News in Brief: Military Operations in the Middle East and International Reactions

Latest news summarized and concise:

• In Iran, security forces opened fire on citizens celebrating the news of Ali Khamenei's death. Videos of the incident have circulated on social media.
• Iran's air defense forces announced the downing of an American F-15 fighter jet. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel continue to strike Iranian territory, while Tehran conducts retaliatory operations in the region.
• The U.S. reported that it has destroyed 17 Iranian military ships, including one submarine. At the same time, it is noted that no Iranian vessels remain in the Persian Gulf.
• Since the military operations began in the Middle East at the end of February, the death toll has exceeded 870. Casualties have been recorded in several countries.
• Over three days, the U.S. has spent more than $2 billion on military operations against Iran. Meanwhile, some American officials are discussing the possible withdrawal of troops from the region.
• The armed forces of the U.S. and Ecuador have launched joint operations against terrorist groups in Ecuador. The operations are presented as part of a fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
• China has announced its readiness to expand cooperation with the U.S. and the European Union, while simultaneously defending its national interests. The statement comes in light of Donald Trump's upcoming visit.
• Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. could completely sever trade relations with Spain for failing to support actions against Iran.
• In Armenia, interstate and republican roads are mostly open, but light snow has been reported in several regions. The Vardenyats Pass is impassable for vehicles with trailers.
• The Stepanatsminda–Lars highway is closed to trucks with trailers. This information has been relayed by the emergency services of Georgia and Russia.