Air India Jet Crashes Shortly After Take Off, IAEA Censures Iran and US Draws Down Regional Presence, Anti-Immigrant Riots in Northern Ireland

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🚨** Breaking - Air India Jet Crashes Shortly After Take Off**

An Air India jet headed from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff. Via the BBC “Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number. Families in India seeking more information can call 1800 5691 444” Live Tracker - BBC

🇮🇷** IAEA Censures Iran, US Draws Down Regional Presence**

The UN nuclear watchdog’s board voted 19-3 to declare Iran non-compliant with nuclear safeguards, the first such censure in nearly 20 years. Iran immediately vowed to build a new enrichment facility and upgrade centrifuges at Fordow, while warning it could exit the Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions follow. The resolution comes days before US-Iran nuclear talks resume Sunday in Oman amid escalating regional tensions. More - Al Jazeera

Meanwhile, as rumors circulate of a strike on Iran if talks collapse, The US ordered partial evacuation of its Baghdad embassy staff amid rising tensions. Iran has threatened to strike American assets if attacked over its nuclear program. The move follows reports that Israel is ready to launch operations against Iran and comes ahead of the sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Oil prices initially jumped on the news before reversing gains, while the UK Navy warned shipping of potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. More - Bloomberg

Note - the first place I saw the US drawdown reported was by Charles Lister on X early Wednesday morning so it’s worth adding his account to your watchlist if you have interests in the region.

🇬🇧** Anti-Immigrant Riots in Northern Ireland **

Two nights of riots erupted in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, after two 14-year-old boys were charged with sexual assault and required a Romanian interpreter in court, sparking speculation about their nationality. Over 32 officers were injured as masked rioters attacked immigrant neighborhoods with bricks, petrol bombs, and arson, forcing families to flee or hide in attics. Police deployed water cannons and arrested five people while warning of potential continued violence. More - Washington Post

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇧🇹 Bhutan, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇿 Kaza

Carpe tomorrow!