support Zionism without qualification

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

Israeli prison guard shoots Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti in the leg, family says; prison service denies incident

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Palestinian artists work by a mural shows jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip on April 13, 2023. [Nidal Al-Wahidi/Apaimages]

The family of imprisoned Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti revealed that he was shot in the leg by an Israeli prison guard with a rubber-coated bullet while in custody.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Fadwa Barghouti, his wife, said that a prison guard shot Barghouti in the leg last week, causing bleeding and a painful injury. She described the incident as part of what she called a pattern of ongoing assaults against him.

Barghouti’s son, Arab Barghouti, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the incident occurred at Ganot Prison in Israel’s Negev region and said his father had not received medical treatment for the injury.

According to the family, they learned of the alleged incident through Barghouti’s lawyer, Avigdor Feldman, who said in a letter to the Israel Prison Service that his client had reported being shot in the leg during a recent prison visit.

The Israel Prison Service rejected the allegations, describing them as “false and baseless.” It said its personnel operate in accordance with Israeli law and under judicial oversight.

Barghouti, 67, has been imprisoned by Israel since 2002. He is serving five life sentences after being convicted by an Israeli court of multiple counts of murder and involvement in attacks during the Second Intifada. Israel considers him responsible for directing or participating in terrorist attacks, while many Palestinians regard him as a national leader and political prisoner. His supporters often refer to him as the “Palestinian Mandela.”

In September 2025, Barghouti’s family said he was severely beaten during a prison transfer, resulting in broken ribs and a head injury.

The Arab League has called for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry into repeated attacks against Barghouti and urged accountability if violations are confirmed.

Barghouti was re-elected to Fatah’s Central Committee in May 2026, receiving the highest number of votes, and remains one of the most prominent figures in Palestinian politics despite his continued imprisonment.

‘Palestine is disappearing’: Church backs genocide report despite Chief Rabbi’s bid to block debate

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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 ReadingIsraeli prison guard shoots Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti in the leg, family says; prison service denies incident

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

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