Donald Trump

Donald Trump launches extraordinary attack on Pope Leo calling him ‘weak’ and ‘terrible’

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/13/donald-trump-pope-leo

Pope Leo XIV has been criticised by Donald Trump, who wrote that the pontiff should ‘stop catering to the Radical Left’. Photograph: Vatican Pool/Getty

President says US-born pope is ‘not doing a very good job’ and is ‘a very liberal person’ in unprecedented assault on leader of Catholic church

President Donald Trump has delivered an extraordinary broadside against Pope Leo XIV, saying he didn’t think the US-born leader of the Catholic church was “doing a very good job” and that he was “a very liberal person”, while also suggesting the pontiff should “stop catering to the Radical Left”.

Flying back to Washington from Florida on Sunday night, Trump used a lengthy social media post to sharply criticise Leo, then kept it up in comments on the tarmac to reporters.

“I’m not a fan of Pope Leo,” he said.

Trump’s comments came after Leo suggested over the weekend that a “delusion of omnipotence” was fuelling the US-Israel war in Iran. While it’s not unusual for popes and presidents to be at cross-purposes, it’s exceedingly rare for the pope to criticise a US leader – and Trump’s stinging response is equally uncommon.

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” the president wrote in his post, adding: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

He repeated that sentiment in comments to reporters, saying: “We don’t like a pope who says it’s OK to have a nuclear weapon.”

Later, he posted a clearly AI-generated image of himself as a Jesus-like figure, appearing to “cure” a man.

An AI-generated illustration of Trump as Jesus. Illustration: TRUTH

Article continues at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/13/donald-trump-pope-leo

Continue ReadingDonald Trump launches extraordinary attack on Pope Leo calling him ‘weak’ and ‘terrible’

Trump announces Hormuz blockade as US and Iran fail to reach a deal

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/trump-announces-hormuz-blockade-us-and-iran-fail-reach-deal

 President Donald Trump waves after arriving on Air Force One at Miami International Airport, April 11, 2026, in Miami

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump ramped up tensions even further in the Middle East today, announcing that the US navy would “immediately” begin a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.

This followed Iranian and US negotiators leaving the Pakistani capital Islamabad after failing to reach a deal in marathon peace talks to end the illegal and unprovoked war on Iran launched by the US and Israel.

In his first public comments after the 21-hour talks, the far-right US president sought to assume control over the waterway thorough which 20 per cent of global oil supplies passed before the war began, hoping to eliminate Iran’s key source of leverage.

The prospect of a US blockade is likely to further alarm global energy markets and send oil and gas prices soaring. 

It was not immediately clear how a blockade might be carried out, but Mr Trump said the goal was to ensure that all ships could use the strait.

“It’s going to be all or none and that’s the way it is,” he insisted.

Mr Trump said he has “instructed our navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No-one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.” 

…

Article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/trump-announces-hormuz-blockade-us-and-iran-fail-reach-deal

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/
Continue ReadingTrump announces Hormuz blockade as US and Iran fail to reach a deal

Iran says over 940 schools damaged in US-Israeli attacks

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

People gather during a memorial ceremony held in front of City Theater for students killed in US and Israeli attacks in Minab, Hormozgan province on February 28, in Tehran, Iran on April 6, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

Iran said Sunday that 942 schools have been damaged in US-Israeli attacks across the country since Feb. 28, Anadolu reports.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told a press conference that the damaged buildings will need between two and three months to be rebuilt.

The US-Israeli assault also destroyed 125,640 civilian units, including 100,000 homes, 20,500 shops, and 339 health centers, she added.

Mohajerani indicated that rebuilding the damaged civilian units is expected to take between three and 24 months.

She noted that citizens whose homes were damaged in the attacks can take advantage of housing loan opportunities to rebuild their units.

More than 3,000 people have been killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28. Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Gulf countries hosting US military assets before a two-week ceasefire was announced earlier this week.

Iranian and US delegations concluded 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, early Sunday without reaching an agreement.

READ: Iran says it identified 3,375 people killed in US-Israeli attacks

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.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …

Continue ReadingIran says over 940 schools damaged in US-Israeli attacks

Israeli ministers hint at possible resumption of attacks on Iran

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An Iranian resident follows developments regarding the talks through news channels as talks between the United States and Iran have begun in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 11, 2026, in the capital Tehran, Iran. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli ministers on Sunday hinted at a possible resumption of attacks on Iran, with Energy Minister Eli Cohen saying that Tehran could be hit if no agreement is reached, Anadolu reports.

“The nuclear issue is international, and it’s good that (US President Donald) Trump has set the red lines on the issue,” Cohen told the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

“If there is no deal, Iran can be hit,” he added.

Regarding Lebanon, where the Israeli army has expanded its attacks, Cohen said Israel should not only strike army forces, but also Lebanon’s facilities and infrastructure.

“I have said this in the cabinet. I do not see a high chance of success for these negotiations,” he said, as Tel Aviv and Beirut agreed to hold their first meeting in Washington on April 14 aimed at securing a ceasefire and launching direct talks.

READ: 140 heritage sites in Iran damaged in US-Israeli attacks

In an interview with Channel 14, Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat claimed that the US would achieve its objectives from the war with Iran.

“The Iranian officials do not understand the determination of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he argued. “We will return to war and achieve its objectives.”

In a post on the US social media company X, Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zoha said that Washington’s “insistence on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons reflects coordination with Israel,” claiming they would prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

More than 3,300 people have been killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28. Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Gulf countries hosting US military assets before a two-week ceasefire was announced earlier this week.

Iranian and US delegations concluded 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, early Sunday without reaching an 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.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …
Continue ReadingIsraeli ministers hint at possible resumption of attacks on Iran

Former US secretary of state says Netanyahu repeatedly pressed US presidents to strike Iran, only Trump agreed

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Former US Secretary of State John Kerry in Paris, France on June 8, 2024. [Mustafa Yalçın – Anadolu Agency]

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had repeatedly urged US administrations to carry out military strikes on Iran, but previous presidents declined, Anadolu reports.

Speaking in an interview on The Briefing with Jen Psaki on Friday, Kerry said he had participated in multiple discussions with Netanyahu, noting: “He wanted us to strike.”

He said the Israeli premier presented the proposal directly to former President Barack Obama, adding: “President Obama refused. President Joe Biden refused. President George W. Bush refused.”

Kerry said: “The only president who has agreed to this, obviously, is President Trump.”

Referring to recent reporting, Kerry said Netanyahu made a detailed case for military action, describing it as “a four-point pitch.”

He said the proposal included claims that such a strike could “kill the leadership,” “incite a change of regime,” and “destroy the military.”

READ: Netanyahu led US into Iran war with ‘farcical’ regime change pitch

Kerry said the reporting on the discussions appeared credible, noting it “seemed like good reporting.”

He also indicated that Netanyahu had presented these arguments in meetings involving senior officials, where different views were considered.

The US and Israel launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many other senior political and military leaders.

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

Pakistan, together with Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, managed to secure a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday between Washington and Tehran, 40 days after the war began.

As part of the deal, the two sides agreed to meet in Islamabad for talks to negotiate a lasting peace.

READ: US Vice President Vance arrives in Pakistan for Islamabad Talks with Iran

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 Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingFormer US secretary of state says Netanyahu repeatedly pressed US presidents to strike Iran, only Trump agreed