Iran controls Hormuz Strait
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ Navy says another supertanker carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil has exploded after striking a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. In its latest statement, the IRGC Navy says the vessel caught fire early this morning, with the explosion occurring in its engine room and bringing the ship to a halt. Earlier, Iran reported a similar incident involving another supertanker, accusing both vessels of attempting to navigate the strategic waterway through unauthorized routes with their positioning and radar systems switched off. The IRGC Navy also added the US military supported the vessels’ passage. It warned that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to ships violating Iranian regulations and that further violations would carry severe consequences. Security data shows that at least 12 violating ships have been targeted or hit mines in or near the Strait of Hormuz since Sunday.
OIC meeting in Baghdad
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure. Speaking at the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Baghdad, Araghchi said Tehran does not accept coercion, threats or intimidation. However, he said Iran remains ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and credible guarantees. The top diplomat said Tehran has sent a seven-day plan through Qatar to restore normal maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said the choice is now up to the United States. He said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within seven days if the necessary conditions are met.
Anti-govt. protests in Europe
France is witnessing mass protests led by students over the rising cost of living, social inequality, and deteriorating public services, as clashes between demonstrators and police have led to more than 270 arrests nationwide. In Paris and Marseille, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters amid escalating clashes. Demonstrators are demanding improved school facilities, more teachers, better public services, and relief from soaring fuel prices and living costs. Some protesters have also called for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. The demonstrations follow weeks of high school student blockades demanding better learning conditions, which have at times escalated into violent confrontations. Human rights groups have accused police of using disproportionate force in response to the protests. The unrest has since spread beyond France.
Turning to Albania, demonstrations continued for a fifth consecutive day, with protesters demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation amid violent clashes with police. The unrest has been marked by violent clashes with police and damage to government buildings and businesses. Police say 500 protesters have been detained so far, with 330 subsequently released. Demonstrators have slammed poor university conditions, rising tuition fees, and government corruption, calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. These developments come after months of anti-government protests that began against the backdrop of a luxury resort project linked to the family of US President Donald Trump, and later turned into a symbol of what is described as corruption and inequality.
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website