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Iran says IAEA inspectors ‘will not be granted any access’ to bombed nuclear sites

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Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on 11 April, 2026. [Iranian Foreign Ministry/Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Wednesday inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “will not be granted any access” to its bombed sites, Anadolu reports.

“Parliament itself passed the law, and the Supreme National Security Council has also adopted a corresponding resolution,” Qalibaf said in televised remarks posted on his Telegram channel.

“Under this law, no access whatsoever will be granted to sites that have been bombed and damaged,” he added.

The speaker stressed that Tehran “will not grant any access” beyond what has been authorized by the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

“The IAEA inspectors are only entitled to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor,” he added.

His comments come as a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, brokered by Pakistan, entered into force on June 18 after it was electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his US counterpart Donald Trump.

The agreement provides a framework for ending the war that began in late February and addressing outstanding issues between Washington and Tehran through negotiations, including a cessation of hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, sanctions relief, the nuclear file, the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security arrangements.

READ: Iran says part of initial $6B in frozen assets to fund purchase of ‘needed goods’

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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.

Continue ReadingIran says IAEA inspectors ‘will not be granted any access’ to bombed nuclear sites

UN peacekeepers in Lebanon say they face movement restrictions in southern Lebanon

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The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are seen as they have reported that the Israeli army constructed two walls inside Lebanese territory along the border, in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, near the town of Yaroun, Nabatieh, Lebanon on November 15, 2025. [Ramiz Dallah – Anadolu Agency]

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Wednesday that they continue to face restrictions on their freedom of movement in Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

Those restrictions included “blocked routes due to barriers, debris, and other obstacles temporarily halt essential patrols and safety operations,” the UNIFIL said in a statement released on Telegram.

“UN peacekeepers remain on the ground, monitoring the situation and reporting observed violations in line with our mandate under Security Council resolution 1701,” it added.

The statement said the UNIFIL forces continue to ease humanitarian access, with its peacekeepers remaining in position and committed to supporting stability in southern Lebanon despite difficulties.

On Friday, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement aimed at facilitating a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and reducing hostilities along the border.​​​​​​​

Since March 2, Israel has been conducting a military offensive in Lebanon that has killed over 4,240 people, injured more than 12,190 others, and displaced over 1 million people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

READ: Israeli army demolishes homes, sets up checkpoints in occupied areas of southern Lebanon

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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.

Continue ReadingUN peacekeepers in Lebanon say they face movement restrictions in southern Lebanon

UN warns expanding Israeli-controlled areas in Gaza are increasing risks to civilians

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The June full moon, also known as the “Strawberry Moon,” appears in the evening sky over the rubble of buildings destroyed by Israeli attacks in Nuseirat, Gaza, Palestine on June 29, 2026. [Abdalhkem Abu Riash – Anadolu Agency]

The UN warned on Wednesday that Israel’s continued expansion of controlled areas in Gaza is increasing risks to civilians and limiting humanitarian operations, Anadolu reports.

At a daily briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said humanitarian partners urged protection for civilians, including along the so-called “yellow line.”

He said the Humanitarian Country Team, which includes UN agencies and NGOs operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, reported that Israel’s territorial expansion since the October ceasefire has heightened civilian risks and further restricted aid delivery.

Dujarric said the UN human rights office verified the deaths of 196 Palestinians, including 18 women and 43 children, in Israeli attacks near areas where Israeli forces were deployed between Oct. 10 and April.

“Many people were reportedly killed while moving through areas lacking clear demarcation on the ground,” he said, adding that Palestinians are increasingly confined to smaller areas with insecurity, violence and limited access to basic services.

Dujarric added that about 360 Palestinians have been displaced and more than 150 structures demolished in East Jerusalem since the start of 2026.

READ: 3 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza despite ongoing ceasefire

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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.

Continue ReadingUN warns expanding Israeli-controlled areas in Gaza are increasing risks to civilians

Iran says part of initial $6B in frozen assets to fund purchase of ‘needed goods’

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Iran’s UN ambassador Kazem Gharibabadi in Vienna, Austria on 10 July 2019 [Aşkın Kıyağan/Anadolu Agency]

Iran announced Wednesday that part of the initial $6 billion in frozen assets will be used to purchase “needed goods” following talks in Doha, Anadolu reports.

According to the official IRNA news agency, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs and chief negotiator, said discussions with Qatari officials included issues related to spending part of the funds.

“During meetings with Qatari officials, some issues related to spending part of the initial $6 billion were reviewed, and it was decided that, based on our country’s declared needs, the purchase of needed goods would be carried out and made available to Iran,” Gharibabadi said.

He made the remarks after concluding a round of talks in Doha, where an Iranian delegation held meetings with Qatari and Pakistani mediators to follow up on the implementation of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding with the US.

The Iranian official said the three sides decided to establish an “urgent communication channel” to formally document and review implementation of the memorandum.

Gharibabadi also reiterated that “no direct meeting” had taken place between the Iranian and US delegations in Doha.

READ: Germany weighs bringing navy ships home as Hormuz mission looks unlikely

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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
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.

Continue ReadingIran says part of initial $6B in frozen assets to fund purchase of ‘needed goods’

Iraqi prime minister says ‘no evidence’ attacks on Gulf states originated from Iraq

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad, Iraq on May 14, 2026. [Murtadha Al-Sudani – Anadolu Agency]

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi said there is “no evidence” that attacks against Gulf countries originated from Iraqi territory, while reaffirming that Baghdad will not allow its land to be used to target neighboring states.

In an interview with the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper published Monday evening, Zaidi discussed a host of issues, including restricting weapons to state control, combating corruption, economic reforms and Iraq’s foreign relations.

He said all security force commanders had been instructed to prevent any attempt to use Iraqi territory to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

“We will not accept dictates from outside our borders, neither from the East nor the West. Iraq’s decision belongs to its people,” he said.

Zaidi stressed that Iraq seeks to build strong relations with the international community and neighboring countries.

“After visiting the United States, we have working visits scheduled to Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Iran,” he said.

Regional tensions escalated when the US and Israel launched attacks against Tehran in February, killing more than 3,000 people, according to Iranian officials. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US bases.

Several Gulf states also came under attacks that they say were launched by Iran-backed armed factions in Iraq.

Monopoly of weapons

Zaidi said Iraq will hold a national conference later this year to reinforce the state monopoly of weapons. “There is no place for weapons outside the state, and we will not accept the existence of a state within a state,” he said.

He added that the government has already received weapons from Saraya Al-Islam, Asaib Ahl Al-Haq and Kataib Al-Imam Ali armed groups.

“The most important step is not merely handing over weapons, but severing the link between the armed faction and the fighters under its command.

“We believe resistance is a necessity, not a profession. That necessity no longer exists, and we will not accept a state within a state,” he said.

Zaidi announced Sept. 21 as a final deadline for armed factions to surrender their weapons to the authorities.

READ: Iraq detains politicians, officials in anti-corruption crackdown

Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi said Monday that the deadline coincides with the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition forces from Iraq under an agreement reached two years ago.

On June 3, military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan announced the formation of a committee tasked with ensuring that weapons remain exclusively under state control.

The issue of weapons outside state authority remains one of Iraq’s most pressing security and political challenges, with some armed factions operating under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) while others function independently.

The government says it aims to consolidate state authority over arms as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic stability and shield Iraq from regional tensions.

Corruption fight

Zaidi described corruption as “a threat to the existence of the Iraqi state,” calling his government’s campaign against corruption “irreversible.”

“There are people seeking to steal Iraq, not to serve it,” he said.

The premier said he had instructed the Finance Ministry to open a special account to recover embezzled Iraqi funds.

Zaidi also pledged not to draw a salary, accept gifts or “allow his hand to touch public money.”

He said he will not seek a second term in office or establish a political party after leaving office.

Zaidi’s government was approved by the Iraqi parliament in May. His constitutional term is four years.

On Sunday, Iraqi authorities announced the arrest of several officials and lawmakers accused of financial and administrative corruption following confessions by detained Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al-Jumaili.

Jumaili was arrested on June 2 over allegations of financial and administrative corruption and illegal contracts.

Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council later announced the seizure of about $23 million in cash and the confiscation of 70 properties and 21 luxury vehicles, in addition to about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) of gold jewelry.

READ: Iraq sets Sept. 21 deadline for armed factions to surrender weapons

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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 explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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.

Continue ReadingIraqi prime minister says ‘no evidence’ attacks on Gulf states originated from Iraq