Latest news with #IranIsraelTensions
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Shifting sands: Why our defence future lies in East, not in West
The recent escalating conflicts in Palestine and the wider Iran-Israel tensions have laid bare a stark reality for nations in our region: Reliance on Western arms suppliers and alliances comes with significant geopolitical strings attached, strings that consistently pull in favour of Israel. We have seen, for instance, in the context of the Ukraine conflict, how the political will of supplying governments can dictate the terms of use, the types of targets permissible, and even the timely delivery of crucial armaments. This raises a profound concern: Can we truly depend on weapons systems whose operational deployment might be constrained by the strategic preferences of their Western government benefactors, especially if our national interests diverge from theirs, particularly concerning Israel? It is time for us to fundamentally reassess our defence strategy and look eastward, drawing lessons from nations like Iran in developing indigenous capabilities, particularly in advanced drone and rocket technology. For decades, the West has positioned itself as the primary provider of advanced weaponry and security partnerships. Yet, the unfolding crises demonstrate a clear pattern: When push comes to shove, the deep-rooted alliances between Western powers and Israel supersede any commitments to other regional partners. We have witnessed a consistent siding with Israel, often at the expense of regional stability and justice, regardless of the humanitarian consequences. This bias is not merely a matter of policy but is intrinsically linked to the very nature of their strategic relationships and arms industries. This predicament leaves us vulnerable. To truly safeguard our sovereignty and security, we must cultivate self-reliance. And in this pursuit, Iran, despite its own complex geopolitical standing, offers invaluable insights, particularly in the realm of asymmetric warfare capabilities. Sanctions and isolation have forced Iran to become a formidable innovator in drone and missile technology. Their consistent development and deployment of increasingly sophisticated drones and precision-guided missiles, from the 'War of the Cities' to recent advancements in loitering munitions and air defense systems, demonstrate a remarkable capacity for indigenous military industrial growth. They have not waited for external suppliers, but rather have invested heavily in reverse-engineering, research, and domestic production. This includes a robust ballistic missile programme, and advancements in systems like the Majid air defense system, designed to counter modern aerial threats. Imagine the strength of our air defence if we were to emulate this strategic independence. By investing in our own scientific and engineering talent, establishing dedicated research and development centrrs, and fostering local manufacturing, we can build a defence apparatus tailored to our specific needs and threats, free from external influence. This does not mean isolating ourselves, but rather diversifying our partnerships and prioritising self-sufficiency. Going East for our defence needs also offers opportunities for more equitable partnerships. Nations in the East, many of whom have also faced the challenges of developing independent defence capabilities, may offer more favourable terms, facilitate technology transfer, and respect our strategic autonomy. Such collaborations would allow us to acquire necessary hardware while simultaneously building the expertise to maintain, adapt, and eventually produce our own. Crucially, this eastward shift also opens avenues for broader strategic alignment and cooperation with nations like Iran, China, Pakistan and Russia. As these powers increasingly advocate for a multi-polar world order, their strategic interests often converge on resisting singular global hegemony and fostering a more balanced international system. For our region, aligning with these nations offers a robust counterbalance to established biases and strengthens our collective voice and security when it comes to shared regional and global challenges. The current geopolitical climate is a wake-up call. We cannot afford to be passive recipients of security dictated by the priorities of others. The time has come to forge a new path, one that prioritizes national resilience and independent defense. By learning from the experiences of nations like Iran in developing sophisticated, homegrown drone and rocket capabilities, and by looking to the East for strategic partnerships and broader geopolitical alignment, we can secure a truly independent and robust defense for our future.
Bloomberg
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
MidEast Region Caught in Middle of Iran, Israel Tensions
Bloomberg's Dina Esfandiary breaks down the current state of tensions between Iran and Israel as a tenuous cease fire appears to hold between the two countries. Questions remain about the lasting impact on the larger region and the state of Iran's nuclear program. (Source: Bloomberg)
Al Bawaba
24-06-2025
- Al Bawaba
Video: Missile fragments drop in Madaba, Jordan
Published June 24th, 2025 - 07:52 GMT ALBAWABA - Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, a missile fragment has dropped in Madaba, Jordan. No injuries were reported, but videos of the incident flooded social media, revealing minimal damage next to a residential house. Also Read Video: Drone shrapnel falls in the Umm Uthaina area in Jordan According to Roya, authorities were rushed to the site to conduct an investigation and address the issue by following Jordan's protocols. On Monday, a drone shrapnel fell in the Umm Uthaina area, west of the Jordanian capital Amman, causing minimal material damage in the area. However, similar to this incident, no injuries were reported. Sirens have been sounding across the country for the past two weeks due to ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. Jordanian authorities stressed that citizens follow the advised safety protocols, including staying away from windows, and remain inside until an all-clear is given. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Josh Tongue press conference: No one is discussing D WORD in dressing room, warning for India?
Iran Launches Waves Of Missile Strikes On Israel, Occupied Territories; IDF Bombards Tehran A stunning dashcam video captured the moment an Iranian ballistic missile struck a major highway in southern Israel, sending debris flying across lanes as civilians scrambled for cover. Moments later, fresh air raid sirens echoed across northern Israel, with the IDF confirming multiple waves of missile launches from Iran. Civilians were ordered to stay in shelters as Israel's air defense systems intercepted some of the threats. The military said around 15 ballistic missiles were launched over a tense 40-minute window, marking one of the most intense barrages of the conflict. While no injuries were immediately reported, impacts were confirmed in several areas, including near Ashdod. Emergency teams rushed to multiple sites as regional tensions soared and fears of wider escalation mounted.#IranMissiles #IranIsraelTensions #OperationMidnightHammer #KhameneiSpeaks #MiddleEastCrisis #TrumpIranStrike #UNEmergency #NuclearStandoff #TelAvivThreat #GlobalEscalation #BreakingNews 38.5K views | 15 hours ago
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gold inches higher as Iran-Israel tensions offset dollar strength
Gold prices nudged higher on Monday, as escalating Iran-Israel tensions outweighed pressure from a stronger dollar, with markets closely watching Iran's next move. Spot gold was up 0.2% at $3,375.79 an ounce, as of 0939 a.m. EDT (1339 GMT). U.S. gold futures gained 0.2% at $3,391.70. The U.S. dollar index rose 0.5%. A stronger U.S. currency makes gold less affordable for other currency holders. Israel's military bombed Evin prison in northern Tehran, a potent symbol of Iran's governing system, in what Israel called its most intense bombing yet of the Iranian capital a day after the United States joined the war. Meanwhile, Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the U.S. "If we don't see significant inflation on top of what we're already seeing from tariffs, that ultimately means more risk appetite. So, gold safe haven purchases may moderate a little bit, at least in the short run," said Bart Melek, head of commodity strategies at TD Securities. "I think prices will stay fairly stable, maybe moving up or down by around $75," he added. Gold is traditionally seen as a hedge against inflation and a safe haven during times of uncertainty. However, higher interest rates reduce its appeal, as it doesn't generate any yield. Investors also await the U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures data due later this week. Last week, the Federal Reserve left the U.S. policy rate in its current 4.25%-4.50% range with policymakers hinting at possible rate cuts later this year, though Chair Jerome Powell expressed uncertainty due to tariff policy and economic response. Spot silver was up 0.4% at $36.14 per ounce and platinum rose 2.1% to $1,291.50. Palladium gained 2.% to $1,070.09, reaching its highest level since June 12. (Reporting by Sarah Qureshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
