Iran

Sun English Edition | 19 hours, 22 minutes ago | optimistic

Araghchi says draft US-Iran deal to be inked 'remotely', warns of Israeli sabotage

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that a draft deal with the US will be signed remotely in the coming days. The 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' aims to end the war that started on February 28, 2026. Araghchi stated the agreement includes lifting the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and managing the Strait of Hormuz. He warned of potential Israeli sabotage. US President Donald Trump called off planned strikes and indicated a deal could be signed soon. The deal includes a 60-day period for discussing Iran's nuclear program.

Maldives Republic | 11 months, 3 weeks ago | tense

Fayyaz Slams US-Israel Strike on Iran, Says UN Enables Genocide, Calls for Muslim Unity

MDP chairperson and opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail strongly condemned US-Israel airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in a post on X. He accused the US and Israel of aggression against the Muslim world, criticized the UN for enabling genocide, and called for Muslim unity. Fayyaz argued that the UN is no longer a guardian of peace and that new alliances based on faith and values are needed. His remarks were widely shared and praised across political lines.

Maldives Republic | 11 months, 4 weeks ago | tense

Past Ties Suggest Israel-Iran Rapprochement Not Impossible

An analysis of Israel-Iran relations notes past clandestine ties despite current hostility. Israeli PM Netanyahu seeks regime change in Iran, while Supreme Leader Khamenei aims to eliminate Israel. Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion' allegedly targeting Iran's Natanz nuclear site, but IAEA said radiation levels unchanged. National Security Adviser Hanegbi doubts military can destroy nuclear program but hopes to create conditions for a US deal. US-Iran talks mediated by Oman are scheduled for 15 June. Trump urged Iran to make a deal.

Maldives Republic | 11 months, 4 weeks ago | concerned

Maldives Condemns Israeli Aggression Against Iran, Urges International Action to Prevent Escalation

The Maldives condemned Israel's attack on Iran as a violation of international law threatening regional peace, urging international action. The statement highlighted Israel's disregard for international law and called for coordinated de-escalation. The article also details the ongoing Gaza conflict, with 62,000 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, including 17,400 children, and extensive infrastructure damage. Human rights groups have accused Israel of weaponising starvation, and the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The article also notes Israeli settler violence in the West Bank.

The Standard | 11 months, 4 weeks ago | concerned

Oil Prices Surge Amid Israel–Iran Strikes: What It Means for the Maldives

Rising Israel-Iran tensions have caused Brent crude prices to surge 7-11% since June 13, from $67-68 to mid-$70s per barrel. Analysts warn further escalation could push oil above $100, especially if the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. For the Maldives, heavily dependent on imported fuel (fuel imports were $507 million in 2022, 20% of total imports), sustained high oil prices would widen the budget deficit and strain reserves. Short-term measures like subsidies are considered, but renewable energy transition is seen as a long-term solution. Markets price a 17% chance of a wider supply shock.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 7 months ago | urgent

Maldives Condemns Israeli Strikes on Iran, Urges Immediate De-Escalation

The Maldives condemned Israeli military strikes on Iran, calling them a breach of sovereignty and violation of international law. In a statement on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry urged immediate de-escalation and called on all parties to show restraint. The article also details recent history: Israeli strikes on Iranian military bases caused 'limited damage'; Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei stated Iran was not involved in the 7 October attack; in December, IRGC members were killed in Syria; in April, Israel struck Iran's consulate in Damascus; on 13 April, Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel; on 31 July, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Iran; on 1 October, Iran fired missiles at Israel. The Maldives appealed to the international community to facilitate a ceasefire.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | urgent

Israel’s Assassinations Fuel Escalation in Middle East

Israeli assassinations of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif have escalated tensions. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared a 'new phase' of war. Haniyeh's funeral in Tehran, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, featured vows of revenge. Iranian officials reportedly ordered direct strikes on Israel. The Gaza war has drawn in Iran-backed groups from Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The ceasefire talks are now complicated. Israel has killed over 39,000 Palestinians since October 7, including 15 in a school airstrike.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | concerned

Iranian President, Foreign Minister Killed in Helicopter Crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province. The helicopter was returning from a diplomatic trip to Azerbaijan where Raisi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated a dam. State media reported the deaths, but no cause was given. Rescue efforts were complicated by fog and terrain. The Iranian Red Crescent located the wreckage using a Turkish drone. Supreme Leader Khamenei assured no disruption in state affairs.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | tense

Israeli Attack on Iran Possibly Launched from Within Iranian Territory, Reports Say

Reuters reported that drones used in strikes on Iran likely originated from within Iran. The attack involved three missiles from Israeli warplanes targeting an air defense radar site near Isfahan. The IAEA confirmed no damage to Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian downplayed the incident. The US urged restraint. Israel has not officially commented. World leaders called for calm to prevent escalation.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | tense

Iran Intercepts Drones in Israel’s Tit-for-Tat Strike

US officials revealed that Israel launched an attack on a site in Iran. Iran reported shooting down three drones over Isfahan, with explosions also heard over Tabriz. The Israeli army has not commented. The Revolutionary Guards suggested mini-drones may have been involved. No damage was reported in Isfahan. The Biden administration said Israel assured US that nuclear facilities would not be targeted. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated the US was not involved in offensive operations. President Biden urged restraint, but Israeli PM Netanyahu faced pressure from far-right allies. The attack follows Iran's missile and drone strike on Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria. Iranian officials said the attack used small drones possibly launched within Iran.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | tense

US, UK Impose Sanctions on Iran; UNSC Considers UN Membership for Palestine

The US and UK imposed new sanctions on Iran after Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel. The US Treasury targeted 16 individuals and two entities linked to drone engine production. UK sanctions focus on Iranian military organizations and individuals. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen vowed further actions. The UN Security Council will vote on Palestinian full UN membership, but the US is expected to block. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed 11 Palestinians including five children in southern Rafah. Health workers uncovered 30 bodies at al-Shifa Hospital, with accusations of executions by the Israeli army.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 1 month ago | tense

Iran Warns of ‘Harsh Response’ If Israel Launches New Attacks

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned of a massive and harsh response to any Israeli attack during Iran's army parade, praising Iran's recent attack on Israel dubbed 'true promise'. This follows a suspected Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria. US President Joe Biden urged approval of $14 billion in military aid for Israel, facing obstacles in Congress. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German counterpart Annalena Baerbock visited Israel, urging restraint. Gaza truce negotiations are stalled, with Qatari mediators citing a delicate phase. Strikes in Gaza killed 56 Palestinians in a day, raising total deaths to 33,899. Israeli PM Netanyahu emphasized independent security decisions.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | concerned

Australian Universities Defy Foreign Minister’s Plea, Collaborate With Iran Despite Human Rights Concerns

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong wrote to over 30 Australian universities urging them to temporarily halt collaborations with Iranian institutions due to human rights concerns following the death of Mahsa Amini. However, The Guardian reported that over 20 published papers show ongoing collaborations, including in sensitive areas like AI and biotechnology. Critics including Daniel Roth of United Against Nuclear Iran warned of risks, while academics like Toby Walsh highlighted ethical concerns.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | neutral

Meta Removes Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Social Media Accounts Over ‘Cybersecurity Concerns’

Meta removed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's accounts from Facebook and Instagram for violating its Dangerous Organisations & Individuals policy, which prohibits those involved in violence. Khamenei's Instagram had over 5 million followers. Meta did not specify exact reasons. Microsoft revealed Iranian cyber-attacks since October 2023 to bolster Hamas, and Iranian hackers disrupted streaming services in the UAE, Canada, and the UK in December 2023. Iran denies involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack. The article also notes that Meta, X, Google, and Microsoft have been accused of censoring pro-Palestinian content.