Israel

Russian, Egyptian foreign ministers support immediate ceasefire in Mideast

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Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty (L) and Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov (R) shake hands during a joint press conference following talks in Moscow, Russia on April 03, 2026. [Sefa Karacan – Anadolu Agency]

Russia and Egypt support an immediate ceasefire and a return to political and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a joint news conference following a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, Lavrov said the talks focused on the regional crisis following what he described as a US-Israeli joint military operation.

He said the US should not simply demand that Iran unblock the Strait of Hormuz but instead end hostilities to restore functioning of the strait.

Lavrov also said that “someone” appears intent on “undermining” negotiations on the Iranian issue.

READ: Turkish president tells Putin Ankara opposes attacks on Iran, warns of Black Sea instability

“The adoption of a resolution that does not even mention that Iran has become a victim of aggression will antagonize the authorities in Tehran. This means that someone wants to undermine the negotiating prospects that had begun to emerge or were beginning to take shape,” he said.

On Thursday, Abdelatty met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During their talks, Putin proposed considering the establishment of grain and energy hubs in Egypt and said he had ordered increased grain deliveries to the country.

Both sides highlighted cooperation on energy and food security while also discussing regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

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

READ: US fighter jet shot down by Iran: Report

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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.
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/
Palestinians barred from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque due to restrictions imposed by Israeli forces citing Iran’s retaliatory attacks perform Friday prayers on the streets surrounding the mosque in Jerusalem on April 03, 2026. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]
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 ReadingRussian, Egyptian foreign ministers support immediate ceasefire in Mideast

Iran claims strike on Israeli-linked oil tanker in Gulf waters

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Commercial ships anchor off the coast of the United Arab Emirates due to navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Dubai on March 2, 2026. [Stringer – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced on Wednesday that it had targeted an oil tanker in the Gulf, claiming the vessel was linked to Israel.

In a statement carried by Iranian state television, the Guard said that an oil tanker named “Aqua 1”, which it described as belonging to the Israeli entity, was struck in what it called a “precise missile operation” carried out by its naval forces, adding that the vessel was set ablaze.

Qatar had earlier stated that the tanker was hit within its territorial waters, raising concerns over the expansion of hostilities into sensitive maritime zones in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the United States has intensified its military posture, deploying 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft to Britain and increasing aerial refuelling operations across Europe.

According to open-source intelligence tracking, multiple Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft conducted coordinated flights from bases in the United Kingdom and Romania on 31st March. Additional refuelling aircraft departed from RAF Mildenhall, carrying out missions over southwest England before returning to base.

READ: Iran rejects Trump’s claim of ceasefire request as “baseless”

Aircraft movements also included a KC-135 Stratotanker (registration 60-0333) and a Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II (09-6207), which were observed operating from the same base.

In Romania, several refuelling aircraft were seen departing from Henri Coandă International Airport near Bucharest and heading toward southern Greece.

Further movements included multiple US refuelling aircraft traveling from the United States toward the Middle East, with some reportedly landing in Israel and others continuing toward the region.

The developments come amid escalating tensions following the ongoing war between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with military activity increasingly extending across regional and international theatres.

READ: Iran launches missile attack on Israel moments after Trump threat

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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.
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/
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 ReadingIran claims strike on Israeli-linked oil tanker in Gulf waters

Iran publishes lists of regional bridges in possible ‘tit-for-tat’ retaliation after US-Israeli attack

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King Fahd Causeway – Saudi Bahrain Border [S.Raj/Flickr]

Iranian media published a list of major bridges across the region on Thursday, hinting at a “tit-for-tat” retaliation following a US-Israeli attack on a key bridge in the northern city of Karaj, Anadolu reports.

The semi-official Fars News Agency said that several prominent bridges in regional countries could be possible targets after two strikes hit the B1 bridge early Thursday.

The list includes Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Sea Bridge in Kuwait, King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Khalifa Bridge in the United Arab Emirates, as well as King Hussein Bridge, Damia Bridge, and Abdoun Bridge in Jordan.

The US and Israel carried out two strikes early Thursday on the B1 bridge, a vital transport link in Karaj in Alborz province, killing two people and causing its destruction.

Videos circulating on social media showed major sections of the bridge collapsing following the attack.

According to media reports, the B1 bridge is one of Iran’s notable modern engineering projects, stretching about 1,000 meters and designed to ease traffic congestion between Tehran and Karaj and facilitate movement toward the country’s northern provinces.

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

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

US defense chief asks Army Chief of Staff Gen. George to step down: Report

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.
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/
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 ReadingIran publishes lists of regional bridges in possible ‘tit-for-tat’ retaliation after US-Israeli attack

Triple veto blocks Arab push to reopen Strait of Hormuz by force

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Commercial ships anchor off the coast of the United Arab Emirates due to navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Dubai on March 2, 2026. [Stringer – Anadolu Agency]

Russia, China and France have blocked a broad Arab initiative aimed at securing international backing for military action against Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, The New York Times reported.

According to a diplomat and senior United Nations official, Arab states sought a resolution “authorising the use of force” to ensure global freedom of navigation. However, the effort failed due to opposition from the three countries, which hold veto power.

Russia, China and France said their stance was based on a “principled opposition to any language authorising force”. This position has been widely interpreted as effectively allowing Iran to continue holding the global economy hostage and restricting the flow of oil and goods.

The development highlights deep divisions within the international community. France aligned with Russia and China in blocking what was described as a necessary military decision against Tehran, while the United States and Israel continue their military actions against Iran and reject calls for a ceasefire.

READ: Iran publishes lists of regional bridges in possible ‘tit-for-tat’ retaliation after US-Israeli attack

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

  • Relates to a UN Security Council resolution which was defeated – through being opposed – by Russia, China and France.
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.
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/
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 ReadingTriple veto blocks Arab push to reopen Strait of Hormuz by force

Green Party calls for suspension of Israel’s UK ambassador

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Co-Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales Mothin Ali. File used under OGL3
Co-Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales Mothin Ali. File used under OGL3

The Green Party is demanding the government suspends the Israeli ambassador after Israel’s parliament approved the death penalty for Palestinians convicted for attacks deemed to be “acts of terrorism”.

Deputy Leader of the Green Party, Mothin Ali, said:

“These military courts are conducted without proper legal representation or juries. This is unconscionable – the government must immediately suspend Israel’s UK ambassador.

“Introducing the death penalty into Israel’s civil legal system, in a way that rights groups say will de facto only apply to Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, will result in Palestinians being killed without a fair trial.

“Palestinian citizens of Israel already lack certain rights granted to Israeli citizens, and their second-class status was made explicit with the passing of the 2018 Jewish Nation-State Law.

“It’s time for the Labour government to stand for truth: Israel is an apartheid state which is conducting a genocide in Gaza. Just like apartheid South Africa, it must be treated as a pariah state until the genocide is stopped, apartheid is ended, and Palestinians are granted the same rights as Israelis.

Ali repeated a call for the government to ban the sale of all weapons and weapon components to Israel:

“The government must make clear that it will not continue to sell any military weapons or weapons components to Israel. The Green Party calls for Britain to impose sanctions on Israel, as most of the world community did to South Africa, when it was also operating an apartheid state.”

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 ReadingGreen Party calls for suspension of Israel’s UK ambassador