US Treasury issues 60-day license for Iranian oil as part of emerging nuclear framework

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Seal of the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, United States on October 26, 2021 [Yasin Öztürk/Anadolu Agency]

The US Treasury Department has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil as part of an emerging nuclear framework, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday, Anadolu reports.

“Under President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, we continue to make the world safer and more prosperous,” Bessent wrote in a post on US social media platform X.

Bessent said: “In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz,” also claiming that Iran agreed “to permit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into their country.”

“As part of the framework, Treasury has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil,” he added.

The license, designated General License X and issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, authorizes all transactions related to the production, sale, delivery, or offloading of Iranian-origin crude oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum products through Aug. 21, 2026.

READ: US vice president says ‘very good foundation’ laid for final Iran deal after Burgenstock talks

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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 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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingUS Treasury issues 60-day license for Iranian oil as part of emerging nuclear framework

Israeli Cabinet minister rejects ceasefire, says Lebanon ‘should be Israel’s playground’

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Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on January 24, 2023 [Saeed Qaq/Anadolu Agency]

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called Monday for rejecting any ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, saying the Arab country “should be Israel’s playground,” as opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman called a US-Iran agreement “the biggest political disaster” since Israel’s creation.

“Israel cannot agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” Ben-Gvir told Israel’s public broadcaster KAN in an interview.

He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey Israel’s rejection of any ceasefire in Lebanon to US President Donald Trump.

“Trump is a true friend, and we must treat him politely and embrace him, but we need to tell him that we cannot agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” Ben-Gvir said.

“We are the ones making decisions, and there are good results for our soldiers,” he added.

His opposition comes amid growing disputes within Israeli political and security circles over a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and their possible implications for ending the war on the Lebanese front.

READ: Israeli army won’t withdraw from occupied territory in southern Lebanon, defense minister says

“The agreement between Iran and the US is the biggest political disaster since the establishment of the state,” Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu party, said on US social media company X.

“We must act in accordance with Israeli interests and not in accordance with fuel prices on world stock exchanges,” he added, in reference to what experts view as one of the motives behind Trump’s push to end the Iran war.

Israel and Lebanon are set to hold a fifth round of direct negotiations in Washington on Tuesday. The upcoming talks follow four previous rounds between the two sides that began in April as part of a track aimed at ending the Israeli war in Lebanon.

The US-mediated negotiations come as criticism grows inside Israel over Washington’s handling of talks with Iran and Hezbollah.

The Israeli news site i24NEWS, citing Israeli officials, said Tel Aviv fears that an agreement between the US and Iran could strengthen Tehran and its allies in the region.

The officials claimed the Trump administration and its negotiating team “misunderstands the ideology driving Tehran and Hezbollah.”

“Trump doesn’t speak Shia,” they said, in reference to what they claim is a failure to understand the nature of Iran’s system and Hezbollah.

On Saturday, i24NEWS quoted unnamed senior Israeli officials as saying: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed ministers to avoid personal attacks on Trump.”

Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures.

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war.

READ: Israel plans to reduce forces in southern Lebanon under US pressure ahead of Lebanese army deployment

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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 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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingIsraeli Cabinet minister rejects ceasefire, says Lebanon ‘should be Israel’s playground’

Iran’s negotiating team protests Trump ‘threats,’ says they violate memorandum of understanding

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Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif (2nd R) and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (R) meet with Parliament Speaker of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (2nd L) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi (L) on the sidelines of the U.S.-Iran technical-level peace talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland on June 21, 2026. [Iranian Foreign Ministry / Handout – Anadolu Agency]

Iran’s negotiating team has protested US President Donald Trump’s “threats” during ongoing talks in Switzerland, arguing that the remarks constitute a “violation” of the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.

Citing the Iranian negotiating delegation, Tasnim reported that Trump’s threats against Iran and its negotiating team represent “a blatant violation” of the first article of the memorandum of understanding.

According to the delegation, Article 1 of the memorandum requires the US to refrain from issuing a “threat.”

Earlier on Sunday, Trump urged Iran to “immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble,” or Washington will hit Tehran “very hard again.”

“If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

READ: Trump warns Iran to stop ‘proxies in Lebanon’ or US will hit Tehran ‘very hard again’

According to Fox News, Trump also spoke with Iranians overnight and warned that if they close the Strait of Hormuz, “you won’t have a country.”

“You won’t even make it back to your f—– country.”

“We may take over the Strait, if we have to,” Trump said.

He said that the US could become the “Guardian Angel” of the Strait of Hormuz and take 20% of the oil. “If they don’t make a deal, we’ll collect tolls,” the US president added.

In the interview with Fox News, Trump said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has insisted that Iran maintain its right to enrich uranium, “better watch his mouth.”

“He better shape up or we’ll take over the rest of the country,” Trump said.

READ: 1st round of 4-party Iran-US talks concludes in Switzerland

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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 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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Continue ReadingIran’s negotiating team protests Trump ‘threats,’ says they violate memorandum of understanding

Germany rejects presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory

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Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius holds a press conference in the capital, Berlin, Germany, on March 9, 2026. [Halil Sağırkaya – Anadolu Agency]

Germany said on Monday it is opposed to a permanent Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory following statements by Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, who stated that his country would not withdraw from territory occupied in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

“The federal government’s position is quite clear: We reject a permanent presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory. Nor must the civilian population be prevented from returning to where they live,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese at a press briefing in Berlin.

Giese’s remarks were underscored by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, who reiterated German “support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity.”

Katz claimed that Israeli forces have “no restriction” in Lebanon.

“There was and is no restriction on IDF soldiers in Lebanon from operating to remove threats,” he said.

“As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon,” Katz said.

His comments came after a major Israeli escalation in Lebanon on Friday and Saturday, during which the Israeli military launched more than 200 strikes across southern and eastern parts of the country.

An interim agreement between Washington and Tehran called for halting all hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

READ: Israeli army won’t withdraw from occupied territory in southern Lebanon, defense minister says

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingGermany rejects presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory

Israeli forces raid church-owned land in occupied East Jerusalem

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An aerial view of the Silwan neighborhood, located south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as Palestinians are struggling to continue their lives under harsh conditions due to Israeli home demolitions and eviction orders in East Jerusalem on December 31, 2025. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli forces raided church-owned land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the town of Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday, in the latest move targeting Palestinian religious properties in occupied East Jerusalem, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate said personnel from Israel’s so-called “Nature Authority” raided the church-owned land and forced the official in charge of overseeing the property to leave the site.

The governorate said the land, owned by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, covers around 11 dunams (2.72 acres) and is located near the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan.

According to the statement, Israeli authorities seized the land on June 15 and surrounded it with fences and gates, prompting the Patriarchate to file a lawsuit demanding the restoration of the land and the removal of Israeli control over the property.

READ: HRW: Israel escalating home demolitions, evictions in East Jerusalem

An Israeli court has postponed a ruling in the case until Thursday after the Patriarchate submitted documents proving its ownership and continued use and maintenance of the land before its seizure.

According to Jerusalem-based institutions, the move is part of escalating Israeli measures targeting Palestinian land and religious properties in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly in neighborhoods surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Earlier this month, the Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs condemned the seizure of the church land, calling it a “blatant violation” of international law, private property rights, and the historical and religious status of churches in the Palestinian territories.

It called on churches worldwide, international institutions, the UN, and rights groups to take practical steps to protect church property as well as Islamic and Christian holy sites and hold those responsible accountable under international law.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.

Palestinians regard East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, in line with international resolutions that do not recognize Israel’s occupation of the city.

READ: Israeli occupiers attack Palestinian towns, homes in West Bank under army protection

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingIsraeli forces raid church-owned land in occupied East Jerusalem