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Middle East Geopolitics for UPSC
47 notes · updated 14 Oct 2026
The basics
Middle East geopolitics involves the complex interplay of regional powers, non-state actors, and global interests in a territory defined by significant religious, ideological, and energy dynamics. The region is characterized by the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which shapes the balance of power across the Levant and the Gulf. Key issues include the Israel-Palestine conflict, the influence of revolutionary versus monarchical systems, and the strategic importance of maritime corridors like the Strait of Hormuz.
UPSC examines this topic to test an aspirant's understanding of how regional instability affects global energy security and international maritime law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). For Prelims, questions often focus on the geographical significance of straits and the roles of regional organizations. For Mains, the focus shifts to India’s strategic partnerships, the impact of proxy wars on regional stability, and the implications of Middle Eastern conflicts on global trade and security.
In the news
- Israel occupies southern Lebanon, displacing 1.2 million people and destroying 50 frontline villages
Israel has occupied southern Lebanon, displacing 1.2 million people and destroying 50 frontline villages despite a June framework agreement.
- Iran war day 119: Israel hits Lebanon as IAEA says it will return to Iran | US-Israel war on Iran News
The IAEA confirmed a return to Iran for inspections amidst escalating military actions by Israel in Lebanon and maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- What’s the significance of UAE’s Fujairah, hit on Monday?
The UAE accused Iran of launching a missile and drone barrage at the port of Fujairah, injuring three Indian nationals and damaging an oil refinery.
- PM Shehbaz condemns drone, missile attacks in UAE
PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned missile and drone attacks on UAE civilian infrastructure while Iran claimed responsibility for the strikes.
- Israeli attacks on Lebanon may violate international law, UN warns
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) released a report alleging that Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Hezbollah's rocket fire may violate international humanitarian law.
- Still in shock, Beirut tries to heal after deadly Israeli attacks
Israel launched a series of air strikes in Beirut, Lebanon, killing over 300 people, including women and children, shortly after a ceasefire was announced in Iran.
- Israel strikes central Beirut without warning | US-Israel war on Iran News
Israel launched a large-scale airstrike on central Beirut shortly after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran was announced in the United States.
- US pilot from downed F-15E plane rescued in Iran: What we know | US-Israel war on Iran News
President Donald Trump announced the rescue of a US pilot from a downed F-15E jet in Iran after 48 hours of operations.
- Middle East crisis live: US and Iranian forces race to recover missing pilot from downed jet; Israel bombards Beirut | US-Israel war on Iran
The US and Iran are racing to recover a missing pilot after an F-15 jet was shot down, while Israel launched strikes in Tehran and Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
- Israel kills 7 people in Beirut, Hezbollah fights invasion in south Lebanon | US-Israel war on Iran News
Israel launched attacks on Beirut's suburbs and invaded southern Lebanon, leading to a military escalation with Hezbollah and significant civilian casualties.
- Israel sends more troops into southern Lebanon as ground invasion expands
Israel expanded its ground invasion into southern Lebanon to establish a buffer zone against Hezbollah, prompting warnings from Lebanon's Prime Minister and condemnation from Amnesty International.
- Iran claims it shot down 'F-18' fighter jet over Chabahar; US fact-check tells a different story
US Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted Iran's claim of shooting down a US F-18 fighter jet over Chabahar, highlighting conflicting narratives in the Iran-US-Israel military friction.
- Uae News: Missile incident in Abu Dhabi: Indian national injured after ballistic debris falls from sky
The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that an Indian national was injured after ballistic debris from Iranian missiles intercepted over Abu Dhabi fell in the Al Shawamekh area.
- IRGC claims it struck US F-35 over central Iran, with fighter jet’s fate unclear
The IRGC claimed to have struck and damaged a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran following a joint US-Israeli offensive.
- Israel bombs central Beirut, killing 6, strafes south, east Lebanon | US-Israel war on Iran News
Israel launched a wave of air strikes and ground operations in Lebanon, targeting Beirut and southern regions in a conflict involving Hezbollah and the wider US-Israel war against Iran.
- Air India suspends Dubai flights, diverts UAE services overnight to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Air India and other Indian carriers suspended or diverted flights to Dubai International Airport due to security concerns and operational disruptions caused by the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict.
- Middle East War Day 16: UAE and other Gulf countries report fresh attacks; Kuwait airport hit
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missile and drone attacks on the UAE's al-Dhafra airbase and Kuwait's airport.
- Why Indian airlines are among the worst hit by the Gulf conflict
The conflict between Iran and Israel has disrupted major Gulf routes, forcing Indian carriers like Air India Express to ground significant portions of their fleet.
- Israel attacks Beirut in ‘targeted killing’ attempt, kills several in south | US-Israel war on Iran News
Israel launched a series of attacks in Lebanon targeting residential areas and infrastructure, resulting in high casualties and mass displacement, prompting international condemnation.
- Strike on Beirut kills 12 after Israel’s ‘land grab’ threat
Hezbollah launched a retaliatory rocket and drone strike on Tel Aviv and Haifa following an Israeli strike on a Beirut seafront refugee camp that killed 12 people.
- War in the Middle East: nearly 500 dead in Lebanon from Israeli offensive against Hezbollah
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun proposed a direct truce with Israel amidst an offensive against Hezbollah that has caused nearly 500 deaths and displaced over 700,000 people.
- First Thing: Israel launches huge strikes against south Beirut after mass evacuation order
Israel launched intense strikes against southern Beirut suburbs following a mass evacuation order, escalating the conflict with Hezbollah and impacting 14 other countries.
- How U.S.-Israel attack on Iran could impact millions of Indian migrant workers
India is mobilizing over 12 special flights via IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express to evacuate citizens from West Asia due to escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions.
- First Thing: Conflict spirals in Middle East as NGO says at least 700 Iranian civilians killed
The conflict in the Middle East escalated as Iranian drones targeted the US embassy in Riyadh, leading to a near-total internet blackout and rising civilian casualties.
- Iran Strikes: How Iran's strikes are putting Dubai's 'safe-haven' reputation under strain
Iranian missile strikes on Dubai's airports and landmarks have disrupted infrastructure and raised concerns regarding the city's status as a safe haven for investors and residents.
- Lebanese civilians flee amid deadly Israeli strikes on Beirut suburbs
Hezbollah launched a retaliatory strike against Israel following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, leading to heavy Israeli strikes on Lebanese suburbs.
- Indians among those injured in Iranian strikes, says UAE
The UAE and Oman reported injuries to 58 people, including Indian nationals, following Iranian missile and drone strikes against the U.S.-Israel alliance.
- Iran: Over 700 flights cancelled today: UAE, India and global airlines disrupted as US-Israel-Iran war escalates
The Ministry of Civil Aviation of India warned of widespread flight cancellations due to escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran affecting Gulf hubs.
- PIA joins worldwide rush to halt Gulf flights amid war
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and several international carriers suspended flights to Gulf countries following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
- Airspace closure disrupts Kochi–West Asia flights after strikes on Iran
Airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar due to Israeli and US strikes on Iran have disrupted flights from Kochi airport.
- Air India says flights overflying Iran will use alternative route, warns of delays
Air India announced flight delays and the use of alternative routes due to the closure of Iranian airspace caused by internal protests and economic turmoil.
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Key facts
Practice · 1 questions
What is the depth of the 'Yellow Line' maintained by Israel in southern Lebanon?
- (a)20 kilometres
- (b)5 kilometres
- (c)15 kilometres
- (d)10 kilometres
Answer
(d) 10 kilometres — The note states that Israel maintains a 'Yellow Line' up to 10 kilometres deep in southern Lebanon. Note →
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