logo
Boeing ghost flights: China-Iran air route raises eyebrows in Israel conflict

Boeing ghost flights: China-Iran air route raises eyebrows in Israel conflict

India Today7 hours ago

Multiple Boeing 747s were tracked flying from China to Iran, disappearing near Iranian airspace, prompting speculation that Beijing may be covertly supporting Tehran during escalating tensions with Israel.A string of mysterious Boeing 747 flights departing China for Iran has raised suspicions that Beijing may be covertly aiding Tehran as Israeli airstrikes intensify against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, according to a Fox News Digital report.advertisement"Several Boeing 747s have been spotted on radar leaving China for Iran over the last week," Fox News reported, citing flight-tracking data and European intelligence assessments.
Starting June 14, at least five cargo flights took off from various points in China and travelled a discreet route westward along China's northern air corridor. They then descend through Central Asia -- Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan -- before vanishing from radar near Iranian airspace, according to FlightRadar24 and The Telegraph.
Intriguingly, the listed destination for the flights was Luxembourg. But the aircraft never entered European airspace."The mystery transport planes," as described by The Telegraph, have fuelled speculation amongst defence analysts who suggest the flights could be part of an undisclosed logistics operation — possibly moving military supplies, key personnel, or sensitive cargo to support Iran during its escalating confrontation with Israel.advertisement"These types of planes are typically used for transport," one expert told Fox News Digital, "and could be evidence of China aiding its longtime ally Iran during the conflict."China and Iran are strategic partners. They oppose the US-led world order and favour a multipolar phase in global diplomacy. Iran is also a key energy supplier to China, sending two million barrels of oil daily."I think it's important to remember what the relationship is; forty-three percent of China's oil and gas comes from the Middle East, a large volume of that from Iran," Robert Greenway, director of the Heritage Foundation's Centre for National Defence, told "The Ingraham Angle" on Wednesday night. Iran supplies China with about two million barrels of oil each day.CARGOLUX DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN CHINA-IRAN FLIGHTSThe main airline involved, Luxembourg-based cargo airline, Cargolux has denied allegations linking its aircraft to a series of suspicious Boeing 747 flights from China to Iran, which reportedly disappeared from radar near Iranian airspace. These claims have fuelled speculation that China may be covertly aiding Iran with weapons during its ongoing tensions with Israel.In a statement released on both its official website and Facebook page on Sunday, Cargolux clarified that "none of its flights utilise Iranian airspace." The airline emphasised that its operations are fully transparent and relies on advanced tracking systems to ensure real-time monitoring.advertisement"Our flight tracking systems provide real-time data, which confirms that no flight entered Iranian airspace. Any claims to the contrary are completely unfounded," the company stated.CHINA'S XI CALLS FOR CEASEFIREChina's President Xi Jinping urged more diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Iran in a call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.Xi, without naming the United States, said "major countries" with "special influence" in the region should step up diplomatic efforts to cool down the situation, the report said, emphasising Israel's role in bringing about a ceasefire.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Great Israeli conspiracy': Iran says Israel's bid to assassinate foreign minister Abbas Araghchi failed
‘Great Israeli conspiracy': Iran says Israel's bid to assassinate foreign minister Abbas Araghchi failed

Hindustan Times

time30 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

‘Great Israeli conspiracy': Iran says Israel's bid to assassinate foreign minister Abbas Araghchi failed

Iranian authorities have claimed to have thwarted an Israeli-backed assassination attempt on foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, just days before his scheduled diplomatic mission to Geneva amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel. The development was announced by Mohammad Hossein Ranjbaran, an adviser to Araghchi, who stated that Iranian intelligence agencies uncovered and neutralised what he described as a 'major Israeli conspiracy' aimed at killing the top diplomat in Tehran. The alleged assassination attempt comes as Foreign Minister Araghchi prepares to meet with his British, French, and German counterparts in Geneva on Friday. 'If it were not for the security measures of the 'unknown soldiers of the homeland' (Iran intelligence team), perhaps a few days ago the great Israeli conspiracy against him would have been carried out in Tehran, which, thank God, failed,' Ranjbaran posted on X. The term 'unknown soldiers of the homeland' is commonly used in Iran to refer to its intelligence and security operatives. Abbas Araghchi's advisor further said that Iranian security concerns had intensified after it was announced that Araghchi would lead talks with the European 'troika.' He warned that threats to the minister's life remain ongoing. 'Yes, there certainly was and still is such a threat. Nevertheless, Seyed Abbas Araghchi considers himself a soldier of the motherland more than the head of the diplomatic service,' Ranjbaran's post read. Despite the alleged plot, Araghchi has proceeded with his travel plans and is currently en route to Geneva. His adviser said the minister remains unfazed by the threat. 'He seeks martyrdom,' Ranjbaran wrote. The Geneva meeting is being closely watched by international observers. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and British foreign secretary David Lammy are among the key figures expected to attend. The diplomatic push comes as the military conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure and Tehran responding with missile attacks. Speaking ahead of the talks, Lammy said, 'A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution.' Iranian officials, meanwhile, have reiterated that such security threats—whether real or perceived—will not distract them from pursuing their broader strategic and diplomatic goals.

India may improve trade deficit with Japan by selling quality rice
India may improve trade deficit with Japan by selling quality rice

Business Standard

time33 minutes ago

  • Business Standard

India may improve trade deficit with Japan by selling quality rice

India is the world's largest exporter of rice, with its output mainly going to countries in West Asia and Africa. Thousands of rice varieties are harvested in the country, including the glutinous rice (commonly known as sticky rice) in the northeastern states. With the Japanese government considering increasing its rice imports, there is a potential for India to harbour a new trade relationship with this eastern rice-loving friend. Rice is more than a mere staple for Japan; it is near sacred and the country takes pride in its delicious domestic varieties (called Japonica rice) and its self-sufficiency in production. However, in the past months, Japan has been grappling with soaring rice prices: an issue that has created strong economic and political repercussions in the country. As of April-May 2025, rice prices doubled compared to last year reaching a high of 5,000JPY ($35) for 5 kg (a common selling size). As prices soared, rice started to disappear from supermarket shelves, restaurant meals and bowls at home, creating a strong undercurrent of dissatisfaction amongst the consumers. The government undertook some measures to ease prices, like importing additional stocks from the United States, South Korea, Taiwan and releasing a third of its emergency rice stockpiles to reduce the supply pressure. The measures proved ineffective due to the inherent slow and inefficient distribution system, with Japan's powerful protection lobby JA Zen-Noh (National Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives Association) at the centre. A slew of rare and bold measures followed after a political upheaval caused by an insensitive comment by the agriculture minister, who was immediately replaced amidst the economic and now political crisis. The extraordinary measures involved releasing more emergency stockpiled rice, but jumping the JA-led wholesale system to sell directly to retailers and at prices set by the government. This promised to bring prices down to less than half: in the range of 2000 JPY for 5 kg. The measure was executed within a week, rather expeditiously for a usually slow-moving Japan, providing much relief to the people. Buying older harvests of sticky rice is usually not preferred by Japanese households as the rice loses its moistness. This is unlike India, where drier and older rice is preferred as in the case of Basmati. The price pressure was so high, however, that Japanese people queued up outside supermarkets as early as 3 am to purchase the cheaper stockpiled rice. The recent rice inflation was led by both demand- and supply-side factors, some of which may become more long-term constraints in the Japanese economy. Understanding these may be a base for building a new potential trade relationship with Japan in agriculture. Historically, the rice market has been insulated from foreign competition and controlled by the government that regulated production, marketing and distribution, as well as artificially set prices to support small farmers. Japan's Gentan Policy (translated as Reduction Policy) gave monetary incentives to farmers to shift away from rice production to other crops. The policy was discontinued in 2018, but its aftereffects continue to affect production. The government subsidised production of feed rice and set high tariffs on imported rice. The cost of such measures and others is now being borne by Japanese consumers. Another significant supply-side factor is the aging and declining farmer population. The average age of a Japanese farmer is 67.8 years. The number of rice-farming households has fallen from approximately 4.5 million in 1970 to 700,000 in the 2020s. As a result, rice production has reduced steadily from 12.5 million tonnes in the 1970s to 6.7 million tonnes in 2024. However, the present rice inflation is not a result of a sudden fall in production, which in 2024 was marginally more than the previous year. But there was a scare about possible shortages due to adverse weather with unusually harsh summers over the past two years. The earthquake in August 2024 followed by further disaster warnings led to panic buying amongst consumers. Additionally, growing tourism led to strong pressure on rice from the demand side as the island country of 126 million people received a record 36 million tourists in 2024. While some of the above factors were temporary, some may continue to pose challenges for the Japanese market in the long run. As the market factors evolve, it is expected that Japan's need to import rice will grow in the future. The country currently imports about 770,000 tonnes of rice tariff-free under the Minimum Access System of WTO and tariffs are significantly high beyond this quota. A majority of rice imports come from the US, followed by Thailand, China and Australia. Japan's plan to boost rice imports in the coming years, a volatile geopolitical scene and ongoing tariff negotiations with the US, could lead to a reduction in rice tariffs. India's rice exports to Japan comprise mainly the Basmati variety catered to the Indian diaspora. With the ban on non-basmati rice exports lifted last year, certain varieties (such as Joha or chukuwa rice) grown in the Northeastern states can be identified and if required modified to target the taste and quality-sensitive Japanese consumers. Also, as East Asian cuisines such as Korean and Japanese are gaining more popularity, there is also a rising domestic market for sticky rice varieties. Focusing on the international and domestic markets may increase the farm income of the non-basmati growing rice belt, such as farmers in the Northeast. It may also improve India's large trade deficit with Japan.

'Fan of Les Miserables, 95 billion dollar empire': 10 interesting things about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
'Fan of Les Miserables, 95 billion dollar empire': 10 interesting things about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Time of India

time36 minutes ago

  • Time of India

'Fan of Les Miserables, 95 billion dollar empire': 10 interesting things about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran 'SMASHES' Israeli Military's Intel Office In Tel Aviv; Big Attack After Beersheba Strikes As Iran battles a waves of Israeli airstrikes targeting its nuclear infrastructure and military leadership, one man remains at the centre of the unfolding crisis: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At 86, he has outlasted presidents, weathered international sanctions, and crushed domestic uprisings. Now, with his regime's regional proxy network weakened and his own survival reportedly under threat, Khamenei faces the most serious challenge of his long reign. Rarely seen in public and yet ever present in Iran's decision-making, Khamenei exerts unmatched authority across all branches of the state. He commands the military, directs foreign policy, shapes the nuclear programme, and controls vast economic assets. To supporters, he is the embodiment of revolutionary resolve; to critics, the architect of repression and confrontation. From secret bunkers to literary praise for Les Misérables, Khamenei remains a deeply enigmatic figure. Here are ten interesting facts about Iran's most influential man: From prisoner to president Born in 1939, Khamenei was repeatedly jailed under the US-backed Shah for his political activism. A close ally of Ruhollah Khomeini, he rose through the clerical ranks during the revolution and became Iran's president in the 1980s. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo When Khomeini died in 1989, Khamenei though lacking the senior religious credentials expected for the role, was elevated to Supreme Leader. His presidency and wartime leadership had earned him enough support among key factions to secure the top post. The real power behind the presidency Although Iranian presidents often dominate headlines particularly firebrands like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad it is Khamenei who ultimately decides policy. He holds the final say over the military, judiciary, foreign relations, and even who can run for office. Presidents may act as public faces, but no major decision proceeds without the Supreme Leader's approval. Western leaders, including Trump and Bush, have misjudged the power dynamics in Iran by focusing too heavily on elected figures. Architect of Iran's 'axis of resistance' Khamenei has long positioned Iran as a regional counterweight to US, Israeli, and Saudi influence. He helped build and maintain a vast network of proxy forces across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in Gaza. Known as the 'Axis of Resistance,' this coalition allowed Iran to exert influence without direct confrontation. But recent Israeli military actions have badly damaged this network, especially in Syria and Gaza. Relentless against domestic dissent Internally, Khamenei has responded harshly to political opposition and protest movements. From the reformist wave of the late 1990s to the 2009 Green Movement and the 2022 protests over Mahsa Amini's death, his security apparatus particularly the Revolutionary Guard has cracked down ruthlessly. Mass arrests, killings, and alleged torture have been reported, with each wave of dissent testing but not breaking his grip on power. Supreme religious power with political priorities While officially the highest clerical authority in Iran, Khamenei lacks the religious gravitas of his predecessor, Khomeini. Many Shiites in Iran and abroad turn instead to Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in Iraq. Yet, Khamenei has compensated by transforming the Supreme Leader's office into a powerful political hub, centralising control over Iran's fragmented system and ensuring that all levers of power answer to him. A hidden billion-dollar empire According to a Reuters investigation, Khamenei controls a vast economic empire worth an estimated $95 billion through an organisation called Setad. Though there is no evidence he enriches himself personally, Setad consolidates wealth and influence for the regime, managing assets across oil, telecoms, finance, and even ostrich farming. It has also been accused of seizing properties from religious minorities and exiles under dubious legal claims. The Revolutionary Guard: His private army Under Khamenei's leadership, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has become Iran's most powerful institution. Tasked with defending the Islamic system, the IRGC controls Iran's missile and drone programmes and has deep economic interests. The Quds Force, its external wing, manages Iran's regional operations. In return for loyalty, Khamenei has allowed the Guard significant autonomy and influence in both business and politics. A cautious but calculated leader Though he often uses fiery rhetoric, Khamenei is seen by analysts as more pragmatic than many of Iran's presidents. He has oscillated between engaging with the West and pushing hardline resistance. In 2003, he issued a fatwa declaring nuclear weapons un-Islamic, but he still backs Iran's enrichment programme. His decisions are often guided by a cold calculation of what best preserves the regime and his position atop it. Rare public appearances, constant control Khamenei is reclusive, with carefully managed public appearances and tightly guarded movements. His personal security is handled by a special IRGC unit. During recent Israeli strikes on Tehran, reports claimed he was moved to a secret bunker to remain in contact with military leadership. Despite his physical absence from the frontline, his role as Iran's supreme commander remains undiminished. Cultural interests amid geopolitical turmoil Despite his hardline politics and reclusive persona, Ayatollah Khamenei has often spoken about the power of literature particularly Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. He once said: 'Les Misérables is miraculous among all other novels. I have recommended all young individuals repeatedly to read the novel. Les Misérables is in a way a sociological work of art: it's a record of history. It's a significant book: a book about divinity, kindness, compassion, and love. '

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store