordination" type="February 15 – March 14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [Erdoğan ile Pezeşkiyan telefon görüşmesi gerçekleştirdi — bloomberght.com](https://www.bloomberght.com/erdogan-ile-pezeskiyan-telefon-gorusmesi-gerceklestirdi-3771397)
      * [Son dakika... Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Pezeşkiyan ile görüştü — hurriyet.com.tr](https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-pezeskiyan-ile-gorustu-43125152)
      * [Turkish President Erdogan tells Iran that the violation of Türkiye's airspace 'cannot be excused for any reason' — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-president-erdogan-tells-iran-that-the-violation-of-turkiyes-airspace-cannot-be-excused-for-any-reason-/3857284)
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: İran'a gerekli ikazlar yapıldı, yanlışta ısrar edilmemeli — trthaber.com](https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/cumhurbaskani-erdogan-konusuyor-937117.html)
      * [NATO'dan açıklama geldi: İran'dan Türkiye'ye atılan füzeyi biz engelledik — sozcu.com.tr](https://sozcu.com.tr/turkiye-atilan-ikinci-iran-fuzesini-nato-engelledi-p300188)
      * [İran inkar etmişti: Hakan Fidan düşürülen füzelerin ateşlendiği yeri açıkladı — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/iran-inkar-etmisti-hakan-fidan-dusurulen-fuzelerin-ateslendigi-yeri-acikladi-p301715)
      * [Dışişleri Bakanı Hakan Fidan İranlı mevkidaşı ile görüştü — hurriyet.com.tr](https://hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/disisleri-bakani-hakan-fidan-iranli-mevkidasi-ile-gorustu-43125583)
      * [AP Exclusive: Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan talks diplomatic efforts as regional war rages — washingtonpost.com](https://washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/14/turkey-foreign-minister-iran/1aca2fce-1fd8-11f1-a29c-fd43da9a479a_story.html)
      * [Başkan Erdoğan Mesud Pezeşkiyan ile görüştü! İran'dan Türkiye'ye atılan füzeler araştırılacak — sabah.com.tr](https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2026/03/09/baskan-erdogan-mesud-pezeskiyan-ile-gorustu-irandan-turkiyeye-gelen-fuzeler-konusunda-inceleme-ekibi)
      * [Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Hedefimiz öncelikle ülkemizi bu yangından uzakta tutmaktır — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/gundem/canli-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-konusuyor/3856463)
      * [Turkish President Erdogan warns against actions that could damage centuries-old ties with Iran — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/en/turkiye/turkish-president-erdogan-warns-against-actions-that-could-damage-centuries-old-ties-with-iran/3856859)
      * [Turkey's Erdogan has tough, no-nonsense reputation - and his message on Iran war is clear — news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/turkeys-erdogan-has-tough-no-nonsense-reputation-and-his-message-on-iran-war-is-clear-13517509)
      * [Turkey's Erdogan says Iran war must stop before whole region dragged in — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-erdogan-says-iran-war-must-stop-before-whole-region-dragged-2026-03-11)
      * [Hakan Fidan ve Abbas Erakçi görüştü: 'Füzeler İran kaynaklı değil!' — ulusal.com.tr](https://ulusal.com.tr/gundem/hakan-fidan-ve-abbas-erakci-gorustu-fuzeler-iran-kaynakli-degil-15093529)
      * [Düşürülen füzenin ardından Hakan Fidan, İranlı mevkidaşıyla görüştü — turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/gundem/dusurulen-fuzenin-ardindan-hakan-fidan-iranli-mevkidasiyla-gorustu-1776202)
      * [NATO Malatya'ya Patriot füzesi konuşlandırıyor — dw.com](https://dw.com/tr/nato-malatyaya-patriot-f%C3%BCzesi-konu%C5%9Fland%C4%B1r%C4%B1yor/a-76287119)
      * [NATO: Türkiye'ye giden füzeyi önledik, müttefiklerimizi her türlü tehdide karşı savunmaya hazırız — haberler.com](https://haberler.com/guncel/nato-turkiye-ye-giden-fuzeyi-onledik-19640712-haberi)
      * [Türkiye'ye Füzeyi Kim Attı? — onedio.com](https://onedio.com/haber/iran-dan-turkiye-aciklamasi-turkiye-ye-fuzeleri-biz-atmadik-1347009)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu's corruption trial begins with courtroom tensions" type="March 9–10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Trial of Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's Rival, Begins in Turkey — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/03/09/world/middleeast/turkey-trial-imamoglu-erdogan.html)
      * [Erdogan Rival Imamoglu Goes on Trial, Faces Jail Term of More Than 2,000 Years — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-09/top-erdogan-rival-goes-on-trial-faces-two-millenia-jail-term)
      * [Istanbul's mayor in court for mass trial decried as politically motivated — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/09/istanbul-mayor-ekrem-imamoglu-trial-corruption-turkey)
      * [Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on trial for corruption charges — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c204ymjnn80o)
      * [İBB Davası'nın İlk Duruşma Günü! Ekrem İmamoğlu ve mahkeme heyeti arasında gerginlik — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/ibb-davasi-nda-ilk-durusma-gunu-ekrem-imamoglu-dahil-106-si-tutuklu-402-kisi-hakim-karsisinda-cumhuriyet-silivri-den-dakika-dakika-gelismeleri-bildiriyor-2485200)
      * [CANLI | İBB davasında ara karar Nisan'da verilecek — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/canli-veya-ibb-davasinda-ikinci-gun-iste-son-gelismeler-p300319)
      * [SON DAKİKA | Ekrem İmamoğlu ile mahkeme başkanı arasında salonu boşaltan diyaloglar — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/son-dakika-veya-ekrem-imamoglu-nun-durusmasinda-kavga-cikartan-diyaloglar-p300089)
      * [Tarihi davada ilk gün: Reddi hakim talebi kabul edilmedi, ilk celse sona erdi — birgun.net](https://www.birgun.net/haber/tarihi-davada-ilk-gun-durusma-yeniden-basladi-imamoglu-nun-avukatlari-reddi-hakim-talebinde-bulundu-698212)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="MHP leader Bahçeli warns against regional scenarios, defends Kurdish groups from foreign manipulation" type="March 10–14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [MHP Genel Başkanı Bahçeli: İran'ı içten çökertmenin planını yapan hiçbir mihraka Kürtler paralı askerlik yapmaz — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/politika/mhp-genel-baskani-bahceli-irani-icten-cokertmenin-planini-yapan-hicbir-mihraka-kurtler-parali-askerlik-yapmaz/3857593)
      * [Bahçeli: Şeytan oradaysa iman buradadır, haydi hodri meydan — haber7.com](https://www.haber7.com/siyaset/haber/3611511-bahceli-seytan-oradaysa-iman-buradadir-haydi-hodri-meydan)
      * [Bahçeli'den İran uyarısı. 'Her türlü senaryoya hazırlıklı olmak zorundayız' — ntv.com.tr](https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/bahceliden-iran-uyarisi-her-turlu-senaryoya-hazirlikli-olmak-zorundayiz-1715738)
      * [Son Dakika... 'Canlı yayın' dedi, İmamoğlu'nu hedef aldı... Bahçeli'den 'İBB davası' açıklaması — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/son-dakika-bahceli-grup-toplantisinda-konusuyor-2485543)
      * [Kurds 'not for sale,' Bahçeli says amid regional tension — hurriyetdailynews.com](https://hurriyetdailynews.com/kurds-not-for-sale-bahceli-says-amid-regional-tension-219811)
      * [Turkish govt ally Bahçeli warns war next door may destabilize others — dailysabah.com](https://dailysabah.com/politics/turkish-govt-ally-bahceli-warns-war-next-door-may-destabilize-others/news)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign Minister Fidan conducts intensive diplomacy on regional conflicts" type="February 22 – March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [İran inkar etmişti: Hakan Fidan düşürülen füzelerin ateşlendiği yeri açıkladı — sozcu.com.tr](https://www.sozcu.com.tr/iran-inkar-etmisti-hakan-fidan-dusurulen-fuzelerin-ateslendigi-yeri-acikladi-p301715)
      * [Dışişleri Bakanı Hakan Fidan: Netanyahu oldukça İsrail birilerini düşman gösterecek — posta.com.tr](https://www.posta.com.tr/gundem/disisleri-bakani-hakan-fidan-netanyahu-oldukca-israil-birilerini-dusman-gosterecek-2973943)
      * [Hakan Fidan'dan dikkat çeken 'savaş' açıklaması: 'Ankara'nın birincil hedefi...' — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/hakan-fidan-dan-dikkat-ceken-savas-aciklamasi-ankara-nin-birincil-hedefi-2487018)
      * [Hakan Fidan'dan İran ve 'gayriresmi diplomasi' çıkışı — tele1.com.tr](https://tele1.com.tr/hakan-fidandan-iran-ve-gayriresmi-diplomasi-cikisi)
      * [Türkiye opposes any plan to incite civil war in Iran: Fidan — trtworld.com](https://trtworld.com/article/443df9846989)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Central Bank maintains 37% interest rate amid regional uncertainties" type="March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [TCMB Mart toplantısını pas geçti — bloomberght.com](https://www.bloomberght.com/tcmb-mart-toplantisini-pas-gecti-3771681)
      * [Uzmanlar TCMB'nin faiz kararını değerlendirdi — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/uzmanlar-tcmbnin-faiz-kararini-degerlendirdi/3861632)
      * [SON DAKİKA: Merkez Bankası faiz kararı açıklandı! 12 Mart 2026 TCMB faiz kararı ne oldu, faiz düştü mü, sabit mi kaldı? — haberturk.com](https://www.haberturk.com/son-dakika-merkez-bankasi-faiz-karari-aciklandi-12-mart-2026-tcmb-faiz-karari-ne-oldu-faiz-dustu-mu-sabit-mi-kaldi-3869066)
      * [TCMB faiz kararı: İran savaşı vurgusu — dw.com](https://www.dw.com/tr/tcmb-faiz-karar%C4%B1-i%CC%87ran-sava%C5%9F%C4%B1-vurgusu/a-76331268)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Finance Minister Şimşek addresses economic resilience amid energy price volatility" type="February 22 – March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Mehmet Şimşek gözünü şimdi de mezatçılara dikti! Hepsi radarda — halktv.com.tr](https://halktv.com.tr/ekonomi/mehmet-simsek-gozunu-simdi-de-mezatcilara-dikti-hepsi-radarda-1015260h)
      * [Bakan Şimşek'ten küresel belirsizlik mesajı: Şoklar kalıcı değil — sabah.com.tr](https://sabah.com.tr/ekonomi/simsekten-kuresel-belirsizlik-mesaji-soklar-kalici-degil-7539492)
      * [Piyasalarda denge değişti: Savaş petrolü uçurdu! Bakan Şimşek'ten açıklama — milliyet.com.tr](https://milliyet.com.tr/ekonomi/piyasalarda-denge-degisti-milyonlarca-arac-sahibini-ilgilendiriyor-savas-petrolu-ucurdu-7551158)
      * [Hazine ve Maliye Bakanı Şimşek, ödemeler dengesi verilerini değerlendirdi — trthaber.com](https://trthaber.com/haber/ekonomi/hazine-ve-maliye-bakani-simsek-odemeler-dengesi-verilerini-degerlendirdi-937525.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="AKP submits omnibus legislation including alcohol sales restrictions" type="March 12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [AKP'den kanun teklifi: İçki markalarının görünürlüğü kısıtlanıyor, ceza yetkisi mülki amirlere geçiyor — diken.com.tr](https://www.diken.com.tr/akpden-kanun-teklifi-icki-markalarinin-gorunurlugu-kisitlaniyor-ceza-yetkisi-mulki-amirlere-geciyor/)
      * [AKP'nin torba yasasından içki yasağı çıktı — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/akp-nin-torba-yasasindan-icki-yasagi-cikti-2486285)
      * [AKP'den tarım ve orman düzenlemesi: Tapu, hobi bahçesi ve alkol satışına yeni düzenlemeler getiriliyor — t24.com.tr](https://t24.com.tr/gundem/akpden-tarim-ve-orman-duzenlemesi-tapu-hobi-bahcesi-ve-alkol-satisina-yeni-duzenlemeler-getiriliyor,1306640)
      * [İBB davasının TRT'den canlı yayınlanması önergesi AKP ve MHP'nin oylarıyla reddedildi — birgun.net](https://www.birgun.net/haber/ibb-davasinin-trtden-canli-yayinlanmasi-onergesi-akp-ve-mhp-nin-oylariyla-reddedildi-699169)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="CHP operations in opposition municipalities continue with arrests and investigations" type="March 11–12, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [CHP'li belediyeye yeni operasyon: 36 gözaltı — nefes.com.tr](https://www.nefes.com.tr/chpli-belediyeye-yeni-operasyon-36-gozalti-109588)
      * [CHP'li Mersin BB'ye rüşvet operasyonu: Çok sayıda gözaltı kararı var — takvim.com.tr](https://www.takvim.com.tr/guncel/2026/03/11/chpli-mersin-bbye-ihale-ve-rusvet-operasyonu)
      * [CHP'li Mersin Büyükşehir Belediyesi'ne rüşvet ve ihale operasyonu — haber7.com](https://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/3611005-chpli-mersin-buyuksehir-belediyesine-rusvet-ve-ihale-operasyonu)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [European accreditation body reviews İstanbul University over annulment of Erdoğan rival's diploma — stockholmcf.org](https://stockholmcf.org/european-accreditation-body-reviews-istanbul-university-over-annulment-of-erdogan-rivals-diploma/)
      * [Erdoğan awards UN Secretary-General Guterres Atatürk International Peace Prize — egesaati.com.tr](https://egesaati.com.tr/erdogandan-guterrese-ataturk-baris-odulu)
      * [MİT chief Kalın meets with parliamentary committee chair at Ramadan iftar — sabah.com.tr](https://www.sabah.com.tr/yasam/mit-baskani-genclerle-sahur-sofrasinda-7543352)
      * [Woman arrested for posing as MİT agent and NATO representative in elaborate fraud scheme — cumhuriyet.com.tr](https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/kendisini-mit-mensubu-diplomat-kamuda-yonetici-nato-ve-bm-temsilcisi-olarak-tanitan-supheli-tutuklandi-2485699)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/in.svg" alt="India flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> India

Narendra Modi called Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's president, for the first time since the war began, securing safe passage for two LPG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as energy shortages hit 330 million Indian households.

The call with Mr Pezeshkian came as the energy crisis deepened. LPG prices have jumped 60 rupees a cylinder, affecting 3 million businesses that use the fuel. Mr Modi's government responded with emergency regulations, issuing the Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026 to prioritise domestic gas supplies and allowing businesses to use alternative fuels like kerosene, biomass and coal. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by the prime minister, met to address Indian community safety and energy disruption. The foreign ministry set up a control room for evacuation operations.

Even as it managed the crisis, India pushed ahead with infrastructure plans. Gautam Adani announced his group would invest ₹2 lakh crore annually over five years in renewable energy, transmission, airports and logistics. Mr Modi launched infrastructure projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Assam alone and unveiled another ₹18,680 crore in development projects in Kolkata.

The energy crisis sharpened domestic political battles. Mr Modi attacked Congress during campaign rallies as "puppets of anti-India forces" over their response to the Middle East conflict. Amit Shah announced the BJP would contest Punjab's 2027 elections alone, ending speculation about reviving the alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal. In Parliament, the opposition moved a rare no-confidence motion against Om Birla, the Lok Sabha speaker, accusing him of partisan behaviour, but Parliament defeated the motion by voice vote after heated debate.

India's institutions carried on as usual, with the Election Commission announcing assembly election dates for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Modi launches infrastructure projects, attacks Congress during campaign rallies across multiple states** — Mr Modi launched infrastructure projects worth ₹23,550 crore in Assam's Silchar, unveiled ₹18,680 crore in development projects in Kolkata, and virtually inaugurated ₹4,570 crore in projects in Kokrajhar. At rallies, he attacked Congress as 'puppets of anti-India forces' over their response to the Middle East crisis. *([indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/pm-modi-congress-iran-war-spreading-panic-being-puppet-of-anti-india-forces-prime-minister-asssam-silchar-2881875-2026-03-14))*
  * **Parliament rejects no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after heated debate** — Opposition MPs moved a rare no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan behaviour. After two days of heated parliamentary debate with Amit Shah defending the Speaker, the motion was defeated by voice vote. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/resolution-seeking-removal-of-om-birla-as-speaker-defeated-by-voice-vote-in-lok-sabha/article70731274.ece))*
  * **Election Commission announces assembly poll dates for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala** — The Election Commission announced assembly election dates for four states and one union territory. West Bengal will have elections in two phases in April-May. Political parties across the spectrum welcomed the announcement and began intensifying campaign preparations. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/a-civilisational-battle-bjp-tmc-dmk-aiadmk-congress-welcome-ecs-poll-dates-announcement-for-4-states-one-ut/articleshow/129590087.cms))*
  * **Adani Total Gas shares surge 40% amid natural gas supply crisis and government regulation** — Adani Total Gas shares jumped nearly 40% over several trading sessions after the government issued the Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026 to prioritise domestic gas supplies amid Middle East conflict disruptions. Adani Group also announced plans for ₹2 lakh crore annual infrastructure investments. *([bloomberg.com](https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/adani-total-gas-soars-18-on-heavy-volumes-in-weak-market-here-s-why-126031100494_1.html))*
  * **RBI announces Assistant recruitment for 650 posts, launches various financial initiatives** — The Reserve Bank of India announced recruitment for 650 Assistant posts with applications closing March 10. RBI also opened an edit window for corrections and launched various other financial sector initiatives including new FCNR strategies to attract dollar inflows and payment aggregator licences. *([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/rbi-assistant-recruitment-2026-edit-window-opens-check-direct-link-to-modify-application/articleshow/129572425.cms))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Modi and Jaishankar intensify Iran diplomacy amid West Asia conflict, secure energy transit" type="March 13–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [India's Modi reaches out to Iran as energy crunch fears grip the South Asian nation — cnbc.com](https://cnbc.com/2026/03/13/indias-modi-reaches-out-to-iran-as-energy-crunch-fears-grip-the-south-asian-nation-.html)
      * [Deadly US Strike on Iranian Warship Puts India's Modi Under Pressure — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-13/deadly-us-strike-on-iranian-warship-puts-india-s-modi-under-pressure)
      * [Modi Steps Up Iran Diplomacy as Middle East Conflict Strains India's Economy — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-15/modi-walks-fine-line-between-iran-and-us-as-war-hits-economy)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Modi launches infrastructure projects, attacks Congress during campaign rallies across multiple states" type="March 14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Spreading panic amid war, puppet of anti-India forces: PM Modi tears into Congress — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/pm-modi-congress-iran-war-spreading-panic-being-puppet-of-anti-india-forces-prime-minister-asssam-silchar-2881875-2026-03-14)
      * [Bengali Hindus are being purposely turned into minorities in West Bengal, says PM Modi — thehindu.com](https://thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/pm-modi-kolkata-rally-unaugurates-developmental-projects/article70742778.ece)
      * [PM Modi Launches ₹23,550 Crore Projects in Assam's Silchar Ahead of Elections — infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/roads-highways/pm-modi-launches-23550-crore-projects-in-assams-silchar-ahead-of-elections/129571637)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Amit Shah declares BJP will contest 2027 Punjab polls independently, launches healthcare projects in Assam" type="March 14–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [No more 'Chhota Bhai': Amit Shah says BJP to go solo in 2027 Punjab polls — hindustantimes.com](https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/no-more-chhota-bhai-amit-shah-says-bjp-to-go-solo-in-2027-polls-101773483453580.html)
      * [Rahul Gandhi sips tea, eats pakoras on Parliament steps: Amit Shah's big attack — indiatoday.in](https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/amit-shah-rahul-rahul-gandhi-tea-pakora-parliament-defaming-india-guwahati-assam-2882293-2026-03-15)
      * [Amit Shah launches projects worth Rs 2,092 crore in Assam ahead of Assembly polls — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/assam/amit-shah-launches-projects-worth-rs-2092-crore-in-assam-ahead-of-assembly-polls/articleshow/129585776.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Parliament rejects no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after heated debate" type="March 10–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [PM Modi lauds Om Birla's leadership after no-trust motion fails; Lok Sabha Speaker reacts — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-lauds-om-birlas-leadership-after-no-trust-motion-fails-lok-sabha-speaker-reacts/articleshow/129589461.cms)
      * [Motion to oust Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker rejected amid drama — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/resolution-seeking-removal-of-om-birla-as-speaker-defeated-by-voice-vote-in-lok-sabha/article70731274.ece)
      * [Explained: How Lok Sabha speaker can be removed and why a no-confidence motion was moved against Om Birla — indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lok-sabha-speaker-removal-process-explained-10574245)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Election Commission announces assembly poll dates for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala" type="March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * ['A civilisational battle': BJP, DMK, AIADMK, Congress welcome EC's poll dates announcement for 4 states, one UT — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/a-civilisational-battle-bjp-tmc-dmk-aiadmk-congress-welcome-ecs-poll-dates-announcement-for-4-states-one-ut/articleshow/129590087.cms)
      * [West Bengal Election Tale Of 2 Phases: Why Bengal's Poll Schedule Helps Trinamool, Challenges BJP — ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/west-bengal-election-tale-of-2-phases-why-bengals-poll-schedule-helps-trinamool-challenge-bjp-11219604)
      * [April polls will test if BJP can win over 'unfriendly' territory — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/april-polls-will-test-if-bjp-can-win-over-unfriendly-territory/articleshow/129595920.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Adani Total Gas shares surge 40% amid natural gas supply crisis and government regulation" type="March 11–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Adani Energy Raises \$500 Million in Private Bond Deal With Apollo — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-11/adani-energy-raises-500-million-bilateral-debt-from-apollo)
      * [Adani Total Gas soars 18% on heavy volumes in weak market; here's why — business-standard.com](https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/adani-total-gas-soars-18-on-heavy-volumes-in-weak-market-here-s-why-126031100494_1.html)
      * [Adani Group plans to invest ₹2 lakh crore annually in greenfield infrastructure over next 5 years: Karan Adani — thehindubusinessline.com](https://thehindubusinessline.com/companies/adani-group-plans-to-invest-2-lakh-crore-annually-in-greenfield-infrastructure-over-next-5-years-karan-adani/article70742271.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="RBI announces Assistant recruitment for 650 posts, launches various financial initiatives" type="March 10–14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [RBI Assistant recruitment 2026 edit window opens: Check direct link to modify applications — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/rbi-assistant-recruitment-2026-edit-window-opens-check-direct-link-to-modify-application/articleshow/129572425.cms)
      * [Cred obtains final RBI payment aggregator licence — electronicpaymentsinternational.com](https://www.electronicpaymentsinternational.com/news/cred-payment-aggregator-licence/)
      * [To attract Dollars, RBI may revive the 2013 strategy to incentivise Banks to mop up Non-Resident Deposits — thehindubusinessline.com](https://thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/to-attract-dollars-rbi-may-revive-the-2013-strategy-to-incentivise-banks-to-mop-up-non-resident-deposits/article70727167.ece)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Narendra Modi Is Actively Censoring His Critics, evidence of IT Act takedowns emerges — m.thewire.in](https://m.thewire.in/article/government/online-censorship-it-act-narendra-modi)
      * [Top Bangladesh security official visits India for meetings — hindustantimes.com](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/top-bangladesh-security-official-visits-india-for-meetings-101773067015448.html)
      * [Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releases Defence Forces Vision 2047 roadmap — tribuneindia.com](https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/20-year-roadmap-released-to-transform-armed-forces-into-a-modern-integrated-and-technologically-advanced-military/)
      * [India, Seychelles Begin Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 — indiablooms.com](https://www.indiablooms.com/news/indian-armed-forces-reach-seychelles-for-massive-lamitiye-2026-war-games/details)
      * [11 Maoists with Rs 63 lakh bounty surrender in Odisha — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/11-maoists-with-rs-63-lakh-bounty-surrender/articleshow/129595154.cms)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/ae.svg" alt="United Arab Emirates flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> United Arab Emirates

Iran hit the UAE's biggest oil refinery this week, forcing it to shut down, but the Emirates secured military help from Australia and rallied diplomatic support across three continents.

A drone attack on ADNOC's Ruwais complex — which refines 922,000 barrels a day — caused a fire and forced the facility to close. No one was hurt, but the strike marked an escalation. Iran had been hitting military and symbolic targets; now it was going after economic foundations. The complex is not just a refinery but the hub for UAE chemical, fertiliser and industrial gas plants.

The UAE moved quickly to build international support. Mohammed bin Zayed, the president, asked Australia for help, and Canberra agreed to send 85 military personnel, an E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and air-to-air missiles. Australia said the deployment would protect its 24,000 expats in the Emirates and help regional partners defend against Iranian attacks.

Abdullah bin Zayed, the foreign minister, worked the phones. He called officials in Tanzania, Canada, Egypt, Bahrain, Greece, Serbia, Britain and other countries to build condemnation of the Iranian attacks. The calls focused on what he called the "grave consequences" for regional security and backed the UAE's right to defend itself under international law.

Even as it fought back, the UAE kept doing business. ADIA, the sovereign wealth fund, joined French firm Ardian to launch a real estate investment platform. The Central Bank won an international award for using artificial intelligence to spot financial risks early. Both moves suggested confidence that the country could weather the crisis.

At home, the government tightened its grip on information. The attorney-general ordered the arrest of 25 people for spreading misleading content about the country's defence measures and cheering on military attacks. Some had posted real footage of the Iranian strikes but added commentary to stir up anxiety. Others had created fake content using AI. A third group had praised Iran's leaders and military actions.

The regime also tried to project calm. On Emirati Children's Day, the president told families and teachers to reassure children they were "safe, protected, and live in a country where they can grow up full of confidence." The message served two purposes: crisis leadership and public reassurance.

The week also brought tragedy unrelated to the Iranian attacks. Two UAE military personnel died when their helicopter crashed after a technical malfunction. Senior officials, including the foreign minister, visited their families, and the government held full military funerals.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Iran launches sustained missile and drone attacks on UAE as regional war escalates** — Iran has conducted sustained attacks on the UAE using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones since late February, targeting civilian and military infrastructure. UAE air defenses have intercepted most projectiles but some have caused casualties and damage to key facilities including Dubai International Airport and oil infrastructure. *([thedispatch.com](https://semafor.com/article/03/09/2026/uae-president-we-are-no-easy-prey))*

  * **G42's China ties and Trump crypto connections raise security concerns** — Emirati AI firm G42's connections to China raised alarms during the Biden administration, and the company is now linked to Trump's crypto company World Liberty Financial through board appointments. The ties involve national security adviser Tahnoun bin Zayed and highlight complex geopolitical relationships amid technology partnerships. *([thedispatch.com](https://thedispatch.com/article/united-arab-emirates-g42-china-trump-crypto/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Iran launches sustained missile and drone attacks on UAE as regional war escalates" type="February 14 – March 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (32)">
      * [The UAE Is Cozy With Both China and Trump — thedispatch.com](https://thedispatch.com/article/united-arab-emirates-g42-china-trump-crypto/)
      * [UAE president: 'We are no easy prey' — semafor.com](https://semafor.com/article/03/09/2026/uae-president-we-are-no-easy-prey)
      * [4 civilians killed in Iranian drone, missile attacks on UAE: What we know about the victims — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/4-civilians-killed-in-iranian-drone-missile-attacks-on-uae-what-we-know-about-the-victims-101773201571153.html)
      * [UAE oil giant ADNOC shuts Ruwais refinery after drone strike, source says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/fire-hits-site-housing-abu-dhabi-national-oil-company-operations-after-drone-2026-03-10/)
      * [Warning issued on hard shoulder misuse after 1 killed on Sheikh Zayed Road — dubaieye1038.com](https://dubaieye1038.com/news/local/warning-issued-on-hard-shoulder-misuse-after-1-killed-on-sheikh-zayed-road)
      * ['Every day, he'd say he wants to die a martyr': Father of fallen UAE pilot at funeral — khaleejtimes.com](https://khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-pilot-ali-saleh-al-tunaiji-honoured-after-helicopter-crash)
      * [The UAE's bond with its soldiers has never been stronger — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/2026/03/11/uae-armed-forces/)
      * [UAE intercepts swarm of Iranian kamikaze drones — defence-blog.com](https://defence-blog.com/uae-intercepts-swarm-of-iranian-kamikaze-drones/)
      * [The UAE affirms the effectiveness of its defenses in countering attacks. — voiceofemirates.com](https://voiceofemirates.com/en/news/2026/03/12/uae-air-defenses-intercept-missile-and-drone-attack)
      * [Video: UAE Military Helicopters Intercept Iranian Drones Mid-Air — ndtv.com](https://ndtv.com/world-news/uae-shares-footage-of-apache-helicopters-destroying-iranian-attack-drones-11188637)
      * [Ship attacks in Gulf intensify as Israel launches new strikes in Lebanon — bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd70wzw9vqlt?page=10)
      * [UAE says it intercepted 13 missiles and 39 drones launched from Iran — aa.com.tr](https://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-says-it-intercepted-13-missiles-and-39-drones-launched-from-iran/3860936)
      * [UAE, Qatar intercept Iranian attacks — middleeasteye.net](https://middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/uae-qatar-intercept-iranian-attacks)
      * [LIVE UPDATES: Qatar strongly condemns attack targeting UAE Consulate in Kurdistan Region of Iraq — thepeninsulaqatar.com](https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/14/03/2026/live-updates-qatar-intercept-missile-attacks-issues-evacuation-notice-in-some-areas)
      * [Why Iran is targeting UAE more than other Gulf states in war with US and Israel — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-03-11/iran-targeting-uae-dubai-gulf-states-us-israel-war/106436816)
      * ['No compromise': How UAE is hunting down Iran's Shahed drones - watch — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/international/no-compromise-how-uae-is-hunting-down-irans-shahed-drones-watch/articleshow/129305084.cms)
      * [UAE fights off outsized share of Iranian attacks, pulls back on sharing interception rates — breakingdefense.com](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/uae-fights-off-outsized-share-of-iranian-attacks-pulls-back-on-sharing-interception-rates)
      * [Did US forces use UAE territory to attack Iran's Kharg Island? Tehran vows retaliation — theweek.in](https://theweek.in/news/middle-east/2026/03/15/did-us-use-uae-territory-to-attack-irans-kharg-island-iran-vows-retaliation.html)
      * [Photos show a major fire at a key UAE oil port, a day after the US struck a major Iranian depot — businessinsider.com](https://businessinsider.com/photos-fire-key-uae-oil-hub-after-intercepted-drone-attack-2026-3)
      * [UAE says it intercepted 278 ballistic missiles, 1,540 drones since start of Iranian attacks — middleeastmonitor.com](https://middleeastmonitor.com/20260312-uae-says-it-intercepted-278-ballistic-missiles-1540-drones-since-start-of-iranian-attacks)
      * [President Sheikh Mohamed and Dubai Ruler say UAE will prevail against Iranian attacks — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/03/10/president-sheikh-mohamed-and-dubai-ruler-pray-for-protection-of-uae)
      * [UAE Repels Hundreds of Iranian Missiles and Drones as Officials Vow Firm but Measured Response — nationthailand.com](https://nationthailand.com/news/world/40063513)
      * ['You live in Dubai, aren't you scared?' How the UAE's safe haven tried to spin two weeks of drone strikes — independent.co.uk](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-war-dubai-influencers-uae-safe-b2936551.html)
      * [South Korean Cheongung-II Air Defense System Makes Combat Debut in UAE — thedefensepost.com](https://thedefensepost.com/2026/03/10/uae-cheongung-ii-combat)
      * [UAE tackles 9 ballistic missiles and 33 drones on Saturday — arnnewscentre.ae](https://arnnewscentre.ae/en/news/uae/uae-air-defences-intercept-9-ballistic-missiles-and-33-drones-on-saturday)
      * [Dogfight over Dubai: Incredible moment UAE fighter jet chases and fires at Iranian Shahed drone as beachgoers watch-on from below — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15631197/Dogfight-Dubai-Incredible-moment-UAE-fighter-jet-chases-fires-Iranian-Shahed-drone-beachgoers-watch-below.html)
      * [Two UAE military personnel killed — tribune.com.pk](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2596751/two-uae-military-personnel-killed)
      * [UAE announces martyrdom of 2 members of armed forces in helicopter crash — gulftoday.ae](https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/03/09/uae-announces-martyrdom-of-2-members-of-armed-forces-in-helicopter-crash)
      * [Emirati minister tells BBC Iran must end strikes on Gulf — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cy8lzn2ejpjo)
      * [Why Iranian attacks are a test the UAE will pass — thenationalnews.com](https://thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2026/03/12/uae-iran-middle-east-war-us-israel)
      * [UAE intercepts 8 ballistic missiles, 26 drones on Tuesday — dubaieye1038.com](https://dubaieye1038.com/news/local/uae-intercepts-8-ballistic-missiles-26-drones-on-tuesday)
      * [4 civilians killed in Iranian attack on UAE: What we know about the victims — khaleejtimes.com](https://khaleejtimes.com/uae/4-civilians-killed-in-iranian-attack-on-uae-what-we-know-about-the-victims)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ADNOC's Ruwais refinery shut down after Iranian drone attack sparks fire" type="March 10–11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [Drone attack causes fire at Adnoc's Ruwais complex — argusmedia.com](https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news-and-insights/latest-market-news/2798925-drone-attack-causes-fire-at-adnoc-s-ruwais-complex)
      * [UAE oil giant ADNOC shuts Ruwais refinery after drone strike, source says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/fire-hits-site-housing-abu-dhabi-national-oil-company-operations-after-drone-2026-03-10/)
      * [ADNOC's Ruwais refinery has been shut as a precautionary measure - source — marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/adnoc-s-ruwais-refinery-has-been-shut-as-a-precautionary-measure-source-ce7e5fdfd989f625)
      * [Adnoc Tells Oil Partners to Collect Murban Crude From Jebel Dhanna Port — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-11/uae-oil-partners-told-to-pick-up-barrels-from-port-behind-hormuz)
      * [Drone Strike Sparks Fire at ADNOC's Ruwais Industrial Complex — marinelink.com](https://www.marinelink.com/news/drone-strike-sparks-fire-adnocs-ruwais-536780)
      * [Iranian drone strike sparks fire at ADNOC oil hub in Abu Dhabi — turkiyetoday.com](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/iranian-drone-attack-at-abu-dhabi-adnoc-oil-hub-causes-fire-3215987)
      * [Drone Attack at Adnoc Ruwais Complex: Energy Impact — discoveryalert.com.au](https://discoveryalert.com.au/critical-infrastructure-vulnerabilities-energy-landscape-2026/)
      * [Iran-Israel-US War Latest News: Drone Strike Hits Abu Dhabi's Largest Ruwais Oil Refinery, ADNOC Halts Operations — sundayguardianlive.com](https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/iran-israel-us-war-latest-news-drone-strike-hits-abu-dhabis-largest-ruwais-oil-refinery-adnoc-halts-operations-175396/)
      * [Adnoc's Ruwais Refinery Targeted in Drone Attack — energyintel.com](https://www.energyintel.com/0000019c-d805-d6b5-afbe-da3738140000)
      * [Drone Strike Hits Abu Dhabi's Massive 922,000-Barrel Refinery Hub: ADNOC Forced into Emergency Shutdown — indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/abu-dhabi-adnco-refinery-fire-drone-strike-ruwais-complex-10575042)
      * [India securing LPG supplies from US firms, Adnoc, others amid gas import concerns: Govt source — moneycontrol.com](https://moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/india-securing-lpg-supplies-from-international-portfolios-of-global-firms-govt-source-13855015.html)
      * [ADNOC Complex Fire: Drone Strike Sparks Fire at Site — deccanherald.com](https://deccanherald.com/world/middle-east/fire-hits-site-housing-abu-dhabi-national-oil-company-operations-after-drone-strike-3926609)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Two UAE Armed Forces members killed in helicopter crash due to technical malfunction" type="March 9–11, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Two members of UAE armed forces killed in helicopter crash, ministry says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/two-members-uae-armed-forces-killed-helicopter-crash-ministry-says-2026-03-09/)
      * [Saudi Arabia offers its condolences to Kuwait, UAE over deaths of their armed and security forces — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-arabia-offers-its-condolences-to-kuwait-uae-over-deaths-of-their-armed-and-security-forces/3857412)
      * [Dubai Abu Dhabi news highlights: UAE Consulate in Iraq attacked; Trump says war 'close to end' — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/dubai-abu-dhabi-news-live-updates-uae-saudi-arabia-qatar-iran-us-israel-war-middle-east-airports-flights-latest-news-101773017353495.html)
      * ['Every day, he'd say he wants to die a martyr': Father of fallen UAE pilot at funeral — khaleejtimes.com](https://khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-pilot-ali-saleh-al-tunaiji-honoured-after-helicopter-crash)
      * [Two members of UAE Armed Forces martyred in helicopter crash caused by technical malfunction — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/03/09/two-members-of-uae-armed-forces-killed-in-helicopter-crash-caused-by-technical-malfunction/)
      * [UAE announces martyrdom of 2 members of armed forces in helicopter crash — gulftoday.ae](https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2026/03/09/uae-announces-martyrdom-of-2-members-of-armed-forces-in-helicopter-crash)
      * [Prime Minister sends condolences to UAE FM over martyrdom of two Armed Forces personnel — thepeninsulaqatar.com](https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/09/03/2026/prime-minister-sends-condolences-to-uae-fm-over-martyrdom-of-two-armed-forces-personnel)
      * [Hazza bin Zayed offers condolences on the passing of national duty martyr Saeed Rashid Al Balushi — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/hazza-bin-zayed-offers-condolences-on-the-passing-of-national-duty-martyr-saeed-rashid-al-balushi-2-1.500470558)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Australia deploys military surveillance aircraft and missiles to UAE for defensive support" type="March 9–10, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Australia to send aircraft and air-to-air missiles to Gulf to 'protect and defend' civilians, PM says — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/10/australia-to-send-aircraft-and-air-to-air-missiles-to-gulf-to-protect-and-defend-civilians-pm-says)
      * [Australia to send missiles to UAE, deploy military surveillance aircraft — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-send-missiles-uae-deploy-military-surveillance-aircraft-2026-03-09/)
      * [Australia is sending an aircraft and personnel to the Middle East. Does this mean we are entering the war? — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/australia-is-sending-an-aircraft-and-personnel-to-the-middle-east-does-this-mean-we-are-entering-the-war-277958)
      * [South Korea supports UAE air defences — asianmilitaryreview.com](https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2026/03/south-korea-supports-uae-air-defences-foc)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="ADIA partners with Ardian to launch real estate secondaries platform" type="March 10–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [ADIA, Ardian Launch Real Estate Secondaries Platform Targeting Global Liquidity — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-10/abu-dhabi-s-adia-ardian-team-up-on-real-estate-secondaries-push)
      * [Abu Dhabi's ADIA teams up with private investment firm on real estate secondaries push — businesstimes.com.sg](https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/abu-dhabis-adia-teams-private-investment-firm-real-estate-secondaries-push)
      * [ADIA announces RE secondaries partnership — alternativeswatch.com](https://www.alternativeswatch.com/2026/03/10/adia-ardian-real-estate-secondaries-partnership/)
      * [ADIA unit backs Asia-Pacific property credit fund — thearabianpost.com](https://thearabianpost.com/adia-unit-backs-asia-pacific-property-credit-fund)
      * [CRC and ADIA to deepen long-standing relationship — prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crc-and-adia-to-deepen-long-standing-relationship-302711076.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UAE Central Bank wins 'Risk Manager of the Year 2026' award for AI risk management" type="March 10–15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [CBUAE Wins Risk Manager of the Year 2026 for Pioneering AI Risk Management — focus.hidubai.com](https://focus.hidubai.com/cbuae-wins-risk-manager-of-the-year-2026-for-pioneering-ai-risk-management/)
      * [CBUAE wins Risk Manager of the Year 2026 at Central Banking Awards — gccbusinessnews.com](https://www.gccbusinessnews.com/cbuae-wins-risk-manager-of-the-year-2026)
      * [UAE Central Bank Celebrates Emirati Children's Day with Special Silver Coin — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/uaes-central-bank-issues-silver-coin-on-emirati-childrens-day-1.500475344)
      * [CBUAE issues silver commemorative coin in celebration of Emirati Children's Day — zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/cbuae-issues-silver-commemorative-coin-in-celebration-of-emirati-childrens-day-xarxedmw)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="UAE diplomatic outreach intensifies following Iranian attacks" type="March 10–13, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed holds phone calls with several officials, foreign ministers to discuss repercussions of unprovoked, terrorist Iranian missile attacks targeting UAE, brotherly nations — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/3/13/UAE-Bin-Zayed-Iran)
      * [UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed holds phone calls with global leaders on regional developments — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/abdullah-bin-zayed-holds-phone-calls-with-several-officials-and-foreign-ministers-to-discuss-regional-developments-1.500470321)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed discusses terrorist Iranian attacks — sharjah24.ae](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2026/03/13/Ma07)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed receives Germany's FM — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/3/11/UAE-Germany)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed receives phone call from Qatari PM & FM offering condolences over martyrdom of two armed forces members — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/3/10/UAE-QATAR)
      * [President of Cyprus receives Abdullah bin Zayed, reviews strategic ties, regional developments — mofa.gov.ae](https://mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2026/3/10/UAE-Cyprus)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed Receives Egyptian Foreign Minister — emirates247.com](https://www.emirates247.com/uae/abdullah-bin-zayed-receives-egyptian-foreign-minister/280)
      * [Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed receives Jordanian FM's condolences over martyrdom of two UAE soldiers — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/sheikh-abdullah-bin-zayed-receives-jordanian-fms-condolences-over-martyrdom-of-two-uae-soldiers-1.500471269)
      * [Al-Safadi to Bin Zayed: Jordan Stands with the UAE Against Attacks — jordannews.jo](https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-109/News/Al-Safadi-to-Bin-Zayed-Jordan-Stands-with-the-UAE-Against-Attacks-49646)
      * [Abdullah bin Zayed discusses by phone with a number of officials and foreign ministers the repercussions of Iranian attacks on the UAE and sister countries — voiceofemirates.com](https://www.voiceofemirates.com/en/news/2026/03/13/abdullah-bin-zayed-discusses-by-phone-with-a-number-of-officials-and-foreign-ministers-the-repercussions-of-iranian-attacks-on-the-uae-and-sister-countries/)
      * [Solidarity at a time of crisis: Foreign Minister Wadephul visits the Middle East — auswaertiges-amt.de](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/2759478-2759478)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="G42's China ties and Trump crypto connections raise security concerns" type="February 14, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [The UAE Is Cozy With Both China and Trump — thedispatch.com](https://thedispatch.com/article/united-arab-emirates-g42-china-trump-crypto/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Mubadala Bio expands access to critical cardiovascular medications — zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/mubadala-bio-expands-access-to-critical-cardiovascular-medications-kjaxs8se)
      * [GlobalFoundries Closes Mubadala Secondary Offering and \$300 Million Share Buyback — theglobeandmail.com](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/GFS/pressreleases/755729/globalfoundries-closes-mubadala-secondary-offering-and-300-million-share-buyback/)
      * [UAE Treasury Bonds Auction Held In Line With March Schedule With Total Issuance Of AED1.1 Billion — emirates247.com](https://www.emirates247.com/business/uae-treasury-bonds-auction-held-in-line-with-march-schedule-with-total-issuance-of-aed11-billion/225)
      * [UAE arrests 25 for spreading misleading content on defence, military acts — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-arrests-25-for-spreading-misleading-content-on-defence-military-acts-1.500474849)
      * [UAE marks Emirati Children's Day with focus on safety, digital knowledge and future generations — gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-president-happiness-and-wellbeing-of-all-children-remain-a-top-priority-1.500475102)
      * [UAE flight updates: Emirates operating at more than 50% flight capacity — thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/03/03/uae-flight-updates-cancellations-iran)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>