Page 59 - West Asia

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.

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

West Asia crisis: Jaishankar speaks to foreign ministers of Iran, Israel

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held separate phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar as the Middle East reeled under massive tension following a joint US-Israel military offensive against Iran. Jaishankar conveyed to Araghchi India's deep concern over the developments in Iran and the region. "Had a telecon with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. Shared India's deep concern at the recent developments in Iran and the region," Jaishankar said on social media. On his conversation with Sa'ar, Jaishankar said he reiterated "India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions". Following the attack by the US and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israeli and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump, announcing the military offensive against Tehra

DGCA asks airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries till March 2

Aviation watchdog DGCA on Saturday advised airlines to avoid airspaces of 11 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, till March 2. The countries are Iran, Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. Many airspaces are already shut in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US on Saturday. Indian airlines have suspended their services to the Middle East. The advisory has been issued in alignment with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), the regulator said. The watchdog has asked airlines to refrain from operating within the 11 affected airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes. Carriers have been asked to closely monitor all updated Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs) and Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the affected countries and national authorities. "This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 02, 202

Iran conflict to push freight, insurance costs up: Indian exporters

With a joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran triggering a massive military confrontation in the Middle East, Indian exporters on Saturday said the development is expected to push transportation and insurance costs up, potentially disrupting the outbound shipments to the US and Europe. They said that any prolonged tensions in the region could impact oil prices and that will have implications on input costs and current stability. Following the attack by the United States and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting several American military bases in the Middle East, including in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President SC Ralhan said the ongoing conflict has already begun to disrupt established global logistics channels. "Air routes are being altered, and maritime trade through the Red Sea and key Gulf straits faces heightened uncertainty. If diversions become prolonged, shipments may ...

US, Israel trade attacks with Iran, throwing West Asia, world into disarray

Iran strikes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh after US-Israel attack; American military bases targeted across the Gulf

Rahul, Kharge urge government to safeguard Indians in West Asia

The Congress on Saturday condemned the attacks launched on Iran by the US and Israel, and called upon the Indian government to help bring the hostilities to an end and ensure the safety of all Indians in the Middle East. The opposition party expressed concern over the escalating hostilities in the region and urged the government to ensure that all Indians living there are safe. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said his party is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, following the recent military escalation towards Iran. "Peace and stability in the region are paramount and must be preserved. "We are equally concerned about the safety and security of Indians in Iran and across the Middle East. We urge the Government of India to take all possible measures to ensure their protection and well-being," Kharge said in a post on X. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too expressed concern and called upon the government to take immediate proactive steps to ensu

Israel-Iran conflict: India calls for diplomacy to de-escalate tensions

India's ministry of external affairs called on all sides to avoid escalation; embassies issue advisories to Indian nationals across West Asia

West Asia airspace closures disrupt travel as US, Israel strike Iran

Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Israel and Iran imposed airspace restrictions as airlines suspended, cancelled or rerouted flights across the Gulf region following escalating military action

Iranian missiles target US bases across West Asia, expanding conflict

Iran launches missile attacks across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait after joint Israel-US strikes, targeting US military bases and escalating regional tensions

West Asia crisis: Govt reviews preparedness with aviation stakeholders

The government on Saturday reviewed the preparedness of aviation stakeholders in the wake of the evolving Middle East situation and asked airlines to ensure timely rerouting, diversion of flights wherever required in accordance with safety protocols. Multiple airspaces have been closed in the wake of the attacks on Iran by Israel and the US. With Indian airlines suspending their Middle East operations and thousands of passengers facing travel disruptions, civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu held a high-level review meeting with the stakeholders. At the meeting, the ministry told airlines to ensure timely rerouting and diversion of flights wherever required in accordance with safety protocols. The review meeting of the civil aviation ministry focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity, and real-time coordination amid airspace closures in the Middle East, according to an official release. Airport operators have been asked to enhance coordination with airlines

IndiGo temporarily suspends flights to West Asia as US, Iran strike Iran

IndiGo on Saturday temporarily suspended flights to and from the Middle East in view of the evolving situation in Iran. "In view of evolving airspace restrictions around Iran and the Middle East, all flights to and from the Middle East are cancelled till 0000 hrs," it said in a post on X. The suspension is till 0000 hours IST. Services have been suspended to and from Dubai, Jeddah, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Bahrain, Sharjah, Kuwait and Ras Al-Khaimah, according to a source. The airline said these measures have been instituted as the safety and security of its customers and crew is the highest priority. "Our teams are continuously monitoring the evolving situation and recalibrating operations to minimise disruption as much as possible," it added. Meanwhile, Air India Express said that in view of the developing situation in parts of the Gulf region, it has suspended all west-bound international flights. "We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and will proactively rev

Israel, US attack Iran to remove 'imminent threat': All you need to know

Israel and the US have launched coordinated airstrikes on Tehran, triggering airspace closures, communication disruptions, and heightened tensions across West Asia

Trump defends US, Israel joint strike on Iran, cites 'mass terror' threat

In his first comments on the Iran war, US President Donald Trump said the objective was to eliminate imminent threats from Tehran and prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons

Washington Post cuts one-third of staff, shuts sports desk, foreign bureaus

The Washington Post laid off one-third of its staff Wednesday, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage in a widespread purge that represented a brutal blow to journalism and one of its most legendary brands. The Post's executive editor, Matt Murray, called the move painful but necessary to put the outlet on stronger footing and weather changes in technology and user habits. "We can't be everything to everyone," Murray said in a note to staff members. He outlined the changes in a companywide online meeting, and staff members then began getting emails with one of two subject lines - telling them their role was or was not eliminated. Rumors of layoffs had circulated for weeks, ever since word leaked that sports reporters who had expected to travel to Italy for the Winter Olympics would not be going. But when official word came down, the size and scale of the cuts were shocking, affecting virtually every department in the newsroom. "It's just ...

US aircraft carrier arrives in West Asia as tensions with Iran remain high

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying warships have arrived in the Middle East, bringing a renewed potential that President Donald Trump could opt to order airstrikes on Iran over its crackdown on protesters. The carrier, along with three destroyers, "is currently deployed to the Middle East to promote regional security and stability," US Central Command said Monday on social media. The strike group was in the Indian Ocean, Central Command said, and not in the Arabian Sea, which borders Iran. It will bring thousands of additional service members to the region, which has not had a US aircraft carrier since the USS Gerald R Ford was ordered in October to sail to the Caribbean as part of a pressure campaign on then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump told reporters last week that the ships were sent to the region "just in case". "We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won't have to use it," he said. Trump earlier had threatened

UAE will not allow use of its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran

The statement comes amid an expanding US military presence near Iran, including the recent deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln to West Asian waters