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Welcome to today’s live blog tracking key developments across West Asia and beyond. From growing calls in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, to fresh diplomatic gestures in the Gulf and a stirring Emmy win for a documentary on the Nova massacre, today’s updates reflect the region’s complex political, cultural and humanitarian landscape. Stay with us for real-time coverage:
West Asia News Live: Elon Musk contacts Lebanese leadership to discuss Starlink license
West Asia News Live: Elon Musk contacts Lebanese leadership to discuss Starlink license
FP News Desk
• June 28, 2025, 05:16:10 IST
West Asia News Live: Welcome to West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the evolving roles of powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel and their responses to ongoing conflicts, international negotiations and internal challenges
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 "West Asia News Live: Elon Musk contacts Lebanese leadership to discuss Starlink license")
Welcome to today’s live blog tracking key developments across West Asia and beyond. From growing calls in Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, to fresh diplomatic gestures in the Gulf and a stirring Emmy win for a documentary on the Nova massacre, today’s updates reflect the region’s complex political, cultural and humanitarian landscape. Stay with us for real-time coverage:
Disarmament calls, Gaza aid woes, Gulf ties: Key West Asia updates
West Asia News Live: Welcome to West Asia News Live: Welcome to our live blog bringing you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the evolving roles of powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel and their responses to ongoing conflicts, international negotiations and internal challenges
June 28, 2025, 05:16:10 (IST)
Trump threatens to bomb Iran if nuclear activities resume
US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if it resumes its nuclear activities, a significant escalation in rhetoric between the two nations, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Trump stated that he had dropped consideration of sanctions relief because of what he characterized as the “anger, hatred, disgust” from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The threat comes amid ongoing tensions following the 2018 US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Iran’s subsequent gradual scaling back of its commitments under the nuclear deal.
June 28, 2025, 05:15:05 (IST)
Israel defense forces launch inquiry into possible war crimes over deaths at Gaza aid sites
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated an investigation into possible war crimes amid growing evidence of troops firing on Palestinian civilians gathering for aid in Gaza, according to a report in The Guardian. The inquiry follows numerous incidents in recent weeks where hundreds of people have reportedly been killed by shootings, air attacks, and bombardments while waiting for or traveling to food distribution locations.
June 28, 2025, 05:15:05 (IST)
Iran's foreign minister demands US respect for supreme leader as condition for deal talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that any serious discussion about a nuclear deal requires the United States to respect Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel National News says in a report. The remarks came in response to a recent social media post by President Donald Trump that criticized Khamenei and revealed the halting of a sanctions relief measure. Araghchi’s statement conditions future negotiations on a change in diplomatic tone from the US.
June 28, 2025, 04:45:08 (IST)
Israeli official claims country killed 30 Iranian security chiefs and 11 nuclear scientists
An unnamed Israeli official has claimed that Israel is responsible for killing 30 Iranian security chiefs and 11 nuclear scientists, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The report, which emerges amid ongoing covert conflict between the two nations, does not specify a timeline for when these alleged killings occurred. The claim, attributed solely to the anonymous official, has not been independently verified.
June 28, 2025, 04:30:06 (IST)
Senator Adam Schiff says it is premature to claim victory in stopping Iran's nuclear program
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff stated on Friday that it is ‘premature’ to claim victory in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, citing ‘too many unknowns’ about the country’s intentions, according to a report in The Hill. Schiff commented that while the Iranian regime was enriching uranium, it had not made a decision to build a bomb or pursue the specific mechanism for one. He cautioned against assuming that Iran will not try to continue its nuclear program.
June 28, 2025, 03:15:03 (IST)
IDF releases footage of air force chief briefing for 'Operation Rising Lion'
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released video footage showing its Air Force chief briefing commanders for a military contingency referred to as ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ Israel National News said in a report. In the briefing, the commander is quoted as stating that the sole path to victory is through “superiority, superiority, and once again, superiority.”
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June 28, 2025, 02:31:11 (IST)
UK eases travel advice for Israel as government-led evacuation flights conclude
The United Kingdom has eased its travel advice for Israel and is winding down its organized evacuation efforts, with the sixth and final scheduled flight for citizens set to depart this Sunday, BBC says in a report. This move signals the conclusion of the government’s emergency flight program, which was initiated following the conflict escalation in October 2023. The updated travel advisory reflects an assessment that the immediate risk to UK nationals within Israel proper has diminished, though it does not signify an end to the broader regional conflict. The more severe travel warnings for the Gaza Strip remain unchanged.
June 28, 2025, 02:30:05 (IST)
Iran may have a large number of undeclared nuclear centrifuges, says Western official
An unnamed Western official has stated that Iran may still possess a large number of undeclared nuclear enrichment centrifuges, according to a report in Haaretz. The concern is based on an intelligence assessment, rather than direct verification, suggesting Iran has retained or clandestinely developed more centrifuges than publicly declared or permitted under past agreements. This assessment comes amid reduced international monitoring capabilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the long-standing stalemate in efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.
June 28, 2025, 01:30:07 (IST)
Trump claims US bombed Iranian nuclear sites and saved supreme leader's life
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites last Saturday, an action he asserted saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from an ‘ugly’ and ‘ignominious’ death, according to a report in The Hill. In a statement, Trump questioned why Khamenei, whom he referred to as the ‘so-called “Supreme Leader,”’ would ‘say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War’.
June 27, 2025, 23:45:06 (IST)
Hamas reportedly faces internal dissent and questions over Iranian support
Hamas is reportedly in a weakened position, facing growing internal dissent and challenges to its authority from rival clans in Gaza, one of which is allegedly backed by Israel, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The group is also contending with doubts over the level of backing from its key ally, Iran, following the direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran. According to sources cited in the report, Hamas urgently needs a ceasefire to address the severe humanitarian crisis, suppress internal opposition, and re-establish its control over the territory.
June 27, 2025, 23:30:05 (IST)
Australia and Turkey remain in standoff over Cop31 host after UN meeting
A diplomatic standoff between Australia and Turkey over which nation will host the Cop31 climate summit remains unresolved after a recent UN meeting in Bonn failed to break the deadlock, according to a report in The Guardian. A two-week meeting of diplomats at the UN climate headquarters in Germany concluded without settling the long-running issue of whether the summit would be held in Australia or Turkey, the only two nations competing for the hosting rights. The Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has been actively bidding to host the major global climate conference.
June 27, 2025, 23:16:12 (IST)
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 lineup highlights growing West Asian influence in global football
With the round of 16 lineup now complete for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the tournament underscores the significant and growing role of West Asian states in global football, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The event, which will be hosted in the United States, features clubs with direct ownership or major sponsorship from entities in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This participation is part of a broader strategy by these nations to use sports as a tool for soft power, economic diversification, and enhancing their international image.
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June 27, 2025, 23:15:10 (IST)
Top Israeli lawyer says Trump's call to cancel Netanyahu trial could be criminal if PM was involved
A prominent Israeli lawyer, Chen Maanit, has stated that a reported call by U.S. President Donald Trump to cancel the ongoing corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could potentially be a criminal offense, according to a report in Haaretz. The legal opinion specifies that the act’s criminality would hinge on evidence that Netanyahu solicited or was complicit in the request from the U.S. President, which could constitute obstruction of justice. The statement was made in the context of Netanyahu’s multi-year trial on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
June 27, 2025, 22:00:04 (IST)
Hopes for release of British-Egyptian dissident rise after UK-Egypt call
The family of jailed British-Egyptian dissident Alaa Abd el-Fattah has expressed cautious optimism about progress toward his release following a phone call between UK opposition leader Keir Starmer and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, according to a report in The Guardian. The call, which also covered improving UK-Egypt trade relations, prompted Abd el-Fattah’s mother, Laila Soueif, to ease her hunger strike after more than 270 days. Soueif is currently receiving medical care in a London hospital.
June 27, 2025, 21:00:05 (IST)
Israel festival rescheduled for July following de-escalation with Iran
New dates have been set for the 64th Israel Festival, which is now scheduled to open in Jerusalem on July 16, The Times of Israel said in a report. The rescheduling of the annual cultural event follows a period of de-escalation after direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran occurred in April 2024.
June 27, 2025, 20:30:03 (IST)
Infants die of starvation in Gaza amid aid crisis and new US military funding for Israel
Two infants have reportedly died from starvation in Gaza, an event attributed to severe aid shortages resulting from Israel’s strict control and inspection of goods entering the territory, according to a report in Al Jazeera. These deaths occur amid a dire humanitarian crisis, with UN agencies and aid organizations reporting that the volume of aid permitted into Gaza is insufficient to prevent widespread famine. The situation is compounded by the internal collapse of distribution systems due to ongoing conflict. The report also notes that these events coincide with the United States’ approval of further military financing for Israel.
June 27, 2025, 20:17:14 (IST)
Israeli intelligence chief calls for 'genuine humility' from military
Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, the head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman), has publicly called for his personnel to display “genuine humility,” Israel National News says in a report. The statement acknowledges the significant intelligence failures preceding the October 7th Hamas attack while also referencing the directorate’s past “security achievements.” Binder’s remarks come amidst the ongoing war and address the complex, multi-front security challenges currently confronting Israel.
June 27, 2025, 20:17:14 (IST)
US senator Rubio and Pakistan PM Sharif discuss West Asia situation in phone call
US Senator Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia during a phone call, according to a report in The Hindu. During the conversation, the two leaders pledged to collaborate towards achieving durable peace in the region. Prime Minister Sharif also took the opportunity to assert Pakistan’s official stance on the current regional developments.
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June 27, 2025, 20:16:07 (IST)
Chinese fertilizer export limits drive price hikes and increase reliance on West Asia
Chinese policies restricting the export of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) have led to a surge in global fertilizer prices, prompting importing nations to seek alternative sources, according to a report in Business Standard. The move by China, a major producer, is aimed at ensuring its own domestic supply but has consequently increased reliance on West Asian producers like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, which have significant phosphate reserves. This shift is heightening the geopolitical and economic importance of West Asia as a key supplier of critical agricultural inputs, impacting global food production costs and supply chain dynamics.
June 27, 2025, 20:15:05 (IST)
A 28-year-old man was shot and killed in northern Israel
A 28-year-old man was shot and killed in the town of Iksal, located near Nazareth in northern Israel, Haaretz says in a report. This fatal shooting follows another recent incident in the vicinity where two cousins were also killed by gunfire. The event is part of a broader trend of rising violent crime within Israel’s Arab communities.
June 27, 2025, 20:15:05 (IST)
UK police arrest four after pro-Palestinian protest at military base
Four people have been arrested in the United Kingdom following a pro-Palestinian protest held at a military base, Al Jazeera says in a report. The arrests come after the UK government stated its intention to proscribe the activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation. The protest is part of ongoing activism related to the conflict in West Asia.
June 27, 2025, 20:15:05 (IST)
Arkia to resume Tel Aviv-Paphos flights after security restrictions lifted
Arkia Israeli Airlines will resume its flight route between Tel Aviv and Paphos, Cyprus, after security restrictions impacting Israeli airspace have been lifted, according to a report in Haaretz. These restrictions were initially put in place for civilian aviation following the heightened security risks that emerged after the October 7, 2023, conflict began. The decision to resume flights indicates a perceived improvement in the security environment and is seen as a positive step for restoring tourism and economic activity for both Israel and Cyprus.
June 27, 2025, 20:00:03 (IST)
Syrian national charged over foiled plot to attack concert in Vienna
A Syrian national has been formally charged in Vienna for allegedly supporting a foreign terrorist organization in connection with a foiled plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert, as per a report in BBC. The planned attack was reportedly discovered and thwarted by Austrian authorities in August 2024. The charges filed are the latest development in the case, linking the suspect to the planned incident at the high-profile event.
June 27, 2025, 19:32:09 (IST)
Iran's hackers maintain low profile following Israeli and US strikes
Iranian state-sponsored hacking groups have reportedly adopted a low profile following recent cyber and kinetic strikes by Israel and the United States, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This development comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a period where both the US and Israel were reported to have engaged in operations targeting Iran’s cyber warfare units and related infrastructure. The reported decrease in overt cyber activity is seen as a direct consequence of these strikes, which are part of a broader shadow conflict in West Asia involving proxy warfare and cyber operations.
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June 27, 2025, 19:31:07 (IST)
China's oil imports from Iran surged in June amid high demand from independent refiners
China’s importation of Iranian crude oil surged in June, fueled by an increase in available shipments from Iran and sustained demand from China’s independent “teapot” refiners, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. These private refiners are key consumers of the discounted Iranian oil, which provides a vital source of revenue for Tehran’s economy amid comprehensive US sanctions. The continued trade between the two nations highlights the challenges faced by the US administration in enforcing its sanctions regime designed to curtail Iran’s oil exports and associated income.
June 27, 2025, 19:31:07 (IST)
Saudi market closes at highest level in a month at 11,068 points
The Saudi stock market’s primary index, the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI), closed at 11,068 points on Friday, marking its highest level in a month, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The market’s performance is linked to several factors, including ongoing economic diversification under the ‘Vision 2030’ plan, which aims to attract investment and boost non-oil sectors. Other contributing elements include stable oil prices, significant government spending on infrastructure projects, and recent regional de-escalation efforts that have improved the investment climate.
June 27, 2025, 19:31:07 (IST)
War in Gaza leads to widespread waste sites, fueling health and environmental crisis
The ongoing war in Gaza has led to the creation of numerous widespread waste sites across the territory, posing a significant environmental and public health risk, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The destruction of infrastructure and the collapse of essential services, including waste management, are the direct causes of this crisis. This development aggravates the already severe humanitarian situation, with the accumulation of waste contributing to the potential for disease outbreaks and long-term ecological damage in the region.
June 27, 2025, 19:30:05 (IST)
Lebanese leader Walid Jumblatt's party hands over its weapons to the national army
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt’s Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) has surrendered its arsenal to the Lebanese Army, a significant move aimed at bolstering state authority, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This action is seen as a symbolic reinforcement of the army’s role as the sole legitimate armed force in Lebanon. The handover aligns with the disarmament clauses of the 1989 Taif Agreement, which officially ended the Lebanese Civil War but has not been fully implemented. The decision is also interpreted as placing indirect pressure on other non-state armed groups, notably Hezbollah, and comes as Jumblatt is gradually transferring party leadership to his son, Taymour.
June 27, 2025, 19:30:05 (IST)
Israel carries out intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon, one killed
One person was killed after Israel conducted intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The strikes are a part of the near-daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah that have occurred along the border. These ongoing hostilities are a direct spillover from the wider regional conflict that began in October 2023, fueling concerns of a larger war on Israel’s northern front.
June 27, 2025, 18:30:06 (IST)
IDF updates call-up orders for reservists and announces new family support measures
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is sending revised call-up orders to its reservists and updating combat timelines for both regular and reserve troops, according to a report in Israel National News. In conjunction with the revised service schedules, the military announced new support measures for the families of serving reservists. These support initiatives include provisions for subsidized summer camps and childcare to alleviate the burden on families during the deployment periods.
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June 27, 2025, 18:30:06 (IST)
Israeli court bars promotion for police officer who used stun grenade on protesters
An Israeli court has blocked the promotion of Police Superintendent Meir Suissa, who faced public criticism for using violence against protesters, according to a report in Haaretz. The ruling specifically bars his promotion following an incident in which he threw a stun grenade during a demonstration. This decision comes amid wider public debate in Israel concerning police accountability and the use of force during protests.
June 27, 2025, 18:15:09 (IST)
Haifa zoo reopens to visitors following conflict-related closures
The zoological garden in Haifa has reopened to visitors after being forced to shut down multiple times due to security concerns related to regional conflicts that began on October 7, 2023, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The reopening signals an effort to restore normalcy in the northern Israeli city, which has been affected by security alerts. Zoo staff stated the event also serves to convey a message about their mission of continuity and resilience during the turbulent period.
June 27, 2025, 17:00:06 (IST)
Israel closes key Gaza aid crossing and launches airstrikes in southern Lebanon
Israel has ordered the closure of the Zikim crossing, a move that aid officials warn will directly impact humanitarian distribution as it is the most direct route to food points in central and south Gaza, according to a report in The Guardian. Separately, the Israeli air force conducted intense airstrikes on Friday in southern Lebanon, targeting mountains near the city of Nabatiyeh. The Israeli military claimed the attack targeted underground assets belonging to Hezbollah, while Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that “powerful concussion missiles” caused massive explosions in the region.
June 27, 2025, 16:45:05 (IST)
Severe drought worsens food crisis for 16 million in Syria
A severe drought in Syria is significantly worsening the country’s food crisis, with an estimated 16 million people now facing food insecurity, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. While the drought is a critical trigger, the crisis is compounded by a combination of factors. These include the long-term devastation of agricultural infrastructure from over a decade of civil war, the impact of international sanctions, and a severe economic collapse, all of which hinder the nation’s ability to produce or import sufficient food.
June 27, 2025, 16:45:05 (IST)
Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal advances to Club World Cup round of 16 with win over Pachuca
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal secured a 2-0 win against Mexican side Pachuca to advance to the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The victory for the Riyadh-based team ensures their progression in the international FIFA-organized tournament, which features champion clubs from each continental confederation.
June 27, 2025, 16:30:04 (IST)
Dispute erupts between Haredi and Religious Zionist factions over Jerusalem synagogue management
A state plan for the management of the restored Tiferet Yisrael synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City has sparked a dispute between Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) and Religious Zionist factions, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The conflict centers on who will control the historic synagogue, which was rebuilt after its destruction in 1948. Critics and Religious Zionist groups fear that Haredi management would lead to the site being closed to the wider public and the exclusion of prayers for the State of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This disagreement highlights existing political tensions within the Israeli government over the influence of Haredi parties and broader issues of religious pluralism.
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June 27, 2025, 15:00:02 (IST)
Caspian Sea is shrinking visibly, raising environmental and geopolitical concerns in the region
Ecologists and environmental activists in Kazakhstan are expressing significant concern over the shrinking of the Caspian Sea, a decline so pronounced it is reportedly visible to the naked eye, Al Jazeera says in a report. The rapid drop in water levels is primarily attributed to the effects of climate change, such as increased evaporation from rising temperatures, and human activities, including the damming and diversion of feeder rivers. This environmental crisis poses significant geopolitical and resource security risks for all five littoral states—Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and the West Asian nation of Iran—potentially reigniting disputes over maritime boundaries, fishing rights, and access to energy resources as the coastline recedes.
June 27, 2025, 14:00:09 (IST)
Prosecution opposes Netanyahu's request to cancel upcoming criminal trial testimony
Israeli state prosecutors have opposed a request to cancel an upcoming testimony in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, Haaretz said in a report. The request was submitted on Thursday by Netanyahu’s attorney, Amit Hadad, who argued that the Prime Minister’s responsibilities have become more pressing, an apparent reference to his duties during the ongoing war. This development is the latest in Netanyahu’s long-running legal proceedings, where he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
June 27, 2025, 13:45:03 (IST)
Damascus government on alert to prevent ISIS resurgence in Syria
The Damascus government has placed its forces on high alert to prevent a resurgence of the ISIS group, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This measure addresses the ongoing threat from ISIS, which continues to operate as a resilient insurgency, particularly in the Syrian desert and eastern parts of the country. The alert underscores the persistent security challenges in Syria, even after the group’s territorial defeat in 2019, as it seeks to exploit security and governance gaps.
June 27, 2025, 13:32:16 (IST)
Saudi Arabia's king receives written message from Venezuelan president
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has received a written message from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This diplomatic communication occurs as Saudi Arabia pursues a more diversified foreign policy, engaging with a broad range of international partners. For Venezuela, high-level contact with a major West Asian power like Saudi Arabia is a significant step in its efforts to counter international isolation.
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‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’
Erika Kirk delivered an emotional speech from her late husband's studio, addressing President Trump directly. She urged people to join a church and keep Charlie Kirk's mission alive, despite technical interruptions. Erika vowed to continue Charlie's campus tours and podcast, promising his mission will not end.
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