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Sunday, January 4, 2026
TopicWest Asia

Topic: West Asia

Israel intensifies ground operations in southwest Lebanon

Iran warned Israel Tuesday against any attacks on the Islamic Republic, a week after Tehran fired a barrage of missiles on it, putting the West Asia on edge.

349 Australians successfully evacuated from Lebanon amid Israeli strikes in the region

According to Australian authorities, two more flights with over 650 people have departed from Lebanon and are yet to reach the Pacific country.

EAM Jaishankar meets Blinken, follows up on QUAD, discusses events in Indo-Pacific & West Asia

Statement by US State Dept says the Indian external affairs minister & US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also discussed collaboration opportunities in tech & clean energy initiatives.

UK calls for immediate ceasefire amidst escalating violence in West Asia

UK Deputy Permanent Representative James Kariuki called for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to restore peace in the region.

Amid fears of military escalation, UK & Egypt ask airlines to avoid Lebanese, Iranian airspace

Airlines globally, including United Airlines & Singapore Airlines, have either suspended, delayed, or are revisiting flight schedules to West Asia after killing of Hamas, Hezbollah leaders.

US to send more warships, fighter jets to West Asia following threats from Hamas, Hezbollah

Bracing for Iran to make good on its vow to respond to killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh 2 days ago in Tehran, US increasing readiness to deploy more land-based ballistic missile defenses.

West Asia on edge as Israel vows retaliation against Hezbollah after strike kills 12 in Golan Heights 

World leaders are scrambling to prevent escalation between Tel Aviv and Iran-backed militia in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah’s military arm is said to be the most powerful non-state actor. 

Beirut flight schedules disrupted as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah

Lebanon's Middle East Airlines and Lufthansa have suspended flights on certain air routes delaying others due to insurance risks amid fears of a fullscale war.

‘Optics, ideology, economics’ — why China’s playing mediator, from Palestine to Ukraine

Through its efforts towards negotiating peace from Ukraine to West Asia, Beijing is projecting itself as a real alternative to the US and its Western-led global order.

Iranian Army a ‘stabilising force’ in Persian Gulf, says India’s Military Intelligence chief

At a reception for the Army Day of Iran in New Delhi Monday, Iranian ambassador Iraj Elahi also emphasised Tehran’s role as the guardian of the world’s energy security in the Persian Gulf.

On Camera

Wall Street carries big expectations this year after best run since 2009

The concern is not that 2025’s rally was irrational, but that it may be difficult to repeat. Outlooks remain anchored to AI investment and growth without reigniting inflation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.