Yearly Archives: 2026

Iran supreme leader’s adviser threatens to sink US ships in Strait of Hormuz

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Iranian military personnel take part in an exercise titled “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz”, launched by the Naval Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is being carried out in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on February 16, 2026. [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Anadolu Agency]

A military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has warned that Iranian forces would sink US ships in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington acts as a “policeman” in the strategic waterway.

The warning was made on Wednesday amid ongoing tensions in the region, where the United States has imposed a military blockade on Iranian ports after Iran disrupted maritime navigation in the strait during more than six weeks of fighting, now paused under a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards who was appointed as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, criticised the US President in remarks broadcast on state television, according to AFP, saying: “Mr Trump wants to become the police of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this really your job? Is this the job of a powerful army like the US?” 

READ: 26 million Iranians volunteer to defend country, including public figures

Speaking in military uniform, he added: “These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military. They can definitely be exposed to our missiles and we can destroy them.”     

Rezaei, long considered a hardliner even within the Revolutionary Guard, also said that it would be “great” if the US launched a ground invasion of Iran, as “we would take thousands of hostages and then for each hostage we would get a billion dollars,” according to AFP.

He added: “I am not in favour of extending the ceasefire at all, and this is a personal view,” without giving further details.

Rezaei is a veteran figure in Iran’s political and military establishment and led the Revolutionary Guard between 1981 and 1997.

OPINION: The naval blockade of Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz: Long-term implications for global energy security

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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 Straight 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 Straight 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 how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue ReadingIran supreme leader’s adviser threatens to sink US ships in Strait of Hormuz

Bint Jbeil ablaze as close-range battles turn city into open military test ground

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Israeli military vehicles and tanks are stationed in southern Lebanon, as seen from a vantage point in northern Israel on March 14, 2026. [Tsafrir Abayov – Anadolu Agency]

The southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil is witnessing a sharp military escalation, with what have been described as “fierce” clashes between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army, in one of the most intense rounds of fighting since the current escalation began.

According to field reports and corroborating accounts, the fighting is taking place inside residential neighbourhoods and on the outskirts of the city. Military and media sources say the clashes involve direct engagements at close range, as Israeli forces attempt to advance into positions inside the city, facing resistance and repeated ambushes.

Hebrew-language media outlets described the situation as “street-by-street battles”, noting that Israeli soldiers encountered unexpected resistance. Hezbollah fighters were reported to be emerging “from all directions” to launch surprise attacks on advancing forces, highlighting the complex and close-quarters nature of the fighting.

READ: Hezbollah bloc chief rejects Lebanon direct talks with Israel

Alongside the ground clashes, Bint Jbeil and its surroundings have been subjected to heavy air cover involving warplanes and drones, as well as intense artillery shelling. This has effectively turned the city into an open battlefield, where air strikes overlap with ground engagements.

Reports also indicate that Israeli forces have carried out demolition and explosive operations inside parts of the city in an effort to secure their advance, as the heavy fighting continues.

Hezbollah, for its part, announced a series of large-scale operations targeting Israeli troop gatherings and military vehicles in and around Bint Jbeil. The group said it carried out successive rocket barrages and artillery strikes throughout the day and night, claiming direct hits on advancing forces.

The group also said it targeted a military bulldozer of the D9 type using a suicide drone, in addition to drone attacks on Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon and along the front line.

READ: Israel launches operation to demolish homes in frontline villages in 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 Straight 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 Straight 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 how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue ReadingBint Jbeil ablaze as close-range battles turn city into open military test ground

Individuals and organisations from 30 countries, including the UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, have put their name to a blistering open letter condemning the US/Israeli war on Iran

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U.S. President Donald Trump (R) welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, United States on December 29, 2025. [Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)/Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Written in response to last month’s military attack on the country, the letter delivers a swingeing critique of US foreign policy and historical conduct, accusing Washington of pursuing a doctrine of absolute predation.

It highlights major US wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, referring to “the genocidal horror of Vietnam,” “the annihilation of Cambodia,” and the “systematic slaughter of Koreans,” as well as the destruction of Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The open letter, titled ‘A Declaration to the Conscience of Humanity,’ is signed by over 170 signatories from countries and signatories include former UN officials, retired career diplomats, former ministers, scholars, politicians and former parliamentarians, military and security professionals, artists, lawyers as well as journalists, activists, and anti-war campaigners.

READ: 26 million Iranians volunteer to defend country, including public figures

The public figures describe the current US posture as an expansionist strategy aimed at dominating global resources. The policy is driven by “the demonic creed of ‘everything for us, nothing for others’,” which seeks control of global resources ranging from “the oil of Venezuela” to “the mineral wealth of Greenland” or “the energy reserves of Canada”. US policy now “fixates on Iran” because the country possesses “over seven percent of the world’s mineral and energy wealth.”

The war on Iran is another sign of the “moral collapse” of the US-led West which finds its nadir in the genocide in Gaza and is embodied in the vulgar figure of President Trump. The letter goes on to call for a new international order centred on sovereignty and resistance to Western domination.

Beyond its criticism of US policy, the announcement also sets out several demands that the signatories say are necessary to end the current conflict. These include the immediate dismantling of all US military installations in the region and an end to war on all regional fronts.

The full text of the declaration, along with the complete list of signatories, can be read here.

READ: Israel launches ‘preemptive’ strike on Iran as explosions rock Tehran

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Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
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/
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue ReadingIndividuals and organisations from 30 countries, including the UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, have put their name to a blistering open letter condemning the US/Israeli war on Iran

378 crimes in 40 days: Surge in West Bank settler attacks occurring under government cover

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Israeli settlers launch an attack on Deir al-Hatab town setting fire to Palestinian homes and vehicles causing material damage in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine on March 23, 2026. [Issam Rimawi – Anadolu Agency]

An Israeli rights group has reported a sharp rise in settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, saying attacks are taking place under clear government cover.

The organisation Yesh Din said it had documented 378 violent incidents carried out by settlers over just 40 days during the war with Iran— an average of ten incidents of settler violence took place per day. The attacks targeted Palestinians and their property across the territory.

According to the group, the incidents occurred in 148 Palestinian villages and towns across the West Bank.  

It added that eight Palestinians were killed by settler gunfire during that period, while around 200 others were injured. Cases of arson targeting property were also recorded.

READ: Palestinians confront Israeli occupiers attempting to seize West Bank home 

Yesh Din, which monitors settler violence and opposes settlement expansion, said on X: “Israel can stop settler violence if it chooses to. Instead, government policy encourages criminal settlers and fuels the spread of violent farm outposts across the West Bank,” referring to a tactic used by settlement activists to establish farming outposts aimed at forcing Palestinians from their homes.

The organisation said that “the map of Palestinian communities affected by settler violence under the cover of war clearly illustrates the objective of this state-backed violence: the displacement of Palestinians from their land and their confinement to small, densely-populated enclaves.” 

Three weeks into the 40-day war, an army unit was deployed to restrain settlers; however, a further 120 violent incidents were recorded by the end of the conflict.

READ: Former European officials urge suspension of EU-Israel agreement

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 Straight 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 Straight 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 how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue Reading378 crimes in 40 days: Surge in West Bank settler attacks occurring under government cover

26 million Iranians volunteer to defend country, including public figures

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Iranians gather at Enqelab Square to protest against the United States and Israel in Tehran, Iran, on April 12, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

More than 26 million people in Iran have volunteered for military service, according to the state broadcaster (IRIB).

IRIB said the surge comes as part of a campaign titled “Sacrifice Your Life”, noting that volunteers are expected to be deployed alongside the Revolutionary Guard and the regular army. Plans also include forming human chains to protect potential targets.

According to the broadcaster, the list of volunteers includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, most of his ministers, as well as a large number of officials, athletes and artists.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also registered his name among the volunteers.

READ: White House signals military option remains on table against Iran

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 Straight 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 Straight 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 how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue Reading26 million Iranians volunteer to defend country, including public figures