Congressman says Trump violated congressional measure on Iran Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna has condemned the Trump administration's renewed strikes on Iran, arguing they violate a congressional measure intended to limit further military action without approval from lawmakers. "These strikes are a blatant violation of the War Powers Resolution that we passed," Khanna wrote on X. "Trump must stop this war now — or we will take him to court to compel him to do so.
Canada condemns alleged Iranian attacks on Bahrain Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand said the alleged Iranian drone attacks on Bahrain amount to “unlawful violations” of the Gulf country’s sovereignty. In a social media post, Anand said she spoke with her Bahraini counterpart “to reaffirm Canada’s solidarity with the people of Bahrain”. “Canada continues to call for a durable solution that advances peace and security in the region,” Anand added.
Lebanon says Trump backed ceasefire deal in call with Lebanese president Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s support for a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement. In a statement posted on X, the Lebanese presidency said Aoun received a phone call from Trump on Friday night. It said Trump welcomed the signing of a trilateral agreement and voiced support for efforts to uphold the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
Trump congratulates Lebanese president on Israel framework deal US President Donald Trump has congratulated Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on signing a framework agreement with Israel, Axios has reported, citing officials. The report said Trump spoke with Aoun after the signing, as Washington pushes to advance talks between Lebanon and Israel. The framework agreement comes amid US efforts to shape a wider political arrangement, even as Israel continues attacks on Lebanon and maintains troops inside Lebanese territory.
Netanyahu says he wants broad coalition after Israel election Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants to form a broader coalition after the next election, distancing himself from the far-right allies who have helped keep him in power. "I intend to establish a broad national government, not a right-wing government, not a left-wing government that depends on Arab parties, but a broad national government," Netanyahu said in a televised briefing. His remarks mark an attempt to recast his political strategy before a national vote that must take place by 27 October.
Netanyahu hails Lebanon deal as ‘blow’ to Iran and Hezbollah Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the US-brokered framework agreement with Lebanon, describing it as a major gain for Israel and a setback for Iran and Hezbollah. "We have reached a historic agreement for the State of Israel, following direct negotiations" with Lebanon, Netanyahu said during a televised news conference. "This is a blow to Iran and Hezbollah," he added.
Israeli far-right minister Ben-Gvir attacks Lebanon deal Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has attacked the US-brokered agreement with Lebanon. "The agreement with Lebanon is a big mistake... Indeed, we are staying in most of the territory for now, but the state of Lebanon will not disarm Hezbollah," he said on his Telegram channel.
Lebanese army commander meets UK defence chiefs A statement from Lebanon’s army on Saturday said that its commander, Major General Rodolphe Haykal, visited the UK for talks with British defence chiefs. The officials discussed “ways to support the army and enhance cooperation between the two sides,” as well as addressing “the challenges facing the army in the context of peacekeeping and stability missions and border protection” towards achieving “a sustainable ceasefire in Lebanon”. Haykal also thanked his British counterpart for Britiain's continued support for the Lebanese army.
Damascus races to reassure Beirut as Trump pushes Syria to take on Hezbollah US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested handing responsibility for dealing with Hezbollah to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, reviving fears in Lebanon of renewed Syrian military involvement despite denials from Damascus. Trump’s increasingly explicit statements have also appeared to contradict an earlier denial by US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, who dismissed reports that Washington had pressured Damascus to send forces into Lebanon as “false and inaccurate”. The latest remarks came on 21 June, when Trump told Fox News that he was disappointed by Israel’s failure to defeat Hezbollah without causing widespread destruction.
Damascus races to reassure Beirut as Trump pushes Syria to take on Hezbollah Submitted by Adam Chamseddine on Sat, 06/27/2026 - 13:10 Talks of a Syrian role in Lebanon revive memories of decades of troubled relations and military occupation US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in Washington on 10 November 2025 (AFP/Sana) Off US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested handing responsibility for dealing with Hezbollah to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, reviving fears in Lebanon of renewed Syrian military involvement despite denials from Damascus. Trump’s increasingly explicit statements have also appeared to contradict an earlier denial by US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, who dismissed reports that Washington had pressured Damascus to send forces into Lebanon as “false and inaccurate”. The latest remarks came on 21 June, when Trump told Fox News that he was disappointed by Israel ’s failure to defeat Hezbollah without causing widespread destruction.
Jordan, European Commission chief welcome Israel-Lebanon deal European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday that she welcomes the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement signed in Washington as a “critical step” towards peace in the region. “Key next steps are the disarmament of non-state groups and preserving Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said in a statement posted to X, adding that “the EU stands ready to support this path to lasting regional stability”. Jordan similarly congratulated Lebanon on its US-mediated deal with Israel in a call between Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi and his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi.
US-Iran agreement amounts to 'conditional surrender', analyst says on Tucker Carlson's show The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the United States after the joint US-Israeli war on Iran amounts to a "conditional surrender document", geopolitical analyst Brandon Weichert said during an appearance on political commentator Tucker Carlson's show. Weichert stated that Washington entered negotiations after depleting significant portions of its missile stockpiles. "Ultimately, this is a conditional surrender document," Weichert said.
Pakistan reaffirms support for regional peace in call with Iran Pakistan's foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting lasting peace and stability during a telephone conversation with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi. According to the ministry, Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its continued support in advancing the peace process and expressed appreciation for Islamabad's efforts in facilitating the safe return of Iranian crew members and fishermen to their homeland.
UN hopes to see “sustained” opening of Hormuz, says spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that “it is important that everybody live up to what they’ve committed to in every agreement that is signed”. “And I think it is important that all parties involved keep their eyes on the greater good,” he added, including regional and global stability as well as the wellbeing of seafarers. “Thousands and thousands of men and women … have been stuck on ships, who we all rely on to get the goods that we consume every day.
Lebanon president says Israel deal first step to restoring sovereignty Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a deal signed with Israel on Friday was a first step towards fully restoring his country's sovereignty after Israel's latest war on Lebanon. "The framework agreement signed today is a first step" that will enable Lebanese to return "to their fully liberated lands, and to their certainly rebuilt homes... under the sovereignty of the Lebanese state that has no partner in its sovereignty over its land and people," Aoun said according to a statement released by his office.
Pro-Israel rabbis demand Mamdani apologise for likening Aipac to 'monsters' Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 06/26/2026 - 17:52 The New York City mayor said he was quoting the Marxist philosopher Gramsci to describe the 'status quo' in Palestine Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a rally with immigration advocates in New York City on 25 June 2026 (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) Off More than 700 pro-Israel rabbis have signed onto an open letter published on Friday calling on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to retract his comments likening the pro-Israel lobbying group Aipac to "monsters". The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is among the most powerful advocacy groups working on foreign policy in the US , spending millions to oust political candidates who are critical of Israel. The letter was organised by the relatively new advocacy group The Jewish Majority , founded by an Aipac veteran of nearly two decades, Jonathan Schulman .
Israel and Lebanon expected to sign framework agreement in Washington, report says Israel and Lebanon are expected to sign a framework agreement in Washington on Friday, Reuters reported, citing senior Israeli officials. The Israeli officials did not immediately provide further details.
UAE and Iranian foreign ministers discuss Hormuz and MOU UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke over the phone on Friday with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Emirati state media has reported. The Emirati minister stressed to Araghchi the importance of protecting maritime corridors and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran had said it must control shipping going through the crucial chokehold. Al-Nahyan said every part of the MOU signed between Iran and the US must be adhered to, and said that diplomacy and dialogue were the best way to solve regional difficulties, Emirati state media reported.
Infantino’s Middle East playbook: How Fifa boss uses geopolitics on the World Cup stage Submitted by Daniel Tester on Thu, 06/25/2026 - 11:32 The soccer supremo has been criticised for interfering in the award of tournaments to Morocco and Saudi Arabia, as well as not banning Israel from international competition Fifa President Gianni Infantino speaks during the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 28 October 2025 (AFP) Off Football’s biggest World Cup is under way in the US , Mexico and Canada , as 48 teams battle through 104 matches to decide sports’ most prestigious title. At the centre of the six-week event is the Swiss-Italian Gianni Infantino , head of Fifa and a multi-billion dollar commercial and sporting empire that is rivalled only by the Olympics. Infantino has long insisted that “politics should stay out of football and football should stay out of politics".
America's 'independence' celebrates 250 years of jingoism and genocide Submitted by Joseph Massad on Thu, 06/25/2026 - 12:49 The myth of US freedom, retold by nationalist historians, politicians and corporate media, erases the slavery, dispossession and white supremacy on which the republic was built A view of the "UFC Freedom 250" event hosted by US President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on 15 June 2026 (Saul Loeb/Pool via Reuters) On American jingoism remains the ruling ideology of the United States , on the right as well as the left and centre. The upcoming 250th anniversary of independence, which the country will celebrate on 4 July 2026, is yet another occasion to express America's ultranationalism and rewrite the country's sordid history of oppression and genocide as a story of "freedom". President Donald Trump , the hero of white supremacists and conservatives, has declared that "With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history.
