News in Brief: Tensions in the Hormuz Strait, Regional Clashes

• Weather forecasts indicate precipitation on the night of March 17 and on the 20th-21st, with snow, blizzards, and black ice expected in mountainous regions. During the day on the 17th and 18th-19th, no precipitation is anticipated. It is also noted that over the coming days, the temperature will gradually rise by 4-6 degrees.

• An event is being held in Yerevan by the "Armenia" alliance, during which a new format for participating in the 2026 parliamentary elections will be presented. The candidate for prime minister and the alliance's slogan will also be announced.

• Clashes are taking place in southern Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Intense military activity and infiltration attempts have been reported under heavy artillery fire.

• Spain has announced that it will not participate in any military mission in the Hormuz Strait and has criticized Israel's war against Iran. The government has also barred American aircraft from using joint bases located in the south of the country.

• Iran has stated that Ukraine is collaborating in actions against Tehran by providing military support for anti-drone operations. Kyiv has rejected these claims, reminding that Iran is supplying drones to Russia.

• The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council has announced that a six-point message to the world's Muslims and Islamic states will be published soon.

• The EU's Foreign Policy chief has proposed a diplomatic agreement to end Iran's blockade of the Hormuz Strait, similar to the Ukrainian grain deal. It is noted that such an agreement could restore oil and gas transport.

• The Chairman of the State Duma of Russia has stated that stability is the main achievement in the country over the last 25 years. He emphasized that this stability should serve as a basis for further development.

• The U.S. Central Command has reported that over 100 Iranian military vessels and dozens of military sites have been destroyed during recent operations. Thousands of combat flights and air supremacy maintenance have also been noted.

• The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with the United States following Iranian attacks. The country's authorities have stated that the crisis does not change the long-term partnership between the two countries.