IRAN ISRAEL RELATIONS
Israel restarts ground operations, issues 'last warning' to Gazans
Israel launched heavy air strikes on Gaza, killing over 400 people, and resumed ground operations after issuing an ultimatum to Hamas. The renewed violence shattered a brief period of calm and escalated tensions, with international calls for a ceasefire being ignored.
Trump claims ‘contract for Peace’ in the works after 90-minute call with Putin
In a high-stakes phone call, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to an immediate halt on strikes targeting Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure. While this is seen as the first step towards broader negotiations, Putin stopped short of endorsing a full 30-day ceasefire. Trump emphasised that both leaders were committed to ending the war, but Ukraine has yet to publicly confirm its stance.
Netanyahu says Israeli strikes across Gaza that killed hundreds are 'only the beginning'
Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians, largely women and children, breaking a ceasefire. Netanyahu ordered the attacks after Hamas refused to change the ceasefire terms; the strikes included key Hamas officials. Wounded civilians overwhelmed medical facilities as supplies dwindled.
What to know about why Israel launched dozens of attacks across Gaza, raising fears of all-out war
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed as Israel launched attacks on Gaza, killing over 320 people. The ceasefire ended due to disagreements over the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the strikes, signaling a potential return to full-scale war. The situation remains volatile with potential regional repercussions.
Explainer: Who are Yemen's Houthis and why are they under attack by the US?
US President Trump has started a significant military operation against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis due to resumed Red Sea shipping attacks. The strikes have resulted in at least 24 deaths. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have escalated tensions by targeting shipping routes to support Palestine.
US expels South Africa's ambassador, calling him 'race-baiting' Trump hater
The United States is expelling South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, accusing him of being a race-baiting politician who dislikes America and President Trump. This move highlights the deepening tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, aggravated by disagreements over South Africa's land policy and international relations.
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Donald Trump 'hater' ambassador expelled. US-South Africa relationship at its lowest point?
South Africa's Ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool is being expelled.
What to know about tensions between Iran and the US as Trump sends letter to its supreme leader
US President Donald Trump has written a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aiming to initiate talks on Tehran's nuclear program amidst escalating tensions. Concurrently, Trump has imposed new sanctions and hinted at possible military action, though he remains hopeful for a new agreement.
China, Iran and Russia hold joint naval drills in Mideast as tensions rise between Tehran and US
China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting unity amid Iran's nuclear tensions and Houthi threats in Yemen. The exercises aimed to strengthen maritime security near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Observers included several countries, with the U.S. likely monitoring the situation closely.
Iran says it is open to talks about concerns about militarisation of its nuclear programme
Iran is open to discussing concerns about its nuclear programme’s potential militarisation, per a statement by its UN mission. However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected talks with the US, asserting that demands to restrict Iran's missile programme and regional influence would not resolve issues. Iran reiterated its nuclear programme's peaceful intentions.
Trump wrote to Iran's leader about that country's nuclear program and expects results 'very soon'
President Trump seeks a new nuclear deal with Iran, sending a letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump emphasizes diplomacy but hints at potential military action if negotiations fail, amid heightened tensions over Iran’s advancing uranium enrichment nearing weapons-grade levels.
Selective outrage? Firestorm erupts over Trump-Zelensky clash, but critics say Obama & Biden’s public humiliation of Netanyahu was far worse; here's what happened then
There is a lot of ongoing controversy surrounding the meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the presence of VP JD Vance and a few others. However, some critics are saying that this is nothing compared to what happened between Netanyahu and Obama as well as Biden.
Villa Paradise: When the Hinduja family made Cannes home for Indian cinema
The Hinduja family has played a pivotal role in promoting Bollywood globally, particularly at the Cannes Film Festival. Their efforts have brought Indian cinema onto the world stage through hosting influential events and fostering cross-cultural collaborations. Prakash Hinduja emphasises preserving cinema’s heritage and inspiring future generations.
Who is Marco Rubio, Trump's Secretary of State
Marco Rubio has been confirmed as the 72nd US Secretary of State under President Trump. He is the first Latino to hold this position. The Senate approved his nomination with a unanimous 99-0 vote. Rubio's diplomatic credentials earned bipartisan respect, and he is set to face significant global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and China's growing influence.
Russian missile experts flew to Iran amid clashes with Israel
Several senior Russian missile specialists visited Iran multiple times last year, deepening defense cooperation between the two nations, according to travel records and employment data. These visits occurred as tensions with Israel escalated. The specialists' backgrounds include missile systems, artillery, and advanced weapons development. The purpose and exact activities of their trips remain undisclosed.
India is copying China playbook for a wide global footprint
India is forming a consortium of state-owned companies to develop and operate ports overseas, responding to China's global maritime influence. This initiative aims to bolster India's strategic and trade positioning by enhancing its global shipping network, supporting manufacturing growth, and strengthening supply chains.
Who are the Israeli hostages released by Hamas?
Hamas handed over the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as part of a Gaza truce. This concludes the first phase of the truce with 59 hostages still in Gaza, and negotiations for the next phase pending. Forensic testing confirmed the identities of the returned bodies.
Hezbollah bids farewell to Hassan Nasrallah: Why thousands in Lebanon are mourning the US-designated militant outfit's leader?
Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral drew thousands to Beirut, showing his significant impact. His death in an Israeli airstrike marks a critical moment for Hezbollah and the Middle East. Hezbollah's vow of continued resistance against Israel was strongly emphasized during the ceremony, attended by key Iranian officials and amid Israeli military activities, reflecting ongoing regional tensions.
A mother and her young sons are among the remains returned to Israel by Hamas
The remains of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, kidnapped by Hamas during the Israel-Hamas war, have been returned to Israel. The identification of the boys and another hostage, Oded Lifshitz, highlights the ongoing exchanges under a ceasefire agreement that has seen the release of some hostages.
Who are hostages freed by Hamas as part of ceasefire in Gaza?
Hamas has released the bodies of four Israeli hostages, presumed to include Shiri Bibas and her two sons, bringing the total number of hostages freed since the ceasefire to 28. The releases are part of a deal involving the exchange of 33 hostages for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
From energy to diplomacy: Exploring the multifaceted India-Qatar relationship
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani is set to visit India on 17th February 2025 to strengthen bilateral ties. This visit comes at a crucial time for securing India's energy requirements and expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
EAM Jaishankar, Sa'ar discuss Trump's vision of connecting Israel with India, Europe, US
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar in Germany. They discussed West Asia and President Donald Trump's vision of connecting Asia, Europe, and the US through Israel. The meeting took place during the Munich Security Conference. Trump announced a project to link infrastructure from India to Europe through the Middle East at the 2023 G20 Summit.
Top officials to meet next week to prepare Trump-Putin summit
Senior US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss potential summits aimed at ending the Ukraine war. National security advisers and top negotiators from both sides are expected to attend, while plans are being set before Ramadan begins in March.
Who are the hostages freed by Hamas as part of the ceasefire in Gaza?
Three Israeli civilians, Sagui Dekel Chen, Iair Horn, and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, were released by militants from Gaza after being held for over 16 months. This release is part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has already seen the release of multiple hostages and aims to free more captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Saudi Arabia spearheads Arab scramble for alternative to Trump's Gaza plan
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE are developing a counter-plan to Trump's proposal to clear out Palestinians from Gaza. The new plan involves a National Palestinian Committee to govern Gaza without Hamas and international participation in reconstruction. This plan aims to move towards a two-state solution, with Riyadh taking a leading role.
Russia-Iran ties to Assad open wound after war: Syria's interim foreign minister
Syria's interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, emphasized the nation's desire to improve relations with the West and lift US and EU sanctions for rebuilding amid Moscow's and Tehran's controversial support during the civil war. Speaking at the Dubai summit, he acknowledged some progress from Russia and Iran while highlighting ongoing tensions and the need for reconciliation.
Some Israeli soldiers travelling abroad targeted for alleged war crimes in Gaza
An Israeli reservist fled Brazil after being accused of war crimes in Gaza by a pro-Palestinian group. The case, based on his social media, highlights the use of universal jurisdiction for prosecuting egregious crimes. Israel condemned the move and tightened its military's social media restrictions.
Iran says displacement of Palestinians threatens Middle East
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned US President Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, calling it a threat to Middle East stability. Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected the plan, and Araghchi urges Islamic countries to oppose the move.
New look Middle East had started to draw investors... and then came Trump
International investors are optimistic about the Middle East following recent peace developments and economic recovery potentials. Positive changes include Egypt's first dollar debt sale in four years, Israel's bond market recovery, and Lebanon's efforts to address its crises. However, Trump's plan for Gaza and its potential repercussions loom as a significant risk factor.
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