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military · geopolitical

Military action in response to Iranian attacks on shipping is a further blow to hopes of sustained ceasefire

military · geopolitical

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." The comments came after Congress approved a resolution requiring the president to either halt military operations against Iran or seek congressional authorisation for further action. These strikes are a blatant violation of the War Powers Resolution that we passed. Trump must stop this war now — or we will take him to court to compel him to do so. https://t.co/DaCp96I09b — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) June 27, 2026

geopolitical · geopolitical

Trump threatens to ‘complete the job’, says Iran drone locations hit The US president said his country “will be forced to militarily complete the job we successfully started”. “United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN! It is very possible that they will never learn!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. “There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”

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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. The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs had on Saturday issued a statement condemning "in the strongest terms" Iran’s alleged drone attacks against Bahrain following US strikes on Iran. The ministry said that the attacks constitute a “flagrant violation” of Bahrain’s sovereignty and “a threat to its security and stability”. Both the Qatari foreign ministry and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on Bahrain. In a statement to X, Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi said he “condemns in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain and its targeting of civilian infrastructure and properties”. Qatar called for “continuing on the path of dialogue and diplomacy, de-escalation, and building on the gains achieved within the framework of the memorandum of understanding, in a manner that contributes to consolidating security and stability at both the regional and international levels”.

military · geopolitical

Explosions reported near Strait of Hormuz after US strikes Iran Iranian media have reported explosions near the Strait of Hormuz after the US military said it launched fresh attacks on Iran. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said “several explosions” were heard around Tahrui village in Sirik, a coastal area near the strategic waterway. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB also reported that several projectiles struck a village on Qeshm Island, which sits in the Strait of Hormuz. The reports came after the US army said it carried out new strikes on Iran in response to an attack on a vessel earlier this morning.

military · geopolitical

US says it hit Iran after tanker attack in Strait of Hormuz The US military says it has launched fresh strikes on several targets in Iran after another attack on a ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said the operation took place on Saturday after Iran attacked a Panama-flagged oil tanker earlier in the day. "CENTCOM forces launched strikes today in direct response to continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping," it said in a statement.

geopolitical · geopolitical

The attacks come after an Iranian drone allegedly struck another commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

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According to the statement, the strikes came in response to Iran’s attack on a commercial vessel

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According to Barak Ravid, the strikes are being carried out in the area of the Strait of Hormuz

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The US conducted a fresh round of strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Saturday, the military said.

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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. The call comes as Lebanon faces continued pressure over the deal, which aims to halt Israeli attacks and ease tensions along the border. تلقى رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون اتصالا هاتفيا ليل اليوم من الرئيس الاميركي دونالد ترامب هنأه فيه على توقيع اتفاق الاطار بين لبنان وإسرائيل برعاية الولايات المتحدة الاميركية، مؤكدا وقوف بلاده إلى جانب لبنان والشعب اللبناني والعمل على توفير كل ما من شأنه لتطبيق مندرجات الاتفاق… — Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) June 27, 2026

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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.

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Israel’s far-right finance minister boasts of army’s destruction of Lebanese infrastructure Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has defended Israel’s agreement with Lebanon by openly saying the Israeli military continues to control territory inside the country. Smotrich said the army “controls a security strip in Lebanon” and is “deepening the destruction of infrastructure along its length and breadth above and below ground”. His comments underline Israel’s refusal to withdraw from Lebanese territory and its continued destruction inside the country despite diplomatic efforts. Smotrich said Hezbollah “hasn’t been eliminated yet, but it has been severely struck”, adding that there was “an international commitment to its elimination” and to preserving “Israeli freedom of action to thwart threats and prevent buildup”. He said Israel would remain in the security zone until then. Smotrich also said Iran was “much weaker than it was on the eve of the war – militarily, governmentally, and economically”.

geopolitical · geopolitical

Shots have been fired in the Strait of Hormuz. The is a diplomatic and logistical condundrum of what to do next. A literal rock and a hard place, where 11,000 crew remain stuck on ships in the middle of two warring belligerents now negotiating peace, telling them opposing advice on how they can safely evacuate. The Iranian regime is telling them to leave, but to first cross via one of its islands Larak Island at the northern part of the Strait. France 24's Gavin Lee spoke to Nitya Labh, Academy Fellow, International Security Programme at Chatham House.

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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’s current government has relied heavily on far-right ministers who have pushed Israel deeper into occupation, settlement expansion and military escalation across the region.

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Ukraine is intensifying attacks on Russian-controlled Crimea as Kyiv tries to pressure Moscow into ending the war.

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the military has been ordered to prepare for an ‘extended stay’ in Lebanon.

military · geopolitical

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. The comments underline opposition inside Israel’s far-right government to any arrangement that limits Israel’s military freedom of action in Lebanon, even as Israeli forces continue to occupy parts of the south. "Members of the Lebanese government are Hezbollah ministers, and Lebanon cannot be trusted to take Hezbollah's weapons ... Only IDF soldiers will destroy Hezbollah, no other party will do it for us."

military · geopolitical

Israel says troops will occupy southern Lebanon Israel’s defence minister says Israeli troops have been told to prepare for a prolonged occupation in the so-called security zone the army occupies in southern Lebanon. “The prime minister and I have instructed the [Israeli military] to prepare for an extended stay in the security zone”, Israel Katz said in a video statement. His comments came after Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-brokered framework that aims to end hostilities and transfer territory to the Lebanese army. But Katz said Israel would not pull back from southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah disarms across the country. He added that “there will be no redeployment by Israel in southern Lebanon, no withdrawal, as long as the terrorist organisation Hezbollah is not disarmed throughout Lebanon”, describing it as “the important principle established in the agreement”.

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Israel strikes southern Lebanon after US-brokered security deal Israeli warplanes have hit the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon, our colleagues on the ground report. The air strike took place at about 15:30 GMT, or 6:30pm local time, in the latest Israeli attack on southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency also reported the strike, which followed an earlier Israeli attack near the same town. The attack came just a day after Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered security arrangement, raising fresh questions over whether the deal can halt Israel’s repeated strikes across Lebanese territory.

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The two attacks, in Volgograd and Vladimir regions, are part of President Zelenskyy's strategy to bring the war to the Russian people and force Putin into peace negotiations.

military · geopolitical

The Israeli military carried out an air strike Saturday on the Nabatiyeh area of southern Lebanon, a day after the US announced a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The news comes as Tehran accused the Washington of a "blatant violation" of the peace deal after the latest American strikes on its southern defence facilities. France 24 International affairs editor Leela Jacinto shares further insights.

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Several Palestinians injured in Israeli drone strike on Gaza City tent Several Palestinians have been wounded on Saturday in an Israeli attack on Gaza City. According to Wafa news agency, an Israeli drone struck a tent sheltering displaced people in western Gaza City, injuring several Palestinians, who have been transferred to the Al-Shifa Hospital for treatment.

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UK Defence Intelligence has analysed the recent waves of Ukrainian strikes on Russian-occupied Crimea in its latest update on the Russia-Ukraine war and noted that Kyiv has expanded its options for striking the Crimean Bridge.

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Dmitry Kuzyakin underscored that the integration of drones into modern warfare marks a fundamental shift from previous conflicts

military · geopolitical

Fico also noted that while a decision might be made at the summit to provide additional military support to Ukraine? Fico also noted that while a decision might be made at the summit to provide additional military support to Ukraine

geopolitical · geopolitical

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. Safadi “expressed his hope that the agreement would advance the interests of Lebanon”, including reasserting its sovereignty and restoring stability, Raggi said on X. Protests broke out in Beirut on Friday evening against the framework, which Hezbollah's chief said was responsible for "legitimising" Israeli occupation of Lebanon. I welcome the agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This is a critical step away from escalation. Because there can be no peace in the Middle East with Lebanon in flames. My thanks to the US for the mediation. Key next steps are the disarmament of non-state groups and… — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 27, 2026

military · geopolitical

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. “They can’t do anything without knocking buildings down,” Trump said. “I’m close to giving it over to Syria.” Trump did not explain what he meant by "giving it over", leaving it unclear whether he was referring to a Syrian military operation, political mediation, pressure on Hezbollah, tighter border controls or cooperation with the Lebanese state. .push({}); But his comments were the latest in a series of public statements indicating that Washington has considered assigning Damascus a role in dealing with the Lebanese group. His remarks reinforced the impression that Washington sees Damascus as a potential partner in efforts to curb Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon. US pressure denied The issue first emerged on 17 March, when Reuters reported that Washington had encouraged Damascus to consider sending forces into eastern Lebanon to help disarm Hezbollah. Five people briefed on the discussions told the news agency that Syria was reluctant to become involved, fearing it could be drawn into the wider regional war and inflame sectarian tensions in both Syria and Lebanon. The proposal had initially been discussed by US and Syrian officials in 2025 and was raised again around the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February, according to the report. Barrack responded later that day with a categorical denial. Exclusive: How Hezbollah rebuilt while its enemies declared it dead Read More » “Reporting regarding the United States encouraging Syria to send forces into Lebanon is false and inaccurate,” he wrote on X. However, a Syrian source told Middle East Eye that a meeting was subsequently held between Sharaa and leaders of armed factions to discuss the reports. “Those present agreed that Syria had neither the intention nor the desire to intervene militarily in Lebanon,” the source said. A senior Lebanese source also told MEE that Beirut received several messages of reassurance that Damascus was not planning to send forces across the border. The Syrian authorities indicated that they would seek the help of their regional allies, particularly Saudi Arabia , Qatar and Turkey , to resist US pressure for an intervention, the source said. As pressure mounted, Sharaa sought to sidestep Washington's demands by setting conditions that would be extremely difficult for the US to meet before Syria would even consider any involvement in Lebanon, a second senior Syrian source told MEE. .push({}); Sharaa 'would love to help' Trump first publicly suggested a Syrian role in Lebanon during an NBC Meet the Press interview on 5 June. Calling for a more “surgical” campaign against Hezbollah, Trump said Washington could assist or “recommend Syria”. “We can help them with that, or we can recommend Syria,” he said, praising Sharaa and adding that the Syrian president “would love to help”. 'Those present agreed that Syria had neither the intention nor the desire to intervene militarily in Lebanon' - Syrian source Trump's remarks stopped short of explicitly calling for Syrian forces to enter Lebanon. But during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on 16 June, the US president was considerably more direct. “I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, because, to be honest with you, I think they do a better job of doing it,” he told reporters. Trump criticised Israel for taking too long to defeat Hezbollah and for killing civilians and destroying residential buildings. He also said Sharaa has done an “amazing job” consolidating control over Syria and “does not like” Hezbollah. The following day, when asked whether he had discussed Hezbollah with Sharaa, Trump said “yes” but declined to say whether the Syrian president had agreed to become involved, telling reporters he would address the matter later. The exchange indicated that Trump’s statements were not solely an abstract proposal directed at Israel, but that a possible Syrian role had been raised directly with Damascus. Damascus rules out military role In recent weeks, Sharaa has sought to counter the growing speculation. During a meeting with dignitaries from the Damascus countryside on 11 June, he described reports of an impending Syrian entry into Lebanon as unfounded rumours. Ahmed Muwaffaq Zaidan, an adviser to the Syrian presidency, later told Al Arabiya that Washington had proposed Syrian involvement during the regional escalation, but that Damascus had rejected any military or security role in Lebanon. .push({}); He added that Syria supported extending the Lebanese state’s authority across the country, but through strengthening its institutions rather than deploying Syrian forces. In south Lebanon, Israeli drones use the sound of crying children to lure civilians Read More » Sharaa addressed the matter more extensively in an interview with Al Mashhad TV on 21 June, saying Trump’s comments had been misinterpreted as suggesting Syrian forces would enter Lebanon “tomorrow morning”. He added that Trump had expressed concern over the war and discussed how Syria could contribute to a safe and peaceful resolution, rather than calling for an invasion. Sharaa said Syria’s priority was to end the war and Israeli bombardment, and that Damascus had discussed political, economic and social approaches with Washington. “Our vision is based on supporting the Lebanese state once again, strengthening its institutions, and seeking a solution that everyone believes in,” he said. “We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones.” Sharaa said Damascus was willing to communicate with all Lebanese parties, including Hezbollah. Although Hezbollah’s role in Syria’s civil war had left what he described as a “deep Syrian wound”, he said he would meet its representatives if it served Lebanese and Syrian interests. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed Sharaa’s clarification, saying it had been positively received and had helped put an end to speculation over a Syrian military role in Lebanon. The Syrian assurances have eased some of the immediate concern in Beirut. However, Trump’s repeated remarks, coupled with contradictory accounts of earlier US-Syrian discussions, have left unresolved questions over what role Washington expects Damascus to play in the future of Hezbollah and Lebanon. Syria after Assad Beirut News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

geopolitical · geopolitical

Israel attack on Gaza refugee camp kills two, including a young girl Israeli drones hit makeshift tents in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Saturday, killing two Palestinians, including a young girl, Al Jazeera reported, citing medical sources. The area had been designated a “safe zone” under the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. Four others were wounded in the attacks and are receiving treatment at Nasser hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially functioning in southern Gaza, the sources added.

military · geopolitical

Slovak Prime Minister cautioned about the potential consequences of these supplies, emphasizing the threat they pose if used against Russia