Coordinated conflict: how the Ukraine and Iran wars are starting to overlap

The Ukraine and Iran conflicts are increasingly interconnected, drawing in more countries and creating wider instability. Russia has been using Iranian-made drones in Ukraine since September 2022, and is now reportedly providing Iran with intelligence, targeting assistance, and drones. Ukraine is also forging security agreements with Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan, providing drone and anti-drone technology. The conflicts are impacting global energy markets, with disruptions in the Middle East benefiting Russia economically. To stabilize the market, the US has eased restrictions on Russian oil exports, while Asian countries are increasing purchases of Russian oil. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure to limit Russia's profits, demonstrating the tangible impact each conflict has on the other.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that some of Ukraine's allies have requested a reduction in attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure due to concerns about the global fuel crisis. Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy facilities are a response to Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, and Ukraine would cease these attacks if Russia did the same. While he did not specify which countries made the request, China, India, and the EU remain major consumers of Russian oil and gas. Zelensky's comments followed a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. He also recently visited Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan to seek assistance in protecting Ukraine against Russian missile attacks and offer Ukraine's drone technology.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleges Russia has been sharing satellite intelligence on U.S. and allied military facilities in the Middle East with Iran. Zelenskyy claims Russian satellites imaged strategic sites, including bases and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Turkey, and Diego Garcia, over several days in late March. He suggests this reconnaissance indicates preparations for strikes, raising concerns about potential targeting. Zelenskyy's warning follows his trip to Gulf countries where he discussed security cooperation and shared intelligence with regional leaders facing Iranian attacks. He stated Ukraine has provided Middle Eastern partners with information about Russian support for Iran, including potential targeting assistance, similar to how Russia shares satellite images related to Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelensky has been touring Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to promote Ukraine's air defense technology. He claims Ukraine has altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly regarding defense against Iranian drones and missiles. Ukraine is marketing its drone interception technology, developed to counter Russian attacks, as a solution to the Iranian drone threat faced by Gulf nations. These defense agreements could provide Ukraine with significant financial benefits amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia and potential slowdowns in Western aid. The deals aim to capitalize on Ukraine's wartime innovations and create economic opportunities despite the challenges posed by the Russian invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Jordan on Sunday as part of a tour to strengthen defense ties in the Gulf region. The visit aims to bolster security cooperation amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of partners' efforts towards security in a post on X. This visit follows Ukraine's recent agreements to cooperate on defense with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Kyiv has also deployed anti-drone experts to these countries due to Iranian drone attacks, similar to those used by Russia in the war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy is seeking support from Gulf states as Ukraine struggles to fund its defense and retaliates against Russian infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering Ukraine's advanced anti-drone technology to Middle Eastern allies, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, in exchange for ballistic missile support and financial aid. Zelenskyy met with UAE's President in Abu Dhabi to discuss a potential agreement, highlighting Ukraine's unique electronic warfare and drone interception systems. This initiative aims to strengthen defense partnerships as these nations confront growing drone threats, particularly from Iran. Zelenskyy emphasized the reciprocal nature of these partnerships, seeking critical air defense weapons like PAC-3 Patriot missiles to address Ukraine's own defense deficit. He also cautioned that increasing U.S. military focus on the Middle East could potentially slow weapon deliveries to Ukraine, while Russia is reportedly sharing drone technology and battlefield tactics with Iran.

Gulf nations, facing increased missile and drone attacks from Iran since the US-Israeli war began a month ago, are seeking new defense partnerships. Ukraine, having developed cost-effective interceptor drones due to ongoing attacks from Russia, is being approached by some Gulf countries for its expertise. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already signed defense agreements with Ukraine. The potential deals aim to provide Gulf countries with affordable drone defense solutions while offering Ukraine potential benefits. Experts are discussing the potential benefits of Ukrainian drones to Gulf countries under attack from Iran. The discussion was published on March 28, 2026.

During a recent tour of the Gulf states, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed air defense cooperation agreements with the UAE and Qatar. The agreements aim to leverage Ukraine's expertise in countering drones and missiles, particularly in light of increasing threats from Iran. The deal with Qatar, signed on Saturday, focuses on technological collaboration, joint investments, and expertise exchange in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. Earlier that day, Zelenskyy announced a similar defense cooperation agreement with the UAE, following a deal with Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Ukraine has deployed anti-drone experts to these countries, seeking to strengthen their defenses and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense agreement focused on technological cooperation, investment, and future contracts. The deal, announced by President Zelenskyy during a visit to Saudi Arabia, aims to be mutually beneficial, leveraging Ukraine's expertise in countering drones and Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities. The agreement comes as Gulf countries face increasing attacks from Iran amid the US and Israel's conflict with Iran. Saudi Arabia has intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles, and Ukraine has extensive experience in combating drone attacks, having faced over 19,000 Russian drone attacks this winter alone. The memorandum focuses on defense procurement.

Overnight Russian drone strikes in Ukraine killed at least five people and injured others in multiple regions, including Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, and Poltava. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched over 270 drones, targeting civilian infrastructure like a maternity hospital and industrial sites. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy made an unannounced visit to the United Arab Emirates to discuss regional security and drone defense cooperation. Ukraine is assisting several Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, including the UAE, in countering Iranian drone attacks. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of global protection against terror and discussed the security situation in the Emirates, Iranian strikes, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz with the Emirati leader.

Amidst the ongoing Israel-United States war with Iran, Ukraine sent specialists to Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian drone attacks. President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks financial support and technology in exchange for its expertise in countering Iranian drones, particularly given Russia's extensive use of similar drones in the Russia-Ukraine war. While Ukraine denies direct involvement in military operations against Iran, it aims to establish long-term drone deals with Gulf countries. Zelenskyy also expressed interest in a drone agreement with the US, potentially worth billions of dollars, but President Trump has indicated that the US does not need Ukraine's assistance.

The article reports on escalating tensions in the Middle East. Donald Trump expressed surprise that Iran has targeted US allies in the Gulf, despite their long-standing military partnership. These Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, have allowed US military presence and are major buyers of American weapons. Now, they are increasingly concerned about being drawn into a conflict they sought to avoid, as Iran launches attacks on various targets within their borders. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed drones, some of which he alleges have been used in attacks against US bases. These drones, initially developed by Iran, are now also manufactured by Russia and used by other countries.

Iran's Assembly of Experts has selected a new Supreme Leader to succeed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike in late February. While the chosen successor's name has not been publicly announced, the selection was confirmed by multiple members of the Assembly. Israel has warned it will target any successor and those involved in the appointment. Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, was considered a frontrunner, although his appointment faces opposition due to concerns about dynastic succession and the regime's human rights record. The selection process occurs amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, including strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf and inside Iran, with Russia reportedly providing Iran with intelligence.

On March 12, 2026, two foreign oil tankers were attacked in Iraq's al-Faw port amidst ongoing conflict. Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia intercepted Iranian missiles and drones. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated three conditions for peace: recognition of Iran's rights, war reparations, and international guarantees against future aggression. The events occurred within the context of a larger war involving Iran, with the attacks and conditions highlighting the escalating tensions and potential pathways to resolution. The motivations behind the tanker attacks remain unclear, but they contribute to the instability in the region.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Wednesday demanding Iran immediately cease all attacks on Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The resolution, passed with 13 votes and two abstentions, also condemned Iranian actions obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This action follows repeated Iranian strikes on Gulf states, which Tehran claims are retaliatory measures for US-Israeli attacks on Iranian sites, including one that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has also targeted commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's ambassador decried the resolution as a misuse of the UN, but Iran states it will halt strikes on neighboring nations.

Hamas, the ruling group in Gaza, has made a rare public appeal to its key ally Iran, urging it to cease attacks on Gulf states. The call comes amidst escalating regional tensions, with Iran conducting retaliatory strikes that have impacted civilian infrastructure and resulted in casualties in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. While affirming Iran's right to self-defense against the US and Israel, Hamas emphasized the need for regional cooperation and an immediate halt to the ongoing conflict. Hamas, a member of Iran's "axis of resistance," receives significant financial, military, and political support from Tehran, even as countries like Turkey and Qatar, also targeted by Iran, provide support to Hamas. The group expressed deep concern over the regional war and called for international intervention to end it.

In March 2026, Qatar's UN ambassador, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, condemned Iran's missile and drone attacks across the Middle East as violations of international law and the UN Charter. She urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt these attacks, warning that inaction would signal that aggression against uninvolved nations has no consequences. Her statement came before the Security Council voted on a resolution denouncing the attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Iran initiated these strikes, targeting what it claimed were US and Israeli assets, after the two countries launched a war against Iran in late February. The attacks have disrupted civilian infrastructure, energy production, and flights, causing casualties in multiple countries, including US service members.

In March 2026, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates condemned attacks by Iran. The Saudi and UAE ambassadors to the United Nations issued the condemnation ahead of a scheduled Security Council meeting. The specific nature and location of the Iranian attacks were not detailed in the provided article. The purpose of the condemnation was likely to address the attacks through the UN Security Council. The article highlights rising tensions between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran.

In March 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran's new Supreme Leader, succeeding his assassinated father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This appointment, according to the news report, sends a defiant message to the United States and Israel amidst ongoing attacks on Iran. The news segment "Inside Story" on March 9, 2026, explored the identity of the new leader and the implications of his selection. Experts Hassan Ahmadian from the University of Tehran, Mehran Kamrava from Georgetown University in Qatar, and Alex Vatanka from the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., provided analysis on the situation. The program aimed to inform viewers about Iran's new leadership and its potential impact on regional and international relations.

An Iranian official warned that any European country aiding in aggression against Iran would become a legitimate target for retaliation. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated this to France24, while President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, for Iranian attacks. Pezeshkian vowed that future attacks would only be in response to aggression against Iran, advocating for diplomatic solutions. Despite this, the UAE reported intercepting 16 ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Takht-Ravanchi also claimed Iran was negotiating with the U.S. in good faith regarding its nuclear program before recent military operations.

A joint US and Israeli attack on Iran has escalated into a widespread conflict across the Middle East. Within a 10-hour period, strikes and casualties were reported in at least nine countries. US and Israeli warplanes launched attacks across Iran and Lebanon, while Iran retaliated with attacks on oil infrastructure and other targets stretching from the Gulf of Oman to Cyprus. Damage was reported in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, including an attack on a British military base in Cyprus. The US military reported that Kuwait mistakenly shot down three American fighter jets during an Iranian attack. The US President has called for Iranians to overthrow their leaders, indicating the air campaign could continue for weeks. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported over 500 deaths in Iran.

On March 5, 2026, Iran launched multiple missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar. These attacks are a response to ongoing military actions by the United States and Israel, which began on Saturday and have resulted in over 1,230 deaths according to Iranian state media. Iran initially targeted US military assets but expanded to civilian infrastructure after the US/Israeli attacks. The Iranian strikes have caused casualties, including US service members, Israelis, and UAE residents, and have disrupted oil tanker traffic near the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring oil and gas prices. Gulf countries are on high alert, with air defenses intercepting projectiles.

Dubai residents and tourists were shaken when Iranian missiles and drones approached the Gulf states over the weekend, triggering air defenses in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Many initially mistook the interceptors for fireworks, as Dubai attempted to maintain its image of stability amidst regional conflict. While some residents received official alerts, others were caught off guard. Fires and smoke were reported at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports due to drone debris, resulting in one death and several injuries. Smoke was also seen at the Jebel Ali port area in Dubai, one of the busiest ports in the Middle East. The incident challenged Dubai's long-held perception as a safe haven insulated from regional political turmoil.

On February 28, 2026, Qatar reported that eight people were injured by falling missile shrapnel after Iran fired 66 missiles at the country. Qatari authorities stated that their air defenses intercepted the missiles, but 114 reports of falling shrapnel were received nationwide. The Qatari Interior Ministry issued warnings urging residents to stay indoors and avoid military sites or unidentified debris. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian missile strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability, reserving the right to respond under international law.

On March 1, 2026, air traffic in the Middle East experienced significant disruption. According to Flightradar24, over 3,400 flights were canceled within the preceding 48 hours. The cancellations affected seven airports across the region. Airports impacted included those located in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The reason for the widespread flight cancellations was not specified in the report.

Airspace closures across the Middle East, triggered by attacks between America/Israel and Iran, caused widespread flight disruptions, stranding or diverting hundreds of thousands of travelers. Several countries, including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, closed their airspace, leading to the suspension of operations at key international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad cancelled thousands of flights, impacting an estimated 90,000 passengers daily passing through these hubs. Over 3,400 flights were cancelled across seven major Middle Eastern airports on Sunday. Some airports and landmarks in the region sustained damage, resulting in injuries and at least one reported death. The closure of Iranian airspace was extended until Tuesday morning.

Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar in response to recent attacks by the US and Israel. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated the action was in defense of the homeland. The UAE and Iraq closed their airspace, and shrapnel from an Iranian missile killed one person in the UAE. Israel issued a nationwide warning and activated its missile defense systems to intercept incoming projectiles. There were initially few reports of damage or injuries in Israel.

Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, February 28, 2026, and subsequent Iranian retaliation, at least eight Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Qatar, closed their airspace. This widespread closure caused significant disruption to global air travel, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights. The conflict, triggered by attacks on Iran's missile industry and navy, led Iran to retaliate against Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US military assets. Russia's Ministry of Transport and Air India have suspended flights to the region. The airspace closures impact flights between Europe and Asia, as Russian and Ukrainian airspace is already restricted.

Iran claims to have struck a US naval base in Bahrain as part of a broader retaliatory operation, "Truthful Promise 4," following what it says was a US and Israeli attack on Iranian leadership-linked areas. The alleged strike on the Bahrain base, near the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, is unconfirmed by the US. Other countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait, reported intercepting missiles, some reportedly targeting the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US base in the region. Israel also reported missile attacks from Iran, with its air force attempting interceptions. The UAE reported intercepting missiles, with debris causing damage and casualties in Abu Dhabi.

Following reported strikes in Iran by the US and Israel, Australia's National Security Committee is convening. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated Australia was not informed in advance of the strikes and has updated travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. A crisis center has been activated to provide consular support to Australians in the region, and a registration portal has opened for Australians in Iran and Israel. Wong emphasized Iran's destabilizing role in the region and stated that Australia did not participate in the strikes. The Australian government advises Australians in the affected region to follow travel advice and seek safety, acknowledging potential difficulties with repatriation due to airspace closures.

Following Israeli and US airstrikes on Iran, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (Dfat) has warned Australians of potential "reprisal attacks and further escalation" across the Middle East. Dfat updated its Smartraveller website, advising against travel to Iran and urging those in the country to leave if safe, citing the risk of military conflict and potential airspace closures impacting global flights. Australians remaining in Iran are advised to prepare to shelter in place with adequate supplies. The Australian embassy's operations in Iran are suspended. Prior to the attacks, Australia had already advised citizens in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving and withdrew dependents of officials from Israel and Lebanon due to the deteriorating security situation.