标签： Asia

Iran has officially confirmed the seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf, an incident that occurred on Friday. According to local media reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) intercepted the vessel, which was transporting petrochemical cargo destined for Singapore. The IRGC stated that the tanker was seized following a judicial order, citing violations related to carrying unauthorized cargo, though specific details were not disclosed. The operation was carried out by the IRGC’s rapid reaction units, who monitored and intercepted the tanker, named Talara, at 7:30 AM local time. Ellie Shafik, an analyst at Vanguard Tech, suggested that Iran might portray the seizure as a lawful action, potentially masking strategic motives. This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program. In September, the United Nations reinstated widespread sanctions, including an arms embargo, following the collapse of nuclear negotiations. Diplomatic efforts, mediated by Oman, between Iran and the United States also failed in June after Israeli and American strikes on Iran. Tehran continues to assert that its nuclear program is peaceful, denying any intent to develop nuclear weapons. The reinstated sanctions are part of a “snapback” mechanism from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which had initially suspended penalties in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. The deal began to unravel after former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018, reimposing severe sanctions that have exacerbated Iran’s economic crisis.

China has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid visiting Japan, escalating tensions following controversial remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The diplomatic row began on November 7 when Takaichi suggested in parliament that a hypothetical attack on Taiwan could justify a military response from Japan under the principle of ‘collective self-defence.’ Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, lies just 100 kilometres from Japan’s nearest island. In response, Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador, while Tokyo reciprocated by summoning China’s envoy over an inflammatory online post, later removed, from a Chinese diplomat. China’s embassy in Japan warned on Friday that recent provocative statements by Japanese leaders have ‘severely damaged the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges’ and posed ‘significant risks to the personal safety and lives of Chinese citizens in Japan.’ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies in Japan have advised citizens to refrain from travelling to the country. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara criticized the advisory as ‘inconsistent with the promotion of a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship.’ Meanwhile, China’s major airlines—Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern—have offered full refunds for Japan-bound flights through December 31. Takaichi, a conservative and vocal critic of China, has since tempered her rhetoric but defended her remarks as consistent with Japan’s long-standing policy. The dispute highlights the fragile relationship between the two nations, which are key trading partners but often clash over historical grievances, territorial disputes, and military concerns. The U.S. has maintained strategic ambiguity on Taiwan, while Japan’s previous leaders avoided direct commentary on the island’s defence. The situation remains tense as both sides navigate the fallout from the escalating diplomatic feud.

The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, experienced heavy rainfall on November 14, creating a serene atmosphere for worshippers performing the weekly Friday prayer. The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a red alert for Madinah on Saturday, warning of severe weather conditions. Similar alerts were issued for Makkah, where high-speed winds, reduced visibility, hail, and flash floods were reported. The Saudi General Directorate of Traffic urged motorists to exercise caution during the adverse weather. Earlier, mosques across Saudi Arabia conducted special rain-seeking prayers following a directive from King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. Similar prayers were held in Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, reflecting a regional tradition of seeking divine intervention for rain.