Kashmiris collect donations for war-hit Iran; Iranian Embassy says ‘will never forget kindness’ Residents of Kashmir, particularly in areas like Budgam and Baramulla, have come together to support relief efforts for civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran. Donations, including cash, gold, and copper utensils, were gathered by locals in Shia-majority regions of the valley. The Iranian Embassy expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, stating that the act of kindness would “never be forgotten.” The donation drive took place a day after Eid celebrations, with youth in Shia-dominated areas visiting households to collect contributions. Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Rainawari, emphasized the devastation caused by the war, describing it as an “illegal war imposed on Iran by the Zionist regime of Israel and its supporters.” He urged the global community to provide aid to those suffering in the region. Participants in the drive spanned all demographics, with men, women, and children actively contributing. Women, in particular, donated gold jewelry and household items, while some families offered livestock. Children also participated by giving their savings and pocket money. Officials highlighted the widespread involvement, noting the collective effort to support the war-affected population. The collected funds are expected to be distributed through official relief organizations, including the Iranian Embassy, to ensure aid reaches those in need. The gesture underscores the solidarity between Kashmiri communities and Iran, reflecting shared concerns over the humanitarian crisis. The article also references the broader geopolitical context, including India’s ties with Iran and the impact of recent conflicts in the region.#kashmir #iranian_embassy #budgam #baramulla #rainawari
Kashmiris in Budgam and Baramulla districts have initiated a humanitarian effort to support Iranians affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Following Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, volunteers in Shia communities organized door-to-door collections to gather relief items for those impacted by recent military strikes. Contributions included cash, gold and silver jewelry, livestock, and traditional copper artifacts, reflecting widespread community participation across all social groups. The Iranian Embassy in India expressed deep gratitude for the donations, emphasizing the emotional and symbolic significance of the aid. A post on social media platform X stated, "With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India." The embassy highlighted specific acts of generosity, such as a Kashmiri widow donating a gold memento she had preserved for 28 years in memory of her late husband. The post noted, "Your tears and pure emotions are the greatest source of comfort for the people of Iran and will never be forgotten." Children also contributed by donating their savings and Eid money, while Budgam MLA Muntazir Mehdi pledged one month’s salary for relief efforts. Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar’s Rainawari area, criticized the "illegal war imposed on Iran by Israel and its supporters," urging the global community to provide aid to the suffering population. The donation drive gained momentum after the Iranian embassy shared bank account details on social media, enabling direct contributions. Officials confirmed that funds will be distributed through official relief organizations, including the Iranian Embassy, to ensure aid reaches those in need.#iranian_embassy #kashmiris #budgam #baramulla #shia_communities
Indian Crew Member Killed in Underwater Drone Attack on US-Owned Oil Tanker An Indian crew member died after an underwater drone attack struck the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Basra, Iraq, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad. The attack occurred on March 11, 2026, and the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated to safety. Iran claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its forces used underwater drones to target the vessel, which is owned by the US-based company Safesea Transport Inc. A second oil tanker, the Maltese-flagged Zefyros, was also damaged in the attack, though it did not result in casualties. The incident took place in Iraq’s territorial waters, where Iran has previously threatened to "set fire" to any ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments. The strait, located between Iran and Oman, is approximately 55 kilometers wide and serves as a vital artery for about 20% of the world’s oil. The attack on the Safesea Vishnu marks the first time a US-owned oil tanker has been targeted in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States-Israeli alliance. The Indian Embassy confirmed it is in contact with Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety of the rescued sailors. A CNN report suggested that an Iranian boat rigged with explosives may have been involved in the attack, though an investigation is ongoing. The incident has raised concerns about the escalating tensions in the region, as the conflict has already disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to the Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, at least three other commercial vessels have been struck by "unknown projectiles" in the Strait of Hormuz.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #iranian_embassy #safesea_vishnu #safesea_transport_inc
Member of Iranian soccer team granted asylum in Australia changes her mind One of seven Iranian women’s soccer team members who had been granted asylum in Australia has reversed her decision, prompting authorities to relocate the remaining six women to a secure location, officials said. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed the woman, who had accepted a visa offer on Tuesday night, had consulted with teammates who had already left the country and requested to join them. “Unfortunately, in making that decision, she’d been advised by her teammates and coach to contact the Iranian embassy and to get collected,” Burke said, without naming the individual. He immediately ordered the relocation of the other women to ensure their safety. The players had been under strict surveillance by Australian Federal Police at a secret location in Brisbane to prevent any attempts by Iranian loyalists to influence their decisions. The group had faced growing concerns over their safety after being labeled traitors by state media for refusing to sing the national anthem before their opening match of the Asian Cup in Australia. Iranian officials had condemned the team’s actions, accusing them of undermining national pride and threatening their lives. Dissent in Iran is met with severe punishment, as seen earlier this year when the government killed thousands of protesters who challenged its authority. Foreign Minister Penny Wong criticized the regime’s treatment of women, stating that Australia had made efforts to provide the asylum seekers with a choice. “We know this regime has engaged in brutal treatment of women and girls,” she said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the individuals.#tony_burke #iranian_embassy #iranian_soccer_team #penny_wong #australian_federal_police
One Iranian football team member changes mind after Australia grants asylum One member of the Iranian women’s football team who sought sanctuary in Australia has changed her mind after speaking with teammates, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed during a parliamentary session. The player, whose identity remains confidential, reversed her decision following discussions with her teammates, Burke said. The minister emphasized that the player’s choice was made voluntarily, with Australian officials ensuring there was no pressure or coercion involved. Burke confirmed that seven members of the Iranian women’s team had been granted asylum, with the latest change in decision coming after the player spoke with teammates who had already left Australia. The minister noted that the Iranian embassy was now aware of the team’s whereabouts, following the player’s contact with embassy officials. The remaining players were relocated from a safe house to a new location, he added. The asylum grants followed concerns for the players’ safety after the team’s failure to sing their national anthem before a match in Australia. Iranian state television had labeled the team “traitors” for the incident, though the players later sang the anthem in subsequent matches. The general prosecutor’s office in Iran reportedly invited the remaining team members to return home “with peace and confidence,” while the country’s foreign ministry urged the players to “come home” and assured them of a warm welcome. The team’s departure from Australia was marked by emotional scenes, with players and staff flying from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur. Australian officials had taken the players aside individually at the airport, without Iranian representatives present, and offered them asylum.#iranian_women_football_team #home_affairs_minister_tony_burke #iranian_embassy #australian_government #iranian_state_television
