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Iran says it shot down US-made RQ-11 Raven drone

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A U.S. Army RQ-11 Raven B [New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen]

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Friday it shot down a US-made RQ-11 Raven reconnaissance drone in the southwestern city of Ramshir in Khuzestan province amid heightened tensions with Washington, Anadolu reports.

In a statement carried by Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said the AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven was “intercepted and destroyed” by an advanced air defence system operating within Iran’s integrated air defence network.

The statement described the RQ-11 Raven as a lightweight tactical reconnaissance drone manufactured by US company AeroVironment for surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions.

It said the drone is capable of transmitting real-time daytime and nighttime imagery to a ground control station and, with an operational range of about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and an endurance of 60 to 90 minutes, is used for target reconnaissance, battlefield monitoring, battle damage assessment and tactical support.

The IRGC said the drone is widely used by the US military and other countries because of its light weight, portability and rapid deployment, describing it as one of the world’s most successful small military drone systems.

The US military did not immediately comment on the Iranian claim.

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated in recent weeks over the Strait of Hormuz, with the two sides exchanging attacks despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and reaching a lasting peace agreement.

READ: US to send more refuelling aircraft as Trump weighs wider Iran war: Report

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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/
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.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingIran says it shot down US-made RQ-11 Raven drone

Israeli Government takes legal step toward Ben-Gvir’s proposed “crocodile prison” plan

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Crocodiles [Wikipedia]

The Israeli government has taken a legal step that could enable the implementation of a proposal by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to use crocodile-filled waterways around detention facilities holding Palestinian prisoners, according to Israeli media reports.

Israeli Channel 7 reported on Thursday that Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman signed a declaration changing the legal classification of crocodiles to “cared-for wild animals.” According to the report, the reclassification would allow government agencies, including the Israel Prison Service, to keep crocodiles at their facilities under specified conditions.

The report said the amendment removes a legal obstacle that had previously prevented the proposal from moving forward, as crocodiles had been classified as protected wild animals and could not legally be kept outside licensed zoos.

READ: Israeli minister proposes keeping Palestinian detainees in facility ’surrounded by crocodiles’

According to Channel 13, the amendment followed objections from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to the proposed project, which Israeli media have referred to as a “crocodile prison.”

Earlier this year, Ben-Gvir proposed building a high-security prison surrounded by waterways containing crocodiles, saying the measure would strengthen prison security and help prevent escape attempts by Palestinian security prisoners.

Channel 7 reported that the Israel Prison Service is examining the feasibility of the proposal and has conducted visits to zoos to study the handling and care of crocodiles.

According to the report, officials involved in the assessment concluded that crocodile-filled waterways around certain prisons could potentially reduce security costs while increasing deterrence.

READ: Israeli rights group demands independent medical examination of detained Gaza hospital director

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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/
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.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingIsraeli Government takes legal step toward Ben-Gvir’s proposed “crocodile prison” plan

Israel continues killing Gaza children as ‘matter of routine’: Haaretz

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A child is brought to the mortuary of Nasser Hospital after being killed in Israeli strike on Khan Younis, Gaza on March 23, 2025. [Abdallah F.s. Alattar – Anadolu Agency]

Israel continues to kill children in Gaza as a “matter of routine,” with 274 children killed since the Oct. 10 ceasefire took effect, Israeli daily Haaretz reported Friday.

The newspaper said the figure means an average of one child has been killed each day since the ceasefire began.

It added that more than 21,000 children have been killed in Israeli attacks since Oct. 7, 2023.

According to Haaretz, the vast majority of the children were killed in airstrikes, while others died from sniper fire, collapsing buildings or shrapnel.

Some children also died from wounds that Gaza’s collapsed healthcare system could no longer treat, while others died from hunger and disease, although they were not included in the reported death toll, the newspaper said.

READ: Israeli strikes kill 5 Palestinians in Gaza despite ceasefire

Haaretz also highlighted Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, saying homes remain destroyed and about 1.7 million people are still living in tents without electricity, running water or sanitation.

Rats and mosquitoes are widespread, infectious diseases are spreading, and tens of thousands of people are suffering from skin infections amid intense heat and harsh conditions inside the tents, the newspaper added.

Israel has continued to violate the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, killing 1,127 Palestinians and injuring 3,643 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry on Thursday.

Since Israel’s genocide began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 73,250 Palestinians have been killed and 173,751 injured, according to the ministry. It added that about 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

READ: Committee of families of political prisoners calls for release of Dr Shaima Abu Ghali

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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/
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.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingIsrael continues killing Gaza children as ‘matter of routine’: Haaretz

Iran says latest US strikes “rendered futile” months of diplomatic efforts

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Residents walk past colorful wall paintings as daily life continues under the shadow of destruction following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Tehran, Iran, on April 5, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

Iran strongly condemned the latest US strikes on its territory late on Sunday, accusing Washington of derailing all diplomatic efforts made in recent months to reduce tensions in the region, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Tehran also accused the United States of blatantly violating all provisions of a memorandum of understanding signed in June and of causing renewed insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting international commercial shipping, according to the statement.

The Foreign Ministry said Washington had violated almost all provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries just 25 days ago by carrying out attacks on Iran’s transport infrastructure.

According to the statement, the US strikes targeted key facilities in southern Iran, including Sirik Commercial Port, Chabahar Port, weather monitoring stations, fishing piers and shipping containers.

The ministry also said the bombing hit a railway bridge in Khorasan Province, suspending train services and disrupting the travel of people attending the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. It described the attack as “one of the most horrific war crimes committed by Washington against the Iranian people”.

READ: CENTCOM says it completed another round of strikes on Iran

The statement said “The US regime has also caused the return of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and disruption of international commercial shipping by openly interfering in the process of Iran implementing the necessary arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The Foreign Ministry added that the US military, by using the territory and facilities of countries on the southern coast of the Gulf to prepare its military attacks against Iran, had effectively turned those countries into a battlefield for what it described as its “illegal and criminal war” against the Iranian people.

The statement said Iran, “in exercising its legitimate right to self-defence”, would respond to any attack “at any level and scale” in accordance with international law. It added that the United States cannot achieve its objectives through these terrorist attacks because the Iranian people have repeatedly demonstrated throughout history their ability to withstand the strongest and most aggressive powers.

The Foreign Ministry concluded by saying that the continued US attacks mean Iran is no longer obliged to adhere to the memorandum of understanding. It stressed that Tehran would remain committed to the agreement as long as the other side honours it, but would not accept violations of its provisions or “tolerate the continuation of hostile acts”.

READ: Trump warns 1,000 missiles ‘locked and loaded’ if Iran tries to assassinate him

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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/

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.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue ReadingIran says latest US strikes “rendered futile” months of diplomatic efforts

Shipping through Strait of Hormuz falls to lowest level in several weeks

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Iranian commercial ships are seen off the coast of Kong city in southern Iran on June 21, 2026. [Hassan Ghaedi – Anadolu Agency]

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell on Sunday to its lowest level in several weeks, according to shipping data, as renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran and attacks on vessels heightened safety concerns.

Vessel tracking data from Kpler showed that only six ships passed through the strait on Sunday, the lowest daily total in five weeks.

The vessels included the very large crude carrier Humanity, carrying two million barrels of Iranian crude oil, and the tanker Capetan Andreas, transporting about 500,000 barrels of Kuwaiti refined oil products. Three empty tankers also entered the Gulf to load crude oil. Most tankers switched off their transponders while passing through the strait.

The tracking data showed no liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers entering the strait at the start of the week.

READ: Rezaei describes Strait of Hormuz as a strategic deterrent, says Iran will protect it

Kpler also reported that only one tanker operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) left the strait between 10 and 12 July, heading for the Indian port of Dahej.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday that its forces had completed another wave of strikes against Iran, targeting dozens of sites at multiple locations with precision-guided munitions.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remained open to commercial shipping, despite Iran’s earlier announcement that it had closed the waterway after a vessel travelled on an unauthorised route and came under attack.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Monday that its naval forces had stopped two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz overnight by disabling their systems. The IRGC did not identify the two ships.

READ: Iran says latest US strikes “rendered futile” months of diplomatic efforts

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/

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.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue ReadingShipping through Strait of Hormuz falls to lowest level in several weeks