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Iran says Strait of Hormuz will never return to previous state

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A general view of the giant banner hung Enghelab Square that reads, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed; the entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground.” as daily life continues in Tehran, Iran on April 05, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

The naval command of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous state, particularly for the United States and Israel.

In a statement posted on its account on the X platform, the naval command said its forces are completing operational preparations to implement a plan approved by Iranian officials, aimed at establishing what it described as a new order in the Gulf, according to the Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik.

Earlier, Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy head of the Iranian president’s office for communications and media, said that US President Donald Trump had “recklessly ignited a full-scale war in the region and continues to boast about it.”

He added on his account on X on Sunday that Trump had resorted to insults and “nonsense out of desperation and intense anger”.

Tabatabaei also said that fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be conditional on compensation for all damages caused by what he described as the imposed war, noting that this would be carried out under a new legal system partly based on transit revenues.

READ: Iran warns region will become “hell” if attacks on its infrastructure expand

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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.
Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. [Photo by Steve Sharp on Unsplash]
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.
Continue ReadingIran says Strait of Hormuz will never return to previous state

Iran holds keys to war despite US threats: Ex-EU commissioner

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Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton. [Dursun Aydemir – Anadolu Agency]

Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton said on Monday that Iran holds the keys to war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on its will, despite ongoing threats from US President Donald Trump, Anadolu Agency reports.

“Those who hold the keys are the Iranians, whether we like it or not,” Breton told French broadcaster BFM TV.

Stressing that Tehran is in a position of strength, he noted that Iranians organized themselves and were not alone in the war with China supplying components and expertise.

Breton said Iran “has entered an asymmetric war” with “the best army in the world,” but warned that US reserves are dwindling.

“Since the start of hostilities, the equivalent of two years’ production of Patriot missile system has been used up. The Pentagon is starting to worry,” he added.

Highlighting that Tehran has been preparing for this for 40 years, Breton further stressed that Trump is “under pressure, particularly from voters.”

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,400 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: Iran says Strait of Hormuz will never return to previous state

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.
Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. [Photo by Steve Sharp on Unsplash]
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.
Continue ReadingIran holds keys to war despite US threats: Ex-EU commissioner

Iran demands ‘end to imposed war,’ rejects idea of ceasefire

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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei holds a press conference at the ministry building in Tehran, Iran on August 18, 2025. [Ahmet Dursun – Anadolu Agency]

Iran said Monday it is seeking an “end to the imposed war” rather than a ceasefire with the US, rejecting proposals for a temporary truce and insisting on “guarantees” to prevent renewed war, Anadolu Agency reports.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said during a press briefing in Tehran that any pause in fighting would risk allowing Iran’s adversaries to regroup.

“A deadline must not cause us to have even the slightest hesitation in defending our country,” he said.

“A ceasefire means creating a short pause to allow the other side to rebuild its forces and commit crimes again. No rational person would accept such a course of action,” he added.

Baqaei said Iran’s position is to end the conflict entirely, with assurances that it will not resume.

“Our demand is the end of the imposed war, accompanied by guarantees that this vicious cycle will not be repeated,” he said.

He added that such guarantees would have to come through deterrence.

READ: Iran says Strait of Hormuz will never return to previous state

“The guarantee is precisely this: that the enemy must be made to regret its actions in such a way that it no longer has the courage or audacity to act against Iran’s sovereignty,” he said.

Baqaei expressed skepticism about international institutions, saying there are no reliable external guarantees.

“There is no legal or international guarantee. Unfortunately, the United Nations has shown in most cases that it becomes a tool in the hands of the United States and certain powers,” he said.

The spokesperson said Iran must instead ensure its own security through its actions.

“On a matter related to national security and Iran’s sovereignty, we must act in a way that we ourselves can establish a firm and reliable guarantee for our national security,” he said.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

READ: US, Iran and mediators discussing possible 45-day ceasefire: Report

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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.
Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. [Photo by Steve Sharp on Unsplash]
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.
Continue ReadingIran demands ‘end to imposed war,’ rejects idea of ceasefire

Palestinian Children’s Day: Tens of thousands orphaned in Gaza

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Palestinian children are seen under dire humanitarian conditions despite the ceasefire signed with Israel in Khan Yunis, Palestine on April 03, 2026. [Doaa Albaz – Anadolu Agency]

On Palestinian Children’s Day, the reality for children in Gaza reflects a profound humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands growing up without parents amid ongoing war and devastation.

Recent data indicates that the number of orphans in the Gaza Strip has reached approximately 64,616 children, most of whom have lost one or both parents during the latest Israeli aggression. The figure underscores the scale of the social catastrophe affecting an entire generation and is expected to rise as the consequences of the war continue to unfold.

Before the war, the number of orphans in Gaza did not exceed 22,000, highlighting the unprecedented increase in a short period.

READ: Palestinian man with special needs killed by Israeli occupation fire in Gaza

Amid ongoing destruction, children in Gaza face a daily reality marked by loss, displacement, and deprivation. In shelters and displacement camps, many are seen waiting in aid lines or sitting silently among the ruins of their homes, having lost the families that once provided stability and protection.

The crisis extends beyond immediate humanitarian needs, posing a long-term societal challenge that requires not only relief efforts but also sustained support to rebuild lives and communities.

For many children in Gaza, orphanhood is not only the loss of a parent, but also the loss of security, stability, and a sense of normal childhood, with lasting psychological and social consequences.

READ: Protest held in Gaza to mark 50th anniversary of Palestinian Land Day

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.
Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. [Photo by Steve Sharp on Unsplash]
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.
Continue ReadingPalestinian Children’s Day: Tens of thousands orphaned in Gaza

WHO warns of catastrophic risks after strike on Bushehr nuclear plant

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World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva on 27 May, 2024 [FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images]

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned of catastrophic consequences following the targeting of Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, amid escalating conflict in the region.

In a statement posted on X, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation said he shares the concerns of the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the safety of nuclear facilities in Iran.

He stressed that any attack on a nuclear site could trigger a nuclear accident, warning that such an event would have long-term and far-reaching health consequences.

“The recent attack on the Bushehr nuclear plant is a stark reminder,” Tedros said, adding that the risks are increasing with each passing day of the ongoing war.

READ: ‘Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran’: Top Iranian diplomat

He called for urgent de-escalation, stating that peace remains “the best medicine” to prevent further deterioration.

The Bushehr facility was reportedly targeted on Saturday, marking the fourth such attack since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on 28th February.

Since then, Israel and the United States have been waging a war against Iran that has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, while Tehran has responded by launching missiles and drones toward Israeli-controlled areas.

Iran has also targeted what it describes as American sites and interests in Arab countries; however, some of these attacks have caused deaths, injuries, and damage to civilian infrastructure, drawing condemnation from the affected states.

The escalation comes despite reports that Iran had been making progress in negotiations with Washington regarding its nuclear program, with mediation efforts involving Oman.

The United States and Israel accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear and missile programs that threaten regional security, while Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and not intended for weapons development.

READ: Russia evacuating employees from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant in wake of attack

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.
Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise. [Photo by Steve Sharp on Unsplash]
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says "Wish someone would lock him up".
Orcas discuss rotting brain. Front Orca says “Wish someone would lock him up”.
Continue ReadingWHO warns of catastrophic risks after strike on Bushehr nuclear plant