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Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Iranians welcome ceasefire but fearful for future
People walk next to a mural with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street, early hours of ceasefire, in Tehran, Iran, June 24, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS DUBAI - After 12 days of Israeli airstrikes that echoed in cities around the country, killing hundreds and sending waves of people fleeing their homes, Iranians voiced relief on Tuesday at the surprise overnight announcement of a ceasefire. For those in the Iranian capital it brought the prospect of a clean-up, a return to normal life and the soothing - for now at least - of anxiety about a further escalation and sustained warfare. Many Iranians who fled the strikes were also glad, able to return home after tiring, expensive stays outside the city in rented accommodation or with relatives. "I am overjoyed. It is over and we finally can live in peace. It was an unnecessary war and we people paid the price for the authorities' war-mongering policies," said Shima, 40, from Shiraz, withholding her name for fear of reprisals. Just 24 hours earlier, plumes of smoke hung over parts of the capital as Israel targeted the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its paramilitary Basij militia, as well as Evin prison at the foot of the Alborz Mountains. One man in a busy Tehran street, who also asked to remain anonymous, said "It's the people who are paying the price - whether our people or theirs. Both sides are bearing the cost so it's better that this happened sooner rather than later." Israel has repeatedly warned residents to leave large swathes of the city before it conducted airstrikes, clogging the highways out of Tehran with vast traffic jams. Exhausted and running out of cash, many of them had started to return home even before the ceasefire was announced. Arash, a 39-year-old government employee, had taken his family to Damavand, a mountain resort 35 miles east of Tehran that is popular for its clean air and bucolic setting. They returned to Tehran two days ago. "My wife and two children were terrified of the bombings but renting even a modest room in Damavand for any length of time is beyond my limited budget," he said. Noushin, 35, drove almost five hours with her husband and child to stay with her mother-in-law in Sari, near Iran's Caspian coast. But the house was already crowded with relatives seeking shelter and Noushin decided they were better off at home. "My child misses her room. I miss my house. How long can we live like this?" she asked. "Even if there's another attack, I'd rather die in my own home." NO SIGNS OF PROTESTS Israel launched its surprise air war on June 13, hitting nuclear sites and killing military commanders in the worst blow to Iran since Iraq invaded in 1980, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes could result in regime change. However, there have been no signs of significant street protests against the Islamic Republic. Iranians contacted by Reuters, including some who oppose the Islamic Republic and have protested against it in the past, said the airstrikes had brought people to rally around national feeling in the face of what they saw as foreign aggression. Still, for many Iranians there is anger at the top ranks of the nation's leadership, and for those returning home the reality of a sanctions-hit economy remains. "This is unacceptable. This is brutal. Why are we being attacked while the officials hide in safe places?' said Mohammad, 63, from Rasht. "I place the blame on this country's decision-makers. Their policies have brought war and destruction upon us," he said by phone. While Israel has repeatedly targeted both leaders and facilities of the internal security forces under the IRGC, state media has announced hundreds of arrests of people accused of spying. Black security vehicles were seen on the streets of Tehran on Tuesday and dissidents expressed fear of a coming crackdown by the authorities to ward off any attempt at mass protests. Accusations of ceasefire violations on Tuesday also raised fears that the war could reignite. "I hope they (the Israelis) remain committed to the ceasefire. History has shown that they've never truly honoured it, but I still hope this time they do — because it's in our interest and theirs as well," said one man on a Tehran street. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran could have built ‘15 nuclear bombs within days', says Israel after strike
Follow the latest updates in our live blog Israel has launched airstrikes against Iran, saying the regime has enough material to build 15 nuclear bombs 'within days'. In what could be the opening salvo of a regional war, explosions lit up the skyline in Tehran, as jets attacked both nuclear and conventional regime targets – without the support of the US. Blasts were heard in Natanz, one of two known nuclear underground sites, according to state television. The headquarters of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were also ablaze, in a sign that Israel is targeting key elements of the regime, not just military infrastructure. An apartment building burns in Tehran | Credit: sentdefender/X Iranian state media confirmed that Hossein Salami, the IRGC commander, was killed in Thursday night's airstrikes. Iran's state TV said nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in an Israeli strike earlier this morning. Early on Friday, Israel was braced for a retaliatory missile and drone attack. 'We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history,' said Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video address. 'We are defending the free world from the terrorism and barbarism that Iran fosters and exports across the globe.' Confirming that the IDF had struck Iran's main enrichment facility at Natanz, targeting leading scientists in the process, the Prime Minister added that 'This operation will take as long as is needed to complete the task of fending off the threat of annihilation against us.' The attacks come despite ongoing talks between Iranian and US negotiators to broker a nuclear deal. Earlier on Thursday, Donald Trump said he did not want the strikes to happen and warned of 'massive conflict' in the Middle East. It is currently unknown if the US was warned in advance. Marco Rubio, the American Secretary of State, confirmed the US was not involved in the strike. Explosion seen in the Iranian city of Ilam. Credit: @QudsNen/X Israel said it decided to attack after intelligence indicated that the Islamic republic was closing on a bomb despite the ongoing talks. A military official said: 'Nuclear scientists and senior officials in Iran have been working to secretly develop all components needed for developing a nuclear weapon – explosive materials, the core - enriched uranium- and neutron source'. 'In accordance with this decision, the regime has enough fission material for 15 nuclear bombs within days. 'In recent months, secret attempts to assemble this have been made with the approval of the regime.' Mr Netanyahu said Iran already had enough enriched uranium for nine nuclear bombs. Israel said the decision was taken also because of Iran's plans to 'triple' its stockpiles of conventional ballistic missiles, which were described as an 'existential threat' to the state of Israel. Renewed attempts by Iran to arm terrorist proxies in the region for attacks against Israel further played into the decision. Mr Netanyahu said the Islamic republic had plans to accumulate 20,000 missiles within six years. According to Israeli sources, these elements amounted to a new strategy after Iran's decades-long policy of fighting by proxies was heavily set back last year, with defeats for Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. 'We can't leave these threats for the next generation,' he continues. 'Because if we don't act now, there will not be another generation. If we don't act now, we simply won't be here,' said Mr Netanyahu in a video address. 'Never Again' is now, A military source said: 'If we don't act now, with each day we will have less chance. We have a gun to our head. We are nearing the point of no return.' Previously, analysts believed that Iran had enriched uranium to more than 60 per cent, putting it within 'weeks' of building a crude nuclear warhead. Israeli strategists are known to have been agitating for a strike during a favourable military window created by the IDF's destruction of Iran's S-300 air defence systems last autumn. The effective defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon also means Israel can attack with less fear of retaliation on its northern communities. However, the whole of Israel was tonight put on high alert for an Iranian retaliatory barrage of ballistic missiles, with an order prohibiting educational activities, gatherings and workplaces, except for essential sectors. Flights to and from Israel have also been suspended. The chief of the Home Front Command, Maj Gen. Rafi Milo, said: 'Movement and travel should be minimised. We are facing intense and complex days. We are strong and prepared to safeguard and defend the State of Israel.' Sirens wailed across Israel at 3am local time to alert the population of the change to what is effectively war footing. Previously, attacking Iran without an explicit green light from the US would have been considered unthinkable by most Israeli strategists. Although Mr Trump himself threatened to bomb Iran repeatedly before the talks started, he is thought to want a deal with Tehran in order to avoid a war and establish his legacy as a statesman. Israel said it is prepared to defend itself from Iran's expected retaliation. However, its sophisticated missile defence system can become overwhelmed, and military chiefs would prefer active US support in fending off ballistic missiles. Israel has been at war on several fronts since October 7 2023 and is currently embarked on an expanded offensive in Gaza. Israel has placed all Palestinian towns in the West Bank under lockdown until further notice, and mobilised troops near its northern border to defend against an attack, if needed. Senator Jack Reed, a senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, criticised the strikes as 'reckless escalation' that put the region and American forces at risk. On Thursday the US prepared to evacuate non-essential staff from its embassy in Baghdad, which is vulnerable to Iranian retaliation, and issued an order restricting the movement of its staff within Israel. A number of Iranian civilians have been killed in the strikes so far, according to Iranian state media. Dozens of commercial airliners were in Iranian airspace when the attacks started, according to flight tracking websites. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Takaful Malaysia appoints Datuk Charon Mokhzani as group chairman
Datuk Charon Wardini Mokhzani appointed as the new group chairman of Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd, effective June 1. KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd has announced the appointment of Datuk Charon Wardini Mokhzani as the new group chairman, effective June 1. Charon succeeds Datuk Mohammed Hussein, who retired on May 31 after serving with dedication since 2020. The appointment of Charon marks a significant milestone for Takaful Malaysia, enabling the Islamic financial institution to continue charting a course for sustainable growth and leadership in the insurance and takaful industry. Takaful Malaysia Keluarga director Mohd Azman Sulaiman conveyed the Board's appreciation and welcomed Charon's appointment. He emphasised the Board's confidence in Charon's leadership and his ability to steer the group toward continued growth and excellence. 'We are honoured to welcome Charon as our group chairman. His extensive experience across the financial services, public policy and legal sectors brings a wealth of knowledge and insight that will be instrumental in guiding Takaful Malaysia's future direction. 'We are confident that his leadership will strengthen our commitment to excellence, innovation and stakeholder value creation,' said Mohd Azman. Charon is a seasoned leader with a distinguished track record in senior leadership roles across the corporate, investment and government-linked sectors. His career includes key positions as the chairman of Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank), founding chief executive officer of Khazanah Research Institute, executive director of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, deputy chief executive officer of CIMB Group and chief executive officer of CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, as well as the chairman of Principal Asset Management Bhd and managing partner of Zaid Ibrahim & Co. In addition to his corporate achievements, Charon serves on the boards of Yayasan Tuanku Fauziah, Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra Perlis and the Kuala Lumpur Business Club and was a member of the Board of Universiti Putra Malaysia. Charon holds an impressive academic background, having read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, University of Oxford and pursued law at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is a Chartered Banker, a Fellow of the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers, a non-practising barrister of the Middle Temple and an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya. Takaful Malaysia group chief executive officer Nor Azman Zainal said, 'His strategic leadership in navigating complex regulatory environments and shaping policy-related initiatives has been widely recognised across the Malaysian corporate landscape. 'We look forward to working closely with Charon as we embark on the next phase of our journey. 'His vision and leadership will be pivotal in driving the group's strategic initiatives, enhancing our competitiveness and strengthening our position as a leading Islamic financial institution in Malaysia and beyond.'
United News of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami reiterates ban on Women's Affairs Reform Commission, deems it ‘anti-Quran'
Dhaka, May 3 (UNI) Showcasing the marked rise of Islamic extremism in the country, the Bangladesh Jamaat- e-Islami (BJI) has reiterated its ban on the country's Women Affairs Reform Commission, deeming it "anti-Quran". Jamaat leader Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman reiterated the party's previous demand while addressing the party's district and metropolitan Ameer conference at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka's Moghbazar, reported Business Standard BD. The BJI leader said, "If the proposals of this commission are implemented, it will have a major impact on the family system of the country. "The anti-Quran committee must be abolished. We have already warned the government about this. We hope they will take appropriate action." Rahman also spoke about the national polls, saying it was only possible to hold them in the government's given timeframe, if reforms are implemented on time and all stakeholders cooperate. "The government has said that elections will be held between December this year and June next year. If the reform activities that have been undertaken are expedited and stakeholders cooperate, then elections are possible after reforms within the time announced by the government," he said. "We consider two timeframes to be suitable. One is February, before the start of Ramadan. If reforms and judicial processes are not completed by then, the election should not be delayed beyond April," he added. A pro-Islamic party, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has consistently opposed the Women's Affairs Reform Commission established by the Mohd Yunus-led interim government, particularly criticising its proposals on Islamic inheritance laws, the recognition of sex work, and the identification of religion as a source of gender discrimination. In line with its hardline fundamentalist stance, the party views the commission as incompatible with Islamic values and the cultural norms of Bangladesh. As such, the BJI has advocated for reforms that align with Islamic principles, such as promoting women's roles within the family structure. UNI ANV RN
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Srinagar's Best Seller draws the line on blues, winds up
SRINAGAR: Best Seller, a 50-year-old bookstore that stood as a cultural and literary landmark at Srinagar's Lal Chowk, has shut down, turning the page on years of a painful final chapter punctuated by slumping sales and bruising competition from online platforms. 'We are shifting to the dry fruits business,' said Saniyasnian, 32, the store's owner with a tinge of sadness in his voice. Two labourers painted its shelves white as all books had been moved out of the shop a few hundred meters from Lal Chowk's iconic clock tower. The events were a far cry from 2016 when Sani -- as Saniyasnian is referred to fondly -- returned from Pune after his MBA and joined father Sanaullah to help him run the bookstore. It was a thriving business then. Best Seller was known for its Urdu books with collections of Sahir Ludhianvi, Sir Mohammed Iqbal and Saagar Siddiqui. This was complemented by books on Islami, Sufism and tomes on the Kashmir conflict by local and foreign authors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Sani added English and Russian literature and philosophy to Best Seller's oeuvre, besides Salman Rushdie's books and Harry Potter series. But no wizardry could stave off the blues. Covid struck a lethal blow, confining people to their homes and fuelling online transactions. Sani saw daily sales slump from Rs 35,000 in 2016 to just R 2,000 in 2024. Desperate to stem the slide, Sani tried a different concept in 2023 -- he started selling books by weight, Rs 250 per kg. He advertised the scheme on Instagram, drawing droves of teenagers and youths. Back then, Sani recalled that two books were popular then -- George Orwell classic 1984 and Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. Sales picked up for some weeks but lost momentum again. Sani offered 15% discounts on all books. He said this was higher than other bookstores but admitted that online platforms ladled out 20% to 40% rebates. According to Sani, many people visited his store in recent times for browsing and window-shopping, walking away without making any purchases. Many picked up a book, checked its price and compared it online on their cellphones. 'That's when I saw they planned to buy it online. I can't compete with online platforms,' Sani said. Mudasir Ahmad, a college lecturer, had trooped into the shop on Monday. Gazing at the empty shelves, he turned to Sani and asked if he could 'wait a year or two'. He cited research that 'more people will be buying books'. Sani just smiled. 'I also loved the store and books. But love alone cannot feed me or my family. Once a bookshop is closed, it is closed. There is no chance of a fresh chapter or a new page,' Sani said.
