Military operations in the Middle East continue, escalating tensions in the region and raising concerns among the international community. Military strikes and retaliatory actions by both sides—the US and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other—continue to affect not only the countries of the region, but also the global economic situation.

Armenian News-NEWS.am presents below a brief overview of the main events that took place in the Middle East on Monday evening.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has described as false the claim that the US was not prepared for the threats from Iranian drones when it launched its military operation. "We are absolutely prepared for this fight. To suggest otherwise is a total fabrication," the Pentagon spokesman said.

US President Donald Trump said that military operation against Iran has been fully implemented in recent days, and that Washington has hit more than 7,000 targets and sunk numerous ships since the start of the war.

Also, Trump said that he had asked China to postpone his visit to Beijing and his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for early April for a month due to the war in the Middle East.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a telegram to various US diplomatic missions and consulates around the world, urging countries to take joint action against Iran, ABC News reported, citing a document it obtained.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the complete closure of the country's airspace.

The GCAA described the closure as an "exceptional precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory, amid rapidly evolving regional security developments."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied speaking to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff since the war began. Araghchi said his last contact with Witkoff took place before the US and Israeli operations began.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog told AFP in an interview that Europe should assist their fight against the Lebanese Hezbollah group. He said the operation against Iran was a turning point for the entire region.