Page 97 - Israel Iran Conflict

Rice exporters warned against CIF contracts to Iran amid West Asia crisis

An association of Indian rice exporters on Sunday advised its members to avoid new 'cost, insurance and freight' commitments to Iran and Gulf destinations, amid deteriorating geopolitical situation in West Asia and possible restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 'Cost, insurance, and freight' (CIF) is a shipping agreement that ensures a seller covers the costs, insurance, and freight of a buyer's order when cargo is transported via a waterway. The advisory comes after the US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on February 28, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed early on Sunday. The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) asked its members to conclude sales on free-on-board (FOB) terms, wherever feasible, so that freight, insurance and related risks remain with the international buyer. The organisation said that developments in Iran and the United Arab Emirates could have an immediate impact on bunker (supplying fuel to ships) prices and

Iran names third member to leadership council that will govern the country

Iran has selected a 66-year-old cleric to join the three-member leadership council that will govern the country until a new supreme leader is selected. Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi has been a member of both constitutional watchdog Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts that will choose the next leader. He was hand picked by late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a member of the Guardian Council in 2019. Arafi joins President Masoud Pezeshkian and head of judiciary cleric Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei on the council.

OPEC+ to lift oil output slightly even as Iran crisis disrupts shipments

Oil, gas and other shipments from the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz have come to a halt since Saturday after shipowners received a warning from Iran saying the area was closed for navigation

Killing of Khamenei cynical violation of human morality, int'l law: Putin

The killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared in his message to his Tehranian counterpart, the Kremlin said Sunday. Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint Israel-US attack on Iran. "Please accept my deepest condolences in connection with the assassination of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in a cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," Putin said in his condolence message. Putin's condolence message to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was published on the Kremlin portal. Earlier on Saturday, Russia condemned the US-Israeli joint strikes on Iran qualifying it as an "unprovoked" aggression against a sovereign state in violation of international law and called for immediate return to diplomacy. The Russian ..

Trump talks of regime change in Iran, but history shows it is very hard

Barely an hour after the first US and Israeli missiles struck Iran, President Donald Trump made clear he hoped for regime change. "Now is the time to seize control of your destiny," he told the Iranian people in a video. "This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass." Doesn't sound complicated. After all, with Iran's fundamentally unpopular government weakened by fierce airstrikes, some of its top leaders dead or missing and Washington signalling support, how hard could it be to overthrow a repressive regime? Possibly very hard. So says history. Washington has a long, complicated past when it comes to regime change. There was Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s, and Panama in 1989. There was Nicaragua in the 1980s, Iraq and Afghanistan in the years after 9/11, and Venezuela just weeks ago. There was also Iran. In 1953, the CIA helped engineer a coup that toppled Iran's democratically elected leader and gave near-absolute power to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. But as with the shah, who

Iran crisis may trigger oil price volatility and macro risks for India

India is expected to face oil price volatility and broader macroeconomic effects from the escalating Iran crisis, analysts said, adding the country's oil supply chain does not yet face structural insecurity. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz - through which a significant share of India's crude and LNG imports transit - have already pushed Brent crude prices toward a seven-month high of USD 73 per barrel, adding a geopolitical risk premium to global energy markets and heightening inflation and current account pressures, even as physical supply disruption remains unlikely in the near term. "In the current escalation scenario, the initial impact is likely to be price-driven rather than volume-driven. A geopolitical risk premium would lift Brent prices, alongside increases in freight rates and war-risk insurance costs," said Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst, Refining and Modelling at commodity market analytic firm Kpler. Even in the absence of physical shortages, landed ..

225 flights cancelled at Mumbai, Delhi airports due to West Asia crisis

At least 100 international flights have been cancelled at the Delhi airport on Sunday as airlines grapple with operational disruptions due to the Middle East crisis. A source said 60 international departures and 40 arrivals have been cancelled. "Due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East, west-bound international flights may experience disruptions or schedule changes," DIAL said in a post on X. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital. It is also the country's largest airport, handling more than 1,300 flight movements daily. Earlier, the Civil Aviation Ministry said 444 international flights are expected to be cancelled by domestic carriers on Sunday.

Satyajit Ray's 'Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne': Singing in the dark times

Satyajit Ray's 1969 musical-fantasy film responded to a world on the brink of a nuclear catastrophe - with music and hope

West Asia crisis: Indian tour operators flag rise in booking cancellations

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on Sunday reported a noticeable rise in booking cancellations and rescheduling requests, particularly for sectors connecting India with Europe via major Gulf hubs, due to airspace restrictions arising from the Middle East crisis. IATO President Ravi Gosain told PTI that travel agents across the country are working closely with airlines and overseas partners to minimise inconvenience to passengers by facilitating re-bookings, refunds, and alternate routings. "While there is short-term uncertainty, we expect the situation to stabilise, and travellers are being advised to stay in touch with their agents and avoid panic cancellations, as airlines are offering suitable options in most cases," he said. The conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran has resulted in multiple airspace closures in the Middle East, massively disrupting flight operations.

CBSE delays Class 10 and 12 exams in seven nations amid West Asia crisis

CBSE has postponed Monday's Class 10 and 12 exams in seven Middle Eastern countries due to escalating regional tensions, with the Board set to review the situation on March 3

Markets to react negatively amid escalating crisis in West Asia: Analysts

Stock markets will react negatively on Monday due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, and the impact on equities will depend on how long the conflict lasts, analysts said. The US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday. Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. Besides, geopolitical situation, macroeconomic data announcements, global market trends, and trading activity of foreign investors would also influence investors' sentiment in a holiday-shortened week ahead. Equity markets would remain closed on Tuesday for Holi. Sentiment has turned even more fragile after fresh geopolitical escalations over the weekend in the Middle East, Santosh Meena, Head of Research at Swastika Investmart Ltd, said. "For an oil-importing economy like India, sustained elevated crude prices pose risks to inflation, fiscal balance, and rate-cut expectations. This external shock has emerged at a technically vulnerable momen

Families in India fear for loved ones in Iran amid US-Israel strikes

A wave of anxiety gripped several families here as they struggled to contact their loved ones, including students and Islamic scholars, living in Qom in Iran, which is under attack from the US and Israel. According to local sources, at least eight people from Barabanki are presently in Iran for religious studies. Those in Iran, include Maulana Zafar Abbas alias Faizi, Maulana Abid Husain Kazmi, Maulana Ali Mehdi Rizvi, Maulana Syed Kashimi Rizvi Zaidpuri, Fatima Rabab, Mohammad Raza, Mohammad Kazim, Maulana Faiz Bakri of Jauras and Maulana Ali Mehdi. Relatives said contact with some of them was established for a brief time, but was disrupted, heightening fears among families. Maulana Abbas Mehdi Sadaf said his elder brother, Maulana Zafar Abbas Faizi, is pursuing studies in Qom. "We spoke to him after the attack. He informed us that the strike occurred near the border of Qom. He said the situation was under control and civilians were moving normally on the streets," Sadaf ...

Kerala CM writes to PM Modi, urges him to ensure safety of Indians in Gulf

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed concern over the situation in the Gulf region following the US-Israel attack on Iran and urged the Centre to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Indians there. In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijayan said the developments after the attack on Iran were causing anxiety among families of expatriates and civil society at large, particularly in Kerala, which has a significant diaspora in the Gulf region. He requested the Centre to ensure preparedness to safeguard Indian nationals in the region and to take necessary steps, including arrangements to bring them back safely if the situation demands so. "I write this letter to share our apprehension on the situation consequent to the attack on Iran, which is now having its adverse impact on all the countries of the Gulf region," the chief minister said. He noted that a large number of Indians, including many from Kerala, are living in Gulf countries, and their

Massive explosion strikes Tehran as Israel targets 'heart' of city

A massive explosion struck Iran's capital on Sunday as the Israeli military said it was targeting the "heart" of the city. The blast sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky and shook the ground. It wasn't immediately clear what the target was. The blast appeared centred in a neighbourhood home to the country's police headquarters and Iranian state television. The Israeli military said it was striking targets in central Tehran. It said that on the first day of the war, the military cleared the path to Tehran, and on the second day, it was striking central Tehran.

Muslim bodies in Lucknow condemn Khamenei's killing, to hold protests

Muslim organisations here on Sunday expressed grief and anger over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint strikes by the US and Israel, and announced protest and prayer programmes. All India Shia Personal Law Board general secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas said a large protest and a condolence meeting will be held at the Chhota Imambara on Sunday evening. Effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be burnt during the protest, he said. The Shia community has announced three days of mourning, during which people will wear black, hoist black flags at their homes and organise special prayers, Abbas said. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) executive member and Lucknow's Shahar Qazi Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli condemned Khamenei's killing and called on the international community to oppose what he termed a violation of international law. He said special prayers would be offered in Sunni mosques f

No immediate oil disruption for India despite tensions in West Asia

With crude inventories sufficient to meet at least 10 days of requirements and fuel stocks covering another 5-7 days, India is unlikely to face any near-term disruption in oil supplies from the closure of the key supply route of the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. Even as rapidly unfolding developments, following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, including the reported killing of the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, suggest the conflict may not last very long, New Delhi has contingency plans in place should tensions escalate, top officials and analysts said. Iran's state media said on February 28 that the Islamic Republic has shut the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints through which about a fifth of global oil and gas supplies transit - in response to US and Israeli missile strikes. The closure for a short duration will not have much impact on India as it already has supplies to meet fuel requirements, they said, adding that in the even

Betrayal of India's values: Cong slams govt response over West Asia crisis

The Congress on Sunday said the government's response to the war unleashed on Iran has been a betrayal of India's values, principles and interests, as it claimed that the nation is paying a heavy price for both the substance and style of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy. Taking a swipe at Modi, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said India's foreign policy under the "self-styled Vishwaguru" stands brutally exposed, notwithstanding all the grandstanding on it by the cheerleaders of the PM, led by himself. "Modi visited Israel on February 25-26, 2026, at a time when the entire world was aware that a US-Israel military attack on Iran for regime change was imminent. The assault began just two days after Mr. Modi left Israel where his speech to the Knesset was a display of shameful moral cowardice," Ramesh said on X. "The Modi government's response to the war unleashed on Iran that has involved targeted assassinations has been a betrayal of ...

Iran's chief of army staff, defence minister killed in airstrike: State TV

Iran's chief of army staff and defence minister were killed in an airstrike targeting a meeting of the country's defence council, Iranian state television reported on Sunday. Gen. Abdol Rahim Mousavi and Defence Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed at the meeting alongside the head of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and security adviser Ali Shamkhani, whose deaths Iran previously announced Sunday morning.

Iran fires missiles at Israel, Gulf states following Khamenei's death

Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states on Sunday after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel, prompting US President Donald Trump to threaten Tehran against further escalation. Iran acknowledged Khamenei's death in the joint Israeli-American airstrike Saturday at his Tehran office hours, which has thrown the future of the Islamic Republic into question and raised the risk of regional instability. The 86-year-old's death at his office "showed that he consistently stood among the people and at the forefront of his responsibilities, confronting what officials call global arrogance," Iranian state TV said. Trump said the killing of Khamenei gave Iranians their "greatest chance" to "take back" their country. "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead," Trump wrote in a social media post. Iran's Cabinet vowed that this "great crime will never go unanswered", and the ...

West Asia crisis: MEA assures visa relief to stranded foreign travellers

In view of flight cancellations following the escalating security situation in the Middle East, India on Sunday asked foreign nationals in the country to approach relevant authorities for visa extensions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory for foreign nationals impacted by the travel disruptions. The MEA urged foreign nationals to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if they require assistance with visa extensions or need to regularise their stay. "All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularise their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office," it said. The MEA said the FRROs concerned will extend assistance. It is not immediately clear how many foreign tourists are stranded in India due to the flight cancellations. Hundreds of flights have