Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that its navy has put into service high-explosive, undetectable anti-ship cruise missiles.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards showcase undetectable cruise missiles

It has been 4 years since an explosion took place at the Beirut port. The mystery behind this attack still remains unanswered.

Who was behind Beirut's port explosion?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidBip6TbqUyfT2" /></p>

<p>Lebanon's Economy Minister&nbsp;Amin Salam said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the country's economy was in a very dangerous spot as the government prepared&nbsp;for war, a siege, and billions of dollars of destruction and losses. Speaking to <em>The National</em>, Economy Minister Salam said that a full-scale war in Lebanon would destroy "what is left of this nation.”</p>

<p>Tensions in West Asia escalated following the killings of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh and&nbsp;senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. An IDF air strike killed Shukr but Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-confirms-top-commanders-assassination-faud-shukrs-body-found-in-beirut-buildings-rubble-746074">Hezbollah confirms top commander's assassination; Faud Shukr's body found in Beirut building's rubble</a></strong></p>

<p>Hezbollah and Iran&nbsp;have promised retaliation against Israel for these killings, raising fears that the multiple fronts fighting in parallel to the Gaza war could escalate into a full-blown regional conflict.</p>

<h2><strong>An emergency meeting convened</strong></h2>

<p><em>The National</em> reported that on Wednesday, the Lebanese cabinet convened an emergency meeting to assess the country's readiness&nbsp;for a full-scale escalation, focusing on food security, energy, healthcare, and education.</p>

<p>Salam told the publication that ministers were preparing an emergency plan that would cost the country tens of millions of dollars to keep crucial sectors running in case of escalation.</p>

<p><em>The National </em>reported that the emergency plan (in case of a conflict) appeared to be lacking in fuel reserves.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hezbollah to launch a full-scale attack on Israel in coming days?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-to-launch-a-full-scale-attack-on-israel-in-coming-days-748433/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the former&nbsp;imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on Lebanon after destroying its transportation infrastructures. Citing estimates, Salam said that&nbsp;current diesel supplies would last for only a month to six weeks in a similar scenario.</p>

<h2><strong>'If the flow of diesel is disrupted...'</strong></h2>

<p>Lebanon has been heavily reliant on diesel generators since the economic crisis in 2019&nbsp;dealt the final blow to the electricity sector. Salam told <em>The National</em> if the flow of diesel was disrupted,&nbsp;“Supermarkets will not be able to run refrigerators, hospitals will not be able to function properly, and telecoms will be impacted … this would be a disaster.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economy minister added that faced with this emergency,&nbsp;fuel providers have promised fast shipments to Lebanon within the month or the next few weeks.</p>

<p>He also appealed for help from the international community if the situation escalated, as Lebanon's&nbsp;already dwindling foreign reserves would barely be sufficient to keep crucial sectors running.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon's Economy Minister Amin Salam said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the country's economy was in a very dangerous spot as the government prepared for war, a siege, and billions of dollars of destruction and losses.

Lebanon's Economy Minister Amin Salam said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the country's economy was in a very dangerous spot as the government prepared for war, a siege, and billions of dollars of destruction and losses. Speaking to The National, Economy Minister Salam said that a full-scale war in Lebanon would destroy "what is left of this nation.” Tensions in West Asia escalated following the killings of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. An IDF air strike killed Shukr but Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination. Also read | Hezbollah confirms top commander's assassination; Faud Shukr's body found in Beirut building's rubble Hezbollah and Iran have promised retaliation against Israel for these killings, raising fears that the multiple fronts fighting in parallel to the Gaza war could escalate into a full-blown regional conflict. An emergency meeting convened The National reported that on Wednesday, the Lebanese cabinet convened an emergency meeting to assess the country's readiness for a full-scale escalation, focusing on food security, energy, healthcare, and education. Salam told the publication that ministers were preparing an emergency plan that would cost the country tens of millions of dollars to keep crucial sectors running in case of escalation. The National reported that the emergency plan (in case of a conflict) appeared to be lacking in fuel reserves. Also watch | Hezbollah to launch a full-scale attack on Israel in coming days? × In the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the former imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on Lebanon after destroying its transportation infrastructures. Citing estimates, Salam said that current diesel supplies would last for only a month to six weeks in a similar scenario. 'If the flow of diesel is disrupted...' Lebanon has been heavily reliant on diesel generators since the economic crisis in 2019 dealt the final blow to the electricity sector. Salam told The National if the flow of diesel was disrupted, “Supermarkets will not be able to run refrigerators, hospitals will not be able to function properly, and telecoms will be impacted … this would be a disaster.” The economy minister added that faced with this emergency, fuel providers have promised fast shipments to Lebanon within the month or the next few weeks. He also appealed for help from the international community if the situation escalated, as Lebanon's already dwindling foreign reserves would barely be sufficient to keep crucial sectors running. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: 'A full-scale war in Lebanon will...,' warns minister

Hezbollah and Israel are trading cross-border fire. Both the factions are showcasing their military might at this point. Israel is anticipating Hezbollah's attack for the killing of Fuad Shukr.

Israel-Hezbollah war: Hezbollah says its attack on Israel will be effective

Leaders from Islamic bloc held an emergency meeting in Saudi. The Islamic bloc decided that Israel is responsible for Ismail Haniyeh's killing. We tell you what happens next.

Israel-Iran tensions: Tense Israel in waiting as threat of Iranian attack looms

Israel's channel 12 has released a footage that it says shows Israeli soldiers abusing a Palestinian prisoner. This video is drawing global condemnation.

Israeli media's footage of Israeli soldiers abusing Palestinian detainee

Yahya Sinwar tops the hit list of Israeli forces. He is believed to be operating from Hamas' tunnels beneath the Gaza strip. We question why Hamas picked Sinwar as its new leader.

Israel's top enemy: Yahya Sinwar  | The West Asia Post

Israel has agreed to resume Gaza ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel agrees to resume Gaza truce talks on August 15

Qatar, Egypt and the United States have called on Israel and Hamas to resume talks to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as Israel’s continued bombardment of the territory has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and raised fears of further regional escalation.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel says, 'will attend ceasefire talks on Aug 15'

Qatar, Egypt and the United States have called on Israel and Hamas to resume talks to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as Israel’s continued bombardment of the territory has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and raised fears of further regional escalation. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel agrees to resume Gaza truce talks

Israel-Hamas war: US, Egypt, Qatar invite Israel & Hamas to resume ceasefire talks

The Israeli organization arguing in court for the military prison's closure, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, had alleged that detainees at the facility are punished with severe violence, including with attack dogs and sexual assault; made to sit on the ground blindfolded and handcuffed 24 hours a day...

Gaza crisis: Palestinians abused in Israeli prisons?

Gaza crisis: 'Violence, sexual assault' in Israeli prisons

The Israeli organization arguing in court for the military prison's closure, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, had alleged that detainees at the facility are punished with severe violence, including with attack dogs and sexual assault; made to sit on the ground blindfolded and handcuffed 24 hours a day.

Violence, sexual assault in Israeli prisons; right-wing Israeli groups protest

Seven days after the killing of Hamas's Chief Ismail Haniyeh West Asia continues to be on the brink of a wider regional war. In the latest Britain and Egypt have asked their Airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace Egypt instructed all of its Airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for 3 hours in the early morning on Thursday.

Hezbollah to launch a full-scale attack on Israel in coming days?

Right-wing Israelis broke into two military facilities protesting against the arrest of nine soldiers accused of sexual abuse of a Palestinian Detainee at a facility holding Palestinians. Watch this video to know more.

Gaza crisis: Jails made 'de facto torture camps', says activists

<p>Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Britain and Egypt have told their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace for three hours on Thursday morning. Reportedly, this directive came after Tehran sent a cautionary notice asking Egypt to avoid its airspace from 4:30 am to 7:30 am (local time) on Thursday.</p>

<p>Egypt's NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots, said the instruction would be in effect from 0100 to 0400 GMT.</p>

<p>"All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region). No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," the notice said.</p>

<p>Tensions in the Middle East have been escalating ever since Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Later, top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was also killed in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. There are fears of violence and a broader conflict in the region, because of which British and Egyptian flights have been asked to avoid the airspace of these countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egypt was the first to issue the directive to its airlines, followed by Britain for safety reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Commercial flights have been shot down in the past</h2>

<p>Fears of airplanes being targeted stem from past incidents where commercial flights were mistakenly shot down during tense times. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine by Russian-backed forces in 2014 killing all 298 people on board. It was flying from&nbsp;Amsterdam&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kuala Lumpur and was hit by a&nbsp;Buk 9M38&nbsp;surface-to-air missile. During this time,&nbsp;a&nbsp;war was going on in Donbas&nbsp;over territory controlled by&nbsp;Russian separatist forces</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-foreign-minister-katz-reveals-irans-plan-to-launch-attack-on-israel-urges-international-action-747507">Israeli FM Katz says Iran plans to attack Israel, conveyed warning via Hungary</a></p>

<p>In 2020, Iranian air defence units admitted to mistakenly shooting down Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752. All 176 people on board died after the flight was shot down shortly after taking off from Tehran airport. Iran was on heightened alert at the time because of increased tensions with the United States.</p>

<h2>Notice to airlines by Egypt</h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Egypt's civil aviation ministry confirmed that the notice was intended to reduce flight safety risks due to a notification it received from Iranian authorities.</p>

<p>"Military exercises will be conducted over Iranian airspace on Aug. 7 from 11:30 to 14:30 and from 4:30 to 7:30 on Aug. 8 Tehran time," the statement said.</p>

<p>The press statement released by Egypt's ministry mentioned an unnamed source quoted by the state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV as saying that Iranian authorities had said to avoid flying in the country's airspace because of "military exercises."</p>

<p>As per the Iranian foreign ministry's website, Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani spoke over the phone with the Egyptian foreign minister about the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Airlines change schedules</h2>

<p>In light of the notice, schedules have been changed to avoid flying over Iranian and Lebanese airspaces. Most airlines have also cancelled flights to Israel and Lebanon. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows that British carriers are not flying to Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP - a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk, said that Egyptian airlines have already been avoiding the Iranian airspace. Similarly, Singapore Airlines (OTC: SINGY) stopped flying through Iranian airspace last Friday.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;US, Israel brace for Iran's retaliation: US working round the clock to prevent escalation, says Biden</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-brace-for-irans-retaliation-us-working-round-the-clock-to-prevent-escalationsays-biden-747773/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Britain and Egypt have told their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace for three hours on Thursday morning.

Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Britain and Egypt have told their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace for three hours on Thursday morning. Reportedly, this directive came after Tehran sent a cautionary notice asking Egypt to avoid its airspace from 4:30 am to 7:30 am (local time) on Thursday. Egypt's NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots, said the instruction would be in effect from 0100 to 0400 GMT. "All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region). No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," the notice said. Tensions in the Middle East have been escalating ever since Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Later, top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was also killed in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. There are fears of violence and a broader conflict in the region, because of which British and Egyptian flights have been asked to avoid the airspace of these countries. Egypt was the first to issue the directive to its airlines, followed by Britain for safety reasons. Commercial flights have been shot down in the past Fears of airplanes being targeted stem from past incidents where commercial flights were mistakenly shot down during tense times. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine by Russian-backed forces in 2014 killing all 298 people on board. It was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur and was hit by a Buk 9M38 surface-to-air missile. During this time, a war was going on in Donbas over territory controlled by Russian separatist forces Also Read: Israeli FM Katz says Iran plans to attack Israel, conveyed warning via Hungary In 2020, Iranian air defence units admitted to mistakenly shooting down Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752. All 176 people on board died after the flight was shot down shortly after taking off from Tehran airport. Iran was on heightened alert at the time because of increased tensions with the United States. Notice to airlines by Egypt On Wednesday, Egypt's civil aviation ministry confirmed that the notice was intended to reduce flight safety risks due to a notification it received from Iranian authorities. "Military exercises will be conducted over Iranian airspace on Aug. 7 from 11:30 to 14:30 and from 4:30 to 7:30 on Aug. 8 Tehran time," the statement said. The press statement released by Egypt's ministry mentioned an unnamed source quoted by the state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV as saying that Iranian authorities had said to avoid flying in the country's airspace because of "military exercises." As per the Iranian foreign ministry's website, Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani spoke over the phone with the Egyptian foreign minister about the matter. Airlines change schedules In light of the notice, schedules have been changed to avoid flying over Iranian and Lebanese airspaces. Most airlines have also cancelled flights to Israel and Lebanon. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows that British carriers are not flying to Lebanon. Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP - a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk, said that Egyptian airlines have already been avoiding the Iranian airspace. Similarly, Singapore Airlines (OTC: SINGY) stopped flying through Iranian airspace last Friday. WATCH: US, Israel brace for Iran's retaliation: US working round the clock to prevent escalation, says Biden × (With inputs from agencies)

Two airplanes were shot down amid regional conflicts in the past. Airlines are playing safe now

Hamas named Gaza Strip chief Yahya Sinwar as its new political leader on Tuesday, after his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh's was killed in Tehran last week. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to be led by 'Oct 7 mastermind' Yahya Sinwar

Hamas names Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of Oct 7 attack, as the new leader

Violent protesters armed with sledgehammers and homemade weapons broke into site with repurposed prison van. Watch to know more.

Pro-Palestine activists target Elbit systems in Bristol

Israel-Hamas War: Yahya Sinwar to succeed Ismail Haniyeh as Hamas leader

Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah sent out the strongest warning to Israel. The warning came after multiple drone strikes were reported in Israel. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack.

Israel-Hezbollah trade strikes; 20 rockets launched towards Golan region: IDF

Hamas to be led by 'Oct 7' mastermind; Yahya Sinwar to succeed Ismail Haniyeh

Hamas names Yahya Sinwar as new leader after Ismail Haniyeh’s death

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas names Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as new political bureau chief

Six arrested and police officer hospitalised after Pro-Palestine activists attack arms firm

Israeli media reported a large drone attack by Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah into northern Israel on Tuesday (Aug 6). Several drones were reportedly launched, with one being intercepted and another falling in the city of Nahariya. Local media reports said at least 19 people were injured in the attack. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah trade strikes: One killed in Hezbollah drone strike, says Israel

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas names Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as chief following Ismail Haniyeh killing

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas names Yahya Sinwar as new political chief after Haniyeh's killing

Israel-Hezbollah trade strikes; Israeli warplanes fly at low altitude over Beirut

israel

Israel, News on Israel, stories on Israel, articles on Israel, Israel stories at Wion, Israel news, Israel latest news