West Asia News Live: Welcome to your hub for real-time updates from West Asia. Stay informed on regional geopolitics, energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track how key players like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel handle ongoing dicey situations, global negotiations and domestic challenges:
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Tensions and uncertainty continue to dominate West Asia with the prolonged absence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei sparking succession fears while espionage arrests and diplomatic statements keep the Iran-Israel standoff in focus. In Gaza, doctors warn of rising infant mortality amid baby formula shortages under Israel’s blockade. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia advances its space ambitions and misinformation around Gaza’s war toll spreads online. Across the region, geopolitics, humanitarian crises and strategic narratives remain deeply intertwined.
Succession fears, Gaza crisis and shifting alliances grip West Asia
West Asia News Live: Welcome to your hub for real-time updates from West Asia. Stay informed on regional geopolitics, energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track how key players like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel handle ongoing dicey situations, global negotiations and domestic challenges:
June 27, 2025, 06:15:07 (IST)
Fewer than two dozen hostages from October 7 attacks are believed to be alive in Gaza
Intelligence assessments indicate that fewer than two dozen hostages are believed to still be alive in Gaza, according to a report in The Washington Post. The remaining hostages, who were abducted by Hamas and other militant groups during the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, reportedly include a mix of civilians—such as a student, a software tester, and a bartender—as well as several soldiers. This number represents a significant reduction from the more than 240 people initially taken captive.
June 27, 2025, 06:15:07 (IST)
Israel’s defence minister threatens to eliminate Iran’s leader, claims US approval for strikes
Israel’s Defence Minister Katz has threatened to ‘eliminate’ Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and claimed that Israel has a ‘green light’ from the Trump administration to attack Iran, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The minister stated that such a strike would be conditional on Tehran making ‘progress’ with its nuclear program. This direct threat against Iran’s head of state and the assertion of US backing for military action represent a significant escalation in the rhetoric between the two West Asian nations.
June 27, 2025, 06:00:03 (IST)
New poll shows Likud leading as Yesh Atid drops to four seats
A new Direct Polls survey conducted for i24NEWS indicates a significant shift in the Israeli political landscape, with Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party leading at 33 potential Knesset seats, according to a report in Israel National News. The poll shows a dramatic decline for Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party, which would receive only four seats, a sharp drop from the 24 seats it won in the 2022 election. The survey also placed Benny Gantz’s National Unity party at five seats, a figure noted as a significant outlier compared to other recent polls.
June 27, 2025, 05:45:03 (IST)
Syrian authorities arrest officer linked to ‘death checkpoint’ near Damascus
Syrian authorities have arrested an officer linked to a notorious ‘death checkpoint’ near Damascus, a site known for systematic abuses during the country’s civil war, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The checkpoint, located in close proximity to the capital, was reportedly a location where extrajudicial killings and torture were carried out by regime forces. The arrest concerns an officer allegedly involved in the activities at this specific location.
June 27, 2025, 05:31:12 (IST)
Türkiye backs 5% NATO defense spending goal, plans nationwide air shield
Türkiye has backed a proposed 5% defense spending goal for NATO members, a significant increase over the alliance’s long-standing 2% of GDP target, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. In addition to supporting the higher spending benchmark, the country also announced plans to create a comprehensive ‘nationwide air shield.’ The move signals a heightened commitment to the alliance and is seen as a response to evolving regional security threats.
June 27, 2025, 05:30:05 (IST)
Oil prices hold steady as market attention turns to demand indicators
Oil prices are remaining stable as the market’s attention shifts from geopolitical supply risks in West Asia to global demand signals, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This stability is underpinned by ongoing production cuts from OPEC+ nations, which are currently balancing concerns about a potential global economic slowdown impacting oil consumption. Despite persistent regional tensions, including attacks in the Red Sea, investors are primarily focused on macroeconomic indicators from major economies like the US, Europe, and China to gauge future energy demand.
June 27, 2025, 05:30:05 (IST)
Mass deportation of Afghans from Pakistan creates humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan
Pakistan’s ongoing mass deportation of undocumented Afghans is creating a severe humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands return to an economically devastated Afghanistan, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The policy, which Pakistan initiated in October 2023 citing national security and economic pressures, has forced the return of Afghans to a country many barely know, with some having been born in Pakistan. These individuals face dire conditions, including a lack of shelter, food, and employment opportunities. The situation places immense strain on the Taliban-led government, which has limited resources to absorb the massive influx of people amid Afghanistan’s ongoing economic collapse since the August 2021 takeover.
June 27, 2025, 05:02:21 (IST)
Argentina orders trial in absentia for suspects in 1994 Jewish center bombing
An Argentine judge has ordered a trial in absentia for 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals suspected in the deadly 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, according to a report in The Guardian. The attack, which killed 85 people, remains the deadliest in Argentinian history. While the bombing has never been officially claimed, Argentina and Israel have long accused Lebanon’s Shiite group Hezbollah of carrying out the attack at Iran’s request.
June 27, 2025, 05:01:19 (IST)
Trump says China can buy Iranian oil but urges purchase of US crude
President Donald Trump stated on June 25 that China is permitted to purchase oil from Iran, but also strongly encouraged Beijing to buy US crude instead, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The remarks were made amid ongoing US sanctions against Iran’s energy sector and a stated administration goal of promoting American energy exports.
June 27, 2025, 05:01:19 (IST)
Saudi national airline Saudia rises to 17th in global rankings
Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia, has risen to 17th place in global airline rankings as part of the country’s economic diversification strategy, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The improved ranking for the state-owned carrier is attributed to significant investment in fleet modernization, service quality, and overall passenger experience. This development supports Saudi Arabia’s broader goals under its Vision 2030 plan of diversifying the economy, increasing international tourism, and positioning itself as a global logistics hub. Saudia’s rise also heightens the competition for market share among the major airlines in the Gulf region.
June 27, 2025, 05:01:19 (IST)
Argentina to try 10 Iranian and Lebanese nationals in absentia over 1994 AMIA bombing
Argentina is set to try 10 Iranian and Lebanese individuals in absentia for their alleged roles in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people, according to a report in The Times of Israel. This legal action follows decades of accusations from Argentina, the United States, and Israel, which have consistently held Iran and its proxy Hezbollah responsible for the attack. The trial will proceed without the defendants being physically present, a significant step in a case that has seen previous legal efforts, including the issuance of international arrest warrants for several former Iranian officials.
June 27, 2025, 05:00:09 (IST)
Qatar receives international support following attack attributed to Iran
International leaders have expressed solidarity with Qatar following an attack in the region that has been attributed to Iran, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The expressions of support come in response to the incident, which has heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The report highlights the diplomatic backing for Qatar from the international community following the alleged aggression.
June 27, 2025, 05:00:09 (IST)
Deals signed for hotel development at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah
New agreements have been signed for hotel development at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The project is a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency and bolster the tourism and entertainment sectors. Developing this hospitality infrastructure is considered essential for supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to host more major international sporting events and entertainment activities at the venue, thereby transforming the nation into a global tourism hub.
June 27, 2025, 03:15:08 (IST)
Seven arrested as protesters attempt to block roads in Tel Aviv
Seven people were arrested in Tel Aviv for disturbing public order after dozens of demonstrators marched through unauthorized routes in an attempt to block major roads, according to a report in Israel National News. The incident occurred following a protest held in the city’s Rabin Square, which prompted police to disperse the crowd and make the arrests.
June 27, 2025, 03:00:05 (IST)
IAEA says return of inspectors to Iran’s nuclear sites is top priority
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has declared that restoring full access for its inspectors and surveillance equipment to Iran’s nuclear sites is its “number one priority,” Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This call for renewed monitoring comes as Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60% purity, far exceeding the limits of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal, and has restricted IAEA access since the 2018 US withdrawal from the agreement. The UN’s nuclear watchdog’s ability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program is significantly hampered by these restrictions, raising international concern amid stalled negotiations to revive the accord.
June 27, 2025, 03:00:05 (IST)
Iran executes three more individuals accused of spying for Israel
Iran has executed three more people who were accused of spying for Israel, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This action represents a recent development in the ongoing and often clandestine conflict between the two West Asian nations. The executions are consistent with Iran’s established practice of using capital punishment for individuals accused of espionage, particularly those alleged to be working for Israeli or US intelligence services.
June 27, 2025, 02:45:07 (IST)
US military nominee says troops are needed in Syria to prevent ISIS resurgence
The nominee to lead the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has asserted that American troops must remain in Syria to prevent a comeback by the ISIS terror group, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This position was stated during a confirmation hearing, where the nominee outlined the strategic necessity of the ongoing US military presence. The justification for the deployment is to continue advising and assisting local partner forces in counter-terrorism operations against ISIS sleeper cells and to prevent the group from regrouping. The statement underscores the view that despite its territorial defeat in 2019, ISIS remains a persistent insurgent threat in the region.
June 27, 2025, 02:30:05 (IST)
Researchers claim Gaza’s true death toll may exceed 100,000
The death toll in Gaza, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry, significantly understates the true scale of the crisis, researchers say in a report in Haaretz. The research suggests the actual number of fatalities could be as high as 100,000. This higher estimate accounts for indirect deaths resulting from the broader humanitarian catastrophe, including fatalities from hunger and disease, which are not factored into the official casualty counts focused on direct conflict deaths.
June 27, 2025, 02:19:29 (IST)
Libya and Türkiye sign memorandum for offshore geological and geophysical surveys
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Türkiye to conduct geological and geophysical surveys in offshore areas, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This new agreement is a direct follow-up to the controversial 2019 maritime delimitation deal signed between Türkiye and Libya’s Tripoli-based government. The MoU aims to facilitate energy exploration in contested maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean, which are subject to overlapping claims from other regional nations, including Greece and Cyprus.
June 27, 2025, 02:18:22 (IST)
Gulf financial markets rebound strongly following regional ceasefire announcement
Financial markets across the Gulf region have experienced a strong rebound following a recent ceasefire announcement that has lowered regional geopolitical tensions, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The positive market reaction is attributed to a significant reduction in geopolitical risk, primarily stemming from de-escalation efforts in the Yemen conflict and a broader diplomatic rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Analysts suggest the improved stability has boosted investor confidence, making the region more attractive for foreign capital and supporting long-term economic diversification goals. The sustainability of the market rally is considered dependent on the ceasefire holding and progress in political negotiations.
June 27, 2025, 02:17:17 (IST)
World Bank to provide $146 million in financing to restore electricity in Syria
The World Bank has approved $146 million in financing to restore critical electricity infrastructure in Syria, a country facing a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by prolonged conflict, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The funding aims to address chronic power outages and improve access to essential services for the Syrian population. This move navigates a complex political landscape, as significant international sanctions, including the US Caesar Act, remain in place against the Syrian government. The financing is likely structured through a special trust fund or humanitarian window to ensure the aid is used for specific ‘early recovery’ projects, focusing on basic needs rather than broad reconstruction, and to mitigate risks of fund diversion.
June 27, 2025, 02:17:17 (IST)
Arab Golf Federation launches elite scholarship camp in Riyadh
The Ara