Latest news with #MasoudPezeshkian
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iranian Government Aircraft Make Mysterious Dash To Oman
Iran's primary presidential plane and two other government airliners have touched down in the Omani capital Muscat. The highly unusual arrivals come amid reports that the regime in Tehran is looking to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict with Israel, as well as growing speculation that the United States may be about to directly enter the fighting in a major way. Where exactly the Iranian aircraft, a pair of Airbus A321s and an Airbus A340, originally departed from is unclear. The trio of aircraft used the callsigns JJ25, JJ26, and JJ28. At the time of writing, there has been no official word about the purpose of the flights or who might be on them. The 3 aircraft that have left Iran and landed in Muscat, Oman are 2 x A321 and 1 x A340. — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 18, 2025 שלושה מטוסים ממשלתיים של איראן המריאו בשעה האחרונה מדרום המדינה ונחתו במסקט בירת עומאן. אחד מהם הוא המטוס הנשיאותי, אשר שימש עד לאחרונה את הנשיא מסעוד פזשכיאן. מטרת הטיסה לא ברורה: האם הגיעו לשיחות תיווך בעומאן, או שמא מולטו מן המדינה ועליהם נוסעים. — avi scharf (@avischarf) June 18, 2025 Publicly available air traffic control recordings suggest that a fourth aircraft from Iran may be inbound to Muscat. However, there does not appear to be any clear indication of this yet from available online flight tracking data. Per @liveatc JJ25 advising Muscat Ground that there are going to be a total of four aircraft coming from Iran? What's going on? — Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) June 18, 2025 As noted, the Iranian A340, which carries the Iranian registration code EP-IGA, has been used to transport Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in the past, including to the United States for the main annual United Nations General Assembly meeting last year. Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) used the Airbus A340-313X aircraft (Serial 5-8405, registration EP-IGA) to carry the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to the New York's John F. Kennedy aircraft (MSN:257) was part of the fleet of Air Canada (C-GDVV),… — FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 23, 2024 There are several possible reasons for the arrival of the Iranian aircraft in Oman. A major Iranian delegation could have arrived in Muscat for new negotiations around ending the current conflict with Israel. Iran and Oman have solid diplomatic ties, and the latter has often served as an intermediary between the regime in Tehran and the West. Oman had just recently been facilitating talks between the United States and Iran over the latter country's nuclear ambitions. Iran has been reportedly reaching out to foreign partners about the possibility of a deal to end the current crisis, though publicly the regime in Tehran remains defiant in the face of ongoing Israeli strikes. 'They want to negotiate. I ask: why didn't they negotiate two weeks ago,' U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters today, while also raising the prospect of an Iranian delegation visiting the White House. 'It is very late to be talking.' Trump on the Iranians: "they even suggested to come to the White House"Says it's "very late" to be talking, "there's a big difference between now and a week ago" (these bits are in a different clip) — Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom) June 18, 2025 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do,' Trump also said when asked about whether the U.S. military might begin to launch its own strikes on Iran. When asked it the US would strike Iran's nuclear facilities, Trump said: 'I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do"Trump also asked what his message is to the Supreme Leader of Iran and said: 'I say good luck.' — Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) June 18, 2025 There remains no clear evidence of American forces taking a new offensive role in the conflict, though a major U.S. build-up is continuing, as you can read more about here. Online flight tracking data today did show two U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tankers flying eastward over Israel and then up along the Jordanian-Iraqi border, the purpose of which is also unclear. Pair of tankers working just south of the Syrian border over Jordan. KC-135R 58-0069 #AE04F6 KC-135R 63-7985 # — Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) June 18, 2025 Two U.S. KC-135R Stratotanker planes are flying over Israel . — ILRedAlert (@ILRedAlert) June 18, 2025 In response to Trump's remarks, Iran's mission to the United Nations made a post on X publicly rejecting the possibility of a White House visit and negotiations while 'under duress.' Israeli authorities have also rejected talk of a diplomatic resolution to the current conflict. Iran mission to UN not surprisingly rejects Trump's apparent idea for the Iranians to come to the White House — Laura Rozen (@lrozen) June 18, 2025 If the Iranian aircraft touching down in Oman are not tied to a diplomatic mission, they could also be carrying individuals seeking to escape the current conflict. Israel has notably been striking Iran's capital Tehran, as well as other locations across western Iran, with virtual impunity for days now. Similarly, the movement of the aircraft could be about keeping them safe from expanding Israeli strikes on Iranian air bases in the event that they might be called upon to help senior regime officials evacuate in the future. As an interesting comparative case, during the Gulf War in 1991, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein ordered much of his country's air force to flee to neighboring Iran, despite the historical enmity between the two regimes, to escape destruction by the U.S.-led coalition. A number of Iranian airliners, including ones belonging to Mahan Air and Fars Air Qeshm, which have been linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were previously tracked leaving Tehran over the weekend. As TWZ noted at the time, those flights were already risky given Israeli air activity. Out of Tehran now — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) June 14, 2025 Fars Air QeshmBoeing 747-281F# — 360°Radar (@wipljw) June 14, 2025 TWZ has reached out to the White House and the U.S. State Department for additional information. In response to our queries, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also directed us to contact the White House. With Iran's main presidential plane and other government-operated airliners now in Oman, more details about why they have made the trip may now begin to emerge. Howard Altman contributed to this story. Contact the author: joe@
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: UAE evacuates citizens and nationals from Iran amid rising tensions
The UAE evacuated citizens from Iran via Turkmenistan, providing them shelter before flying them to Abu Dhabi amid the Iran-Israel conflic/ Image: X@mofauae As the conflict between Iran and Israel enters its eighth consecutive day, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully evacuated a number of its nationals and residents from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The move comes amid escalating military strikes between the two countries that have heightened concerns over regional stability and civilian safety. The evacuation operation was carried out in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working closely with the UAE embassies in Iran and Turkmenistan. After leaving Iran, the evacuees spent a night in Turkmenistan, where they were provided with hotel accommodation. The following day, the group was airlifted to Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi, where special transport was arranged to take them safely back to their homes across the UAE. The UAE emphasized that this step was taken as part of its responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents abroad. It reiterated its commitment to pursuing diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and prevent further escalation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo In an official statement, the UAE stressed the importance of "continuous intensive diplomatic communications and consultations with the concerned parties to end the conflict." It further emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue remain "the sole path forward" and called for a "comprehensive approach that ensures stability, justice, and prosperity for the peoples of the region." The UAE has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict and has called on all parties to exercise restraint. On Tuesday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the call, Sheikh Mohamed expressed the UAE's "solidarity with Iran and its people" in the wake of Israeli military strikes. The discussion, as reported by UAE state media WAM, focused on the "serious implications of the escalating conflict on regional peace and security." Both leaders exchanged views on how to contain the crisis and avoid a broader regional confrontation. The conflict was triggered on June 13, when Israel launched a massive aerial assault on Iran, reportedly killing senior figures in the Iranian military. The attack marked a major escalation in long-standing tensions between the two nations. According to Israeli military sources, within the first week of the campaign, Israel had struck dozens of strategic targets. These included missile production facilities, military infrastructure in western and central Iran, and even a research institution in Tehran alleged to be involved in nuclear weapons development. In response, Iran launched a new wave of missile strikes early Friday, targeting the southern Israeli city of Beersheba. The strikes hit areas near residential apartments, office buildings, and industrial zones, raising fears of civilian casualties and further escalation. The UAE continues to closely monitor developments and has called for an urgent de-escalation of hostilities to avoid wider regional instability.
Gulf Insider
8 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Oil Prices Extend Losses As Iran Rejects Zero Enrichment As Condition For US Talks
A series of headlines, some contradictory, on where things stand with Iran nuclear negotiations with the US, sent oil sliding, then pumping, then extending losses again. One senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran is 'ready' to discuss limitations on its uranium enrichment, while a quick follow-up headline said 'zero enrichment will undoubtedly be rejected' by Iran 'especially now, under Israel's strikes.' The official said 'the role of European powers is now more prominent, as Tehran is unwilling to engage with US amid Israeli attacks. After that glimmer of hope offered for negotiations, the clarification that nothing has in fact change, sent oil dropping further Friday morning. Oil prices declined on Friday but stayed on track for a third straight weekly increase, following the White House's postponement of a decision regarding US participation in the Israel-Iran conflict: Brent crude futures were down $2.57, or around 3.3%, to $76.28 a barrel by 1204 GMT but still set to gain nearly 3% on the week. According to the latest from Bloomberg: Israel will complete the task of preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons whether or not the US joins the operation, its energy minister said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the only way to end the war is to 'unconditionally' stop Israel. And Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has clarified just before meeting European officials in Geneva related to EU efforts at mediate that 'Iran is not prepared for negotiations with anyone while Israel continues its attacks.' More Friday and overnight headlines… * * * Geopolitics: Middle East War Israel will complete the task of preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons whether or not the US joins the operation, its energy minister said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the only way to end the war is to 'unconditionally' stop Israel, according to Bloomberg E3/EU-Iran meeting in Geneva expected to occur 'this afternoon', via WSJ's Norman. Israeli Defence Minister Katz has ordered the military to increase attacks on Iranian regime targets within Tehran. Iran's Foreign Minister says they will only hold nuclear talks in the E3 meeting. Russia's Kremlin says dialogue with Ukraine continues expect to agree next week on a date for the next round of talks Ukraine is unpredictable, continue 'special military operation', though would prefer to reach goals by diplomatic needs. US Involvement The White House said, 'message directly from the President – based on the fact that there is a significant chance of negotiations with Iran in the near future – I will make a decision on whether to launch [an attack] in the next two weeks.' US President Trump had been briefed on both the risks and benefits of bombing Fordow and his mindset was that disabling it was necessary due to the risk of weapons being produced in a relatively short period of time, according to CBS. Broadcasting Authority, citing an Israeli source, reported that the US had asked Israel to defer its attack on the Fordow nuclear facility. Kann News reported that there was a 'possible attack at Fordow': according to sources, the US had asked Israel to wait until negotiations with Iran had been exhausted. US President Trump is to attend a National Security Meeting at 11:00 EDT on Friday. US law enforcement officials had stepped up surveillance of Iran-backed operatives in the US, according to CBS sources. The White House said Iran was able to produce a nuclear bomb within 'a couple of weeks'. A White House official told Fox's Heinrich that the US military had no doubt about the efficacy of bunker busters in eliminating the site at Fordow, and also denied that any options—including tactical nuclear weapons—had been taken off the table. The White House Press Secretary said there were no signs that China was getting involved militarily in Iran, according to Reuters. The US reportedly believed Iran would build a nuclear bomb if Supreme Leader Khamenei were assassinated and the Fordow facility was attacked, according to The New York Times. Strikes There were reports of Israeli strikes in the Lavizan area of Tehran, where Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei was reportedly hiding in a bunker, according to i24 journalist Stein. An Israeli military spokesman said Israel had attacked the special forces headquarters of the internal security apparatus in Tehran within the last 24 hours, according to Reuters. Journalist Horowitz said on X that opposition sources were circulating 'unconfirmed' reports claiming that the head of Iran's military, Abdolrahim Mousavi, had been killed in an Israeli strike. The Fars News Agency said Iran had used a new generation of precision missiles in its attack on Israel on Thursday morning, according to Fars. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry said an explosion had occurred on Thursday evening in Tel Aviv at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador to Israel, according to Reuters. The Jordanian army said an explosives-laden drone had fallen in the Azraq area after it 'fell short of its range,' according to Al Hadath. Iranian media reported that air defences were activated in Isfahan, according to Al Arabiya. Diplomacy Britain, France, and Germany are to hold talks with Iran's Foreign Minister on Friday in a last-ditch effort to avert an escalation of conflict in the Middle East and a possible US intervention, according to FT. Iran's Foreign Minister had reached out to European foreign ministers, requesting a meeting with them on Friday, Jerusalem Post reported. Trump administration officials are pitching the president's two-week timeline as an opportunity to allow diplomacy to play out. Special Envoy Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi had been in communication in recent days, though there were no plans for the two to meet yet, according to ABC. Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Witkoff will not attend the UK/France/Germany talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday, according to White House officials cited by NBC. An Iranian source denied reports of a phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and US presidential envoy Witkoff following Israel's aggression, according to Iran Nuances. The White House Press Secretary said they would see how the EU meeting with the Iranians went tomorrow, according to Reuters. US officials said no date had been set for a meeting between US and Iranian officials yet, according to Axios. US Military and Deployment Over the next 10 to 14 days, there were expected to be two aircraft carriers in the Middle East and a third operating in the Mediterranean Sea, according to ABC. Iranian Actions A senior IRGC official said that before the Israeli airstrikes, all enriched uranium had been transferred from the nuclear sites to secret hiding locations, according to i24 journalist Stein. Iran's Tasnim News Agency, quoting an Iranian official, said intelligence had thwarted a major Israeli plot against Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi in Tehran, according to Sky News Arabia. Iraq's Hezbollah threatened to target US bases and close the Strait of Hormuz if Washington joined strikes on Iran, according to Al Hadath. An Israeli official said Iran could likely sustain the current rate of missile fire at Israel for up to five months, provided their missile launchers were not destroyed, according to NBC. Israel anticipated attacks from Iran's proxies across the Middle East, according to Israel Channel 14. An Israeli intelligence official said the imminent collapse of the Iranian regime was far from the truth, according to NBC. Geopolitics: Other A Japanese destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait after a Chinese jet approached it, according to Nikkei. China President Xi met with New Zealand PM Luxon in Beijing, according to CCTV.
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Iran says war will end only if Israel halts airstrikes unconditionally
ISTANBUL, June 20 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that the only path to ending the current war is for Israel to cease its airstrikes unconditionally, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. 'We have always pursued peace and stability,' Pezeshkian said in a statement, according to Iranian media. He noted that 'under the current circumstances, lasting peace will only be possible if the Zionist enemy ceases its hostilities and provides firm guarantees to end its terrorist provocations.' The president warned that 'failure to do so would result in a far more forceful and regrettable response from Iran.' Hostilities broke out last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes. Both sides have reported fatalities and injuries in the ongoing exchange of airstrikes. — Bernama-Anadolu
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Iran Says Ending War Depends On Israel Ceasing Airstrikes Without Conditions
ISTANBUL, June 20 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that the only path to ending the current war is for Israel to cease its airstrikes unconditionally, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. "We have always pursued peace and stability," Pezeshkian said in a statement, according to Iranian media. He noted that 'under the current circumstances, lasting peace will only be possible if the Zionist enemy ceases its hostilities and provides firm guarantees to end its terrorist provocations.'
