Latest news with #MiddleEastern
Boston Globe
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Israel and Iran launch strikes a week into their war as new diplomatic effort takes shape
Britain's foreign secretary said he met at the White House with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the potential for a deal that could cool the conflict. Advertisement Israel said it conducted airstrikes into Friday morning in Iran with more than 60 aircraft hitting what it said were industrial sites to manufacture missiles. It did not elaborate on the locations. It also said it hit the headquarters of Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, known by its acronym in Farsi, SPND. The U.S. in the past has linked that agency to alleged Iranian research and testing tied to the possible development of nuclear explosive devices. Advertisement Israeli airstrikes reached into the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early Friday, Iranian media reported. The Israeli military had warned the public to flee the area around Rasht's Industrial City, southwest of the city's downtown. But with Iran's internet shut off to the outside world, it's unclear just how many people could see the message. In Israel, the paramedic service Magen David Adom said missiles struck a residential area in southern Israel causing damage to buildings, including one six-story building. They have provided medical treatment to five people with minor injuries such as bruises, smoke inhalation, and anxiety, it said. This comes a day after at least 80 patients and medical workers were wounded in a strike on the Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Beersheba. On Thursday, Israel's defense minister threatened Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the Iranian missile crashed into the hospital. Israel's military 'has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist,' Defense Minister Israel Katz said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he trusted that Trump would 'do what's best for America.' Speaking from the rubble and shattered glass around the hospital, he added: 'I can tell you that they're already helping a lot.' The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13 with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel's multitiered air defenses, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded. Advertisement Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. But it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with a nuclear weapons program but has never acknowledged it. The Israeli air campaign has targeted Iran's enrichment site at Natanz, centrifuge workshops around Tehran, a nuclear site in Isfahan and what the army assesses to be most of Iran's ballistic missile launchers. The destruction of those launchers has contributed to the steady decline in Iranian attacks since the start of the conflict. Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Manhunt underway after 19-year-old man stabbed at Wynyard bus stop in Sydney city centre
A 19-year-old man has been stabbed at a busy bus stop in Sydney's city centre. The attack occurred outside Wynyard Railway Station on Carrington St, at about 5am on Friday, with a line of blood later visible on the bus information board. The victim was found with a stab wound to his stomach near the corner of George and Angel streets just before 5.30am. Paramedics treated him at the scene before rushing him to St Vincent's Hospital for further care. Police quickly established a crime scene and launched an investigation. They are now appealing for help to identify a man seen nearby at the time. The suspect is described as being of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance, with facial hair, wearing a beige hooded jumper and light-coloured pants. Anyone with information about the man or the incident is urged to come forward. Stream free on
Korea Herald
an hour ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Azerbaijan keen for Korean manufacturing in Alat FEZ: chairman
Azerbaijan is keen for industrial cooperation with South Korea and is inviting Korean manufacturers to invest in the Alat Free Economic Zone, said Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the AFEZ Authority, in an interview with The Korea Herald. Alasgarov was in Seoul to showcase AFEZ's legal framework, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and strategic location as a gateway to European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. 'We are looking for Korean manufacturers that specialize in high-value-added and export-oriented production,' said Alasgarov. 'AFEZ offers a uniquely tailored platform for such companies to thrive with the highest levels of legal protection, operational efficiency and financial benefits.' Alasgarov held a series of bilateral meetings with major Korean institutions, including the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and the Korea International Trade Association, to promote AFEZ and discuss future partnerships. 'These organizations expressed genuine interest in the zones," he noted, citing his meetings with officials from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Administration. Alasgarov acknowledged increased Korea and Azerbaijan trade ties but says industrial cooperation with Korea — particularly in manufacturing — remains underdeveloped. He highlighted Azerbaijan's strategic location as a key advantage for Korean manufacturers looking to expand into surrounding regions. According to Alasgarov, AFEZ's investment policy gives preference to companies engaged in high-value-added manufacturing with a clear export focus. 'As I always mention, we are ready to consider any proposal, but we will prioritize investors who bring innovative technologies, align with international standards and commit to export-oriented production,' he said. 'At least 75 percent of goods produced within AFEZ must be exported outside of Azerbaijan. This requirement is designed to ensure the zone's competitiveness and avoid the emergence of small-scale enterprises focused solely on the local market.' He pointed out that Korean industries — particularly in sectors like machinery, electronics, automobiles and pharmaceuticals — are well-aligned with AFEZ's strategic focus. Alasgarov stressed that AFEZ operates under a distinct legal regime that supersedes Azerbaijan's base economy laws, ensuring operational clarity and legal certainty for foreign investors. 'AFEZ is governed by a dedicated law passed by parliament and signed by the president and further regulated through internal AFEZ regulations,' he explained. 'This means Korean investors are not subject to base economy authorities. All licensing, taxation and labor issues are managed solely by AFEZ's independent regulatory body.' 'This eliminates bureaucratic overlap and provides Korean investors with a clear, consistent and protected legal environment for decision-making.' Alasgarov highlighted full exemption from VAT, corporate tax and customs duties on imports and exports. No personal income tax for employees earning up to 8,000 AZN ($4,700) per month, optional social security contributions for foreign personnel, no restrictions on foreign ownership, currency transactions or profit repatriation, and full protection of intellectual property rights are strong points for Korean manufacturers. 'AFEZ also provides industrial land plots with ready-to-use infrastructure and utilities, enabling immediate and cost-effective project implementation,' Alasgarov said. 'All business-related administrative processes — registration, licensing and permitting — are centralized in an on-site one-stop shop, with no involvement from base economy agencies.' sanjaykumar@
7NEWS
an hour ago
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Australian military deployed to help Middle East evacuees
The military is being called in to help Australians trying to leave Iran and Israel, after the US gave itself two weeks to decide on whether to join the conflict between the Middle Eastern nations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed the government was not sending in the Australian Defence Force in combat roles, but only to assist citizens and residents. She said any Australians left in Iran should leave if they can after closing the Australian embassy in the capital, Tehran, and ordering all diplomatic staff to depart. 'We are sending defence assets to help Australians — they are not there for combat,' Wong said. 'I wish that we had more capacity to assist, but the difficult reality is, the situation on the ground is extremely unstable.' The defence personnel and aircraft are part of contingency plans to help Australians leave if and when the now-closed airspace in Israel and Iran reopens. Some Iranian consulate staff have been sent to the closest land crossing in Azerbaijan to help Australians still in the nation. Those attempting to leave for a neighbouring state have been warned to consider the risks, as borders may close without notice and roads are exposed to attacks. There are also different visa rules for many of the bordering nations including Armenia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Australians have been advised not to travel to Afghanistan, Iraq or parts of Pakistan that border Iran. Iran and Israel have continued to trade strikes after the Israeli military began its attack a week ago in a bid to wipe out Iran's nuclear program. Overnight, US President Donald Trump, who has kept the world guessing about whether the US might join the war on Israel's side, said he would make a decision within two weeks. He noted there was a 'substantial chance' of negotiations with Iran. Trump has demanded Iran unconditionally surrender, saying he knew where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was hiding. Iran has warned of 'all-out war' if the US joins the fray. Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people and wounded 1300 others, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Israel says Iran's retaliatory strikes have killed at least 24 people and wounded hundreds. The Australian government has repeatedly urged all parties involved to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue. 'Given what President Trump has said, there is an opportunity over the next two weeks for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,' Senator Wong said. 'That is what we want to see and that is what the world wants to see. 'Iran must come to the table and it must stop any nuclear weapons program.' More than 2000 Australians have registered for assistance to leave Iran, up from 1500 on Thursday. The government has already helped Australians flee Israel using a border crossing to Jordan. There are still more than 1200 Australians registered for assistance to depart Israel, where the airspace is also closed.
Arabian Post
an hour ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Barclays Taps Ex‑HSBC Banker to Accelerate Middle East Push
Barclays has appointed Farzad Billimoria as head of its private bank for the United Arab Emirates, strengthening its foothold in a region experiencing rapid wealth creation. Based in Dubai, Billimoria will report directly to Annabelle Bryde, head of Private Bank International, commencing his role on 1 July pending regulatory approval. Billimoria brings 30 years of financial services expertise, most recently serving as Senior Executive Officer and head of private banking at HSBC in the UAE. He led the establishment of HSBC Private Bank in key financial hubs such as the DIFC and ADGM, and notably launched the bank's first onshore private banking booking centre within the UAE. His deep-rooted presence in Dubai, with over two decades of local experience, positions him to drive growth within Barclays' expanding wealth management ambitions. This move occurs amid a resurgence of private banking across the Gulf, fuelled by rising regional GDP, intensifying investment from sovereign wealth and increasing interest in bespoke financial services. For Barclays, marking its 50th year of operations in the region, securing Billimoria represents a strategic play to challenge entrenched rivals and capture market share across both Middle Eastern and Asian private banking landscapes. ADVERTISEMENT Barclays has 'significant growth opportunities' in the Gulf, Bryde said, emphasising the bank's strategy to elevate the region's importance within its global private banking operations. Billimoria's leadership is expected to accelerate initiatives focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals and high-net-worth families, aligning with broader shifts in regional wealth dynamics. Economic projections show that the UAE's economy is set to expand by approximately 3.5 per cent in 2025, underpinned by technology, real estate, and infrastructure investments. Billimoria's departure from HSBC, part of a broader simplification drive, signals changing strategic priorities within global banks. HSBC has been reshaping its regional model, consolidating operations to enhance efficiency and digitalisation. His transition also reflects a wider trend of prominent private banking leaders moving across institutions, as banks vie to differentiate through personalised, tech-enabled services. Barclays' hiring aligns with senior leadership changes at the bank in the Gulf. Rasha Badawi, appointed earlier this year to lead private bank efforts in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aims to capitalise on cross-border synergies. Under her direction, Barclays is placing greater emphasis on sustainability-driven investment products and ESG-compliant offerings, responding to demand from increasingly values-conscious UHNW clients. Competition in Gulf wealth management is intensifying. Regional players like Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and QNB have ramped up their wealth divisions, while global institutions such as UBS and Credit Suisse introduce digital platforms tailored to Gulf clientele. Barclays will also challenge global peers by leveraging its UK-based banking infrastructure and cross-market services—a value proposition for Gulf clients seeking diversification beyond the region. Yet the Gulf banking landscape is not without challenges. Banks are navigating stringent anti-money‑laundering regulations and heightened transparency in tax and compliance regimes. To maintain profitability, providers must balance regulatory adherence with flexible service models. Barclays' success with Billimoria will hinge on its ability to blend local expertise with international scaffolding in a cost-effective way. Billimoria's credentials are well aligned with the trends reshaping Gulf private banking. He oversaw the onboarding of ultra-high-net-worth non-resident Indian clients during his tenure at HSBC, a segment increasingly in demand across the region. His track record in setting up offshore and onshore operations offers Barclays practical experience in integrating multi-jurisdictional banking platforms. The appointment also underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a regional wealth hub. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to draw family offices, investment firms, and global capital, bolstered by regulatory reforms and a diversified, digitised economy. Barclays' strategy involves positioning its UAE operations as a gateway for wealth originating across India, Africa, Europe, and the broader Middle East. Inside Barclays, Billimoria will lead a team focused on designing customised wealth solutions, integrating digital advisory tools and sustainability-linked offerings. Bryde has signalled that the bank will prioritise growth in Asia and the Middle East, with the UAE serving as a strategic linchpin for regional expansion.
