politics

Trump should come clean about his all-too-obvious decline

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https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/29/trump-mental-physical-health

‘Transparency about the president’s health should be the rule, not the exception.’ Photograph: Evan Vucci/Reuters

The public is concerned. Fewer than half of US adults believe that Trump now possesses the mental acuity or physical health to be an effective president

…

A few days ago, Trump made his fourth visit to Walter Reed hospital in his second term as president; it raised eyebrows since so much of the president’s healthcare and testing can be done at the White House.

He claims to have exceptional health, but he is not exactly a reliable narrator. This is the president, after all, who insists that the 2020 election was rigged, who has declared the misguided war with Iran victorious, and who (according to a Washington Post accounting) lied or made false statements more than 30,000 times during his first term.

So, we must take with a hefty block of salt the declarations that followed that hospital visit.

“Everything checked out PERFECTLY,” Trump posted on social media.

Sure, and the strait of Hormuz is wide open because he said so.

Given what’s obvious to the naked eye, and what’s logical given his advanced age, the Trump White House owes the American public – and the world – quite a bit more than the usual bombast and bragging.

…

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/29/trump-mental-physical-health

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.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Continue ReadingTrump should come clean about his all-too-obvious decline

Iranian negotiator says final draft not yet approved, Tehran can quit US deal over violations

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

A view of streets as daily life continues amid fragile ceasefire in Tehran, Iran on May 12, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency.

Saeed Ajorlou, a member of Iran’s negotiating team’s media committee, said Saturday that Tehran has yet to approve the final draft of a proposed agreement with the United States and could withdraw from the deal if the other side fails to uphold its commitments, Anadolu reports.

Ajorlou told Iranian state television that, to his knowledge, the final text had not been approved as of Friday night, although only limited differences remained between the parties.

“If the final text is approved, we will enter a 60-day process of discussions on the details,” he said, adding that each of the agreement’s 14 articles contains annexes requiring further negotiations.

Ajorlou stressed that implementation mechanisms would be more important than the text itself, particularly regarding access to Iranian assets and the fulfillment of commitments by the other side.

According to Ajorlou, the proposed agreement includes provisions allowing Iran to withdraw if commitments are not met.

He said Tehran could exit the deal if violations occur, including breaches of the ceasefire, failure to provide access to Iranian funds, or failure to lift a maritime blockade.

READ: Iranian state TV: US aircraft destroyed near Bushehr

“If they do not lift the maritime blockade, we can leave the agreement. If they do not make those funds available to us, we can leave the agreement,” he said.

Ajorlou described the mechanism as a new form of “snapback” provision that would operate in Iran’s favor if the other side fails to uphold its obligations.

He added that any failure to implement commitments during the initial phase would prompt Tehran to reconsider participation in the planned 60-day talks.

“The agreement is entirely based on implementation and objective guarantees,” he said.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February. Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf while closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.

The two sides have since continued exchanging proposals and counterproposals in an effort to resume direct talks and end the conflict. US officials have said a proposed framework could include a 60-day extension of the ceasefire and a roadmap for further negotiations.

READ: US blockade of Strait of Hormuz remains in place, says Pentagon chief

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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 sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIranian negotiator says final draft not yet approved, Tehran can quit US deal over violations

Iran’s parliament set to vote on Hormuz Strait management bill

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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 parliament is set to vote on a bill that would formalize the country’s management of the Strait of Hormuz, a senior lawmaker said Saturday.

Alaeddin Salimi, a member of the parliament’s presiding board, said lawmakers had made a “definitive decision” to codify the management of the strategic waterway.

“The parliament’s decision to legislate the management of the Strait of Hormuz is final, and this plan will become law,” Salimi told Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

He said the parliament would not allow foreign powers to dictate policy regarding the strait.

“Those who say the Strait of Hormuz must remain open should know that this issue concerns us. We will not allow others to decide for us,” he said.

READ: Iranian state TV: US aircraft destroyed near Bushehr

Salimi said all aspects of the proposed legislation would be reviewed and approved by the parliament before taking effect.

According to the lawmaker, the bill will soon be presented in a public parliamentary session for debate and a vote.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump.

Following stalled negotiations mediated by Islamabad, the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 13, including those located along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Mediation efforts are ongoing to end the conflict and reach a broader agreement between the parties.

READ: US blockade of Strait of Hormuz remains in place, says Pentagon chief

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 sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIran’s parliament set to vote on Hormuz Strait management bill

Israeli army crosses Litani River, reaches outskirts of Nabatieh city

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Smoke rises after the Israeli attack on the Dimashkiyye, Hirdali, and Mahmudiye areas along the banks of the Litani River in southern Lebanon, on July 31, 2025. [Ramiz Dallah – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli army has advanced into villages located north of the Litani River and reached the outskirts of Nabatieh city in southern Lebanon, a senior Lebanese military source told Anadolu on Saturday.

The Israeli forces “have reached villages and towns north of the Litani River, including Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Shqif Arnoun, and have reached the outskirts of the city of Nabatieh,” said the source.

This was accompanied by an increase in Israeli attacks and incursions into more southern villages and towns, it added.

“The Lebanese army has evacuated its positions from villages and towns that have come under Israeli control” in order to ensure the safety of Lebanese soldiers, the source stated, noting that the Israeli army attacks caused casualties among the Lebanese soldiers.

READ: Israel rejects Lebanese demand to withdraw from southern Lebanon: Report

“There is no presence of the Lebanese army in areas where the occupation is present in southern Lebanon,” the source added.

The Lebanese army’s priority at this stage is to strengthen internal stability, the source noted, stating that the ongoing Israeli escalation preceded the US-hosted military meetings with Israel on Friday.

Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was extended for 45 days beginning May 17 following indirect talks mediated by the US.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed over 3,350 victims across the country.

READ: Lebanese president, premier meet to discuss military talks with Israel

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 sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIsraeli army crosses Litani River, reaches outskirts of Nabatieh city

US blockade of Iranian ports still in place despite Trump’s announcement: Report

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The United States announces that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying 3,500 U.S. troops, has reached the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command in the Middle East on March 2026. [US CENTCOM/Handout – Anadolu Agency]

The US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place, Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim reported on Saturday, citing Iranian seafarers.

“The naval blockade is still in place and ships are receiving stop warnings and denial of passage from CENTCOM,” the report cited the seafarers as saying.

For his part, a top military advisor to Iran’s supreme leader accused Washington of “betraying diplomacy.”

“As expected, the U.S. President is betraying diplomacy for the third time.

“By continuing the naval blockade and making excessive demands in negotiations, he has further proven that he is not willing to engage in talks and is pursuing other objectives,” Mohsen Rezaei wrote on the US social media company X.

In a Friday post on his social media platform Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said Iran would be required to remove any remaining mines in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US would lift its naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.

READ: Trump ‘will only make a deal that is good for America’ with Iran: White House

“Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented Naval Blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of ‘heading home!’”

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended by Trump indefinitely.

Following stalled negotiations mediated by Islamabad, the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, including those located along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Mediation efforts are ongoing to put an end to the conflict between the parties.

READ: US Navy warns mariners to avoid Strait of Hormuz due to mine threat

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 sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingUS blockade of Iranian ports still in place despite Trump’s announcement: Report