Strait of Hormuz

Iran says IAEA inspectors ‘will not be granted any access’ to bombed nuclear sites

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Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on 11 April, 2026. [Iranian Foreign Ministry/Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Wednesday inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “will not be granted any access” to its bombed sites, Anadolu reports.

“Parliament itself passed the law, and the Supreme National Security Council has also adopted a corresponding resolution,” Qalibaf said in televised remarks posted on his Telegram channel.

“Under this law, no access whatsoever will be granted to sites that have been bombed and damaged,” he added.

The speaker stressed that Tehran “will not grant any access” beyond what has been authorized by the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

“The IAEA inspectors are only entitled to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor,” he added.

His comments come as a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, brokered by Pakistan, entered into force on June 18 after it was electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his US counterpart Donald Trump.

The agreement provides a framework for ending the war that began in late February and addressing outstanding issues between Washington and Tehran through negotiations, including a cessation of hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, sanctions relief, the nuclear file, the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional security arrangements.

READ: Iran says part of initial $6B in frozen assets to fund purchase of ‘needed goods’

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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/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait 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 Strait 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.

Continue ReadingIran says IAEA inspectors ‘will not be granted any access’ to bombed nuclear sites

Commercial ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz rises more than 50% over past week

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Large commercial vessels and a small boat navigate the waters off the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, Iran on June 21, 2026. [Hassan Ghaedi – Anadolu Agency]

Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz rose more than 50% from the previous week amid ongoing negotiations following a temporary deal between the US and Iran, Anadolu reports.

Negotiations between the two countries remain fragile despite the deal reached on June 14, which took effect on June 18.

Before the war broke out at the end of February, an average of 130 commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz each day. Following a virtual standstill after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, maritime traffic through the strategic waterway has begun to recover following the US-Iran deal.

Despite the recent increase, traffic through the strait remains around 70% below pre-war levels.

Industry representatives remain cautious about using the waterway because of the fragile state of US-Iran negotiations and continuing uncertainty.

According to data from analytics firm Kpler, 223 commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz during the week of June 15-21, averaging 32 transits per day.

READ: Oil prices rise as US-Iran tensions escalate

The lowest daily traffic was recorded on June 17 with 19 vessels, while the highest was 54 on June 22.

During the week of June 22-28, 343 commercial vessels passed through the strait, with the daily average rising to 49 vessels. The lowest daily total was 24 vessels on June 28, while the highest reached 76 on June 24.

June 24 recorded the heaviest traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on Feb. 28.

Compared with the previous week, traffic through the strait increased by nearly 54%, with tankers carrying crude oil and petroleum products—primarily from Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait—accounting for most transits.

At least 6 million barrels of crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the data showed.

A significant share of vessels continued to use the route designated within Iranian territorial waters, with most of those transits carried out by shadow fleet and sanctioned vessels.

READ: Iran says $6B of its funds in Qatar ‘should be released’ under US deal

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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/
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
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 ReadingCommercial ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz rises more than 50% over past week

IRGC says it targeted US military positions in region after strikes in south

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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’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Saturday that its naval forces targeted US military positions in response to American “aggression” in the country’s south, Anadolu reports.

In a statement aired by state television, the IRGC said the US violated commitments linked to the ceasefire and carried out airstrikes on Iranian coastal areas.

The IRGC said its naval forces responded by targeting US military positions across the region.

It warned that any repeat of the attacks would be met with a “broader and stronger” response.

The IRGC added that arrangements governing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz fall under understandings reached with Iran, accusing Washington of attempting to violate the commitments through “provocations.”

Earlier, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces struck Iranian missile, drone and radar sites after accusing Tehran of carrying out an attack on a commercial vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: US strikes Iran following attack on ship in Strait of Hormuz: CENTCOM

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Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait 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 Strait 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 explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingIRGC says it targeted US military positions in region after strikes in south

Iran warns against Israeli military flights through neighboring states’ airspace

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An Israeli Air Force fighter jet flying to intercept a hostile aircraft that launched from Lebanon over the border area with south Lebanon on August 25, 2024 [JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images]

Iran’s top joint military command warned Friday against what it described as Israeli military aircraft using the airspace of neighboring countries to approach Iran.

In a statement carried by state-run broadcaster IRIB, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the movement and presence of the “terrorist army of the Zionist regime” in the skies of some neighboring countries toward Iran is a dangerous act and a threat to the country.

The statement, however, did not specify which neighboring country or countries it was referring to.

The headquarters warned that if the US is unable to restrain or control Israel, Iran “will not tolerate any threat against itself.”

It added that Tehran reserves the right to respond to “dangerous” actions.

READ: Iran warns ships against using unauthorised routes in Strait of Hormuz

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Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait 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 Strait 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 explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Continue ReadingIran warns against Israeli military flights through neighboring states’ airspace

Israeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

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Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz holds a security situation assessment meeting with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN) Shlomi Binder and other senior commanders in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 07, 2026. [Israeli Ministry of Defense – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday army forces will not leave territory occupied in southern Lebanon “even if the United States demands withdrawal.”

“Israel will not leave its security zone in Lebanon, even if the United States demands withdrawal,” Katz said during an event in Tel Aviv, as cited by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

There was no immediate response from Washington.

The comments come as senior Israeli officials continue to insist on maintaining control over occupied areas in southern Lebanon despite a recent US-Iran understanding, which includes commitments related to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz and Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pledged to maintain control of what Israel describes as a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. During its current military campaign, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

Since March 2, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed 4,192 people, wounded 12,171 others and displaced more than one million residents, according to Lebanese official figures.

Katz also vowed that Israel will not allow the return of around 200,000 Lebanese to their areas in southern Lebanon.

READ: Iran says Israeli strikes on Lebanon delayed next round of US talks

He claimed that allowing civilians to return could expose Israeli troops to attacks.

“What happened in the past in security zones that included civilian populations was the planting of explosive devices and attacks against soldiers,” he said.

“The soldiers are inside, the population is outside, the infrastructure is destroyed and the houses are demolished. We will not withdraw,” he said.

Katz further said Israel would maintain its occupation of areas in both Syria and Lebanon.

“We will not leave the security zone in Syria and Lebanon; this is the security doctrine,” he said, claiming that Israeli forces must “be present in enemy territory to protect Israeli communities.”

His remarks come as Lebanese and Israeli delegations are holding a fifth round of talks in Washington from Tuesday through Thursday.

According to Israeli media reports, the discussions include possible areas from which Israeli troops could withdraw and be replaced by Lebanese army forces.

In addition to occupying territory in southern Lebanon, Israel continues to occupy Palestinian territories and areas inside Syria, while rejecting international calls for withdrawal and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with relevant UN resolutions.

READ: Israeli soldiers’ parents demand end to Lebanon fighting and return of troops

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 Strait 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 Strait 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 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 minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it