News for 'Western Islam'

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Nuclear programme non-negotiable: Iran hardens stand ahead of talks

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The statement comes even as Tehran links the issue to ongoing efforts to bring a complete end to hostilities in West Asia involving the United States and Israel.

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveals that a power struggle within Iran's leadership, with hardliners gaining influence, could significantly impact future negotiations with the United States.

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Saturday confirmed a drone strike targeting the residence of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok amid escalating tensions in West Asia, triggering a sharp blame game between the United States and Iran.

After Hormuz, Iran to block Bab el-Mandeb strait? Top official drops hint

After Hormuz, Iran to block Bab el-Mandeb strait? Top official drops hint

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

A senior Iranian legislator has suggested that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns about global supply chain vulnerabilities.

Evacuate Now! Iran Warns Civilians in Neighbouring Gulf Countries

Evacuate Now! Iran Warns Civilians in Neighbouring Gulf Countries

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The IRGC accused US and Israeli forces of using civilians as 'human shields' and warned of continued attacks.

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Vishwaguru stands exposed: Cong mocks Modi over Pak-brokered Iran truce

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts following the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, facilitated in part by Pakistan. The party claims this development undermines Modi's strategy and exposes his perceived failures in foreign policy.

IDF strikes over 200 Iranian targets, 140 Hezbollah sites

IDF strikes over 200 Iranian targets, 140 Hezbollah sites

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have conducted a massive military operation targeting more than 200 infrastructure sites within Iran and an additional 140 Hezbollah assets across Lebanon.

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Far from it; the country's resistance to the US, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East are driven by a constant search for independence and security. Thus, Iran will never capitulate. Trump will learn this home truth ultimately, and it is going to be a humbling personal experience that may even destroy his presidency, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Trump threatens to bomb Iran as Pakistan pushes for truce extension

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iran if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire ends, while Pakistan urged both sides to extend the truce and pursue diplomacy.

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Iran: Why Trump Must Take A Leap Of Faith

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

There are enough people at the top decision-making level in Tehran who are still willing to negotiate, provided Trump can create the right setting for the negotiation to acquire a dynamic of its own, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

All 6 crew members killed after US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Rescue operations are currently underway, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, the command said.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

US loses aircraft during Iran op, IRGC claims it was shot down

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran's state media cited the spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran's military to claim that a United States military refuelling plane was shot down by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. The spokesperson further told Press TV that all six service members on board had been killed.

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

French soldier killed, several injured in attack in Iraq

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

A French soldier was killed while several others were injured in an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed. Macron, in a post on X, confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins lost his life in the attack.

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'As result, Netanyahu 'convinced' Trump to go to war with the help of overoptimistic Israeli intelligence assessments, essentially explaining to him that they only need to bomb Iran for 3-4 days, and the regime would then collapse.' 'Rather unsurprisingly, Netanyahu is ever since blaming his own intel service for the entire operation failing.'

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

The Six Men Who Decide Iran's Fate

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

As Iran heads into crucial peace talks with the United States of America, here are the six men who decide the Islamic Republic's course.

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

'Disastrous If US Halts War Leaving Iran Hardliners In Power'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'In such a scenario, Iran could proclaim itself victor, rebuild, re-enforce its diminished regional proxies to further destabilise neighbouring nations and take control of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.'

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Pak rejects reports of stalled US, Iran talks; Araghchi reacts

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Office has refuted media reports suggesting that its efforts to facilitate peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled, calling the reports baseless and speculative.

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Iran's War: 'Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Hunted By Foreign Powers And Internal Foes'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

'Mojtaba Khamenei supervised the most recent repression in December 2025 and January 2026 which remains ongoing.'

'US Bombings Have United All Of Iran'

'US Bombings Have United All Of Iran'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'The US landed in this war without planning. The US felt that if they kill Ayatollah Khamenei the people of Iran will come out on the roads and do a regime change.' 'On the contrary, the US bombings on Iran has united the entire nation.'

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Why Regime Change Hasn't Happened In Iran

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'Without ground troops the US will not be able to oust the Iranian Islamic regime. Political change does not happen just by using bombs or planes.'

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Ex-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son shot dead

Ex-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son shot dead

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had remained a prominent and polarising figure in Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ended his father's rule.

Will hit them with force: Trump warns Iran on Khamenei retaliation move

Will hit them with force: Trump warns Iran on Khamenei retaliation move

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Iran is observing 40 days of public mourning following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported, citing Iranian state media.

Iran reassures neighbours, rejects US call for 'surrender'

Iran reassures neighbours, rejects US call for 'surrender'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained a stance of defensive necessity, noting that Tehran is "forced to retaliate to attacks" but clarified that this does not imply a dispute with neighbouring countries

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a US-Israeli attack, sparking celebrations in Iran and raising questions about the future of the regime.

Iranians take to streets to mourn killing of supreme leader Khamenei

Iranians take to streets to mourn killing of supreme leader Khamenei

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

In the central Iranian city of Isfahan, residents gathered at Imam Square to protest the strikes and to mourn what state media termed the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei. Demonstrators raised slogans including "God is great" as the airstrikes continued.

Iran claims world's first hit on US F-35 Lightning 2

Iran claims world's first hit on US F-35 Lightning 2

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

US defence officials confirmed that an F-35 did perform an emergency landing after an Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) barrage, with the pilot safe and an investigation underway.

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Although extensive air attacks have been carried out to destroy most of Iran's defence capabilities, the latter's resilience and sustenance during the war clearly indicate that the US landing force would encounter severe resistance in the operation, explains Commodore Venugopal Vengalil (retd).

'This War Is Only About Iran's Fight For Survival'

'This War Is Only About Iran's Fight For Survival'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'Strikes into the Gulf countries are proof that the security guarantees offered by the US are ineffective and that the Gulf countries cannot rely on American security assurances for their safety.'

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Israel strikes 200 targets, Iran warns of retaliation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said it struck several targets in Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz simultaneously over the past 24 hours, targeting sites linked to Iran's ballistic missile programme, air defence systems and military headquarters.

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Iran has not closed Hormuz: Supreme leader's India representative

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked, the supreme leader's representative said.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Why Saudi Arabia Is Livid With The UAE

Why Saudi Arabia Is Livid With The UAE

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

What began as a mentor-protege relationship between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has now evolved into a broader contest over influence, strategy, and leadership in the Middle East, points out Asif Ullah Khan.

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

'When We Come Together, We Can Move Mountains'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'I want to show bearded men actually caring and loving for their sons or a woman from Pakistan in a position of power. How radical is that?'

Hadi's party rejects police chargesheet, warns of stir

Hadi's party rejects police chargesheet, warns of stir

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Slain Bangladeshi student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's party rejects the police chargesheet in his murder case, accusing the state machinery of involvement. The party warns of potential retaliation if justice is not served, alleging a broader conspiracy beyond the individuals charged.

Protesters in Bangladesh demand 'ban on Indians'

Protesters in Bangladesh demand 'ban on Indians'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

A rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, organized by the Inqilab Moncho party, demanded justice for slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and called for the cancellation of work permits for all Indians residing in Bangladesh. The protest also sought the repatriation of alleged killers believed to be in India, further straining relations between the two countries.

Afghans Dress As Peaky Blinders, Taliban Arrests Them

Afghans Dress As Peaky Blinders, Taliban Arrests Them

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

If you're living in Afghanistan, you can be a fan of Peaky Blinders, but you certainly cannot dress like them!