Middle East
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Challenge Mecca Joint Defence Pact, Putting Pakistan to a Tough Test
Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of the Mecca Joint Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. At the same time, the developments are highlighting the strategic and security challenges Pakistan could face as it seeks a greater role in West Asia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Comments on Iran’s Possible Involvement in Attack on Dubai–Israel Flight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said it is too early to determine whether Iran was involved in the incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, in which one pilot was stabbed and an attempt was allegedly made to take control of the aircraft.
Iranian Armed Forces Ready for Preemptive Military Action if an Imminent Threat Emerges” — Army Spokesman
Iran’s armed forces are prepared to conduct preemptive military operations if an imminent threat emerges against the country, according to Brigadier General Amir Akraminia, spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. He also said that following the recent war, Iran has moved its military doctrine from a traditionally defensive posture toward a more offensive strategy.
If Iran’s Security Is Not Guaranteed, No Infrastructure Will Be Safe” — Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf Warns US
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned the United States that no infrastructure in the region will remain safe if Iran’s security is not guaranteed. He also said that if Iran is prevented from selling oil in a particular region, no other country will be able to sell oil there either.
Icelandic Foreign Minister Calls Out Netanyahu at UN General Assembly, Says Those Blocking Peace Are “Morally Cowardly”
Icelandic Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir has responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks describing critics of Israel as “morally cowardly” at the United Nations General Assembly. She said that refusing to engage in negotiations for a just and lasting peace, blocking humanitarian assistance, and repeatedly showing disrespect for international law are themselves examples of moral cowardice.
Iran Will Not Bow to U.S. Pressure, Says President Pezeshkian, Ready to Consider Talks Based on Mutual Respect
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to hold talks with the United States, but stressed that Iran will not bow to any pressure, threats or coercion. He said Iran could consider diplomatic negotiations if Washington presents an acceptable proposal based on mutual respect and existing understandings.
“Almighty Allah Will Grant Iran Victory”: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Sends Handwritten Message to IRGC
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has sent a handwritten letter praising the efforts of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. Iran’s state news agency IRNA published the information on September 22. Middle East-based news outlet Middle East Eye also reported on the contents of the letter.
From Delegation Walkouts and Heated Speeches to Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the International Order — What Happened on Day One of the 81st UN General Assembly
The first day of the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22 unfolded amid diplomatic tensions, delegation walkouts and contrasting statements on Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the future of the international order. According to the United Nations, this year’s General Debate is being held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of the session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Saudi Arabia Signs Defense Pact with Pakistan and Türkiye with Much Fanfare, Yet Turns to Israel for Help Against the Houthis
Recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia have raised new questions about the security equation in the Middle East. Just a month after Riyadh signed a joint defense agreement with Pakistan and Türkiye, the question of immediate military assistance to Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks remains unclear. Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post has reported that Saudi Arabia and Israel have discussed intelligence cooperation to counter the Houthis, with mediation by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
US Approves $24.3 Billion Military Aircraft Sale to Saudi Arabia, Including 48 F-35 Fighter Jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney Engines, Amid West Asia War
Amid the ongoing war in West Asia and the changing regional security situation, the United States has approved a potential $24.3 billion sale of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. If the proposed deal is finalized, Saudi Arabia could become a new operator of the US-made fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft.
US-Built Passenger Boeing 737 Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Malfunction and Severe Vibrations on Flight from Mashhad to Kermanshah, Iran
A Sepehran Airlines Boeing 737 flying from Mashhad to Kermanshah in Iran encountered an emergency shortly after take-off and returned to Mashhad Airport. According to a CNN-News18 report, a tyre reportedly came off one of the aircraft’s wheels, after which an engine malfunction occurred and the aircraft began experiencing severe vibrations.
Saudi Arabia carried out 54 airstrikes in Yemen within 24 hours after attacks on its military bases, Houthis claim
The Iran-backed Houthi group has claimed that Saudi Arabia carried out 54 airstrikes in western Yemen over the past 24 hours, following drone and missile attacks by the Houthis on Saudi military installations. The claim was made by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree and reported by AFP on Monday.
Iran will not hold talks with the United States until the conditions are met on Tehran’s national security secretary
Iran will not engage in any new talks with the United States until its conditions are met, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei has made clear. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, creating further uncertainty over the prospects for renewed diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Illegal Israeli Jewish settlements continue to expand across Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — settler violence is also increasing
Israeli settlements continue to expand across Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. At the same time, attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, property damage and incidents of forced displacement are also increasing.
Yemen Houthis claim large-scale missile and drone attack on Saudi military base in the southern part
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has claimed that it launched a large-scale ballistic missile and drone attack against a Saudi military base in the southern part of the kingdom.
Pakistan Stands by Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks, Shehbaz–Mohammed bin Salman Talks Focus on De-escalation and Regional Stability
Pakistan has expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Islamabad’s firm support for Saudi Arabia’s security during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, while also reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.
Iran War Reshapes Global Agenda as 18th BRICS Summit Focuses on Regional and Global Peace
Against the backdrop of the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and growing global economic uncertainty, the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit has opened in New Delhi, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
China, Iran, India, Russia and Other BRICS Nations: Balancing Power and Geopolitical Capabilities in a New Global Political and Economic Equation
Amid rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic equations, the 18th BRICS Summit is underway in New Delhi. Held on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, the summit is bringing together major powers such as China, Russia, India and Iran, while also highlighting differences within the bloc over economic cooperation, de-dollarisation, reform of global governance institutions, energy security and the conflict in West Asia.
Iran Focuses on Strengthening Ties with BRICS Countries, Including India, to Address Economic Crisis Amid Rising US Sanctions
Amid growing economic pressure and sanctions from the United States, the Islamic Republic of Iran is focusing on strengthening relations and cooperation with BRICS member states, including India, to address its economic crisis.
IRGC Navy Claims Destruction of US Unmanned Vessel Near the Entrance- of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that it attacked and destroyed a U.S. unmanned surface vessel (USV) near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.