'Iran not giving up'
The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council says Iran will not yield to the US economic war. In a post on X, Mohsen Rezaei rejected US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s anti-Iran statements as “delusional.” Rezaei said Washington has lost the military war against Iran, and will fail in the economic war, too. The Iranian official added the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened by threats or pressure, stressing that Iran will not back down. Bessent has claimed that US sanctions and economic pressure can force Tehran to change course. Washington has imposed extensive sanctions on Iran for decades, targeting its oil revenues, financial sector and other key industries. Following the US-Israeli attacks in February, Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint that has become a focal point of tensions.
'Hezbollah not to give concessions'
The secretary-general of Lebanon’s Hezbollah says the liberation of southern Lebanon is approaching, arguing that Israel would be incapable of maintaining its presence there. Sheikh Naim Qassem says Hezbollah rejects any concessions to Israel and calls for full adherence to the ceasefire terms. He also warned against demands for Hezbollah to give up its weapons before Israeli forces' withdrawal. The Sheikh said the resistance has demonstrated an epic level of steadfastness throughout years of conflicts. Qassem announced the establishment of an institution dedicated to preserving and publishing the legacy of former Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in 2024. Sheikh Qassem also praised Nasrallah’s role in promoting resistance. He also praised the Iraqi people for their role in expelling US occupation forces from their land.
France nationwide demonstrations
A nationwide day of action in France has led to fresh clashes between security forces and student protesters marching over rundown educational facilities. Organizers say around 2,000 secondary schools and universities have shut across France. Labor unions say over 260,000 people have joined the mobilization. Riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrations in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Rennes. Human rights groups have condemned the security response, pointing to hundreds of injured teenagers. The French justice ministry says at least 6,000 people, mainly minors, have been detained since protests erupted last month.
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