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Slamming IAEA politicization

Iran’s foreign ministry says the International Atomic Energy Agency has turned into a tool in the hands of the US and Europeans to exert pressure on Iran. The ministry’s spokesman says the attempt by the US, France, the UK and Germany to refer Iran’s case to the UN Security Council is senseless. Esmaeil Baqaei says the move shows their ill-will and intention to escalate the situation around Iran. Baqaei, who was speaking in his weekly presser, also warned Tehran will take the necessary steps in response to any unwise move by the US and Europeans. The spokesman separately blasted US attacks on Iranian oil tankers as a terrorist move, saying what Iran is doing in response is completely defensive and in line with international law. He also touched on reports that the US is seeking a new agreement with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. Baqaei said the ball is in the US’s court and it must end its aggression and return to the memorandum of understanding it violated.

Blasting Trump’s claims

US Senator Chris Murphy has criticized President Donald Trump for downplaying the war on Iran, saying the conflict has come at a heavy cost for the United States. In a social media post, Murphy said 18 Americans have been killed and US military bases have sustained billions of dollars in damage. He also said US missile supplies are at critically low levels, while pointing to record-high farm bankruptcies and rising gas prices. Murphy emphasized that Iran has emerged stronger than ever, accusing Trump of being dangerously delusional about the situation. His remarks come amid growing political argument in Washington over the costs and consequences of the aggression on Iran, with other senators, including Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, slamming the Trump rhetoric as well. On Friday, Trump labeled the war on Iran small potatoes and said it was just a minor conflict.

Israel Lebanon aggression

Nearly a dozen people, including 2 infants and 2 paramedics, have been killed and several others injured in Israeli strikes on the southern Lebanon. 9 people, including 2 infants, were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit a three-story residential building in Kfar Reman overnight. 5 others were wounded in the attack. In a separate strike, an Israeli drone targeted a civilian vehicle in the same town, killing 2 paramedics identified as Ali Shahrour and Hadi Farhat, members of the Islamic Scout Association. The strikes come despite a ceasefire agreed in past June. However, Israeli forces have continued carrying out attacks across southern Lebanon, including areas north of their declared security zone. The Lebanese news agency says the latest strikes were carried out without an online evacuation warning from the Israeli military.

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