The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that the first 100 hours of the U.S. operation against Iran cost $3.7 billion. The analysis said this is equivalent to an average of $891.4 million per day. CSIS said less than $200 million of that amount consists of operating costs covered by the Defence Department’s current budget. The remainder was said to stem in part from heavy use of weapons and the need to replenish them. The analysis said most of those costs are not included in the budget and may require additional Pentagon funding. The authors of the estimate did not cite official U.S. government figures on the total cost of the operation at this stage. The report noted that further costs will depend on the intensity of the action and the duration of the operation. CSIS did not provide a forecast of the war’s overall cost.
Agnieszka
Frech and Hurkacz eliminated in first round at Indian Wells
Magdalena Fręch lost to Australian Storm Hunter 6:3, 5:7, 3:6, and Hubert Hurkacz was defeated by American Aleksandar Kovacevic 6:7 (6-8), 6:7 (4-7) in the first round of the tennis tournament in Indian Wells, USA. Magda Linette was eliminated earlier. Iga Świątek and Kamil Majchrzak remain in the tournament. Majchrzak advanced to the second round after beating Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6:3, 1:6, 7:5. His next opponent will be Novak Djokovic.
Oil prices fall after signals of possible U.S. intervention
On 6 March 2026, oil prices fell after earlier gains. The drop followed reports that the U.S. government is considering possible intervention in the futures market to ease price pressure. The United States was also reported to have issued waivers allowing Indian refiners to buy Russian oil. At 02:51 GMT, Brent crude was down $1.14, or 1.33%, at $84.27 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was down $1.46, or 1.8%, at $79.55 a barrel. The reports said U.S. measures are intended to ease supply constraints stemming from the war in the Middle East. The information provided did not specify what tools the U.S. administration is considering or when any decision might be taken.
US and Qatar in talks with Ukraine over anti-drone systems
The United States and Qatar are in talks with Ukraine about obtaining Ukrainian solutions to counter Iranian Shahed drones. The discussions are reported to cover interceptor drones and supporting systems, including detection and jamming of unmanned aircraft communications. The information provided said the talks are at an early stage and are taking place at government level. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the U.S. side had asked Kyiv for support in shooting down Shahed drones. Zelenskyy said he instructed officials to provide the resources needed for such cooperation and to involve Ukrainian specialists.
He added that Ukraine would consider cooperation only on the condition that it does not weaken Ukraine’s own defence against Russian attacks. Zelenskyy also said he was ready to consider exchanging drones for missiles for air defence systems. The information provided did not say that any sales terms had been agreed or that any deal had been signed.
South Korea imposes travel ban to Iran from 6 pm
South Korea’s foreign ministry announced on 5 March 2026 a travel ban for its citizens to Iran. The ban is to take effect the same day at 6:00 pm local time. The ministry cited a deterioration in security conditions linked to the ongoing conflict in the region. In the statement, it urged citizens to comply with the new restrictions and safety guidance. No exceptions to the ban were specified.
The ministry did not say how long the restriction would remain in force. It did not provide figures on how many South Korean citizens were in Iran at the time of the announcement. No additional consular measures were announced in the statement.
Luke Donald to captain Europe in Ryder Cup for third term
Luke Donald has been reappointed as captain of Europe’s team in the golf Ryder Cup for a third term, ahead of the 2027 matches at Adare Manor in Ireland. Donald has previously won the Ryder Cup four times as a player and served twice as a vice-captain. He led Europe to victory in 2023 in Rome and at Bethpage. Rory McIlroy stated that Donald’s return provides a significant advantage for the team. McIlroy also expressed his intention to participate in the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be his first on the island of Ireland.
Discussions continue about Jon Rahm’s eligibility for the 2027 event due to a dispute between the DP World Tour and LIV Golf. McIlroy described the settlement offered to players competing in both tours as generous and emphasized the importance of the team above individual players.
Glapiński: Poland’s SAFE alternative must not cut NBP reserves
On 5 March 2026, NBP President Adam Glapiński said Poland’s alternative to the EU’s SAFE programme must not reduce the central bank’s foreign currency reserves. He said the NBP would not propose a solution that lowers reserves. Glapiński said a possible approach could be based on the central bank’s profits. He added that details of such a mechanism have not yet been presented.
His remarks came amid debate on financing defence spending linked to the €150 billion SAFE programme. In Poland, the discussion has included disputes over borrowing and the conditions for spending funds under SAFE. No date was given for presenting a Polish proposal or draft legislation. The NBP did not announce any changes to the rules for managing reserves.
Two military aircraft head to the Middle East to evacuate Poles
On 5 March 2026, Polish Air Force aircraft departed from Poland for Oman as part of an evacuation operation. Operational Command of the Armed Forces said the aircraft took off shortly after 6:00 a.m. The flights are intended to support bringing Polish citizens back to Poland. Priority is to evacuate people requiring medical assistance. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said on 4 March that consular services had identified 57 people to be transported under a medical flight, including 55 in the United Arab Emirates and two in Oman.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said those who are ill will be prioritised, and that other citizens may also be taken if seats remain available. No details were given on the route, timings or the number of seats on the aircraft. The timing of the evacuees’ arrival in Poland was not specified in the statements.
USS Gerald R. Ford Leaves Port in Crete
On 26 February 2026, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departed from a port in Crete. On the same day, diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran began in Geneva. The vessel resumed its voyage towards the Middle East region.
The ship belongs to the Gerald R. Ford class and is operated by the United States Navy. It is powered by a nuclear reactor and equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. The aircraft carrier is designed to carry more than 70 aircraft. The crew of the vessel numbers approximately 4,500 personnel.
More Than 125 Free Concerts in Golden Gate Park
On 1 March 2026, a series of more than 125 free concerts will begin in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The events are organised as part of the Illuminate Live project. The concerts will take place outdoors within the park. Admission to all performances will be open and free to the public. The series includes more than 125 musical events scheduled under this initiative. Illuminate Live is implemented as a programme of cultural events in the urban space of San Francisco.