The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on March 4, 2026, in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka after being struck by a U.S. torpedo. This incident has escalated tensions between the United States and Iran, with both countries offering conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding the sinking.

According to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the IRIS Dena was not unarmed as claimed by Iranian officials. The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth referred to the vessel as a ‘prize ship’ that ‘died a quiet death.’ In contrast, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh insisted that the warship was operating in a non-combat role and was ‘ceremonial’ and ‘unarmed’ at the time of the incident.

The IRIS Dena had been participating in an international naval exercise in India prior to its sinking. An Indian navy official noted that the Iranian vessel was not ‘entirely unarmed’ during these exercises, further complicating the narrative surrounding its status.

Following the sinking, the Sri Lankan navy successfully rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies from the water. These figures highlight the tragic human cost of the incident, which has drawn international attention.

The sinking of the IRIS Dena underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, extending conflicts beyond the Middle East. The exact circumstances surrounding the sinking remain disputed, with both nations standing firm on their respective claims.

As the situation develops, it is expected that further statements from both governments will emerge, potentially influencing diplomatic relations in the region.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific events leading to the sinking, leaving many questions unanswered about the engagement between the IRIS Dena and U.S. forces.

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Qatar Airways flights remain suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, a situation that has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded. The airline has confirmed that all departures, arrivals, and transit flights through Doha are affected by this suspension.

Why are flights suspended?

The suspension of Qatar Airways flights is linked to escalating military tensions in the Middle East. As a precaution during periods of heightened military activity, airspace closures have been implemented. Qatar Airways has stated that operations will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.

What are the implications for passengers?

Passengers are advised not to go to the airport unless they receive confirmation of their flight from Qatar Airways. The airline has emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority and is working to organize additional relief flights where operationally possible. Affected passengers will be contacted directly by Qatar Airways, and the airline has introduced flexible travel policies to accommodate those impacted by the disruption.

What is the current situation for stranded passengers?

As of now, tens of thousands of passengers remain stranded due to the airspace closure. The ongoing geopolitical tensions have significantly disrupted international aviation, with many travelers left uncertain about their travel plans. Qatar Airways has assured that it will provide regular updates as the situation evolves, with the next update scheduled for 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

What are the numbers involved?

According to the Foreign Office, there are approximately 140,000 Britons registered in the Middle East, with around 4,000 having returned home so far. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that a UK Government-chartered plane took off from Muscat at 1:36 PM GMT to assist in repatriating citizens.

What has Qatar Airways said?

In a statement, Qatar Airways confirmed, “Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.” The airline has also expressed its apologies for the disruption caused by circumstances beyond its control, thanking passengers for their patience and understanding.

What remains uncertain?

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how long the suspension of Qatar Airways flights will continue. Additionally, the exact number of passengers affected by the disruption is not specified, leaving many travelers in a state of uncertainty.

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Paphos Airport has been swiftly cleared due to sightings of a drone in the vicinity.

Evacuation Due to Drone Threat

Image View (FILE PIC) Paphos Airport in Cyprus has been cleared (Image: Getty)

On Monday, Paphos Airport was evacuated due to concerns regarding a possible drone threat in the surrounding area.

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Authorities Respond to Incident

On Monday afternoon, the Paphos airport was cleared out after an unidentified drone was spotted within the airport’s restricted airspace.

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Authorities mandated an immediate and complete evacuation as a precaution while security teams evaluated the circumstances. Passengers and personnel were directed to exit the terminal building, with airport operations temporarily halted to prioritize public safety.

Passenger Safety Measures

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Shortly after 12:45 pm (10:45 am GMT), passengers and personnel evacuated the airport. Cyprus is on heightened alert following an incident where an Iranian drone crashed at a British RAF facility in Akrotiri, which is approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Paphos.

The U.S. embassy in Cyprus has issued a warning regarding a potential drone threat in the Paphos area. In a message directed at American citizens, it stated: “We have received information about a possible drone threat to the Paphos region. Please refrain from visiting the Embassy unless it is an emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia advises U.S. citizens in Cyprus to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.”

Impact on Airport Operations

The embassy has advised individuals to steer clear of locations near military sites, government facilities, or other possible targets, and to remain indoors, away from windows and glass doors.

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This update comes just hours after the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel guidance for Cyprus due to drone incidents targeting the RAF base on the island. The most recent advisory states: "On 2 March 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration reported a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri.

"British citizens residing in the Sovereign Base Areas are advised to adhere to the guidance provided by the Sovereign Base Areas Administration. British citizens in the Republic of Cyprus should comply with any directives issued by local Cypriot authorities."

The FCDO warns of a "heightened risk of regional tensions" and states that "escalation may result in travel disruptions and unforeseen consequences".

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The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the military installation experienced what appears to have been a drone attack, though there were no reported injuries.

In a statement, easyJet announced: "As a precautionary measure due to the recent incidents at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, three return flights today between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK will be canceled."

"Flights starting from 3 March are operating as scheduled; however, we recommend that travelers heading to and from Cyprus in the upcoming days check our flight tracker for the most current updates."

"We are making every effort to reduce the effects on our customers and are offering alternatives for rebooking, including flights with other airlines or a refund, as well as accommodations and meals for those in need."

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"The well-being of our passengers and staff is our top concern, and we are actively monitoring the security conditions in the area."

The recent conflict erupted on Saturday morning when Israel and the United States initiated an assault on Iran’s leadership and military, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has conducted retaliatory attacks throughout the Middle East, including strikes on Dubai, and has declared its intention to target US military installations.

Are you currently in Cyprus? Have you experienced the airport evacuation? Reach out to livenews@reachplc.com to share your experience with a journalist.

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