Latest news with #Bayat
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
The 12-day war with Israel set back more than Iran's nuclear program
Advertisement But you'd be wrong. Bayat, a senior fellow at the 'I am afraid that the war has made the situation of Iranian opposition, which has really big potential support in Iran, worse,' he told me in a recent interview. Other opposition figures, like Advertisement But Bayat represents As one exiled analyst put it, 'You cannot try to save your homeland by standing behind enemy tanks.' Despite his dismay with the attacks, Bayat — an expert on Iran's nuclear program — believes that the Trump and Netanyahu governments are mostly right that Iran's nuclear weapons 'No centrifuge can work right now in Natanz or Fordow,' he said of the machines that turn uranium into the enriched fuel needed for a weapon. 'The shockwaves alone would have put them out of commission, and without electricity the centrifuge will be also damaged. Nothing runs.' He added that he believes a third facility at Isfahan has been effectively destroyed and that the entire program has been set back by several years at least. That assessment, informed by his vast experience and contacts, is Advertisement Bayat notes that although Iran could quickly enrich its stockpile of 60 percent to build a bomb. Turning even highly enriched uranium gas into bomb-ready metal demands complex metallurgical and chemical processes. 'Afterward, the uranium must be shaped carefully to avoid accidental detonation, and sophisticated trigger systems — both conventional explosives and a nuclear neutron source — must be developed and precisely integrated. Finally, the assembled device would need to be tested and made deliverable,' he explains. Yet for all its successes, the attack wasn't needed, he asserts. He is convinced that Iran's nuclear program was really all about deterrence: That is, the regime believed the mere threat that it could acquire a nuclear weapon would prevent Israel, the United States, or any other country from trying to overthrow it. He is convinced that the regime would have been willing to negotiate a deal to stop, or at least suspend, its nuclear program in exchange for the end of crippling economic sanctions. 'I am convinced that the Islamic Republic didn't want to make a bomb in order to attack somewhere,' he told me. 'Even if they had a bomb, the regime is not suicidal. They want to stay in power and enjoy the wealth they daily steal. They know that if they attack Israel via nuclear bomb, Israel has the capacity to strike back.' He is particularly concerned that Israel might still attempt to overthrow the regime by assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the nation's supreme leader, and his top deputies. Israel, which in Advertisement The only way to displace the regime, Bayat argues, is for 'Iranians from within' to stand up and bring about a peaceful transition. 'The recent history has demonstrated that with bombs and destruction you cannot introduce freedom, democracy, and prosperity. I think there is a good chance for the Iranian citizens to overcome the despotic clerical regime in the coming times.' 'The only viable path forward is negotiation with the Trump administration — and ideally, direct talks with Israel," he said. 'Iran should renounce uranium enrichment, as it serves no real purpose and there are no nuclear weapons in the country, making 'denuclearization' a misnomer.' He contends that ending the enrichment program should be easier now because enrichment activities have been badly damaged and all but halted. Permanently ceasing the program could pave the way for sanctions relief, which the regime badly needs to repair Iran's sickly economy. 'Of course, such policy has to be accompanied with the recognition of Israel,' Bayat added. His faith that those negotiations will happen were shaken by recent remarks from the Advertisement 'I hope that, as usual, there is a difference between the public statements of the regime and its real handling of issues,' he said.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Thousands of UAE residents who invested in second passports fear visa bans as US, UK tighten CBI rules
Recent US and EU regulations require CBI countries to meet strict vetting standards by 2025, or risk losing visa-free access to the UK and Schengen countries/ (Representative Image) For many expatriates in the UAE, acquiring a second passport through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs has become a popular route to global mobility, offering visa-free access to key destinations like the UK, Schengen area, and other countries. Unlike in their home countries, where restrictions on visas or passports may limit global movement, UAE residents benefit from rules that allow dual citizenship, making it easier to pursue CBI options in countries like Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Cambodia, and Egypt. These countries offer pathways to citizenship in exchange for hefty financial investments. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over these investments, leaving many in a state of uncertainty as the global landscape for CBI programmes shifts dramatically. The Impending Storm: US and EU Crackdowns on CBI Programmes On June 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum setting a 60-day deadline for 36 countries, including many with CBI programmes, to meet rigorous vetting and information-sharing standards. These standards are designed to address concerns over security risks and the integrity of the programmes. The deadline, which ends on August 13, 2025, brings with it the threat of visa bans for nations that fail to comply. Similarly, the European Union is progressing with legislation to suspend visa-free Schengen access for countries that have weak oversight, with a law expected to come into force by September. For many expatriates in the UAE, this could mean losing access to one of the main benefits of CBI passports—visa-free travel to a range of countries. As Sam Bayat, founder of Dubai-based Bayat Legal Services, explained to the local media outlet Gulf News : 'It's a perfect storm, and many passport holders didn't see it coming.' Bayat, a pioneer in international investment migration, further emphasized the scale of the situation: 'People invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into citizenship programmes, believing it was their ticket to global freedom. Now, they're facing sudden restrictions that could render those passports practically useless.' The UAE: A Hotspot for CBI Applications The impact of these changes is most pronounced in the UAE, where expatriates make up almost 90% of the population. Bayat estimates that over 10,000 applications have been filed from the region in recent years, suggesting that around 30,000 individuals could be affected by these new restrictions. This number is based on the assumption that each application involves multiple family members, making the potential fallout substantial. Among those most vulnerable are Indian nationals in the UAE. Since India does not allow dual citizenship, many individuals who acquired second passports had to renounce their Indian nationality. In 2023, Henley & Partners' Private Wealth Migration Report highlighted that 4,300 wealthy Indians gave up their citizenship, with many opting for CBI programmes in the Caribbean or other regions while residing in the Gulf. One Indian expat, who acquired a Saint Lucia passport in 2022, told Gulf News : "We took this step thinking we were securing our future. Now it feels like everything's up in the air. I'm following the developments and hoping it doesn't come to a point where we're left without real options.' For many, this isn't just a policy shift, it's a personal crisis. Bayat adds, 'For families who sold property or dipped into savings to secure their second passports, this is more than a policy change, it's a personal crisis. They may feel betrayed, especially those who renounced their nationalities.' Local Agencies Under Pressure: The End of an Era? The local agencies in the Gulf that marketed these CBI programmes as low-risk, high-reward investments are also facing pressure. Bayat suggests that many of these firms, which built their business models around facilitating Caribbean passport acquisitions, may not survive the fallout. "This could be the end of the road for dozens of firms that built their businesses on Caribbean passports," he warns. A 2023 European Commission report raised concerns about the lax due diligence of several Caribbean states issuing "golden passports." According to the report, these countries have issued a large number of passports with weak vetting processes, which has drawn the attention of both the US and EU. But the issues aren't limited to the Caribbean. The US memorandum also targets Cambodia and Egypt, signaling that the problem is now global. In light of this, Bayat argues that 'cosmetic changes' to the CBI programmes won't suffice. He calls for 'a phased, credibility-first model' to restore trust in these schemes, warning that without meaningful reform, CBI programmes risk being viewed as a 'security threat' rather than a legitimate development tool. The Growing Shift Toward Secure Alternatives As CBI programs face mounting scrutiny, many affected individuals are beginning to explore more secure and credible alternatives. The UAE's 10-year Golden Visa, for instance, has gained popularity as a stable long-term option. Rayad Kamal Ayub, Managing Director of Rayad Group Immigration Services, points to this shift: 'We are navigating a significant transformation in the citizenship-by-investment landscape. The shift away from off-the-shelf passport purchases indicates a move toward more sustainable and legitimate pathways.' Ayub's firm has set up a help desk to assist those who are facing the fallout from these changes, as rules around CBI programs continue to evolve. He highlights the credibility of programmes like the UAE Golden Visa, which focus on long-term residency and integration, rather than simply paying for citizenship. Similarly, points-based immigration systems in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are becoming increasingly popular, as nations prioritize applicants' qualifications and long-term contributions over cash. Bayat concurs that the idea of investment migration itself is not under attack, but rather how it has been misused. He asserts: 'Citizenship is a sovereign right, but it carries responsibilities for both the issuing state and the individual. The US and EU message is loud and clear – adapt or be shut out.' The Stakes for CBI Countries: Economic and Political Ramifications For the countries that rely heavily on the revenue generated from CBI programmes, the stakes couldn't be higher. Nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis and Dominica use the proceeds from citizenship sales to fund critical infrastructure, schools, and healthcare. A US visa ban or Schengen suspension would not only devastate their economies but also likely confuse and anger their populations, who may not fully understand the reasons behind the changes. Bayat sums up the situation by stressing the need for greater transparency and accountability in CBI programmes: 'Visa-free access to the UK or Schengen is not a birthright; it's a privilege based on trust. And that trust is eroding fast for countries that continue to operate opaque or outdated CBI models.' He further adds, 'Commonwealth ties or past diplomatic goodwill won't protect countries from enforcement if their citizenship programmes fail to meet modern standards of integrity. '
Saudi Gazette
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Hajj minister reassures safe departure of Iranian pilgrims in call with head of Iran's Hajj Organization
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH— Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah held a phone call with head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Dr. Alireza Bayat on Sunday. During the call, Al-Rabiah reassured Dr. Bayat the safety and smooth implementation of the pilgrims' transfer plan at all stages of their return, from their departure from Makkah and Madinah through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah to the Jadidat Arar border crossing. Dr. Bayat expressed his deep thanks and gratitude to the King and the Crown Prince for the care and attention extended to the Iranian pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom. He also appreciated the dedication of the minister and his continuous follow-up to facilitate their procedures and ensure their comfort at all stages of Hajj. The Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry's initiative to ensure safe return of the Iranian pilgrims comes in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and based on the recommendation of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to facilitate all the needs of Iranian pilgrims and ensure the provision of all necessary services until conditions are in place for their safe return to their homeland to join their families. The first group of Iranian pilgrims departed on Sunday, as part of the implementation plan overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and monitored by a dedicated operations room that provided care and services to the pilgrims until the moment of their departure.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Pakistani Actor Hina Bayat Slams Karachi Airport Over No Water In Washrooms
Pakistani actor Hina Bayat has slammed the Karachi airport authorities over the unavailability of water in the washrooms. In a video posted to social media, Ms Bayat expressed her frustration about the inconvenience caused to travellers at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, especially when the nation was celebrating Youm-e-Takbeer. The day is observed on May 28 to commemorate the nuclear tests that Pakistan conducted on May 28, 1998. Ms Bayat said that if important places like Karachi Airport didn't have water in the washrooms even on special days, there was no point in feeling proud about the country. "Today is Youm-e-Takbeer and I'm standing at the Karachi International Airport. On a day when we are supposed to celebrate Pakistan's achievements, what I see is that there is no water in any of the washrooms here. People want to pray (namaaz) or take their kids to washrooms, but there is no water," she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hina Bayat (@hinakhwajabayatofficial) Many on Instagram reacted to her video and appreciated her honest assessment of the situation. "Appreciate her honest comments, some prompt action must be taken by concerned authorities!" said a user. "Absolutely, very well said," said another user. "First woman who has kept her thoughts clear clean and accurate. Kudos to u ma'am," read a comment. Ms Bayat further questioned how countries could focus on building big projects, including new trains while ignoring the basic fundamental concerns such as the lack of water at airport washrooms. She asked, "Why have our airports, our institutions, and our systems come to such a state, and no one is willing to admit that these mistakes need to be fixed as well? Big projects are being built, and there are discussions of new trains, but at the same time, the washrooms of international airports don't even have water. It's really unfortunate". Ms Bayat's statement came weeks after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty following the terror attack which claimed the lives of 26 people in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. "As far as the Indus Water Treaty is concerned, it will remain suspended until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures terrorism," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the time.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘No water in washrooms': Frustrated Pakistani actress Hina Khawaja Bayat slams Karachi airport
In a sharp rebuke of Pakistan's crumbling infrastructure, renowned Pakistani actress Hina Khawaja Bayat has called out authorities over the absence of water at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, even as tensions with India continue to mount over the Indus Waters Treaty. In a video posted Thursday from the airport, Hina Khawaja Bayat voiced her frustration over the lack of basic amenities at Karachi's international airport facility. 'At a time when we should be proud of our country, there's not even water in the airport washrooms,' she said. 'People are trying to perform wuzu, offer namaz, or help their children in the bathrooms — but there's no water. It's shameful,' Bayat added. She went on to question the priorities of the government, accusing it of ignoring core issues while focusing on grand promises. 'Everyone talks about mega projects and development, but who's fixing the basics?' she asked. 'Our airports, institutions — everything's falling apart. No one wants to take responsibility.' Captioning the video on social media platform, Instagram, she wrote, 'Why have we as a nation become so accepting of poor service, poor systems, poor management, poor maintenance and unending system & institutional damage?' She continued, 'Because we always try and justify the wrongs and prioritize useless endeavours instead of focusing on the everyday basic needs of the common citizen. It's time we take responsibility and fix things before declaring celebrations.' The actress's remarks come at a sensitive time for Pakistan, following India's recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, in retaliation against the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people. New Delhi has since launched a series of counter-measures, including precision strikes on nine terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir on May 7 under Operation Sindoor. India has made it clear that peace talks with Pakistan are not possible unless Islamabad ends its support for cross-border terrorism. 'We want to reiterate that terrorism and talks cannot go together,' reiterated ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday. 'The only discussions we're open to are about Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and the return of listed terrorists we've been asking for,' he said. He also reinforced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance: 'Terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together.' While Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently signalled openness to dialogue, India remains firm that meaningful engagement can only happen once Pakistan takes credible, irreversible steps against terrorism.
