Global Pulse

分类： world

  • More flights cancelled as Iran conflict shuts Mideast hubs

    More flights cancelled as Iran conflict shuts Mideast hubs

    Global aviation networks faced their most severe disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic this weekend as escalating military confrontations between Iran and US-Israeli forces triggered widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. The crisis has created an unprecedented shutdown of critical international travel hubs, including Dubai International Airport—the world’s busiest for international traffic—and Qatar’s Doha facility.

    The aviation paralysis began Saturday following retaliatory strikes from Tehran that targeted both Dubai and Kuwait’s primary airports. This prompted immediate airspace restrictions from Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, effectively halting civilian air traffic across the region. Flight tracking data from FlightAware revealed massive global repercussions, with over 6,700 flights delayed and 1,900 cancellations by 1000 GMT Sunday, compounding thousands of previous disruptions.

    Major carriers worldwide implemented sweeping service suspensions. Gulf airlines Emirates and Etihad cancelled 38% and 30% of their flights respectively, while Qatar Airways halted all departures from Doha. European aviation giants including Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines cancelled routes to multiple Middle Eastern destinations through early March. North American carriers Delta, American Airlines, United, and Air Canada similarly suspended service to affected regions.

    Asian and Pacific airlines faced significant operational challenges. India’s premier private carriers IndiGo and Air India suspended all Middle Eastern routes, while Pakistan International Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Garuda Indonesia, and Singapore Airlines cancelled numerous regional connections. African carriers Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways also joined the global aviation retreat from the conflict zone.

    Aviation authorities across closed airspaces issued indefinite suspension notices, with only minimal indications of when normal operations might resume. The cascading effect on global travel networks continues to expand as military tensions show no immediate signs of de-escalation, leaving thousands of passengers stranded worldwide and creating the most significant non-pandemic aviation crisis in recent history.

  • Latest developments after US, Israeli strikes kill Iran’s Khamenei

    Latest developments after US, Israeli strikes kill Iran’s Khamenei

    The Middle East has plunged into unprecedented turmoil following the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel. Iranian state television officially announced Khamenei’s passing on Sunday, confirming earlier statements by former US President Donald Trump, who declared the operation had eliminated “one of the most evil people in History.

    The military campaign, initiated on Saturday, has triggered a dangerous escalation across the region. Iran’s army swiftly retaliated by targeting US bases in Iraq’s Kurdistan region and Gulf territories. The Islamic Republic’s Revolutionary Guards vowed to launch “the most ferocious” operation in history against Israeli and American military installations, while simultaneously moving to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

    Regional violence has intensified dramatically with air raid sirens sounding across Jerusalem as missiles launched from Iran approached Israeli territory. Explosions reverberated through multiple Gulf capitals including Dubai, Manama, and Doha, where thick black smoke was visible on the horizon. The United Arab Emirates reported two fatalities in Abu Dhabi, while Israel’s emergency services confirmed one woman killed and at least 21 injured in the Tel Aviv area.

    Civil unrest has erupted across the Muslim world with deadly protests occurring from Pakistan to Iraq. In Karachi, eight people died as hundreds attempted to storm the US consulate. Iraqi protesters tried to breach Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone housing the US embassy, while thousands demonstrated in Indian-administered Kashmir chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans.

    The human cost continues to mount with Iran confirming the deaths of several top officials including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Revolutionary Guards chief General Mohammad Pakpour, and security adviser Ali Shamkhani. Iranian media also reported Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter perished in the strikes.

    International response has been swift with the UN Security Council convening an emergency session where Iran’s envoy accused the US and Israel of potential “war crimes.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that military action “carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control.” The International Atomic Energy Agency will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday regarding Iran’s nuclear program at Russia’s request.

    Regional governments are taking emergency measures with multiple countries closing airspace and airlines canceling flights across the Middle East. Thailand has initiated preparations to evacuate its citizens from the region using military and charter aircraft, prioritizing those in Iran.

    Iran has declared a 40-day mourning period with seven public holidays, while President Masoud Pezeshkian and two other officials will lead the country during a transitional period. The situation remains highly volatile with new explosions reported in Tehran on Sunday, the source of which remains unclear.

  • At least 6 killed as Shiites storm US Consulate in Pakistan over killing of Iran’s supreme leader

    At least 6 killed as Shiites storm US Consulate in Pakistan over killing of Iran’s supreme leader

    KARACHI, Pakistan — Violent confrontations erupted outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi on Sunday, resulting in at least six fatalities and approximately a dozen injuries after Pakistani security forces clashed with demonstrators. The protest was triggered by a U.S.-Israel military operation in Iran that resulted in the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    According to local authorities, hundreds of protesters attempted to storm the diplomatic compound in Pakistan’s largest city. Senior police official Irfan Baloch confirmed that while demonstrators briefly breached the consulate’s perimeter, they were subsequently dispersed by paramilitary and police units. Baloch asserted that ‘the situation is now fully under our control,’ dismissing reports of significant damage to the consulate building as unfounded.

    Medical authorities at Karachi’s main government hospital, including police surgeon Summaiya Syed Tariq, verified that six casualties and multiple injured individuals had been admitted for treatment. The protesters reportedly set fire to a nearby police post and shattered windows before security forces intervened to regain control of the area.

    The demonstrations weren’t confined to Karachi, as parallel protests emerged near the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, capital of eastern Punjab province. Police official Faisal Kamran reported that authorities prevented demonstrators from approaching the diplomatic facility and dispersed crowds attempting to march toward the building.

    The protests were primarily organized by Pakistan’s Shiite community, which represents approximately 15% of the country’s population of 250 million and constitutes one of the largest Shiite populations globally. While anti-American and anti-Israeli rallies have been common among this demographic, the scale and intensity of Sunday’s violence marked a significant escalation from previous demonstrations.

  • Middle East airports closed and thousands of travelers stranded after attack on Iran

    Middle East airports closed and thousands of travelers stranded after attack on Iran

    A severe aviation crisis has gripped the Middle East following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, triggering unprecedented regional airspace closures that have stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers worldwide.

    The coordinated offensive, launched Saturday, prompted immediate shutdowns of airspace across Iran, Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates implemented a partial airspace closure while Dubai’s Emirates Airlines suspended all operations until at least Sunday afternoon. Qatar Airways extended its closure through Monday morning, creating massive disruptions at three of the world’s busiest aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

    According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, these airports typically handle approximately 90,000 daily passengers through Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. The conflict has resulted in the cancellation of over 1,800 flights, with major carriers including Air India, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France suspending regional operations through the weekend.

    The aviation chaos extended beyond cancellations as at least 145 aircraft en route to Middle Eastern destinations were diverted to alternative airports in Athens, Istanbul, and Rome. One transatlantic flight from Philadelphia spent nearly 15 hours airborne before returning to its origin point after reaching Spanish airspace.

    Aviation experts warn travelers to expect prolonged disruptions. ‘There’s no way to sugarcoat this,’ said Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group. ‘Prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve.’

    The crisis has also produced tragic consequences on the ground. Dubai International Airport reported four injuries from attacks, while Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport confirmed one fatality and seven injuries from a drone strike. Kuwait International Airport also experienced strikes, though Iran hasn’t publicly claimed responsibility for these specific incidents.

    Airlines now face substantial operational challenges, having to reroute flights south over Saudi Arabia—adding hours to travel time and significantly increasing fuel consumption. These added costs may quickly translate to higher ticket prices if the conflict persists.

    Mike McCormick, former FAA air traffic control official and current Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor, suggested partial airspace reopenings might occur within 24-36 hours as military operations become more defined and Iran’s missile capabilities diminish. However, the situation remains highly volatile, with the previous June 2025 conflict between Israel and Iran having lasted 12 days.

    Travelers like Jonathan Escott, whose Emirates flight from Newcastle to Dubai was canceled, expressed widespread frustration: ‘No one knows what’s going on with the conflict. Not Emirates, Emirates don’t have a clue. No one has a clue.’

    With India’s civil aviation agency designating most Middle Eastern airspace as high-risk and numerous airlines suspending operations indefinitely, aviation authorities recommend passengers verify flight statuses directly with carriers and explore flexible rebooking options during this unprecedented regional aviation crisis.

  • Lyse Doucet: This is an extraordinary moment Iran has been preparing for

    Lyse Doucet: This is an extraordinary moment Iran has been preparing for

    In a seismic development that has reshaped the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape, coordinated military strikes by United States and Israeli forces have resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The 86-year-old cleric, who ruled Iran for 36 years, was reportedly killed during targeted attacks on his compound, though Iranian officials initially denied the reports before confirming his “martyrdom” through tearful state television announcements.

    The operation unfolded with precision strikes that caused significant damage to the Supreme Leader’s residence visible in satellite imagery. Following hours of conflicting reports and official denials, the confirmation came only after former US President Donald Trump broke the news on his social media platform. The Iranian government has declared forty days of mourning, with pro-government gatherings already emerging to grieve the leader’s passing.

    Contrasting reactions have emerged globally. While government loyalists mourn, verified videos show celebrations erupting in Tehran, Karaj, and among Iranian diaspora communities worldwide, with many expressing hope that this marks the end of hardline Islamic rule. The dramatic events cap years of escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers, particularly following last June’s 12-day conflict that saw Israel eliminate nine nuclear scientists and numerous security officials.

    Historical context reveals this contingency was long anticipated. Khamenei had reportedly prepared succession plans, including identifying three senior clerics as potential replacements and instructing the Assembly of Experts to be ready for any eventuality. Speculation about successors includes his son Mojtaba and other senior figures, though the ruling establishment will likely prioritize continuity and seamless transition to maintain their grip on power.

    The Supreme Leader’s death represents the culmination of growing challenges to his rule, including massive protests against severe security crackdowns that killed thousands of Iranians. His deeply anti-Western, anti-Israel ideology shaped decades of regional policy, suppressing reform movements and confronting international powers.

    As the Islamic Republic enters its most precarious period since the 1979 revolution, questions emerge about whether this leadership change could signal broader directional shifts for the 47-year-old theocratic state. Regardless of who emerges as successor, the primary objective will remain preserving the clerical establishment and powerful Revolutionary Guards control amid a rapidly escalating conflict that continues to unfold in unpredictable and dangerous ways.

  • World leaders react cautiously to US and Israeli strikes and death of Iran leader Ali Khamenei

    World leaders react cautiously to US and Israeli strikes and death of Iran leader Ali Khamenei

    BRUSSELS (AP) — The international community responded with measured apprehension this weekend following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, an operation that reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered immediate regional retaliation.

    Unverified reports from multiple sources indicate the 86-year-old Iranian leader may have been killed during strikes on his compound early Saturday. U.S. President Donald Trump declared on social media that Khamenei’s apparent demise presented “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently acknowledged “growing signs” supporting these claims, though Iranian state media offered only minimal confirmation without detailing circumstances.

    The potential loss of Iran’s second revolutionary leader—who had not publicly designated a successor—casts immediate uncertainty over the Islamic Republic’s political future while dramatically heightening concerns about broader regional conflict. In response to the escalating situation, the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency session to address the crisis.

    Global reactions revealed a complex diplomatic landscape. European powers including Britain, France, and Germany issued joint statements condemning Iranian retaliatory strikes while carefully avoiding explicit endorsement of the U.S.-Israeli operation. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France was “neither warned nor involved” in the military action, advocating instead for intensified diplomatic efforts.

    The Arab League denounced Iranian counterstrikes as “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace,” though historically critical of both Iranian and Israeli policies. Several Arab states, including Morocco, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, specifically criticized Tehran’s attacks on U.S. bases throughout the region.

    Russia and China delivered more direct criticisms, with Moscow’s Foreign Ministry labeling the strikes “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression” and Beijing calling for immediate cessation of military actions. Conversely, Canada and Australia expressed open support for the operation, with Canadian leadership describing Iran as “the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East.”

    Regional observers noted palpable tension across conflict zones. In the West Bank, Palestinians continued daily life despite audible missile interceptions, while authorities prepared for potential supply disruptions. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide voiced concerns about the “failure of negotiations” potentially leading to “a new, extensive war in the Middle East.”

    The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons issued a stern warning that the attacks “risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation.” EU leadership and the Arab League jointly appealed for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic channels to prevent further regional destabilization.

  • At least 23 protesters killed in Pakistan after killing of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

    At least 23 protesters killed in Pakistan after killing of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

    Pakistan witnessed a day of widespread violence and civil unrest on Sunday as mass protests erupted in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a reported US-Israeli operation. The demonstrations turned deadly across multiple cities, resulting in at least 23 confirmed fatalities and numerous injuries.

    In Karachi, the nation’s commercial capital, hundreds of protesters stormed the US consulate complex, with several managing to breach the outer perimeter and inflict damage on the main building’s windows. The confrontation turned lethal as security forces employed live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets against the crowds. According to Sindh’s chief police surgeon Sumaiyya Syed, at least ten individuals lost their lives in Karachi alone, with approximately 60 others sustaining injuries.

    The capital city Islamabad became another focal point of violence, where thousands gathered to express outrage over Khamenei’s death. At least two protesters were killed during demonstrations near the heavily fortified “Red Zone” that houses parliament buildings and diplomatic compounds, including the US embassy.

    The mountainous northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged as a particularly violent flashpoint, with eleven fatalities reported in the city of Skardu. Protesters set fire to the office of the United Nations Military Observer Group, prompting authorities to impose a three-day curfew in the area.

    The widespread unrest stems from Pakistan’s significant Shia Muslim population, which constitutes approximately 20 percent of the country’s 200 million inhabitants. Many Pakistani Shias regarded Khamenei as their spiritual leader and regularly undertake pilgrimages to holy sites in Iran.

    In response to the security crisis, the US embassy in Islamabad announced the cancellation of all visa appointments and consular services for American citizens. Embassy officials advised US nationals in Pakistan to monitor local news, avoid large gatherings, and ensure their registration with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) remained current.

    Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the nation, acknowledging the shared grief with Iran while urging citizens to “not take the law into their hands” and protest peacefully. The government has condemned what it characterized as “unwarranted attacks” against Iran, noting that these developments occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve peaceful solutions in the region.

    The violence highlights Pakistan’s delicate geopolitical position, caught between its western neighbor Iran and its historical allies in the Gulf region. This balancing act became particularly complex following Pakistan’s recent mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which commits both nations to treat aggression against one as aggression against both.

  • Explosion, gunfire as Afghan forces shoot at aircraft over Kabul

    Explosion, gunfire as Afghan forces shoot at aircraft over Kabul

    Kabul was thrust into a state of high alert on Sunday as the sound of explosions and sustained anti-aircraft gunfire echoed through the city center. According to reports from AFP journalists on the ground, the Taliban-led government confirmed its forces were engaging Pakistani aircraft in a significant escalation of ongoing border hostilities.

    The current crisis represents a dangerous intensification of cross-border tensions that have been building for months. The situation deteriorated dramatically on Thursday when Afghan forces initiated an offensive along the contentious frontier, prompting Pakistan to respond with both ground operations and aerial bombardments.

    Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated Sunday that “anti-aircraft fire is being directed at Pakistani aircraft in Kabul,” confirming the defensive measures being taken in the capital. Pakistan has acknowledged conducting bombing campaigns on Friday targeting key Afghan cities including Kabul and Kandahar—the latter being home to Afghanistan’s supreme leader.

    Civilian casualties have become a central point of contention in the conflict. Afghan authorities have accused Pakistan of killing non-combatants in multiple attacks, allegations that Islamabad has not directly addressed. In rural southern Kandahar, construction workers reported being hit by two airstrikes on Sunday, with site managers confirming three fatalities.

    “Everything went dark before our eyes,” recounted 20-year-old Enamullah, who provided only one name. “I came from Kabul just to earn a piece of bread.”

    According to Afghan government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, Pakistani fire has killed 30 civilians across eastern Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces since Thursday, in addition to those killed in Kandahar. These casualty figures, like many claims from both sides, remain difficult to verify independently.

    The conflict has expanded beyond aerial engagements. An AFP journalist in Jalalabad reported hearing a jet and two explosions on Saturday, with Afghan security forces claiming they downed a Pakistani fighter jet and captured its pilot—an assertion Islamabad dismissed as “totally untrue.”

    Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire have thus far proven unsuccessful. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have engaged in mediation attempts, while China has stated it is “working with” both countries and called for calm. The United States has expressed support for “Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks,” according to Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.

    The fundamental dispute centers on Pakistan’s accusation that Afghanistan has failed to act against militant groups conducting attacks within Pakistani territory—a charge the Taliban government rejects. Many recent assaults have been claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has intensified operations since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

    Analysts note that this week’s escalation marks a strategic shift, with Pakistan focusing airstrikes on Afghan government facilities rather than solely targeting militant positions as in previous operations.

    Pakistan’s information minister reported that 37 locations across Afghanistan had been hit by airstrikes since operations began, while Islamabad earlier stated that 12 of its soldiers had been killed. Meanwhile, Afghan officials claim to have killed more than 80 Pakistani soldiers and captured 27 military posts.

    The defense ministry in Kabul has also asserted it conducted air strikes on Pakistani territory over the past two days, which observers believe may have been drone operations.

    With Islamabad declaring “open war” on Friday and the Afghan government calling for “dialogue,” the current violence represents the worst outbreak since October fighting that killed more than 70 people on both sides. Land borders between the neighboring nations have remained largely closed since that time, further complicating the humanitarian and diplomatic situation.

  • Bowen: A dangerous moment, but US and Israel see opportunity not to be missed

    Bowen: A dangerous moment, but US and Israel see opportunity not to be missed

    Tehran has been plunged into crisis following a massive coordinated airstrike by United States and Israeli forces that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attack, described by Israel as ‘pre-emptive,’ represents the largest aerial operation in Israeli Air Force history according to military officials.

    Security footage from Tehran shows chaotic scenes with smoke rising over residential neighborhoods as emergency services respond to the strikes. The operation appears calculated rather than reactive, with both nations judging Iran vulnerable due to economic crises, damaged defenses from last summer’s conflict, and internal unrest following brutal crackdowns on protesters.

    This military action delivers another blow to international law frameworks, as both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu justified the strikes under self-defense principles despite the enormous power disparity between their nations and Iran. Netanyahu, facing domestic elections, has consistently viewed Iran as Israel’s primary security threat, while Trump’s objectives have shifted from previously declaring Iran’s nuclear program ‘obliterated’ to now emphasizing nuclear ambitions as justification.

    The political calculus appears to include hopes for regime change, with both leaders addressing the Iranian people directly about ‘freedom’ and overthrow opportunities. Historical precedents in Iraq and Libya suggest such outcomes remain highly uncertain and likely to produce catastrophic collateral damage including state collapse and prolonged civil conflict.

    Iran’s complex political structure, maintained through ideological commitment, corruption, and ruthless security enforcement, suggests the regime will persist despite leadership decapitation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) remains positioned to install a new clerical leader, unlikely to be swayed by Trump’s offers of immunity given the cultural significance of martyrdom in Shia ideology.

    Regional powers including Saudi Arabia face heightened instability as this conflict threatens to export violence across the Middle East and beyond. The deliberate targeting of Khamenei demonstrates a belief in assassination as strategy, though dealing with a state rather than militant movement creates fundamentally different challenges than previous operations against Hamas or Hezbollah leadership.

    With trust obliterated following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear agreement and recent demands for missile program restrictions, diplomatic solutions appear remote. Iran’s remaining leadership now calculates survival strategies while the world confronts the unpredictable consequences of escalated conflict in an already volatile region.

  • ‘Dubai’s nightmare’: Iranian strikes shatter calm of UAE business hub

    ‘Dubai’s nightmare’: Iranian strikes shatter calm of UAE business hub

    Dubai’s carefully cultivated image as a secure haven in the turbulent Middle East faced an unprecedented challenge on Saturday as Iranian missiles and drones targeted the emirate. The assault, launched in retaliation for a surprise US-Israeli operation, sent billowing smoke and flames across the skyline of the region’s premier business and entertainment capital.

    The attack carries profound implications beyond immediate geopolitical tensions. Dubai has emerged as the world’s foremost beneficiary of post-pandemic economic trends, attracting London bankers, American finance professionals, and global entrepreneurs with its low-tax environment and efficient bureaucracy. The city-state’s property market has soared by 75% since 2020, while its financial institutions have become magnets for diverse capital flows—from Sudanese militia leaders trading gold to Eastern European expatriates fleeing conflict.

    Symbolic footage of an Iranian drone striking the luxurious Fairmont Hotel on Palm Jumeirah circulated rapidly through expatriate communities, challenging the fundamental calculation that built modern Dubai. The evacuation of the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building—and indefinite flight suspensions at Al Maktoum International Airport further underscored the city’s vulnerability.

    Regional analysts note that Dubai’s essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region. The attacks demonstrate that no amount of economic success can fully insulate the emirate from the Middle East’s unpredictable politics. This development potentially reprices risk assessments for the wealthy global citizens who have fueled Dubai’s boom, with competitors like Doha, Riyadh, and Muscat waiting to offer alternatives.

    The strikes have unexpectedly unified Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman expressing solidarity with Emirati leadership. Iran’s broader calculation appears to be forcing regional monarchs to either support US military operations or pressure Washington to de-escalate tensions—particularly if economic hubs continue suffering collateral damage.