'US not pursuing diplomacy'
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman says the United States does not pursue genuine diplomacy during negotiations with Iran, but seeks to dictate its own demands. Esmaeil Baghaei made the comment in a social media post after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to blame Iranians’ religious beliefs for Washington’s failure to reach a negotiated agreement with Tehran. In response, Baghaei said the American administration has failed to respect its diplomatic commitments and is now trying to blame that failure on the "religious beliefs" of Iranians. Stressing that the US is addicted to using force and pressure, he said what makes "rational negotiations" impossible is not "Iran’s religious beliefs," but America’s negotiating behavior, which amounts to little more than one-sided dictation. Baghaei added that the US cannot expect a lasting agreement, as long as it demands concessions, while refusing reciprocity and ignoring the other side’s legitimate interests. He said instead of accusing others, Americans must first address their own record of broken promises.
Israel West Bank violations
Israeli forces have arrested US Democratic congressional candidate, Brad Lander along with dozens of international solidarity activists, and an elderly Palestinian woman west of the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem. According to Palestinian media, Lander and other activists were helping farmers harvest olives in the town of Nahalin as a sign of support for Palestinians harvesting olives in the face of threats posed by extremist illegal Israeli settlers. Lander is a left-wing Democrat, who is expected to easily win a House seat in New York City. Reacting to his detention in a social media post, Lander said he was detained along with a group of rabbis and volunteers harvesting olives. He said the occupation is a crime under international law, but harvesting olives isn't a crime under any law. Lander later wrote that he was released on account of his prominence, adding that "Palestinians face far worse consequences every day." He is a close ally of New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who is an outspoken critic of Israeli policies. The Israeli regime is facing growing international criticism over escalation in settler violence during the harvest season, with rights groups documenting multiple attacks against Palestinians and foreign activists.
France protest crackdown
French police banned demonstrations in key areas of Paris on Thursday, as the country braces for more protests just days after anti-government rallies degenerated into the worst street unrest in years. The ban on demonstrations came following failed talks between Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and union representatives over the latest wave of protests. The restrictions cover major Paris landmarks, including the presidential palace, parliament, the Louvre, and the Champs-Elysees, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The government has admitted that it has lost control despite heavy-handed crackdown on protesters. Following the failed talks, the CGT union leader called for a new phase of protests, including strikes early next month. Fresh protests over the cost of living are planned for Saturday. President Emmanuel Macron has accused foreign leaders, most notably the US president and Israeli prime minister, of exploiting the protests for political gain.
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