Monday, 09 February 2026

South Asian Update
South Asian Update
Iran rules out missile talks with Washington

Iran rules out missile talks with Washington

Iran has made clear that its missile programme will not be part of any negotiations with the United States, even as both sides signal interest in resuming diplomatic talks following indirect discussions mediated by Oman.

Iran’s supreme leader warns of regional war if US attacks

Iran’s supreme leader warns of regional war if US attacks

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any military strike on Iran by the United States would ignite a wider regional conflict, as tensions rise amid a growing US military presence near Iranian waters.

Saudi Arabia says ties with UAE ’vital’ for regional stability

Saudi Arabia says ties with UAE ’vital’ for regional stability

Saudi Arabia on Monday described its relationship with the United Arab Emirates as `vital` to regional stability, seeking to ease tensions after a recent rift between the two Gulf allies over developments in Yemen.

US and Iran trade war warnings as tensions rise

US and Iran trade war warnings as tensions rise

The United States and Iran have escalated their exchange of warnings, raising fears of a wider regional conflict as both sides signal readiness for confrontation. 

Iran warns of retaliation if US attacks in support of protesters
Iran warns of retaliation if US attacks in support of protesters

Iran has issued a stark warning that it will retaliate against any US military action, as nationwide protests continue to spread despite a deadly government crackdown that has drawn international concern.

Saudi Arabia lifts expatriate fees to boost industrial sector
Saudi Arabia lifts expatriate fees to boost industrial sector

Saudi Arabia has removed the expatriate levy imposed on foreign workers employed in industrial facilities operating under official industrial licences, in a move aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s manufacturing base and boosting competitiveness.

UN Security Council approves US plan for Gaza stabilisation force

UN Security Council approves US plan for Gaza stabilisation force

The UN Security Council on Monday approved a US-drafted resolution establishing a transitional Board of Peace (BoP) and authorizing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to oversee security, reconstruction and interim governance in the Gaza Strip. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour, while China and Russia abstained.

Egypt unveils Grand Egyptian Museum celebrating 5,000 years of civilisation

Egypt unveils Grand Egyptian Museum celebrating 5,000 years of civilisation

Egypt has inaugurated the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo — a landmark project that aims to honour the country’s ancient heritage while boosting its economy and tourism sector.

Iran says it’s no longer bound by UN restrictions on nuclear program

Iran says it’s no longer bound by UN restrictions on nuclear program

Iran announced on Saturday that it is no longer bound by any United Nations restrictions on its nuclear activities, declaring that the term of UN Security Council Resolution 2231—which endorsed the landmark 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA)—has officially expired.

Iran says Trump’s call for peace ’at odds’ with US actions

Iran says Trump’s call for peace ’at odds’ with US actions

Iran on Tuesday sharply rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for renewed peace talks, saying his statements were incompatible with Washington’s “aggressive and criminal” actions against the Iranian people, particularly following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Trump-Sisi to co-host global peace summit aimed at ending Gaza war

Trump-Sisi to co-host global peace summit aimed at ending Gaza war

World leaders from more than 20 nations are set to convene in Egypt’s Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday for a high-profile peace summit co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump.

Israel and Hamas agree to initial phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Israel and Hamas agree to initial phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange plan — a move that could mark the beginning of the end for a two-year conflict that has devastated the region.

Iran says nuclear cooperation with IAEA watchdog ‘obsolete’ after sanctions snapback

Iran says nuclear cooperation with IAEA watchdog ‘obsolete’ after sanctions snapback

Iran has announced that its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is “no longer relevant,” following the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions by Western powers.

UN restores arms embargo, sanctions on Iran after european push

UN restores arms embargo, sanctions on Iran after european push

The United Nations has brought back a sweeping set of sanctions on Iran, including a renewed arms embargo, after Britain, France, and Germany accused Tehran of breaching its nuclear commitments. 

Arab leaders call for immediate end to Israel’s ’genocidal war’ on Gaza

Arab leaders call for immediate end to Israel’s ’genocidal war’ on Gaza

Arab countries on Tuesday called for the immediate cessation of Israel’s `genocidal war` in the Gaza Strip, as the conflict grinds into its second year with no sign of resolution.

UK, Canada and Australia formally recognise Palestinian state amid Gaza war

UK, Canada and Australia formally recognise Palestinian state amid Gaza war

Britain, Canada, and Australia simultaneously announced on Sunday that they are formally recognising a Palestinian state — a diplomatic shift driven by deep frustration over the ongoing Gaza war and the collapse of peace prospects.