Daily Archives: 16 July 2026

Iran threatens to close Bab al-Mandab Strait

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A Natural satellite view of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on March 28, 2015 in Bab el-Mandeb, Yemen [USGS/NASA Landsat/Orbital Horizon/Gallo Images/Getty Images]

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to close “all other export routes used by the United States and its allies” after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and Washington reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the IRGC said in a statement that the region’s energy exports would be “either for everyone or for no one”.

Analysts told Reuters that Iran was signalling it could rely on its Houthi allies in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the strategic waterway leading to the Red Sea. Such a move could open a new front against Washington and threaten two of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a key route for Saudi oil exports and a significant share of global maritime trade.

READ: Iranian parliament’s national security committee says US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding is no longer valid

A senior Houthi official said on Monday that the group was prepared to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if Saudi Arabia continued its attacks on Yemen. According to a report published by the Iranian television channel Press TV, the official said such a move could push oil prices to 200 dollars a barrel.

The Houthis launched missiles at Saudi Arabia after accusing the kingdom of bombing Sanaa airport on Monday, an attack they said violated a four-year truce between Riyadh and the Iran-aligned group.

The IRGC said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until “America’s evil ends”. Before the outbreak of the war in February, about one-fifth of the world’s daily oil and gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC also announced that it had targeted what it described as command-and-control facilities, logistics sites, fuel supplies and military equipment belonging to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, saying the attack was in response to the latest US strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.

OPINION: Chokepoints of power: Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the new corridor wars

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIran threatens to close Bab al-Mandab Strait

IRGC says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US operations stop

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A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shadi J. H. Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a fresh warning to Washington, saying the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to shipping and that oil and gas exports from the region will not be allowed to resume as long as what it described as US aggression in the region continues.

In a statement, the IRGC said US military operations and its intervention in international shipping lanes were the main threat to regional stability. It added that continued US attacks would only delay the reopening of the strategic waterway.

OPINION: Chokepoints of power: Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the new corridor wars

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIRGC says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US operations stop

World Cup fans turn stadiums into platform for solidarity with Palestine

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Fans open a Palestinian flag prior the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group G match between Egypt and IR Iran at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States on June 26, 2026. [Samah Zidan – Anadolu Agency]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a visible platform for expressions of solidarity with Palestinians, despite the absence of the Palestinian national team from the tournament, according to an opinion article by American writer David Vine.

Writing for Foreign Policy in Focus on 14th July 2026, Vine argued that the tournament has witnessed widespread public displays of support for Palestinians amid the continuing war in Gaza and increasing restrictions on pro-Palestinian demonstrations in some countries.

According to the article, fans, players, and coaches from numerous countries—including Egypt, Scotland, Brazil, South Korea, Morocco, Mexico, Türkiye, Norway, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algeria, and Spain—publicly expressed support for Palestinians and called for their rights to life, freedom, and return.

READ: Palestine solidarity takes center stage throughout 2026 FIFA World Cup

The article states that demonstrations of solidarity extended beyond individual statements. Palestinian flags were displayed in stadiums, some players and coaches were seen carrying them, and chants of “Free Palestine” were heard both inside stadiums and in surrounding public areas.

Vine also noted that many spectators wore jerseys of the Palestinian national football team during matches.

According to the article, some fans displayed banners reading “Expel Israel from FIFA” and “Red Card for Israel,” referring to the football sanction used to send a player off the field for a serious offense.

The article reflects the author’s analysis and observations of fan activity during the tournament. FIFA has not issued a statement in connection with the reported displays described in the article.

READ: Norway uses influence in football to push for Israel’s suspension from FIFA

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingWorld Cup fans turn stadiums into platform for solidarity with Palestine

Israel’s Netanyahu appears in court as corruption trial resumes

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends his trial on corruption charges at the district court in Tel Aviv on December 16, 2024. [Stoyan Nenov / POOL / AFP/Getty images]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared before the Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday as proceedings resumed in his long-running corruption trial, Anadolu reports.

Video footage showed Netanyahu entering the courtroom.

Wednesday’s hearing featured testimony from Minister Ze’ev Elkin, whose name appears several times in the indictment related to Case 2000, in which Netanyahu is charged with fraud and breach of trust, according to the Israeli daily Maariv.

The trial is scheduled to continue through July 20 before the judiciary begins its summer recess. Proceedings will resume in early September, with judges deciding that hearings will be held five days a week after the court returns from its October holidays, the newspaper said.

Israel is scheduled to hold general elections on Oct. 27, with Netanyahu seeking another term as prime minister.

Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases, known as Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. Then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit filed the indictments in November 2019.

READ: Herzog seeks mediation to end Netanyahu trial, not pardon

Case 1000 centers on allegations that Netanyahu and members of his family received expensive gifts from businesspeople in exchange for political favors.

Case 2000 concerns allegations that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, publisher of the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, to secure favorable media coverage.

Case 4000 alleges that Netanyahu granted regulatory benefits to former Bezeq owner Shaul Elovitch, who also controlled the local news website Walla, in exchange for favorable coverage.

Netanyahu’s trial began in 2020. He has denied all wrongdoing, describing the charges as “a politically motivated campaign” to remove him from office.

Separately, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu on Nov. 21, 2024, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, where more than 73,000 people have been killed in a brutal offensive since October 2023.

READ: Trump urged Netanyahu to pull Israeli troops out of Syria, Lebanon: Report

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIsrael’s Netanyahu appears in court as corruption trial resumes