Tensions have sharply escalated along the Israel-Lebanon border after Israeli airstrikes hit several areas across southern Lebanon, killing at least four people and injuring 20 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Two women were killed in Arab Salim, while two more people were killed in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Several other areas, including Nabatieh and Kfar Remman, were also hit.

Israel said the strikes were carried out after Hezbollah launched two explosive-laden drones toward Israeli forces operating inside what Israel calls a security zone in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military described the drone attack as a violation and said its strikes targeted Hezbollah-linked sites.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest attacks and urged the United States and the international community to intervene and help halt the Israeli strikes. Aoun described the escalation as dangerous and accused Israel of targeting civilian and state infrastructure.

Israel-Lebanon Conflict |4 Killed, 20 Injured In Fresh Israeli Strikes; Aoun Seeks U.S. Intervention

Iran’s Supreme Leader has called on Muslim countries, particularly the Gulf states, to unite against what he described as their “real enemy,” warning that divisions among Muslim nations only serve those seeking to weaken the region.

In a written message marking Islamic Unity Week, the Iranian leader said Muslim unity was a key foundation for building what he described as a victorious Islamic civilisation. He also urged Muslim countries to understand the plans of their adversaries and confront what he sees as common threats.

The message comes as Gulf states face growing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar have longstanding security ties with Washington while simultaneously maintaining important economic and political relationships across the wider region.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls For Muslim Unity | Gulf States Face Growing Security & Economic Pressure

Turkey-Israel tensions are intensifying as Ankara delivers a strong response to Israeli criticism of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkish officials have reaffirmed Ankara’s support for the Palestinian cause while accusing the Israeli government of targeting Erdogan with what they described as lies and slander. Turkish officials also sharply criticised the language used by Israel’s foreign ministry and accused the Netanyahu government of escalating tensions across the region.

The latest war of words comes amid growing friction between Turkey and Israel over Syria. Israel has carried out strikes on Syrian military infrastructure, while concerns have grown over Turkey’s reported plans involving personnel, drones and air defence systems in northern Syria.

The confrontation has added another layer to the wider West Asia crisis, with both Turkey and Israel increasingly viewing each other as strategic challenges.

The political timing is also significant, with Israel heading toward a general election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long built his political image around national security, and Turkey is increasingly featuring in Israel’s political and security debate.

The escalating rivalry raises a major question: could Syria become a new front in the wider West Asia conflict?

Watch the latest updates on Turkey-Israel tensions, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Syria, Gaza and the rapidly changing geopolitical situation across West Asia.

Turkey-Israel Tensions Escalate As Ankara Hits Back At Netanyahu Over Erdogan Attacks

Iran has warned neighbouring countries against joining what Tehran describes as a US economic war, threatening action against countries that participate in Washington's campaign to isolate the Iranian economy.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei reportedly issued the warning on state television, saying countries that impose economic restrictions on Iran would be considered enemies.

He warned that Tehran would first seek negotiations with such countries and urge them to distance themselves from Washington. However, he said Iran could target the interests of countries that refuse to change course.

Rezaei also said Iran had so far focused its attacks on US military bases rather than American economic interests. But he warned that further US sanctions could lead Iran to target American oil and economic companies in the region and elsewhere.

US President Donald Trump has meanwhile threatened severe economic consequences for countries providing what he described as a lifeline to Iran.

Iran Warns US Allies Over Sanctions As Hormuz Tensions And Regional Crisis Escalate

Welcome to WION World News with Supriya Srivastava. Here are the top international and national headlines making news.

Iran's president acknowledges the growing problems faced by citizens as the United States imposes a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Iran's economy.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomes Nordic and Baltic leaders in Kyiv as the country marks National Flag Day, with important talks and announcements expected.

Iran's Foreign Ministry says Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, peace and regional security.

US President Donald Trump again shares an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory, while Iran reiterates that the crucial maritime corridor will remain closed until Washington changes its position.

In Jammu and Kashmir, three people trapped in the Chenab River in Akhnoor are rescued by Indian Army and paramilitary forces after a sudden rise in water levels and strong currents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on India's space startups to show greater courage in the emerging sector and create an environment capable of attracting global talent.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia faces growing challenges in exporting oil through the Red Sea as Houthi threats disrupt shipping. Riyadh has shifted some crude exports north via Yanbu, while Egypt is using alternative routes to bypass the disruption and maintain exports.

Stay tuned for the latest global news, geopolitical developments and breaking headlines.

Iran Sanctions | Ukraine Flag Day | Hormuz Tensions | J&K Rescue | Saudi Oil Crisis | U.S. News 

Turkey and Israel are locked in a fresh diplomatic confrontation after Ankara reportedly sought an Interpol Red Notice for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

The dispute centres on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which sailed toward Gaza carrying hundreds of activists before Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in the Mediterranean and detained those on board.

Turkey has accused Netanyahu and others of serious crimes, while Israel has rejected the allegations and sharply attacked the Turkish government.

The wider controversy comes as Britain, Canada and Australia condemn Israel’s decision to close a probe into the 2024 strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza.

Turkey Seeks Interpol Red Notice For Netanyahu | Israel-Turkey Row Escalates Over Gaza Flotilla

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea oil shipments are increasingly disappearing from tracking systems as tanker operators reportedly switch off their Automatic Identification Systems amid growing fears of Houthi attacks.

The development comes as the Houthis intensify threats against Saudi-linked shipping and oil infrastructure, putting a key route for global energy supplies under mounting pressure.

Recent Houthi attacks have targeted commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while the group has also claimed attacks involving Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Yanbu oil hub and Aramco facilities in Jazan.

The disruption is making it harder for traders and energy agencies to determine how much Saudi crude is actually being shipped. Estimates of recent Yanbu loadings have reportedly varied significantly between shipping-data providers.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia appears to be moving more crude north through the Red Sea, while risks around the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz continue to complicate global energy flows.

Saudi Oil Tankers Go Dark Amid Houthi Attacks | Houthi Attacks Shake Red Sea Energy Route

Tensions between Iran and the United States have taken another sharp turn after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks about the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior Iranian parliament member Ibrahim Azizi mocked Trump over his comments, warning the U.S. president to focus on his own security and referring to Trump's reported secret plane switch in Ankara as he travelled after the NATO summit.

Trump had confirmed that he switched aircraft in Ankara in July after the U.S. Secret Service and military advised him to do so because of what officials described as an imminent threat from Iran.

The controversy intensified after Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of the United States. Iran strongly rejected the claim, with its foreign ministry insisting that the strategic waterway is Iranian and will remain under Iranian control.

Iran also said that decisions over the opening or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Tehran's authority.

Trump's Strait of Hormuz Claim Sparks Iran Fury | Iranian Lawmaker Mocks Trump Over Secret Plane Switch

The fragile truce between Israel and Lebanon is facing renewed pressure as Israeli strikes intensify across southern Lebanon. The latest escalation has raised fresh concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the possibility of further clashes in the region.

The developments come amid continued tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with diplomatic efforts facing major challenges. Watch this report for the latest updates, ground developments and what the renewed strikes could mean for the fragile truce in southern Lebanon.

Truce Fails as Israeli Strikes Intensify Across Southern Lebanon

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels are escalating their campaign against Saudi Arabia, targeting Saudi interests and threatening critical energy and maritime infrastructure.

The latest escalation comes after Saudi Arabia signed a new defence pact with Türkiye and Pakistan, raising questions over how the new alliance could respond to attacks from the Houthis. Reuters reported that a Houthi drone attack targeted Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, with the fire subsequently extinguished and no casualties reported.

Yemen's Houthis Attack Saudi Targets, Ally Pakistan Watches on 

Tensions between Israel and Syria continue to focus on the strategically important Golan Heights, as both sides remain locked in a dispute over territory and security.

Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and later extended its laws and administration over the area. The United Nations and most of the international community continue to regard the territory as occupied Syrian land.

The situation has become more complicated since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone and expanded their military presence in southern Syria.

The latest developments come amid wider efforts to determine the future of Israel-Syria relations, with the Golan Heights remaining one of the most sensitive territorial issues in any potential agreement.

Israel, Syria Tussle Over Control of Golan Heights

Iran and Oman are reportedly close to finalizing a new framework governing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

According to reports, the proposed arrangement would route inbound vessels through Iranian territorial waters and outbound traffic through Omani waters, with no tolls during an initial 60-day period. The agreement could significantly increase Iran's role in managing shipping through the strait and reshape regional geopolitics.

The United States has not officially responded to the reports, while Vice President JD Vance has warned that negotiations with Iran remain complex. Analysts say any agreement may only provide a temporary solution as political divisions continue within both Iran and the United States.

Iran-Oman Near Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal | Will the U.S. Accept the New Framework?

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

A cryptic social media post by the head of Ukraine's defense company Firepoint has sparked intense speculation about rising tensions between Ukraine and Iran. The now-deleted post referenced the long-range FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile, capable of striking targets up to 3,000 kilometers away, fueling fears of a possible direct military confrontation.

The message comes amid reports of alleged attacks on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea and growing geopolitical tensions involving Kyiv, Tehran, and Russia. Could this signal a new front in the conflict?

Watch the full report for the latest developments.

Ukraine Threatens Iran? Flamingo Missile Post Sparks Fears Of Direct Military Conflict

In today's top world headlines, Russia launched another intense barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Kyiv, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens, according to Ukrainian authorities.

In Colombia, at least 11 people were injured after a truck packed with explosives detonated near a police station in Cúcuta, close to the Venezuelan border, just days before the inauguration of the country's president-elect.

Meanwhile, thousands of Iranian Shia pilgrims continue their annual Arbaeen pilgrimage through Iraq toward the holy city of Karbala, one of the world's largest religious gatherings.

In Italy, a 4.7-magnitude earthquake near Naples injured 26 people, damaged buildings, and forced hundreds to evacuate as aftershocks raised fresh concerns.

The United States has also issued security alerts through its embassies across several Middle Eastern capitals, urging American citizens to remain vigilant and be prepared for possible regional escalation.

At the same time, wildfires fueled by strong winds continue to spread across Greece, including areas near Athens, while dangerous fire conditions persist in Spain and France, prompting emergency evacuations and large-scale firefighting operations.

Russia Pounds Kyiv | Colombia Bomb Blast Injures 11 | Italy Earthquake, | Greece Wildfires | Wion

The conflict in West Asia has intensified once again as the United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, following Tehran's missile attacks targeting American bases in Jordan. The renewed escalation comes after nearly a week-long pause in hostilities, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to attempted Iranian attacks on US forces stationed across the region. Iran confirmed launching ballistic missiles toward US positions in Jordan, while the US said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Fresh Strikes, Missile Attacks and Rising West Asia Tensions

The war in West Asia is entering a dangerous new phase as the conflict spreads beyond Iran and Israel, drawing more countries into the escalating crisis. Egypt has reported a drone attack near its strategic Mediterranean port of Damietta, while the United States and Saudi Arabia have jointly launched airstrikes against Iran-backed armed groups in eastern Iraq. The latest developments come after Washington resumed military strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with fresh attacks across the region.

According to reports, Jordan intercepted missiles fired from Iran, while Kuwait reported that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company, resulting in casualties. Meanwhile, Egypt's Damietta Port, a key energy and shipping hub, was targeted in a drone attack that damaged gas-related infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over the security of global energy supply routes.

West Asia War Expands as Egypt Hit, US-Saudi Strikes Iraq and Iran Launches Fresh Attacks

The Iran conflict risks expanding beyond West Asia after Tehran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the incident as an act of aggression, claiming the strike killed one sailor and injured another, while warning that it would defend its national interests. The accusation comes after Ukraine claimed it carried out long-range strikes against Russian military-linked assets in the Caspian Sea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces targeted vessels allegedly involved in military cargo shipments and also accused Russia of providing satellite intelligence to Iran to support attacks on U.S. bases and Gulf facilities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he trusted Russia and China not to assist Iran in the conflict but warned that involvement would have serious consequences

Iran War Expands Beyond Red Sea? Tehran Warns Ukraine After Vessel Strike in Caspian Sea 

Global energy markets are facing renewed uncertainty as Brent crude oil prices surge above $94 per barrel amid rising US-Iran tensions. Analysts warn that crude prices could approach $100 per barrel soon, while a worst-case scenario could push Brent back toward $120 if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are severely disrupted.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy routes, carrying millions of barrels of oil every day. Any escalation in the Middle East could trigger a fresh oil shock, impacting fuel prices, inflation, and global economies.

Goldman warns: Brent could top $120 again | Wion News  | World Business Watch 

Sri Lanka is repatriating the remains of 84 Iranian sailors on Friday, who died when their warship was sunk nine days ago by a US submarine, the Foreign Ministry confirmed. Iranian sailors were killed after the warship Iris Dena was torpedoed by a US submarine on March 4, just off the coast of Sri Lanka, amid the Middle East war.&nbsp;"All domestic procedures have been completed, and the Iranians are bringing a chartered aircraft for the repatriation," spokesman Thushara Rodrigo told AFP. "The 32 sailors who were rescued by our navy will remain in Sri Lanka."<h3>Remains will be flown out of Sri Lanka</h3>Officials said the embalmed remains, placed in sealed coffins, will be flown out of Sri Lanka from Mattala International Airport in the country’s south. By Friday afternoon, the first batch of 46 bodies had already arrived at the airport and was waiting to be transported on an Iranian chartered cargo aircraft, an official told AFP.&nbsp;The bodies, recovered from the Indian Ocean, were taken to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, about 115 kilometres (72 miles) south of the capital, where post-mortem examinations were conducted. A local magistrate later ordered that the remains be handed over to the Iranian embassy in Colombo so they could be repatriated to their families.&nbsp;Meanwhile, there were no immediate reactions from the Iranian embassy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uss-abraham-lincoln-fleeing-after-missile-strike-iran-claims-us-tells-a-different-story-again-1773389339076">USS Abraham Lincoln 'fleeing' after missile strike, Iran claims. US tells a different story</a> &nbsp;

Officials confirmed that the embalmed remains, placed in sealed coffins, will be flown out of Sri Lanka from Mattala International Airport in the country’s south. By Friday afternoon, the first batch of 46 bodies had already arrived at the airport.

Sri Lanka is repatriating the remains of 84 Iranian sailors on Friday, who died when their warship was sunk nine days ago by a US submarine, the Foreign Ministry confirmed. Iranian sailors were killed after the warship Iris Dena was torpedoed by a US submarine on March 4, just off the coast of Sri Lanka, amid the Middle East war. "All domestic procedures have been completed, and the Iranians are bringing a chartered aircraft for the repatriation," spokesman Thushara Rodrigo told AFP. "The 32 sailors who were rescued by our navy will remain in Sri Lanka." Remains will be flown out of Sri Lanka Officials said the embalmed remains, placed in sealed coffins, will be flown out of Sri Lanka from Mattala International Airport in the country’s south. By Friday afternoon, the first batch of 46 bodies had already arrived at the airport and was waiting to be transported on an Iranian chartered cargo aircraft, an official told AFP. The bodies, recovered from the Indian Ocean, were taken to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, about 115 kilometres (72 miles) south of the capital, where post-mortem examinations were conducted. A local magistrate later ordered that the remains be handed over to the Iranian embassy in Colombo so they could be repatriated to their families. Meanwhile, there were no immediate reactions from the Iranian embassy. Also read: USS Abraham Lincoln 'fleeing' after missile strike, Iran claims. US tells a different story

Officials confirmed that the embalmed remains, placed in sealed coffins, will be flown out of Sri Lanka from Mattala International Airport in the country’s south. By Friday afternoon, the first batch of 46 bodies had already arrived at the airport.

Sri Lanka repatriates remains of 84 Iranian sailors killed in US submarine strike amid West Asia war

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday after arriving in Jeddah, according to a post on X by the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi. The statement said the Pakistani premier assured Saudi Arabia of full solidarity and support during these difficult times, and both sides agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability. Sharif’s visit comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, where Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, are facing attacks from Iran. Tehran says the strikes are targeting US and Israeli-linked sites in response to large-scale and deadly operations by Israel. The Zaidi’s statement shared by Zaidi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present during the meeting. “At the outset, the prime minister conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes to the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and expressed profound appreciation for the kingdom’s longstanding support to Pakistan,” the statement read.

Shehbaz Sharif held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

<h3>Shehbaz Sharif expresses full solidarity with Saudi Arabia</h3>The statement further read that PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s “full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in these challenging times”. Previously, state-run PTV News reported that Shehbaz Sharif was received at the Royal Terminal of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s Consul General in Jeddah Syed Mustafa Rabani and other diplomatic officials. The report added that the visit was expected to last only a few hours, during which the prime minister would meet with Mohammed bin Salman.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fm-seyed-abbas-araghchi-mocks-us-diplomacy-claims-no-nuclear-weapons-deal-failed-because-of-american-negotiators-technical-ignorance-1773384353579">Iran FM Abbas Araghchi mocks US diplomacy; claims 'NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS' deal failed because of American negotiators' ‘technical ignorance’</a>

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, where Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, are facing attacks from Iran. Tehran says the strikes are targeting US and Israeli-linked sites in response to large-scale and deadly operations by Israel.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a “restricted meeting” with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday after arriving in Jeddah, according to a post on X by the prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi. The statement said the Pakistani premier assured Saudi Arabia of full solidarity and support during these difficult times, and both sides agreed to cooperate in promoting regional peace and stability. Sharif’s visit comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, where Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, are facing attacks from Iran. Tehran says the strikes are targeting US and Israeli-linked sites in response to large-scale and deadly operations by Israel. The Zaidi’s statement shared by Zaidi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir were also present during the meeting. “At the outset, the prime minister conveyed his respectful regards and best wishes to the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and expressed profound appreciation for the kingdom’s longstanding support to Pakistan,” the statement read.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, where Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, are facing attacks from Iran. Tehran says the strikes are targeting US and Israeli-linked sites in response to large-scale and deadly operations by Israel.

Pakistan assures 'full solidarity & support' to Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions

The war has moved beyond military confrontation to become an economic stress test for the Middle East and global markets.

The war has moved beyond military confrontation to become an economic stress test for the Middle East and global markets.

'Oil, markets and security at risk': Did US–Iran conflict expose economic fault lines across the Middle East?

President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. “destroyed” key command centers tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), sharply escalating tensions. Trump warned Tehran against retaliation, saying any response would be met with overwhelming force. The statement raises concerns over regional stability, possible military escalation, and the future of U.S.–Iran relations.

Iran War: US 'Destroys' IRGC's Command Facilities: Trump Warns Retaliation

The UAE protects its airspace using a multi-layered defence network. Systems like THAAD, Patriot, and Pantsir-S1 work together to track and intercept ballistic missiles and drones midair, successfully neutralising threats while managing the risks of falling debris.


The UAE protects its airspace using a multi-layered defence network. Systems like THAAD, Patriot, and Pantsir-S1 work together to track and intercept ballistic missiles and drones midair, successfully neutralising threats while managing the risks of falling debris.

'Capable of stopping drones and missiles midair’: What protects the Gulf from ballistic missile attacks?

With a combat-proven 90 per cent interception rate and exo-atmospheric Arrow 3 missiles, Israel commands the strongest air defence network among the Middle Eastern nations targeted by Iran. The UAE and Saudi Arabia follow closely.

With a combat-proven 90 per cent interception rate and exo-atmospheric Arrow 3 missiles, Israel commands the strongest air defence network among the Middle Eastern nations targeted by Iran. The UAE and Saudi Arabia follow closely.

Who has the strongest air defence in the Middle East among those attacked by Iran?

Standard property insurance denies claims for missile damage due to war exclusion clauses. Gulf businesses must buy specialised Political Violence insurance to ensure they receive payouts if buildings are hit by drone or missile strikes.


Standard property insurance denies claims for missile damage due to war exclusion clauses. Gulf businesses must buy specialised Political Violence insurance to ensure they receive payouts if buildings are hit by drone or missile strikes.

Missile & drone attacks by Iran: Will insurance companies pay if a building is hit?

Around a dozen US Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets landed at an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel on Monday, an unusual operational move amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran

Around a dozen US Air Force F-22 stealth fighter jets landed at an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel on Monday, an unusual operational move amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran

Radar ghosts? Why did F-22 fly with transponders deactivated to reach Israel as US–Iran nuclear talks hang by a thread?

Trump has given Iran 10-15 days to agree to a nuclear deal, warning of further action if it refuses. Tehran says US bases in the region could be targeted if tensions escalate further.

Trump has given Iran 10-15 days to agree to a nuclear deal, warning of further action if it refuses. Tehran says US bases in the region could be targeted if tensions escalate further.

Will US strike Iran? Trump sets deadline as Tehran warns of retaliation

Satelllite images also show that Iran has buried tunnel entrances at a nuclear site that had been bombed by the US during the 12-day  Israel-Iran war in June last year, fortified tunnel entrances near another, and has repaired missile bases struck in the conflict.

Satelllite images also show that Iran has buried tunnel entrances at a nuclear site that had been bombed by the US during the 12-day &nbsp;Israel-Iran war in June last year, fortified tunnel entrances near another, and has repaired missile bases struck in the conflict.

Is war looming? Why is Iran concealing and repairing ‘sensitive’ nuclear and military sites amid rising US tensions?

Amid flaring tensions between the United States and Iran, at least two European airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East on Friday (Jan 23). Air France said that it was temporarily halting services to Dubai, citing the geopolitical situation in the region. Dutch airline KLM also halted its flights to cities in the Middle East until further notice, adding that it would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iran and Iraq. Meanwhile, Germany’s Lufthansa airline had earlier stated that it will not operate flights “from and to Tehran up to and including March 29.”The flight disruptions come after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 22) threatened that a US “armada” was heading towards the Gulf, adding that Washington was watching Iran closely despite Tehran’s suspension of planned executions of protesters amid its government’s crackdown. Meanwhile, Trump also suggested Iran was willing to talk while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he unveiled an international ‘Board of Peace’.“Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai,” France’s national carrier said in a statement to AFP.The airline added it was “constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft” to ensure “the highest level of safety and security” while operating flights. “Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule,” the French airline said.Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Friday that KLM said that it had suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until further notice, without proving reason behind the decision. It added that it would not fly through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel and several other Gulf nations. The airline said that it was in touch with Dutch authorities.What did Trump say?“We’re watching Iran,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we’ll see what happens.” Trump said.Claiming the credit for stopping hundreds of executions in Iran amid the violent protests that killed thousands, Trump said, “We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely. I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday. They would have been dead. Everyone would have been hung. This is like from 1,000 years ago.”He further added, “We have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it. We’ll see.”

Major European airlines, including Air France and KLM, suspended flights to parts of the Middle East citing security concerns as US-Iran tensions rose after President Donald Trump warned that a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf.

Amid flaring tensions between the United States and Iran, at least two European airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East on Friday (Jan 23). Air France said that it was temporarily halting services to Dubai, citing the geopolitical situation in the region. Dutch airline KLM also halted its flights to cities in the Middle East until further notice, adding that it would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iran and Iraq. Meanwhile, Germany’s Lufthansa airline had earlier stated that it will not operate flights “from and to Tehran up to and including March 29.” The flight disruptions come after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Jan 22) threatened that a US “armada” was heading towards the Gulf, adding that Washington was watching Iran closely despite Tehran’s suspension of planned executions of protesters amid its government’s crackdown. Meanwhile, Trump also suggested Iran was willing to talk while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he unveiled an international ‘Board of Peace’. “Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai,” France’s national carrier said in a statement to AFP. The airline added it was “constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft” to ensure “the highest level of safety and security” while operating flights. “Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule,” the French airline said. Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Friday that KLM said that it had suspended its flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until further notice, without proving reason behind the decision. It added that it would not fly through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel and several other Gulf nations. The airline said that it was in touch with Dutch authorities. What did Trump say? “We’re watching Iran,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back to Washington from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we’ll see what happens.” Trump said. Claiming the credit for stopping hundreds of executions in Iran amid the violent protests that killed thousands, Trump said, “We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely. I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday. They would have been dead. Everyone would have been hung. This is like from 1,000 years ago.” He further added, “We have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won’t have to use it. We’ll see.”

Major European airlines, including Air France and KLM, suspended flights to parts of the Middle East, citing security concerns as US-Iran tensions rose after President Donald Trump warned that a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf.

Airlines cancel flights to Middle East after Trump’s ‘armada’ warning to Iran – What’s happening?

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan in the Middle East has hit a roadblock as Hamas refuses to disarm. 


Trump's Peace Plan Stalls as Hamas Refuses to Disarm