Samriddhi Vij

What is the an important difference between Iraq 2003 and Iran 2026? Iran has something that Iraq didn’t: lessons from history. The world has learnt that military interventions do not necessarily lead to sustainable peace, rather postpone it.

President Trump says "we have, really, a regime change," in Iran reasoning that "the leaders are all very different than the ones we started with”. I think those two things are fundamentally different. The regime is defined not by its leaders but by its ideology. From that perspective, people with the same values and ideology are still leading Iran.

I am tired of micro aggressions against women. Recently, I booked a stay at @TajFalaknuma for my husband and I. The booking was under the name of “Samriddhi Vij”, which is an obvious female Indian name. Once we got there, all our bags were tagged as “Mr.” Samriddhi Vij and even the staff referred to my husband as Mr. Samriddhi Vij. They probably assumed the booking was paid for by a man as women are considered incapable of being in charge. Even though my name is typically female, they used the wrong pronouns. I am sure that if the booking was under my husband’s name “Yatharth Awtaney”, the bags would not be tagged as “Ms.” Yatharth Awtaney. So this was not an innocent error but one that could only be made against women. These are micro aggressions against women but also harm men. Men have to face the constant burden to provide for and take care of the family, while all responsibilities should be shared equally. @TajHotels please do take note of this and hope your guests can expect equality in the future. This isn’t about one hotel, but how everyday assumptions impact the experiences of women.

U.S.-Israel strikes Iranian oil depot. Massive fire in Tehran. Trump did warn of major attacks saying, “Big one is coming soon”. US-Israel attacking oil infrastructure in Iran after Iran closed Strait of Hormuz and attacked Saudi’s Aramco oil refinery. Oil is increasingly being weaponized in this war.

Despite popular opinion, I love Gen Z. While I am a millennial, all my Instagram teammates are Gen Z. Most of them managing this as their side hustle while studying. They don’t follow rules but logic. They don’t glorify long hours but get the work done. They are not scared to agree or disagree with me. Gen Z keeps it real!

Nepalis have voted in the first elections since the Gen Z protests toppled the previous government. Results expected in the coming weeks.

US Senate Republicans block legislation to limit Trump's powers in Iran war. Is Trump’s use of force truly unstoppable now?

Iran might allow ONLY Chinese ships to pass the Strait of Hormuz reportedly.

Coordinated strikes by the #US and #Israel have hit #Iran. #Tehran has responded across the region. With #diplomatic channels frayed, #military actions are now driving the narrative. #Gulf states are caught between strategic partnerships and regional stability pressures. @orfmiddleeast experts explain what this means for the region. @SinGulfura, @SamriddhiVij, @mahdijasimg Read the full analysis: orfme.org/expert-speak/u…

Pakistan had entered into a NATO like mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia last year. According to this, attack on one country is attack on both countries. Pakistan has now indicated that Iranian assault on Saudi Arabia could draw them into the war. Could the Iran war widen? Does Pakistan have appetite for another war after Afghanistan?

US military has also launched a military operation in Ecuador to combat drug trafficking.

As European countries calibrate helping the US with their strikes on Iran as a defensive measure, Iran has warned Europe. Iranians have said any defensive action would be seen as an “act of war” that might drag European cities into the conflict.

A drone attack has caused a fire near the US consulate in Dubai. This comes a day after the US embassy in Riyadh was hit by an Iranian strike.

Iran is targeting U.S. bases and embassies in the Middle East for one important reason: geography. Iranian missiles have a range of 2000 km. They are suitable for regional reach, not transcontinental war. Unable to strike the American homeland, Tehran is targeting regional U.S. assets.

Iran has closed Strait of Hormuz and is trying to hike oil prices. Iranian officials say, “the price of oil is above $80 and will soon reach $200”.

Iran says, “We will hit all economic centres in the region.”

President Trump says the United States might cut all trade with Spain after Spain refuses the US to use their bases in the Iran conflict. Says Spain has been “terrible”.

Loud bangs just heard in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. Indicates fresh wave of Iranian strikes.