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Iran condemns UK designation of IRGC as ‘terror group’

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Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) participate in a military exercise aimed at “increasing combat capabilities” in Tehran province, Iran, on May 12, 2026. [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Anadolu Agency]

Iran on Tuesday condemned the UK government’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, saying Britain would bear the “political, legal and diplomatic consequences” of the move, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the designation as “unjustified and irresponsible” and said it violated international law, including the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

The ministry accused the UK of basing its decision on what it described as “baseless security allegations.”

It said Iran reserved all its rights under the UN Charter and international law to take countermeasures in response to what it called Britain’s “inappropriate” action.

On Monday, the UK designated the IRGC as a terrorist group using new powers introduced under the National Security (State Threats) Act, according to media reports.

In a statement to parliament, Security Minister Angela Eagle said the government had “identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on UK soil,” Sky News reported.

READ: UK lists Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as ‘terror group’

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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/

Genocide denying former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government's support for Israel's Gaza genocide and the UK government and military's active participation in genocide.
Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIran condemns UK designation of IRGC as ‘terror group’

Israel briefly closes Al-Aqsa Mosque gate under pretext of military drills

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A view of the Qubbat al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock) at Al-Aqsa mosque compound, where the first qibla of Muslims, in Jerusalem on April 19, 2024. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli forces briefly closed the King Faisal Gate, one of the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, on Tuesday during military drills, Palestinian officials said.

The Palestinian official news agency Wafa, citing local sources, said Israeli forces closed all entrances to the mosque compound while carrying out military exercises.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate said Israeli forces closed the King Faisal Gate for about 30 minutes during the drills inside the mosque compound.

The governorate said Israeli forces also tightened restrictions at the compound’s other gates, disrupting the movement of worshippers entering and leaving the site during the closure.

READ: Israel detains Jerusalem grand mufti, bars him from Al-Aqsa Mosque for 1 week

The latest measure came amid escalating Israeli actions at the holy site.

According to a report released Sunday by the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Israeli forces carried out 26 incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in June.

Palestinians say Israel is intensifying efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity.

The Palestinians regard occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, in line with international resolutions that do not recognize Israel’s occupation of the city in 1967 or its subsequent annexation in 1980.

READ: Israel signs $2.3B deal to expand West Bank settlements with 12,000 new homes

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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/

Genocide denying former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government's support for Israel's Gaza genocide and the UK government and military's active participation in genocide.
Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIsrael briefly closes Al-Aqsa Mosque gate under pretext of military drills

Russia says renewed strikes against Iran violate memorandum, undermine nuclear settlement efforts

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, on June 16, 2026. [Mustafa Hatipoğlu – Anadolu Agency]

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that renewed military strikes against Iran undermine efforts to resolve the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program, Anadolu reports.

Speaking at a joint news conference after talks with Chadian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul in Moscow, Lavrov said the resumption of military action against Iran violated the memorandum signed between Tehran and Washington last month.

The agreement mediated by Pakistan aimed at ending the war that began in February permanently, as well as hold negotiations over the nuclear program. But the US and Iran have exchanged renewed strikes over the past days, and have claimed control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil and gas shipping that Tehran blocked after US-Israeli strikes.

“The most important thing is that this does not lead to a settlement. It closes the door that, it seemed, had been opened by the memorandum,” he said.

“We view this as a violation of the memorandum. It is regrettable because civilian infrastructure in Iran and civilian facilities in the Gulf countries are suffering. This leads nowhere good.”

Turning to the situation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, Lavrov said Russia was working to counter “threats posed by Ukraine to freedom of navigation.”

“President Vladimir Putin is working to ensure that all this is stopped,” Lavrov said when asked about reported attacks on vessels in the region.

READ: Iran condemns UK designation of IRGC as ‘terror group’

The Russian foreign minister accused Kyiv of carrying out attacks aimed solely at causing damage.

“This is no longer even piracy. Pirates at least rob and take something for themselves. Here it is neither for themselves nor for anyone else — simply to inflict damage and spread fear. It is pure terrorism,” he said.

He said Ukraine cooperates with everyone willing, including “African extremists seeking to overthrow legitimate governments” and other groups in an effort to harm Russia.

Lavrov said Turkish media had reported new attacks by Ukrainian sea drones against Turkish ships and tankers transporting Turkish cargo, adding that the Blue Stream pipeline supplying gas to Türkiye had also been subjected to repeated “terrorist attacks.”

The minister eassured that Russia would continue supplying food to African countries despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. “We will continue to fulfill all our obligations on food supplies to our African friends, both under commercial contracts and through humanitarian assistance, in accordance with their wishes, as we have done and continue to do,” he said.

READ: US forces strike Iranian naval base with sea drones for first time: CENTCOM

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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/

Genocide denying former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government's support for Israel's Gaza genocide and the UK government and military's active participation in genocide.
Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingRussia says renewed strikes against Iran violate memorandum, undermine nuclear settlement efforts

Fee fantasies and false openings: Trump’s Hormuz delusions continue

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A view shows a large billboard displayed at Vanak Square in Tehran, Iran, on April 12, 2026. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]


by Dr Binoy Kampmark

With the Iran-US ceasefire all but retired to the infirmary of international politics, Washington has conducted air strikes on Iran for a third straight night.  On early July 14, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported explosions in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and six explosions on Kish Island, with further blasts on Qeshm Island.

Prior to those strikes, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that, “We’re attacking them tonight, and we’re taking out all their capability for anything having to do with the Strait of Hormuz”.  That bit of wishful thinking was also accompanied by the hope that a diplomatic agreement with Tehran might still be reached, despite the latest mayhem.  US Central Command (CENTCOM) then posted a note confirming that a “third consecutive night of strikes against Iran” had been ordered at Trump’s direction.  “These strikes will continue to impose a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.”

In a reversion to old positions, CENTCOM also announced that it would “resume blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on 14th July at 4 p.m. ET.”  The US military would continue supporting “traffic flow through regional waters for all vessels not violating the blockade.”  The previous blockade by US naval forces, lasting from 13th April to 18th June, saw the redirection, if we are to rely on CENTCOM’s figures, of over 140 compliant vessels, the disabling of nine recalcitrant ships, and the permitted transit of “over 50 commercial vessels supporting humanitarian aid”.

Trump, ever burdened by an estranged idea of the factual record, also took to Truth Social (it tends to be neither), his preferred medium of miscommunication, blustering that, “The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran.”  (This was at odds with the reporting of Iranian state media on 11th July, declaring that the Strait was closed “until further notice”.)  The president went on to announce a reinstituting of the blockade of Iran’s shipping and customers “from entering or leaving.  All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.”  Never one to be shy about the matter of might, the president also bellowed that the US would be “from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20 percent on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.”

For students of maritime transit fees, Trump’s assertions remain pure babble.  A fee structure applicable for such transit ways as the Panama Canal or Suez Canal involve sophisticated structures of administration, billing and tariff schedules shaped by decades of practice. 

The Trump fee proposal is the stuff of ether, lacking any mechanism of collection, let alone enforcement.  His position also deliciously contradicts statements made by his own aides.  Consider these 23rd June remarks to the press by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made in Abu Dhabi: “No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway.  That’s existing international law. That’s the way it is in international waterways all over the world, and that’s the way we expect it’ll be here.”

Correcting a mistake, not retreating: Why ending the war could restore Trump’s credibility

To Trump’s shouty remarks, Iran’s response was needling.  “POTUS is absolutely right,” chortled Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi.  “Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service.”  Reiterating the critically affirmed importance of the waterway to Tehran, the foreign minister went on to declare that “Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER.”  There would be some budging on a 20 percent fee, as it was “too much.  We will be fair.”

Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, that sternest of spokesmen for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, was more severe in reproaching “America’s repeated adventurism and malicious acts to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz”.  These had “seriously endangered regional security, international trade, and the passage of oil tankers and commercial vessels.”  With notable menace, Zolfaqari also rebuked “the cooperation of some regional countries” as an incitement to a further widening of the war.  “Regional heads of state are warned that any cooperation with America and any logistical support for its aggressive army will be considered an act of war against Iran’s sovereignty and national security.”

The Iranians, true to form, have continued their barrages against various Gulf states and various vessels.  On 13th July, they were accused by the United Arab Emirates of a “brazen” attack on two tankers in the Strait, killing an Indian crew member and wounding eight, four seriously.  This was, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence, “a serious violation and a clear breach of international law, threatening the security and stability of the region.”

While such claims are hard to dispute, they should be placed in the context of an imbecilic, illegal war that began on 28th February, conducted by two hubristic monomaniacs in the form of Trump and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu against an Iranian regime that promises to be more durable and ruthless than ever.

All bets, be it in terms of security for the Gulf states or any equilibrium in energy markets, are off.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

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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/

Genocide denying former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government's support for Israel's Gaza genocide and the UK government and military's active participation in genocide.
Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingFee fantasies and false openings: Trump’s Hormuz delusions continue

Second International Legal Conference launch initiative to defend the International Criminal Court

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Flag with the logo of the of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 29, 2022 in Den Haag, Netherlands [Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images]

The Second International Legal Conference, held under the theme “Crimes of the Israeli Occupation in Palestine: Between Legal Accountability and Achieving Justice,” concluded in Istanbul this week after bringing together judges, lawyers, academics, international law experts, representatives of bar associations, and legal and human rights organisations from around the world. The conference was jointly organised by the Istanbul No. 2 Bar Association, the International Legal Coalition for Palestine, and the Jordanian Bar Association.

Throughout its sessions, the conference addressed the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, war crimes and crimes against humanity, settlements and forced displacement, violations against Palestinian prisoners and detainees, the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC), universal jurisdiction as a tool of accountability, and the legal status of the so-called “Peace Board” and its implications for the rights of the Palestinian people.

The conference adopted the “Istanbul Declaration for the Defence of the Rights of the Palestinian People,” reaffirming the international legal community’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s rights to freedom, independence, and self-determination, holding perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity accountable, combating impunity, and defending the independence of the International Criminal Court and its judges against political pressure and unilateral sanctions.

The participants also approved the Final Conference Declaration, which sets out key legal principles and recommendations, including reaffirming the universality of international law, rejecting double standards, condemning settlement expansion, annexation, and forced displacement, rejecting any form of guardianship imposed upon the Palestinian people, promoting the effective use of universal jurisdiction, holding companies complicit in the occupation accountable, and establishing a permanent international legal network to coordinate legal eff orts in support of justice and accountability.

READ: Washington considers new measures to isolate the International Criminal Court and limit its operations

One of the conference’s most significant outcomes was the launch of the International Initiative to Defend the International Criminal Court and Its Judges, aimed at safeguarding the Court’s independence, responding to unilateral sanctions and political interference targeting its judges and officials, and building a global coalition of lawyers, legal experts, and human rights organizations to strengthen legal protection for the Court and uphold international criminal justice.

The participants emphasised that international justice must remain independent of political interests and power politics, warning that continued impunity undermines the credibility of the international legal order and encourages further violations of international law. They called upon bar associations, universities, legal professionals, academic institutions, and civil society organizations worldwide to join the Istanbul Declaration and the International Initiative to Defend the International Criminal Court, and to unite their eff orts in defending the rights of the Palestinian people, protecting the independence of international justice, and ensuring accountability for serious violations of international law without selectivity or double standards.

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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/

Genocide denying former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government's support for Israel's Gaza genocide and the UK government and military's active participation in genocide.
Genocide denying UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy says that UK is suspending 30 of 350 arms licences to Israel. He also confirms the UK government’s support for Israel’s Gaza genocide and the UK government and military’s active participation in genocide.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingSecond International Legal Conference launch initiative to defend the International Criminal Court