**Summary:** The government in Kiev plans to introduce restrictions, specifically licensing, on the import of grapes, wine, and alcohol from the Republic of Moldova. This measure is described as a "mirror" response to Chișinău's temporary ban on poultry imports from Ukraine, which was enacted after detecting a prohibited substance in feed.

**Key points:**
- The Ukrainian restrictions, potentially starting around March 5-6, target the main export item from Moldova to Ukraine.
- The value of Ukrainian poultry exports to Moldova in 2025 was about $33 million, similar to Moldovan wine/grape exports to Ukraine.
- Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Taras Visoțki, stated this is a proportional response to a measure considered restrictive.
- Moldova's National Food Safety Agency suspended Ukrainian poultry imports on January 26 due to metronidazole detection in feed, leading to the culling of about 110,000 birds.
- Visoțki claimed Ukrainian authorities conducted necessary investigations according to European standards and found only a small, destroyed lot of non-compliant feed.

**Why it matters:** This escalating trade dispute, framed as a proportional reaction by Ukraine, highlights bilateral tensions stemming from food safety measures imposed by Moldova.

Ziarul de Gardă - Kievul urmează să introducă restricții la vinurile și strugurii din R. Moldova, ca răspuns la interdicția asupra cărnii de pasăre: „Nu ne-a rămas altă opțiune”

moldova1.md - Zelenski: Dacă alegerile vor avea loc după încheierea războiului, nu sunt sigur că voi candida

Ukraine to restrict Moldovan wine/grapes in response to poultry ban

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump claimed that "just about everything's been knocked out" in Iran following US-Israel strikes that began Saturday, while denying that Israel forced the US into the war, asserting he acted to prevent an Iranian assault first. Trump also downplayed the leadership chances of exiled activist Reza Pahlavi, preferring a moderate leader from within Iran.

**Key points:**
- Trump made the comments on Tuesday while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated the US acted only after learning Israel was going to strike.
- Trump expressed concern that a hardline leader could replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the strikes.
- Reza Pahlavi, exiled since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, advocates for secular governance and democratic reforms.

**Why it matters:** The statements provide insight into the US administration's justification for military action against Iran and its preferred outcome for post-Khamenei leadership.

National Post - Trump says ‘everything’s been knocked out’ in Iran

inquirer.net - US-Israeli strikes pummel Tehran, as Trump says 'too late' for talks

News18 - Could Reza Pahlavi Lead Iran? Trump Says ‘He’s A Very Nice Person But...'

News24 | Trump says 'everything's been knocked out' in Iran, denies Israel pushed US into war

Trump Boasts of Wide Damage in Iran After US-Israel Attack; Denies Being Forced Into War

**Summary:** Apple announced the lower-priced iPhone 17e, starting at $599, to expand its smartphone lineup and counter concerns about its standing in artificial intelligence. The new device launches on March 11 and is a pared-back version of the iPhone 17.

**Key points:**
- The iPhone 17e has the same processor as the iPhone 17 but a smaller screen, one camera instead of two, and lacks the Dynamic Island bar.
- The launch follows the introduction of the iPhone 16e last year, suggesting increased demand for cheaper phones.
- The new model costs $200 less than the iPhone 17 and may boost adoption of Apple Intelligence by appealing to users with older phones.
- The launch occurs during a challenging time for the smartphone industry, with IDC estimating a 6.8% global market decline in Q1 due to the memory shortage driven by AI.
- Apple also announced a new version of the iPad Air on Monday.
- The iPhone 17e includes a new cellular modem claimed to be twice as fast as the one in the iPhone 16e.

**Why it matters:** The iPhone 17's success has been instrumental in quelling Wall Street's concerns about Apple's position in the AI race, and the 17e aims to further boost adoption of Apple's AI features.

sudaress.com - "أبل" تطلق آيفون 17e.. سعر ومواصفات الهاتف

Egypt Independent - Apple launches cheaper iPhone 17e in push to boost iPhone sales

Apple launches cheaper iPhone 17e to boost sales amid AI concerns

**Summary:** Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in jeopardy following escalating military conflict between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Iranian government declared a 40-day mourning period, halting national team preparations, leading federation officials to suggest they may not travel to North America.

**Key points:**
- Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation, expressed skepticism about competing on American soil due to current hostilities.
- The domestic Iranian soccer league has been suspended indefinitely.
- Iran's Group G matches are scheduled entirely within U.S. territory (Los Angeles and Seattle).
- FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström stated the organization is monitoring the situation but focuses on a safe World Cup with everyone participating.
- The White House World Cup task force director, Andrew Giuliani, commented on celebrating freedom rather than soccer games.

**Why it matters:** The conflict threatens the participation of a qualified nation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, potentially forcing FIFA to select a replacement team like the UAE to maintain the 48-team structure.

sudaress.com - بعد الحرب.. ترجيح انسحاب إيران من \"المونديال الأميركي\"

myjoyonline.com - Iran World Cup participation in doubt after US-Israeli strikes

Iran World Cup 2026 Participation in Doubt Amid US-Israeli Strikes

**Summary:** Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 2nd, leading to dozens of oil tankers being stranded in the Persian Gulf. This action has caused Brent crude oil prices to surge above $84 per barrel, reaching a maximum since mid-2024.

**Key points:**
- China urged all parties to cease military operations and ensure safe passage through the Strait.
- Qatar is pressuring Iranian officials to avoid attacks on oil and LNG tankers passing through the strait.
- Shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have significantly increased container tariffs due to war risk.
- Insurance companies are cancelling war risk coverage or imposing very high premiums.
- The closure impacts approximately 20% of global oil transit, with tanker traffic down over 80%.

**Why it matters:** The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor, is impacting global oil prices and has geopolitical ramifications, potentially benefiting Russia's economy and diverting US resources away from supporting Ukraine.

МАГАТЭ подтвердило повреждения на ядерном объекте в Натанзе - Day.az

Стоимость нефти подскочила до максимума с лета 2024 года - Lenta.ru

Судноплавні компанії масово припиняють рейси через Ормузьку протоку - Espreso.tv

Путин станет единственным победителем в войне Трампа с Ираном, - обозреватель Bloomberg - UNIAN

Жизненно важный партнер Ирана недоволен перекрытием Ормузского пролива - UNIAN

Iran's actions in Strait of Hormuz cause global energy market disruption

**Summary:** Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced plans to increase gas supplies to Europe, noting that Azerbaijani gas now reaches 16 countries, including new EU members Germany and Austria. This expansion is contingent on developing existing gas transport infrastructure, as the Southern Gas Corridor is currently fully utilized.

**Key points:**
- Azerbaijan currently supplies pipeline gas to 16 countries, leading globally in the number of recipient nations.
- Gas supplies have reached destinations outside Europe for the first time, with 1.5 billion cubic meters sent to Syria.
- The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), part of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), delivered 56 bcm of gas and was expanded by 1.2 bcm/year in January 2026.
- New gas production from Azerbaijani fields is expected to yield an additional 10 to 15 billion cubic meters annually in the coming years.
- The statements were made at the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the SGC Advisory Council and the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Green Energy Advisory Council in Baku.
- EU Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen expressed the EU's interest in expanding energy partnership with Azerbaijan.

**Why it matters:** Azerbaijan's increased gas output and infrastructure development are positioned as crucial for strengthening Europe's long-term energy supply security, as highlighted by both Azerbaijani and EU officials.

Еврокомиссар Йоргенсен заявил об интересе ЕС к сотрудничеству с Азербайджаном в энергетике

EU-Azerbaijan partnership holds strategic nature and strengthens Europe's energy security

Southern Gas Corridor plays strategic role in ensuring long-term energy supply security – Turkish deputy minister

Президент Ильхам Алиев: Мы хотим расширять свое присутствие на европейском энергетическом рынке - ПОЛНЫЙ ТЕКСТ ВЫСТУПЛЕНИЯ ГЛАВЫ ГОСУДАРСТВА

Президент Ильхам Алиев: В 2028 году мы ожидаем начала добычи в рамках новой фазы разработки Шахдениз

We want to increase our presence in the European energy market - President Ilham Aliyev

Azerbaijan Aims to Expand European Energy Market Presence, Citing Production Growth

**Summary:** The death toll for US military personnel in the offensive against Iran has increased to six, confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the strikes were preemptive due to an imminent Iranian threat following an Israeli attack, with the operation aiming to destroy Iran's ballistic missile and naval capabilities.

**Key points:**
- CENTCOM recovered the remains of two service members whose whereabouts were unknown following initial Iranian attacks.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted the next phase of attacks against Iran will be "even tougher."
- The stated objectives of the US/Israel operation, 'Operation Epic Fury,' include neutralizing Iran's missile program and naval threat.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for drone attacks on a Honduran-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and military facilities in Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain.
- Donald Trump confirmed the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

**Why it matters:** The escalating conflict, involving direct military action and threats to global oil transit via the Strait of Hormuz, has caused significant disruption to maritime traffic and major volatility in oil markets, with Brent crude rising over 13%.

Conflicto que se aviva entre Irán, Israel y EE.UU. - El Norte

Aumentan a 6 militares de EEUU muertos por ofensiva en Irán - AlMomento.net

Rubio Says Military Op In Iran Targets Missile, Naval Capabilities As Sixth American Soldier Dies | World News - News18

Marco Rubio aseguró que el ataque a Irán fue una acción preventiva: “Había una amenaza inminente” - Infobae

El régimen de Irán anunció el cierre del estrecho de Ormuz: “Ni una sola gota de petróleo” saldrá del Golfo Pérsico - Infobae

Marco Rubio: “los golpes más duros” contra Teherán “aún están por venir” - EL COMERCIO PERÚ

US Military Deaths Rise to Six Amidst Offensive in Iran

**Summary:** U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is scheduled to return to the Powering Africa Summit (PAS) in Washington, D.C. on March 19-20, 2026, to participate in a fireside chat focusing on energy access and clean cooking. The summit's theme is 'Powering the US-Africa Partnership: Energy Infrastructure, Critical Minerals & Investment Strategies,' building on the previous year's focus on the US-Africa Energy Partnership.

**Key points:**
- Secretary Wright previously gave a keynote address at the 10th anniversary PAS in 2025.
- Discussions will cover US-Africa cooperation on energy infrastructure, critical minerals, and investment strategies.
- Key sessions will explore large-scale infrastructure investment, guarantees, financing, and US-Africa gas strategies for energy security.
- Confirmed attendees include Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung of Liberia and Ministers from Ethiopia and Ghana.
- Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will give welcome remarks.
- Sponsors include Sun Africa (Summit Sponsor) and Petrodex (Lead Sponsor).

**Why it matters:** The event highlights the ongoing commitment to practical, investment-driven solutions for expanding energy access in Africa, with high-level representation from US government agencies and African nations.

https://africa.com/united-states-u-s-secretary-of-energy-chris-wright-is-back-to-powering-africa-summit-2026-to-discuss-energy-access-and-clean-cooking/

United States (U.S.) Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is back to Powering Africa Summit 2026 to discuss energy access and clean cooking

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to attend Powering Africa Summit 2026

United States (U.S.) Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is back to Powering Africa Summit 2026 to discuss energy access and clean cooking | africa.com - Africa.com