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India.com
38 minutes 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
38 minutes 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
Time of India
4 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
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is Fordow nuclear facility? Iran touts that all nuclear material is ‘in a safe place'
The atmosphere in Iran and Israel worsens each day, and now the world is looking at one of the most clandestine and highly secure nuclear installations of the Iranian state, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Although Israel has struck the facility in recent offensive action against the Iranian nuclear facilities, it is still unclear whether there was any damage to the facility and the extent of danger the facility can still pose. ALSO READ| Israeli PM Netanyahu sparks uproar with his remark on 'personal loss of war': What did he say? Located deep inside a mountain about 30 kilometres northeast of Qom, Fordow was originally a military base run by Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. But in 2009, Iran announced publicly that it had taken the facility and changed it to a nuclear facility, only after knowing that Western intelligence agencies already knew about its presence. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have found uranium enriched to nearly weapons-grade levels in Fordow. During an unannounced inspection in early 2023, the IAEA detected uranium particles enriched to 83.7 per cent purity, just short of the 90 per cent needed for a nuclear bomb. 'At the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, we found particles of high enriched uranium with enrichment levels well beyond the enrichment level declared by Iran,' IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in March 2023, per AL Jazeera. Despite Israel's airstrikes on Fordow last week, Grossi clarified on Monday that 'no damage has been seen at the site of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant or at the Khondab heavy water reactor.' ALSO READ| 'Moral victory for Iran', says scientist as missile hits Israel's main Science institute Recently, the site (Fordow), intended to become a non-nuclear research centre, has been unofficially bestowed again with the task of uranium enrichment, following the U.S withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA). In 2023, the IAEA stated that Iran had now linked centrifuges in a manner that would permit enriched levels to reach 60 per cent purity. Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei reassured citizens that 'all nuclear material is in a safe place,' per Daily Mail, brushing off concerns about the potential for conflict or sabotage. Many experts believe that even if Israel wanted to fully neutralise Fordow, it likely lacks the firepower to do so from the air. The underground site is designed to withstand heavy bombardment. Only the US has the kind of weapons, or rather the kind of bomb, namely the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which is a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb that can possibly bring down the reinforced walls of the place. ALSO READ| Israel Iran conflict: Iran to meet EU leaders for nuclear talks, US still weighing options Former U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier, 'I'm not looking to fight.' 'But if it's a choice between fighting and having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do. I may do it. I may not do it.'
The National
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
What happens to the Middle East if Tehran falls?
Up until last week, it seemed unthinkable for a UN member state to strike a nuclear site. But Israel did just that when it launched its attack on Iran, hitting military and atomic sites, and killing key figures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It also seemed unthinkable for missiles to penetrate Israel's Iron Dome and destroy infrastructure in cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv. Yet again, civilians are paying the heaviest price. More than 240 people have been killed in Iran so far. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in retaliatory strikes. One week on, the war shows no signs of abating, with the US hinting it might get involved, too. A sense of unease has gripped the region, with neighbouring states fearing further escalation. A group of 20 countries including Gulf states, Jordan and Egypt has called for an end to hostilities. In a worst-case scenario, the repercussions could be catastrophic for them, too. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher looks at the consequences of the war on the Middle East and asks what will happen to the region if Tehran were to fall? She speaks to Hasan AlHasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and Thomas Juneau, Middle East researcher and a professor at University of Ottawa, Canada.
