**Summary:** SOCAR Balkan, the regional office of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR, has made significant progress on gasification projects in Bulgaria and Albania, according to Murad Heydarov, head of the regional office. The company is focusing on gas supply, cross-border transportation, and developing gas distribution networks in Southeastern Europe and the Balkans.

**Key points:**
- SOCAR completed Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for a gas distribution network project in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria, with further analysis planned for 2026.
- In 2025, SOCAR achieved success with a hybrid gasification project in Bulgaria, supplying nearly 80 million cubic meters of compressed natural gas (CNG) to 46 industrial and 5 social consumers.
- In Albania, the company presented the 'NUR' gasification pilot project in Korça, aiming for the start of commercial CNG supplies by the end of 2026.
- Total gas supplies by Azerbaijan Gas Supply Company (AGSC) and SOCAR to Bulgaria in 2025 were just under 2 billion cubic meters, comparable to 2024 levels.

**Why it matters:** These developments underscore Southeastern Europe and the Balkans as key strategic growth areas for SOCAR's energy expansion, including gas distribution and petroleum product market assessment.

day.az - SOCAR Balkan достигла значительного прогресса в проектах газификации Болгарии и Албании

trend.az - SOCAR finalizes FEED for gas distribution network in Bulgaria (Exclusive)

trend.az - SOCAR Balkan updates on hybrid gasification project in Bulgaria (Exclusive)

SOCAR Balkan Reports Progress on Gasification Projects in Bulgaria and Albania

**Summary:** Ecuador declared the Cuban ambassador to Quito, Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez García, persona non grata and ordered the departure of all accredited personnel from the Cuban diplomatic mission. This action was communicated via a notification from Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, granting a 48-hour deadline for departure.

**Key points:**
- The measure was adopted under Article 9 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which permits states to declare foreign diplomats persona non grata without justification.
- The decision coincides with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa terminating the functions of Ecuador's ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja López, via Executive Decree 317 on March 3, 2026.
- The expulsion of the Cuban mission follows closely after President Daniel Noboa met with US President Donald Trump in Miami.
- The Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense stated that details of the 'OFENSIVA TOTAL' operations are reserved to avoid hindering future actions.

**Why it matters:** The simultaneous expulsion of the Cuban diplomatic mission and the recall of Ecuador's ambassador signals a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, potentially leading to a formal rupture.

Ecuador declara “persona non grata” al embajador de Cuba y ordena la salida de diplomáticos

Ecuador abre la puerta a Estados Unidos en una “nueva fase” de la guerra contra el narco | EL PAÍS América

Ecuador expulsa al embajador de Cuba de Quito y retira a su propio representante en La Habana

Ecuador declares Cuban ambassador persona non grata, orders diplomatic staff exit

**Summary:** The USA confirmed that an American submarine sank an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, using a torpedo off the coast of Sri Lanka on Monday in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan officials confirmed the incident and initiated rescue operations following a distress call from the vessel.

**Key points:**
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the sinking at a Pentagon press conference, calling it the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since WWII.
- The Iranian vessel, identified as the frigate 'IRIS Dena,' was reportedly built by Iran and armed with heavy guns and missiles.
- Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed the strike occurred around 5 am local time.
- Casualty reports vary: Reuters cited the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister stating at least 80 people were killed, while dpa reported 101 missing.
- Sri Lankan naval vessels were dispatched for rescue efforts by 6 am local time.

**Why it matters:** This event marks the first time a US submarine has sunk an enemy ship with a torpedo since World War II, significantly escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

USA bestätigen Angriff: Iranisches Kriegsschiff vor Sri Lanka versenkt

US submarine uses torpedo to SINK Iranian warship in international waters for first time since WWII

US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship IRIS Dena Off Sri Lanka

**Summary:** Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated "No to war" after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut all trade with Spain for refusing US planes access to its bases for potential attacks on Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron called Sanchez to express solidarity against the economic coercion.

**Key points:**
- Trump called Spain a "terrible" ally after the refusal, which also involved criticism over Spain's defense spending pledge.
- Sanchez affirmed Spain would not be complicit in actions harmful to the world or contrary to its values.
- US forces utilize the Rota naval base and Moron air base in Spain.
- Macron's office confirmed France's European solidarity in response to the threats of economic coercion targeting Spain.

**Why it matters:** The dispute highlights significant transatlantic tension regarding the US military operation against Iran, with a key European ally refusing support and receiving backing from another major European power.

MyJoyOnline - Trump’s support risks dragging Europe into a new crisis

Daily Post Nigeria - No to war – Spain insists after Trump's threats over denying US access to Iran

News18 - 'No To War': Spanish PM Defies Trump's Trade Threat Over Iran, Gets Macron's Backing

Daily Mail Online - Iran strikes pummel Trump approval to all-time low as Americans turn on war: 'He said he'd be the peace president'

Daily Mail Online - Starmer swipes that Trump doesn't have a 'viable thought-through plan' for Iran war as Special Relationship goes into meltdown

Spain Defies Trump's Trade Threat Over Iran, Gains Macron's Backing

**Summary:** The Israel Defense Forces (IDF/Tsahal) announced a new wave of large-scale missile strikes targeting sites in Tehran, Iran. This follows reports that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was chosen as his successor by the Assembly of Experts, though this remains unconfirmed by Iran.

**Key points:**
- The strikes targeted objects belonging to the "Iranian terrorist regime" in Tehran.
- The head of US CENTCOM, Bradley Cooper, previously stated the US had struck 2000 targets in Iran since the operation began.
- British political scientist Daniel Levy suggested Israel's strategy aims for Iran's state collapse and regional hegemony, potentially leading to a NATO-like alliance.
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that any leader appointed by the Iranian regime to replace Ali Khamenei would be an "unambiguous target for elimination."
- The US and Israel had considered striking a week earlier but postponed due to intelligence and operational reasons, including adverse weather.

**Why it matters:** The escalation of military action by Israel against Iran, coupled with the reported selection of a successor to the recently killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signals a significant and potentially destabilizing development in regional security.

Lenta.ru - Израиль начал новую волну масштабных ударов по Ирану

Lenta.ru - Названы следующие «грандиозные планы» Израиля после Ирана

Actualno.com - Израел заплаши: Ще убиваме всеки нов ирански лидер

15min.lt - Izraelis pradėjo plataus masto smūgius Teherane

Israel Launches New Wave of Strikes Against Iran Amid Succession Uncertainty

**Summary:** The ongoing five-day war involving the U.S. and Israel targeting Iran is reportedly ahead of schedule, according to U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, leading to significant regional disruption, including flight cancellations and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

**Key points:**
- The U.S. operation, 'Operation Epic Fury,' was described as nearly double the scale of the 2003 Iraq War's opening 24 hours.
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in the opening salvos on Saturday.
- Iran reported 787 deaths by Tuesday, including 165 girls killed in a school bombing, an incident Israel denies involvement in.
- The conflict has caused over 20,000 flight cancellations globally and led the U.S. State Department to evacuate nonemergency personnel from six nations.
- Israel targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon, issuing evacuation warnings to 16 southern villages after the group retaliated for Khamenei's death.

**Why it matters:** The escalating conflict is severely impacting global markets and critical regional infrastructure, including oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while prompting foreign governments to repatriate their citizens.

Cyprus Mail - US assault on Iran ahead of schedule, says US Middle East Commander

Deccan Chronicle - Country by Country, Here's How the Unfolding War Is Affecting the Middle East

US-Israel Assault on Iran Ahead of Schedule, Causing Regional Disruption

**Summary:** Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been chosen as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts, allegedly under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday, March 1st, following joint US-Israeli strikes.

**Key points:**
- Mojtaba Khamenei is Ali Khamenei's second oldest son and is 56 years old.
- Mojtaba has strong ties to the IRGC and the Basij volunteer paramilitary force.
- The Assembly of Experts met in Qom to select the successor.
- Ali Khamenei was buried in Mashhad on March 3rd.
- The US and Israel flattened the building where the Assembly of Experts met.
- Following Ali Khamenei's death, Iran is temporarily governed by a three-person council.

**Why it matters:** The succession of Iran's Supreme Leader is a pivotal moment, especially following the death of Ali Khamenei in a military conflict, potentially shifting the country's strategic direction.

Более 9 тысяч американцев покинули Ближний Восток после операции против Ирана

Сын Хаменеи стал новым Верховным лидером Ирана - СМИ

ЗМІ: Новим верховним лідером Ірану став син Алі Хаменеї – Мотжабу

Сын Али Хаменеи стал новым верховным лидером Ирана

Iran International: Majelis Ahli Pilih Mojtaba Khamenei Jadi Pemimpin Tertinggi Iran

Iran's new supreme leader is named as Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba - Iranian TV network reports

Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Iran's New Supreme Leader After Ali Khamenei's Death

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump announced the United States would cut off all trade with Spain after the country refused to allow US military use of its bases for missions targeting Iran. Spain responded by citing international law and bilateral agreements regarding the use of its sovereign territory.

**Key points:**
- Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut off all dealings" with Spain, calling the country "terrible."
- The US relocated 15 aircraft, including refuelling tankers, from Rota and Moron military bases following Spain's refusal.
- Trump also referenced Spain's failure to meet NATO's 5% GDP defence spending target.
- Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed European pressure on Spain regarding its NATO defence spending contribution.
- Spain stated it has resources to manage the embargo's impact and continues to advocate for free trade.

**Why it matters:** This action represents a significant escalation in US-Spain relations, linking military cooperation and NATO commitments to severe economic penalties, potentially impacting European security dynamics.

Trump’s dramatic trade break with Spain: Will the Sánchez presidency survive? - Euro Weekly News

Trump says US will cut all trade with Spain over military bases, defence spending - The Straits Times

Trump dice que puede usar las bases militares en España cuando quiera, pero los tratados sostienen lo contrario - elDiario.es

Trump threatens Spain with total trade cut over military base access refusal