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Iran says Strait of Hormuz open to all except US and allies

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (C) participates in the traditional Quds Day rally in the capital Tehran on March 13, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, but warned that access is effectively closed to the United States and its allies amid escalating regional tensions.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Araghchi said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence in response to the American-Israeli aggression.

“From our perspective, the strait is open, but it is closed only to our enemies and their allies,” he said, adding that Iran would continue to resist “with pride”.

Araghchi rejected suggestions that Tehran had sought a ceasefire, stating that Iran had not initiated any such request.

READ: US allows Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz to maintain global supply: Treasury secretary

“We did not send any message, nor did we request a ceasefire, but this war must end in a way that makes the enemies think a thousand times before committing any aggression again,” he said.

He added that Iran would continue to fight as long as necessary, stressing that the country would not hesitate to defend itself.

The foreign minister also said that the United States had initially demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” at the outset of the conflict before later shifting its position.

The remarks come as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify, with the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes—emerging as a central point of tension.

OPINION: The Original Sin: How Churchill’s Oil and Khomeini’s Vision Fueled Decades of Middle East Turmoil

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Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSUp-NdHd88
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. https://youtu.be/KIKaT7rMClY
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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 ReadingIran says Strait of Hormuz open to all except US and allies

Israel shocked by Hezbollah capabilities amid fears of prolonged war

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Firefighters work where rockets fired by Hezbollah reportedly struck several locations in Nahariya, Israel’s northern Galilee region, on March 16, 2026. [Samir Abdalhade – Anadolu Agency]

Signs of growing shock within Israeli political and military circles are emerging over Hezbollah’s military capabilities, with officials acknowledging that previous intelligence assessments may have significantly underestimated the group’s strength.

The reassessment follows Hezbollah’s forceful entry into the confrontation alongside the ongoing regional war involving Iran, prompting concerns in Israel about the prospect of a prolonged war of attrition.

According to Hebrew media reports and analysis, earlier Israeli evaluations suggested that Hezbollah’s capabilities had weakened, particularly after disruptions to supply lines linked to developments in Syria.

However, recent battlefield developments appear to have contradicted those assumptions.

READ: Houthi- and Hezbollah-linked group threatens to target Barakah nuclear facility in Abu Dhabi

Momen Miqdad, a researcher specialising in Israeli affairs, said a state of surprise now prevails within the Israeli establishment, particularly given Hezbollah’s military performance after months of relative silence.

“Hezbollah maintained silence despite Israeli strikes and assassinations targeting its members in southern Lebanon, which gave the occupation the false impression that its capabilities had declined,” he said.

Miqdad added that Israeli media outlets, including Channel 12, had previously reported intelligence assessments indicating that Hezbollah had become weaker than in previous years.

“These assessments have now been proven inaccurate by developments on the ground,” he said.

The shift in perception has raised concerns within Israel about the scale of Hezbollah’s preparedness and the potential for an extended and costly confrontation along the northern front.

READ: Hezbollah says it struck Israeli military communications station in Ella Valley

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Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSUp-NdHd88
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. https://youtu.be/KIKaT7rMClY
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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 ReadingIsrael shocked by Hezbollah capabilities amid fears of prolonged war

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Rebellion looks fun. Tower Bridge was shut yesterday by protestors associated with different groups including Youth Demand, Prayers for Gaza, Pal Pulse, Thanet for Palestine and Ealing Friends of Palestine. They demand that the UK Government stops arming Israel by imposing an arms embargo.

A spokesperson for Ealing Friends of Palestine said

“We took action in response to the horrifying images of civilians being burned alive, starved, and kept under siege — particularly in northern Gaza. We aim to cause as much disruption as possible to hit those in power where it hurts — financially. It is time for the UK government to stop arming this colonial regime.”

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