Former Pakistani Air Force official says Israel does not want US-Iran agreement to succeed

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In this photo illustration, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seen behind the Iranian flag, with all of them displayed on screens, in Ankara, Turkiye on June 24, 2025. [Dilara İrem Sancar – Anadolu Agency]

A former deputy chief of the Pakistan Air Force, Muhammad Aryan, has said the success of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran will depend primarily on the willingness of both governments to fully implement its provisions.

Speaking in an interview on Egypt’s Cairo News Channel, Aryan said Pakistan continues to support diplomatic engagement with both Washington and Tehran but stressed that responsibility for resolving the dispute ultimately rests with the two sides.

He argued that military action cannot resolve the crisis, saying previous US strikes against Iran had failed to produce a lasting solution.

Aryan also suggested that statements by US President Donald Trump should be viewed cautiously, arguing that the president’s positions can shift rapidly in response to changing political circumstances.

READ: Vice president says US will respond if Iran attacks shipping in Strait of Hormuz

He said that even if Trump were to declare the memorandum of understanding no longer valid, such a position could change quickly and might be intended as leverage during negotiations. At the same time, he said Iran could either maintain its current demands or choose to make concessions during future talks.

Aryan emphasized that continued negotiations remain the only viable path to resolving the dispute and called for the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding through diplomacy.

He added that the crisis extends beyond the United States and Iran, arguing that other regional actors have an interest in preventing the agreement from succeeding.

According to Aryan, those actors should be closely monitored, specifically mentioning Israel as a country whose strategic interests could influence the course of the negotiations.

His remarks reflect his personal assessment of the regional situation and do not represent an official position of the Pakistani government.

OPINION: Deferring a Crisis: The Iran-US Ceasefire Cracks

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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 ReadingFormer Pakistani Air Force official says Israel does not want US-Iran agreement to succeed

Hezbollah leader rejects Lebanon-Israel Framework Agreement, says ‘not a single clause will pass’

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A screen grab from a video shows Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem in Beirut, Lebanon on October 30, 2024. [Stringer – Anadolu Agency]

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem on Wednesday rejected the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel, declaring that it would not be implemented and urging the Lebanese government to abandon it.

Speaking during a public address held alongside memorial events for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Qassem argued that the agreement serves Israeli interests and lacks legal and national legitimacy.

“Not a single clause of this agreement will pass, and you will be powerless to stop it,” Qassem said, addressing Lebanese authorities.

He credited Hezbollah’s military resilience and Iran’s support with securing the ceasefire in Lebanon, describing them as the two pillars behind what he called the resistance’s achievements.

Qassem also reaffirmed Hezbollah’s strategic relationship with Iran, saying the partnership strengthens Lebanon, while sharply criticising the United States. He accused Washington of exercising undue influence over Lebanon and claimed that US policies primarily serve Israeli interests.

READ: Lebanon conditions participation in Rome talks on Israeli withdrawal from two areas in the south

Turning to the framework agreement, Qassem argued that it was negotiated in Israel’s favour and accused the United States of facilitating its terms. He criticised the document’s reported use of the term “redeployment” rather than “withdrawal,” claiming it implied continued Israeli control over parts of Lebanese territory.

Qassem also cited continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon, referring to what he described as hundreds of ceasefire violations, including a recent strike in Nabatieh that reportedly killed a school principal, her mother and two employees traveling in a civilian vehicle.

He called on the Lebanese government to withdraw from the agreement, arguing that abandoning it would help preserve national unity rather than deepen political divisions.

“The framework agreement is entirely in Israel’s interest,” he said. “Throw it away and discard it.”

His remarks come as debate continues within Lebanon over the framework agreement and its implications for the country’s security, sovereignty and future relations with Israel.

OPINION: Lebanon’s Faustian bargain: The mirage of the trilateral framework

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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 only 9 days ago that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying only 9 days ago that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won.
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 ReadingHezbollah leader rejects Lebanon-Israel Framework Agreement, says ‘not a single clause will pass’

Vice president says US will respond if Iran attacks shipping in Strait of Hormuz

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U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance speaks during a press briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States, on June 18, 2026. [Mehmet Eser – Anadolu Agency]

Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the US would continue military strikes against Iran if it resumes attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran had violated an agreement to halt the actions, Anadolu reports.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Vance said the US agreed to lift its naval blockade after Iran pledged to stop targeting ships in the strategic waterway.

“The basic deal that we cut was we’ll lift our blockade if you stop shooting at ships, but if you shoot at ships, we’re going to punch back, and we’re going to punch back harder than ever before,” he said.

Iran resumed attacks on ships about a week after the agreement was reached, according to Vance.

“If they shoot at ships, we’re going to knock the hell out of them. It’s that simple,” he said, adding that President Donald Trump “maintains a lot of options” for responding.

Vance said Trump has made clear that the Strait of Hormuz “is going to be open,” adding, “If they try to close it down, there’s going to be a response from the American military.”

READ: Trump says US will ‘probably’ hit Iran ‘hard’ again Wednesday night

His remarks came hours after Trump said the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end the war was “over,” and that the US will “probably” hit Iran again Wednesday night.

The US military US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it conducted strikes on Tuesday night “in immediate response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”

Meanwhile, Iran accused the US of violating a framework agreement between the two countries, saying Washington’s “unilateral” actions and attacks undermine the memorandum of understanding.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on the US social media company X that the memorandum “was, from the very first step, based not on trust but on a clear mechanism of ‘commitment in return for commitment.’”

He said despite the explicit wording of Article Five of the memorandum, which entrusts Iran with determining arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, “the US has challenged the provision and, through its unilateral actions as well as its aggressive attacks against Iran, has effectively violated the framework of the agreement.”

READ: Iran threatens to completely close Hormuz strait in response to renewed attacks

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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 only 9 days ago that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying only 9 days ago that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won.
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 ReadingVice president says US will respond if Iran attacks shipping in Strait of Hormuz

US returns refueling aircraft to Middle East amid escalation with Iran

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A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a P-8 Poseidon aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz, on April 21, 2026. [CENTCOM – Anadolu Agency]

The US has begun returning aerial refueling aircraft to its bases in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, as Israeli officials believe Washington would give a green light for Tel Aviv to resume attacks against Tehran, according to Israeli media on Wednesday.

“It is estimated that the Americans will give the green light to an Israeli response in Iran,” the public broadcaster KAN said.

Channel 12 said Israel’s defense establishment is closely monitoring the situation following an exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran on Wednesday.

According to the outlet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a security consultation this evening with Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss developments related to Iran.

READ: Trump says US will ‘probably’ hit Iran ‘hard’ again Wednesday night

Early Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said the US will “probably” hit Iran again on Wednesday night, following overnight US strikes in retaliation for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also said that the memorandum of understanding signed last month with Iran to end the conflict was “over.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Wednesday that it had launched missile and drone strikes targeting 85 US military sites in the region, including Salman Port and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The attacks came after the US military’s Central Command said it had carried out a new round of strikes against Iran, hitting more than 80 targets in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: Iran threatens to completely close Hormuz strait in response to renewed attacks

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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 only 9 days ago that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying only 9 days ago that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won.
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 returns refueling aircraft to Middle East amid escalation with Iran

Iran threatens to completely close Hormuz strait in response to renewed attacks

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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 Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed to all maritime traffic” following any strike against Iran, an informed security source told Press TV.

The source added that Iran will also strike “enemy targets at a ratio of at least two to one, meaning that for every Iranian target hit, at least two enemy targets will be struck in return.”

US President Donald Trump earlier said that the US will “probably” hit Iran again on Wednesday night, following overnight US strikes in retaliation for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also said that the memorandum of understanding signed last month with Iran to end the conflict was “over.”

“Any threat will receive a powerful response,” the Iranian source said. “Iran does not distinguish between the United States and its partners in the region.”

READ: Trump says US will ‘probably’ hit Iran ‘hard’ again Wednesday night

The source said Tehran will not back down from its management of the Strait of Hormuz and “is prepared to fight to maintain control over the strategic waterway.”

“The memorandum of understanding signed on this matter clearly states that Iran will reopen the Strait in accordance with its own arrangements. Therefore, Iran will not permit the establishment of any new route outside the framework of its own arrangements,” the source said.

Early Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that it had launched missile and drone strikes targeting 85 US military sites in the region, including Salman Port and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The attacks came after the US military’s Central Command said it had carried out a new round of strikes against Iran, hitting more than 80 targets in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: Iran claims retaliatory strikes on 85 US facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait following US attacks

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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 only 9 days ago that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying only 9 days ago that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won.
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 threatens to completely close Hormuz strait in response to renewed attacks