Key Updates

Editor situation analysis: The situation with Iran today appears to be a stalemate. Limited airstrikes do not achieve strategic results, and diplomatic negotiations do not eliminate ongoing political contradictions and differences between the two countries interlocked into mutual capitulation . Under these conditions, the only way to radically change the balance of power may be to expand the conflict into a larger war with that being said including scenarios involving ground operations that will be costly to the United States. What is happening is not new for Iran, Tehran has been preparing for such a development for years by strengthening its military capabilities, intelligence gathering and strike capabilities. It is capable of delivering painful blows and accurate retaliatory strikes across the greater Gulf . Should diplomacy fail to end properly, the conflict is likely to move to a new, bigger and extensive stage. America dragged Russia in Ukraine to burn Russian capabilities, Moscow and Beijing are returning the favor by dragging the US further in Iran’s mud.

Trump has temporarily backed off plans to sharply intensify the US military operation against Iran after advisors warned of serious risks, the New York Times reports, citing administration sources. A key factor: rapidly depleting stockpiles of Patriot interceptor missiles and other air defense systems in the Middle East. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine privately warned that resuming large-scale strikes on Iran would dangerously deplete interceptor stocks needed to protect US bases in the region. The White House is also wary of further escalation, deteriorating relations with Gulf allies, rising energy prices and broader economic fallout.

US and Iran attacks are weakening, but supporters of both sides are exchanging strikes, reports The New York Times. Houthis and Saudi Arabia-led forces in Yemen declared an exchange of strikes, while Ukraine reported a strike on a ship carrying Russian military cargo to Iran. On Saturday, combat operations between the United States and Iran quieted down for the first time in two weeks. However, tensions in the region remain after Ukraine attacked an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea, and militia in Yemen claimed an attack on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Neither the United States nor Iran acknowledged any direct strikes or retaliatory strikes, marking a rare lull after two weeks of clashes that effectively violated the ceasefire agreement signed in June.

Iran’s 🇮🇷 Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ukraine 🇺🇦 chargé d’affaires in Tehran following Kyiv’s attack on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea. Earlier, Ukraine attacked an Iranian cargo ship, after which the Iranian side strongly condemned the attack and stated that it reserves the right to retaliate. In addition, Aragchi spoke with Kallas. Recall that previously, the United States asked Ukraine not to attack tankers that are not Russian, and said nothing about Russian ships.

Iran’s 🇮🇷 Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ukraine 🇺🇦 chargé d’affaires in Tehran following Kyiv’s attack on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea. Earlier, Ukraine attacked an Iranian cargo ship, after which the Iranian side strongly condemned the attack and stated that it reserves the right to retaliate. In addition, Aragchi spoke with Kallas. Recall that previously, the United States asked Ukraine not to attack tankers that are not Russian, and said nothing about Russian ships.

The spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran: Any country, whether it is Britain, countries in the Persian Gulf region, or any other country, that supports the United States in a war will be a legitimate target for us. Recently, American B-1 bombers have used airfields in Britain. If this trend continues, that country will be our ultimate and legitimate target. We have a specific plan for every issue and scenario.

Quds Force commander Qaani: We expect the Saudi government to benefit from the experience of the United States costly behavior, and to end its blockade of Yemen.

Stabbing operation reported at Qalandia checkpoint outside of Jerusalem.

“ Islamic Republic of Iran , Mohammad Baqir Zolqadr, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran: Every column of smoke seen in the region means the targeting of a US military, security, or financial centers. “

Iranian Foreign Minister: Iran is the one that determines the necessary arrangements to return traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels.

Iraqi security forces have been deployed in Baghdad from which rockets and drones were previously launched. According to sources , Iraqi special forces are facing off against pro-Iranian militias.

Intense airstrikes overnight reported in Yazd, Iran.

Air defences over northern and eastern Tehran have been activated overnight.

Austrian Airlines and ITA Airways have canceled their morning flights to Israel amid fears of escalating tensions with Iran.

Germany is considering the creation of its own military spaceport to ensure that the Bundeswehr is not dependent on waiting lists for commercial satellite launches. According to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the main problem for European military space activities is no longer the production of satellites, but the lack of rockets and launch sites. The project is still in its early stages, but Germany is already discussing expanding its launch network with Canada and Norway. Heavy payloads are still planned to use the Ariane 6, but its capabilities are not sufficient for rapid and mass deployment of satellites. Therefore, the Bundeswehr is also relying on smaller rockets, including the Spectrum rocket from Isar Aerospace. These micro-launches should form the basis of a new concept that provides for the rapid deployment of new satellites into orbit in the event of the loss or damage of the existing satellite constellation. Expanding the infrastructure is becoming particularly urgent, as global launch capacity is already almost fully booked until 2029, according to Isar Aerospace.

Crude oil exports from Iran to China have plummeted, falling to roughly a quarter of the levels seen in March, according to data from Kepler. Chinese refineries imported an average of 454,000 barrels of Iranian crude oil per day in July, down from approximately 1.716 million barrels per day in March. A senior Kepler analyst stated that Iran has been forced to offer deeper discounts and rely on intermediaries to sell crude oil to smaller, independent Chinese refineries. Discounts on Iranian light crude oil are reportedly up from around $3 per barrel to approximately $5 per barrel. Separately, the National Iranian Oil Trading Company (NIOTC) has increased the discounts offered on several grades of crude oil to $11 per barrel for sales next month, reflecting growing difficulties in selling its oil.

France embassy has withdrawn its staff from Tehran.

IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) announced that Britain is a legitimate target after a U.S. B-1 bomber attacked Iran. Following the official resumption of military operations, invading U.S. forces used cruise missiles launched from their warships in the Indian Ocean. However, after the missiles on these ships were depleted, yesterday they resorted to using B-1 bombers taking off from the RAF Fairford base in the United Kingdom. According to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, any base used to launch attacks on Iranian territory is considered a legitimate target for us. the statement read.

Two Chinese oil tankers, carrying Saudi Arabian oil, passed through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait after coordinating with Yemen.

The President of Iran Pezeshkian, welcomed his Iraqi colleagues in Tehran.

Iran Warns Bulgaria About Hosting U.S. Military Aircraft – Bulgaria will be considered complicit. In response to statements by the Bulgarian Prime Minister regarding the consideration of a U.S. request to deploy military aircraft in the country for actions against Iran, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement. Baghaei emphasized that the Bulgarian government is well aware of the illegality of U.S. attacks against Iran and the blatant violation of the United Nations Charter. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any involvement in the preparation and execution of these attacks would be considered complicity in the commission of an act of aggression and war crimes.

IRGC Aerospace Force Commander, General Majid Mousavi: If our bridges and power plants are targeted, power outages across the countries hosting US forces will be inevitable.

Lavrov and Rubio held a meeting in Manila. The day before, the Russian minister announced that he would ask the U.S. Secretary of State about what specific position Washington currently holds on the Ukrainian issue. The meeting between Lavrov and Rubio was initiated by the American side, a diplomatic source told TASS.

U.S. airstrikes targeted 🔥🔥🔥 the border crossing of Shalamcheh between Iran and Iraq.

“ Iraqi security forces have foiled a sabotage attempt targeting the Badra Oil Field, where Russia’s Gazprom Neft holds a 30% stake.”

Explosions reported in southern Iran, near Sirik, Bushehr and Ahwaz .

Statement by the Yemeni Armed Forces regarding the implementation of a significant military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers, one named “Encelia” and the other “Layla”, for violating a ban issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces. The operation was carried out using a number of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.

President Donald Trump has agreed to a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich its own uranium. The 30-year agreement, which was announced today, may pave the way for the kingdom to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian programme. It would allow US companies to build an enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia if a joint study approves the programme. The deal further binds the US with the kingdom, and would establish the second Middle East country to openly enrich uranium after Iran. Trump is set to submit to congress a document known as a 123 agreement, a non-proliferation tool required for all peaceful nuclear co-operation between nations, including technology transfers. That document was signed by Chris Wright, the US energy secretary, who discussed the agreement with Abdulaziz bin Salman, his Saudi counterpart, during a visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025. The Saudi minister is also set to approve the deal.

Syria: The Governor of Al-Hasakah, Nuriddin Ahmed and a delegation from the Syrian Presidential Administration were attacked by a group of pro-Turkish militants during their visit to Serakaniye.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): We attacked American bases in Jordan as part of the 25th wave of Operation “Promised Victory 2.” The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that in the 25th wave of Operation “Promised Victory 2,” missiles and drones were launched at American bases, “King Faisal” and “Prince Hassan” in Jordan, in response to recent American strikes on Iran. According to the statement, the following were targeted:

— A hangar for preparing F-15 aircraft.
— A hangar where MQ-9 drones were stored (according to Iranian claims, eight drones were destroyed and two were damaged).
— A helicopter hangar, where two heavy helicopters were damaged.

Furthermore, it is claimed that as a result of the attack on a residential complex for American forces, soldiers were killed and wounded. The statement also contains a threat: if American attacks continue, Iran will conduct “an operation that will lead to a national day of mourning in the United States.

“ Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf: The equation of this war is clear: either for everyone, or for no one. If we cannot export oil in this region, then no one will be able to. If our security is not ensured, then no infrastructure will be safe.
The security of the Strait of Hormuz is only possible in the absence of American forces.
We have repeatedly stated that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war state.”

Yemen’s Houthis : We forced approximately 10 ships to turn back and warn that our naval operations will continue. Any further aggression against Yemen will be met with major operations deep inside Saudi Arabia.

Two tankers were hit by missiles off the coast of al-Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, in the Red Sea.

Three oil tankers heading to China and India reversed course and returned from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday.

IDF: On Wednesday, IDF forces operating in the security zone in southern Lebanon discovered a unit of the Lebanese army, including engineering equipment, that crossed into the security zone by approximately 150 meters and overcame minor obstacles in the area of Zuta al-Sharqiya, which is in violation of agreements between the parties. IDF forces in the area fired warning shots into the air, posing no danger to the Lebanese soldiers, in order to deter them. The unit withdrew from the area, and there were no casualties. The area into which the Lebanese army penetrated is not part of the pilot zone. The IDF demands that the Lebanese army continue to operate in accordance with the agreements reached and in the agreed-upon areas. Any deviation without prior coordination may pose a threat to IDF forces.

The US Air Force is preparing to buy around 28,000 guided missiles and other long‑range munitions over the next five years under its FAMM programme, a plan expected to cost more than $12bn. Washington is pushing defence firms to speed up development and mass production, aiming to field cheaper weapons that still offer the range and accuracy needed for large‑scale operations.

U.S. Department of State Issues Global Security Alert for U.S. Citizens. The U.S. Department of State has issued a global security alert, urging American citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution due to rising tensions in the Middle East and to closely monitor security developments.

Intel sources: Iran is preparing for a ground attack on Kuwait and has transferred the necessary logistics. The 66th Brigade of the Iranian Army has been transferred from Dezful to Abadan, and the Saberin special forces are also present there. This operation is aiming at taking place on Bubiyan Island, where American ATCAM missiles are stationed.

Iranian military forces are amassing near the border with Kuwait, and it is likely that the Iranian armed forces will launch a security operation towards Kuwait in the coming hours.

UKMTO reports a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile 17NM east of Dibba, UAE.

It is reported that Iran has rejected a Qatari proposal for a 10-day ceasefire, reportedly backed by the United States A high-ranking Iranian analyst and advisor, close to the Iranian negotiating team, Mohammad Marandi, strongly rejected the proposal.

“ Their IRGC announced a surprise attack on a US base in Syria : Statement from the Revolutionary Guard regarding the surprise attack on the U.S. military’s special operations command center in the southern Syrian region of Tanf. The attack on the Tanf base resulted in targeting American forces and the destruction of a radar system and several helicopters. “

IRGC announce 3 Heavy waves of strikes against American targets in Bahrain and Kuwait. ( Announcement No. 33. )

Oil prices are rising again.

Iranian FM Spox Baghaei said Tehran does not recognise an air embargo on Yemen, arguing that interpreting UN Security Council resolutions to justify one is incorrect and describing sanctions against nations as unjust. We do not believe there is an air embargo against Yemen, and in fact we think such an interpretation of the Security Council resolutions is incorrect.

The Islamic Movement Hamas announced the appointment of Khalil al-Hayya as the head of the political bureau of the movement and as a successor to Yahya al-Sinwar.

Suicide drones launched from Iran, explosions reported in Bahrain.

Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new interceptor for ballistic missiles, the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), for the Patriot system, ts development is aimed at reducing the overall cost of air defense: it is expected that the price of one missile will be less than half the cost of the PAC-3 MSE, which currently reaches approximately $4 million. Therefore, the new munition could cost less than $2 million. Serial production is planned to begin within the next three years, involving companies from the United States and Europe. The new interceptor is intended to fill an intermediate niche, designed to counter less complex ballistic missiles, which will allow the more expensive PAC-3 MSE to be reserved for intercepting the most dangerous ballistic targets.

Isabella Gonzales, 19, has been identified as one of the US soldiers killed in an Iranian strike on Jordan three days ago.

The US is deploying additional F-16 and F-35 fighter jets from European bases, along with aerial refueling tankers, to the Middle East as Trump weighs options in the escalating conflict with Iran, CNN reports. Trump has received a Situation Room briefing on options to intensify the war, including a potential seizure of Kharg Island or strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain. A diplomatic resolution has not been ruled out — Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the door to negotiations remains open.

IRGC Navy announced that four US-backed vessels violated maritime regulations and attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz through an unsafe route after disabling their navigation systems and ignoring warnings. Two of the vessels suffered Iranian attacks and were forced to halt, while the other two abandoned their attempt and turned back.

The US is primarily targeting communication towers along Iran’s southern coastline. Strikes on communication towers are the kind of action that would typically precede or enable a ground invasion. Weakening Iran’s defensive posture in the south and disrupting its command-and-control infrastructure appear to be the primary US objectives at this stage.

The 🇺🇸 US Embassy in Jordan 🇯🇴 reports a credible threat at Aqaba, prompting the evacuation of both the airport and seaport and advising American citizens to avoid the area.

The U.S. Central Command has reported the completion of another large-scale round of strikes against Iran. The strikes targeted mountain hideouts, as well as blocked entrances and exits to underground complexes.

U.S. military officials stated that they have completed a series of attacks on Iran, targeting coastal surveillance facilities and air defense systems of the Iranian military, naval facilities, as well as missile and drone storage sites with the aim of continuing to weaken the military capabilities of the Iranian regime. According to Iranian sources, the U.S. strikes targeted the following locations:

— Sirri Island
— Bender-Abbas
— Lengeh Port
— Hajji-Abad
— Kashm Island
— Shadegan

The New York Times is already reporting insider information that the Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan caused significantly more damage than the officially acknowledged two military deaths. The report notes that the attacks demonstrated that Iran still possesses a considerable missile capability and has learned to circumvent U.S. air defense systems and perhaps someone helped them with advice, someone who has been fighting against such air defense. The article lists the following: at one base, a missile hit a barracks, resulting in 5 casualties; at a second base, where UH-60 helicopters operate in the region, a significant number of Black Hawks were damaged; and at a third base, 20 casualties were reported after a missile strike. There was also damage to the infrastructure of the bases. The Pentagon declined to comment.

France and Germany have agreed to explore the creation of a European alternative to Palantir’s military platforms, in order to reduce dependence on American software. The aim is to create a fully sovereign digital infrastructure for storing and processing data, protected by cloud services, artificial intelligence, and troop management systems. France proposes Arcadia, its own platform for managing combat operations, as a foundation. This platform integrates intelligence data, helps analyze the situation, and supports decision-making. Currently, the American system Maven from Palantir largely addresses similar tasks within NATO, and representatives of the Alliance have previously acknowledged that they do not have a full European equivalent. In parallel, both countries want to create a single standard for data exchange between fighter jets, drones, and other combat platforms, even if they were developed by different countries.

U.S.-based HKN Energy has announced it is suspending all operations in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region due to the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran. HKN Energy is one of the largest foreign operators in the Kurdistan Region’s oil sector, with major investments in the Sarsang oil field in Duhok Province. The company has been producing tens of thousands of barrels of oil per day and plays a significant role in the region’s energy exports and economy.

US 🇺🇸 travel advisory for Lebanon 🇱🇧 : Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. We remind Americans in the region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments. Americans traveling in or through the region should also check with their air carriers to make sure their flights are still scheduled. Americans should not travel to Lebanon and reconsider travel to/through the Middle East.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC, reported that a U.S. strike targeted the Bonji desalination plant near Jask in Hormozgan Province, destroying its seawater pumping station and power transformer. The agency said the attack disrupted drinking water supplies to 20 villages with a combined population of around 10,000.

Iran attacked a Kuwaiti power plant and a water desalination facility, causing a fire. Kuwait relies on desalination plants for approximately 90% of its drinking water, making these facilities critically important.

Iran-US war escalates: The US struck several bridges on the highway linking Kerman to Hormozgan.

Iran for the first time in 4 months, struck a US base, the PSAB, in Saudi Arabia.

Iran is heavily bombing US bases in Jordan, with Iranian missiles evading Patriot PAC-3 anti-AD systems with ease.

Heavy missiles attacks against targets inside Bahrain & Kuwait too

Iran struck a US-linked ship in the Indian Ocean, with anti-ship cruise missiles

2 ships were struck by Iranian naval mines after taking an illegal route in the Strait of Hormoz

Iranian missiles striking US Muwaffaq al Salti AB in Jordan.

The Wall Street Journal: SpaceX and the Pentagon are discussing a multi-billion dollar contract for AI computing power. Elon Musk’s company could become a key provider of cloud computing for the US military, further intertwining business and defense interests. According to the WSJ, SpaceX is in negotiations with the Pentagon to provide access to its IT resources for launching military artificial intelligence models. According to the publication’s sources, “the parties are discussing an agreement under which SpaceX would provide the Department of Defense with computing power worth up to several billion dollars. However, negotiations are ongoing and could be terminated. As the WSJ notes, the Department of Defense, “like many large corporations, is seeking to secure cloud computing resources to support agencies such as the National Security Agency, as well as military personnel using AI in their daily work. Giants are already active in this field: Amazon, the leading provider of computing power for the Pentagon, is spending $50 billion to expand capacity for government agencies,” while Microsoft, Google, and Oracle are also major suppliers.
At the same time, “Pentagon officials stated they want to reduce dependence on individual technology companies as AI is integrated into the armed forces. The department recently approved a list of firms, including SpaceX, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle, to use their AI models in a classified environment. However, “the conflict with Anthropic earlier this year raised concerns within the department about reliance on a single supplier. The WSJ also reports: The Pentagon is requesting $30 billion for a new initiative called the ‘AI Arsenal,’ which focuses on acquiring high-end AI chips. The program is outlined in a document related to budget requests for 2027, which are currently being discussed in Congress. An agreement with the Pentagon would be another deal between SpaceX and the defense department, which already relies on the company for rocket launches and satellite management, the publication notes. Some national security officials have expressed concern that the Pentagon is too dependent on Musk’s services, and his large financial contributions to President Trump’s 2024 election campaign have sparked accusations of a conflict of interest.

Reports of ATACMS tactical ballistic missile launches by the U.S. Army from Kuwait targeting Iran.

The IRGC 🇮🇷 has been striking US military bases across Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan for several hours in a sustained wave that shows no sign of slowing hitting 🇺🇸 American positions from Juffair and Sheikh Isa to Ali Al Salem, Arifjan, and the air bases of Jordan, with Tehran vowing the operation will continue and expand for as long as US strikes on Iran go on.

Several bridges destroyed in Iran last night by US airstrikes have been revealed along with essential Iranian railway lines that the United States also targeted last night. A traffic jam near one of the destroyed bridges leading to the port city of Bandar Abbas was reported according to local sources .

Foreign Affairs: Europe is moving closer to a full-scale trade conflict with China, as Chinese exports are increasingly displacing European manufacturers not only in low-tech sectors, but also in automotive, mechanical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and green energy.

Key points:

— Since 2015, imports from China to the EU have increased by 89%, the trade deficit has quadrupled, and Europe’s share in global industrial production has decreased from 30% to 17%.

— The new shock from China could be significantly more difficult for Europe than the previous blow to US industry. Chinese companies rely on a huge domestic market, massive state subsidies, and an undervalued yuan, which allows them to sell products cheaper than their European competitors.

— Beijing maintains control over critical links in global supply chains and is capable of restricting exports of raw materials, components, and industrial equipment in response to European trade measures.

— Instead of a single common tariff, which would be difficult to agree on within the EU, Brussels may use a set of parallel tools. These include tariffs on rapidly growing imports, investigations into state subsidies, restrictions on government procurement, safety checks on Chinese products, and a gradual reduction in dependence on supplies from China.

— At the same time, the EU needs to build a coalition with Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, and other countries that are also facing a surge of cheap Chinese products. Coordinated restrictions will increase pressure on Beijing and prevent Chinese companies from simply redirecting exports to other markets.

— The main risk is that China will try to divide the EU, directing retaliatory measures against individual countries and the most vulnerable industries. Therefore, Europe will need pre-prepared compensation mechanisms and its own tools of pressure, including restrictions on the supply of equipment for the production of semiconductors and aviation components.

— Maintaining a completely open market under these conditions is no longer a neutral policy. It could lead to a gradual loss of the industrial base, without which Europe will not be able to maintain economic independence, support defense production, and implement its own rearmament plans.

Axios: The US is preparing to deploy additional dozens of tanker aircraft to Israel amid an expansion of its operations in Iran. Currently, around 30 such aircraft are stationed at Ben Gurion Airport and approximately the same number at Ramon Airbase. Following the escalation, their numbers may return to the levels seen at the beginning of the previous campaign. This concentration is necessary to support long-range flights of bombers and tactical aircraft, which require refueling when striking targets deep within Iran. At the same time, U.S. aircraft have again left the Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar. It is likely that the tankers and other aircraft are being dispersed to airfields in Israel and Saudi Arabia, effectively returning the force configuration to the period before the ceasefire.

Iraq 🇮🇶: Powerful explosions 🔥🔥 were heard in the city of Pirmaam, located in the Erbil province. Pirmaam is the location of the main headquarters of the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP).

US airstrikes reported in Yazd, a central region of Iran. Five explosions in the mountainous region of al-Qadir near Yazd was reported according to local sources , in central Iran. It is believed that this area houses an Iranian underground base for ballistic missiles.

Dana Gas, a company based in the UAE, announced the suspension of all operations at the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan citing real security threats and a deteriorating situation in the region.

US Vice President Vance accuses Israel of funding a campaign to derail US-Iran nuclear negotiations. You have seen this very discreet, extremely well-funded campaign to try to derail the negotiation and try to derail the deal, Vance said on the Joe Rogan podcast.

The Houthis of Yemen are preparing to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to the Red Sea.

Ballistic and drone launches from Iran; strikes and explosions reported in Bahrain and Kuwait.

The National Interest: The Russian Navy has entered the top three strongest navies in the world. An American publication released a ranking of the five strongest naval forces in the world, compiled using the real cost methodology taking into account modernization, logistics, and combat capabilities. The Russian Navy took an honorable third place in it, yielding only to the USA and China, but confidently surpassing Indonesia and South Korea. Analysts note that Russia retains one of the most powerful navies, primarily due to the need to ensure defense on three oceans and in four separate maritime basins. Yielding only to the USA and China, Russia retains some of the most powerful naval forces in the world, partly due to the necessity of maintaining combat capabilities across all four theaters, writes the article’s author, Harrison Cass. According to the publication, the Russian Navy consists of 283 warships with a total displacement of more than 1.4 million tons. The personnel strength is estimated at approximately 200,000 people. It is particularly emphasized that the main strength of the Russian fleet is its submarines, including 12 strategic ballistic missile submarines of the Dolphin and Borei projects, as well as 49 multi-purpose nuclear and diesel-electric submarines. In submarine warfare, Russia has something to boast about. Characteristically, this has been the case since Soviet times: Moscow long ago assessed the prospect that Soviet submarines, if necessary, could break through European defenses and inflict damage on the USA and their NATO allies, notes the author. At the same time, it is acknowledged that the Russian surface fleet faces certain difficulties. The only aircraft carrier cruiser, Admiral Kuznetsov was decommissioned in 2017, and its return to service remains in question due to the financial costs of the war. However, according to experts, this does not reduce the overall combat readiness of the Navy, as the main emphasis is placed on submarine forces and missile systems. The ranking also notes that the US Navy remains the undisputed leader in terms of aggregate power (11 aircraft carriers, 232 ships, displacement of more than 8 million tons), but their forces are dispersed around the world, creating vulnerability. The Chinese fleet (405 ships) is betting on quantity and rapid production expansion, although it lags behind the USA in total tonnage.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Lin Jian: The United States must immediately end the blockade of Cuba. China has repeatedly clearly stated its position on this issue. The more than 60-year-old comprehensive blockade and illegal sanctions imposed by the United States have caused deep suffering to the Cuban people.

— Recently, the United States has once again intensified its blockade and sanction measures, dealing a serious blow to the basic living conditions of the Cuban people and arousing concern from the international community.

— The United States should heed the call of the international community for justice, immediately end the blockade, coercion, and pressure against Cuba, and stop violating the Cuban people’s right to survival and development.

— China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and resisting external interference. China is ready to stand with the rest of the world to uphold international justice and fairness.

Russia is receiving signals from the US that they are ready to continue mediation efforts on Ukraine Dmitry Peskov stated.

Other statements from the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation:

— The intention of Latvia to ban the Russian language in the media is condemned by the Kremlin.

— Peskov called Lithuania’s concerns about “plans for attacks” by the Russian Federation on the infrastructure of the Baltics a portion of scare stories.

— The Baltics are scaring the population with a “Russian threat” in order to pull more NATO infrastructure into the region.

— The Russian Federation did not send any messages to Zelensky via Vučić.

Explosions reported in Bahrain.

Explosions reported in Bushehr.

“ Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps statement : In the fourth wave of Operation Nasr, we targeted and completely destroyed a warehouse belonging to the Kuwait and Gulf Link Holding Company (KGL) in Mina Abdullah, Kuwait. KGL is the main U.S. Army support center in West Asia. The retaliatory operations of the warriors of Islam shall continue, and the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to the United States until the end of the aggression. “

Maritime traffic control center in Chabahar was targeted 🔥🔥by US airstrikes for the second time.

U.S. airstrikes 🔥🔥 reported in Shiraz, Iran.

The US has reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports as strikes enter a fourth consecutive night, pushing oil prices higher. Brent crude rose 0.3% to $85/barrel; WTI gained 0.5% to nearly $80/barrel in early Wednesday trading.. President Trump abandoned plans to impose a 20% toll on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial vessel transits through the strait have dropped sharply — 17 on Tuesday, versus a pre-war average of around 100 per day, per Kpler. Deutsche Bank analysts note Brent remains well below its earlier peak of above $100/barrel, suggesting markets are looking through the latest oil price spike.

Russia – Ukraine conflict : The attacks on Russian tankers have shifted from the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, 17 oil tankers, two gas tankers, and a tugboat were damaged there.

IRGC Intel assessment: One point, during this period, the accuracy of ballistic missiles fired at Jordan and the same attacks on Israel have increased The reason is very simple, it does not require special analysis, in the absence of mid-course correction systems, the most important factor in accuracy, precise positioning before firing the projectile, it is clear that when there is an air threat over the launchers, this work is not done correctly and many resources are diverted to increase speed, now there is no serious threat over the launchers and the positioning and deployment of the launchers is done with greater accuracy, as a result, the final accuracy of the missiles also increases.

The Iranian army launched drone strikes against US military communication systems, fuel tanks, the Patriot air defense system, the control tower, and an ammunition depot in Kuwait, according to Iranian reports, It is noted that the strikes were carried out “in response to repeated attacks by the US.” It is also reported that the Iranian navy launched cruise missile strikes against a US ship in response to missile attacks on several military facilities.

The US has launched a third consecutive series of night strikes on Iranian territory by order of Trump. This was reported by the US Central Command. These strikes will continue to inflict heavy losses on Iranian forces and reduce their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz stated the CENTCOM message.

Reports of a naval clash in the Strait of Hormuz between the US Navy and the IRGC Navy, 20 km from the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports indicate that US airstrikes are conducted in southern Iran’s coasts, including :

— Bandar Abbas
— Bandar Kangan
— Sirik
— Kish Island
— Jam
— Jask
— Kenarek

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that during the fifth wave of retaliatory strikes, Iranian forces attacked US military infrastructure in the Juffair area (Bahrain), and also destroyed air space radar reconnaissance and maritime surveillance facilities on the territory of Oman. In addition, the IRGC stated that US forces struck a pumping station in the city of Mahshahr, which supplies water for the irrigation of agricultural land. The only way to open the Strait of Hormuz for shipping is to respect the sovereignty of states over their territorial waters and to stop the interference of US armed forces in the affairs of the strait, the IRGC statement says.The statement also emphasizes that further US interference could lead to even more serious consequences for the global oil and gas market.

The IRGC claims it struck Ali Al-Salem Air Base and Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, alleging that the attacks destroyed fuel storage tanks, a Patriot air defense system, and an FPS radar system.

Oil prices surge over 4% as Strait of Hormuz shipments remain under threat, with the U.S. and ‌Iran announcing renewed military strikes.

The IRGC announced the shooting down of a US Army Lucas -type drone over the Bandar Abbas area.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps communique : In continuation of our response, we targeted the U.S. military’s drone command and control center in Bahrain, a key helicopter maintenance facility, and the P-8 electronic warfare aircraft hangar at Sheikh Issa Air Base.

Bahraini Ministry of Interior: Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain for the third time today. Iranian ballistic strikes ongoing.

Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Oman were bombed overnight. Oman announces its readiness to continue talks with Iran until reaching an acceptable agreement to the Hormuz predicament caught between a rock and a hard place.

Explosions reported in Qeshm, Bandar Abbas, and elsewhere in southern Iran.

Statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz and a 24-hour ultimatum to Donald Trump: As stated in our previous statement, any foreign interference and illegal determination of the routes of ships in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with our decisive response and will lead to the disruption of maritime traffic in this strait. A few hours ago, despite these warnings, several ships, incited by foreign parties, attempted to pass through unauthorized routes and did not heed the warnings and orders to change course. As a result, one of these ships, which endangered maritime security systems by disabling its own systems, was fired upon with warning shots and stopped.
From this moment on, and in light of the security conditions created by illegal foreign interference, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice, and as long as the United States continues its interference in this region, no ship will be allowed to pass through this strait. Furthermore, if the aggressor-enemy, who was the cause of this incident, launches a new attack, our response will be decisive, and we will strike at new enemy bases in the region. Countries that allow American and Israeli forces to use their territory for these actions bear responsibility for the consequences of these interventions.

The US has completed the third wave of strikes on Iran this week, hitting approximately 140 targets, the US Central Command reported. In total, more than 300 targets have been hit.

Heavy explosions heard across Kuwait .

Explosions reported in Qatar and UAE.

U.S. Air Force conducted exercises involving two B-2 Spirit strategic bombers at the Pearl Harbor-Hickam base in Hawaii, where crews practiced what is known as “hot refueling. This procedure involves refueling the aircraft after landing without completely shutting down the engines, in order to get it back in the air more quickly and reduce the time spent on the ground. This is particularly important for the B-2, as it is a stealth bomber with a long range, and it must maintain the ability to strike even when major airbases and supply routes are at risk. The purpose of these exercises is not only the refueling itself, but also the transition to a more distributed model of operations in the Pacific. The United States is trying to demonstrate that the B-2 does not necessarily have to rely solely on the Whiteman base in Missouri and can be serviced at more forward or intermediate locations, including Hawaii, with subsequent deployments to Guam, Australia, and other locations.

U.S. Central Command reported that they have launched a third round of strikes against Iran after Iranian forces attacked the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cypriot-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. One crew member is missing, and the ship is unable to continue its journey due to a fire onboard and significant damage to the engine room. Central Command stated that Iran had an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for previous attacks on ships.

Powerful explosion reported at the Parchin military complex, located east of Tehran.

“ The new energy bottleneck is not crude, it’s refining. For decades, energy security meant securing crude oil , strategic reserves, safe shipping lanes, stable production. But that paradigm has shifted. The real bottleneck now is the world’s refining capacity. Crude is abundant and relatively cheap, yet gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel remain expensive. The gap between crude prices and refined products the “crack spread” has surged to record levels, exposing a structural vulnerability that governments have largely ignored.

The numbers tell the story:

• The benchmark US 3-2-1 crack spread — a proxy for refinery profitability — hit a record $64.58 per barrel on July 8
• European diesel refining margins climbed above $60 a barrel
• European gasoline traded at a premium of about $41 a barrel to crude — its highest since summer 2022

Why is this happening?

— At least 9 major refineries in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia were damaged and shut down during the Iran war.

— The UAE’s massive Ruwais complex (837,000 bpd) was hit, prompting a total shutdown.

— The region’s 11.7 million barrels per day of refining capacity now faces an uncertain restart timeline.

— Global refining has little spare capacity. The IEA expects global refinery runs to decline by an average of 1 million bpd in 2026, pushing margins higher.

— Fuel inventories are at multi‑year lows. US gasoline stocks were at their lowest for early July since 2021. OECD product inventories remain below historical averages, leaving the market with no buffer against further disruptions.

While the Gulf remains constrained, the rest of the world is scrambling to catch up. Governments have focused on crude oil, but the real vulnerability is downstream. The energy crisis has moved from the wellhead to the refinery gate, and the world is only now beginning to notice. “

Despite the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and mutual strikes, at least ten U.S. F-22 aircraft have departed from Israel. They have flown to the British airbase in Fairford, from where they will likely return to the US. It is more likely that this is a rotation, and other aircrafts will replace them .

Axios journalist Barak Ravid reports that the United States has issued an ultimatum to Iran. The U.S. has demanded that Iran, by July 11th, publicly state that they will cease attacks on ships, and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open, threatening that otherwise, “it will be a difficult day for them. The U.S. has ruled out a deal with Iran without the export of enriched uranium, according to Reuters. Trump has instructed Vance and Rubio to continue negotiations with Iran, according to CBS, citing a U.S. official.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei: Iran will not allow inspections of facilities damaged by the U.S. and Israeli attacks, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 has effectively lost its legal validity.

Germany has reached an agreement with the United States to purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles and deploy them on its territory. Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced this, explaining that the decision was coordinated with the American side and is intended to address a significant gap in Germany’s strike capabilities. According to previous reports, Germany was considering purchasing up to 400 Tomahawk Block Vb missiles worth over a billion euros, although the exact details of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions in response to Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The sanctions target a key Iranian financier, Ali Ansari, as well as three major Iranian exchange companies Darbani, Lavasani, Khandan. These companies are used to process billions of dollars annually for sanctioned Iranian banks, using shell companies in Hong Kong and the UAE as a cover.

The United States has given Iran 24 hours to publicly commit to ceasing attacks on ships and ensuring passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington warned that failure to meet this demand would have serious consequences, adding that contingency plans have been developed in case diplomacy fails.

The United States intends to eliminate Russia’s presence in what was formerly Syria. Washington is intensifying its demands for a reduction in Russia’s military presence in what was formerly Syria, following the change in power in Damascus. To date, Russia has lost its status as a key external player, focusing on maintaining its bases in Hmeimim and Tartus. At the same time, the new Syrian authorities are expanding cooperation with various partners, which further limits and diminishes Russia’s influence in the country.

US Airstrikes 🔥🔥🔥 on Bandar Abbass, Iran.

Explosions reportedly heard in Ahwaz, southwestern Iran, explosions reported as well in Bushehr, Southern Iran.

Iran has exported 60 million barrels of crude oil since the US Navy blockade paused in mid-June 2026, TankerTrackers reports.Should the blockade resume amid escalating tensions, Iran would be left holding roughly 50 million barrels of crude oil and refined products.

The United States has reportedly struck oil refineries in the city of Asaluyeh, located in southern Iran. Reports within Iran indicate numerous explosions in the city of Kerman, located in the southeastern part of the country. Explosions have also been reported in the city of Shadegan, located in the southwestern part of Iran.

The US airstrikes on the Ak-Tappe-Khan bridge, located on the Inche-Borun-Turkmenistan railway line west of the Iranian city of Akkala, was significant because it is a vital transportation hub in the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) – one of Iran’s most important land transport corridors, which connects the country to Central Asia, Russia, and, increasingly, China.

The Pentagon has ordered the production of a batch of missiles worth $1.1 billion. The company Raytheon has signed a contract with the Pentagon for the production of tactical missiles AIM‑9X. The total amount of the deal reached $1.1 billion – this was announced by the Pentagon. In accordance with the terms of the contract, 1653 AIM‑9X‑4 Block II missiles will be produced and delivered for the needs of the US Army, as well as 336 AIM‑9X‑5 Block II+ missiles for foreign buyers. The delivery package will also include various components, spare parts, and training ammunition.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces completed an additional round of strikes against Iran, July 8, to further degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and innocent civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. forces struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets including air defense systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, naval capabilities, and military logistics infrastructure along Iran’s coastline. The latest strikes follow successful execution of offensive strikes in Iran the night before.

CENTCOM forces hit approximately 80 Iranian military targets July 7, including more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps small boats, to impose heavy costs for Iran violating the ceasefire by attacking three commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief.

US Central Command.

The US have completed anotherwave of strikes against Iran. US forces carried out strikes on approximately 90 military targets in Iran, including air defense systems, missile and drone storage facilities, the US Central Command reported. Trump, however, stated that Iran has gone a bit out of control, but they want to make a deal.

Qatar and Bahrain targeted by Iranian strikes.

Large explosions reported in Kuwait, with reports stating Iranian airstrikes have targeted US military bases there.

US Navy 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain targeted by Iiraniann strikes.

Sirens reported at Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in eastern Jordan.

The White House is preparing for a multi-week exchange of fire with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, a US official told Axios.

“ Israel expected to join very soon against Iranian-backed forces in the region. “

Several US airstrikes targeted railway bridges disabling them, Iran’s 🇮🇷 IRGC claimed that the 🇺🇸 airstrikes came from the Caspian Sea area. ( near te Russian border ) .

Iran’s speaker Ghalibaf from Iran: America still hasn’t learned that intimidation and breaking promises no longer come without consequences. Let me be clear: if you strike, you will be met with a response. Don’t fight in vain, otherwise you’ll sink even deeper: the Strait of Hormuz will only open under Iranian conditions, not under the threat from the US.

“ US Vice president J.D. Vance on Iran: If they try to close the Strait of Hormuz, there will be a response from the American armed forces. It’s simple. That’s the deal. They can either follow this, or exactly the same thing will happen to them as happened last night.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday on a visit to Syria that Paris will return more than 50 million euros ($57 million) stolen by the family of former ruler Bashar al-Assad to the country. During his landmark visit to Damascus, the first of a European Union head of state since Assad fell in late 2024, the two countries signed several agreements focusing on development and reconstruction after more than a decade of civil war.

Hamas dissolves its de facto Gaza government in a move toward transferring authority to a US-backed technocrat committee, Reuters reports. Hamas announced the dissolution of its Government Emergency Committee, which has overseen Gaza’s ministries for over a decade, as part of the Trump-backed post-conflict governance plan. Despite the dissolution, Hamas confirmed ministries and their staff will remain operational, and the group will retain control of security and policing in areas it still controls.

President Erdogan of Türkiye stated that his country is negotiating with partners on the possibility of Ankara’s return to the F-35 program. He said this upon his return from The Hague, where a NATO summit took place. We did not give up on the F-35. We are discussing our intentions regarding returning to the project with our interlocutors. The F-35 program is a political process to the same extent as a technical one. Turkey was unfairly excluded from the program. We have always criticized this step, which is incompatible with the spirit of alliance.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived on a visit to the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, from where his African tour will begin, the Russian Foreign Ministry reports. It is expected that on July 7, Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Gideon Timotheos, as well as with other representatives of the republic’s leadership. One of the key topics of discussion will be the issue of building a high-capacity nuclear power plant in Ethiopia.

Netanyahu, Trump agree to meet in US in ‘near future’

The US warned Poland about the possibility of a Russian military provocation in the coming months.Possible scenarios include drone attacks on power stations or other critical infrastructure, simulating such strikes to trigger the activation of air defense systems, and a hybrid attack on Polish territory.

In the event of such an attack, the Russians will simulate a navigation system failure, “forcing” them to cross the border, or a rescue operation to evacuate a helicopter. The Russians assume that the operation will lead to Poland being forced to negotiate the withdrawal of Russian soldiers from its territory, and then it will be required to stop supporting Ukraine. It is noted that similar provocations are also possible against the Baltic states. A final decision on conducting such operations has not yet been made in Moscow.

Iran is negotiating the sale of oil to Japan as part of a temporary exemption from US sanctions Tehran has begun initial talks with Japanese firms about resuming crude oil exports as part of a temporary 60-day exemption from US sanctions, although buyers are demanding extended legal guarantees.

“ Yemeni Armed Forces warn Saudi Arabia against violating Yemen’s airspace or targeting the country.

1. Any repeat violation or aggression will be met with a comprehensive response targeting Saudi airports and vital interests on land and sea.
2. The Saudi-American siege on Yemen will not be accepted, and all legitimate steps will be taken to end it.
3. The Yemeni people are called to continue general mobilization and combat readiness.
4. The Yemeni Armed Forces say they are ready for any options ordered by their leadership, with their “hands on the trigger” to lift the siege and expel occupiers.

It also demanded an end to the siege on Sana’a International Airport, praised Iran’s role in breaking the siege, and said flights between Sana’a and Tehran will continue regardless of the consequences.“

At night, the Russians launched a large-scale combined attack on Kyiv

Iran’s Dr. Ghalibaf rejects claims of IAEA nuclear inspections in Iran. He responded directly to the false claims about International Atomic Energy Agency inspector access following U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. We ourselves passed a law in parliament, the Supreme National Security Council passed it too; we made it law that under no circumstances do we allow access to sites that have been bombarded and damaged.

Medvedev will attend the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei. Dmitry Medvedev will attend the funeral ceremony of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, announced the Iranian ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali. The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, former President and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, as a special representative of President Vladimir Putin, will attend the farewell ceremony for the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran he stated. Jalali noted that a delegation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, a group of Russian Sunni muftis, and a number of Shia scholars of the country will also attend the ceremony. The farewell ceremony for Ali Khamenei will take place from July 4 to 6 in Tehran. Representatives from more than 90 countries will attend the funeral, reported the Tasnim news agency.

In the Arabian Sea, an MS-60S helicopter of the US Navy, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George W. Bush, crashed into the water. Three out of four crew members were rescued. The accident did not occur due to enemy fire. The 5th Fleet to conduct an investigation.

The Pentagon has allocated $500 million to combat drones
The Pentagon has signed a contract for $500 million to purchase systems to counter drones, according to the department’s press service. The company AeroVironment from Simi Valley, California, received a fixed-price contract of $500 million for the supply of commercial means to combat unmanned aerial vehicles and systems to counter small drones. the US military department said in a statement. AeroVironment is a major contractor of the American defense industry. The company specializes in creating UAVs and systems to counter drones.

Peru’s electoral commission has officially declared right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori the winner of the tightly contested presidential runoff against leftist Roberto Sánchez Cerón, making her Peru’s first female president.

Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, whose regime in the 1990s forged deep military-industrial ties with Israel that continue to shape Peru’s foreign policy today. During Alberto Fujimori’s presidency, his intelligence chief Vladimiro Montesinos utilized Israeli arms dealers including Israeli Air Force pilot Moshe Rothschild, to secure dozens of fighter jets for Peru’s military. Following the regime’s collapse in 2000, Peru sought Rothschild’s extradition from Israel, but the relationship endured. More recently, Peru’s Ministry of Defense finalized a major contract with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems (initially valued at $60 million USD) to upgrade the country’s military capabilities, cementing a strategic partnership in Latin America. Former President Alejandro Toledo, who followed Alberto Fujimori, also maintained close ties to Israel. His wife, Eliane Karp, holds Israeli citizenship. Toledo even fled to Israel in 2017 amid corruption and bribery charges. Keiko Fujimori’s victory is part of a rightward shift across Latin America. Chile, Colombia, and Peru have all elected conservative leaders in recent months. This conservative turn is largely seen as favorable to strengthening diplomatic and security channels with Jerusalem.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two of Trump’s closest advisers, will fly to Doha this week for talks with Iranian officials, White House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirms, NYT reports.

“ If Iran attacks Israel with ballistic missiles in response to actions in Lebanon, the IDF will respond and is preparing to operate independently , Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated. “

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hosted the commander of the US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, at the presidential palace in the presence of other American military and official figures. At the meeting, preparations for the implementation of the framework agreement reached as a result of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Washington were discussed. Lebanon President Aoun confirmed the Lebanese state’s determination to extend its authority through its armed forces to the southern border, that is, by ousting the forces of Hezbollah from there in cooperation with the Israeli army.

Israeli incursions and provocations in southern Syria should cease.

A group of young men armed with personal weapons, from the city of Hawran in the Daraa province, headed to the village of Abidin in southern Syria to confront the IDF. After these movements, Israeli Apache helicopters began firing from machine guns at the village of Abidin in the western part of the Syrian Daraa province, this incident triggered anger in Damascus.

ISIS terrorists attacked military checkpoints belonging to the Syrian Army in Deir ez-Zor, NE Syria, reports of casualties.

The B-21 program is slightly ahead of schedule: The first B-21 Raider bomber will land ahead of the original schedule at Ellsworth Air Force Base. But this will still happen in 2027, and the first aircraft to arrive there is already carrying out test tasks. This was announced by Air Force Secretary Troy Mains in an interview with Air & Space Forces magazine.

“At some point, we will turn the test aircraft into combat ones. They will go there and start doing everything necessary to prepare the base for the arrival of serial aircraft,”
he said.

The first B-21 is considered a “typical serial model”, as its stealth coating, onboard systems, and other components are practically identical to the final model. The US Air Force decided from the outset that the first test B-21 would be a serial model, not an experimental aircraft.

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem called the agreement between Lebanon and Israel illegal, rejecting disarmament and calling it a red line.

“ Israel is reorganizing its security zone in southern Lebanon and is expected to withdraw from two positions – Zutr al-Gharbiya and Frun – in the Nabatiya region.”

Strikes reported on Qeshm Island – Iran.

A drone attack targeted the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain 🇧🇭.

US helicopters flying over the Green Zone in Baghdad

Netanyahu stated that Israel is not a party to the US-Iran agreement, and in general, Israel has its own interests.

In Beirut, Hezbollah supporters are blocking roads and protesting against Lebanon’s agreement with Israel.

The United States have once again carried out a series of strikes on Iran.

Iran’s IRGC has launched a retaliatory strike against key US infrastructure facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, according to Tasnim. The IRGC has stated that American bases in the Middle East will face “real hell” in the coming days.

Iran’s Army (Khatam al-Anbiya) Central Headquarters: We consider the movements and presence of Israeli military aircrafts in the skies of some neighboring countries towards Iran as a dangerous act and a threat against the Islamic Republic of Iran: We declare that if the United States is unable to restrain and control of Israel , the Islamic Republic of Iran will not tolerate any threats against itself and considers responding to these dangerous actions as its right.

According to the data, Iran has exported 40 million barrels of crude oil since June 15th. According to TankerTrackers, a maritime intelligence company, Iran has exported 40 million barrels of crude oil since June 15, with half of this volume being shipped in a single day.

The US military may relocatemilitary basesfrom Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, reported the WSJ, citing sources. The relocation of bases is being considered to reduce potential damage from Iran in the event of new hostilities in the Middle East. Israel is being considered as one of the alternatives.

The US Senate approved a resolution limiting military actions against Iran without Congressional authorization. It was previously supported by the House of Representatives, and the document is now being sent to the President for signature.

President Trump suggested that he would attend the NATO summit in Ankara with new decisions about American military supplies to Turkey, including F-35s. He noted that he would hardly have attended the NATO summit if it hadn’t been for President Erdogan.

IRGC Navy: Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible via routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran: A few hours ago, without informing or coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced a new route for ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is unacceptable and completely dangerous. It is hereby informed to all that the only authorized route for passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and navigation outside these routes is very dangerous and prohibited. We warn to strictly avoid any passage outside the notified routes. Coordination with the IRGC Navy for passage through the Strait of Hormuz via Channel 16 is mandatory, and violator vessels will be dealt with.

The US is preparing a new attempt to relaunch large-scale nuclear power generation through preferential state loans of $17.5 billion for projects with Westinghouse AP1000 reactors. According to The Wall Street Journal, this money is intended to help energy companies pre-order key equipment for 10 reactors, even before all permitting procedures and final investment decisions have been completed.

Israel and Lebanon are discussing a proposal supported by the US, under which Israeli troops will transfer parts of southern Lebanon, captured during the war, to the Lebanese army. According to the proposal, Lebanese troops will be trained and vetted by the US to ensure no ties with Hezbollah, while Israel will maintain its forces in the border buffer zone. The plan is being discussed during negotiations in Washington this week.

Netanyahu stated that Israel was the initiator of the war with Iran. When I came to President Trump, I told him that we are going to Iran because I am not going to wait for enemies who attack us enemies who proclaim the Galilee doctrine to want to destroy us, and you as well, by the way. I told him, but us first, I will not allow this to happen, and therefore we are acting. I did not ask for permission, I simply informed him of our plan. To my delight, he also joined closer to the end of a very important operation.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake has been recorded in Venezuela—buildings in Caracas were damaged,.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred in the northeast of Japan, a tsunami threat has been declared, seismologists report.

When Iran and the United States signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 17–18, much of the commentary treated the Strait of Hormuz clause as a turning point in who controls the world’s most important oil corridor. Iranian officials and pro-Iran regime analysts implied that the strait will be controlled and run by Iran.
Read against the actual text and the law of the sea, the situation seems different. The MoU calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Article 5 of the MoU is dedicated to the situation involving the strait. The wording frames Iran as being in control of the strait and will make its best effort to open it upon signing the MoU.
According to the published text, “Upon the signing of this MOU … traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start.” The MoU says that the passage will be free for 60 days and that Iran will complete the demining process within 30 days. This implies that following this period, charges might be applied. Naturally, this raises critical questions: who would impose these charges, for what specific services, and under which legal framework?
The article gives a hint by suggesting that the charges would be imposed by Iran to ensure the safe passage of ships and to meet the technical needs to do so. From this reading, one would understand that Iran would control the Strait of Hormuz, impose tolls, and formalize and normalize this practice under international law. However, the second part of the article is clear and does not support the given thesis that Iran will control the strait and impose tolls.
The second part of the article reads, “The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct a dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Nothing in that sequence transfers ownership of the strait to Iran, because no state has absolute ownership over an international strait in the first place. The paragraph also clearly indicates that the fate of the strait will depend on a dialogue among Iran, Oman, and the Arab Gulf states. If this is the case, it is unquestionable that the Arab Gulf states will oppose any Iranian attempts to control the Strait or impose tolls. One possible outcome is the establishment of an institution to provide services to passing ships under international law, accompanied by symbolic tolls, and Oman would likely waive its right to collect such fees. This is the best-case scenario for Iran, as I do not see any other alternative in which the GCC states would agree to Iran’s control of Hormuz.
What law of sea dictates
In plain terms, the document buys 60 free days, makes Iran clean up its own mines, and hands the real negotiation to a later table that must obey the law of the sea. The free passage is not a concession Iran is generously granting; it is simply the legal baseline restored after a wartime closure. That baseline is the whole story, because the law it points to is far more constraining than the MoU’s open-ended language suggests.
The strait is roughly 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest, with its waters divided between Iran in the north and Oman in the south. Since it joins the Gulf to the open sea at both ends, it is an international strait, and the governing rule is “transit passage” under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This is a stronger right than the ordinary innocent passage that applies in territorial waters, and that strength decides everything.
Articles 26, 38, and 44 mean a bordering state cannot suspend, block, or impede passage, or charge for the passage itself. Article 26 in particular forbids levying any charge on foreign ships merely for passing through. A coastal state may organize traffic lanes, but only through the International Maritime Organization under Article 41, and it may write safety, pollution, and customs rules under Article 42, provided those rules neither discriminate nor have the practical effect of obstructing passage.
This is where the commonly cited reading of the deal is both right and incomplete. It is correct that fees are possible, but only as genuine payment for a specific service actually rendered, and such services are largely optional rather than a condition of entry. It is also correct, in spirit, that a service charge cannot quietly swell into a profit toll, even if the convention sets no specific financial ceiling.

https://www.turkiyetoday.com/opinion/behind-rhetoric-why-islamabad-mou-doesnt-hand-hormuz-to-iran-3222492?s=2

Israeli-Lebanese negotiations will include military-political discussions, a State Department representative stated. The next round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the US and expected to begin on Tuesday, will include sessions on both political and military issues, as the US seeks to move forward in achieving a comprehensive agreement on peace and security.The latest round of negotiations takes place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, where ongoing violations by Hezbollah and Israel threaten to derail US-Iranian negotiations. Negotiations will begin with a joint military-political session, followed by a military session, and then a concluding political round, a State Department representative stated on Monday. According to the official, the US side is led by State Department advisor Dan Holler and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Daniel Zimmermann. Our common goal is to put an end to the cycle of violence forever, the official stated. We are giving Israel and Lebanon the opportunity to negotiate as two sovereign states and find a path to peace and security. Negotiations will continue with the aim of advancing a comprehensive agreement on peace and security between the two countries the official stated.

The US and Iran will guarantee the territorial integrity of Lebanon. The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Ghalibaf, stated that the parties agreed on this in Switzerland, according to Reuters.Also, according to the publication, Tehran agreed to establish a communication channel regarding the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and the US agreed to unblock Iranian assets worth $12 billion.

Statement by the Guardians of the Cedar group in Lebanon

By Chairman Etienne Sakr

Legitimizing Terrorism: The most dangerous aspect of the U.S.–Iran negotiations is that they have granted the mullahs’ regime—a state sponsor of terrorism—international legitimacy, while breathing new life into it just as it was faltering, thereby encouraging it to resume supporting its terrorist proxies, foremost among them Hezbollah.

The question remains: Has the United States forgotten its 241 victims in the Beirut Marine barracks bombing and the bombing of its embassies, the US should not forget nor forgive the series of terrorist attacks that targeted it.

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB):

— So far, the topic of discussion in the first round of negotiations has been Lebanon.

— The session lasted about 80 minutes and the Iranian side emphasized Israel’s withdrawal and a sustainable ceasefire.

— The nuclear issue was not raised and will not be raised in the final negotiations.

— The final negotiations will quickly move to uranium and then they will quickly sign so that Netanyahu cannot say anything.. If they talk about it now or its status becomes clear, it will be very bad for them and the continuation of negotiations.

IDF Lifts Wartime Restrictions Across Israel in First Since Iran War

The first round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland concluded after approximately 80 minutes, according to a source within Iran’s negotiating delegation cited by Fars News. The four-party meeting, which also included mediators from Qatar and Pakistan, was paused to allow the participating delegations to conduct internal consultations before the next round of discussions.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in response to Trump’s latest threats: Don’t they realize that if their threats had been effective, they would not have reached their current state of desperation? We do not take American threats seriously.They would be wise to watch their words. Our armed forces are prepared to respond in a different manner. They can say whatever they want; we are the ones who act.

“ The Iranian delegation in Switzerland has officially filed a protest to the American side in connection with Trump’s recent statements . “

Iran protests Trump’s threats as US talks pause in Switzerland. The first round of high-level US-Iran talks in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, focused on implementing Article 13 of the Islamabad Memorandum, with priority given to the Lebanon ceasefire.

— Following the talks, the Iranian delegation formally protested Donald Trump’s recent threats to the American side

— Tehran argues Trump’s remarks constitute a “blatant violation” of Clause 1 of the memorandum, which requires the parties to refrain from the use or threat of force

— Iran says negotiations cannot move forward unless Israel fully withdraws from Lebanon and the war ends on all fronts, warning that continued Israeli operations could trigger a much harsher response. Tehran also suspects Washington is using the talks to buy time for Israel

— Iranian officials say they are reviewing appropriate response options

— According to an IRIB correspondent in Switzerland, it remains unclear whether the quadrilateral talks will resume or be suspended altogether.

US-Iran negotiations could stop if Israel remains in Lebanon, Tasnim citing Iranian sources. The report says that MoU Article-based conditions must be fully met for talks to progress

Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, stated Israel will sooner or later go to war with Syria. According to him, Syria and Turkey pose a much greater threat to Israel than Iran. Chikli expressed serious concern about the growing rapprochement between Ankara and Damascus, calling this scenario much more alarming. Obviously Chikly cannot read the region equation in transparency.

The IDF has announced the deaths of Staff Sergeant Yoav Klein and Sergeant First Class Nir Ben Ari. In Klein’s incident, Lieutenant Colonel Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon and two additional IDF soldiers whose names have not been cleared also fell.

Intelligence assessments believe that Israel is unlikely to cease military operations in Lebanon, despite the recent ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which envisages the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon.

“ Trump announced the rules of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz: There will be ‘NO FEES’ in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period, and no FEES will be charged after this 60-day period expires except when imposed by the United States of America and for the United States of America for services rendered to Middle Eastern countries as the Guardian Angel, to reimburse past, present, and future expenses”.

Zero vision and understanding of the Levant neighborhood

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-will-be-war-syria-sooner-or-later-says-likud-minister

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and suspended negotiations with the US after Israel’s strikes on Lebanon. The IRGC ordered all ships via radio to stay away from the Strait of Hormuz.

France and South Korea are cooperating in the field of long-range missiles. Hanwha Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with Thales at #eurosatory on cooperation in the field of long-range ground-based high-precision strike systems. The agreement will allow the use of Chunmoo missiles with the X-Fire launcher from Thales. As part of the agreement, the companies will work on integrating Hanwha CGR-080 (80km), CTM-MR (160km) and CTM-290 (290km) missiles with Thales launch platforms.

WSJ: The US and Qatar are discussing the use of Iran’s $6 billion frozen assets. Tehran may gain access to the $6 billion stored in Qatar. It is assumed that at the request of the Central Bank of Iran, Doha will allow these funds to be used to pay for food, medicines, and other humanitarian goods. The publication points out that about $100 billion of Iranian funds are frozen worldwide, mainly oil revenues, which due to sanctions have remained in accounts in India, Iraq, Qatar, and China.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland, where the first round of negotiations with Iran on a possible nuclear deal is expected, Axios reports. US official reported that Trump envoy Jared Kushner is already in Switzerland. Negotiations were supposed to start on Friday, but were postponed due to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. It is currently unclear if a new time for the negotiations has been scheduled. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, one of the key mediators between the US and Iran, arrived in Switzerland earlier on Friday.

Author’s ✍️ note:
By Nagi N. Najjar

For Israel , this is a survival mode and not a territorial expansion mode, Jerusalem interference in southern Lebanon has a defensive purpose which is defending northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks and ground infiltration. Iran’s taking advantage of the declared ‘cease fire’ to rebuild Hezbollah and Hamas terror structures and capabilities as stated by Iran Quds Force chief Ismail Qaani few days ago. Despite the fact that I personally disagree with PM Netanyahu policies in the region, mainly in southern Syria, Israel must hold the line in southern Lebanon and neutralize the Hezbollah threat, its survival is at stake. The Israeli state should break its fears with the new Syria and translate the change of Assad regime as an opportunity for future peace and not see it as a regional liability. Both sides shares mutual interests and mutual enemies on the same Levant battlefield and geography, mutual transparent communication is key for defeating the same terror threat and draw the lines for the future peace at the horizon .

Iran will consider withdrawing from the Memorandum of Understanding with the United States If Israel does not implement an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

Heavy clashes reported at Ali Al-Taher heights of Nabatieh, southern Lebanon 🇱🇧 between Hezbollah and the IDF 🇮🇱. Hezbollah claims difficult events overnight and several security incidents being announced .

Iran’s Tasnim News: The Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as long as the Israeli aggression against Lebanon continues and the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty persists; initiating negotiations while the first clause continues to be breached is a mistake and a violation of the memorandum of understanding.

🇮🇷🇮🇱 Iran has suspended its delegation’s planned trip to Switzerland for the first round of U.S.-Iran negotiations following ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, according to Al-Mayadeen citing sources.

“ If you want to make the enemy pay the price of defeat in the Middle East take his territory.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Israel’s conflicts with its regional neighbors must end with the expansion of the Jewish state. I certainly believe that the war must end and, by the way, this is where I disagree with the Prime Minister I want it to end with a political statement expanding the borders of the State of Israel to secure boundaries. Because the Sykes-Picot* borders are not secure; they are just some line drawn with a pencil without regard for topography. And I want this in Gaza. I think this will clearly demonstrate to our enemy the price of his mistake and defeat — that is the only thing he understands. You know, every time the Chief of Staff comes and reports how many terrorists we eliminated in the evening, the enemy says: ‘Listen, great, but we don’t care.’ Because we measure it our way: for us, every person is a whole world, and we tremble at every fallen soldier, while for them, life has no value. They don’t care how many of their people you killed. Do not measure achievements that way. Achievement must first and foremost be practical: physical presence on the ground, ensuring security. No terrorists, no terror, no tunnels, no infrastructure, no villages where they can hide. Fine, let them not be near us. But if you want to make the enemy pay the price of defeat in the Middle East, take his territory.”

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says the agency is prepared to take “concrete steps” on Iran’s nuclear program, expressing confidence that all parties signed the agreement in good faith and want it to succeed. Grossi says the IAEA knows what sites and materials it will need to inspect, but is holding back details to avoid getting ahead of the process. We are at the gates of the decisive phase of the technical conversations,” he said.

Australia has made the protection of underwater infrastructure one of its main defense priorities, as almost all of its digital communication with the outside world depends on sea cables. Some 98% of the country’s internet traffic passes through 16 underwater communication lines, so their damage or sabotage could hit not only the civilian economy but also the military’s ability to conduct operations.

The head of Anthropic, Dario Amodei at the G7 meeting in France urged democratic countries not to fragment the market of advanced AI models into separate closed zones. According to him, excessive export restrictions and national barriers can slow down the development of technologies, complicate international cooperation and create new dividing lines between allies. The reason for the discussion was the recent US ban on the export of new Anthropic Mythos and Fable models due to national security concerns.

After this, in Europe and Silicon Valley, there was talk about the risk that even Washington’s partners could suddenly lose access to the most modern AI systems. At the same time, Amodei’s position was supported by Sam Altman from OpenAI and Demis Hassabis from Google DeepMind. They advocated for closer cooperation between allies, the development of common technical standards and joint risk assessment, especially in the areas of cybersecurity, biotechnology and the protection of critical data.

For Europe itself, the problem lies not only in regulation, but also in dependence on American infrastructure – from cloud platforms and computing power to AI models themselves. If access to key technologies can be restricted by a political decision, then not only business processes but also the work of government services, scientific centers and critical infrastructure facilities are at risk.

Southern Syria: The Israeli military installed observation towers, cameras, and monitoring equipment on the top of Tel Ahmar hill in the Syrian province of Quneitra.

Pentagon chief Hagseth announced that from today, a study of the structure of the American army based in Europe will begin: Today I announce a six-month review by the Department of Defense, during which the structure of the US armed forces and their basing in Europe will be studied. The duration of the review will be up to six months, possibly less. Apparently, an assessment of the need for a certain number of troops, as well as the deployment of certain types of weapons, will be carried out. Also, Hagseth once again raised the issue of NATO funding according to him, US contributions will depend on the involvement of other countries in this process: Our annual contributions to NATO will depend on whether other countries meet their defense spending targets. If other allies do not spend money with sufficient urgency, our contributions will be reduced. NATO will be an organization based on mutual obligations.

Netanyahu continues to spoil relations told Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by the agreement’s requirement for an immediate and permanent end to the war in Lebanon. Moreover, Bibi has intensified his criticism of the agreement through right-wing media figures and pro-Israeli senators to put pressure on Trump.

Israel should expect a tough response if it continues to launch strikes on southern Lebanon, stated the Supreme Operational Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces.

The US Senate rejected a resolution to end the war with Iran. In support of this document, 47 lawmakers in the upper house of Congress spoke out, while 48 opposed it.

At the G7 summit, it was agreed to increase arms supplies to Ukraine. This is stated in the joint statement of the participants.

— Supplies to Kyiv of air defense systems, additional systems and interceptors, as well as long-range assets, will be increased.

— The possibility of granting Ukraine license concessions to boost military production will be considered.

— It was agreed to increase sanctions pressure on the Russian oil and gas sector against the backdrop of an agreement between the US and Iran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

The agreement between the United States and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Friday at the Bürgenstock Resort hotel, located near Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.

Axios journalist Barak Ravid reports that he has received the key points of the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran:

• Iran, the US, and their allies will cease military actions, including in Lebanon
• Iran confirms its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons
• The US and Iran pledge to resolve the issue of disposing of enriched uranium stocks
• The US and Iran will discuss the issue of enrichment and Iran’s nuclear needs
• Iran will maintain the status quo of its nuclear program while negotiations continue
• The US will lift the naval blockade, not impose new sanctions, and not increase the number of forces in the region during negotiations.
• Iran will take necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for 60 days.
• The US pledges to make frozen Iranian assets available for use in implementing the memorandum of understanding
• If a final agreement is reached, the US will withdraw its forces within 30 days and lift all sanctions against Iran.
• Any final agreement will include a plan to establish a $300 billion fund for Iran’s reconstruction.
• The US will grant Iran temporary exemptions from sanctions for oil sales during negotiations
• Negotiations will be conducted between Iran and Oman, with the participation of Persian Gulf politicians, to determine “measures concerning shipping and maritime services.

Iran’s Quds Force Commander of the IRGC, Esmail Qaani:

— Hezbollah performed very well in the recent war.

— Hamas will be rebuilt.

Israel’s Hayom: Diplomatic officials confirmed the US secretly approved a financial deal between Qatar and Iran that would allow funds to be transferred to Tehran in exchange for guaranteeing the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing attacks on Qatari vessels. This agreement, which was authorized approximately one month ago, aimed to stabilize global energy markets and reduce oil prices, while also paving the way for broader understanding between the US and Iran. The deal would give Iran access to funds held in Qatar, including payments made as transit tolls for tankers, and provide a credit line of up to one billion dollars for purchasing goods .

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE: An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11:20 a.m. (PDT). Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable. Emergency response personnel are on scene, and officials are working to account for all personnel. The crash is currently under investigation.

According to the Financial Times, the Trump administration has expressed readiness to support the creation of a $300 billion investment fund for Iran. This will be part of a final agreement to end the war, provided that Tehran agrees to a comprehensive settlement that includes a nuclear deal, the publication notes. As a high-ranking US representative reported, Washington discussed lifting sanctions in conjunction with a “large fund of $300 billion for the country’s reconstruction.” Economic incentives will be tied to Iran’s fulfillment of a memorandum of understanding. The document is expected to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland. The fund will be established after a final settlement is reached. Preliminary stages will include: a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, the resumption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and the continuation of negotiations on the nuclear program. It is stated that funds will flow into the fund not from governments, but from private companies interested in the Iranian economy. Potential interest in investments is being shown by firms from Europe, Asian countries (including South Korea and Japan), and also from the US — following the actual lifting of sanctions. At this time, the structure and management mechanisms of the proposed fund have not been approved.

The UK will supply enriched uranium to ensure the operation of nuclear power plants in Ukraine for two years, the office of British Prime Minister Starmer reported. The UK will supply electricity to nuclear power plants in Ukraine for the next two years through the support of the UK Export Finance agency in the amount of 210 million pounds sterling. This will allow the British company Urenco to supply enriched uranium to the Ukrainian nuclear power producer Energoatom, it says in the message published on the official website of the office.

Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue the fight against Iran and its allies for as long as it takes. He reminded everyone of the IDF’s readiness to strike anywhere in the region, from Gaza and Lebanon to Syria and Yemen. The fight is not over. We will have to continue to stand guard, remain strong and determined, and defend ourselves for as long as it takes. This concerns not only Iran. It also concerns terrorist offshoots against which we have launched unprecedented strikes. We did this in Gaza, we did this in Lebanon, in Syria, in Yemen, we did this in refugee camps in Judea and Samaria, we did this everywhere.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says the IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely to protect borders and settlements, with PM Netanyahu leading the same policy.Areas will be kept “free of local residents” and terror infrastructure will be destroyed, including in border villages. Katz says Israel opposes IDF withdrawal from Lebanon — the position has been made clear to President Trump and senior US officials.If Iran attacks Israel following events in Lebanon, Israel will respond with full force, Katz stated.

Iran 🇮🇷 Deputy FM Gharibabadi confirms the final text of the memorandum of understanding has been agreed, formal signing of the Islamabad MOU takes place Friday in Switzerland.. The immediate and permanent end to the war and military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon will be declared effective tonight. The naval blockade will also be lifted.

There is no provision in the US-Iran agreement for unfreezing Iranian assets, 🇺🇸 JD Vance stated. According to the Vice President, the deal guarantees that Iran will not have nuclear weapons and opens the Strait of Hormuz. For Iran, it “extends a hand” and allows the country to return to the global economy if the Islamic Republic permits inspection of its nuclear program.

Yes, Gale, as you know, sometimes in such agreements there are diplomatic protocols, technical things that need to be worked out. But we plan to publish the full text this week. We want the American people to see it. But of course, we have already seen incorrect reports about what is actually in the agreement. We have also seen accurate reports about what it contains. I think the most important thing for the American people to understand is: this agreement does two things. On the one hand, it guarantees that Iran will never have nuclear weapons, and at the same time opens the Strait of Hormuz. You are already seeing that oil prices have dropped from a peak of $126 per barrel to about $80 per barrel today. This is significant progress.

But also, Gale, it essentially extends a hand to Iran and says: look, if you are ready to fulfill your obligations, if you are ready to allow real inspections of your nuclear program, then we will be happy to bring you back into the global economy. I think the President of the United States wants to turn the page on 47 years of hostile relations between the US and Iran. But for this to happen, the Iranians must truly fulfill their duty part of the deal.So when people say that billions of dollars in assets will be unfrozen, that is not true. The truth is that Iran will have a much better and much more prosperous future if it fulfills the obligations it undertakes in this agreement.

Protesters in the streets of Iran are demonstrating against the agreement with the US and are calling on Abbas Araghchi to postpone the negotiations.

“ Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that China is capable of destroying entire industries around the world, as China currently accounts for 30 percent of global production capacity: We have a very strong bilateral partnership with the US, which I respect, and it goes beyond defense and security. And yes, I also believe that when it comes to issues like engagement with China, especially considering that China currently accounts for 30 percent of global production capacity and is essentially capable of destroying entire industries around the world and, certainly, in Europe, this is a topic that we must take very, very seriously. We cannot simply destroy our industrial base just because we are always looking for the cheapest product, especially when it comes to unfair trade practices”.

Iranian sources: Details of Qatar’s Proposal to Unfreeze Iran’s Blocked Assets

$6 Billion Unfreezing, $6 Billion Credit Line

— During negotiations, Iran had proposed that half of these funds be released in the initial stages of negotiations and the other half upon final agreement, but this proposal was not accepted by the American side. Following the resulting deadlock, Qatar presented a plan under which $12 billion would be made available to Iran; including the unfreezing of $6 billion of Iran’s blocked assets in Qatar and another $6 billion in the form of a loan or credit line.

— According to the 2023 (1402) agreement between Iran and the US (during the term of the late President Raisi), $6 billion of Iran’s assets in Qatar must be used for humanitarian purposes. It was also agreed that the method of spending these funds would remain subject to the same framework as the previous agreement.

— The second part of this financial package includes a $6 billion credit line that remains with the Qatari side, and Iran will determine its place of consumption.

Iranian Foreign Minister Arakchi spoke about the content of the new deal with the US:

— The US will no longer interfere in Iran’s internal affairs;

— An announcement will be made about the end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon;

— The management of the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war state;

— Frozen Iranian assets will be unblocked;

The nuclear issue will be discussed later.

— At the same time, Arakchi, apparently, is really preparing the ground for the signing of a peace treaty. He is already promoting the topic of “a favorable time for peace.

— Washington faced stubborn and courageous resistance from our armed forces and people. The best time to end the war is when we have the advantage, we have really won on the battlefield.

According to sources Qatar has proposed a $12 billion package for Iran, consisting of the release of $6 billion in Iranian assets frozen in Qatar, along with an additional $6 billion provided through a loan or line of credit. The signing of a memorandum on resolving Iran’s conflict with the US will not take place on Sunday, but it is not ruled out that it will happen in the coming days, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry

Prices will remain high for a long time after the end of the conflict in Iran, writes Bloomberg, citing a representative of the European Central Bank, Joachim Nagel. In his opinion, prices will be influenced by the fees that Iran may charge for the passage of ships, as well as the fact that supply chains have already changed, and the passage through the Strait of Hormuz will still be associated with some concerns.

According to sources: An Iranian delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will enter Pakistan tomorrow. Abbas Araghchi will enter Pakistan tomorrow to oversee negotiations related to the agreement.

A source close to the Iranian negotiating team told Fars: The claims made by Trump and some foreign media that “the final agreement has been reached and is scheduled to be signed in Geneva on Sunday” are absolutely false.

Iranian media announce a new agreement with the US, including 14 points: The agreement implies the lifting of sanctions, the withdrawal of American troops from Iran’s border areas, and assistance with economic recovery. The new agreement consists of 14 points. In particular, the US will have to lift oil sanctions, unfreeze Iranian assets, end the naval blockade, and ensure the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, the project envisages the withdrawal of American troops from areas bordering Iran, as well as the development of a plan for the recovery of the Iranian economy. The final negotiations between the US and Iran will focus on Tehran’s nuclear program and economy.

Bloomberg reports that an agreement between the US and Iran could be signed as early as next week: A high-ranking Iranian official indicated last night that the deal will likely be concluded, a G7 representative said, wishing to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. Another agency source reported that the document will most likely be drafted as a memorandum of understanding rather than a final agreement. CBS, in turn, reports that the meeting at which one or another document may be signed is tentatively scheduled for June 15.

Politico: Trump was persuaded not to bomb Iran: After Donald Trump threatened to deliver a “very strong strike” against Iran, Middle Eastern elites panicked and rushed to dissuade the American leader. As Politico reports, the Emir of Qatar, the President of the UAE, and the head of Pakistan’s defense ministry urgently contacted Trump, assuring him that a deal was imminent. The threat of new bombing was temporarily lifted.

Shortly after President Donald Trump posted a message stating he would strike Iran ‘VERY HARD TONIGHT,’ leaders from the Persian Gulf and South Asia called the president in a last-ditch desperate attempt to change his mind,” Politico reports. According to the publication, the calls came from Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Pakistan’s Defense Minister Asim Munir. All assured that a preliminary agreement with Tehran was “almost reached.”

“These countries have influence over Tehran and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei,” Trump stated, “and their confidence that a deal is close caused him to abandon attack plans,” the publication reports. Trump immediately announced on Truth Social that a “great settlement” of the war in Iran could be signed as early as the coming weekend. However, the Iranian side immediately cooled the enthusiasm. Iran has not yet reached a final agreement. Iran will not compromise on its red lines, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghai.

In essence, the discussion currently concerns only a temporary agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade. All complex issues—the nuclear program, missiles, and support for proxies—have been postponed. Arab diplomats remain skeptical.

“I will believe it when I see it,” one Arab diplomat stated.

President Trump stated that they will launch strikes on Iran and seize its oil industry, just as they did with Venezuela, including Kharg Island. Tonight, the United States will deliver a very strong strike against Iran (its naval fleet, air force, radars, anti-aircraft artillery, and all other defense means, as well as most of its offensive capabilities, have already disappeared. At some point in the near future, we will seize Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure facilities and take full control of their oil and gas markets, just as we did with Venezuela, which is working brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America. — statement.

Pakistan announced that it will no longer play the role of mediator between Iran and the US .

President Donald Trump held a meeting in the White House Situation Room tonight to discuss possible additional strikes on Iran, reported Axios journalist Barak Ravid.

Axios sources report that one option Trump is considering is launching a large-scale but short-duration operation, with the aim of forcing Iran to change its position in negotiations. The source did not provide details.

Qatari mediators held talks with Iranian officials on Wednesday in Tehran, trying to restore some momentum to a deal that the US and Iran have been discussing for several weeks.
If there is no breakthrough, US strikes may follow.

Suleimaniah in Iraq was hit .

US Strikes 🇺🇸 were carried out on the islands of Kish and Hark 🇮🇷 .

IRGC: In Response to US strikes: The IRGC attacked a US military base in the Jordanian city of Al-Azrak, it is said in their statement. Iran’s Corps also stated that in response to US attacks, it struck forces of the US 5th Fleet in Bahrain, writes Press TV. The US claims that Iran launched 4 missiles and several UAVs at US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

Explosions in Bahrain and Kuwait reported.

Iranian television: An explosion has occurred in the northwest of the city of Ahvaz, in the southwest of the country.

Fox News reports from a senior US official: The situation remains active, and the US military is ready to respond if Iran decides to retaliate.

Second wave of attacks on Iran happening right now . Senior US official to Israel’s Channel 12. The official claimed that this phase will include targeting air defense systems and radar installations.

A 🇺🇸 Apache attack helicopter crashed in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman. This was confirmed by the Central Command, who reported that the crew was rescued. The cause of the crash is not stated. On June 8 at 19:33 Eastern Time, two crew members of an American AH-64 Apache helicopter were rescued by US military forces after their helicopter crashed off the coast of Oman while patrolling coastal waters. The service members were successfully evacuated within approximately two hours and are in stable condition according to statement.

The price of Brent crude has dropped below $90 per barrel for the first time since May 29.

Israeli Army Radio cites a source saying a Hezbollah armed individual successfully crossed into the Israeli side of the border and opened fire toward Israeli forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: Over the past 24 hours, Iran and Hezbollah have tried to impose a new equation on us, which is unacceptable and intolerable in my view. For them to fire from Lebanese territory at Israel and us not responding. Not on my watch. At the moment, the fire on the Iranian front has ceased, as after the terrorist regime in Tehran received a blow, it stopped attacking us. If it starts attacking us again – we will respond with full force. We continue to destroy Hezbollah, our fighters are defeating them. Iran and Hezbollah are weaker than ever, and we are stronger than ever, but the work is not finished. Netanyahu’s message to Trump: Israel has the full right to self defense and I say this to you just as I say with respect and deference to my friend, President Trump.

Israel Channel 12: Trump may abandon Israel: US President Donald Trump revealed details of a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu in an interview with an Israeli television channel. The US president urged Israel not to respond to the Iranian missile attack, warning that in the event of a full-scale war, the Jewish state could be left without Washington’s support. This once again demonstrates that even the closest allies of the US cannot count on unconditional assistance. I told Bibi that he should be very careful with what he does, because he may very soon find himself alone against Iran, Trump stated. According to the president, the conversation took place in raised tones. Trump asked Netanyahu not to respond to the strike, but the Israeli Prime Minister still made the decision to attack. Washington was informed only after the fact. They, the Israelis, let us know at a very late stage. They were already on their way to Iran. I managed to reduce the scale of the attack,” Trump recounted. The American president also noted that five mediating countries in the region asked him to influence Israel to stop the escalation. The next day, Iran stated that it would not attack Israel anymore and asked the US to pressure its ally. This morning, the Iranians contacted us and said they would no longer carry out attacks on Israel. They asked us to tell Israel to stop attacking. I called Bibi and forced him to stop, Trump declared.

CENTCOM reported that the Marivex tanker, flying the flag of Palau and heading to Iran, was fired upon by F/A-18 aircraft from the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln while in the Gulf of Oman, sustaining damage to its rudder and engines.

Russia and six other OPEC+ countries agreed to increase oil production in July: Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria and Oman will increase oil production in July by 188 thousand barrels per day.

Israeli media claim that the IDF will stop shelling Iran at Trump’s request, but will continue shelling Lebanon. Since Iran has repeatedly stated that as long as Lebanon is being shelled, they will respond, Israel will be forced to respond to shelling from Iran.

EU expanded sanctions against several Iranian officials for restricting ship movement in the Strait of Hormuz. The EU emphasizes that Iran’s actions violate international law and infringe upon established rights of transit and peaceful passage through international straits.

Yemen announced closing Bab al-Mandeb Strait: It declared a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, and we consider all enemy movements to be legitimate military targets for our Armed Forces from the moment this statement is issued.

CBS: The US military did not participate in the attacks on Iran, and Trump did not order any operation against Iranian missile attacks.

A military source to Tasnim: An appropriate volume of Iranian missiles are ready to be fired on Israel.

IRGC says it targeted Israel Ramat David Air Base with ballistic missiles in response to Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon & Beirut.

Iranian source: All US bases in the region will be considered legitimate targets for Tehran if Israel launches attacks…

Qatar has issued a NOTAM notification about changes to flight routes through its airspace and the provision of alternative routes for aircraft departing from Doha and airports in Saudi Arabia. The notification is in effect from June 7 to June 14.

IRGC Khatim Al-Anbiya Headquarters:: The response of Israel to Iran’s action will be met with even more crushing blows.

The Commander of the Khatim Al-Anbiya Headquarters: The zionist army must stop its attacks on southern Lebanon and the Dahiyeh. If it expands its attacks in that region or responds to Iran’s action, it will be met with even more crushing and regrettable blows, and devastating attacks will be launched against the regime and its supporters.

The invading zionist regime, by repeatedly violating the ceasefire, is increasing its wickedness against the oppressed people of Lebanon day by day, with the green light and support of criminal America and the silence of international bodies, and is committing war crimes by using prohibited weapons, including phosphorus bombs.

Despite previous warnings from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the child-killing zionist regime has crossed all red lines and, by increasing its attacks in southern Lebanon, has targeted the Dahiyeh of Beirut.

We had previously warned that if the crime in the Dahiyeh of Beirut were expanded, we would target targets in the occupied territories.

Iran closed the airspace in the western part of the country, bordering Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iraq issued a NOTAM closing its airspace following missiles launched from Iran towards Israel

Iran: Our armed forces will respond with force to any ceasefire violation, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson in an interview with CNN: Iranian armed forces will respond to any attack with full capacity. Iran demands the release of billions of dollars of its assets frozen in foreign banks and that the US halt sanctions and provide Iran with access to its financial resources.

Spokesperson of Iran’s 🇮🇷 National Security Commission: Israel 🇮🇱 must be punished, look at the sky of the occupied territories tonight.

Netanyahu: In the Gaza sector, we are tightening the ring around Hamas from all sides. We currently control more than 60% of the enclave’s territory, and soon we will bring this figure to 70%, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

We do not allow them to rearm or strike us. At the same time, we are eliminating their high-ranking commanders in Lebanon. In just the last week, our forces have destroyed 350 militants. They have occupied the Bofort Ridge and discovered extensive underground infrastructure there. We are completing the liquidation of terrorist villages on our border and are acting there very harshly. We see that Hezbollah is in flight. We will not allow shelling of our territory and our settlements and will act accordingly.

President Donald Trump called the situation with Iran a military operation and stated that the enemy has been decapitated to a significant extent: They have been decapitated to a significant extent, and I call this a military operation because people prefer to call it that. For us, this is not a big war, this is not the most powerful army in the world. I, honestly speaking, created it in the first four years of my term and am using it a little in the second four years. Their naval forces are destroyed, their air forces are destroyed, their air defense is destroyed. Perhaps they have slightly restored this over the last four weeks of the small ceasefire that we organized at the request of very good people, very, very worthy people from different countries. As you know, many people were involved in this, especially from Pakistan specifically, the field marshal and the prime minister. We are very close to concluding an agreement, and if we do not conclude it, we will still achieve our goal one way or another — in any case, we win.

Soit la guerre se terminera comme au Liban, soit en Iran, soit elle ne se terminera ni là ni là. Les destins de l’Iran et du Liban dans cette bataille sont liés, les fronts sont unis, du début à la fin. Le ministre Iranien des Affaires étrangères, Abbas Araqchi, a déclaré que tout accord avec les États-Unis implique la fin de toutes les hostilités au Liban. Notons que les bombardements du sud du Liban se sont poursuivis aujourd’hui.

Le Premier ministre libanais Nawaf Salam sur la guerre entre Israël et le Hezbollah : Cette guerre n’est pas notre guerre, et elle n’est pas menée pour nous. Le Sud n’est pas un front de réserve pour quiconque. L’Iran doit faire preuve de compassion envers notre Sud et cesser de le traiter lui et son peuple comme un pion pour améliorer ses conditions de négociation. Nous avons choisi la voie des négociations car c’est le chemin le plus court pour assurer le retrait d’Israël. Nous avons réussi à atteindre un accord de cessez-le-feu, mais nous avons été surpris que les Gardiens de la révolution soient les premiers à le rejeter. Insister sur le refus du cessez-le-feu signifie en fait la poursuite de la guerre au Liban.

L’armée israélienne indique que deux militans du Hezbollah qui ont ouvert le feu sur les troupes de l’unité de reconnaissance de la brigade Givati ce matin ont été tués. Au cours de l’échange de tirs vers 8 heures, un officier a été grièvement blessé et le commandant de l’unité, un lieutenant-colonel, a été légèrement blessé. Immédiatement après l’incident, les troupes de la Givati ont effectué des scans dans la zone, au cours desquels ils ont localisé et éliminé deux terroristes liés à l’incident selon l’armée israélienne.

Le représentant officiel de Somalilande a confirmé les informations sur le retour d’une délégation militaire dans le pays après avoir suivi une formation en Israël. Il est noté que cela témoigne d’une augmentation de la coopération de défense entre les pays seulement quelques mois après la reconnaissance officielle par Israël de cet État africain.

Les soldats des forces spéciales du pays ont participé à un programme de formation visant à améliorer les capacités de combat de la Somalilande. Dans une interview à Kan News, le représentant de lSomalilande a déclaré que la formation des soldats en Israël ne représente rien de spécial et que les parties coopèrent dans divers domaines.

Le fonctionnaire a ajouté que beaucoup se fait dans les coulisses, car les deux pays ont de nombreux ennemis communs. Ces informations sont apparues six mois après qu’Israël soit devenu le seul État membre de l’ONU à avoir officiellement reconnu la République de Somalilande, qui a proclamé son indépendance de la Somalie en 1991. Les officiels israéliens n’ont pas démenti ces informations, mais ont refusé de commenter.

Lebanon President Joseph Aoun sharply criticized the Iranian regime, accusing it of using the country as a bargaining chip and demanding that Tehran cease interference in Beirut’s internal affairs.

You are not trying to help us. The people of Lebanon are paying the price for your own interests. Our interests do not align with your interests», — said the Lebanese leader, addressing the Iranian ayatollahs.

Aoun also firmly rejected the IRGC’s demand to withdraw the Israeli Defense Forces from Lebanon as a condition for a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. In his address to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, Aoun stated: This is not your country, this is our country.

Lithuania is negotiating with the US on the possible deployment of American nuclear weapons on its territory, the country’s Defense Minister Robertas Kaukas said in an interview with Politico.

Discussions have intensified against the backdrop of Washington’s plans to reduce its military presence in Europe, which, as the publication writes, creates critical risks for NATO allies. At present, American nuclear warheads are already deployed at bases in Germany, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Although Lithuania’s constitution prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction on its territory, President Gitanas Nauseda has already voiced the idea of amending the fundamental law, citing current security threats, the author of the material recalls.

Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We categorically reject the use of our territory or airspace for any hostile action against any country. Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Iran’s claims are false, baseless, and devoid of any evidence.

Katai’b Imam Ali (Imam Ali Brigades) also announce their integration into the Iraqi Armed Forces.

“ The Iraqi Shia militia ‘Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haqq’ announces that it will fully integrate with the Iraqi Armed Forces. They are the second militia to do so, following Saraya Al-Salam led by Muqtada Al-Sadr.“

Explosions reported in Erbil (Iraq Kurdistan), Kuwait, and Bahrain amid reports of a US attack on Iran’s Qeshm Island. IRGC states US forces targeted an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz and a communications tower on Qeshm Island. In response, the IRGC says it struck the vessel “Panaya” in the Persian Gulf, as well as a regional US airbase, helicopters, and the US Fifth Fleet with missiles and drones, warning that any threat to the Strait of Hormuz will carry a heavy cost.

IRGC statement :The United States has not been able to wrest control of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran, not even for a few minutes.

▪️Our military and operational capabilities have witnessed a significant increase, and the opportunity was seized to strengthen them and raise the level of readiness. Therefore, our armed forces are in a better position today than they were previously.

▪️Iranian military capabilities have not declined; rather, the country’s strength has increased in various fields.

▪️24 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours in coordination with us.

The fourth meeting between Israeli and Lebanese representatives has begun in Washington

Another American missile, but a different one.

Northrop Grumman reported successful tests of its Jackal missile (“Jackal” in translation). During the tests of the “Jackal,” the propulsion system, autonomous navigation to designated points, maneuvering, and other aspects were checked.

The feature of this missile is that it is a tactical munition similar to medium-range kamikaze drones, not a cheap cruise missile, like the recently ordered FAMM. The “Jackal” has the following characteristics:

▪️Length 1.6 m, wingspan 1.25 m, diameter 152 mm.
▪️Weight 36.5 kg, of which the warhead is only 3 kg (dual-mode).
▪️Flight range up to 100 km for ground launch and 125 km from an air carrier.
▪️Speed over 640 km/h.

Integration of up to 8 missiles is proposed for helicopters, small vehicles, and maritime carriers. It is stated that AI algorithms will be used for guidance and flight in the absence of GPS. Flight is carried out at altitudes up to 50 meters, and onboard electronic warfare systems are also present.

Press Secretary of Iran’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): Despite preparations in all spheres, the military front will be maintained at the highest level of readiness, as we believe the most important arena upon which the enemy relies to achieve its goals is precisely the military arena. In the event that the enemy returns to the military arena, the nature of operations, the geography of the battle, and even the types of weapons used will be different, and the IRGC is fully prepared for all possible scenarios.

The readiness level of the armed forces today is higher than ever. This readiness, surpassing previous capabilities, is the result of experience gained on the battlefield and during direct confrontation with the enemy. Today, our understanding of the enemy, its offensive and defensive armaments, its tricks, and the nature of its actions is much clearer than in the past.

Lebanese Army : Two Lebanese Army soldiers were wounded with moderate injuries in an Israeli drone attack on the Haboush – Dir al-Zahrani road, Nabatieh district. In previous weeks, several Lebanese Army soldiers were killed in Israeli attacks.

Pakistan is becoming a key trade corridor for Iran: Pakistan is reported to have expanded access through its border with Iran, positioning itself as a major route for importing and transiting Iranian goods amid growing regional tensions.

According to Iranian sources, goods can reach the Iran-Pakistan border in just 2-3 hours via key land corridors.
A shorter route could reduce overall transportation costs by up to 55% compared to traditional sea freight through the UAE. Pakistan is reportedly offering significant incentives, including reduced container handling fees and port charges, to stimulate trade flows.
This move could reshape regional logistics and strengthen economic ties between Islamabad and Tehran.

The UK is purchasing several hundred more anti-aircraft missiles. The UK Ministry of Defence announced that they have signed several contracts with Thales for the supply of several hundred more light multi-purpose LMM Martlet missiles.

Contracts totaling 36 million pounds ($48 million) are aimed at producing missiles by the end of 2026. The missiles will be supplied to replenish stocks and support the air defense of British troops in the Middle East. According to statements, with the help of LMM in the conflict with Iran, more than 100 drones were shot down, including from Rapid Sentry systems.

Siren Alerts were activated in Hanita in the Western Galilee due to fears of Hezbollah UAV’s infiltration

Hezbollah agreed to the ceasefire proposed by Trump with Israel, reported in Lebanon.

Trump stated that at his request, Netanyahu “withdrew his troops,” who were preparing to attack Beirut, and “Hezbollah” agreed to stop shelling Israel.

“Today I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu, during which I asked him not to launch a large-scale raid on Beirut, Lebanon. He withdrew his troops. Thank you, Bibi! I also spoke with representatives of Hezbollah’s leaders, and they agreed to stop shelling Israel and its soldiers. In turn, Israel agreed to stop shelling their territory.

An explosion was reported in Bushehr, with local sources stating it was the launch of anti-ship cruise missiles targeting four vessels that attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz without prior coordination with Iranian authorities.

Iran could launch stronger attacks on Israel’s home front in future wars, IDF fears
According to the IDF, all indications are that Trump’s Iran deal will largely or completely ignore the ballistic missile issue. Iran to impose a new equation – If America can’t or won’t restrain Israel from attacking Lebanon, Iran will attack the UAE and other related gulf states .

US Vice President JD Vance on the ceasefire in the Middle East: Well, you know, these ceasefires are always a bit disorderly, and sometimes people at the lower level do not communicate with people at the upper level. Sometimes people make mistakes. But even when the truce is observed — as we have seen not only in Iran, but all over the world — sometimes there are small flare-ups. I think our approach is to ensure the observance of truces and to defend ourselves when they shoot at us. The President made it very clear: if they shoot at us, we shoot back. But if we compare the conflict now with what it was five to six weeks ago, I think the presidential truce is being observed to a significant extent”.

The US and Iran have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum on a ceasefire and the launch of negotiations on the nuclear program, but Trump has not yet finally approved it, Axios reports.

According to US officials, the memorandum provides for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz — without tariffs and detention of ships by Iranian forces. In addition, Tehran is obliged to clear the strait of mines within 30 days.

The US naval blockade will also be lifted, but this will happen proportionally to the restoration of commercial shipping, a US official said.

According to US representatives, the memorandum will include Iran’s commitment not to seek to create nuclear weapons. The document will also state that the first issues for negotiations during the 60-day period will be the disposal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and the resolution of the issue of Iranian uranium enrichment.

The US struck rocket launch pads and boats in southern Iran citing CENTCOM but this is not a resumption of war.

President Trump stated that Iran should either give its enriched uranium to the US, or destroy its reserves under the supervision of the Atomic Energy Commission.

NBC News: The war with Iran is depleting American arsenals. Tomahawk, Patriot, Precision Strike – all of these require tungsten. And the US has major problems with it. As NBC News reports, China controls more than 80% of global production, and the US has had no mines of its own since 2015. They are forced to search the planet.

“Tungsten is used in fighter jets, bunker-busting bombs, armor-piercing ammunition, and missile systems, making it indispensable for national defense. But the US has not had an active commercial tungsten mine since 2015,” NBC News reports.

Financial Times — Iran used UAE company to buy military satellite equipment

• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly used a UAE-based company called Telesun in United Arab Emirates to obtain Chinese satellite communication equipment tied to Iran’s drone and missile programs.
• The shipment reportedly moved from Shanghai through Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah before entering Iran.
• An Iranian vessel called Rama III allegedly spoofed/falsified GPS positioning data to conceal the route into Bandar Abbas.
• The equipment was reportedly linked to companies connected with the IRGC Aerospace Force despite existing US sanctions.

Political analyst Rida Sadr Al-Husseini: The agreement will not be with America 🇺🇸 only, but with two major countries like China 🇨🇳 and Russia 🇷🇺 as well as the Security Council in their capacity as guarantors of the agreement. If Israel violates the agreement, it will receive a strong response.

An agreement between the US and Iran will likely not be signed on Sunday, journalist Barak Ravid reported, citing a Trump administration official.

The MoU between Iran and America may be cancelled’ – Iran Tasnim Agency

Three months after the war, which according to US and Israeli plans was supposed to end in a decisive victory within six weeks, Trump is stuck in the Iranian swamp, unable to find a way out that saves face or expands the scale of strikes.

Despite US military strikes, Iran has not collapsed; its continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, remains its main lever of pressure.

Analysts say that the president, boasting of victories, now faces a challenge that could undermine America’s global authority more than any conflict in recent decades.

CBS reports citing its sources, that the US is preparing to resume military strikes on Iran, but a final decision has not yet been made.Currently, only Azam Manir, the commander of the Pakistani army, remains in Tehran. He met at night with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an attempt to advance an agreement between Iran and the US. The other mediators have left Tehran.

Soldiers of the IDF 🇮🇱 810th Mountain Brigade identified and destroyed an underground Hezbollah stronghold extending 100 meters into one of the hills in southern Lebanon 🇱🇧. These Hezbollah strongholds are scattered across the numerous hills of southern Lebanon, used less for holding territory and more as transit bases. The 810th Mountain Brigade, consisting of three battalions and two special units, was established in early 2024 specifically for operations in mountainous and hilly terrain.

President Trump announces that a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran has largely been negotiated, is being finalized, and will be announced shortly.

The US and Iran will announce a peace agreement project within 24 hours – The Washington Times.

According to a source close to the negotiations, the project was agreed upon early Saturday morning. It is expected that Washington and Tehran will announce the completion of work on it on Sunday afternoon.

The main negotiators, including the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Ghalibaf, Vice President Vance, and special envoys Whitcoff and Kushner, approved the project.
The document has been sent to the leaders of both countries for final approval.

However, the details of the potential agreement remain unclear. It is unclear how key disagreements, including the fate of the Iranian nuclear program and Iran’s request for the lifting of sanctions, will be resolved. The parties also need to agree on how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the source, Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Munir, who acted as the main mediator in the negotiations, held several meetings to ensure the finalization of the project and its submission to the leadership.

An Iranian attack with missiles and drones targeted the Iranian Kurdish Opposition groups in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq.

Trump to CBS: “We are getting closer and closer to an agreement with Iran.”

‘

Progress has been made on the Iran issue, news may appear in the near future, Secretary of State Rubio stated.

“News may appear later today. Right now I have no news for you, but they may appear a little later today. They may not appear — I hope they will, but I’m not sure yet.

We are talking about the Iran issue, and as I already said, certain progress has been made. Even as I speak with you, work is continuing. There is a chance that later today, tomorrow, or in the coming days we will have something to report.

But this issue must be resolved, as the President stated, one way or another. Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. The straits must be open without tolls. They must transfer their enriched uranium, as well as highly enriched uranium. We must address this issue, as well as the issue of enrichment.

These positions of the President are unchanged, and his preference is always to resolve such issues diplomatically. He always strives for problems to be resolved through negotiations and a diplomatic agreement. This is exactly what we are doing now.

But this issue will be resolved, as the President made clear — one way or another. We hope this will happen through diplomatic means. This is what we are working on now, and possibly during this trip something may appear that we can report on this topic”.

“ Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said during a Senate committee hearing that the delivery of $14 billion worth of weapons and military equipment to Taiwan has been temporarily suspended. He stated that the pause is intended to allow for the replenishment of U.S. stockpiles following the active phase of the conflict with Iran. According to Cao, deliveries will resume once they are approved by the U.S. government.”

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is in continuous consultations with Oman on a new mechanism for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. He framed the strait as a passage located within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, with both coastal states responsible for safe passage.

Tehran is not only negotiating traffic. It is trying to convert disruption into procedure, procedure into authority, and authority into recognition.
The U.S. wants Hormuz reopened as a global trade route. Iran wants Hormuz managed as a coastal-state sovereignty file.

If Oman confirms the mechanism publicly, Tehran gains diplomatic cover. If Oman stays silent, this remains Iranian pressure language before the next round of talks.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the US intercepted the tanker Skywave, which is linked to Iran and on the sanctions list, in the Indian Ocean tonight.

The ship was likely transporting more than a million barrels of crude oil, loaded on Kharg Island in February.

Putin: Russia ready to ensure China has stable oil supplies amid Iran war turmoil

China imported 40.83 million tons of Russian crude from January to April 2026 — up 26% year-on-year.

In April alone, China bought 8.97 million tons of Russian oil for $6.32 billion.

One of the supposed goals of Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was to squeeze Chinese oil supplies.

The transfer of enriched Iranian uranium to Russia is not part of US plans, US Vice President JD Vance stated.

“For Russia to acquire enriched uranium—listen, these issues are being discussed in negotiations. Currently, this is not in our plans. It has never been in our plans. I have seen reports about this. I don’t know where they came from, but the President will continue negotiations on the deal. So currently, this is not in the plans of the US government. The Iranians have not raised this issue. I think the Iranians would not be thrilled about this. And I know the President is not thrilled either”.

Reporter: Do you personally think Iran will reach an agreement?

Vance: How can I know this with certainty? I think the Iranians want to reach an agreement; we have had several drafts, but until the final agreement is officially signed, I cannot say with confidence that we will reach a result.

The US needs an anti-aircraft missile for $1 million: The US Army is asking defense contractors to submit proposals for a new Patriot surface-to-air missile with a unit cost of less than $1 million, which is 5 times cheaper than the current PAC-3.

In the contract notice itself, the $1 million price is broken down into four component groups, each of which the Army believes should not exceed $250,000. These are the engine, the seeker head, the guidance and control system, and the remaining missile subsystems.

The new interceptor must be integrated into existing M903 launchers. It will also not be a replacement, but a supplement to existing Patriot anti-aircraft missiles.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent confirmed that Washington has extended the license for maritime shipments of Russian oil by 30 days.

No agreement on a Ukrainian settlement has been reached yet, as president Zelensky if Ukraine is not making concessions on the issue of territories. This is stated in a quarterly report by the Pentagon’s General Inspector to the US Congress.

Key findings of the report:

— High-level contacts have not led to the signing of a peace agreement.

— Negotiations have hit a dead end due to territorial disputes and security guarantee issues.

— The offensive potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is paralyzed: a lack of personnel, equipment, and ammunition rules out the conduct of large-scale operations.

— A degradation of capabilities of the Ukrainian army is observed against the backdrop of a critical shortage of drones and shells.

— Russia retains strategic and operational superiority over the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

— Since April 2024, the US Congress has not allocated new aid packages, effectively shifting the main burden of supporting Kyiv to European countries.

Trump will not bomb Iran tomorrow: The US President announced on his social media that military operations against Iran were scheduled to resume tomorrow, but Middle Eastern allies have requested the cancellation of this decision.

Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have asked me to postpone the military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran scheduled for tomorrow, as serious negotiations are currently underway, and in their view, as great leaders and allies, an agreement will be reached that will be quite acceptable to the United States of America, as well as to all countries in the Middle East and beyond. This agreement will include, which is very important, ‘ no nuclear weapons for Iran ‘ Out of respect for the aforementioned leaders, I have instructed Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Kane, and the United States Armed Forces that we will NOT carry out the attack on Iran scheduled for tomorrow, but have also instructed them to be ready for a full-scale offensive against Iran at any time if an acceptable agreement is not reached.

He further states that this is being done for the sake of negotiations and a “deal” that will satisfy them. Trump again declares the prevention of nuclear weapons for Iran and that if they do not reach an agreement, there will be a renewed attack.

Putin flying to China: His visit scheduled on May 19th -20th.

Large nocturnal explosion in Beit Shemesh, Israel due controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance.

“ U.S statement Quoted: On May 14 and 15, the United States hosted two days of highly-productive talks between Israel and Lebanon. The April 16 cessation of hostilities will be extended by 45 days to enable further progress. The State Department will reconvene the political track of negotiations on June 2 and June 3. In addition, a security track will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29 with military delegations from both countries

We hope these discussions will advance lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and establishing genuine security along their shared border. “

India stated that a commercial ship under its flag was attacked and sunk off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg. The crew was successfully rescued. New Delhi condemned the incident but did not specify who attacked the ship.

US and Israeli military officials prepare targets for possible strikes on Iran as early as next week according to CNN reports.

Dozens of Lebanese towns are under heavy Israeli artillery attacks from batteries inside Lebanon and Israel .

The Israeli Ministry of Defense and Elbit Systems signed a $34.4 million agreement to adapt F-16 drop tanks as stealth external fuel tanks for the F-35.

Rubio: The US is ready to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine

According to the Secretary of State , Trump and his team are ready for this. Rubio admitted that Washington in recent months for a number of reasons has somewhat reduced turnover regarding the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. But he hopes that it will be possible to reach a point at which the parties will resume interaction, and the US will be ready to play a role in settling and putting an end to hostilities

After the Iran war, the US Plans for Hypersonic Weapons: Leidos announced receiving a $2.7 billion contract from the US Army to implement programs for the development of hypersonic weapons — from prototype development to serial production. This contract combines the Thermal Protection Shield (TPS) and Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) programs, the result of which may be a hypersonic glide vehicle.

The “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which the Pentagon is developing, could cost the US approximately $1.2 trillion over the next two decades

However, it may still be unable to repel a large-scale missile attack from Russia or China, according to a new assessment by the Congressional Budget Office.

These figures are approximately seven times higher than the Pentagon’s forecast, which estimates the cost of the “Golden Dome” at approximately $185 billion over the next 10 years, the report states.

Negotiations between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping began at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Key statements by the leaders:

— Donald Trump stated that he considers it an honor to be a friend of Xi Jinping, and noted that relations between the two countries will reach a level surpassing all previous periods.

— He also expressed hope that the United States and the People’s Republic of China will have a fantastic future.

— Trump promised that the United States will develop trade relations with China on a fully reciprocal basis.

— He stated that he is accompanied by 30 of the largest US entrepreneurs during his visit.

— The United States and China have always overcome difficulties thanks to direct contact with Xi Jinping.

At the beginning of the negotiations, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump about his joy at meeting in Beijing.

— The common interests of China and the United States outweigh their disagreements.

— China and the United States must be partners, not adversaries, and strive for mutual success and prosperity.

— 2026 must become a historic and significant year for Chinese-American relations.

Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has been placed under criminal investigation, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs .

Russia has notified the US and other countries about the tests of the “Sarmat” rocket, Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with TASS.

Kuwait claims a squad of IRGC Special Forces tried to enter the country by sea; no explanation was given regarding whether it succeeded. The IRGC team allegedly tried to enter Bubiyan Island, from where American missile attacks have taken place against Iran. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says it arrested various members of the IRGC team, including a colonel, a captain, and a lieutenant. Per Kuwaiti media, they were part of a sabotage squad.

Hezbollah claimed to have targeted a Merkava tank belonging to the Zionist regime’s army with a suicide drone around the Khirbet al-Minara area, opposite the Houla settlement in southern Lebanon.

Abduljalil Shahbakhsh, trained by the Ansar al-Furqan group, was hanged this morning in Iran.

Russian Foreign Ministry: The EU demands Georgia to stop flights with Russia: The EU demands that Georgia completely suspend transport communications with Russia, including air flights, as well as join anti-Russian sanctions and impose an energy embargo on the Russian Federation. This was stated by the Director of the CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mikhail Kalugin in an interview with TASS.

Trump hints again at his next target, Cuba: No Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, a country-failure that moves only in one direction, down! Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!! Meanwhile, I am going to China!”

CBS News: Pakistan and Afghanistan allegedly allowed Iran to station military aircraft at their airfields.

According to the publication, Tehran sent several military aircraft to a Pakistan Air Force base. This movement, according to the author, may be an attempt to preserve aviation technology amidst an expanding conflict.

A few days after the ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump, Iran sent several aircraft to the Nur Khan airbase in Pakistan near Rawalpindi. Among them, according to US data, was a reconnaissance aircraft RC-130 — a modification of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

The Pakistani side rejected these claims, stating that such equipment cannot be hidden at a base located in an urban area the publication emphasizes.

Kabul, for its part, acknowledged the presence of an Iranian civilian aircraft on its territory.

In Afghanistan, according to a representative of civil aviation, one Iranian aircraft from Mahan Air was indeed in Kabul after the closure of Iran’s airspace, and was then moved to Herat for security reasons.

Iran will consider the possibility of enriching uranium to 90% in the event of a US attack, stated Ibrahim Rezaei, a representative of the Iranian Parliament’s Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy.

One of Iran’s options in the event of a repeated attack could be enriching uranium to 90%. We will discuss this in parliament.

They do not understand the structure of power in Iran, former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani on the statehood of Iran.

If we look at this without emotions, purely from the point of view of a military operation, then it personally played into Netanyahu’s hands and his agenda in the region. And this is no secret — he openly talks about a new map of the region, about a new force in the region, about major Israeli alliances, and about imposing these alliances on regional countries by force.

Everything he did was to convince the American side that in three to four weeks, power in Iran would change. But I have said many times: they do not understand the structure of power in Iran. This system was built over 47 years — from the fall of the Shah to today. And it cannot be destroyed as they imagined, or so easily.

This is a question that must be left to the Iranians themselves. It is the Iranian will.

Trump rejects Iran’s response to peace negotiations
“I have just reviewed the response from the so-called ‘representatives’ of Iran. I do not like it — it is absolutely unacceptable!”, the US President stated.

The visa-free regime does not grant the right to work, study, or reside permanently. A special permit is still required for these purposes.

In response, Iran stated that the opinion of the American president “is of no importance” to the republic’s negotiating team.

Since May 11, Russians can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. According to the new rules, citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in the kingdom for up to 90 days within a year, either as a single visit or cumulatively.

Iran has demanded the withdrawal of its oil from US sanctions within 30 days after reaching a potential agreement with Washington. This statement was made by the Tasnim agency.

Russia is ready to store Iran’s enriched uranium — as it has done before. Russian president Vladimir Putin reminded that Moscow already played this role under the 2015 nuclear deal. All parties accepted the model until Washington later hardened its position.

We did that once in 2015, and Iran trusting us fully… We have this experience. And I said once again that we are ready to repeat just that.

Putin notes that Russian‑Iranian cooperation on peaceful atom continues unaffected by the current war – Bushehr is still running.

During the active phase of the campaign against Iran, Israel established a forward military base in one of the desert regions of Iraq to support air operations. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal citing sources among US official representatives.

Special forces were stationed at this base, and a supply point for the Israeli Air Force was also operating there. In particular, search and rescue specialists for pilots were located at this forward base, in case Israeli aircraft were shot down over Iranian territory.

Israel proposed using them during a search and rescue operation in the Isfahan area, however, the Americans rescued their pilot independently. According to the publication, in early March, an Iraqi shepherd stumbled upon the site, discovering air activity, including landing and taking off helicopters.

Iraqi troops were sent to investigate, but they were struck, one serviceman was killed. The Iraqi government then issued a condemnation and filed a complaint with the UN. Later, the base was dismantled and evacuated.

An Israeli official told Channel 12: Israel sent a message to Washington saying that any resumption of fighting must include the destruction of Iran’s energy infrastructure. Iran’s energy infrastructure could be destroyed within just 24 hours, and destroying it would force Tehran into negotiations. Israel is trying to convey to Washington that targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure is the only way to make progress.

Local sources in Daraa southern Syria 🇸🇾 reported multiple Israeli reconnaissance drones 🇮🇱 flying in the Yarmouk Basin area.

The Atlantic : Trump Is ‘Bored’ With the War He Started
He wants out, but Iran could likely keep going for months. resident trump really, really wants the war with Iran to end. He has declared victory many times, including about three weeks ago, when Iran briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz. He has repeatedly extended his cease-fire deadlines instead of following through on his threats to resume hostilities

Indonesia will become the first foreign buyer of the Turkish unmanned fighter Bayraktar Kizilelma after Baykar signed an agreement on May 6, 2026, at the SAHA 2026 exhibition for the delivery of the first batch of 12 aircraft. In addition, there is the possibility of acquiring up to 48 more Kizilelma units, meaning a total of up to 60 unmanned aircraft. The agreement also provides for the creation of infrastructure in Indonesia for local production, maintenance, integration, and training. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2028.

One of the largest financial conglomerates — Morgan Stanley — believes that humanoid robotics could become China’s next stage of industrial dominance after electric vehicles and batteries.

According to analyst estimates, China’s share of global production will grow from the current 15% to 16.5% by 2030, with humanoid robots being one of the key drivers.

Beijing has been actively investing in robotics at all levels for several years, from universities and tech parks to production lines, and the domestic market has effectively turned into a giant testing ground for rapid testing of new models.

The report separately notes the difference in approaches between China and the US: thus, American companies like Tesla are betting on complex and expensive prototypes with long testing cycles, while Chinese manufacturers are faster in bringing platforms into real operation.

China is also gradually building an almost complete supply cycle for its humanoids, from actuators and sensors to batteries and electronics, which is why even competitors from the US, Japan, and South Korea often depend on Chinese components.

On the other hand, aggressive expansion of Chinese production could lead to an oversupply of robots and a decline in the industry’s profitability, as has already happened with the Chinese electric vehicle market.

It is expected that sooner or later restrictions may be imposed by the West, as dependence on Chinese robotics over time may begin to be perceived not only as an economic, but also as a technological and strategic problem.

Iran’s response to the US plan to end the war is under consideration, stated Ismail Beqai, the official spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to Tasnim.

We will do even more in Cuba», — State Secretary Rubio explained why the US imposed sanctions on a Cuban company.

Let me clarify something. Our sanctions are directed against a company called Gaisa. It is a holding company created by Cuban generals that has brought in billions of dollars in revenue, not a single cent of which benefits the Cuban people. Do you understand that, right? I don’t know if you understand this. There is the Cuban government, it has a budget, and there is this private company that has more money than the government. Not a single cent of this company’s money goes to building a single road, a single bridge, or providing even a single grain of rice to any Cuban, except those who are part of Gaisa. That is why we are imposing sanctions on a company that, in essence, takes everything that generates money in Cuba and illegally pockets it into the hands of a few people close to the regime. So this is not sanctions against the Cuban people, because the Cuban people do not benefit from Gaisa. It is sanctions against a company that robs the Cuban people for the benefit of a few. We discussed these sanctions yesterday, but we imposed them yesterday. And, by the way, we will do even more

JD Vance, now at the White House with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, to discuss negotiations with Iran. Qatar has recently been managing a secret mediation channel between the United States and Iran, in an attempt to reach an agreement to end the war.

Due to unprecedented shelling by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, several American ships were leaving the Strait of Hormuz.

Recent operation against Iran in the Middle East led not only to a global increase in military activity, but also sharply increased demand for armaments, where France turned out to be one of the key beneficiaries.

It is reported that a number of countries in the region have already placed orders for more than 2.4 billion euros with MBDA, Thales, Safran and other contractors, with the main focus on missile armaments, radar systems and anti-drone means, which are actively consumed in the conditions of a saturated conflict and require rapid replenishment.

In fact, this is an attempt to close vulnerabilities identified during combat operations, especially in the air defense and counter-UAV segment, where the load on systems turned out to be significantly higher than expected, which directly reflects a change in the nature of war: even relatively short operations quickly burn through stocks of high-precision means.

Global Brent crude oil prices are above the $101 per barrel level.

A car bomb explosion in the Syrian capital, Damascus, reportedly claims the life of Sheikh Farhan Mansour, the Imam of the Shrine of Sayyida Zainab . ( Shia)

The Trump administration wants to resume the operation to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reports citing American officials. According to the publication, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the use of their bases and airspace by the US military, which were introduced after the start of the US operation to open the Strait.

The US Fleet attacked Bandar Abbas port and the port on Kish Island. Washington insists that this is not a new phase of the war, and the ceasefire is not ending.

What is known about what happened:

• Iran attacked US naval units in the Strait of Hormuz with missiles, reported the IRIB agency.
• The US struck Iranian ports Kishm and Bandar Abbas, but do not consider this a resumption of war, reported Fox News.
• The Tasnim agency reported on the continuation of the attack by the Iranian navy on American destroyers.
• In the Iranian military command, it was stated that the US army previously violated the ceasefire agreement, attacking 2 Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The US attacked the Iranian Navy base in the city of Minab in the south of the country.
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• IRIB showed footage of the attack on American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz.
• US Central Command stated that “American forces intercepted unprovoked attacks from Iran and launched retaliatory strikes in self-defense.
• According to CENTCOM, no American ship was damaged, the US also launched strikes at Iranian military facilities, including missile and drone launchers; command and control points; as well as reconnaissance and surveillance nodes.
• The US does not seek escalation, but will defend its forces, noted CENTCOM;
• No damage was done to the three destroyers, while the attackers suffered significant damage, their boats quickly and effectively went to the bottom of the sea, Trump stated.
• According to Trump, the ceasefire remains in force.
• President Bolsonaro after meeting with Trump stated that Trump is convinced that the war with Iran is over.

Bloomberg: OPEC production drops to its lowest level in 36 years. Bloomberg reported that OPEC’s production in April fell to its lowest level in the past 36 years. It added that oil production reached only 22.55 million barrels per day due to the war in the Middle East. It pointed out that this major disruption in the oil market has led to rising prices of gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel.

Kurdistan: 3 heavy explosions were heard near the U.S. Consulate in Erbil. The U.S. Consulate was not the target; it was a Kurdish Military Depot that was targeted very close to the U.S. Consulate. The attack was conducted by Iranian drones.

Axios citing US officials: US contacts with Iran are moving slowly because every message must go through the Supreme Leader, who is hiding for security reasons. What else Axios knows about the negotiations: The White House is seeking a diplomatic breakthrough by the end of Trump’s visit to China. Trump may reconsider the issue of conducting a military operation if no agreement is reached by the end of his visit to China. The US expects a response from Iran within the next 24-48 hours.

The US State Department has banned diplomats from using confidential information to trade on prediction markets (such as Polymarket or Kalshi). The reason for this was suspicious trader activity against the backdrop of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. This is reported by WSJ. In an internal memo, it is emphasized that using non-public data for financial gain is a serious violation that will result in severe measures. Concerns have been raised because online betting platforms are becoming a threat to national security. Abnormally profitable bets made with astonishing accuracy shortly before important geopolitical events related to Iran have been recorded on the markets.

According to NBC News, Saudi Arabia has banned the US from using its bases and airspace as part of “Project Freedom.” This refusal was the key reason why Donald Trump decided to suspend the operation. Trump announced the initiative on Truth Social, and allies in the Persian Gulf were caught off guard. In response, Riyadh denied access to Prince Sultan’s airbase and Saudi Arabian airspace for military flights related to the operation. Telephone negotiations between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the disagreements. Other partners in the region, including Qatar and Oman, were informed only after the announcement, although a White House representative later stated that allies had been warned in advance.

Today, a Hezbollah FPV drone hit an Israeli military vehicle near Shomera, northern Israel.The vehicle caught fire, causing ammunition to detonate. Approximately 12 IDF soldiers were injured.

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CNN believes the Pentagon has underestimated the amount spent on the war with Iran.

Previously, the head of the Pentagon’s financial management, Jules Hurst, speaking in Congress, stated that the US spent $25 billion on the operation in Iran.

“The $25 billion estimate, which a high-ranking Pentagon official voiced to lawmakers on Wednesday as the total cost of the war with Iran to date, is underestimated and does not include costs for eliminating significant damage inflicted on American bases in the region, three sources familiar with the situation told CNN. One of the sources stated that the real estimate is closer to $40–50 billion, taking into account costs for restoring US military facilities and replacing destroyed assets.”

CNN recalls that Iranian strikes on Persian Gulf countries in the first days of the war caused serious damage to at least nine US military facilities in just 48 hours, hitting bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, and Qatar.

Among the most expensive destroyed facilities are the THAAD air defense system radar in Jordan and the UAE, as well as a US Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft, destroyed as a result of an Iranian strike on an airbase in Saudi Arabia.

Vladimir Putin did not invite Donald Trump to the May 9 parade in Moscow, Dmitry Peskov said

Other statements by the Russian press secretary of the president:

— The President of Russia and the USA during yesterday’s phone call discussed the exit of the UAE from OPEC;

— For the announcement of a ceasefire by Russia for Victory Day, Kyiv’s reaction is not needed, this is Vladimir Putin’s decision and it will be implemented.

— Dmitry Peskov called it a big stupidity the desire of the Baltic countries to prevent Fizzo from flying to the Victory Parade.

Hezbollah targeting a grouping of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

Warning from Israel for several villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate .

Hezbollah communique: in response to the Israeli enemy’s violation of the ceasefire and the attacks that extended to villages in southern Lebanon, resulting in the martyrdom of several and the injury of civilians, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers at the newly established site of Bilad in southern Lebanon at 13:50 on Thursday 30-04-2026 with a squadron of strike drones and achieved a confirmed hit.

Soldier killed, 15 injured in Hezbollah drone attacks; IDF strikes in Lebanon

During the visit of the Congolese president to Russia, a joint action plan between Moscow and Brazzaville in the economic sphere will be signed, Putin says. — Sputnik Agency —

Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan edge toward a new Middle East alignment

Iran holds 441 kg enriched uranium, enough for up to 10 nukes: IAEA

Brent Crude reached $117.

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Nabih Berri, the Shia Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament: With all due respect to the presidency and what is issued by His Excellency the President, the remarks made by the President of the Republic before economic bodies are inaccurate, to say the least, as well as regarding the November 2024 agreement and the subject of negotiations.

The Wall Street Journal writes that Trump has changed his decision to continue military operations in Iran. The publication writes that he chose to continue sanctions and economic pressure on Tehran. He assessed that other options — resuming bombing or exiting the conflict carry greater risk than maintaining the blockade.
IRGC seized power in Iran, Reuters reports: The agency believes that after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Americans and Israelis, real power in the country passed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war and the subsequent appointment of his son Mojtaba led to a new system dominated by commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC], and there is no longer a decisive center for decision-making.

Mojtaba Khamenei formally remains at the top of the system, but according to three sources familiar with internal discussions, his role is reduced more to legitimizing the decisions of the generals than to independent management.
The pressure of the war concentrated power in a narrower and harder circle, formed around the Supreme National Security Council, the office of the Supreme Leader, and the IRGC, which now controls both military strategy and key political decisions.”

Reuters also notes that Iran’s hardline position in negotiations with the US is related not so much to unwillingness to negotiate as to the alleged decentralization of power.

Analysts note that the main obstacle to a deal is not the internal struggle in Tehran, but the rift between what Washington is ready to offer and what the hardline forces of the IRGC are ready to accept.

In negotiations with the US, the diplomatic face of Iran is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Later, he was joined by the Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf — a former IRGC commander.
However, in practice, the key figure remains the IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi — according to Pakistani and Iranian sources, he plays a decisive role, including at the moment of announcing the ceasefire.

After the UAE’s announcement to leave OPEC, the next country that could leave the organization may be Venezuela — The Globe and Mail —

The publication believes the country may take this step because of Donald Trump. The next candidate to leave could be Venezuela — the country with the largest oil reserves in the world. If Trump wants it to leave OPEC, it could well happen. It is also noted that Trump and the start of the war with Iran could have indirectly influenced the UAE’s decision.

The situation escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The UAE stated that they did not receive military support from Arab neighbors, despite Iranian missile and drone strikes on their infrastructure. After this, the Emirates decided to strengthen cooperation with the US and Israel. The lack of support was likely the final point in the decision to leave OPEC.

The Globe and Mail notes that the UAE is not the first country to leave the cartel. Previously, Angola, Ecuador, Indonesia, and Qatar did so. The reason for many is the same — production restrictions that deprive countries of income and slow down the development of oil projects.

The newspaper writes that the global reason for the weakening of OPEC was the shale revolution in the US.

«Nevertheless, over time the UAE will almost inevitably increase production — to the detriment of OPEC and in the interests of Trump, who seeks to lower fuel prices before the elections. Since the start of the conflict, gasoline has risen by about a dollar per gallon, diesel by two.

A serious blow to the cartel was dealt by the shale revolution in the US, after which the country became the largest oil producer and since 2020 — a net exporter. In response, OPEC created the OPEC+ format, including Russia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Oman.

Summarizing, the publication concludes that the loss of the UAE is a serious blow to the organization.

Thanks to resources and reserve capacities, the country could become an even larger independent player and weaken the influence of Saudi Arabia on the market, which remains the leading participant in OPEC.

However, the publication notes that OPEC has been buried many times, but it has survived each time.

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IRGC seized power in Iran, Reuters reports: The agency believes that after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Americans and Israelis, real power in the country passed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war and the subsequent appointment of his son Mojtaba led to a new system dominated by commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC], and there is no longer a decisive center for decision-making.

Mojtaba Khamenei formally remains at the top of the system, but according to three sources familiar with internal discussions, his role is reduced more to legitimizing the decisions of the generals than to independent management.
The pressure of the war concentrated power in a narrower and harder circle, formed around the Supreme National Security Council, the office of the Supreme Leader, and the IRGC, which now controls both military strategy and key political decisions.”

Reuters also notes that Iran’s hardline position in negotiations with the US is related not so much to unwillingness to negotiate as to the alleged decentralization of power.

Analysts note that the main obstacle to a deal is not the internal struggle in Tehran, but the rift between what Washington is ready to offer and what the hardline forces of the IRGC are ready to accept.

In negotiations with the US, the diplomatic face of Iran is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Later, he was joined by the Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf — a former IRGC commander.
However, in practice, the key figure remains the IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi — according to Pakistani and Iranian sources, he plays a decisive role, including at the moment of announcing the ceasefire.

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The Wall Street Journal writes that Trump has changed his decision to continue military operations in Iran. The publication writes that he chose to continue sanctions and economic pressure on Tehran. He assessed that other options — resuming bombing or exiting the conflict carry greater risk than maintaining the blockade.

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Reuters: The UAE announces its withdrawal from OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance.

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The spokesperson for the Iranian army said: We do not consider the war to be over, and what has happened is just a lull in the battlefield. Any move by the enemy will be met with a firm response in new arenas and with new tools.

Oil tankers accumulating in Hormuz

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Marco Rubio stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader and the IRGC leadership are hardliners motivated by theology:The best way to understand Iran is that they have a political class. Now, I think, look, people talk about moderates and hardliners. Everyone in Iran is a hardliner. But there are hardliners who understand that they need to run the country and the economy, and there are hardliners who are completely motivated by theology. The hardliners motivated by theology are not only IRGC officials, but obviously the Supreme Leader and the council surrounding him.

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Russia is ready to be a mediator in the settlement of the conflict in the Middle East, if this is requested by the parties, Dmitry Peskov stated. The Press Secretary of the President also noted that Moscow maintains its commitment to the strategic nature of relations with Iran.

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“ Former CIA officer John Kiriakou stated in an interview with Tucker Carlson that the US is acting in Israel’s interests rather than its own:

“It is unpleasant for me to say this, but I actually believe it. I understand how close a friend and ally Israel has always been and remains. I understand that. But it seems to me that sometimes we act in Israel’s interests rather than in our own interests. I think this is one such case. Israelis, of course, will be outraged and scream about the Irish, Spaniards, and Italians.
Okay. But we should, you know, let them express their dissatisfaction and then do what is in the interests of the United States. And it seems to me that we are not doing that. We are following Israel’s instructions for its own sake.

El Jadinero, CJNG drug cartel’s head of security and successor to El Mencho following his assassination in a botched raid by Mexican authorites, has been arrested by Mexican law enforcement. He also has a $5M reward for his arrest by the United States of America and will likely be extradited there.

Vladimir Putin met with the Iranian Foreign Minister Arakchi: The people of Iran are bravely and heroically fighting for their sovereignty.

Syria has strongly condemned the armed attack that targeted a dinner event in Washington, expressing its firm rejection of all forms of violence. Damascus also affirmed its solidarity with the United States and emphasized the importance of confronting terrorism and protecting civilians. The statement read:

About a dozen American refueling aircraft KC-135 Stratotanker landed at the Eilat airport in southern Israel. Earlier, several tankers KC-135 and KC-46 were spotted at the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) reported an incident 6 nautical miles northeast of Garacad, Somalia, where “unauthorized persons” took control of a cargo ship, which was subsequently redirected to territorial waters. According to the statement, this activity is likely to have been carried out by the Pirate Action Group (PAG).

Brent crude futures rose to their highest level in three weeks, reaching around $108 per barrel.

Iranian sources: The Lebanese file is a priority for Iran in any agreement with the United States and is under discussion to stop the war once and for all.

Iran FM Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, arrived in Saint Petersburg early Monday to meet and hold talks with Vladimir Putin, as part of his ongoing regional tour following two rounds of negotiations in Islamabad and a recent visit to Oman over the past three days, according to Islamic Republic News Agency sources .

Evacuation of wounded Israeli soldiers from southern Lebanon after a Hezbollah drone attack.

IDF soldier killed by Hezbollah drone in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah FPV drone target a Merkava tank in Mays al-Jabal, southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes on Kfar Tabnit, southern Lebanon. Casualties reported.

Launches from Hezbollah towards Israel reported.

Pakistani sources report that the Iranian Foreign Minister has arrived at the Noor Khan military base near Islamabad.

Statement issued by Hezbollah:

Today, the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, claimed that “Hezbollah is undermining the ceasefire,” and that the enemy has the right to “freedom of action” in Lebanon “according to the agreement with the United States of America and Lebanon.” Hezbollah, while condemning Netanyahu’s statements, strongly warns of their grave danger in attempting to implicate the Lebanese authorities in a bilateral agreement that took place only between him and Washington, in which Lebanon had no say or position, and therefore did not approve it. In this context, Hezbollah would like to emphasize the following:

The continuation of the resistance in targeting gatherings of the Israeli enemy on our occupied land, and shelling its settlements in northern occupied Palestine, is a legitimate response to its ongoing violations of the ceasefire since the very first day of the temporary truce, which have exceeded 500 violations by land, sea, and air, including shelling, demolition, and destruction of homes, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded among our steadfast people.

The extension of the truce for additional weeks was supposed, according to statements by the Lebanese authorities, to bring about a real ceasefire in which the enemy would halt its violations and attacks, especially its demolition and destruction of homes in the south. Instead, however, it escalated its aggression and attacks, confirming its criminal nature, treachery, and disregard for all international laws and conventions.

The Lebanese authorities claimed that their basic condition for attending their ill-fated meeting in Washington with the enemy was to demand a halt to its attacks and the beginning of its withdrawal from our occupied lands. However, we have not heard any clear and public statement from them stipulating this; on the contrary, what was issued by Lebanon’s representative was only praise for the American president, the enemy’s partner in shedding Lebanese blood, which encouraged the enemy to continue its attacks and violations.

The Lebanese authorities have put themselves in a dangerous predicament when they chose to appear in a single shameful photo with representatives of an illegitimate usurping entity that violates their land and sovereignty and continues to kill their people, and by following paths that legitimize this enemy’s attacks.

Today, the authorities stand silent and incapable of fulfilling even the simplest of their national duties toward their land and people, watching as the enemy demolishes homes and burns everything in its path. They are required to provide a clear explanation to their people regarding the alleged agreement with the enemy that supposedly grants it the freedom to attack, destroy, and kill.

Hezbollah affirms clearly and decisively that the enemy’s continued violations of the ceasefire, its attacks through shelling, bulldozing, and destruction of homes or targeting of civilians, and above all, its continued occupation of Lebanese territory and violations of its sovereignty, will be met with a ready and present resistance to defend its land and people—a right guaranteed by international conventions. We will not wait for or rely on failed diplomacy that has proven its ineffectiveness, nor on an authority that shirks its duty to protect its homeland. The people of this land are the true guarantee in confronting this aggression and defeating the occupation.

Statement of the Supreme Council of National Security of Iran: On the tenth day of the war, Americans began sending messages and requests for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the war that they themselves started.

– On the fortieth day of the war and after the official statement of the US President on the acceptance of Iran’s 10-point plan as a basis for ceasefire negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed to these negotiations in Islamabad under the mediation of Pakistan.

– These negotiations continued for 21 hours without a break, and the Iranian delegation put forward and defended the demands of the Iranian people with seriousness, initiative, and maximum distrust towards the United States.

– Despite agreeing to act within the framework of Iran’s 10-point plan, the adversary put forward new and excessive demands during the negotiations, to which the Iranian delegation responded with a firm position and a decision in no way to compromise on its positions.

– For this reason, the first round of negotiations ended without a clear result, and its continuation was postponed to another time when the adversary ceases to be excessive and changes its demands in accordance with the realities on the ground.

– In recent days, with the presence of the Pakistani Field Marshal in Tehran as a mediator in the negotiations, the Americans put forward new proposals, which the Islamic Republic of Iran is considering and has not yet responded to.

– We declare that the Iranian negotiating team will not compromise, will not retreat, and will not tolerate anything, and will do everything in its power to protect the interests and concerns of the Iranian nation.

– One of the conditions for Iran’s acceptance of a temporary ceasefire was a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, which the Zionist enemy violated from the very beginning.

– At the insistence of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Zionist regime agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon, and it was decided that there would be a ceasefire on all fronts, the Strait of Hormuz would be temporarily and conditionally open until the end of the ceasefire period only for the passage of commercial vessels, but not military vessels or civilian vessels of the USA and Israel, under the control and permission of the Iranian armed forces and along the route determined by Iran.

– Considering that the majority of US military bases in the Persian Gulf region receive supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, and this represents a threat to the national security of Iran and the Persian Gulf region, Iran intends to monitor and control movement through the Hormuz Strait until the war ends forever and a solid peace is achieved throughout the region.

– This will be carried out by obtaining full information from passing vessels, issuing a passage certificate in accordance with the rules announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with the conditions of the war, and the collection announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

– Until there is a naval blockade, the Islamic Republic of Iran will consider it a violation of the ceasefire and will prevent the conditional and limited opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports state that US and Iran negotiations will resume within the next 24 H. Tasnim reported that Tehran either refused to participate entirely or, at the very least, “has not yet made a decision” on sending a delegation. It is emphasized: no decision will be made while the US maintains the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, Iran opened the strait after the start of the ceasefire in Lebanon, but soon closed it again since Washington did not lift restrictions against Iranian ships. Now Tehran is effectively trying to cement this link: lifting the blockade is a mandatory condition for continuing negotiations.

Trump directly stated that negotiations must take place, and if the Iranian delegation does not arrive in Islamabad and does not agree to the proposed deal, there will be a strike on infrastructure — including bridges and power plants.

Iranian Foreign Ministry: President Pezeshkian emphasized in a call with the Prime Minister of Pakistan the necessity of formulating a common understanding among the concerned parties.

Iranian security source to Al Mayadeen: US ceasefire is a “tactical pause” to return to war

This Iranian official also pointed to Iran’s security and domestic achievements and added that the unity of resistance factions has greatly increased the costs of war for Israel. He stated that social cohesion in Iran (with 30 million people registering in the sacrifice campaign) has been a key factor in the political defeat of the enemy, emphasizing that complex economic and energy calculations also indicate increasing pressures on the American-Israeli axis.

An Iranian security-political source in an interview with Al Mayadeen network confirmed that the US decision for a ceasefire is the result of an inability to manage conflicts and not a diplomatic choice. This source, referring to deep rifts between Washington and Tel Aviv, warned that Tehran sees this pause not as the end of the crisis but as an opportunity to return to war more quickly and is therefore keeping itself ready for any sudden action.

The unity of factions and the formation of a joint command room on the resistance front have increased the cost of action, and simultaneously with the exposure of the vulnerability of the northern front in the occupied territories and the declared need for about 80,000 troops and 20 billion in currency to stabilize defensive lines, serious limitations of the opposing side have been revealed. These pressures, alongside the heavy economic costs of war and energy market risks, have complicated calculations.

The US Navy destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepted the Iranian tanker M/T HERBY in the Indian Ocean as part of the blockade of Iranian ports.

The vessel was returning to Iran from Indonesia, having delivered two million barrels of oil.

Iran could cut underwater internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz and disconnect Gulf countries from the internet.

This is made clear by the Iranian state agency Tasnim, which published a map of cables in the strait. The destruction or damage of cables threatens a digital collapse in the region, as a number of countries would be left without physical access to the internet in such a case.

Seven cables (Falcon, AAE-1, TGN-Gulf, SEA-ME-WE), through which 15% of the world’s internet traffic passes, are located in Oman’s territorial waters.

For countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq, this would lead to severe economic consequences. Without the internet, banking operations would cease and data centers would stop functioning.

Iranian FM Araqchi to revisit Islamabad after his visit to Oman.

Somali terror gangs affiliated with Iran’s regime seized an Israel-linked Oil Tanker and maneuvered within Somali territorial waters, Puntland region.

Haaretz newspaper: Qatar informed the leadership of Hamas that they are not welcome in Doha, and Qatar has been pressuring Hamas for about a week to hand over their weapons in the Gaza Strip.

Donald Trump commented on the cancellation of his negotiators’ trip to Pakistan:

— The new proposal submitted to Washington by the Iranian side was not good enough.

— We are not going to spend 15 hours on planes flying back and forth for a document that is not good for anything, for now contacts can continue by phone.

— The US will wait until Iran determines who “is in charge” in the country to continue negotiations with them.

— Trump claims that he “didn’t even think” whether the temporary ceasefire with Iran would be extended.

Southern Lebanon tonight.

Southern Lebanon

Cities in southern Lebanon are subject to intense bombardments by the Israeli army after Hezbollah rocket fire in northern Israel.

Lebanon and Israel extended their ceasefire for three weeks after a high-level meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday. Trump hosted Israel’s ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador to ⁠the U.S. Nada Moawad in the Oval Office for a second round of U.S.-facilitated ⁠talks, a day after Israeli strikes killed at least five people including a journalist.

Iran threatens to target Saudi energy facilities if oil wells targeted – Türkiye Today

Amjad Youssef, one of the main perpetrators of the ‘ Tadamun massacre’ during the Syrian civil war captured by Syrian security forces . The Tadamun massacre (Arabic: مجزرة حي التضامن) took place in the vicinity of the Othman Mosque in the Tadamon neighbourhood of the Syrian capital of Damascus on 16 April 2013 during the Syrian civil war. Soldiers affiliated with the Syrian Arab Armed Forces, specifically Branch 227 (Damascus branch) of the Military Intelligence Directorate, killed more than 288 civilians during the massacre. Ali Assaf killed in southern Lebanon.

Senior Hezbollah military commander ( architect of ambushes ) Mohamad Ali Assaf killed in southern Lebanon.

A strike was carried out against three Hezbollah militants operating a MANPADS system in southern Lebanon; after launching a missile, they attempted to flee by vehicle.

Tehran International Airport will resume operations on April 25th, with the first flights heading to Istanbul and Muscat.

China advises citizens to leave Iran immediately. The Chinese Embassy in Tehran has strongly urged its citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible and move to safer areas, citing security concerns. A similar warning was issued on February 27, one day before the start of hostilities.

Italy plans to deploy minesweepers for Strait of Hormuz as part of ‘international mission’

Italy has indicated it could send up to four ships, including two minesweepers, as part of an international operation to clear the Strait of Hormuz, according to the navy’s chief of staff.

“The contingency plan drawn up by the Chief of the Defense Staff envisages a group consisting of two minesweepers, an escort vessel and a logistics vessel,” Navy Chief of Staff Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto told state broadcaster RAI late on Wednesday.

The US Justice Department has offered a $10 million reward for information on Abu Ala al-Walai, leader of the Iraqi Shia militia group Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada .

US military is preparing plans to strike Iran’s defenses around the Strait of Hormuz if the current ceasefire fails.Targets could include small attack boats, mine-laying vessels, missiles, and drones that Iran uses to control the waterway. Other options under consideration include strikes on energy infrastructure or attacks on Iranian military leaders.

Iran has made exceptions for a number of states, including Russia, regarding the issue of tolls for passing through the Strait of Hormuz – Iran’s ambassador to Russia.

Armenia and France will sign a document on strategic partnership during Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Yerevan.

The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters and redirected them as part of a wider naval blockade on Iran.

Israel has been informed that Trump’s new deadline to Iran ends on Sunday.

The US 🇺🇸 is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon 🇱🇧 immediately.

Italy gifted a statue of Jesus Christ to the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, after the original statue in the village was destroyed and desecrated by an Israeli soldier.

Yemen Nasreddin Amer, Deputy Head of the Media Department of AnsarAllah (Houthis): Iran is essentially responding to the blockade as an act of aggression that deserves a response, regardless of the effectiveness of this blockade or not, and that the time for reserving the right to respond has ended irrevocably; because it was an open door for impunity without deterrence.

The failure or success of the blockade changes nothing, as the issue is one of deterrence that must be established. America and Israel entered this war wanting to fundamentally change the Middle East and control what they call “Greater Israel” – and we recall the statements of the American ambassador to the entity days before the aggression – but it has stopped – even temporarily – and Israel is unable to control Bint Jbeil and Khiam, and America is unable to control Hormuz.”

More than 30 IRGC fast attack boats spotted by satellite in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Ghalibaf: A complete ceasefire only makes sense when it is not violated by a naval blockade and the seizure of the global economy, and when the incitement of war by Zionists on all fronts is stopped; opening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible with a flagrant violation of the ceasefire.

The Pentagon believes it will take six months to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Washington Post reports citing its own sources. According to the publication’s assessment, the negative consequences of the armed conflict will continue to affect the global economy until the end of the current year.

US Navy Secretary John Fallon fired by the Pentagon.

Iranian drones falling on Erbil :

Iran’s navy said it has seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and taken them to the country’s coast after reports that three vessels came under fire from Iranian forces.
Nour News, affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on the first ship, which it called the Epaminodes, after it had “ignored the warnings of the Iranian armed forces”.
A second ship, named Euphoria, was then stopped after being “fired upon”, followed by the targeting of a third vessel, the MSC-Francesca, according to BBC Verify.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency: Continuation of a naval blockade amounts to continued hostility; as long as the blockade persists, Iran will at least not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and if necessary, it will break the blockade by force.

The 2 weeks ceasefire is now over; Iran has not yet responded to Trump’s unilateral ceasefire extension.

Explosions were reported in Erbil, Iraq resulted from strikes by Iranian drones on the headquarters of US-backed kurdish groups.

Iran will not participate in the negotiations in Islamabad, the decision is final, reports Tasnim. Tehran stated that the refusal is due to the US failing to meet its obligations and violating the ceasefire plan prepared with Pakistan’s mediation.

Thus, the American delegation demanded that Tehran hand over all enriched uranium. In addition, the US insisted on its direct participation in the management of the Strait of Hormuz instead of Oman. The Islamic Republic refused to discuss this issue, as the strait is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and the United States has no connection to it.

Iranian Ambassador Hosseiniyan on negotiations with the US in Pakistan. According to the diplomat, at certain moments the positions of the parties were close, but then the US began to impose its own conditions.

The White House confirmed that the US expects a single proposal from the Iranians and Vance’s trip to Pakistan today will not take place. JD Vance was supposed to lead the US delegation in negotiations with Iran.

Advisor to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker: Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire makes no sense. The ceasefire extension is an attempt to buy time for a surprise attack. Iran currently holds the initiative.

Iran will not open the Strait of Hormuz until the American blockade is lifted, despite Trump’s extension of the ceasefire, reported the Tasnim news agency.

“We did not ask to extend the ceasefire,” say officials in Iran. Recall that Tehran’s main condition for resuming negotiations is the lifting of the American naval blockade.

Le Kuwait a déclaré la force majeure sur tous les expéditions de pétrole brut et de produits raffinés après que le blocus iranien du détroit d’Ormuz a rendu les exportations impossibles. Le PDG de la Koweit Petroleum Corporation Nawaf al-Sabah, a qualifié la situation de catastrophique au-delà de toute mesure avertissant qu’elle déclenchera un effet domino dans l’économie mondiale.

Times of Israel : 26 years later, IDF restores its south Lebanon security zone — with key changes. While the military avoids calling it a ‘security zone,’ the boundaries are nearly the same; commanders say this time troops won’t face same threats. Five IDF divisions — totaling tens of thousands of troops — are currently stationed in the new security zone, whose boundaries are unsurprisingly similar to the security zone Israel held between 1985 and 2000, as Lebanon’s terrain has not exactly changed in the past 26 years.

Due to the seizure of an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran has decided to cancel the next round of negotiations with Washington.nnThe reasons cited include the ongoing blockade, threatening rhetoric, Washington’s inconsistent position, and “excessive demands.

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir told Trump that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is blocking renewed U.S.–Iran talks.

Xi Jinping: The Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage, which aligns with the common interest of countries in the region and the international community.

The US is expanding military bases in Cyprus under the guise of evacuation, they are building a foothold near the Middle East borders.The US is investing millions of dollars in upgrading Cypriot military facilities. According to the report, Cyprus’s main naval base will receive a new helipad capable of accepting heavy “Chinooks,” as well as port facilities for frigates. Officially, this is for evacuating refugees. In reality, it is for increasing military presence right on the borders of conflict zones.The naval base will be equipped with a new helipad capable of accepting large transport helicopters of the ‘Chinook’ type. In addition, new port facilities will be built at the base, which will allow it to accept larger ships, such as frigates,” AP reports, citing a representative of the Cyprus National Guard.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the actions of an Israeli soldier who smashed a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. The soldier faces “strict disciplinary measures,” the head of government assured.

Russian law enforcement officers on April 19 detained and interrogated at least 40 Israeli citizens upon their arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport from Tel Aviv.

Among those detained were individuals with dual citizenship—Israel and Russia—as well as Israelis without Russian passports.

They were held for about five hours without water, food, or access to a toilet.

The officers behaved rudely and demanded that phones be unlocked; however, after receiving refusals, they limited their demands to turning off the devices.

The Israeli citizens were then interrogated—at least some of them were accused by the officers of waging war against Iran.

During the questioning, the detainees were told that Iran is an ally of Russia and that an enemy of Iran is also our enemy.

The officers stated that they were not happy about the arrival of Israeli citizens in Moscow and that they had come for nothing.

Approximately five hours after the detention, the Israeli citizens began to be released after signing documents containing warnings.
[6:08 AM, 4/20/2026] Naji: France has unveiled new large-scale plans to modernize its armed forces and doctrine, betting on a radical enhancement of strategic strike capabilities and air defense penetration assets.
I have compiled the most interesting highlights from the text by French analyst Étienne Marcuse, a specialist in nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and strategic systems, as well as a former Ministry of Defense employee:

In the field of ground weapons, France is making a qualitative leap: by 2035, it plans to adopt a ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) and a range of about 2500 km.

The key element of the new doctrine will be the deeply upgraded Rafale fighter in the F5 standard, with the first 47 units from the first tranche entering service by 2035. The aircraft will receive new M88 T-REX engines with thrust increased to 9 tons, updated electronics, and conformal fuel tanks, enabling deep raids without aerial refueling.

Target detection will be handled by a completely new RBE2-XG radar with an active phased array antenna based on gallium nitride (GaN), similar to fifth-generation aircraft radars, providing significantly higher radiation power and better performance.

The main sensation for aviation is the announced development of the COMET ultra-long-range “air-to-air” missile, which could appear even before the Rafale F5 itself—by 2030. It is expected to complement, not replace, the current Meteor missiles.

Thus, by design, it is planned to be a long-range interceptor based on the Aster 30 surface-to-air missile (similar to the American AIM-174, converted from the ship-based SM-6).

Due to its enormous range, COMET guidance will require external target designation, as the fighter’s own radar will not be able to independently acquire low-observable targets at extreme distances.

To penetrate layered air defense (SEAD missions), French aviation will receive the STRATUS-RS supersonic anti-radiation and anti-ship missile.

The missile will home in on enemy radar emissions from a safe distance, allowing aviation to expose protected zones for subsequent conventional or nuclear strikes.

In parallel, Paris is strengthening its air nuclear component. To reliably overcome the development of modern enemy missile defense systems, it is planned to increase the arsenal of ASN4G missiles with TNA4G nuclear warheads, which will replace the current subsonic ASMPA-R missiles by 2035.

Russian law enforcement officers on April 19 detained and interrogated at least 40 Israeli citizens upon their arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport from Tel Aviv.

Among those detained were individuals with dual citizenship—Israel and Russia—as well as Israelis without Russian passports.

They were held for about five hours without water, food, or access to a toilet.

The officers behaved rudely and demanded that phones be unlocked; however, after receiving refusals, they limited their demands to turning off the devices.

The Israeli citizens were then interrogated—at least some of them were accused by the officers of waging war against Iran.

During the questioning, the detainees were told that Iran is an ally of Russia and that an enemy of Iran is also our enemy.

The officers stated that they were not happy about the arrival of Israeli citizens in Moscow and that they had come for nothing.

Approximately five hours after the detention, the Israeli citizens began to be released after signing documents containing warnings.

An Israeli 🇮🇱 Merkava tank spotted in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon 🇱🇧.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) published a footage showing US Navy USS Spruance intercepting and firing upon Iranian-flagged M/V Touska cargo ship at the North of the Arabian Sea:.

Zabihullah Mujahid a rejeté l’allégation selon laquelle des membres de l’Administration Talibane seraient liés à Al-Qaïda. Le porte-parole des Talibans a qualifié de « totalement faux » le récent rapport concernant les liens de certains membres de cette administration avec le réseau Al-Qaïda, affirmant qu’aucun groupe étranger n’opère en Afghanistan. Il a décrit ces allégations comme une tentative de discréditer l’image de l’administration Talibane en Afghanistan. En contra partie l’Institut du Moyen-Orient, dans un nouveau rapport, a affirmé qu’environ 55 membres de l’administration talibane entretiennent des liens avec Al-Qaïda, bien que les détails de la nature de ces liens n’aient pas été divulgués. La question des liens potentiels entre l’administration talibane et les groupes armés transnationaux reste un sujet de débat majeur au niveau régional et mondial depuis le retour de cette administration au pouvoir.

Le Monde: L’Iran assure qu’il ne remettra pas son uranium enrichi aux Etats-Unis, contredisant Donald Trump
Vendredi, le président américain avait déclaré que Washington collaborerait avec Téhéran pour récupérer son uranium enrichi et le ramener aux Etats-Unis. Après la nouvelle fermeture du détroit d’Ormuz, samedi, Téhéran a prévenu que la signature d’un accord de paix était « encore loin ».

“ Al Jazeera reports that Yemeni Houthis have declared their readiness to close the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemeni Houthis have threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if Trump obstructs the peace process.”

According to estimates by American intelligence and the military, Iran still has over 60% of its missile installations and about 40% of its attack drones, which is enough to block shipping in the Strait of Hormuz reports “The New York Times” .

Hezbollah reports the funeral of Ali Reza Abbas, one of the last high-ranking commanders from Nasrallah’s inner circle. Nasrallah, as a reminder, was eliminated along with the entire leadership in 2024. Ali Reza Abbas was likely killed on April 8 during the Israeli military operation.

Hezbollah states that a ceasefire with Israel must be mutual, not unilateral. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated a ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities warning that fighters will respond to violations accordingly.

Two LNG tankers are passing through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the IRGC. The tanker “MEDA” is under sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, while the tanker “G SUMMER” is designated as owned by Chinese owners.

Velayati : The era of imposing security from across the oceans has ended. Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution:

— 1) The era of imposing security from across the oceans has ended; today, not only is the security of Hormuz and Malacca guaranteed under our might and that of our strategic partners, but the security of Bab el-Mandeb is also in the hands of our Ansarullah brothers.

— Any mischief will have a chain reaction response.”

— 2) In the ridiculous display of the Paris meeting, if Britain and France are concerned about shipping security, they should think about the Strait of Dover and the old wound at Gibraltar.

— We appreciate Madrid’s independent and reasonable stance.”

Macron blames Hezbollah for killing French peacekeeper, terror organization denies involvement Sergeant-Chief Florian Montorio was the victim of an ambush according to the french minister of the armed Forces. Our condolences to the state of France.

Guterres condemned the attack on UNIFIL forces in Lebanon: The United Nations issued an official statement reacting to the targeting of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon and called for guarantees of the security of its staff.

Iran sets conditions: Washington must earn the trust of the Iranian people to conclude a deal with Tehran.

This was stated by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

He called this the most important step that Americans must take.

Deputy Head of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saeed Hatibzadeh, noted that Iran will not send enriched uranium to the US.

According to him, such actions are unacceptable for Tehran.

France 🇫🇷 is testing how to shoot down drones.
After limited, but still significant, participation in the war in the Middle East, France concluded that cheaper means are needed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles. Since spending Mica air-to-air missiles, costing $700,000 each, on Shaheds is not a very cost-effective option.

Therefore, the French went down the same path as everyone else and began testing their laser-guided rockets. In the photo, a Rafale fighter with a TELSON 12 JF pod containing 12 68-mm ACULEUS-LG rockets, as well as a suspended TALIOS targeting pod for guidance.

Line of contact confrontation between Hezbollah and the Israeli Army in south Lebanon. ( Hezbollah sources)

Netanyahu on Lebanon:

We have achieved great success. For the first time, we have created an extensive security zone along the entire northern border.

This belt completely eliminates the immediate threat of invasion. We have destroyed almost 90% of the rocket and missile stockpiles.

Hezbollah today is but a shadow of itself.

We have not yet finished the job. This will not be achieved tomorrow.

It requires patience and continuous effort.

We have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon. For the first time in 43 years, Israel and Lebanon are holding direct negotiations.

We will provide an opportunity for a diplomatic and military solution.

The path to peace is still long, but we have already begun it.

Intelligence reports notes an increase in the presence of Pakistani warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The ships were sent to ensure the uninterrupted passage of Pakistani tankers from the Persian Gulf to Karachi, the oil transport is being carried out on tankers flying Pakistani flags.

Iran has partially reopened its airspace to civil aviation for the first time since February 28, according to the country’s air traffic controllers.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, according to the IRGC. The Joint Military Command of the IRGC stated that control over the Strait of Hormuz has ‘returned to its previous state’ due to the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports by the United States.

Iran does not agree to the removal of enriched uranium from the country — this was stated by Bakaee, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic. This concerns issues that have been raised. None of them are subject to confirmation. Some American officials have also mentioned them.

The UK Maritime Trade Organisation [UKMTO] reports that a tanker off the coast of Oman was attacked by boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which opened fire on the vessel. The tanker’s captain reported that two armed IRGC boats approached the vessel, after which they opened fire. The tanker and crew are reportedly safe.

Le directeur de l’Agence internationale de l’énergie avertit : en raison de la guerre en Iran, le monde s’apprête à faire face à une flambée des prix alimentaires — engrais, pétrochimie et hélium sont menacés. L’Occident, qui a ignoré les risques pendant des années, s’est lui-même enfermé dans le piège du détroit d’Ormuz.

Le Soir : Le chef de la Défense : Même avec le retrait américain, Poutine ne gagnera pas la guerre contre l’Europe. Le général aviateur Frederik Vansina avertit : la période beaucoup plus imprévisible, dangereuse, « avec tout le monde qui s’arme jusqu’aux dents . Une autonomie stratégique européenne est possible, mais au sein de l’Otan, pas de l’UE. Il reste beaucoup de pain sur la planche.

Le général des Forces armées belges Frédéric Vansina a déclaré dans une interview au journal Le Soir que l’Europe doit accroître sa puissance militaire d’ici 2030 pour contenir la Russie, même sans l’aide des États-Unis. Selon lui, le temps nécessaire à cette préparation se paie au prix de vies ukrainiennes.

« En 2030, nous devons être en mesure de dire à Vladimir Poutine qu’il ne gagnera pas la guerre contre l’Europe, même sans les Américains. Nous avons encore quelques années devant nous. Grâce au courage et au sang des Ukrainiens qui achètent ce temps pour nous. C’est pourquoi nous les soutenons tant », a déclaré le général.

Le général a également appelé l’industrie de défense européenne à augmenter rapidement ses capacités et à ne pas penser que les commandes s’épuiseront après la fin de la guerre en Ukraine. Selon lui, les industriels ne devraient pas se guider uniquement par la logique économique en calculant les coûts et les bénéfices, et ils ne réalisent pas toujours leur rôle dans la protection du continent.

Trump thanked Iran for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for free passage. Thank you !

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, located in a port in the state of Virginia, caught fire. The aircraft carrier is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and modernization of critical systems, not long ago another US aircraft carrier caught fire, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which participated in strikes against Iran

Israel DM Katz says it holds and will continue to hold all areas it’s cleared in south Lebanon.

Matt Gaetz, former US Congressman: A senior Iranian official recently said that Iran welcomes a ground war. You have previously planned for a ground invasion scenario in various regions of Iran.

Does Iran really have the capability to take American citizens hostage on a large scale during an invasion?

Larry Johnson, former CIA analyst: Absolutely. They have gone through a ten-year war where the United States supported Iraq against Iran… The United States’ problem is force concentration areas.

One thing is to say we will start a ground invasion, but the question is where will you gather the forces? You might remember that in 2003, we gathered 165,000 soldiers in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa: We were not a party in any conflict against Iran during the war taking place currently with Iran. We were pushing in a direction not to spark this war from the start, because Iran is a state that has a population of about 85 million people, and any harm that hits Iran from the inside could affect the region in general. We are pushing for the region to be stable and for its problems to be solved via dialogue and diplomacy, not to enter into conflicts and big disputes. We hope this war stops and the region moves to a phase where such wars will not repeat.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Trump is determined to continue the

military operation against Iran. Netanyahu noted that Trump is extremely determined

and does not plan to retreat.

Iran rejects any extension of the ceasefire and will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, stated Ebrahim Zolfagari, a representative from IRGC “Khatam al-Anbiya.”

“We will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz until all of Iran’s rights are secured. We reject any extension of the ceasefire. We are ready for a long war, the Americans are not. This is merely a pause, not peace. Any land invasion of Iran will completely fail.”

Iran FM Araghchi to receive a high-level Pakistani delegation in Tehran.

If the Strait of Hormuz is not unblocked, a humanitarian crisis could begin by June, former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband stated. Obviously, oil and gas are currently blocked—you have spoken about this a lot. Fertilizers: 30% of global fertilizer supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and they are now completely stuck. Also, people do not know that there is a humanitarian hub—a global distribution center for humanitarian cargo: medicines, essential food, and nutrition to combat malnutrition. It is located in Dubai. And it is also currently blocked.

The American military has completely withdrawn from its last military base in Al-Hasakah, Syria.

Iran FM Araghchi to receive a high-level Pakistani delegation in Tehran.

Today, the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Armed Forces arrived in Tehran to discuss further negotiations.

The US Central Command reports that it has turned back a cargo ship under the Iranian flag.: Yesterday, a cargo ship under the Iranian flag attempted to bypass the American blockade by leaving Bandar Abbas port, exiting the Strait of Hormuz, and proceeding along the Iranian coast. The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is now returning to Iran. Since the imposition of the American blockade on Monday, ten ships have been turned back, and NONE of them have broken through the blockade..

A ceasefire in Lebanon could come into force this week, the Financial Times reported citing sources.

Current situation map in southern Lebanon

Iran has proposed allowing safe passage for ships through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz if an agreement is reached with the United States.

The USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier not to be confronted by AnsarAllah (Yemen Houthi’s) had to travel from Southern Africa en route to Iran .

Israeli nocturnal airstrikes on Sarafand in southern Lebanon.

The first oil tanker has sailed west through the Strait of Hormuz following the US blockade of Iranian ports, reports MarineTraffic. The Maltese-flagged tanker Agios Fanourios is currently heading to Basra, Iraq.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US is ready to impose secondary sanctions for working with Iran:

“I will tell you that two Chinese banks received letters from the US Treasury Department. I will not name these banks, but we told them that if we can prove that Iranian money is passing through their accounts, we are ready to impose secondary sanctions.

Axios: Trump “would welcome and be pleased with a ceasefire” between Israel and Lebanon, a US official stated.

On Wednesday, as Israel’s Security Cabinet gathered to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, a US official told Axios that President Trump “would welcome and be pleased with a cessation of hostilities.”

Why this matters: The ceasefire proposal is politically sensitive for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although these two fronts are officially separate, it could help President Trump achieve a peace agreement with Iran.

“The US has not asked Israel for a ceasefire in Lebanon, and this is not part of peace negotiations with Iran. But the president would welcome and be pleased with a cessation of hostilities as part of an agreement between Israel and Lebanon,” the US official said.

Israeli officials stated that the war in Lebanon and a possible ceasefire would be discussed at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening.
The meeting concluded without the Israeli government making a decision on a ceasefire.

Tankers steering clear of Hormuz ahead of a US blockade, oil prices spike

Carrier USS George H.W. Bush Operating off Southern Africa as Iranian Blockade Begins

Israeli Army captured the city of Bin Jbeil in southern Lebanon from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah conducted 60 operations yesterday, which included taking out 1 Merkava tank and 1 military vehicle carrying commanders, repelling 29 advance attempts, firing 35 missiles and 20 drones, and targeting 17 settlements.

Chinese Defense Minister: Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and abide by these agreements, and we expect others not to interfere in our affairs. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, which is open to us.

A Cry of a Nation

By Etienne Sakr
Chairman , Guardians of the Cedars Party.

The 13 April 1975 stands as a pivotal milestone in the modern history of Lebanon, bringing together three major events:

First, the PLO Palestinian armed invasion of Lebanon, which embodied all meanings of treachery, brutality, and ingratitude, and from which later emerged Assad regime and Islamic regime of Iran war against Lebanon.

Second, the rise of the Lebanese resistance in the seventies which confronted this invasion with rare heroism, writing epics that shifted the balance of power and asserted its presence both domestically and internationally.

Third, the emergence of the Guardians of the Cedars Party – the Lebanese Nationalist Movement, distinguished by integrity, ferocity in battle, and steadfast principles, encapsulating in its path the sanctity of the Lebanese cause.

Today, despite the deep darkness surrounding Lebanon, it will inevitably rise from its ashes, remaining faithful to its historical mission .

Tehran is ready for a deal if the US offers a genuine agreement and grants Iran its rights. We have good will, but we have no trust, said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad for negotiations with the Americans. Pakistan has released a list of names from the Iranian delegation. It consists of 86 officials, experts, and media personnel. Some important names that are attending, which weren’t mentioned in media extensively, are Baqeri Kani, deputy of the SNSC, and Mohammad Nabavian, a notoriously conservative MP. Overall, this is a heavy weight delegation which carries a lot of authority and expertise.

Amid ongoing negotiations, the US and Lebanon are urging Israel to cease strikes on Lebanon, but Netanyahu is strongly opposed Axios reports.

Iran team arrives for US talks as Lebanon, Israel make first contact

In Islamabad, US set to face a more defiant Iran at negotiating table

Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will open up automatically, adding that Iran will make no money otherwise. He thinks that it will be open fairly soon.

The key US requirement for the upcoming negotiations with Iran will be that Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons, Trump said.

BBC: More than 100 killed across Lebanon in large wave of Israeli strikes.

US military says it’s ready to resume Iran fighting if diplomacy fails

Lebanon’s capital Beirut under massive Israeli bombardments today .

Israel has the right to self defense but what happened in Beirut earlier today was not the case. Israeli warplanes overwhelmingly bombed civilian districts of the capital Beirut inducing massive casualties. This is not going to help the case against Hezbollah within Lebanon as what happened is inadmissible.

Nagi N. Najjar , former advisor to US Army (ret.) Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran stated that negotiations with the United States will take place in Islamabad starting April 10 to coordinate details aimed at confirming Iran’s political achievements on the battlefield and will last for 15 days.

London refuses Trump’s request to strike Iranian bridges and power plants, considering such targets a war crime. British bases are for defense only, while the US president publicly humiliates Prime Minister Starmer in response, comparing him to Chamberlain, who appeased Hitler

Israeli warplanes struck Mehrabad Airport in Tehran tonight . Witnesses report columns of fire and smoke

The Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved the Israel Defense Ministry’s plan to significantly accelerate the production of Arrow interceptors at IAI plants.

Defense industry enterprises are already working to accelerate production under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense to scale up output.

It is emphasized that the Arrow system, which constitutes the upper tier of Israel’s multi-layered defense system, has proven its effectiveness over the past few years.

The system will continue to develop, drawing on real-world experience in countering ballistic missile attacks from Iran and other enemies of Israel.

New York Times: This war is turning Iran into a major global power: In recent years, the global order was moving towards a three-pole system of the US, China, and Russia, but this assumption is no longer valid. A fourth pole of global power is rapidly emerging: Iran. Now, the international system will recognize Iran as the fourth pole of global power. This war is a transformation that can irreversibly change the global order.

Iran: The Hormuz Strait will be closed long-term for the US and Israel.

Yemen Houthis: We launched several ballistic missiles towards occupied Jaffa in a combined attack with Iran and Hezbollah.

The US Justice Department has offered a $10 million reward for information on Abu Ala al-Walai, leader of the Iraqi Shia militia group Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada .

US military is preparing plans to strike Iran’s defenses around the Strait of Hormuz if the current ceasefire fails.Targets could include small attack boats, mine-laying vessels, missiles, and drones that Iran uses to control the waterway. Other options under consideration include strikes on energy infrastructure or attacks on Iranian military leaders.

Iran has made exceptions for a number of states, including Russia, regarding the issue of tolls for passing through the Strait of Hormuz – Iran’s ambassador to Russia.

Armenia and France will sign a document on strategic partnership during Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Yerevan.

The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters and redirected them as part of a wider naval blockade on Iran.

Israel has been informed that Trump’s new deadline to Iran ends on Sunday.

The US 🇺🇸 is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon 🇱🇧 immediately.

Italy gifted a statue of Jesus Christ to the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon, after the original statue in the village was destroyed and desecrated by an Israeli soldier.

Yemen Nasreddin Amer, Deputy Head of the Media Department of AnsarAllah (Houthis): Iran is essentially responding to the blockade as an act of aggression that deserves a response, regardless of the effectiveness of this blockade or not, and that the time for reserving the right to respond has ended irrevocably; because it was an open door for impunity without deterrence.

The failure or success of the blockade changes nothing, as the issue is one of deterrence that must be established. America and Israel entered this war wanting to fundamentally change the Middle East and control what they call “Greater Israel” – and we recall the statements of the American ambassador to the entity days before the aggression – but it has stopped – even temporarily – and Israel is unable to control Bint Jbeil and Khiam, and America is unable to control Hormuz.”

More than 30 IRGC fast attack boats spotted by satellite in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Ghalibaf: A complete ceasefire only makes sense when it is not violated by a naval blockade and the seizure of the global economy, and when the incitement of war by Zionists on all fronts is stopped; opening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible with a flagrant violation of the ceasefire.

The Pentagon believes it will take six months to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Washington Post reports citing its own sources. According to the publication’s assessment, the negative consequences of the armed conflict will continue to affect the global economy until the end of the current year.

US Navy Secretary John Fallon fired by the Pentagon.

Iranian drones falling on Erbil :

Iran’s navy said it has seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and taken them to the country’s coast after reports that three vessels came under fire from Iranian forces.
Nour News, affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on the first ship, which it called the Epaminodes, after it had “ignored the warnings of the Iranian armed forces”.
A second ship, named Euphoria, was then stopped after being “fired upon”, followed by the targeting of a third vessel, the MSC-Francesca, according to BBC Verify.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency: Continuation of a naval blockade amounts to continued hostility; as long as the blockade persists, Iran will at least not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and if necessary, it will break the blockade by force.

The 2 weeks ceasefire is now over; Iran has not yet responded to Trump’s unilateral ceasefire extension.

Explosions were reported in Erbil, Iraq resulted from strikes by Iranian drones on the headquarters of US-backed kurdish groups.

Iran will not participate in the negotiations in Islamabad, the decision is final, reports Tasnim. Tehran stated that the refusal is due to the US failing to meet its obligations and violating the ceasefire plan prepared with Pakistan’s mediation.

Thus, the American delegation demanded that Tehran hand over all enriched uranium. In addition, the US insisted on its direct participation in the management of the Strait of Hormuz instead of Oman. The Islamic Republic refused to discuss this issue, as the strait is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and the United States has no connection to it.

Iranian Ambassador Hosseiniyan on negotiations with the US in Pakistan. According to the diplomat, at certain moments the positions of the parties were close, but then the US began to impose its own conditions.

The White House confirmed that the US expects a single proposal from the Iranians and Vance’s trip to Pakistan today will not take place. JD Vance was supposed to lead the US delegation in negotiations with Iran.

Advisor to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker: Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire makes no sense. The ceasefire extension is an attempt to buy time for a surprise attack. Iran currently holds the initiative.

Iran will not open the Strait of Hormuz until the American blockade is lifted, despite Trump’s extension of the ceasefire, reported the Tasnim news agency.

“We did not ask to extend the ceasefire,” say officials in Iran. Recall that Tehran’s main condition for resuming negotiations is the lifting of the American naval blockade.

Le Kuwait a déclaré la force majeure sur tous les expéditions de pétrole brut et de produits raffinés après que le blocus iranien du détroit d’Ormuz a rendu les exportations impossibles. Le PDG de la Koweit Petroleum Corporation Nawaf al-Sabah, a qualifié la situation de catastrophique au-delà de toute mesure avertissant qu’elle déclenchera un effet domino dans l’économie mondiale.

Times of Israel : 26 years later, IDF restores its south Lebanon security zone — with key changes. While the military avoids calling it a ‘security zone,’ the boundaries are nearly the same; commanders say this time troops won’t face same threats. Five IDF divisions — totaling tens of thousands of troops — are currently stationed in the new security zone, whose boundaries are unsurprisingly similar to the security zone Israel held between 1985 and 2000, as Lebanon’s terrain has not exactly changed in the past 26 years.

Due to the seizure of an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran has decided to cancel the next round of negotiations with Washington.nnThe reasons cited include the ongoing blockade, threatening rhetoric, Washington’s inconsistent position, and “excessive demands.

Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir told Trump that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is blocking renewed U.S.–Iran talks.

Xi Jinping: The Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage, which aligns with the common interest of countries in the region and the international community.

The US is expanding military bases in Cyprus under the guise of evacuation, they are building a foothold near the Middle East borders.The US is investing millions of dollars in upgrading Cypriot military facilities. According to the report, Cyprus’s main naval base will receive a new helipad capable of accepting heavy “Chinooks,” as well as port facilities for frigates. Officially, this is for evacuating refugees. In reality, it is for increasing military presence right on the borders of conflict zones.The naval base will be equipped with a new helipad capable of accepting large transport helicopters of the ‘Chinook’ type. In addition, new port facilities will be built at the base, which will allow it to accept larger ships, such as frigates,” AP reports, citing a representative of the Cyprus National Guard.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the actions of an Israeli soldier who smashed a statue of Jesus Christ in southern Lebanon. The soldier faces “strict disciplinary measures,” the head of government assured.

Russian law enforcement officers on April 19 detained and interrogated at least 40 Israeli citizens upon their arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport from Tel Aviv.

Among those detained were individuals with dual citizenship—Israel and Russia—as well as Israelis without Russian passports.

They were held for about five hours without water, food, or access to a toilet.

The officers behaved rudely and demanded that phones be unlocked; however, after receiving refusals, they limited their demands to turning off the devices.

The Israeli citizens were then interrogated—at least some of them were accused by the officers of waging war against Iran.

During the questioning, the detainees were told that Iran is an ally of Russia and that an enemy of Iran is also our enemy.

The officers stated that they were not happy about the arrival of Israeli citizens in Moscow and that they had come for nothing.

Approximately five hours after the detention, the Israeli citizens began to be released after signing documents containing warnings.
[6:08 AM, 4/20/2026] Naji: France has unveiled new large-scale plans to modernize its armed forces and doctrine, betting on a radical enhancement of strategic strike capabilities and air defense penetration assets.
I have compiled the most interesting highlights from the text by French analyst Étienne Marcuse, a specialist in nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and strategic systems, as well as a former Ministry of Defense employee:

In the field of ground weapons, France is making a qualitative leap: by 2035, it plans to adopt a ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) and a range of about 2500 km.

The key element of the new doctrine will be the deeply upgraded Rafale fighter in the F5 standard, with the first 47 units from the first tranche entering service by 2035. The aircraft will receive new M88 T-REX engines with thrust increased to 9 tons, updated electronics, and conformal fuel tanks, enabling deep raids without aerial refueling.

Target detection will be handled by a completely new RBE2-XG radar with an active phased array antenna based on gallium nitride (GaN), similar to fifth-generation aircraft radars, providing significantly higher radiation power and better performance.

The main sensation for aviation is the announced development of the COMET ultra-long-range “air-to-air” missile, which could appear even before the Rafale F5 itself—by 2030. It is expected to complement, not replace, the current Meteor missiles.

Thus, by design, it is planned to be a long-range interceptor based on the Aster 30 surface-to-air missile (similar to the American AIM-174, converted from the ship-based SM-6).

Due to its enormous range, COMET guidance will require external target designation, as the fighter’s own radar will not be able to independently acquire low-observable targets at extreme distances.

To penetrate layered air defense (SEAD missions), French aviation will receive the STRATUS-RS supersonic anti-radiation and anti-ship missile.

The missile will home in on enemy radar emissions from a safe distance, allowing aviation to expose protected zones for subsequent conventional or nuclear strikes.

In parallel, Paris is strengthening its air nuclear component. To reliably overcome the development of modern enemy missile defense systems, it is planned to increase the arsenal of ASN4G missiles with TNA4G nuclear warheads, which will replace the current subsonic ASMPA-R missiles by 2035.

Russian law enforcement officers on April 19 detained and interrogated at least 40 Israeli citizens upon their arrival at Moscow’s Domodedovo airport from Tel Aviv.

Among those detained were individuals with dual citizenship—Israel and Russia—as well as Israelis without Russian passports.

They were held for about five hours without water, food, or access to a toilet.

The officers behaved rudely and demanded that phones be unlocked; however, after receiving refusals, they limited their demands to turning off the devices.

The Israeli citizens were then interrogated—at least some of them were accused by the officers of waging war against Iran.

During the questioning, the detainees were told that Iran is an ally of Russia and that an enemy of Iran is also our enemy.

The officers stated that they were not happy about the arrival of Israeli citizens in Moscow and that they had come for nothing.

Approximately five hours after the detention, the Israeli citizens began to be released after signing documents containing warnings.

An Israeli 🇮🇱 Merkava tank spotted in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon 🇱🇧.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) published a footage showing US Navy USS Spruance intercepting and firing upon Iranian-flagged M/V Touska cargo ship at the North of the Arabian Sea:.

Zabihullah Mujahid a rejeté l’allégation selon laquelle des membres de l’Administration Talibane seraient liés à Al-Qaïda. Le porte-parole des Talibans a qualifié de « totalement faux » le récent rapport concernant les liens de certains membres de cette administration avec le réseau Al-Qaïda, affirmant qu’aucun groupe étranger n’opère en Afghanistan. Il a décrit ces allégations comme une tentative de discréditer l’image de l’administration Talibane en Afghanistan. En contra partie l’Institut du Moyen-Orient, dans un nouveau rapport, a affirmé qu’environ 55 membres de l’administration talibane entretiennent des liens avec Al-Qaïda, bien que les détails de la nature de ces liens n’aient pas été divulgués. La question des liens potentiels entre l’administration talibane et les groupes armés transnationaux reste un sujet de débat majeur au niveau régional et mondial depuis le retour de cette administration au pouvoir.

Le Monde: L’Iran assure qu’il ne remettra pas son uranium enrichi aux Etats-Unis, contredisant Donald Trump
Vendredi, le président américain avait déclaré que Washington collaborerait avec Téhéran pour récupérer son uranium enrichi et le ramener aux Etats-Unis. Après la nouvelle fermeture du détroit d’Ormuz, samedi, Téhéran a prévenu que la signature d’un accord de paix était « encore loin ».

“ Al Jazeera reports that Yemeni Houthis have declared their readiness to close the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemeni Houthis have threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if Trump obstructs the peace process.”

According to estimates by American intelligence and the military, Iran still has over 60% of its missile installations and about 40% of its attack drones, which is enough to block shipping in the Strait of Hormuz reports “The New York Times” .

Hezbollah reports the funeral of Ali Reza Abbas, one of the last high-ranking commanders from Nasrallah’s inner circle. Nasrallah, as a reminder, was eliminated along with the entire leadership in 2024. Ali Reza Abbas was likely killed on April 8 during the Israeli military operation.

Hezbollah states that a ceasefire with Israel must be mutual, not unilateral. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated a ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities warning that fighters will respond to violations accordingly.

Two LNG tankers are passing through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the IRGC. The tanker “MEDA” is under sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, while the tanker “G SUMMER” is designated as owned by Chinese owners.

Velayati : The era of imposing security from across the oceans has ended. Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution:

— 1) The era of imposing security from across the oceans has ended; today, not only is the security of Hormuz and Malacca guaranteed under our might and that of our strategic partners, but the security of Bab el-Mandeb is also in the hands of our Ansarullah brothers.

— Any mischief will have a chain reaction response.”

— 2) In the ridiculous display of the Paris meeting, if Britain and France are concerned about shipping security, they should think about the Strait of Dover and the old wound at Gibraltar.

— We appreciate Madrid’s independent and reasonable stance.”

Macron blames Hezbollah for killing French peacekeeper, terror organization denies involvement Sergeant-Chief Florian Montorio was the victim of an ambush according to the french minister of the armed Forces. Our condolences to the state of France.

Guterres condemned the attack on UNIFIL forces in Lebanon: The United Nations issued an official statement reacting to the targeting of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon and called for guarantees of the security of its staff.

Iran sets conditions: Washington must earn the trust of the Iranian people to conclude a deal with Tehran.

This was stated by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

He called this the most important step that Americans must take.

Deputy Head of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saeed Hatibzadeh, noted that Iran will not send enriched uranium to the US.

According to him, such actions are unacceptable for Tehran.

France 🇫🇷 is testing how to shoot down drones.
After limited, but still significant, participation in the war in the Middle East, France concluded that cheaper means are needed to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles. Since spending Mica air-to-air missiles, costing $700,000 each, on Shaheds is not a very cost-effective option.

Therefore, the French went down the same path as everyone else and began testing their laser-guided rockets. In the photo, a Rafale fighter with a TELSON 12 JF pod containing 12 68-mm ACULEUS-LG rockets, as well as a suspended TALIOS targeting pod for guidance.

Line of contact confrontation between Hezbollah and the Israeli Army in south Lebanon. ( Hezbollah sources)

Netanyahu on Lebanon:

We have achieved great success. For the first time, we have created an extensive security zone along the entire northern border.

This belt completely eliminates the immediate threat of invasion. We have destroyed almost 90% of the rocket and missile stockpiles.

Hezbollah today is but a shadow of itself.

We have not yet finished the job. This will not be achieved tomorrow.

It requires patience and continuous effort.

We have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon. For the first time in 43 years, Israel and Lebanon are holding direct negotiations.

We will provide an opportunity for a diplomatic and military solution.

The path to peace is still long, but we have already begun it.

Intelligence reports notes an increase in the presence of Pakistani warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The ships were sent to ensure the uninterrupted passage of Pakistani tankers from the Persian Gulf to Karachi, the oil transport is being carried out on tankers flying Pakistani flags.

Iran has partially reopened its airspace to civil aviation for the first time since February 28, according to the country’s air traffic controllers.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz again, according to the IRGC. The Joint Military Command of the IRGC stated that control over the Strait of Hormuz has ‘returned to its previous state’ due to the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports by the United States.

Iran does not agree to the removal of enriched uranium from the country — this was stated by Bakaee, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic. This concerns issues that have been raised. None of them are subject to confirmation. Some American officials have also mentioned them.

The UK Maritime Trade Organisation [UKMTO] reports that a tanker off the coast of Oman was attacked by boats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which opened fire on the vessel. The tanker’s captain reported that two armed IRGC boats approached the vessel, after which they opened fire. The tanker and crew are reportedly safe.

Le directeur de l’Agence internationale de l’énergie avertit : en raison de la guerre en Iran, le monde s’apprête à faire face à une flambée des prix alimentaires — engrais, pétrochimie et hélium sont menacés. L’Occident, qui a ignoré les risques pendant des années, s’est lui-même enfermé dans le piège du détroit d’Ormuz.

Le Soir : Le chef de la Défense : Même avec le retrait américain, Poutine ne gagnera pas la guerre contre l’Europe. Le général aviateur Frederik Vansina avertit : la période beaucoup plus imprévisible, dangereuse, « avec tout le monde qui s’arme jusqu’aux dents . Une autonomie stratégique européenne est possible, mais au sein de l’Otan, pas de l’UE. Il reste beaucoup de pain sur la planche.

Le général des Forces armées belges Frédéric Vansina a déclaré dans une interview au journal Le Soir que l’Europe doit accroître sa puissance militaire d’ici 2030 pour contenir la Russie, même sans l’aide des États-Unis. Selon lui, le temps nécessaire à cette préparation se paie au prix de vies ukrainiennes.

« En 2030, nous devons être en mesure de dire à Vladimir Poutine qu’il ne gagnera pas la guerre contre l’Europe, même sans les Américains. Nous avons encore quelques années devant nous. Grâce au courage et au sang des Ukrainiens qui achètent ce temps pour nous. C’est pourquoi nous les soutenons tant », a déclaré le général.

Le général a également appelé l’industrie de défense européenne à augmenter rapidement ses capacités et à ne pas penser que les commandes s’épuiseront après la fin de la guerre en Ukraine. Selon lui, les industriels ne devraient pas se guider uniquement par la logique économique en calculant les coûts et les bénéfices, et ils ne réalisent pas toujours leur rôle dans la protection du continent.

Trump thanked Iran for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz: Iran just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for free passage. Thank you !

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, located in a port in the state of Virginia, caught fire. The aircraft carrier is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance and modernization of critical systems, not long ago another US aircraft carrier caught fire, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which participated in strikes against Iran

Israel DM Katz says it holds and will continue to hold all areas it’s cleared in south Lebanon.

Matt Gaetz, former US Congressman: A senior Iranian official recently said that Iran welcomes a ground war. You have previously planned for a ground invasion scenario in various regions of Iran.

Does Iran really have the capability to take American citizens hostage on a large scale during an invasion?

Larry Johnson, former CIA analyst: Absolutely. They have gone through a ten-year war where the United States supported Iraq against Iran… The United States’ problem is force concentration areas.

One thing is to say we will start a ground invasion, but the question is where will you gather the forces? You might remember that in 2003, we gathered 165,000 soldiers in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa: We were not a party in any conflict against Iran during the war taking place currently with Iran. We were pushing in a direction not to spark this war from the start, because Iran is a state that has a population of about 85 million people, and any harm that hits Iran from the inside could affect the region in general. We are pushing for the region to be stable and for its problems to be solved via dialogue and diplomacy, not to enter into conflicts and big disputes. We hope this war stops and the region moves to a phase where such wars will not repeat.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Trump is determined to continue the

military operation against Iran. Netanyahu noted that Trump is extremely determined

and does not plan to retreat.

Iran rejects any extension of the ceasefire and will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, stated Ebrahim Zolfagari, a representative from IRGC “Khatam al-Anbiya.”

“We will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz until all of Iran’s rights are secured. We reject any extension of the ceasefire. We are ready for a long war, the Americans are not. This is merely a pause, not peace. Any land invasion of Iran will completely fail.”

Iran FM Araghchi to receive a high-level Pakistani delegation in Tehran.

If the Strait of Hormuz is not unblocked, a humanitarian crisis could begin by June, former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband stated. Obviously, oil and gas are currently blocked—you have spoken about this a lot. Fertilizers: 30% of global fertilizer supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and they are now completely stuck. Also, people do not know that there is a humanitarian hub—a global distribution center for humanitarian cargo: medicines, essential food, and nutrition to combat malnutrition. It is located in Dubai. And it is also currently blocked.

The American military has completely withdrawn from its last military base in Al-Hasakah, Syria.

Iran FM Araghchi to receive a high-level Pakistani delegation in Tehran.

Today, the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Armed Forces arrived in Tehran to discuss further negotiations.

The US Central Command reports that it has turned back a cargo ship under the Iranian flag.: Yesterday, a cargo ship under the Iranian flag attempted to bypass the American blockade by leaving Bandar Abbas port, exiting the Strait of Hormuz, and proceeding along the Iranian coast. The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) successfully redirected the vessel, which is now returning to Iran. Since the imposition of the American blockade on Monday, ten ships have been turned back, and NONE of them have broken through the blockade..

A ceasefire in Lebanon could come into force this week, the Financial Times reported citing sources.

Current situation map in southern Lebanon

Iran has proposed allowing safe passage for ships through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz if an agreement is reached with the United States.

The USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier not to be confronted by AnsarAllah (Yemen Houthi’s) had to travel from Southern Africa en route to Iran .

Israeli nocturnal airstrikes on Sarafand in southern Lebanon.

The first oil tanker has sailed west through the Strait of Hormuz following the US blockade of Iranian ports, reports MarineTraffic. The Maltese-flagged tanker Agios Fanourios is currently heading to Basra, Iraq.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US is ready to impose secondary sanctions for working with Iran:

“I will tell you that two Chinese banks received letters from the US Treasury Department. I will not name these banks, but we told them that if we can prove that Iranian money is passing through their accounts, we are ready to impose secondary sanctions.

Axios: Trump “would welcome and be pleased with a ceasefire” between Israel and Lebanon, a US official stated.

On Wednesday, as Israel’s Security Cabinet gathered to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, a US official told Axios that President Trump “would welcome and be pleased with a cessation of hostilities.”

Why this matters: The ceasefire proposal is politically sensitive for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although these two fronts are officially separate, it could help President Trump achieve a peace agreement with Iran.

“The US has not asked Israel for a ceasefire in Lebanon, and this is not part of peace negotiations with Iran. But the president would welcome and be pleased with a cessation of hostilities as part of an agreement between Israel and Lebanon,” the US official said.

Israeli officials stated that the war in Lebanon and a possible ceasefire would be discussed at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening.
The meeting concluded without the Israeli government making a decision on a ceasefire.

Tankers steering clear of Hormuz ahead of a US blockade, oil prices spike

Carrier USS George H.W. Bush Operating off Southern Africa as Iranian Blockade Begins

Israeli Army captured the city of Bin Jbeil in southern Lebanon from Hezbollah.

Hezbollah conducted 60 operations yesterday, which included taking out 1 Merkava tank and 1 military vehicle carrying commanders, repelling 29 advance attempts, firing 35 missiles and 20 drones, and targeting 17 settlements.

Chinese Defense Minister: Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and abide by these agreements, and we expect others not to interfere in our affairs. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, which is open to us.

A Cry of a Nation

By Etienne Sakr
Chairman , Guardians of the Cedars Party.

The 13 April 1975 stands as a pivotal milestone in the modern history of Lebanon, bringing together three major events:

First, the PLO Palestinian armed invasion of Lebanon, which embodied all meanings of treachery, brutality, and ingratitude, and from which later emerged Assad regime and Islamic regime of Iran war against Lebanon.

Second, the rise of the Lebanese resistance in the seventies which confronted this invasion with rare heroism, writing epics that shifted the balance of power and asserted its presence both domestically and internationally.

Third, the emergence of the Guardians of the Cedars Party – the Lebanese Nationalist Movement, distinguished by integrity, ferocity in battle, and steadfast principles, encapsulating in its path the sanctity of the Lebanese cause.

Today, despite the deep darkness surrounding Lebanon, it will inevitably rise from its ashes, remaining faithful to its historical mission .

Tehran is ready for a deal if the US offers a genuine agreement and grants Iran its rights. We have good will, but we have no trust, said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad for negotiations with the Americans. Pakistan has released a list of names from the Iranian delegation. It consists of 86 officials, experts, and media personnel. Some important names that are attending, which weren’t mentioned in media extensively, are Baqeri Kani, deputy of the SNSC, and Mohammad Nabavian, a notoriously conservative MP. Overall, this is a heavy weight delegation which carries a lot of authority and expertise.

Amid ongoing negotiations, the US and Lebanon are urging Israel to cease strikes on Lebanon, but Netanyahu is strongly opposed Axios reports.

Iran team arrives for US talks as Lebanon, Israel make first contact

In Islamabad, US set to face a more defiant Iran at negotiating table

Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will open up automatically, adding that Iran will make no money otherwise. He thinks that it will be open fairly soon.

The key US requirement for the upcoming negotiations with Iran will be that Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons, Trump said.

BBC: More than 100 killed across Lebanon in large wave of Israeli strikes.

US military says it’s ready to resume Iran fighting if diplomacy fails

Lebanon’s capital Beirut under massive Israeli bombardments today .

Israel has the right to self defense but what happened in Beirut earlier today was not the case. Israeli warplanes overwhelmingly bombed civilian districts of the capital Beirut inducing massive casualties. This is not going to help the case against Hezbollah within Lebanon as what happened is inadmissible.

Nagi N. Najjar , former advisor to US Army (ret.) Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran stated that negotiations with the United States will take place in Islamabad starting April 10 to coordinate details aimed at confirming Iran’s political achievements on the battlefield and will last for 15 days.

London refuses Trump’s request to strike Iranian bridges and power plants, considering such targets a war crime. British bases are for defense only, while the US president publicly humiliates Prime Minister Starmer in response, comparing him to Chamberlain, who appeased Hitler

Israeli warplanes struck Mehrabad Airport in Tehran tonight . Witnesses report columns of fire and smoke

The Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved the Israel Defense Ministry’s plan to significantly accelerate the production of Arrow interceptors at IAI plants.

Defense industry enterprises are already working to accelerate production under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense to scale up output.

It is emphasized that the Arrow system, which constitutes the upper tier of Israel’s multi-layered defense system, has proven its effectiveness over the past few years.

The system will continue to develop, drawing on real-world experience in countering ballistic missile attacks from Iran and other enemies of Israel.

New York Times: This war is turning Iran into a major global power: In recent years, the global order was moving towards a three-pole system of the US, China, and Russia, but this assumption is no longer valid. A fourth pole of global power is rapidly emerging: Iran. Now, the international system will recognize Iran as the fourth pole of global power. This war is a transformation that can irreversibly change the global order.

Iran: The Hormuz Strait will be closed long-term for the US and Israel.

Iranian hypersonic missiles hit Tel Aviv tonight .

Iranian hypersonic missiles hit Tel Aviv tonight .

British Defense Minister John Healey announced that the country is sending more troops and air defense systems to the Middle East to help allies resist potential Iranian attacks.

Iran’s IRGC announced an attack on a US Air Force flight crew accommodation facility in Al Khurj, Saudi Arabia.

Iranian missiles hit the headquarters of Batelco in Hamal, Bahrain, the largest telecommunications company in the country, where Amazon Web Services servers are located.

US oil heads to Greece for first time in four years as refiners seek alternatives to Middle East crude. A cargo of WTI Midland crude headed to Greece for ​the first time in about four years, ship tracking ‌data on Kpler showed, as U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran and reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have upended trade flows and shut in ​output in the region.

A field operational visit by Majid al-Musawi, the commander of the air force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps visiting an underground ballistic missile bases and monitoring the progress of operations… ( Farsi )

The Israeli Army displays a weapon cache seized from the Shia Amal militia in southern Lebanon .

Netanyahu stated that he and his government are working to transform Israel into a regional and even global superpower.

The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush is heading to the Middle East to replace the Gerald Ford.

American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Iraq

Yemen launching rockets towards the Negev in southern Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s air defense systems are the best in the world: We have proven that our air defense systems are the best in the world, and I would like to tell you here that many countries are now requesting our help, because they know that we are number one when it comes to defense and attack.

Iran has not yet sent the US an official response to the 15-point conflict resolution plan and has not put forward any counter-conditions.

The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that he is directly exchanging messages with the US President’s special envoy, Whitcoff, but cannot call this a negotiation.

The head of Iran’s judiciary, Mohseni-Ejei was killed in one of the airstrikes on Tehran.

Iran has attacked Kuwait’s airport, and aviation fuel tanks are on fire.

Wave of airstrikes targeting Tehran.

Footage showing an Iranian ballistic missile hitting an American base.

An oil tanker was targeted near Doha.

Statement by the Guardians of the Cedars.

By a Etienne Sakr, Chairman

Iran established the organization “Hezbollah” and provided it with all forms of support, enabling it to impose near-total control over the Lebanese state.

It then directed this party to support Gaza, resulting in the destruction of as many villages and towns in the South as possible, in addition to the southern suburbs of Beirut and Baalbek–Hermel, along with the destruction of most of this party’s capabilities.

Yesterday, it ordered the opening of the southern front under the banner of supporting the Iranian regime, leading to the destruction of what remained of villages and homes in the South, the Bekaa, and the suburbs, and the displacement of more than one million citizens.

Today, it has instructed its ambassador in Lebanon to defy the decision of the Lebanese state, remain in his position, and continue performing his duties against the will of the host state.

Despite all this, there remains a faction that considers Iran a friendly state to Lebanon and claims that it has no ambitions in it.
This faction, we do not see as merely misled, deceived, or intellectually backward; rather, we consider its stance to be an act of high treason, committed with prior intent and deliberation….

And what is to come will soon be seen.

A risky adventure, that’s how Erik Prince, the founder of the Blackwater PMC, described the idea of a ground operation in Iran.

In Prince’s opinion, a ground operation would not be a “walk in the park”, as Iran pays great attention to its missile program and training in modern warfare, including the use of FPV drones:

“Capturing Kharg Island would be quite a risky venture, because transport aircraft would have to shuttle back and forth. And that’s assuming you don’t immediately suffer losses due to technical failures and air defense fire. Dropping the 82nd Airborne on Kharg Island? Pretty adventurous. Air dropping into a zone where thousands and thousands of missiles are concentrated? Well, I don’t know.

Not to mention that the Iranians are learning. And they pay the closest attention to modern drone warfare. They use FPV up to the battalion level. We keep stumbling upon videos where Israel loses its tanks and BMPs in southern Lebanon precisely because of these FPV drones, which the Russians are using with great success in Ukraine. So… And then the Iranians aren’t just Arabs. They’re Aryans, very smart and skilled warriors.

They won’t be an easy prey like the Iraqi army.”

Will Trump accept that he won’t be able to get a “piece of cake” on his terms? He’s almost daily trying to convince the public that “Iran is already defeated”. But here’s the catch – negotiations aren’t taking place, the Iranian government is still in power, and the military continues to hit American bases.

Turkish nationalist leader calls for regime change in Israel ‘if any should occur’ in Middle East. Devlet Bahceli, leader of Türkiye’s Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key ally in the ruling People’s Alliance, said Tuesday that any regime change in the Middle East should begin with Israel, which he described as the primary source of instability in the region.
Speaking to his parliamentary group, Bahceli asserted that if the international community seeks to restructure the region with regime changes, it must start with the government in Tel Aviv.

Iran Hits Giant Kuwaiti Oil Tanker Near Dubai Despite Trump Threats. Iran struck a crude oil tanker off Dubai early Tuesday amid escalating conflict, disrupting Gulf shipping & pushing oil prices higher as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz intensify.

Jerusalem nighttime.

USAF carried out an airstrike on a large ammunition depot in the Iranian city of Isfahan using heavy “Bunker Buster” bombs weighing 2,000 pounds.

Live Updates: Four IDF soldiers killed in southern Lebanon, Trump willing to end war without reopening Hormuz

Israel strikes West Bekaa, cuts off key roads; Trump seeks Iran deal before April 6

Cut off from the rest of Lebanon, Dibil residents trapped between ‘Hezbollah’s anvil and Israel’s hammer’

Statement by the Guardians of the Cedars

By Etienne Sakr , chairman.

The Iranian ambassador in Beirut refuses to leave the country, in clear defiance of the expulsion order issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This defiance exposes the Lebanese state’s weakness and strips it of whatever authority it has left, once again confirming its lack of credibility and its inability to enforce its decisions…
From this day forward, no one will take these decisions seriously.

Total bankruptcy… total exposure… and the country is left at the mercy of the winds… and no one resigns; instead, they are all clinging to their political seats.

The US will not allow Iran to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz and impose fees for passage through it, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“We do not swear an oath to a king, queen, tyrant, or dictator,” stated retired US Army General Mark Milley during a speech at the “No Kings” rally in Washington.

A quadrilateral meeting was held in Islamabad to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.

Iran confirms death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Tangsiri..

A quadrilateral meeting was held in Islamabad to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan discussed the consequences of the ongoing war and its economic and security impacts on the region. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the focus of this meeting was on the immediate reduction of tensions and preventing the crisis from spreading. The conflicts have intensified since February 28 following joint attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, raising concerns at the regional level.

An Iran Exit Plan

What the West Misses About China’s Nuclear Build-up

Trump reportedly wants to ‘take the oil in Iran’ as Tehran targets water, power facilities in Kuwait.

Trump: The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran.

Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” we will conclude our lovely “stay” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet “touched.”

This will be in retribution for our many soldiers, and others, that Iran has butchered and killed over the old Regime’s 47 year “Reign of Terror.”

Times of Israel: The US and Israel’s plan to invade Iran with Kurds failed after leaks

According to the investigation, the plan envisaged that tens of thousands of Kurdish fighters would cross the border from Iraqi Kurdistan with the support of large-scale US and Israeli airstrikes on northwestern Iran. The aim was to provoke an internal uprising and overthrow the regime in Tehran.

“The combination of massive US and Israeli strikes and the invasion of Kurds was supposed to ‘break the barrier of fear’ among the Iranian opposition,” the Channel 12 publication quotes a fragment of the material.

The author notes that the Israeli intelligence agency “Mossad” had been working on this scenario for several years, and before the start of the war, it was presented to the US and Israeli leadership as almost guaranteed. However, within the Israeli army, assessments were more skeptical.

“Some high-ranking military officials called this plan ‘imaginary’ and ‘full of holes’, despite the fact that it was presented as fully developed,” the publication emphasizes.

The decisive factor was the leak of information. After reports in the American media about the impending offensive, Iran urgently strengthened its defenses in the northwest of the country, began to put pressure on the Kurds in Iraq, and used diplomatic channels to disrupt the operation.

Additional pressure was exerted by regional players. Turkey opposed any scenarios involving the strengthening of the Kurds, and the Gulf countries warned of the risk of destabilizing the region in the event of Iran’s collapse. At the same time, the Kurdish forces themselves began to doubt the prospects of the operation and demand political guarantees from the US, not just military support.

In the end, having lost the element of surprise and faced with growing risks, Donald Trump refused to implement the plan.

“After the leaks and the loss of the element of surprise, Trump decided that the operation was too dangerous and canceled it,” the report notes.

According to Channel 12, the possibility of resuming the operation was later considered, but it was also rejected.

Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war, defense minister says
The closure of the airspace forces military planes to bypass NATO member Spain en route to their targets in the Middle East, but it does not include emergency situations.

Why revived China-Philippine talks won’t lead to energy cooperation in the South China Sea

The War With Iran May Be Ushering in a New Nuclear Age.

US ground invasion of Iran possible to begin in early April in a limited part of Iran to control the straight of Hormuz.

Drone attack by a newly established Islamic Resistance Group of Syria on the US base in Jordan. A group named “Kataib Jund al-Karrar fi Bilad al-Sham” announced that it targeted the positions of American forces at Muwaffaq Salti Air base in Jordan using a drone. Not sure who are these looks like a friendly intelligence service to the US who has interest at amplifying and widening the regional conflict.

The IRGC announced that a Shahed-136 drone, worth 20 thousand US dollars, participated in the attack, which resulted in the damage of a Boeing E3 Sentry reconnaissance aircraft, worth 700 million US dollars, at a military base in Saudi Arabia.

“ Iran likely transferred highly enriched uranium to Isfahan before the June strikes. Satellite imagery shows that Iran could have transferred to Isfahan up to 540 kilograms—possibly all—of its highly-enriched uranium inventory before the June strikes last year. “

Iran warns U.S. troops will be “set on fire” if Americans launch ground operation

50,000 U.S. Troops in Middle East Seen Insufficient for Iran Ground War

Netanyahu orders IDF to expand security zone in Southern Lebanon. Israeli premier aims to prevent attacks and push the Hezbollah threat farther from northern border amid ongoing multi-front war.

Brent crude tops $116 as Iran war strangles Hormuz shipping lanes

Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia reportedly eyeing Strait of Hormuz management consortium

Air Force One: Ground stop issued at Florida International Airport after incident near Donald Trump. F-16 aircraft and choppers have been deployed in Florida near US President Donald Trump and Air Force One.

Israeli airstrikes reported on a petrochemical plant located in the Iranian city of Tabriz.

Simultaneous Iranian strikes on UA targets in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Divan Hotel in Erbil, northern Iraq targeted by drones.

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The Prince Sultan base in eastern Saudi Arabia was attacked with 5 ballistic missiles.

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By Nagi N. Najjar
The latest incidents in Sukailabiya in Syria were not random rather a well instigated provocation by the Syrian Social National Party . The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) in Al-Suqaylabiyah was actively involved in the Syrian war, forming armed factions known as the “Eagles of the Whirlwind” to fight alongside Assad government forces. The party focused its efforts on turning this predominantly Christian area against Syrian opposition factions at the time , acting as a local auxiliary force supporting Assad Forces.

The SSNP in Al-Suqaylabiyah participated in direct battles, manned checkpoints, and secured the area, especially since Al-Suqaylabiyah is considered an important strategic location in Hamah province in the area . The party coordinated with Asaad government forces, with its fighters being incorporated as an auxiliary force in military operations against Syrian opposition groups. Latest incidents in Sukaylabiya were nothing but another attempt by Assad loyalists ( SSNP) to demonize authorities in create a civil strife accusing current government in Syria of attacking the Christian minority. This whole story was a well fabricated intelligence set up of the SSNP chief in Beirut Assad Hardan is busy orchestrating with Assad defected officers who took refuge under SSNP security protection in Lebanon .

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U.S. Marines Arrive in Middle East, as Houthis Enter War

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Senate Approves Bill To Fund Most Of DHS, Trump Extends Deadline For Iran To Open Strait Of Hormuz: Live Updates

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Pentagon prepares for weeks of ground operations in Iran

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The IRGC has warned American academic institutions across the Middle East are now targets for retaliation following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian universities.

Deadline: Noon Tehran time, Monday March 30.
The targets:

JORDAN : American University of Madaba

QATAR
▪️ Carnegie Mellon University
▪️ Georgetown University
▪️ Texas A&M University
▪️ Northwestern University
▪️ Weill Cornell Medicine

UAE
▪️ NYU Abu Dhabi
▪️ American University in Dubai
▪️ American University of Sharjah

LEBANON
▪️ American University of Beirut
▪️ Lebanese American University

IRAQ
▪️ American University of Iraq — Baghdad
▪️ American University of Iraq — Sulaimani
▪️ American University of Kurdistan — Duhok

KUWAIT : American University of Kuwait

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Former director of the French War College: Americans have never known how to fight asymmetric wars. They have always thought that power and wealth could overcome intelligence, but no, this is not the case. Iranians have methods to counter the United States ideas about Kharg Island that will be very effective ( French report)

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Iran attacked the largest oil refinery in Bahrain, as well as other facilities in the country. The BAPCO complex in the Al-Riffa area was hit. This included the Al-Hidd industrial zone and military bases.

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US Forces at Saudi Air Base Suffer Iranian Attack

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Inside Iran’s military: missiles, militias and a force built for survival

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The U.S. is far from breaking Iran’s missile power: The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the country approaches its one-month mark.

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Israel Strikes Two Iranian Nuclear Program Sites: Israel has struck two key nuclear-related facilities inside Iran, including a heavy-water plant and a yellowcake production site.

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Next Flashpoint In Iran War? The Bab Al-Mandab Strait Off Yemen’s Coast

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Iranian Strike Wounds US Troops In Saudi Arabia As Houthis Enter War

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The Iranian strike on the US Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia was one of the most serious breaches of American air defense during the entire conflict, writes the New York Times. The base was simultaneously hit by missiles and drones: 12 American soldiers were injured, two of whom are in a critical condition. At least two KC-135 refueling aircraft were damaged.

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Strike on U.S. Base in Saudi Arabia Injures 12 American Troops, 2 Seriously, Officials Say

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A U.S. official said that earlier an Iranian strike at a military base in Saudi Arabia injured around two dozen U.S. troops, one of the most serious breaches of American defenses since the war began.

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A statement about Yemen’s entry into the conflict and the launch of the first missile strikes on Israel, made by Major General Yahya Sakir: In accordance with the previously published statement of the Yemeni armed forces about direct military intervention in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the resistance fronts in Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, carried out the first military operation.

The operation was conducted using ballistic missiles, which hit sensitive military targets of the enemy in the south of occupied Palestine. This operation coincided in time with the actions carried out by fighters in Iran and the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The operation successfully achieved its goals, with Allah’s permission. Military actions, with Allah’s help, will continue until the stated goals are achieved and the aggression ceases on all resistance fronts, as stated in the previous statement of the armed forces.

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Several Iranian drones attacked Kuwait International Airport, reportedly damaging the airport’s radar system.

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The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will meet in Islamabad to discuss peace initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions around Iran and in the region.

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Yemeni missile fired towards Israel.

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Reports Yemen launched a missile

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Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov : it’s true that we have close relations with the Iranians, but I don’t agree that we are transferring information to Iran.” The location of the American bases was known to everyone, so there was no secret information that anyone could provide to Iran. Our friendly countries clearly stated before the war that they would not allow the United States to misuse their territories and airspace to attack Iran. But we see that these were American bases used to transfer information and conduct espionage. The fact that these bases are subject to periodic attacks is a result of their recklessness, and they are thereby putting their Arab allies at risk

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Türkiye warns international coalition may form if Hormuz crisis persists

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One killed, several wounded in Iranian ballistic missile attack on central Israel

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At least 10 U.S. troops wounded in Iranian attack on Saudi air base

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Iran, in response to the UN’s request, will expedite the passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, said Ali Bakhrei, the Islamic Republic’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva.

“In response to the request of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran has decided to facilitate and further accelerate the safe passage of humanitarian cargo through the Strait of Hormuz. The operational mechanisms for implementation will be agreed upon with the UN at an appropriate time,” he said.

According to Bakhrei, this measure will help avoid delays in delivering aid to those in need.

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The Yemeni Houthis have declared their readiness to directly intervene in the Iranian conflict. A representative of the movement cited three key conditions under which Houthi forces could join the fighting on Iran’s side:

Use of the Red Sea for hostile operations.

Continuation of the escalation against the Islamic Republic and its allies.

Countries joining an alliance with the US/Israel against Iran.

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Yemen claims finger on the trigger . ( Arabic communique)

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New hypersonic missile launch reported tonight from Iran.

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IRGC sources: US aircrafts were hit in an Iranian missile attack targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The attack was carried out by missiles and drones, and resulted in damage to a number of refueling aircraft belonging to the US Air Force.

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Hezbollah targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the Kryot area of Saliha with a series of precision missiles at 19:10 on Friday, March 27, 2026.

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Trump weighs deploying up to 10,000 more troops to Middle East during war with Iran: report

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Iran FM Araghchi: Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites. Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israel actions.

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Urgent warning from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: To employees, citizens, and residents around the following facilities in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Israel , these locations have become direct and legitimate targets and may be targeted in the coming hours.

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Rubio Says Iranian Tolls in Hormuz Would Be ‘Dangerous to the World’

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Houthis threaten to join Mideast war in support of Iran. This will lead to the closure of Bab el Mandeb energy route choke point.

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Iran war: Houthi restraint driven by domestic priorities

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The US and Israel attacked a uranium concentrate production plant in Iran, no release of radioactive elements was detected, according to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran [AEOI].

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Video of the Russian President’s speech at the gala evening celebrating the Day of the National Guard Troops.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted that the US will redirect weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East.

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Secretary of State Rubio on US goals in the conflict with Iran: This will not be a long-term conflict. The goals I’ve outlined for you, I’ll repeat again, because I see these reports as a question: are the users unclear about the goals? We’ve been extremely clear from the very first evening about the goals of this mission. We’re going to destroy their factories producing missiles and drones. We’re going to destroy their Navy. We’re going to destroy their Air Force. And we’re going to significantly destroy their missile launchers so that they can never hide behind these things to obtain nuclear weapons. We can achieve this. We’re achieving all these goals. We’re ahead of schedule on most of them. And we can achieve them without any ground troops.

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Hezbollah states its fighters attacked an Israeli fighter jet in the skies of Beirut with a surface-to-air missile.

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Consecutive rocket attacks by Hezbollah towards Israel and military concentrations in the border region with Lebanon.

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The explosion at the Port Arthur refinery has shut down one of the largest refining facilities in the United States. This shutdown eliminates nearly 415,000 barrels of refining capacity from the U.S. market.

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US, Israeli strikes hit Iran’s Khondab facility at Arak nuclear site

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Hezbollah statement: Our forces targeted the Meron base for surveillance and air operations management in the north of Israel with a swarm of attack drones.

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A US warplane was spotted flying at a low altitude over Baghdad

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An Israeli fighter jet has been tracked deploying flares by fear of heat-seeking missile launcher. The purpose of using an anti-aircraft missile launcher is not necessarily to destroy the target. As soon as the fighter jet locks on, instead of carrying out the bombing operation, it has to think about maneuvering and escaping.

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Trump’s bluff in Iran is a ‘disaster’ of his own

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