Russia's strong ties with both Israel and Iran could help it emerge as a power broker
Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.
Israel's military strikes this weekend on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, killing top generals and scientists, and Tehran's response with drones and missiles, put Moscow in an awkward position, requiring fine diplomatic skills to preserve ties with both parties. But it also could open opportunities for Russia to possibly become a power broker to help end the confrontation.
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Business Insider
28 minutes ago
- Business Insider
The African country suffering the most from Iran's and Israel's missile strikes
The Middle East for the last few years has been no stranger to missile strikes, as tensions in the region continue to escalate with no real end in sight. The effects of these hostilities have unfortunately found their way into Africa, particularly countries located in the MENA region. Currently, Egypt is feeling the most heat from the recent conflict between Israel and Iran. Tensions in the Middle East are impacting nearby regions, particularly Egypt in Africa. Egypt's economy is severely affected, with its stock index experiencing dramatic losses. Regional instability has led to a delayed inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, affecting tourism revenue. As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate into outright military war, Egypt has emerged as the African country facing the most immediate economic consequences. With regional instability reverberating across markets, Egypt's banking industry has been particularly severely affected, worsening an already weak economic situation. On Friday, Egypt's major stock index performed the worst, at one point recording the worst losses in five years. Also the country's currency value dropped below the 50-per-dollar threshold. 'It is no surprise that with an open-ended Israel-Iran shooting war under way, that regional markets have been pounded too, as far as Egypt, which has seen gas supplies from Israel cut off,' said Hasnain Malik, a strategist at Tellimer in Dubai. 'The spike in oil price reflects the risk of Iranian exports going offline but not serious disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil falls.' Futhermore, Egypt's major stock index, the EGX 30, fell as much as 7.7% on the first day of trading since the war erupted. All 31 publicly traded businesses reported losses while the pound traded as weak as 50.6 units per dollar, according to local-bank quotes, as per Bloomberg. Beyond the financial markets, the turmoil has hampered Egypt's cultural and tourist goals. The government postponed the long-awaited opening of the $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum, which has been in the works for over two decades and is located barely a mile from the Giza Pyramids. The ceremony, which was scheduled to begin formally on July 3, has been pushed back until the fourth quarter, with authorities citing "current regional developments" as the cause, another report by Bloomberg highlighted. This delay is more than just symbolic; it stifles a vital cash stream for Egypt's tourist industry, which has long been a foundation of the national economy. The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to draw up to 5 million visitors yearly, resulting in a significant increase in foreign currency inflows and employment creation. Israeli and Iranian military attacks have been fierce for the third day in a row. Targeting military, nuclear, and energy facilities in places including Tehran, Natanz, and Isfahan, Israel conducted a series of bombings deep into Iranian territory, purportedly killing key commanders and scientists and damaging missile installations. Iran responded by attacking Israel with more than 200 ballistic missiles and drones as part of what it named Operation True Promise III. Although many were stopped by Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems, dozens managed to get past defenses and hit Tel Aviv, Haifa, Bat Yam, and other locations, killing at least 10–15 Israeli civilians and injuring hundreds more. The U.S., Russia, China, and the EU have all called for de-escalation, but with both Israel and Iran signaling determination to press on, fears of a wider regional war are growing. Analysts warn that if Hezbollah in Lebanon, or Iranian allies in Iraq and Yemen, become more involved, the situation could spiral beyond control.
Business Insider
33 minutes ago
- Business Insider
African countries' response to the escalating Iran-Israel conflict
As tensions between Israel and Iran reached dangerous new heights this past week, and continued into the early hours of a new week, African countries are speaking out, reflecting the continent's diverse geopolitical stances yet unified in a call for peace, restraint, and justice in the Middle East. Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian facilities Escalations led to significant damages and casualties on both sides, attracting international concern. African leaders strongly condemned the violence, calling for peace, restraint, and adherence to international law As the Middle East edges toward wider war, African countries add their voices to global calls for de-escalation, recognizing that peace anywhere is peace everywhere, following Israel's massive Operation Rising Lion airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and strategic sites. The latest escalation follows Israel's Operation Rising Lion, a coordinated military campaign involving over 200 fighter jets targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, drone production centers, oil refineries, intelligence bases, and key civilian airports, including Mashhad International Airport. The operation reportedly killed top commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and several civilians. In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3 on June 13, firing ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drones, into Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Significant damage was reported, including destruction at the Haifa oil refinery and civilian neighborhoods. According to The Times of India over 200 Israeli fighter jets were involved in the initial offensive, targeting sites deep within Iran, while Iranian retaliation inflicted heavy psychological and physical tolls on Israel's civilian population. In the wake of these developments, a wave of statements from African governments and leaders reflect a continent that remains deeply invested in global peace, committed to international law, yet mindful of its own diverse diplomatic alliances. In light of the escalation, world leaders have spoken to Iranian and Israeli top officials, fearing a possible regional war. Here is what some African countries have said: South Africa: Strong Condemnation of Israeli Strikes: South Africa was one of the first to respond. In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on June 13, the government expressed ' deep concern' over Israel's attacks on Iran and extended condolences to the families of all victims of the Iranian people. 'We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, ' the statement read. South Africa urged maximum restraint by all parties and called for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Middle East. ' We support ongoing bilateral discussions, such as those between the USA and Iran, and reaffirm the critical importance of establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East,' it added Kenya: Criticism of Iran, Call for a Functional UN Kenya condemned Iran's retaliatory missile attacks and called for global leadership in defusing the crisis. In a statement on June 13, the country's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing'oei, expressed concern over the escalation and referenced Kenya's prior support for a UN resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. ' We are following with deep concern the escalating situation in the Middle East that has the potential to spiral out of control with grievous implications for regional and global peace and security,' Sing'oei said. He however urged both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful means, consistent with the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. ' The conflict is a clear reason why we need a Security Council that functions and acts in the best interest of all,' he stated. Without naming names, Kenya's statement subtly criticized the inaction of key Security Council members, urging structural reform in global peacekeeping systems. Nigeria: Balanced Call for De-escalation Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a measured statement urging both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions. The June 13 statement warned that Israel's 'preemptive strike ' had dangerously heightened regional tensions. ' The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability,' the ministry noted. The country further urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement. ' The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law. Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region,' the statement added. Abuja, while taking a neutral stance. reaffirmed its support for dialogue, international law, and constructive engagement over military confrontation. Egypt: A Warning Against Escalation Egypt, a traditional mediator in Middle East crises, condemned Israel's actions as 'a blatant and extremely dangerous regional escalation' and 'a flagrant violation of international law.' 'The arrogance of power will not bring security to any state in the region, including Israel,' Egypt's Foreign Ministry said. ' Genuine security can only be achieved through respect for sovereignty, unity, and the territorial integrity of states,' it further stated. Cairo also reiterated that the resolution of regional crises lies in politics, not warfare. Ghana: Economic Fallout a Growing Concern President John Dramani Mahama warned that Ghana, like many African economies, is not immune to the global economic shocks caused by the conflict. 'Despite the work we have done in stabilizing the economy, Ghana is not immune from the shocks of global events, ' Mahama said. ' The recent exchange of missiles between Israel and Iran has started to escalate crude oil prices dramatically. ' His comments point to the conflict's indirect impact on African livelihoods, especially in energy-importing countries. Tunisia: Full Support for Iran Tunisia, echoing the Arab League, took a strong pro-Iran stance. According to TAP News Agency: 'Tunisia strongly condemns the treacherous Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and all international laws and norms, undermining the pillars of security, peace, and stability throughout the entire world.' Namibia: A Global Economic Wake-Up Call Namibia offered a broader perspective, warning of the global ripple effects. Executive Director of International Relations, Penda Naanda, remarked: ' Markets are interconnected, and what happens in one part of the world affects us all, including our commodities and our pockets.' Africa may not be a direct party to the Iran-Israel conflict, but its leaders are asserting the continent's moral and strategic stakes in global affairs.
Express Tribune
34 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Israel's attacks could result in regime change in Iran: Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump speaks as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves following a meeting in the White House, in Washington, US, April 7, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Regime change in Iran could be a result of Israel's military attacks on the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday, saying Israel would do whatever is necessary to remove the "existential threat" posed by Tehran. Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" with a surprise attack on Friday morning that wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command and damaged its nuclear sites, and says the campaign will continue to escalate in coming days. Iran has vowed to "open the gates of hell" in retaliation. Israel's military has said the current goal of the campaign is not a change in regime, but the dismantling of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Asked by Fox's Bret Baier on his "Special Report" program if regime change was part of Israel's military effort, Netanyahu said: "Could certainly be the result because the Iran regime is very weak." "We're geared to do whatever is necessary to achieve our dual aim, to remove ... two existential threats - the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat," Netanyahu said in one of his first interviews since Israel's attacks began. "We did act - to save ourselves, but also, I think, to not only protect ourselves, but protect the world from this incendiary regime. We can't have the world's most dangerous regime have the world's most dangerous weapons," he said. Israel has said its operation could last weeks, and Netanyahu has openly urged the Iranian people to rise up against their Islamic clerical rulers. Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday, killing scores and raising fears of a wider conflict, as US President Donald Trump said it could be ended easily while warning Tehran not to strike any US targets. Asked about a Reuters report that Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Netanyahu said: "I'm not going to get into that." But he said he had informed Trump ahead of Friday's military action. American pilots are shooting down Iranian drones headed toward Israel, he said. With worries growing of a regional conflagration, Trump has lauded Israel's offensive while denying Iranian allegations that the US has taken part in it. He warned Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include US targets or else face the "full strength and might" of the US armed forces. Trump has repeatedly said Iran could end the war by agreeing to tough restrictions on its nuclear program, which Iran says is for peaceful purposes but Western countries say could be used to make a bomb. The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, due to be held on Sunday, was scrapped after Tehran said it would not negotiate while under Israeli attack.
