El Al Suspends Flights to Moscow; Underground City in Tehran
El Al is suspending its flights to Moscow due to security tensions in Russia, while reports reveal a new underground defense complex in Tehran. Simultaneously, the U.S. is advancing arms deals in the region and pledging to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, as Iran plans to increase its revenues from shipping routes in the Gulf.
Those flying to Russia will have to change their plans in the coming days after El Al announced the suspension of operations on the Tel Aviv-Moscow route. The decision was made against the backdrop of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) attacks and developments in the war between Russia and Ukraine. The company will conduct a reassessment during the coming week to decide on the resumption of flights.
Alongside the tensions in Russia, it was revealed that the Revolutionary Guard (Iran's military arm) has established an "underground city" in Tehran designed to protect the Supreme Leader. The complex includes a system of tunnels and blast-proof rooms. In addition to defensive preparations, Iran anticipates billions of dollars in revenue from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic shipping route in the Persian Gulf used for transporting oil.
In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump stated at a rally in Washington that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons. Despite regional tensions, the U.S. administration is moving forward with a $750 million arms deal with Turkey, notwithstanding congressional opposition due to the Turkish purchase of Russian defense systems. Meanwhile, France continues to enforce sanctions on Russia, and French commando forces have seized another oil tanker suspected of smuggling.
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