Strait of Hormuz Vessel Fire Reported Off Oman Coast As Crew Status Remains Unknown

A vessel has been reported ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 9 nautical miles (17 kilometres) north of Khasab, Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The alert was issued after the master of a third-party vessel operating in the area reported seeing another ship on fire. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze, and the condition of those on board remains unknown.

In its warning notice, UKMTO stated: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident occurring in the Strait of Hormuz, 9NM north of Khasab, Oman. The Master of a third-party vessel has reported sighting another vessel on fire. Status of crew is unknown. There is no damage assessment or environmental impact report at present.”

No information has yet been released regarding possible casualties, structural damage, pollution risks, or the identity of the affected vessel. UKMTO said investigations are continuing and advised ships transiting the area to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity.

The organisation has not independently verified whether the fire resulted from a projectile strike, an onboard accident, or another cause.

The incident comes amid heightened maritime security concerns across the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes. The narrow waterway carries a significant proportion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making any disruption closely watched by international shipping and energy markets.

The latest report follows a series of recent maritime incidents. On 18 October, a tug travelling southbound near Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates was struck by two unidentified projectiles. The vessel sustained damage but continued its voyage, while one minor casualty was reported.

Separately, UKMTO previously reported that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile about 68 nautical miles north-east of Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Details regarding responsibility for that incident have not been confirmed.

The developments coincide with continued regional tensions involving Iran and the United States. Reports indicate Washington is considering potential further military action involving Iran, while Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei, has called for an end to the current state of “neither war nor peace” in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told his cabinet that the government would work towards implementing the Supreme Leader's directive with full commitment and available resources.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he had approved a request from his Vice President to establish contact with Iran regarding the country's need for medical supplies, as diplomatic efforts continue to seek an end to a conflict that has reportedly lasted for more than eight months.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated that Tehran remains “in close and ongoing contact” with mediators regarding proposals linked to its seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The cause of the latest vessel fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether the incident was accidental or linked to the broader security challenges affecting regional shipping lanes.

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UN Nuclear Chief Says Iran Has Not Repaired Sites Damaged In US Strikes

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has stated that there is no indication Iran has attempted to repair or rebuild nuclear facilities damaged during military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel in 2025 and 2026.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Grossi said the agency had not identified any reconstruction activity at the affected sites since June 2025.

Grossi also renewed calls for Iran to grant inspectors access to all nuclear facilities, including those damaged in the attacks. The IAEA has been unable to verify the condition of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium since the US strikes, leaving uncertainty over the status of material that is close to weapons-grade purity.

According to the IAEA, Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, a relatively short technical step from the 90 per cent level generally regarded as weapons-grade. While Tehran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, the agency has repeatedly expressed concern about unanswered questions surrounding the country’s nuclear programme.

Addressing the Security Council, Grossi said, “Since June 2025, we have not identified any activity to repair or reconstruct any of the facilities damaged in the military attacks of 2025 and 2026.” His remarks came as the agency continued to press Iran for greater transparency and co-operation regarding its nuclear obligations.

US President Donald Trump has maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was a major justification for military action against the country. He has repeatedly argued that the American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025 “obliterated” Tehran’s atomic program. Trump has also dismissed concerns over the economic effects of the conflict, contending that increased fuel prices are an acceptable cost if they prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

The Security Council meeting was convened by Bahrain, Denmark, Latvia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States after the IAEA referred Iran to the council for failing to meet its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Efforts by Russia and China, both close partners of Iran, to block the session were unsuccessful.

Under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally required to declare all nuclear material and related activities and to permit IAEA inspectors to verify that such material is not diverted from peaceful purposes. The referral to the Security Council followed continuing concerns about Tehran’s compliance with these commitments.

Iran’s deputy UN ambassador, Gholamhossein Darzi, strongly criticised what he described as the council’s silence following the US-Israeli attacks. He condemned the strikes as “wars of aggression against Iran” and accused Washington of committing war crimes against the Iranian people.

Darzi did not address the IAEA’s outstanding questions or calls for inspectors to return. Instead, he argued that “Israel possesses nuclear weapons, yet your concern is the absence of inspectors in Iran.” Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons.

Responding on behalf of the United States, UN Ambassador Mike Waltz described Iran as a “brutal dictatorship” and challenged the Iranian representative over Tehran’s failure to satisfy its safeguard obligations. He remarked, “We’ve heard tireless allegations against the United States. What we have not heard today is an explanation for Iran’s continued failure to satisfy its safeguard obligations.”

Waltz further urged Iran to provide the answers sought by the IAEA, stating that the agency had repeatedly requested clarification. He concluded his remarks by telling the Iranian representative: “Your lies are no good here.”

The exchange underscored the deep divisions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, with Western nations pressing for greater accountability and inspection access, while Tehran continues to reject allegations that it is pursuing nuclear weapons despite mounting international scrutiny.

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UN Nuclear Watchdog Chief Presses Iran For Immediate Access To Nuclear Sites

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has renewed calls for Iran to grant immediate access to its nuclear facilities, urging Tehran to cooperate fully with international inspectors so the agency can verify the status of nuclear materials and address outstanding safeguards concerns.

Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting, Grossi stressed that Iran must provide the IAEA with the information and access required to inspect all relevant facilities and nuclear material. He underlined that such cooperation is a legal obligation under Iran’s commitments to the nuclear watchdog.

The Security Council session came after the IAEA Board of Governors approved a resolution last month referring Iran’s nuclear non-compliance to the UN’s most powerful body. The measure, put forward by Britain, France, Germany and the United States, marks the first time in two decades that Iran has been referred to the Security Council for failing to meet its nuclear reporting obligations.

The IAEA has been unable to access several key Iranian nuclear sites since the outbreak of a 12-day conflict in June 2025, when Israel, supported by the United States, conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Nuclear installations were also affected during the more recent conflict that began on 28 February, further complicating international monitoring efforts.

“I invite Iran to work with the IAEA without any further delay to clarify outstanding safeguards questions and to give the IAEA the information and access the agency requires, so that it can verify all relevant facilities and material, as is Iran's legal obligation,” Grossi told the Security Council.

The referral is widely viewed as carrying more political than practical weight because any attempt to impose new UN sanctions would face significant hurdles. China and Russia, both permanent members of the Security Council and close partners of Tehran, hold veto powers and are broadly expected to block punitive measures. Both countries, along with Niger, opposed the original IAEA resolution.

Iran strongly rejected the criticism during the Security Council meeting. The country's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, accused the international community of applying double standards and criticised what he described as a lack of condemnation over Israeli and US military action against Iran.

“Today's meeting is an illustration of an established double standard in which the aggressor is shielded with impunity, the victim is placed under criticism, and the language of non-proliferation is cynically appropriated to advance geopolitical objectives,” Iravani said.

Before the June 2025 strikes, the IAEA estimated that Iran possessed roughly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity. While still below the approximately 90 per cent enrichment level generally associated with weapons-grade material, the stockpile significantly exceeded the 3.67 per cent cap established under the 2015 nuclear agreement, which has since effectively collapsed.

Since the attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, uncertainty has continued to surround the location and condition of that enriched uranium stockpile. The lack of inspector access has prevented the IAEA from independently verifying the status of the material, increasing international concerns over transparency and nuclear oversight.

The dispute comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly signalled that military action remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail, including after next week's midterm elections.

“Do I make a deal with them, or do I finish them off? That's my -- it's the only question. Do I make a deal, or do I finish them off?” Trump said during a Fox News interview on Sunday.

The renewed diplomatic confrontation highlights growing international concern over Iran’s nuclear activities and the future of global non-proliferation efforts, with the IAEA maintaining that full access and transparency remain essential to establishing the status of the country's nuclear program.

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Indian Nationals Visiting UAE Urged To Secure Comprehensive Medical Insurance With Repatriation Cover

Indian diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates have advised Indian nationals travelling to the country for tourism or short visits to obtain adequate medical insurance before departure, including coverage for medical repatriation to India in the event of an emergency.

The advisory was jointly issued by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates following several cases involving Indian citizens who encountered unexpected illnesses or medical emergencies while in the UAE.

According to the missions, a growing number of such incidents have resulted in substantial hospital bills that exceeded the financial capacity of affected individuals and their families, with many found to have inadequate insurance protection.

Highlighting the issue, the advisory stated: “The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of India, Dubai and Northern Emirates have been receiving several instances of Indian nationals meeting with unforeseen illnesses or medical emergencies resulting in huge medical bills beyond the capacity of the patient or their family members to bear and having inadequate insurance cover.”

Indian nationals travelling to the UAE for tourism or visit purposes have therefore been urged to purchase appropriate health insurance before commencing their journey. Authorities stressed that policies should provide cashless medical facilities and include coverage for medical repatriation to India if a serious health emergency arises.

The advisory stated: “All Indian nationals who are travelling to UAE for visit or tourism purposes are hereby advised to take adequate and appropriate medical insurance, prior to commencement of their journey, which also covers cashless facilities including the cost of medical repatriation to India in the event of unforeseen medical emergency.”

The missions also called upon Indians already residing in the UAE, whether on employment visas or as dependants, to review their existing insurance arrangements. They were advised to ensure that their policies are sufficient to meet healthcare costs within the UAE as well as potential repatriation expenses.

“Indians residing in UAE on employment visa or as dependants are advised to verify that their medical insurance is adequate to cover all medical expenses in UAE and medical repatriation to India,” the advisory added.

The warning comes amid continued cooperation between India and the UAE on consular and citizen welfare matters. In July, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity and well-being of their nationals living in each other’s territories during the seventh meeting of the India-UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) in New Delhi.

The meeting, held on 22 July, was co-chaired by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV and OIA), and Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Discussions focused on a broad range of issues, including consular services, labour and mobility matters, extradition cooperation and mutual legal assistance, underscoring the importance both nations place on protecting and supporting their expatriate communities.

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Netanyahu And Eisenkot Deadlocked As Neither Bloc Reaches Majority In Israeli Election

Israel faces the prospect of complex coalition negotiations after exit polls from Channels 11, 12 and 13 indicated that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition camp led by former Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot had secured the 61-seat majority required to govern in the 120-member Knesset.

The projections suggested that the opposition alliance, comprising Yashar, B’Yachad, Yisrael Beytenu and the Democrats, would win between 50 and 53 seats, while Netanyahu’s bloc was expected to secure about 50 seats. As a result, neither side appeared to have a clear or immediate route to forming the next government.

Arab parties could emerge as pivotal players in coalition negotiations. The Joint List and Ra’am were projected to win a combined 17 to 18 seats, potentially giving them significant influence over government formation. Despite their potential kingmaker status, most opposition parties have ruled out cooperation with Arab factions, with the notable exception of the Democrats under Yair Golan.

Netanyahu’s Likud was forecast to remain the largest single party in parliament, securing between 24 and 25 seats. Eisenkot’s Yashar party was projected to win between 21 and 23 seats, underlining the intensely competitive nature of the contest.

The exit poll results largely reflected trends seen in pre-election surveys, which consistently indicated that neither the governing coalition nor the opposition would comfortably surpass the 61-seat threshold needed for a parliamentary majority.

Complicating matters further for Netanyahu, smaller right-wing parties seen as potential coalition partners appeared unlikely to enter parliament. Ofer Winter’s People of Israel and Yoaz Hendel’s The Reservists-Economic Party were both projected to fall below the 3.25 per cent electoral threshold required for representation in the Knesset.

The election also delivered one of the highest levels of voter participation in Israeli history. According to official figures from the Central Elections Committee, turnout reached 74.3 per cent by 8 pm, significantly higher than the 70.63 per cent recorded during the 2022 election.

Earlier in the day, participation had already reached record levels. Turnout stood at 66.7 per cent by 6 pm, nine percentage points above the equivalent figure in the previous election and the highest ever recorded at that hour since such measurements began.

Large numbers of voters continued to arrive at polling stations throughout the day. Midday turnout reached 31.5 per cent by 12 pm before rising to 55.7 per cent by 4 pm, comfortably exceeding comparable figures from recent elections and reflecting exceptional public engagement.

The high turnout prompted urgent last-minute appeals from political leaders. Netanyahu released a video message urging Likud supporters to vote immediately, arguing that strong mobilisation by Arab parties and rival political groups could result in a “leftist government”.

Describing the election as a decisive moment for the country, Netanyahu encouraged supporters to bring family members and neighbours to polling stations and warned right-wing voters against backing splinter movements. “Only this way do we win, and it is possible to win, but you must go out!” he said, while urging voters to support Likud using its ballot letters, Mahal.

Eisenkot responded by accusing the Prime Minister of employing “tricks, lies and intimidation” in an effort to influence voter participation. In a social media message, he argued that such tactics endangered the possibility of political change and urged supporters to remain active until polls closed at 10 pm.

The election was the first national vote since the Hamas-led massacre of 7 October 2023, an event that continues to shape political debate across Israel. Issues surrounding security failures, accountability for the attack, national leadership and the strength of democratic institutions dominated the campaign.

Netanyahu, one of the most influential figures in Israeli politics and a central presence in government for 19 years, entered the contest facing one of his most serious electoral challenges from Eisenkot. The former military chief and his Yashar party had led several opinion polls before election day, setting the stage for the closely fought contest reflected in the exit polls.

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India-Israel Ties To Remain Unchanged Regardless of Election Outcome, Says Israeli Embassy Spokesperson Mishelle Sirota

As Israel prepares for a closely watched national election, the country's Embassy in New Delhi has reiterated that the strong partnership between India and Israel will remain unaffected irrespective of which political formation ultimately assumes power in Jerusalem.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Israeli Embassy spokesperson Mishelle Sirota stressed that the bilateral relationship enjoys broad political consensus in Israel and is not dependent on any single party or leader.

“India and Israel relationship will not change, even for the slightest, no matter who is going to be chosen,” Sirota said, underscoring the enduring nature of ties between the two countries.

Israelis are set to vote in parliamentary elections amid one of the most competitive political contests in recent years. The election will determine the composition of the 120-member Knesset and shape the formation of the country's next government.

Describing the election as a celebration of democracy, Sirota said Israeli citizens would decide how they want their nation to be governed over the coming four years.

She noted that approximately 7.3 million eligible voters are expected to participate in the electoral process. According to Sirota, Israelis traditionally demonstrate strong enthusiasm for voting, with many citizens travelling back to Israel from abroad specifically to cast their ballots because overseas voting is not permitted.

“Tomorrow, we are voting for the Israeli elections. We have 7.3 million eligible voters that are about to vote,” she said.

“Hopefully, we will have a very high percentage, as historically shown in Israel, people are very eager to vote. This is a very vibrant democracy. People come from abroad even to vote in Israel, because we cannot vote from outside.”

Sirota said every election provides Israelis with an opportunity to influence the country's future direction.

“Every election is a time for the society and the Israeli citizens to cast their vote and to see how they want the future of Israel to look like in the next four years.”

Drawing comparisons between Israel and India, she pointed to the significant differences in scale between the two democracies. While Indian elections are conducted over several weeks and often months due to the size of the electorate, Israel completes voting within a single day and typically obtains results very quickly.

“I think apart from the scale and the fact that your elections go through a few months, and for us it's only one day, and we get the results pretty quickly. So about tomorrow, like the day after the elections, we will already know the results,” she explained.

She also highlighted that Israel continues to use a manual voting system rather than electronic voting machines.

“We also vote manually, so it's not an electronic device. People cast their votes in an envelope.”

Despite these procedural differences, Sirota said India and Israel share many common democratic values and priorities.

“I do think we have a lot of similarities in that a lot of the voters vote for national security, pluralism, democratic values, liberal values, and traditions.”

She added that the democratic character of both nations forms a major foundation of their close relationship.

“As the biggest democracy in the world, and the only democracy in the Middle East, we have a lot of similarities, and I think it's also the beauty of the relationship and what makes us so strongly attached to each other.”

Reaffirming institutional continuity, Sirota said Israeli diplomats represent the state rather than a particular political party and would work with whichever government emerges from the election.

“As an embassy, we will obviously represent every government that is going to be chosen, and I do have a very strong belief in the democratic system in Israel,” she said.

She highlighted freedom of opinion and freedom of religion as important pillars of Israeli democracy.

“As an embassy and as a diplomat, we are obviously going to support whoever is going to be in power, and I am sure that it's not going to change the relationship between the nations.”

Addressing public sentiment after years of regional instability and conflict, Sirota acknowledged that many Israelis want a more peaceful future while remaining firmly committed to national security.

“Obviously, there are different opinions. That's the beauty of democracy. So I think after three years of war, a lot of the Israeli citizens want to see better days. We want to be in peace with our neighbours.”

At the same time, she stressed that ensuring the safety of Israeli citizens remains a priority shared across the political spectrum.

“We obviously have to keep the safety of our civilians in our borders in place, and it's a very strong consensus in Israel that we will make sure that every single citizen is safe no matter what our neighbors are planning. And unfortunately, they are sometimes planning to hurt us very badly.”

The election comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Israel. The country remains deeply engaged in regional security challenges, including tensions linked to Iran and continuing security concerns along its northern and southern fronts. Analysts broadly expect that regardless of who forms the next government, strategic cooperation with India in areas such as defence, technology, agriculture, innovation, water management and trade will remain a core element of bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters the election presenting himself as the leader best equipped to confront regional security threats, particularly those posed by Iran. His coalition includes the Likud Party, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism party and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Jewish Power party.

His principal challenger is former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who has campaigned on his national security credentials while also projecting himself as a political outsider capable of providing a fresh direction for the country.

Other significant contenders include the alliance led by former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, and a four-party coalition headed by Yair Golan that draws substantial support from Israel's Arab minority.

Opinion surveys ahead of polling have suggested a highly fragmented political landscape, with coalition negotiations likely to play a decisive role in determining who ultimately forms the next government.

The contest has therefore evolved into a high-stakes battle between veteran political survivor Benjamin Netanyahu and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, with the outcome expected to influence not only Israel's domestic political trajectory but also broader developments across West Asia.

Recent assessments from political observers indicate that while leadership and regional policies may evolve, India-Israel cooperation is widely expected to remain strong due to deep-rooted strategic, economic and technological interests shared by both nations.

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Iran Hails India's Incredible Potential, Invites Speaker Om Birla To Deepen Bilateral To Iran

India's growing role within BRICS and the evolving global order came into focus during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, where an Iranian parliamentary delegation praised the country's economic and geopolitical importance and called for closer engagement between the two nations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Iranian MP Ali Hadadi described India as a nation with "incredible potential" and highlighted its increasingly influential position in global economic development and the emerging international order.

Hadadi, who serves as the first deputy chair of the Iran-India Friendship Group and heads the Industries and Mines Committee of the Iranian Parliament, expressed appreciation to India for hosting the gathering and underscored the significance of BRICS as a platform for advancing economic cooperation among member states.

Referring to India's role within the grouping, he said: "People today expect organisations like BRICS, under the leadership of a great country like India and its role in global economic development and the emerging new global order, to play a significant role. India is a major country with incredible potential."

The Iranian parliamentarian also revealed that Tehran had formally invited Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to visit Iran as part of efforts to expand engagement between the two countries.

"We have invited the Speaker of the Indian Parliament to visit Iran to enhance trade, economic ties, and bilateral exchanges," Hadadi said.

According to Hadadi, greater parliamentary engagement could help accelerate cooperation in commerce, industry and economic development while strengthening people-to-people and institutional links between New Delhi and Tehran.

He further stressed the strategic importance of enhanced cooperation among India, Iran and China, arguing that deeper engagement between the three nations could contribute significantly to regional and global economic growth.

"Stronger cooperation between Iran, India, and China will positively impact the future of our nations and bring a better economic future to the entire world," he added.

Another member of the Iranian delegation, MP Abbas Moghtadaei, said Iranian representatives had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the forum and discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Moghtadaei noted that the discussions focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors and identifying areas where Iran could support India's development objectives.

He said both sides explored measures aimed at broadening multidimensional engagement and deepening ties between the two countries.

The Iranian lawmaker also advocated greater international cooperation in addressing unilateral approaches in global affairs, while reiterating Iran's support for the independence and sovereignty of nations.

Reflecting the importance attached to the relationship by both sides, the Iranian Embassy in India stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor received members of the Iranian parliamentary delegation during courtesy meetings held alongside the forum.

The interactions highlighted the continuing importance of India-Iran relations at a time when both countries are looking to strengthen economic connectivity, trade links and broader diplomatic engagement.

The discussions took place during the two-day 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum being hosted by the Parliament of India at the Parliament House complex in New Delhi.

The event has brought together parliamentary delegations from 11 BRICS member countries and 10 partner nations under India's chairmanship, reflecting the bloc's growing international footprint and expanding membership.

The forum is being held under the theme of people-centric development and parliamentary cooperation, with participating nations discussing issues ranging from legislative collaboration and global governance reforms to innovation, sustainable development and international partnerships.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is chairing the forum, delivered the inaugural address on Monday and welcomed delegates from across the BRICS community. The gathering forms part of India's wider BRICS presidency agenda, which has emphasised stronger cooperation among developing countries, enhanced parliamentary diplomacy and a greater role for emerging economies in shaping global governance structures.

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UN Secretary General Guterres Warns of Growing Risk of ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ As West Bank Tensions Escalate

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, warning that conditions on the ground are becoming increasingly coercive and raising fears of what he described as the growing “spectre of ethnic cleansing”.

Speaking publicly through his official social media account while also addressing regional developments during a visit to Egypt, Guterres said Israeli policies and actions in the West Bank are contributing to an environment marked by displacement, violence and insecurity for Palestinians.

The UN chief pointed to continued settlement expansion, ongoing evictions and a surge in settler-related violence as key factors driving the worsening situation. According to Guterres, Palestinian communities are being subjected to mounting pressure, with families facing assaults and the loss of access to their land.

“I’m deeply alarmed by Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank. Settlements are expanding, evictions are unrelenting with Palestinians driven from their lands, settler violence is surging, Palestinian families are being assaulted,” Guterres said.

He stressed that stability across the Middle East cannot be achieved without addressing the long-standing Palestinian question and ensuring the legitimate rights of Palestinians, including their right to self-determination.

“We are seeing an increasingly coercive environment, with the spectre of ethnic cleansing looming ever larger. This must end. There can be no durable peace in the Middle East without the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” he stated.

The remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of developments in the West Bank. UN officials have separately raised concerns over large-scale displacement operations and restrictions imposed on Palestinian communities, warning that forced displacement, demolitions and punitive measures risk further destabilising the region.

During his engagements in Egypt, Guterres also received public backing from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who praised the UN Secretary-General’s approach to major international challenges and his long-standing support for a comprehensive and just resolution of the Palestinian issue.

The concerns over the West Bank coincide with an increasingly severe humanitarian situation in Gaza.

According to reports, around 800 displaced Palestinians were left without shelter after Israeli quadcopter strikes triggered a massive blaze at a displacement camp in Gaza City’s Shujayea district.

The Palestinian Public Works Ministry said the fire began at approximately 8:00 pm on Sunday and continued burning beyond midnight. The blaze destroyed tents housing hundreds of displaced civilians, many of them women, children and elderly people.

The ministry said the destruction left hundreds without basic shelter and appealed for urgent international assistance to provide replacement tents and emergency relief supplies for affected families.

Guterres’ latest warning adds to a series of recent UN statements expressing concern that continued violence, displacement and settlement growth are undermining prospects for peace and increasing pressure on Palestinian communities across the occupied territories.

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Oil India Discovers Natural Gas In Untapped Krishna-Godavari Offshore Formation

State-owned Oil India Limited (OIL) has announced a natural gas discovery in the shallow-water Krishna-Godavari Basin off India’s east coast, marking a potentially significant addition to the country’s domestic energy resources.

The discovery was made at the Godavari-1 appraisal well in the Matsyapuri formation, a geological zone that had not previously been explored. According to the company, testing recorded a peak gas flow rate of 2,00,000 standard cubic metres per day (SCMD), indicating encouraging production potential. However, OIL has not yet disclosed an estimate of the reserves associated with the find.

Following the successful test, the company is preparing to evaluate the next prospective zone within the basin, with further drilling and assessment planned to determine the broader resource potential of the area.

The discovery comes as India intensifies efforts to strengthen domestic oil and gas production amid growing concerns over global energy security. Supply disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have highlighted the vulnerability of energy-importing nations to geopolitical shocks, while elevated crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and freight costs have continued to pressure India’s energy sector.

Last month, senior OIL officials emphasised the need to accelerate exploration activities within the country. OIL Director of Finance, Abhijit Majumder, warned that global supply chain disruptions and instability in key energy corridors can quickly affect energy availability, pricing and economic stability. 

He stated: “Disruptions to global supply chains and major energy corridors can have an immediate impact on energy flows, prices and economies worldwide.”

Majumder further noted that the Strait of Hormuz situation demonstrates how geopolitical instability in one region can have far-reaching consequences for energy security across the world, reinforcing the importance of developing indigenous hydrocarbon resources.

India’s push for increased exploration follows three consecutive years of declining domestic crude oil production. To reverse this trend and reduce dependence on imports, the government has launched an ambitious offshore exploration drive aimed at unlocking new reserves in Indian waters.

Earlier this year, the government introduced the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, backed by approximately 83,552 Crores (approx. US $8.8 billion) in support through FY 2030-31. The initiative is being positioned as India’s most ambitious offshore exploration mission to date and is expected to accelerate the search for new oil and gas resources across the country’s offshore sedimentary basins.

The latest Krishna-Godavari Basin discovery is therefore significant not only for Oil India Limited but also for the country’s broader energy security objectives, as India seeks to expand domestic production and lessen its exposure to volatile international energy markets.

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Iran Warns US Against Persian Gulf Entry As IRGC Claims Two Supertankers Struck Naval Mines Near Strait of Hormuz

Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States, declaring that it will never permit American military vessels to re-enter the Persian Gulf, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to intensify.

The warning came from Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, who claimed Iranian forces had effectively neutralised the US Navy’s influence in the region. Rejecting assertions that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly degraded, Abdollahi insisted that Washington's ambitions in the Gulf would remain unrealised.

“The US president must only dream of their military and army entering the Persian Gulf again. They will take this wish to their graves,” Abdollahi said. He added, “We will under no circumstances and at no time allow US military vessels to enter the Persian Gulf.”

The senior commander also challenged repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been destroyed. Abdollahi questioned why Washington continued to express concern over Tehran’s nuclear program if those facilities had allegedly been eliminated. “If you have destroyed everything, then what is the meaning of repeating this delusion?” he said, accusing the United States of attempting to influence public opinion through such statements.

The remarks coincided with claims by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy that two super-tankers carrying more than 4.5 million barrels of crude oil combined struck naval mines near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian state media, the vessels were travelling along what Tehran described as an unauthorised southern route through the waterway when explosions and fires reportedly broke out in their engine rooms.

The IRGC stated that both vessels became disabled following the blasts and that their crews were eventually forced to abandon ship. However, the claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate confirmation from vessel operators or other external authorities.

Iran has maintained restrictions on maritime movements through the Strait of Hormuz and has repeatedly warned that ships attempting to transit the waterway without coordination with Iranian authorities could face serious consequences.

The narrow maritime chokepoint remains one of the world's most important energy corridors, with a significant portion of global oil exports passing through it each day, making any disruption a major concern for international shipping and energy markets.

The latest exchange reflects the broader struggle between Tehran and Washington over regional security, freedom of navigation and energy flows. While Iran has highlighted its ability to influence traffic through the Strait, US officials have argued that global energy shipments continue largely unaffected.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said oil exports from the Persian Gulf had recovered strongly despite Iranian attempts to disrupt maritime traffic. “Despite Iran’s efforts to disrupt energy shipments, oil exports from the Persian Gulf are roaring back and have surpassed pre-conflict levels,” he said, adding that “Iran’s threats have failed to stop the flow of energy to global markets.”

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack suggested that a US strike on Iran remained a possibility, stating, “Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” while also emphasising that President Trump remained open to a diplomatic settlement.

Barrack revealed that negotiations involving regional actors, including Pakistan and Qatar, were continuing. Discussions reportedly include the future of the Strait of Hormuz, uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, the potential unfreezing of Iranian assets and security guarantees relating to Israel.

However, Trump later appeared to distance himself from Barrack’s comments. When asked about the possibility of imminent military action after arriving in Florida, he remarked, “That was my ambassador? He's a pretty powerful man, I guess. If that's the case, I don't know anything about it.”

Despite that response, Trump subsequently adopted a tougher tone during an election rally in Florida, warning that the United States could launch “another little Epic Fury” against Iran should Tehran fail to reach an agreement, underscoring the volatility surrounding the standoff and raising fresh concerns about the security of one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes.

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Pezeshkian Set For Moscow Talks With Putin As Iran-Russia Strategic Partnership Deepens

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to travel to Moscow next week for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Tehran and Moscow continue high-level consultations on bilateral cooperation and major regional and international developments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the upcoming meeting, stating that it follows extensive discussions held during Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Tehran. 

According to Araghchi, both sides reviewed the latest developments in Iran-Russia relations and examined key issues affecting the region and the wider international community.

“Last week, I hosted Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. We discussed in detail the latest developments in bilateral relations and the most important regional and international issues,” Araghchi said.

The Iranian foreign minister noted that the discussions focused on expanding political and economic cooperation, implementing existing agreements and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He added that both sides underlined the importance of maintaining regular consultations to protect shared interests and contribute to regional peace and stability.

“We also emphasised the importance of continuing consultations to safeguard common interests and strengthen regional peace and stability,” Araghchi said.

Confirming that diplomatic engagement will continue at the highest level, Araghchi stated: “These talks and consultations will continue next week in Moscow, with the presence of the presidents of the two countries.”

The planned summit comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions across West Asia and ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both leaders to assess regional developments and coordinate their positions on emerging challenges.

Pezeshkian and Putin most recently met on the sidelines of the Caspian Environmental Summit in Turkmenistan on 8 October. The two leaders had also held talks during a regional summit in Kyrgyzstan in September, reflecting the growing frequency of engagement between Tehran and Moscow.

Lavrov’s recent visit to Tehran further highlighted the increasingly close relationship between the two countries. Following the visit, Araghchi described Iran-Russia ties as closer than ever, despite US President Donald Trump publicly questioning the extent of Moscow’s support for Tehran.

During his meeting with Pezeshkian in Turkmenistan earlier this month, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to support a diplomatic resolution to regional tensions involving Iran. “For our part, we are ready to do everything in our power to help you resolve this situation,” Putin said.

Economic cooperation has also continued to expand. Putin stated that trade between Russia and Iran grew by more than 21 per cent during 2025, with positive momentum continuing through the first seven months of 2026. The strengthening commercial relationship has become a key pillar of the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to diplomacy despite previous setbacks in negotiations with Washington. “We are in talks, but every time we engage in dialogue with America, they attack again; however, we will not withdraw from the negotiating table,” he said.

Against this backdrop, the Moscow meeting is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation, reviewing progress on joint initiatives and discussing the evolving regional situation as diplomatic efforts continue across West Asia.

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Iran Claims Four Oil-Carrying Ships Set Ablaze In Gulf As Tensions Rise Around Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that it struck and set fire to four vessels carrying oil cargoes in the northern Persian Gulf, while three other ships reportedly hit mines in the western Strait of Hormuz and were forced to stop operations.

According to a statement carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the four vessels had previously travelled along what Tehran described as an “illegal route” despite warnings issued to the maritime companies involved.

The IRGC Navy alleged that the companies had been misled by the United States military and had continued using routes that Iran considered unlawful.

Iran claimed that its naval forces tracked and monitored the four vessels after their earlier movements through the disputed route.

The statement said the ships were later found transferring oil cargoes in the northern Persian Gulf, where they were allegedly struck simultaneously and subsequently caught fire.

Iranian authorities also stated that three additional vessels encountered mines in the western section of the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday night and were brought to a halt.

No evidence regarding the incidents was released publicly, and the IRGC did not identify the ships involved, disclose their ownership, provide details regarding damage, or report any casualties.

The claims emerge against the backdrop of escalating tensions in one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and remains critical to global energy markets. A substantial share of international seaborne oil trade and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a matter of global concern.

Reasserting its authority over the region, the IRGC Navy stated that it continued to manage and control maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz with the backing of the Iranian public.

Iran also accused the United States of encouraging commercial shipping to use what it described as an illegally mined passage, claiming that such actions had contributed to a growing number of maritime incidents.

The IRGC further warned Washington that continued developments along the current trajectory could result in the confrontation expanding beyond maritime encounters.

According to the statement, Iranian officials cautioned that American military facilities in the wider region could become involved if tensions continue to increase. The maritime claims came shortly after United States President Donald Trump indicated that Washington was not currently negotiating with Iran and that developments could occur in the near future.

Speaking during an interview with NewsNation correspondent Libbey Dean, Trump suggested that some engagement had taken place, but stressed that the ultimate outcome remained uncertain.

When asked whether negotiations were continuing, Trump replied that there had been “a little bit” of movement but added that it remained unclear what would happen next.

Pressed on whether the United States had ended negotiations with Tehran, Trump responded that there were no active negotiations and stated that events would unfold one way or another in the near future.

Trump also characterised the situation as a limited conflict involving Iran and argued that the United States was performing strongly both militarily and economically. He pointed to the impact of American sanctions and maintained that Washington remained in a favourable position in its confrontation with Tehran.

However, Trump did not elaborate on the specific actions he expected or provide a timetable for future American policy decisions regarding Iran. The latest developments coincide with reports that Washington and Israel have prepared plans for potential renewed military operations targeting Iran following the American midterm elections.

Reports indicate that the planning has focused on Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, missile inventory and drone capabilities. According to those reports, American and Israeli forces have increased military exercises in recent months, including flights over Iraq designed to rehearse strike operations.

At the same time, Iranian officials have warned that any renewed military action would trigger a response from Tehran.

In remarks carried by the state-affiliated Student News Network, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi referenced America’s Massive Ordnance Air Blast weapon, commonly known as the “Mother of All Bombs”.

Mohebbi stated that Iran would reveal what he called the “Father of All Bombs”, describing it as a new capability that would surprise the United States.

Iranian officials have not provided technical details regarding the weapon or explained the nature of the threat. The remarks followed reports that President Trump has considered employing the 22,000-pound GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb against Iran’s deeply buried Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility.

According to reports, the prospect of renewed military action is also being used as leverage in efforts to influence negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear activities and the future security arrangement surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian negotiators, however, have reportedly resisted making concessions on the nuclear issue and have sought to push detailed discussions on the matter to later stages of any talks. As military planning, diplomatic manoeuvring and maritime tensions continue simultaneously, concerns are growing that the crisis could widen into a broader regional confrontation.

The combination of disputed maritime incidents, warnings from the IRGC, military preparations by the United States and Israel, and persistent disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program has left the region facing a period of heightened uncertainty, with significant implications for international security and global energy markets.

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Iran Rebukes Asim Munir Says'Uranium Not Leaving Iran' On Uranium Transfer Plan

Iran has firmly rejected any proposal to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to a third country, delivering a clear message to Pakistan's Asim Munir during high-level talks in Tehran.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told Munir that not even a small quantity of enriched nuclear material would be allowed to leave Iran, describing the stockpile as a strategic national asset and a source of national wealth intended for domestic use.

The remarks came as Munir visited Tehran as part of Pakistan's renewed effort to mediate between Iran and the United States and revive stalled diplomatic negotiations between the two sides.

Rezaei also reiterated Iran's position that negotiations with Washington cannot resume until the United States takes practical steps to rebuild trust and fully addresses Tehran's conditions for renewed engagement.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reinforced that stance during his meeting with Munir, insisting that dialogue cannot take place while the United States continues to apply pressure through threats and sanctions.

Pezeshkian argued that Washington must first remove those measures before meaningful discussions can begin, adding that many Iranians remain deeply sceptical of American intentions and fear that renewed negotiations could be followed by further military action.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed the same message, stating that Tehran's position has not changed and that the United States must satisfy Iran's seven conditions before it can regain the country's confidence.

Ghalibaf further maintained that military pressure and threats would have no impact on Iran's long-term strategic decision-making.

Pakistan has emerged as an important intermediary between Tehran and Washington, yet its diplomatic efforts have struggled to gain momentum since an Islamabad-backed truce reached in June failed to produce a lasting settlement and was subsequently undermined by renewed tensions.

More recent indirect discussions between American and Iranian representatives on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly also failed to deliver a breakthrough, leaving the peace process effectively stalled.

The wider conflict traces its origins to a sharp escalation earlier this year involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted ongoing negotiations concerning Tehran's nuclear program.

Among Iran's principal demands are a ceasefire across the Middle East, the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad and the removal of sanctions targeting the country's oil sector. Additional Iranian positions reported in recent diplomatic exchanges include easing restrictions affecting maritime trade and regional shipping routes.

The dispute over Iran's nuclear activities remains one of the most significant obstacles to a broader agreement. Tehran has consistently rejected calls to surrender or export its enriched uranium stockpile, which is enriched to approximately 60 per cent, below weapons-grade levels but significantly above civilian requirements.

Iranian officials have previously indicated that technical adjustments to enrichment levels could be considered within Iran, but they continue to oppose removing nuclear material from the country.

The United States and its allies have imposed extensive sanctions on Iran for years, maintaining that Tehran seeks the capability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran continues to reject those allegations, insisting that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful and domestic purposes.

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US Says Strait of Hormuz Remains Open As 97% of Ships Transit Safely Despite Iranian Attacks

The United States military has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping despite continued Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, claiming that around 97 per cent of ships seeking passage through the strategic waterway have completed their journeys without being struck by Iranian projectiles.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), extensive naval security operations involving American forces and regional partners have enabled thousands of commercial vessels to navigate the corridor safely despite heightened tensions.

The comments came after CENTCOM confirmed that the Singapore-flagged container ship GFS Pride, owned by a Cyprus-based company, was hit by an Iranian projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.

The vessel caught fire following the strike and later sank while being towed towards shore.

Despite the loss of the ship, CENTCOM spokesperson Navy Captain Tim Hawkins argued that Tehran's efforts to disrupt maritime traffic have largely failed and have not succeeded in closing one of the world's most important energy and trade routes.

Hawkins said the overwhelming majority of attempted attacks on civilian shipping passing through the international waterway had been unsuccessful, adding that coordinated protection measures had ensured the safe movement of thousands of vessels.

He further stated that approximately 97 per cent of ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz had avoided being hit by Iranian projectiles and that commercial traffic was continuing without interruption.

US and partner naval forces continue maritime security operations across the region in an effort to safeguard global commerce and maintain freedom of navigation through the narrow passage.

Separately, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper claimed that American actions had significantly damaged Iran's finances by restricting its maritime trade and reducing its ability to support proxy groups.

Cooper stated that Iran's economy had suffered major losses, including an estimated US$25 billion impact on oil export revenues and the freezing of approximately US$350 million in cryptocurrency assets.

He also asserted that Iran was experiencing shortages and disruption across numerous sectors, including energy, oil, steel, heavy industry, manufacturing, aviation, automotive production, construction, security and military activities.

Highlighting the continued importance of the waterway, Cooper said that around 400 ships had transited the Strait of Hormuz within a seven-day period.

He added that the US had assisted Gulf partners in transporting more than 100 million barrels of crude oil during the same period and over 1.3 billion barrels in recent months.

Iran, however, continues to challenge US claims regarding control of the waterway. Iranian Revolutionary Guard statements indicated that an "illegal super tanker" carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil was struck by a sea mine while attempting to transit what Tehran described as an unauthorised passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media outlet ISNA reported that the blast triggered a major fire aboard the vessel.

The latest developments underscore the continuing confrontation between Washington and Tehran over a maritime chokepoint that handles a significant share of the world's seaborne oil trade and remains central to global energy security.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations weekly review, 135 incidents have been recorded in the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing Iran-US confrontation, with both sides continuing to assert influence and operational control over the strategically critical route.

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India Reiterates UN Call To Protect Seafarers As Red Sea Attacks Threaten Global Shipping

India has strongly condemned attacks on maritime navigation and commercial shipping amid the escalating conflict across West Asia, describing such actions as legally and morally indefensible. 

Speaking during the United Nations Security Council's quarterly open debate on the Middle East, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, stressed that the safety of seafarers, including Indian nationals, remains a priority for the Government of India.

India reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while rejecting external interference in the country's internal affairs. It also underlined that safeguarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Southern Red Sea is a shared international responsibility given the region's importance to global maritime trade.

Parvathaneni highlighted a series of recent attacks on commercial vessels, including the India-flagged MV DP World Cauvery, MT Petro Dolphin, MT Valthera, MT On Peace and MT Kazimah III. He noted that several of these ships carried Indian seafarers, making their safety a direct national concern.

India thanked the authorities of Oman and the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in ensuring the safety of Indian crew members affected by recent incidents. The envoy emphasised that attacks on commercial shipping, merchant mariners and civilian maritime infrastructure must cease immediately.

Calling for de-escalation across the region, India urged all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy. It also stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.

Expressing concern over widening regional instability, India strongly condemned repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Saudi Arabian airports. The envoy noted that recent attacks resulted in fatalities, including Indian citizen Mohammad Yousef Ali in Riyadh, and reiterated India's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in defence of its sovereignty.

India underscored its extensive links with West Asia, noting that annual trade with Gulf Cooperation Council countries stands at approximately ₹15.12 lakh crore, cumulative foreign direct investment totals about ₹2.60 lakh crore, and remittances exceed roughly ₹4.37 lakh crore. Around 10 million Indians live and work across GCC nations, making their welfare a key national interest.

Against the backdrop of continued threats to merchant shipping, India highlighted efforts to strengthen global maritime coordination. India and Liberia recently launched the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week, with 23 countries joining the initiative.

Described as an inclusive and action-oriented platform, the group aims to improve international cooperation, develop practical measures to prevent attacks on vessels and strengthen protection for seafarers.

The envoy also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal at the recent BRICS Summit for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network. The proposed mechanism would enable maritime authorities and embassies to coordinate distress alerts, medical support, communication with families and evacuation assistance during emergencies.

Parvathaneni noted that nearly two million seafarers operate the world's merchant fleet and that maritime transport carries around four-fifths of global trade, underscoring the broader economic implications of shipping disruptions.

Turning to Gaza, India said global concern over threats to shipping and the Strait of Hormuz should not overshadow the continuing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. The envoy reiterated India's condemnation of the 7 October 2023 terrorist attacks and expressed concern over the heavy civilian toll, particularly among women and children.

India renewed its support for humanitarian relief, diplomacy and a negotiated two-state solution. It stated that a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living alongside Israel within secure and recognised borders remains essential for lasting peace.

The envoy noted growing international backing for the two-state framework and referenced support expressed by BRICS leaders for Palestine's full membership of the United Nations.

Highlighting India's assistance to Palestinians, Parvathaneni said New Delhi has supplied medicines, medical equipment and humanitarian relief during the conflict. India has also supported development projects, including a 200-bed super-speciality hospital, the Palestinian Institute of Diplomacy, a women's empowerment centre, an artificial limb fitment camp and a vocational training institute.

India continues to support Palestinian capacity-building through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program and Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarships. In August, 32 Palestinian students from Gaza enrolled in colleges in India under the scholarship scheme.

The envoy added that India has contributed more than ₹4,368 crore cumulatively to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, supporting the agency's education, healthcare and humanitarian activities.

On Lebanon, India strongly condemned attacks on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers and stressed that personnel serving under UN mandates must not be targeted. It also called for respect for the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises, while highlighting the importance of preparations for any post-UNIFIL scenario and support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Regarding Syria, India reiterated support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, while reaffirming the importance of preserving Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.

Concluding his remarks, Parvathaneni said the people of the Middle East require stability, security and lasting peace, stressing that peace involves not only the absence of conflict but also the strengthening of long-term regional stability and prosperity. India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peace, security and development across the region.

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