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Miami Herald
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Iran's Army Repairs Air Defenses for New War
Iran has replaced air defence systems damaged during last month's clash with Israel, a senior military official said, as Tehran prepares for potential further military action with nuclear talks in the balance. With both Iran and Israel rearming and accusations flying, the threat of a renewed war continues to loom over the Middle East. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel. The restoration of Iran's air defenses highlights the growing risk of renewed conflict. Following coordinated Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets last month, Tehran accused Israel of acting with U.S. and NATO backing, framing the confrontation as part of a broader Western campaign. This escalation moves beyond a bilateral dispute, raising the possibility of a larger regional war involving multiple powers and proxy groups. According to Iran's Defah Press news agency, Iranian air defence systems sustained significant damage during June's conflict when Israel took control of the skies over Iran for a short time, allowing them to carry out attacks with less resistance. Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, acknowledged the losses but stressed a swift recovery. "Some of our defense systems were damaged in this war; but with the efforts of my comrades the damaged systems were replaced and deployed in predetermined locations." he said. Iran's military says it restored its air defenses using domestically developed systems. Its current arsenal includes the long-range Bavar-373 and Russian-supplied S-300 platforms. Defah Press did not report any recent imports of foreign-made equipment. Meanwhile, Iran, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are set to hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday following warnings that the failure to resume negotiations could lead to international sanctions being reimposed on Tehran. The scheduled talks come after the foreign ministers of these E3 nations, along with the European Union's foreign policy chief, held their first call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi late last week. The E3, China, and Russia remain parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, which the Trump administration exited in 2018. Tehran says its nuclear programme is solely meant for civilian purposes. Iran's Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi: "The Zionist enemy sought to destroy Iran's defence capabilities, and some of our defence systems were damaged in this war; But with the efforts of my comrades, the damaged systems were replaced and deployed in predetermined locations." Israel's Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir: "The campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly, and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snapback' for which they lack absolutely [any] moral and legal ground." With its air defenses restored and nuclear diplomacy back on the table, Iran is positioning itself for parallel military and political engagement as Western powers weigh whether to reimpose UN sanctions before an October 18 deadline. Related Articles Iran and Russia Launch Naval Drills in Challenge to USIran to Hold Nuclear Talks With 3 European CountriesIran Boasts of New Air Defenses After Attacks From Israel, USDonald Trump Sends Message To Iran Over Nuclear Ambitions 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran's Army Repairs Air Defenses for New War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran has replaced air defence systems damaged during last month's clash with Israel, a senior military official said, as Tehran prepares for potential further military action with nuclear talks in the balance. With both Iran and Israel rearming and accusations flying, the threat of a renewed war continues to loom over the Middle East. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel. Why It Matters The restoration of Iran's air defenses highlights the growing risk of renewed conflict. Following coordinated Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets last month, Tehran accused Israel of acting with U.S. and NATO backing, framing the confrontation as part of a broader Western campaign. This escalation moves beyond a bilateral dispute, raising the possibility of a larger regional war involving multiple powers and proxy groups. This photo provided Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, by the Iranian Army, shows a missile system during a military drill, Iran. This photo provided Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, by the Iranian Army, shows a missile system during a military drill, Iran. Mahdi Vaziri/AP Photo What to Know According to Iran's Defah Press news agency, Iranian air defence systems sustained significant damage during June's conflict when Israel took control of the skies over Iran for a short time, allowing them to carry out attacks with less resistance. Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, acknowledged the losses but stressed a swift recovery. "Some of our defense systems were damaged in this war; but with the efforts of my comrades the damaged systems were replaced and deployed in predetermined locations." he said. Iran's military says it restored its air defenses using domestically developed systems. Its current arsenal includes the long-range Bavar-373 and Russian-supplied S-300 platforms. Defah Press did not report any recent imports of foreign-made equipment. Status of Nuclear Talks Meanwhile, Iran, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are set to hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday following warnings that the failure to resume negotiations could lead to international sanctions being reimposed on Tehran. The scheduled talks come after the foreign ministers of these E3 nations, along with the European Union's foreign policy chief, held their first call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi late last week. The E3, China, and Russia remain parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, which the Trump administration exited in 2018. Tehran says its nuclear programme is solely meant for civilian purposes. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and U.S. Secretary... Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, from left, pose for a group photo following talks with Iran on their nuclear program in Vienna, Austria, Tuesday, July 14, 2015. World powers and Iran announce a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement. More Ronald Zak/AP Photo What People Are Saying Iran's Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi: "The Zionist enemy sought to destroy Iran's defence capabilities, and some of our defence systems were damaged in this war; But with the efforts of my comrades, the damaged systems were replaced and deployed in predetermined locations." Israel's Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir: "The campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly, and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the 'snapback' for which they lack absolutely [any] moral and legal ground." What Happens Next With its air defenses restored and nuclear diplomacy back on the table, Iran is positioning itself for parallel military and political engagement as Western powers weigh whether to reimpose UN sanctions before an October 18 deadline.
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Four Signs Iran and Israel Risk Return to War
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high following their 12-day war in June—their most direct and destructive confrontation to date. The conflict began on June 13 with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, triggering a major Iranian response involving hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. On June 22, the U.S. launched air and missile strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated by targeting a U.S. base in Qatar. Although a ceasefire was reached on June 24, deep strategic and nuclear tensions remain unresolved. Why It Matters Further Iran–Israel conflict could destabilize the Middle East, threaten global energy and security, and risk pulling major powers—such as the U.S. and China—into direct conflict. The ceasefire left key grievances unaddressed, setting the stage for renewed confrontation. Some recent developments now point to a growing risk of the conflict resuming: 1. Iran and Israel Are Rapidly Rearming Both sides are rearming. Iran has acquired Chinese surface-to-air missile batteries as it swiftly works to rebuild defenses damaged by Israel, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye. Additionally, China's defense ministry has confirmed its willingness to supply J-10 multi-role fighter aircraft to "friendly countries," amid reports that Iran is seeking these jets to modernize its aging, mostly Russian-supplied air defenses. Meanwhile, Israel has boosted air patrols over Lebanon, formed new domestic security units to protect civilians, and reactivated reserves to support front-line troops, as confirmed by Defence Minister Israel Katz. The United States has accelerated arms shipments to Israel to replace equipment lost during the recent conflict and supplied advanced precision munitions and missile defense systems. J-10 jet fighters perform in formation to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force in Beijing, China, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. The aerobatic show was postponed until today due to weather... J-10 jet fighters perform in formation to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force in Beijing, China, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. The aerobatic show was postponed until today due to weather conditions in the last few days. More AP Photo 2. Iran's Nuclear Program Status Despite significant damage to Iranian nuclear sites during the conflict, it is not clear that key facilities were put beyond use. Iran says it continues to enrich uranium and develop advanced centrifuges, maintaining its nuclear ambitions. It has ceased cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on inspections. Meanwhile, prospects for negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration remain uncertain. 3. Trump and Netanyahu Aligned Not too long ago, Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared divided over how to handle Iran. However, recent meetings give greater indications of alignment in confronting Tehran's nuclear ambitions and support for regional proxies. Netanyahu said, "Israel will take all necessary measures to defend itself," while publicly supporting Trump's approach. Highlighting their close partnership, Netanyahu even nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, emphasizing their united front on Middle East security. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands President Donald Trump a folder during a meeting in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, hands President Donald Trump a folder during a meeting in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP Photo 4. Escalating Proxy Activities Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have recently intensified attacks on Israel, launching missiles and drones targeting areas near Tel Aviv. Within days, they also sank two vessels in the Red Sea—the Greek-operated Eternity C and Magic Seas, which they had accused of links to Israel. These coordinated strikes showcase the Houthis' growing military capabilities and Iran's broader strategy to pressure Israel and disrupt critical shipping lanes. This surge in hostilities raises the possibility of drawing the U.S. back into direct military confrontation in the region. What Happens Next Tensions remain high as Iran strengthens its military capabilities and proxies such as the Houthis escalate regional attacks. Tehran has expressed cautious interest in diplomacy but shows no sign of halting its nuclear or missile development, while Israel remains committed to confronting those threats. With pressure mounting on multiple fronts, the risk of renewed direct conflict remains real.
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First Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
How Russia shot down Malaysia Airlines' Flight MH17, killing 298 people
In 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board. Years of forensic investigations, legal trials, and international rulings have concluded that a Russian-supplied Buk missile system was responsible read more An Emergencies Ministry member walks at a site of a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 MH17 plane crash near the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region, July 17, 2014. File Image/Reuters The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued a landmark ruling on Wednesday (July 10, 2025) that held the Russian state responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The court also found Russia had committed widespread and systematic human rights abuses across Ukraine in the years following its 2014 annexation of Crimea. The ECHR, which had consolidated four major cases involving Russia's conduct in Ukraine, stated, 'Taken as a whole, the vast volume of evidence before the Court presented a picture of interconnected practices of manifestly unlawful conduct by agents of the Russian State (Russian armed forces and other authorities, occupying administrations, and separatist armed groups and entities) on a massive scale across Ukraine.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Specifically on MH17, the court found that Russia failed to properly investigate the downing, did not cooperate with international information requests, and provided no legal path for survivors' families to seek justice. The court noted that Russia's ongoing denial of involvement had inflicted additional emotional harm on the victims' relatives. An Emergencies Ministry member works at putting out a fire at the site of a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 MH17 plane crash in the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region, July 17, 2014. File Image/Reuters Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp commented after the ruling, 'Nothing can take away this suffering and grief, but I hope the verdict offers a sense of justice and recognition.' Ukraine's Justice Ministry called the ruling 'one of the most important in the practice of interstate cases.' Nonetheless, the practical impact of the court's ruling remains largely symbolic. Following its expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022, Russia officially withdrew from the jurisdiction of the ECHR in 2023. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the court's authority, saying, 'We consider them null and void.' As a result, the ECHR has no enforcement mechanism over Russia, though it is expected to decide later on the issue of damages and reparations. What happened on that fateful day On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, a commercial passenger aircraft travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was brought down over a volatile area of eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 298 people aboard. The Boeing 777, registered as 9M-MRD, had taken off from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport at 10:31 UTC and was operating as a regularly scheduled 11.5-hour international flight. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the passengers were citizens from at least ten different countries, including 193 nationals of the Netherlands. The crew consisted of 15 Malaysian nationals. Also on board was Dr. Joep Lange, a well-known researcher heading to an AIDS conference in Melbourne. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of about 33,000 feet, as required by Ukrainian aviation restrictions introduced three days earlier, after a Ukrainian military aircraft had been shot down while flying at a lower elevation in the same region. Flight MH17 was not alone in the skies that day — at least three other foreign civilian aircraft were in the same radar corridor. Communication between MH17 and Ukrainian and Russian air traffic control continued routinely until just before 13:20 UTC. No distress signal was sent before the aircraft disappeared from radar screens at around 13:26 UTC. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a midair explosion. The wreckage was spread across a large area near the village of Hrabove in Donetsk Oblast, an area held by pro-Russian separatist forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fuselage, cockpit, and other components were strewn across about 50 square kilometres, some of it landing in farmland and residential zones. A part of the wreckage of a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 MH17 plane is seen after it crashed near the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region, July 17, 2014. File Image/Reuters Rescue teams arrived at the scene quickly, but because the crash site was in separatist-controlled territory, international access to the area was significantly delayed. Though the aircraft's voice and flight data recorders were eventually handed over to Malaysian authorities, investigators organised by the Dutch Ministry of Defence were only able to reach the crash site in November, several months after the tragedy occurred. Evidence traces the missile to Russia Following extensive analysis, investigators ruled out weather-related causes, pilot error, internal explosions or mechanical failure. Instead, a forensic reconstruction of the aircraft's fuselage, along with analysis of recorded data and shrapnel patterns, indicated the jet was hit by a warhead from a Buk surface-to-air missile system, specifically designed to detonate near its target without making direct contact. The missile exploded just feet away from the cockpit, killing the pilots instantly. The forward part of the fuselage separated from the rest of the aircraft, while the remaining sections, including the wings and passenger cabin, stayed airborne briefly before disintegrating and crashing to the ground. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Soon after the crash, Ukraine's government released audio recordings of what it said were intercepted communications between pro-Russian militants who appeared to be discussing having mistakenly shot down an aircraft. Initially, the separatists and Russian authorities denied responsibility and issued a series of alternate explanations, ranging from conspiracy theories to claims the Ukrainian military was involved. Later, video footage emerged allegedly showing separatist fighters walking among the wreckage and expressing surprise at having hit a civilian aircraft. These visuals, along with technical findings, prompted a Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to conduct a deeper inquiry. Armed pro-Russian separatists stand at the site of a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 MH17 plane crash near the settlement of Grabovo in the Donetsk region, July 17, 2014. File Image/Reuters In September 2016, the JIT concluded that the missile which struck MH17 was launched from territory under the control of Russian-backed separatists, using a Buk launcher that had been brought in from the Russian Federation and returned the same day. According to the JIT, the missile system originated from the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the Russian military. The evidence, including satellite images, forensic reconstructions, eyewitness testimony and intercepted communications, formed the basis of legal and diplomatic efforts to hold Russia accountable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How legal proceedings unfolded In 2019, Dutch prosecutors announced charges against four men — three Russian nationals and one Ukrainian — for their roles in the downing of MH17. Among them was Igor Girkin, a Russian citizen and former colonel of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), who was in charge of separatist military operations in Donetsk at the time. Girkin, who went by the alias 'Strelkov', left Ukraine for Russia within weeks of the attack. The Dutch investigative team stated, 'We have evidence showing that Russia provided the missile launcher.' Trials were held in absentia due to the difficulty of securing extradition. In November 2022, a Dutch court convicted Girkin and two others of murder and concluded that the missile had been launched by Russian-led troops using equipment delivered from Russia. Context of the Donbas War The destruction of MH17 occurred amid one of the most active phases of the Donbas war, a part of the wider Russo-Ukrainian conflict. After the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine and Russia's seizure of Crimea in March 2014, unrest spread to the eastern provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk — collectively known as Donbas. On April 12, 2014, a paramilitary group led by Igor Girkin captured the town of Sloviansk and other strategic locations. Backed by Moscow, separatists proclaimed the formation of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though Russia initially denied deploying troops, it later acknowledged that many separatist fighters were Russian veterans. Ukraine responded by launching a military operation dubbed the 'Anti-Terrorist Operation.' By mid-2014, Ukrainian forces had reclaimed significant territory, but Moscow escalated the conflict by covertly sending in tanks, artillery, and soldiers, enabling separatist forces to regain lost ground. In August 2014, just weeks after MH17 was shot down, Russia increased its involvement, effectively turning the regional rebellion into a proxy war. The Minsk I and II ceasefire agreements, signed in late 2014 and early 2015 respectively, failed to bring lasting peace. Sporadic fighting, artillery strikes, and trench warfare continued for years. Observers from the OSCE documented over 30,000 individuals in military uniform crossing from Russia into Ukraine, along with unmarked convoys of military hardware. By the time Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war in Donbas had claimed approximately 14,000 lives, including about 3,400 civilians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than two million people had fled the region due to the conflict. The shootdown of MH17 stood out not only for its international profile but also for symbolising how the localised war in Donbas had global repercussions. People hold flags at a memorial to victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 plane crash during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the accident, near the village of Hrabove (Grabovo) in the Donetsk region, Russian-controlled Ukraine, July 17, 2024. File Image/Reuters Despite legal rulings, international outrage, and overwhelming evidence, Russia continues to deny responsibility in the the downing of MH17. With inputs from agencies
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
China Responds After Reports Iran Seeks J-10 Fighter Jets
China is willing to supply its J-10 fighter aircraft to "friendly countries", its defense ministry said, after reports that Iran was seeking to procure the multi-role fighter jet after Israel's devastating attacks last month raised questions about Iran's aging, largely Russian-supplied, air defenses. Newsweek reached out to the Iranian Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Israel's attacks on Iran, aimed at destroying its nuclear program and top military leadership, were a stark illustration of the shortcomings of Iranian air defenses, which have been largely dependent on Russian systems. As Iran seeks to bolster its defenses it can look to the apparent success of Chinese air power in the confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, when Chinese fighter aircraft proved themselves in combat, with Pakistani forces claiming to have shot down Indian jets. Several media outlets have reported that Iranian defense officials are engaged in high-level discussions to procure Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jets. An Israeli official has called on China to press Iran to rein in its military ambitions. The spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, commenting on reports that "several countries" were in discussions on the procurement of weapons, including the J-10 aircraft, said China was willing to "share the achievements of its equipment development with friendly countries", the Chinese ministry said in a statement. The spokesman, Jiang Bin, did not identify Iran or any of the other countries negotiating to buy the J-10 but he made the remarks after multiple media reports that Iran has been in discussions on the procurement of Chinese weapons, including the J-10 fighter jet. China, itself once heavily reliant on Russian imports, has transitioned to developing its own advanced aircraft-demonstrating growing self-sufficiency and competitiveness that may surpass Russia, experts say. Countries aiming to acquire advanced fighter jets are increasingly turning to China as it aims to ramp up exports and strategic partnerships, while showcasing its aircraft in military drills. A recent analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates were the primary recipients of China's arms sales. The UAE had once eyed American F-35 jets. Spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, Jiang Bin, according to the ministry: said China was ready to: "share the achievements of its equipment development with friendly countries". Ravit Baer, consul general of Israel in the Chinese city of Shanghai, quoted by Bloomberg: "China is the only one capable of influencing Iran... They can pressure Iran. They have political power over Iran. They can help change its malign activities in the region." While Iran has called on the United States to resolve differences through diplomacy, tensions between Iran and Israel remain high amid speculation Israel might strike again if it believes elements of Iran's nuclear program survived the Israeli and U.S. attacks. Related Articles Iran Tells US to Choose War or PeaceSteve Bannon Urges MAGA to 'Fight' Amid Disagreements With Trump AdminDozens of Green Card Applicants Sue Trump Admin After Process DerailedThe Limits of the New Anti-Western Axis | Opinion 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
