Business
Russia weighs halt to peace talks unless Ukraine cedes territory, Bloomberg News reports
Business
FBI Reviews Thousands of Video Hours & Speaks Out
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has stretched into its fourth week with no major breakthroughs, as authorities comb through thousands of hours of surveillance footage and the family renews public pleas for information amid a $1 million reward offer.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson following dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie’s residence. She was reported missing February 1 when she failed to attend a virtual church service. Investigators believe she was taken from her bed against her will in the early morning hours, as her pacemaker stopped transmitting signals around 2:28 a.m. that day.
As of February 28, marking day 28 since her disappearance, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and FBI describe the investigation as active and ongoing. Officials have shifted focus to analyzing extensive video evidence, including newly surfaced Ring camera footage from neighbors showing multiple vehicles in the vicinity during overnight hours surrounding the abduction. One clip captured at least a dozen cars passing near her home between midnight and 6 a.m. on February 1, while another depicted a light-colored vehicle driving past a residence about 2.5 miles away around 2:30 a.m. Authorities have reviewed the material but stated it does not appear directly related to the case, though it continues to inform the timeline and vehicle of interest inquiries.
An FBI official reported the agency has amassed as many as 10,000 hours of video for review, describing it as a key component of the investigation. The command post, initially in Tucson, has been relocated to Phoenix for long-term operational efficiency, with most agents based there. Investigative squads, evidence recovery teams and SWAT units remain active in Tucson through the local FBI satellite office.
On February 27, Savannah Guthrie posted a new Instagram video renewing her emotional plea for her mother’s safe return. Sharing a “Today” show segment explaining the tip submission process, she wrote, “Please — be the one that brings her home. Tips can be anonymous, reward can be paid in cash.” The family-offered reward of up to $1 million is for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery, consistent with FBI criteria. The FBI also offers a separate $100,000 reward.
Savannah Guthrie has emphasized her mother’s fragile health, noting the urgency of her safe return. In earlier posts, she described the abduction as occurring “in the dark of night from her bed,” urging anyone with information to come forward. She has expressed gratitude for public support and prayers while maintaining hope for a miracle.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department indicated it is “refocusing resources” as the case approaches the one-month mark, limiting public updates to instances when new information warrants release. The Guthrie family home, which served as the primary crime scene, is expected to be returned to the family soon after exhaustive forensic processing, a law enforcement source told CBS News. Savannah Guthrie has indicated plans to return to her “Today” show duties in the near future, though the emotional toll remains evident.
No arrests have been made, and no motive has been publicly identified. Investigators continue examining DNA evidence, including from a glove found about two miles from the home, though recent reports indicate no matches in national databases. A backpack discovered by volunteer searchers earlier in the investigation was not deemed a viable lead.
Nancy Guthrie, a longtime resident of the Tucson area, is widely known beyond her daughter’s celebrity for her work as a Bible teacher, author and conference speaker. She has written numerous books on Christian theology, including studies tracing Jesus through the Old Testament and series such as “Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament.” She hosts the “Help Me Teach the Bible” podcast for The Gospel Coalition and leads workshops on biblical theology. Her website lists upcoming speaking engagements, including events planned for March 20-21, 2026, at Redeemer Lincoln Square in New York and the Katoomba Easter Convention in Australia from April 3-6, 2026. However, these appearances remain uncertain amid the ongoing search.
The case has drawn intense national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. She has spoken publicly about the family’s anguish, emphasizing hope amid uncertainty. Experts on missing persons cases note the prolonged absence, combined with the lack of a clear vehicle of interest or named suspects, complicates efforts. Former FBI agents have described the challenge of achieving a “clean” disappearance in an era of widespread surveillance, digital tracking and forensic tools, yet this case has so far defied quick resolution.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or local authorities. Tips can remain anonymous, and the $1 million family reward remains active for credible leads leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery.
As the investigation enters its fifth week, the family clings to hope for a positive outcome while grappling with daily uncertainty—a sentiment echoed by advocates for missing persons who stress the psychological strain on loved ones in prolonged cases.
Business
(VIDEO) Jim Carrey Makes Rare Public Debut With Girlfriend Min Ah, Calls Her ‘Sublime Companion’
Jim Carrey made his first public appearance with girlfriend Min Ah on February 26, 2026, attending the 51st César Awards in Paris, where the actor received an honorary award and delivered a heartfelt speech in French that included a public declaration of love for his partner.

The 64-year-old Canadian-American star walked the red carpet at L’Olympia alongside Min Ah, his daughter Jane Erin Carrey, 38, and grandson Jackson Riley Santana. Carrey, known for keeping his personal life private, used his acceptance speech for the Honorary César — recognizing his contributions to cinema — to thank his family and openly acknowledge Min Ah.
“Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah,” Carrey said in French, prompting applause from the audience. He also expressed gratitude to his daughter and grandson, saying, “Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter Jane, and my grandson Jackson, as I love you now and forever.” The actor closed by honoring his late father, Percy Joseph Carrey, calling him “the funniest man I have ever known” who taught him “the value of love, generosity and laughter.”
The moment marked the couple’s official public debut after years of private dating. Sources close to Carrey confirmed the pair have been together for several years, with earlier sightings dating back to February 2022 when they were photographed leaving a charity comedy event hosted by Judd Apatow at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles. At that time, outlets identified Min Ah — sometimes referred to as Minzi — as a Los Angeles-area actress and artist.
Details about Min Ah remain limited, as she has maintained a low public profile. Reports describe her as a creative professional in the arts, though she has not appeared in major acting credits or maintained a visible social media presence tied to the relationship. Carrey has rarely discussed his romantic life since his previous high-profile relationships, including his marriage to Melissa Womer (1987-1995) and Lauren Holly (1996-1997), as well as his engagement to Cathriona White, who died in 2015.
The César appearance comes amid Carrey’s selective return to public life. The comedian and actor, whose career spans iconic roles in films like *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*, *The Mask*, *Dumb and Dumber* and *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*, has stepped back from Hollywood in recent years to focus on painting, writing and personal reflection. He last starred in the 2020 film *Sonic the Hedgehog* and its 2022 sequel, voicing Dr. Robotnik.
Fans and media reacted swiftly to the rare glimpse into Carrey’s personal life. Social media buzzed with support for the couple, with many praising Carrey’s fluent French delivery and emotional sincerity. “Jim Carrey speaking French and shouting out his love — iconic,” one user posted on X. Others noted the significance of the moment for a star who has often guarded his privacy, especially after past tragedies and public scrutiny.
The César Awards, France’s equivalent of the Oscars, honored Carrey for his global impact on comedy and film. His speech reflected on his French-Canadian heritage, joking about his accent while expressing gratitude for the recognition. The event drew a star-studded crowd, with Carrey’s family presence adding a personal touch to the professional milestone.
Carrey and Min Ah’s relationship has drawn curiosity due to the actor’s relatively quiet dating history in recent years. No wedding plans or further details have been shared, and representatives for Carrey declined to comment beyond the public appearance.
As Carrey continues selective projects and artistic pursuits, the Paris outing highlights a more open chapter, blending his storied career with a private romance now shared publicly for the first time.
Business
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Holds Phone Call With Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call Saturday from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to discuss recent regional developments, including Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on the UAE and other Gulf states, according to the UAE’s official news agency WAM.
The conversation, reported late February 28, 2026, came hours after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military assets and Gulf allies in response to joint U.S.-Israeli operations against Iranian leadership and facilities earlier that day. The Saudi Crown Prince expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation of the Iranian attacks, affirmed full solidarity with the UAE and offered all available resources to support any measures Abu Dhabi might take.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s firm stance, fraternal solidarity and readiness to stand by the UAE. Both leaders warned of the serious consequences of continued violations of state sovereignty and international law, describing the actions as a dangerous escalation threatening regional security and stability. They called for restraint and emphasized pursuing diplomatic solutions to safeguard the region’s security.
The call underscored close coordination between the two Gulf powers amid heightened tensions. It marked a show of unity following Iran’s missile barrages, which UAE air defenses intercepted with high efficiency. Debris from interceptions caused one fatality in Abu Dhabi and material damage in residential areas, while explosions were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and near other U.S.-hosted sites.
Saudi Arabia separately condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, denouncing them as a flagrant violation of sovereignty against the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. The Kingdom’s foreign ministry statement urged the international community to denounce the aggression.
The dialogue highlighted Gulf states’ shared concerns over Iranian actions, especially after missiles targeted countries hosting American forces. Bahrain reported strikes near the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, with residents evacuated from nearby areas. Qatar intercepted projectiles, and similar alerts activated in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh.
The UAE Ministry of Defense described the incident as a “blatant attack” and reserved the right to respond, stressing that targeting civilian areas crossed red lines. Authorities issued emergency text alerts urging residents to shelter and avoid military sites.
The phone call reflected efforts to de-escalate while maintaining a united front. Both leaders stressed the need for dialogue to prevent broader confrontations, amid fears of prolonged conflict disrupting energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices surged more than 15% on supply disruption worries, with Brent crude climbing sharply. Global markets opened lower, and airlines suspended Middle East flights amid airspace closures.
The discussion occurred against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of “major combat operations” against Iran, urging regime change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the initial strikes as pre-emptive to eliminate threats.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the retaliatory launches targeted U.S. assets and vowed continued operations. Tehran condemned the U.S.-Israeli aggression as violations of sovereignty.
International reactions included calls for restraint from European leaders and condemnation from Russia and China, who labeled the initial strikes “illegal.” The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting.
The UAE-Saudi exchange reinforced Gulf solidarity, signaling coordinated responses to threats while prioritizing diplomacy. As the situation evolves, the call may pave the way for further consultations among GCC states.
Business
Market analysts react to US-Israel strikes on Iran

Market analysts react to US-Israel strikes on Iran
Business
Iran-Israel war: Up 20% in 2026, crude oil stares at $80 a barrel
Israel launched attacks on Iran’s capital Tehran to remove what it called “an existential threat”. The attacks came as talks between the US and Iran over nuclear de-escalation failed to reach an understanding. The US has backed the Israel’s attacks. Iran has retaliated to the attacks.
“Uncertainty prevails, fear is pushing prices higher today,” Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM was quoted as saying by Reuters. “It is completely driven by the outcome of the Iranian nuclear talks and possible military action the U.S. might take against Iran.”
Quoting Barclays Bank, IANS reported that Brent crude could rise to around $80 per barrel in the event of any significant supply disruption as the market is experiencing a risk premium due to geopolitical tensions, although any escalation may not necessarily lead to an immediate supply disruption.
The benchmarks Brent and the US WTI surged over 3% in the previous session and could extend their gains on Monday when trading resumes.
The US WTI crude oil futures ended at $67.29 per barrel, gaining $2.08 or 3.19% in a single session while Brent witnessed an even sharper surge of 3.4% or $2.37 per barrel to close at $72.87.
The Brent and WTI benchmarks are currently trading at their highest levels since July and August.President Donald Trump called the strikes a “major combat operations in Iran” in a video released on social media. The strikes were launched near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The war-like situation is likely to impact operations through the Strait of Hormuz, a 21-mile-wide waterway which remains a critical passage for global supply. Approximately 13 million barrels per day pass through the Strait — roughly 31% of all seaborne crude oil on earth.
Commodity and currency expert Anuj Gupta expects a sharp spike on Monday, hinting at Brent testing the $75 per barrel mark while WTI scaling $70 levels.
Crude oil prices have been on fire rising by nearly 5% or $3.39 in February while extending the 2026 gains to a $12.21 per barrel, implying a 20.10% year-to-date increase.
The war premium is expected to grow if the crisis is not contained in time.
Strategy for oil traders
Gupta suggests buying MCX Crude oil futures at Rs 5,950-6,000 with a stop loss of Rs 5,750 and a target of Rs 6,350-6,500.
Impact on equity markets
High crude oil prices are expected to be sentimentally negative for domestic equity markets when trading resumes on Monday.
Kranthi Bathini, Director-Equity Strategy at WealthMills Securities said a level above $80 per barrel could be a strong negative. He expects a choppy trade on Monday, expecting sharp cuts that may stay over a near term.
India’s benchmark indices Nifty and the BSE Sensex, ended with deep cuts on Friday amid selling pressure across the board. Auto, financials and FMCG were major laggards while the IT sector saw selective buying action. In a volatile session, the broader Nifty edged lower by 317.90 points, or 1.25%, to close at 25,178.65, while the 30-share Sensex plunged by 961.42 points, or 1.17%, to settle at 81,287.19.
Sectors in focus
Oil marketing companies like Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Oil India Limited could be in focus and may see selling pressure, if oil prices jump sharply.
High prices impact refining margins of OMCs, hitting their bottom lines.
Moreover, tyre and paint stocks could also come under pressure. Crude oil is a key raw material source for both paint and tyre companies because many of their inputs are petroleum-based derivatives.
Also read: Iran-Israel tensions likely to trigger choppy trade on Monday. What should investors do?
(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)
Business
Berkshire Hathaway profit falls on writedowns, lower insurance income

Berkshire Hathaway profit falls on writedowns, lower insurance income
Business
NASA to send first Black, first female astronauts to moon
NASA is preparing to launch a mission to the moon — and it’s making history for more reasons than one.
The space agency’s Artemis II launch marks the U.S.’s first journey back to the moon in more than 50 years. It will also carry the first Black astronaut and the first female astronaut to travel to the moon, though the mission will be a flyby without a touchdown on the surface.
The launch, originally scheduled for early February and now delayed, will carry four astronauts around the moon and back, including Victor Glover and Christina Koch, the first Black and first female astronauts, respectively, to make the flight.
The mission follows the success of the Artemis I launch in 2022, which was uncrewed, and marks NASA’s next step toward eventually sending astronauts to Mars.
“The benefits of the Artemis program are technological, but they’re also cultural,” Glover, who is a decorated U.S. Navy captain and has traveled to the International Space Station, said in a 2024 NASA video. “What really means something to me is the inspiration that will come from it, inspiring future generations to reach for the moon, literally to reach for the moon.”
Koch began her career at NASA, starting as an engineer and going on to conduct scientific research before becoming an astronaut in 2013, also traveling to the International Space Station.
“The one thing I’m most excited about is that we are going to carry your excitement, your aspiration, your dreams with us on this mission,” Koch said at the 2023 press conference when the mission’s astronauts were announced.
Danielle Wood, a professor in the astronautics department at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said this mission builds upon decades of NASA’s work, including lessons learned from its previously failed endeavors.
“NASA’s been thinking through this whole process, two decades’ worth, of what we’re going to do is prepare the government to focus on these harder, next-generation missions and be able to do things that are not already demonstrated,” Wood told CNBC.
Wood said she’s also thankful that NASA has created a commitment to sending more diverse astronauts to space who “represent society in a more broad way.” Though the space agency initially emphasized military training for astronauts, she said opening up those requirements has led to exciting developments.
“It is still the case that there are many firsts, many glass ceilings, that need to be broken by Black women and Black men and women in general — that’s still real,” Wood added.
The mission will encompass more than just an exploratory journey to the moon too, she said. NASA will be conducting scientific research on the astronauts’ health, the rocket and the science of the moon. The mission is also working in conjunction with other countries, like Saudi Arabia and Germany, as part of “goodwill” agreements to pool together resources for moon research, Wood said.
“That’s just one step for this bigger, new form of operation,” she said.
Space historian Amy Shira Teitel, who’s been studying space for more than two decades, said Artemis II is the beginning of NASA’s next chapter of research.
“It’s marking a new era of leaving low Earth orbit, which we haven’t done since 1972,” she told CNBC. “It’s still a significant step because at the end of the day, we’re still going to gain some information that can be applied to whatever the next step is.”
Still, Teitel has her doubts about whether this launch will be the first step toward a lasting presence on the moon. Between budget restraints, multiple launch delays and complicating political factors, Teitel said the rocket launching this mission is “widely regarded as a huge boondoggle.”
That comes even as the space sector — and the journey back to the moon — has become more crowded.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX announced earlier this month that it was shifting its efforts from Mars explorations to moon explorations. Texas-based rocket and spacecraft builder Firefly Aerospace and Houston-based space startup Intuitive Machines have both sent spacecraft to the moon.
And NASA plans to retire the International Space Station in favor of smaller space stations focusing on the moon and Mars, with costs adding up. The U.S. Senate has also advanced legislation to support NASA’s advancements and create thousands of aerospace jobs, especially in Alabama, where the Marshall Space Flight Center is located.
Though the Artemis II launch will mark a significant step in NASA’s history, Teitel said she is choosing to remain cautiously optimistic about the future of space exploration, despite the hurdles.
“There’s so many challenges with this program right now stemming from policy, not from the astronauts or the engineers, just stemming from the fact that space is so complicated and so rooted in politics and so expensive that it’s hard to be that thrilled about this as the next step when everything else feels so tenuous,” Teitel said.
Business
Life Time, Planet Fitness earnings show K-shaped economy

Two of the largest U.S. gym operators delivered the same headline in their latest earnings reports: strong growth.
But beneath the surface, Life Time Group Holdings and Planet Fitness told very different stories about the American consumer. They highlighted a widening divide between higher-income households that continue to spend freely and more price-sensitive consumers who are beginning to show signs of strain.
The Planet Fitness logo is seen on the outside of its gym at the Loyal Plaza in Loyalsock Township, Pennsylvania.
Paul Weaver | Lightrocket | Getty Images
Both companies reported double-digit percentage revenue growth, rising memberships and expanding footprints in 2025. Their respective outlooks for 2026, however, point to a “K-shaped” economy, a term used to describe a split in spending trends between higher and lower-income groups. Here’s what we learned.
Life Time: Affluent consumers keep spending
Life Time’s earnings reinforced that affluent Americans are still shelling out, especially on their health and wellness.
In the fourth quarter, the company’s total revenue rose 12.3% year over year to $745.1 million. CFO Erik Weaver attributed the increase to “continued execution in our centers,” including higher average dues and stronger utilization of in-center businesses.
The company, which operates large-format fitness clubs with amenities like pools, spas and cafes, increased membership dues last year by roughly $10 to $30 per member. The change did not slow demand — membership and engagement have continued to climb.
A growing share of Life Time’s revenue is coming from in-center spending, which topped $191 million in the fourth quarter. Members are taking full advantage of additional personal training, spa services and food and beverage as they treat the space as a lifestyle destination.
Average revenue per center membership was $882, up 10.8%.
“It’s a super engaged membership model instead of a non-use membership model,” said Life Time Group Holdings CEO Bahram Akradi. “We are basically operating at optimal levels of that right now.”
Despite having far fewer locations than Planet Fitness, the company generates significantly more revenue, underscoring the higher spending power of its customer base.
“The model proved its resilience throughout a macro-challenged 2025 in which in-center revenue grew,” said Mizuho analyst John Baumgartner. “And see downside risks limited by a memberships skew favoring high-income households and differentiated club activities.”
The results suggest higher-income consumers remain relatively insulated from broader economic pressures and continue prioritizing discretionary wellness spending.
Planet Fitness: Sales grow, but outlook disappoints
The strength area of the new Planet Fitness at 226 Harvard Avenue in Allston.
Pat Greenhouse | Boston Globe | Getty Images
Planet Fitness also reported strong growth, adding 1.1 million new members in 2025 and delivering double-digit percentage revenue gains.
Investors, however, focused on its outlook, which fell short of Wall Street expectations. The company projected slower fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 9% and weaker same-store sales than expected at 4% to 5%, which raised demand concerns.
However, Planet Fitness remained positive about growth, saying the anticipated pullback in membership was temporary.
“Our join trends were impacted by the storms and cold weather in late January across many of our markets, and we experienced a slightly higher cancel rate last month than anticipated,” said Planet Fitness CFO Jay Stasz. “Notably, recent attrition trends are returning in line with our expectations.”
Planet Fitness has also been testing price hikes in some markets, which it expects to fully roll out in summer 2026. It’s also investing in new amenities like red light therapy and additional classes to increase revenue per member and attract younger members.
That strategy could support long-term growth, but some analysts are skeptical, saying the “guidance gap” between Planet Fitness’ results and Wall Street expectations is particularly frustrating.
“The company now faces a credibility hurdle,” said Stifel analyst Chris Cull. “Is 2026 guidance conservative, or are the out-year targets unrealistic? Until the company provides a clearer path to acceleration, we expect the stock will likely churn.”
A softened 2026 outlook suggested some uncertainty about how much further its core customers can stretch their spending.
The widening consumer divide
Together the results highlight a broader shift in the U.S. economy.
Higher-income consumers, reflected in Life Time’s performance, continue to absorb price increases and spend on premium experiences. Meanwhile, Planet Fitness suggest even though price-sensitive customers are engaged, they’re more reluctant to spend.
That’s not a problem unique to fitness and has appeared across industries. Airlines are racing to build out luxury offerings as higher-income travelers continue to spend. Meanwhile, fast-food companies are leaning on value meals to attract more price-sensitive customers, reinforcing the idea of a K-shaped economy.
Planet Fitness’ performance in the coming quarters could serve as an indicator of how much discretionary spending capacity remains for lower- and middle-income consumers.
William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia lowered her firm’s projections for Planet Fitness’ 2026 member growth to 800,000 from 1 million given projected weakness in the first quarter, which typically accounts for 60% of full-year sign-ups. Still, the guidance did not dampen the firm’s optimism about the company.
“We reiterate our Outperform rating and continue to view the brand’s long-term outlook as robust given its industry-leading low-price/non-intimidating club format,” said Zackfia.
For now the fitness industry is offering a clear signal: Consumer spending remains strong, but is increasingly divided.
Business
Cal-Maine Foods Ended Up More Than I Thought It Would Crack Up To Be (NASDAQ:CALM)
Daniel is an avid and active professional investor.
He runs Crude Value Insights, a value-oriented newsletter aimed at analyzing the cash flows and assessing the value of companies in the oil and gas space. His primary focus is on finding businesses that are trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value by employing a combination of Benjamin Graham’s investment philosophy and a contrarian approach to the market and the securities therein. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
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Business
Europeans cautious as they scramble to digest major US, Israeli attack on Iran
Germany is holding an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the situation in Iran. The European Union is evacuating some staff from the region.
The US and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran, and US President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to “take over your government” – an extraordinary appeal that suggested they could be seeking to end the country’s theocracy after decades of tensions.
It was unclear whether US allies were given any advance warning of the attacks. The German government said it was only given notice of the attacks on Saturday morning. France’s junior defence minister said France knew something would happen, but didn’t know when.
Responding to the attack, the European Union’s top diplomat called the conflict in the Middle East “perilous” and said she was working with Israeli and Arab officials to pursue a negotiated peace.
“Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmemes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” said Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief of the 27-nation bloc, in a post on social media.
“The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths.” She said the EU was evacuating some staff in the region while keeping in place a maritime mission in the Red Sea. The EU recently put fresh sanctions on Iran and its leading figures, which prompted retaliatory sanctions by Tehran.
The German government said it was monitoring the situation in Iran, Israel and the wider Middle East region after being informed about the Israeli strikes on Saturday morning. The German government’s crisis management team is scheduled to meet at noon to discuss the situation in Iran.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz was already consulting with ministers in charge of security and with European partners.
The German government urged German citizens in Iran, Israel, and the wider region to sign up for the official registration system for citizens abroad and follow the instructions of the local authorities regarding the necessary measures for their own protection.
France, whose military has bases and a regular presence in the Mideast, is calling on French citizens in the region to exercise extreme caution.
“A military escalation is underway. … It’s not the time for negotiations, we are in a situation of war,” junior Defence Minister Alice Rufo told France-2 television Saturday, comparing the situation to what happened last June.
“Our priority is the protection of our citizens and the protection of our forces in the region,” she said.
Asked if French forces were involved in the US and Israeli strikes or targeted in retaliatory strikes, French military spokesperson Col. Guillaume Vernet said Saturday: “The French armed forces continuously adapt their posture to threats and implement measures to ensure the surveillance and protection of military installations where French soldiers are deployed.”
He would not elaborate.
“Our military presence guarantees France’s independent assessment of the situation,” he told the AP.
Italy’s government urged Italians to exercise the utmost caution and follow instructions provided by its embassies in the region. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office said the prime minister would be in contact with the region’s allies and leaders within the next few hours to “support any initiative that may lead to a de-escalation of tensions.”
“Italy reiterates its support to the Iranian civilian population, who courageously continue to demand respect for their civil and political rights,” Meloni’s office said.
Switzerland called for full respect of international law and urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
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