Iran was prepared to launch strikes on three locations in Ukraine after an alleged attack on an Iranian vessel in the Volga River, according to Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader. Rezaei claimed Tehran reconsidered its response after Ukraine reportedly described the incident as a mistake. The revelation sheds light on a previously undisclosed escalation that could have widened regional tensions.


Iran nearly struck Ukraine? Khamenei aide says Tehran prepared attacks before Kyiv apology 

Iran has demanded "practical action" from Ukraine following an alleged attack on July 25, calling for accountability and concrete steps from Kyiv. The development comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Ukraine, with diplomatic relations facing challenges over security concerns and accusations linked to regional conflicts. 

Iran demands 'practical action' from Ukraine over July 25 attack

An Iran-linked organised crime network is under scrutiny after reports claimed that it has recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings, including attacks on Israeli targets across Europe.The BBC reports that the Foxtrot network, a European criminal organisation allegedly linked to the Iranian regime, is believed to be responsible for around 35 murders, along with several attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli targets across Europe since 2022.According to the BBC, the group routinely recruits vulnerable teenagers, deliberately targeting younger recruits because they are allegedly more willing to take risks and less likely to consider the consequences of getting caught.The report says Foxtrot promises cash for the attacks, but many recruits are arrested during or soon after the operation, meaning the network often avoids paying them.The case has drawn new attention after a British court convicted 19-year-old Norwegian national Johannes Natland of conspiracy to commit murder.The Norwegian teenager was arrested in a hotel in the UK's Huddersfield in March last year with two firearms and ammunition.Prosecutors told jurors that Foxtrot recruited him after someone using the alias "Agent 47" arranged the hiring of an assassin, with 28,500 U.S. dollars set aside for the operation.The BBC reports that Foxtrot leader Rawa Majid, also known as "The Kurdish Fox," is based in Tehran and is allegedly directed by the Iranian regime to target its enemies, including dissidents, journalists and Israeli targets.The network emerged in Sweden in the late 2010s before expanding into Norway and other parts of Europe.Recruiters allegedly use encrypted messaging apps and social media to lure teenagers, sometimes as young as 13, into carrying out shootings, murders, grenade attacks and bombings.Senior figures reportedly commission and finance attacks, while younger recruiters advertise jobs online and identify vulnerable teenagers.Many recruits reportedly do not know who ultimately ordered the crime.In 2025, the United Kingdom sanctioned Foxtrot and Majid.Then-UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the group had targeted Jewish and Israeli interests across Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime.The United States also sanctioned the organisation, accusing it of illegal drug trafficking and attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe.Iran has denied the allegations, with its embassy in London categorically rejecting any connection between the Iranian government and the Foxtrot network.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-linked-crime-network-accused-of-recruiting-teen-hitmen-1785777137603/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-linked-crime-network-accused-of-recruiting-teen-hitmen-1785777137603/embed</a>&nbsp;

The BBC reports that the Iran-linked Foxtrot crime network recruited teenagers to carry out attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. Tehran denies the allegations.

An Iran-linked organised crime network is under scrutiny after reports claimed that it has recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings, including attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. The BBC reports that the Foxtrot network, a European criminal organisation allegedly linked to the Iranian regime, is believed to be responsible for around 35 murders, along with several attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli targets across Europe since 2022. According to the BBC, the group routinely recruits vulnerable teenagers, deliberately targeting younger recruits because they are allegedly more willing to take risks and less likely to consider the consequences of getting caught. The report says Foxtrot promises cash for the attacks, but many recruits are arrested during or soon after the operation, meaning the network often avoids paying them. The case has drawn new attention after a British court convicted 19-year-old Norwegian national Johannes Natland of conspiracy to commit murder. The Norwegian teenager was arrested in a hotel in the UK's Huddersfield in March last year with two firearms and ammunition. Prosecutors told jurors that Foxtrot recruited him after someone using the alias "Agent 47" arranged the hiring of an assassin, with 28,500 U.S. dollars set aside for the operation. The BBC reports that Foxtrot leader Rawa Majid, also known as "The Kurdish Fox," is based in Tehran and is allegedly directed by the Iranian regime to target its enemies, including dissidents, journalists and Israeli targets. The network emerged in Sweden in the late 2010s before expanding into Norway and other parts of Europe. Recruiters allegedly use encrypted messaging apps and social media to lure teenagers, sometimes as young as 13, into carrying out shootings, murders, grenade attacks and bombings. Senior figures reportedly commission and finance attacks, while younger recruiters advertise jobs online and identify vulnerable teenagers. Many recruits reportedly do not know who ultimately ordered the crime. In 2025, the United Kingdom sanctioned Foxtrot and Majid. Then-UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the group had targeted Jewish and Israeli interests across Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime. The United States also sanctioned the organisation, accusing it of illegal drug trafficking and attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe. Iran has denied the allegations, with its embassy in London categorically rejecting any connection between the Iranian government and the Foxtrot network. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-linked-crime-network-accused-of-recruiting-teen-hitmen-1785777137603/embed

The BBC reports that the Iran-linked Foxtrot crime network recruited teenagers to carry out attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. Tehran denies the allegations.

Gravitas | Iran-linked crime network accused of recruiting teen hitmen

US President Donald Trump has once again paused planned military strikes on Iran, and mentioned new set of talks are about to start. However, Iran has firmly rejected Trump's claims that it requested Washington to halt military action, calling the allegations false.

In this report, we examine the latest developments in the escalating US-Iran crisis, the role of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in preventing a wider regional war, and whether diplomacy can still succeed after months of conflict.


Trump playbook: Threaten massive strikes & then call them off

An Iran-linked organised crime network is under scrutiny after reports claimed that it has recruited teenagers to carry out contract killings, including attacks on Israeli targets across Europe. 

Iran-linked crime network accused of recruiting teen hitmen 

Iran and Oman are holding bilateral talks focused on ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. As Tehran pursues regional diplomacy, the negotiations have also fueled debate over whether Washington's "America First" approach is losing influence in the Middle East, with critics arguing that the U.S. is becoming increasingly isolated from key regional initiatives.

 US-Iran War: Iran-Oman talk on Hormuz, but US faces isolation 

US President Donald Trump has once again paused planned military strikes on Iran, and mentioned new set of talks are about to start. However, Iran has firmly rejected Trump's claims that it requested Washington to halt military action, calling the allegations false.

In this report, we examine the latest developments in the escalating US-Iran crisis, the role of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in preventing a wider regional war, and whether diplomacy can still succeed after months of conflict.

US-Iran War: Trump says new talks will begin on Monday, Iran denies

US-Iran War: Trump says Iran asked to call off strike, Tehran denies claim

US-Iran war: Trump says Iran asked to pause strikes, Tehran denies claim

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again postponed planned military strikes on Iran, claiming that the outlines of a peace deal are taking shape. However, Tehran has categorically denied asking Washington to halt the strikes, calling the allegations false. As tensions continue to simmer, Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia are reportedly urging de-escalation, fearing the devastating consequences of a wider regional conflict.

In this exclusive interview, Chris Doyle, Director of the Council for Arab-British Understanding (CAABU), analyzes the evolving crisis, Trump's repeated reversals, Iran's military strategy, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing role of Gulf countries in preventing a full-scale regional war.

Can diplomacy still succeed, or is another military confrontation inevitable?

Watch the full analysis for the latest developments from the Middle East.

Iran-U.S. War: Trump Losing Credibility as Conflict Drags On, Expert Warns

The Houthi rebels are expanding their role in the West Asia conflict by targeting Saudi oil tankers and tightening their maritime blockade in the Red Sea. Yemeni authorities accuse the Iran-backed group of copying Tehran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

With attacks on energy infrastructure, threats to global shipping, and reports that the Houthis may seek to charge vessels for safe passage, concerns are growing over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

Houthis Copy Iran’s Strategy? Red Sea Blockade Threatens Global Shipping

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again called off planned military strikes on Iran, saying he received requests from Iran and Gulf nations to avoid further escalation.

According to Trump, the temporary understanding includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Reports suggest Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to de-escalate the conflict, while the U.S. and Israel had reportedly been preparing one of the largest bombing campaigns against Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any new American attack would trigger a powerful response targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. U.S. embassies throughout the Middle East have also issued security alerts amid fears of a wider regional conflict.

Trump Halts Iran Attack After Gulf Pressure | Middle East Crisis Deepens

Israel says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while reporting that an Israeli soldier was injured during operations. The Israeli military says it will continue targeting what it describes as Hezbollah threats inside a security zone.

The developments come as the United Nations voices concern over Israeli military actions, particularly after large-scale explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to reject calls for disarmament despite a U.S.-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing hostilities.

U.S. Running Out of Missiles? Israel-Hezbollah Clash Escalates Amid Iran War

The Iran-backed Houthis say they have targeted a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, reinforcing a maritime blockade strategy that echoes Iran's pressure tactics in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack signals a widening threat to regional shipping and energy routes amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Red Sea blockade raises fears for global energy, trade routes

US embassies across West Asia have issued urgent security alerts urging American citizens to consider leaving the region or be prepared for immediate departure amid fears of a sudden escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

US embassies across West Asia urge citizens to leave the region

The search for Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has turned into a quest for the CIA and Mossad, where technology is falling short, and human intelligence is now taking centre stage.   


CIA & Mossad try to trace Mojtaba Khamenei using human Intel 

US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that the United States will hit Iran "very hard," declaring that "it's our turn to hit them" following an escalation of military engagements between the two nations.The latest surge in tensions follows an ongoing US-Iran conflict that has escalated heavily.

US-Iran War: US President warns to hit Iran 'very hard'

The conflict between Iran and the United States continues to intensify as Iran's military claims it has launched drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, targeting the Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base as part of the latest phase of its military operation.

According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the attacks targeted fighter jet shelters, satellite communication systems, and logistics facilities. The IRGC has also released images claiming damage to the Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan, alleging that several American F-35 fighter jets were destroyed or damaged. However, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has disputed these claims, saying all incoming missiles were intercepted and no aircraft or military equipment was damaged.

Iran's Launches Fire on U.S. Bases in Jordan & Kuwait | U.S. CENTCOM Denies Attack & Damage

Tensions in West Asia have surged again after Iran launched a surprise strike on a U.S. military base in Jordan, ending days of relative calm and signaling what analysts believe is a major shift in Tehran's military strategy.

Unlike previous exchanges, Iran struck first instead of waiting for another U.S. attack. Experts suggest Tehran may now prefer a controlled, low-intensity conflict over a prolonged ceasefire that leaves sanctions and economic isolation unchanged.

The conflict is also reshaping global energy markets, with rising oil prices potentially benefiting countries like Russia, while China continues to strengthen its position in global energy and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the human cost continues to rise. Reports indicate that 16 Indian nationals, including several seafarers, have lost their lives amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Iran Launches Surprise Strike on U.S. Base in Jordan | West Asia War Escalates | US- Iran War 

Tensions in West Asia continue to simmer despite the absence of a full-scale war, as Iran weighs military pressure against escalating regional risks. From surprise strikes to sanctions, blockades, and shifting strategic calculations, the conflict is entering a new phase with far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security.

Sanction & Blockades: Why a ceasefire may not suit Tehran

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly unusual closed-door meeting at the White House, sparking intense speculation over the future of the Iran conflict.

Unlike previous meetings, there were no public remarks or joint press interactions before the talks. The White House released photographs only after the 90-minute meeting, raising questions about what was discussed behind closed doors.

Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: What's Really Changing on Iran?

The US and Saudi Arabia have jointly struck Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. Will this expand the conflict? What have Iran and Iraq said? Who are Iraq's Iran-backed armed groups?


Saudi Arabia joins US-Israel war, strikes Iran's proxies in Iraq: What will Pak do?

The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism over how US military casualties from the Iran conflict are being reported. A controversy erupted after four American service members who died during the conflict temporarily disappeared from the Pentagon's casualty reporting website before reappearing under a different category.

Critics argue the reclassification could obscure the true human cost of the conflict and influence legal and political debates surrounding the war. Democratic lawmakers have demanded greater transparency, while questions continue over whether the administration's reporting complies with the War Powers Act and provides the public with a complete picture of US military losses.

Pentagon Under Fire Over Iran War Casualty Records | Trump Administration Faces Backlash

Ukraine has dismissed Iranian threats of retaliation, following Kyiv's targeting of an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea on Saturday.

The incident marked the first direct link between the wars in Iran and Ukraine.

"Iran's threats are unjustified and groundless," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted on X this afternoon.

Iran claims Ukraine led Caspian Sea attack on Israel's behest

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu met President Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Both leaders later attended Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral, with Netanyahu calling him "one of Israel's greatest friends."


Israel's big claim amid talks:  US warplanes used its bases to strike Iran

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday declared that Ukraine's attack on an Iranian ship on the Caspian Sea should be treated as an attack on Iran itself. He described Ukraine’s actions as aggressive, and accused Kyiv of expanding the geographic reach of its “terrorist attacks”. He further added that threats from Ukraine “must be neutralised and definitively destroyed”.“Ukraine is attacking various countries. Previously, Ukraine attacked Germany by blowing up a facility of critically important energy infrastructure. Now it has attacked Iran, striking an Iranian vessel,” &nbsp;said Peskov in a statement on Tuesday. &nbsp;He said that Iran is a sovereign country and capable of protecting its interests.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pickaxe-mountain-iran-nuclear-facility-threat-1785249500776">Trump again threatens to strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain if talks fail</a>Peskov was referring to the Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on July 25 on the shipping assets in the Caspian Sea port of Olya, located in Russia's Astrakhan region. The strike targeted an Iranian commercial vessel, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuring others. He was also referring to a Ukrainian attack on the facilities and terminals of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, suggesting that Kazakhstan was a joint owner of the consortium.Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, claimed that Kyiv was not seeking to open a new front, and suggested that Iran had already attacked Kyiv by supplying Russia with attack drones."Iran, from the first year of the war, gave new technology to Russia. It was Shahed drones; they gave thousands of these drones. Did they attack us? I think yes," said Zelensky.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇺🇦🇮🇷 Zelensky accuses Iran of ATTACKING Ukraine &quot;Iran, from the first year of the war, gave new technology to Russia. It was Shahed drones; they gave thousands of these drones. Did they attack us? I think yes.&quot; According to that logic, the U.S, EU, and every country that has…&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2081645765399806237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Iran had previously threatened that an attack on Iran would not go unpunished. In a social media post on the platform X, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, said that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not leave debts unpaid. Iran had termed the incident an “act of aggression” and a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. Iran's Foreign Ministry also suggested that the attack could lead to the expansion of Russian military operations against Ukraine.Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a social media post on the platform X that he held a conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi where he reiterated that Ukraine’s actions are aimed solely at defending our country from Russian aggression and never intended to target civilian vessels or people.

The Kremlin said Ukraine's drone strike on an Iranian vessel in Russia's Caspian Sea region should be treated as an attack on Iran, escalating tensions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday declared that Ukraine's attack on an Iranian ship on the Caspian Sea should be treated as an attack on Iran itself. He described Ukraine’s actions as aggressive, and accused Kyiv of expanding the geographic reach of its “terrorist attacks”. He further added that threats from Ukraine “must be neutralised and definitively destroyed”. “Ukraine is attacking various countries. Previously, Ukraine attacked Germany by blowing up a facility of critically important energy infrastructure. Now it has attacked Iran, striking an Iranian vessel,” said Peskov in a statement on Tuesday. He said that Iran is a sovereign country and capable of protecting its interests. Also Read: Trump again threatens to strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain if talks fail Peskov was referring to the Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on July 25 on the shipping assets in the Caspian Sea port of Olya, located in Russia's Astrakhan region. The strike targeted an Iranian commercial vessel, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuring others. He was also referring to a Ukrainian attack on the facilities and terminals of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, suggesting that Kazakhstan was a joint owner of the consortium. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, claimed that Kyiv was not seeking to open a new front, and suggested that Iran had already attacked Kyiv by supplying Russia with attack drones. "Iran, from the first year of the war, gave new technology to Russia. It was Shahed drones; they gave thousands of these drones. Did they attack us? I think yes," said Zelensky.

The Kremlin said Ukraine's drone strike on an Iranian vessel in Russia's Caspian Sea region should be treated as an attack on Iran, escalating tensions.

Russia says Ukrainian attack on Iranian ship should be treated as attack on Iran

Two anti-government protestors were publicly executed in Isfahan, Iran, on July 28 (Tuesday) morning. The execution took place in Isfahan’s Shahid Alikhani Square, amidst heavy security deployment. The two individuals were found guilty of attacking police officers with “machetes and knives”, and tying them to "road signs, pulling them on the ground, dousing them with gasoline, and setting them on fire.” These incidents happened on January 8, when protests peaked in Iran.&nbsp;“The death sentences of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari were carried out this morning,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said. It further added that they were facing charges, “moharebeh (waging war against God) by drawing weapons and creating fear and terror” and “corruption on earth for committing acts that severely disrupted public order and security in the country,” among others. On July 19, two other men were hanged on similar charges in Isfahan province. The most recent two were among the 12 young men sentenced to death in a case linked to the protest that erupted in late December 2025 and continued through January 2026.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gaurav-gogoi-pellet-guns-cjp-protest-lok-sabha-1785234514894">'Who ordered pellet guns?': Opposition targets govt over CJP protest crackdown</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The situation in the streets surrounding Alikhani Square in Isfahan, Iran, where protesters were expected to be executed. Contributed by <a href="https://x.com/AZ_Intel_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AZ_Intel_</a>. <a href="https://t.co/62DEAmBX24">pic.twitter.com/62DEAmBX24</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2081910814450008210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Sentencing 12 people to death in one hearing, in a closed courtroom and without clarity as to each defendant’s individual responsibility violates established fair trial standards,” said UN experts led by Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. The UN said that the defendants were arbitrarily arrested. &nbsp;According to the UN, at least 24 people have been executed in connection with the January protests so far.&nbsp;The protest reported roughly 3000 deaths according to Iranian authorities, while blaming them on the colour revolution orchestrated by the United States and Israel. Rights groups have said that security forces fired at protesters and killed several times of the official numbers provided by the Iranian authorities.

Iran publicly executed two men in Isfahan over the January 2026 protests. The UN criticised the mass death sentences, citing fair trial concerns.

Two anti-government protestors were publicly executed in Isfahan, Iran, on July 28 (Tuesday) morning. The execution took place in Isfahan’s Shahid Alikhani Square, amidst heavy security deployment. The two individuals were found guilty of attacking police officers with “machetes and knives”, and tying them to "road signs, pulling them on the ground, dousing them with gasoline, and setting them on fire.” These incidents happened on January 8, when protests peaked in Iran. “The death sentences of Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari were carried out this morning,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said. It further added that they were facing charges, “moharebeh (waging war against God) by drawing weapons and creating fear and terror” and “corruption on earth for committing acts that severely disrupted public order and security in the country,” among others. On July 19, two other men were hanged on similar charges in Isfahan province. The most recent two were among the 12 young men sentenced to death in a case linked to the protest that erupted in late December 2025 and continued through January 2026. Also Read: 'Who ordered pellet guns?': Opposition targets govt over CJP protest crackdown

Iran publicly executed two men in Isfahan over the January 2026 protests. The UN criticised the mass death sentences, citing fair trial concerns.

Iran publicly executes two protesters in Isfahan over January unrest

Iran's Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile is emerging as one of the country's most dangerous long-range weapons. Designed to be low-cost yet highly accurate, it uses a mix of unpredictable flight paths, terminal maneuvers, and high speeds to complicate interception by advanced air defense systems. In this video, we examine how the Kheibar Shekan works, why it is becoming a growing concern for military planners, and what it could mean for the future of missile warfare in the Middle East.

Latest Update: The  U.S. and Iran have paused strikes for a third consecutive night to create space for diplomatic talks, raising hopes for de-escalation even as regional tensions remain high.  

Cheap, accurate & deadly: Iran's Kheibar Shekan missile is becoming even more dangerous!

Iran's Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile is drawing renewed attention after a report highlighted its ability to challenge advanced U.S. and allied air defence systems. The report describes the solid-fuel missile as a cost-effective yet highly capable weapon, placing missiles, drones and regional deterrence back at the centre of West Asia's evolving security landscape.

US-Iran War: Iran's Kheibar Shekan missile beats American air defences

A temporary pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran appeared to hold on Monday. The U.S. halted nearly two weeks of military strikes on Friday to allow diplomatic efforts to move forward, while Iran has also refrained from launching fresh attacks on regional targets. 

US-Iran War: US says Trump pausing strikes to give space to diplomacy

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