Iran’s president says the world has accepted that it’s won the war with the United States, while France and Saudi Arabia are expected to discuss plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed since the US and Israel launched a war with Iran nearly six months ago.  Meanwhile remarks by the US Ambassador to Turkiye and special envoy for Syria appear to contradict official US position over the Golan Heights. Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Saturday. Full coverage can be found here. Iranian state media reported Friday that President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war with the US should end since the world has already accepted that Iran has won. Iran sees its control over the Strait and not giving into US demands as a win. “The entire world approved our victory and the US is hated,” he said according to IRNA news agency. Iran sees its control over the Strait and not giving into US demands as a win. The remarks came as the Trump administration is touting a crushing financial campaign against Iran, promising an “economic D-Day” against the country. President Donald Trump announced that the US would be imposing an “unprecedented” level of economic warfare and isolation on Iran, aiming to force its leadership to cave to demands to end its nuclear programme and fully reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz to oil and natural gas tankers. In an interview Friday, Tom Barrack said that Israel “still” occupies the territory in violation of UN resolutions. In his comments made to Mario Nawfal, a LebaneseAustralian entrepreneur, Barrack said that “in the Golan, with Syria, they (Israel) still occupy the Golan, against the UN resolutions.” Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. The UN considers the territory occupied Syrian land and the annexation null and void, with UN resolutions calling for Israel’s withdrawal to the June 4, 1967, line. In March 2019, Trump signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, reversing decades of US policy. The move did not change the territory’s status under international law or win broader international recognition.  Colombia became the second country to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan this month, joining the United States. Barrack’s remarks sparked a backlash Saturday from conservative activist and US presidential ally Laura Loomer, who posted on X that he “should resign for his lack of understanding of US foreign policy.”

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Cheetah helicopter undertook a casualty evacuation mission to rescue a 56-year-old overseas citizen of India, settled in the USA, from Sumzon Glacier in Pheyang Valley of Ladakh, at an altitude of 15,000 feet. 

“Despite the challenging terrain and restricted landing area, the crew executed a safe landing and evacuated the survivor to Leh for further medical care,” the IAF said late on Wednesday evening.

The IAF frequently undertakes rescue missions for civilians travelling in the remote areas of Ladakh. Many civilians get stranded due to natural calamities such as landslides and avalanches, or require evacuation because of medical emergencies arising from low oxygen levels and inclement weather conditions characteristic of the region.

Several such missions are undertaken by the Siachen Pioneers helicopter unit based in Leh. Its Cheetah helicopters operate at the outer limits of their flight parameters while dealing with extreme altitude, rugged terrain, adverse weather and rarefied air. 

Army Aviation units are also called upon to undertake casualty evacuation missions in the region.

In serious cases, patients are airlifted from Leh by fixed-wing aircraft to larger cities like Chandigarh, Srinagar or Jammu, where advanced medical facilities are available.

The newly raised unit will operate under the command of the Army’s 11 Corps, headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab

As part of its post-Operation Sindoor transformation, the Indian Army on Friday announced the raising of a dedicated battalion for drone operations along the western front with Pakistan. 

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Baaz headquartered in Jalandhar

The newly raised unit will operate under the command of the Army’s 11 Corps, headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab.

The Army has named these dedicated drone-operating units ‘Baaz battalions’ — Baaz means hawk, a bird of prey.

The initiative to raise such dedicated drone-operating battalions was announced earlier this year and is part of the transformation being carried out post-Operation Sindoor.

Sources said the raising had begun over the past couple of months, and the unit at Jalandhar is the first such unit in the state facing Pakistan.

Will boost aerial surveillance

These units will provide frontline Army units with advanced aerial surveillance and situational-awareness tools.

A Baaz battalion could be equipped to operate a range of drones and armed drones.

These include long-range UAVs such as the MQ-9B, being sourced from US company General Atomics; the Heron and Hermes from Israel; the locally produced Ghatak UAV developed by the DRDO; as well as UAVs manufactured by companies such as ideaForge, SMPP and NewSpace Research.

These drones have capabilities for deep-penetration surveillance, targeting and prolonged border monitoring.

‘Baaz’ battalions to serve as centralised operational ‘brain’

The ‘Baaz’ battalions would act as a centralised ‘brain’ to standardise training, manage the high-density technical data streaming from these mixed fleets, and rapidly handle software updates and replenishment cycles required in high-intensity drone warfare.

The Jalandhar-headquartered 11 Corps said on Friday that ‘Baaz’ adds a potent new dimension, enhancing aerial agility, responsiveness and battlefield reach.

Baaz battalions centralise growing drone capabilities and are designed to handle the entire lifecycle of operations, including deployment, maintenance, data exploitation and seamless integration with ground forces.

These battalions house a specialist pool of personnel specifically trained to manage the drone ecosystem.

Army expands drone warfare capabilities

The move aims to ensure a sustained operational tempo and a more persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability across the battlefield.

Sources said no numbers could be given on how many ‘Baaz’ battalions would be set up. They added that specialised Aviation Brigades have been established over the past few years, while the Army Aviation Corps operates helicopters — including attack variants — along the frontline.

Sources said the decision has been spurred by lessons from recent border standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the tactical outcomes validated during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May last year.

Post-Operation Sindoor, the Army has expanded its drone arsenal. Each infantry battalion has an ‘Ashini drone platoon’ for tactical, ‘immediate-vicinity’ surveillance. Artillery regiments also operate drones that carry and deploy loitering ammunition, also known as ‘one-way’ drones.

Bangladesh is open to joining the recently formed defence alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, two junior ministers have said, while stressing that any decision would be guided by the country’s national interests.

Signed in Makkah on August 7, the pact establishes a framework for collective deterrence and stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all three.

“Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade,” newly appointed state minister for foreign affairs Humayun Kobir said.

In an interview with the Bangla service of state-run BSS on Friday, Kobir said the government was pursuing a “Bangladesh First” policy and a balanced foreign policy with national interests at its core, which might lead Dhaka to join the defence pact.

He said Bangladesh would also strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan through normal diplomatic engagement, focusing on trade and people-to-people connectivity.

Kobir, appointed as the second state minister for foreign affairs on Friday, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to visit Riyadh at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s invitation and the tour schedule is likely to be finalised after the summer.

Another state minister for foreign affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, in a separate media interaction on Friday, supplemented Kobir’s comments, saying Bangladesh’s national interest and the interests of its people would determine Dhaka’s stance on joining the pact.

“Whether we join any pact or any multilateral body will be decided primarily on whether Bangladesh’s interests and the interests of the Bangladeshi people are protected,” she said when asked whether Bangladesh would be part of the trilateral framework.

The two junior ministers’ comments came two days after Rahman’s finance and planning adviser Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said a “Bangladesh First” policy marked a “paradigm shift” in the country’s foreign policy.

He said the policy placed national interest, sovereignty, mutual respect and regional harmony at the centre of Bangladesh’s engagement with the international community by maintaining constructive and mutually beneficial relations with all countries.

“The Bangladesh First policy means putting Bangladesh’s interests first, but Bangladesh for all,” Titumir said

The final bridge segment connecting the Maldivian capital Male with Villingili island has been officially set in place, marking a major milestone in the India-funded connectivity project.

Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

In 2021, a contract was sealed between the Maldives and India for the implementation of an India-funded connectivity project. 

“A big milestone for the Greater Male Connectivity Project! The final bridge segment connecting Male with Villingili is officially set in place – bringing seamless connectivity between the islands one step closer,” India in Maldives posted on X on Saturday.

Former Maldives foreign minister Abdullah Shahid has also hailed the milestone in the India-funded connectivity project.

“A major milestone for the Greater Male Connectivity Project today! Honoured to have launched this project during my tenure as Foreign Minister. The Maldives “India friendship is built on trust and shared progress. This link is a symbol of that commitment and of India’s support for Maldives’ development,” Shahid posted on X.

Shahid also expressed “deep appreciation” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their role in the project.

“Deep appreciation to PM @narendramodi, and EAM @DrSJaishankar, for their leadership in realising this vision for the Maldivian people,” the post read.

The GMCP, also known as the Thilamale Bridge, funded under a grant of USD 100 million and a Line of Credit of USD 400 million from India, is the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives.

The contract for the Thilamale Bridge project was awarded to India’s Afcons Infrastructure on August 26, 2021. More than 75 per cent of the project’s work has now been completed.

The project comprises three primary bridge links: the connection between Male’ and Villingili, the link between Villingili and Gulhifalhu, and the bridge connecting Gulhifalhu to Thilafushi.

The Indian High Commission in the Maldives earlier stated that this bridge, initiated during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, features the tallest precast segments of any bridge in the world.

According to the Commission, the precast segments of the Thilamale Bridge superstructure will reach a height of 8.177 meters.

Enhancing regional connectivity has been a key priority for India and the Maldives. 

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A direct cargo ferry service connecting Tuticorin in Kochi with Male and Kulhuffushi was started in September 2020.

India has maintained that the Maldives is its key maritime neighbour and an important partner in the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ i.e. Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi

28-year-old PLA ‘captain’ allegedly part of team that killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family and four personnel

Security forces have arrested a militant belonging to a proscribed outfit from Manipur’s Thoubal district for his alleged involvement in an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in 2021, police said on Sunday.

The 28-year-old accused is a self-styled ‘captain’ in the Peoples’ Liberation Army, they said.

He was arrested on Saturday from Lilong Ushoipokpi in Thoubal district based on a tip-off.

“Through further questioning, it was revealed that he was part of the team that ambushed the CO of 46 AR (Assam Rifles) and 6 others in Behiang, Churachandpur on 13/11/2021,” a police statement said.

In a post on X, the Army’s Eastern Command said: “The apprehended individual is a key accused in the 2021 #Churachandpur ambush case of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family members and security forces. The successful operation reaffirms the resolve of security forces to disrupt insurgent networks and safeguard peace and stability in #Manipur.”

On November 13, 2021, militants ambushed a security convoy carrying Tripathi, the commanding officer of the 46 Assam Rifles, near Sehken village in Churachandpur district.

Tripathi, his wife, their young son, and four paramilitary personnel were killed in the attack.

Singh was accompanied by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari during the foundation-laying ceremony

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that India is capable of becoming a global shipbuilding hub, as he virtually laid the foundation stone for five expansion projects of the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, and Yantra India Ltd, from Kolkata. 

Singh was accompanied by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari during the foundation-laying ceremony here.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh said foundation was laid for five projects worth nearly Rs 3,500 crore in West Bengal.

“India is capable of becoming a global shipbuilding hub. There is a vacuum occurring in the global shipbuilding industry, and India can capture this opportunity,” he said.

The projects comprise three facilities of GRSE and two of Yantra India.

Singh also said that the West Bengal government will take steps to usher in a “new renaissance of development”.

“The news of closures and lockouts of factories in West Bengal has now been replaced by the launch of new projects,” the defence minister said.

A GRSE official said that as part of its capacity expansion, the company has signed lease agreements with the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) for two small shipyards on either bank of the Hooghly, along with a 32-acre riverside property at Raichak, to enhance capabilities in warship construction and refit.

“These projects will strengthen the capabilities of GRSE, while supporting the revival of West Bengal’s industrial ecosystem through employment generation and increased opportunities for ancillary industries, particularly MSMEs,” he said.

Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story of the Kargil War” has been one of the most acclaimed shows on Netflix this year. Actor Mihir Ahuja has stepped into the shoes of an Indian Air Force officer, taking on the role of Flying Officer CH Bal Reddy, popularly known as “Baldy”. 

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The aerial actioner on the Kargil War released on August 7 and focuses on Number 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”. Ahuja is among the young officers at the centre of the story, alongside actors Siddharth, Abhay Vermaand Taaruk Raina.

According to accounts of the real officer, Bal Reddy was initially handling administrative responsibilities and manning the Operational Readiness Platform in Bathinda when the war broke out. He subsequently joined the squadron in Srinagar as the conflict intensified.

The cast had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from soldiers who had experienced the war and also spent time at Air Force stations during the making of the series.

Mihir Ahuja shot inside real MiG-21s used in Kargil

One of the most unusual aspects of the shoot was Ahuja and other actors getting inside actual MiG-21 fighter jets that had been used during the Kargil War.

For Ahuja, the role was not simply an opportunity to portray a military officer. He has described the experience as humbling and said that being exposed to the stories of serving and former Air Force officers changed his understanding of the risks faced by pilots.

Instead, passengers travelling abroad will have to produce an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance

Passengers flying out of Indian airports will no longer be required to carry a physical boarding pass as immigration authorities have decided to do away with the stamping of this document from September 1, officials said on Saturday. 

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Instead, passengers travelling abroad will have to produce an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, the officials told PTI.

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently communicated the official directive to airport authorities after the agency found that the physical stamping of boarding passes for immigration purposes was causing “inconvenience” to passengers.

Instances of errors in reading boarding passes due to “improper or incorrect” stamping were also being reported and, hence, it was decided to do away with this procedure, the officials said.

“The matter has been examined by the BOI and it has now been decided to do away with the mandatory requirement of physical boarding passes and the stamping of boarding passes at immigration counters at all international airports in the country,” the officials said quoting the directive.

They, however, said physical boarding passes will continue to be accepted but will not be stamped by the immigration authorities from September 1.

Security officials added that boarding passes of international travellers were also not being stamped by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) during individual frisking and they were supposed to be only produced for clearance by immigration authorities.

The boarding pass stamping by CISF for both domestic and international passengers was stopped many years ago, they added.

The officials said a pilot project to do away with the stamping of the immigration entry and exit for Indian passport holders is also planned to be done away with after a pilot exercise in this context is completed. The measure is soon expected to be operationalised across Indian airports, they said. 

https://www.tribuneindia.com/videos/india-leases-2-more-predator-drones-from-us-for-navy

The Ministry of Defence on Monday inked a contract with US company General Atomics for leasing of two additional long range surveillance UAV’s, named the Predator, to be used by the Navy. The Navy has been using two such UAV’s on lease since 2020. The drones from General Atomics are officially called ‘MQ-9B Sea Guardian’ and have ‘high-altitude and long-endurance’ ability to fly upto 40 hours while transmitting to base, real time imagery and videos. The Ministry of Defence said on Monday it signed the lease and its operational contract for a period of 30 months and is valued at approximately Rs 1,943 crore. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian is equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors and sophisticated payloads, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime domain awareness capabilities”. The systems will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance coverage over vast areas at sea, strengthening India’s ability to monitor and respond to developments across the Indian Ocean Region, the statement said. Separate from the leasing contracts for the UAV, the Ministry of Defence had, in October 2024, inked a contract with the US Government for procurement of 31 ‘MQ-9B’ UAV’s. India wants the armed version of the drone which will be dual tasked for attack as well as surveillance. The contract is under the Foreign Military Sales route between the two governments. The General Atomics will provide certain types of maintenance, repair and overhaul of these drones will be done in India. The deal will cost $4 billion. The Indian armed forces will start getting the drones over four years, that is from 2028 onwards . The Indian Navy will get 15 of the 31 drones while the Army and the IAF will get eight drones each. The MQ-9B, is adapted for operations over sea and over land. The US armed forces use the same MQ-9B platform and it carries missiles to do precision strikes at targets.