Latest news with #IRGC
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran Claims Attack On Israeli Military Facility In Tel Aviv After Missile Barrage On Beersheba
Tel Aviv is under heavy fire as Iran has launched a fresh wave of long-range missiles in a sudden and dramatic assault. The sky over the city erupted as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released chilling footage showing back-to-back missile launches from undisclosed locations. According to the IRGC, one of the missiles struck an Israeli military intelligence facility in Tel Aviv's Ramat Gan district. While the footage sparked global alarm, the IDF has not yet issued a formal response to the claimed strike. Read More
India.com
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Israel-Iran Conflict: Ayatollah Khameneis Surprising India Connection Traces Back To UPs Barabanki
The war between Iran and Israel is still ratcheting up, as both nations have been firing drones and missiles at each other, killing dozens of people. During the height of the military battles, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been making headlines around the world—not only because of the war, but also for his secret link to India, which reappeared in recent news. Khamenei Hands Over Power, Hides In Bunker With the conflict deepening, Ayatollah Khamenei has reportedly handed over operational control to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and taken shelter in a secure bunker. As Iranian military activity surges, including strategic leadership changes within its intelligence units, a recent report has reignited interest in Khamenei's ancestral roots in India. Khamenei's India Link: Ancestry Traced To Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh According to historical records, Ayatollah Khamenei's grandfather, Sayyid Ahmad Musavi Hindi, was born near Kintoor village in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh. Known locally as the "Hindustani Mullah," Sayyid Ahmad is a respected historical figure whose legacy still echoes in the region. Ancestral Home Still Stands In India Remnants of Sayyid Ahmad Musavi's ancestral home can still be found in Kintoor, where villagers recall his contributions with pride. Locals opine that the origins of contemporary Iran date back to India. Historical accounts tell us that during the 19th century, Sayyid Ahmad had moved from India to Iraq, which later on became his place of residence in Khameneh, Iran. It was this migration that would, centuries later, give rise to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and subsequently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his successor as Supreme Leader. IRGC Names New Intelligence Head During War With tensions between Iran and Israel increasing, the IRGC made drastic leadership changes. Semy-official news agency Fars reports that the IRGC has named Majid Khademi as the new chief of its intelligence arm. This is a reflection of Iran's more stringent grip on domestic security and defense policy as tensions with Israel continue to be escalated.
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First Post
3 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
How Trump's two-week ultimatum puts West Asia on countdown
President Donald Trump claims to pursue peace through strength—but may well be walking a tightrope between decisive diplomacy and catastrophic war read more President Trump's decision—whatever it may be—will define not only the outcome of the Israel-Iran war but also his legacy in American foreign policy. Image: Brian Snyder (REUTERS) After a week of relentless strikes and counter-strikes, the Iran–Israel conflict has escalated from covert proxy warfare to overt, devastating kinetic operations. Israel's aggressive aerial campaign has directly targeted the heart of Iran's nuclear infrastructure—striking Natanz, Fordow, and military sites near Tehran—eliminating key nuclear scientists and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, crippling air defence assets, and establishing air superiority for future punitive operations. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks (including hypersonic variants), targeting Israeli cities, military and intelligence installations, and economic infrastructure. These responses, while demonstrating Tehran's resolve, have largely been intercepted by Israel's layered air defence, bolstered by US and allied support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The spectre of regional escalation, nuclear fallout, and possible American military intervention has cast a dark shadow over the Middle East. Global markets have been rattled, and the world watches closely—especially with Donald Trump stepping into the spotlight with threats of 'unconditional surrender' from Iran (dismissed by Khomeini) and ambitions to reassert US strategic dominance. Netanyahu's Gamble: 'Think Big or Go Home' Israel's Strategic Aim: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's overarching goal is to decisively degrade Iran's nuclear and military capability, dismantle its command structures, re-establish deterrence, and reap domestic political dividends. His extended strategic intent, it seems, also includes pushing for regime change, evidenced by open threats to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader. Israel's Strategy: Israel's campaign was meticulously choreographed in phases. The first targeted Iran's proxies—Hamas and Hezbollah—through pre-emptive strikes, buffer-zone creation in Syria, and relentless cyber and covert attacks, concluding successfully by mid-2025. The second phase began with full-scale air, cyber, and intelligence operations on Iranian soil. Fighter aircraft, missiles, and drones executed precision standoff strikes, crippling Iranian air defences and eliminating key figures within its military and nuclear programs. Natanz and Fordow were repeatedly targeted, with visible overground damage reported. However, the fortified underground cascade halls and deep bunkers at these sites remain intact. Without American assistance—specifically B-2 bombers and GBU-57 bunker-buster munitions—Netanyahu cannot achieve complete destruction. Thus, Trump's entry into the fray becomes crucial. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netanyahu's call for Iranian citizens to overthrow their regime may prove counterproductive. Regardless of political leanings, most Iranians view both Israel and the US as staunch adversaries. Bombing campaigns often consolidate nationalism rather than foster dissent. Worse, a regime collapse might pave the way for even more . Iran's Riposte: Testing Resolve, Not Just Power Iran's Strategic Objectives: Iran's goals are straightforward: avenge Israeli aggression, uphold regime legitimacy and national honour, maintain nuclear and military posture, and demonstrate that it cannot be coerced into submission. Iran's Strategy: Iran has adopted a multidimensional response: missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities, cyber operations, and limited proxy mobilisation. While some Israeli military and strategic targets were hit, Tehran suffered substantial infrastructure losses in return. Proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, still reeling from prior Israeli offensives, have yet to contribute meaningfully. Iran has refrained from actions that would force full-scale US involvement—like closing the Strait of Hormuz or striking American bases—but continues to showcase its capacity for long-term conflict. It is also leveraging its missile capabilities, regional influence, and diplomatic ties with Russia, China, and segments of the Global South to shift the narrative in its favour and blame Israel and the US for global instability and energy and economic crises, as the world feels the ripple effects of a surge in oil prices and financial uncertainty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While maintaining retaliatory capability, Iran must navigate a precarious balance—displaying enough strength to deter aggression, yet avoiding a regional war it cannot sustain. Internally, the regime grapples with worsening sanctions, economic strain, and simmering dissent. Should Iran's survival feel threatened, it may escalate uranium enrichment further underground. Can US Intervention Tip the Balance? The US is already deeply involved—providing intelligence, air defence, logistical support, and munitions. The critical question is whether Trump will authorise direct bunker-buster strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Trump has redeployed US military assets—carrier groups, refuelling tankers, and advanced munitions—to the region. But even these might not guarantee complete destruction of Iran's deeply buried nuclear infrastructure. A full ground invasion—akin to Iraq or Afghanistan—would be politically toxic and strategically disastrous for the US. On social media, Trump's rhetoric has intensified: calls for 'unconditional surrender', evacuation warnings for Tehran, and veiled threats to Iran's Supreme Leader. This may be psychological warfare—intended to force Iran into accepting a deal that dismantles its nuclear ambitions without actual war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Trump faces significant internal and external constraints. Domestically, his hawkish stance may please Republican hardliners and defence contractors but alienates the anti-war MAGA base. Bipartisan voices in Congress—Sanders, Kaine, Khanna—are already moving to restrict Trump's war-making powers. Globally, even US allies urge restraint, fearing Gulf destabilisation and oil market disruptions. Will Trump Pull the Trigger? This ambivalence defines the central question: will Trump authorise strikes? So far, he has stopped at the brink—supplying weapons, intelligence, and air defence—but not engaging in direct attacks. His hesitation stems from uncertainty about the effectiveness of bunker-busting munitions and concerns over the geopolitical and humanitarian costs of a full-blown war. Iran has not crossed red lines like attacking US forces or closing Hormuz. This gives Trump the space to play the long game—maintain strategic pressure, demonstrate resolve, but avoid entrapment. A limited support role allows him to stay influential without being dragged into an unpopular war. Nuclear Fallout and Global Shockwaves STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even without American strikes, sustained pressure could push Iran to double down on underground enrichment. Any successful attack on nuclear sites risks radiation leaks, regional humanitarian crises, and irreversible damage to non-proliferation frameworks like the JCPOA. It could also encourage copycat nuclear programmes by other states in the region or start a proliferation cascade. A US-led strike might also provoke regional spillover: Hezbollah entering the fray, Gulf states being pulled in, and a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—which handles 20 per cent of global oil. The shock to energy markets could fracture Western unity and allow China and Russia to dominate the narrative of Western militarism. Endgame or Escalation? Netanyahu appears to be enticing Trump into a legacy-defining military intervention, reminiscent of the Bush-era invasion of Iraq. Trump's recent announcement that he will 'allow two weeks of diplomacy' before deciding on military intervention may either be a countdown to escalation—or a ploy to pressure Iran diplomatically. It could also be a deception campaign to catch Tehran off guard. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump may seek a hybrid strategy: strong deterrence, limited military action, psychological warfare, and diplomatic coercion. Whether this will lead to a 'real end' or an even bloodier beginning remains uncertain. Conclusion: Trump's Gamble in a War on Edge Donald Trump stands at a critical juncture. He has postured for war, drawn rhetorical red lines, and repositioned forces. But the choice to escalate remains fraught with risks. Netanyahu is growing impatient, and Israeli munitions are being depleted. Trump's decision—whatever it may be—will define not only the outcome of this war but also his legacy in American foreign policy. A measured role could stabilise the region; a strike could engulf it in flames. In this high-stakes theatre, Trump claims to pursue peace through strength—but may well be walking a tightrope between decisive diplomacy and catastrophic war. The author is a strategic and security analyst. He can be reached at Facebook and LinkedIn as Shashi Asthana, @asthana_shashi on Twitter, and personal site. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Sharjah 24
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Iran appoints new Revolutionary Guards intelligence chief
Major General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), appointed Brigadier General Majid Khadami as the new head of its intelligence division, Irna said. He replaces Mohammed Kazemi, who was killed on Sunday alongside two other Revolutionary Guards officers -- Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri -- in an Israeli strike. Pakpour had himself been recently appointed after Israel killed his predecessor Hossein Salami in a strike on June 13. "During the years that our martyred commanders Kazemi and Mohaqeq led the IRGC Intelligence, we witnessed significant growth in all aspects of intelligence within the IRGC," said Pakpour. Israel launched air strikes on nuclear and military sites in Iran last week, claiming that its arch enemy was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies. Israel killed several top Iranian officials, prompting a counter-attack by Iran, which on Thursday hit an Israeli hospital. Upon his appointment by Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei last Friday, Pakpour threatened to open "the gates of hell" in retaliation for Israel's attacks. Top Israeli figures have openly talked about killing Khamenei.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran Launches Mega New Missile Strike On Israel; IRGC Releases Attack Video
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released dramatic footage showing a new wave of missile attacks targeting Israeli military sites, reportedly used in prior strikes on Iran. The video, filmed at an undisclosed location, shows multiple missiles being launched as part of Operation True Promise III. Now in its seventh day, the conflict continues to escalate with no signs of slowing. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning Washington against intervening in the intensifying Iran-Israel confrontation. Read More
