Iran Hormuz control
Iran's foreign minister says the Strait of Hormuz is and will remain closed until the United States accepts the Islamic Republic’s conditions. In an interview with Iraqi Media Network, Abbas Araghchi said the American side must accept Iran's conditions before the strait can be reopened. Iran’s top diplomat added that before such an understanding or agreement is reached, the strait will naturally be closed, and the movement of ships and vessels through the waterway will face difficulties. He stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and has nothing to do with international waters. Araghchi said Iran expects the US to comply with all its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He said the US should know that measures like economic sanctions or military threats will not work with Iran, and the country will never surrender. Araghchi emphasized that the sole appropriate option is diplomacy and a negotiated solution.
Gaza humanitarian crisis
A senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues amid deteriorating health conditions as a result of the Israeli regime’s aggression. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Security Forum in Doha, the ICRC’s director general described the conditions facing Palestinians in Gaza as “hell on earth.” Pierre Krahenbuhl said the people of Gaza are suffering in displacement tents amid shortages of medical care and water, while at the same time, fearing for their lives amid the regime’s relentless attacks. He noted that Palestinian families still do not know the fate of their missing relatives, who are believed to be buried under the rubble. The ICRC official also highlighted the suffering of hundreds of children living with long-term injuries and amputations, stressing that they need short- and long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and medical care. He noted that despite all relief efforts currently underway, humanitarian organizations have the capacity to provide only the bare minimum of the assistance that the people of Gaza need.
France protest crackdown
The French prime minister has vowed a "massive" police presence at fresh anti-government protests that are to be held during the weekend. Sebastien Lecornu's remarks came as the government is facing harsh criticism over handling of recent nationwide protests. Addressing angry lawmakers in parliament, Lecornu admitted that the security response has fallen short, promising a stronger approach ahead of a new wave of protests. The prime minister added that “the deployment for next Saturday will be massive." Lecornu accused what he called "ultra-left radical groups" of forging an "insurrectionary plan" that led to violent riots, which erupted on the sidelines of nationwide protests over the cost of living. The new development came after on Monday, French authorities announced partial curfews in Paris and some other cities. Lecornu said fresh curfews will be imposed where needed. France has been rocked by one of its worst waves of protests in recent years, just six months before voters head to the polls to elect a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.
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