📰 Iranian foreign minister reiterates ‘serious damage’ to nuclear facilities, despite ayatollah’s comments
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged on state TV that U.S. strikes caused significant damage to Tehran’s nuclear facilities, contradicting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s claim of minimal impact. Post-strike assessments confirmed damage at Iran’s nuclear sites from both U.S. and Israeli attacks, with all three countries agreeing on the extent of the damage despite a leaked intel report suggesting otherwise. Khamenei’s focus on projecting strength led him to downplay the impact of the strikes, emphasizing Iran’s retaliatory actions against the U.S. Araghchi also discussed the potential for resuming talks with the U.S., acknowledging the increased complexity following the strikes but not ruling out negotiations in the future. Despite President Trump’s optimism about potential agreements with Iran, the immediate prospects for talks remain uncertain, with no concrete plans for meetings in the near future.
📰 Iran’s supreme leader slams Trump just days after US strikes on nuclear sites
The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran despite a ceasefire, focusing on the exchange of harsh words between Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Donald Trump. Trump demanded an “unconditional surrender” from Iran and claimed the U.S. had control over Iranian skies. Khamenei boasted about Iran’s response to U.S. actions but Trump dismissed it as weak and thanked Iran for giving early notice of their retaliation. Khamenei has been in hiding since Israel’s operation against Iran, with reports of a security crackdown and mass arrests in Iran, including executions for alleged espionage. The article highlights the power dynamics and tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel during this period of conflict.
📰 Iran trying to ‘save face’ following US strike on nuclear sites, expert says
The article discusses the assessment of damage to three Iranian nuclear sites following strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Middle East expert Jacob Olidort believes that Iran’s assessment aligns with U.S. and Israeli views, with Israel claiming to have set back Iran’s nuclear program significantly. The U.S. conducted a surprise strike using B-2 stealth bombers on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. Some media reports challenge the extent of the damage caused by the strikes, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed significant damage to their nuclear installations. Olidort suggests that Iran’s actions are aimed at saving face, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency stated that the damage is substantial but not total annihilation.
📰 Belarusian dissident thanks Trump admin for his freedom, demands the UN act
Belarusian dissident Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who spent over five years as a political prisoner, has been released and is advocating for the release of others still in prison. In a video message to the UN Human Rights Council, Tsikhanouski described the torture and abuse he endured in Belarusian prisons. He credited the international community, especially the Trump administration, for his release, facilitated through US mediation. Nils Muižnieks, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Belarus, highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, including the unjust imprisonment of opposition figures and activists. Tsikhanouski’s wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, thanked those involved in securing her husband’s freedom and called for the release of the remaining political prisoners in Belarus.
📰 Trump’s crown jewel Abraham Accords may expand to normalize ties between Israel and other nations
President Donald Trump’s Middle East agreement, the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and Sunni Gulf States and North African countries, may see new countries joining according to Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Syria was one of the nations President Trump was interested in having join the Accords, following a historic meeting in Saudi Arabia. Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi believes Syria and Lebanon are top candidates to join the Abraham Accords. Middle East expert Eugene Kontorovich believes that with Iran weakened, Lebanon and Syria could realistically join the Accords during Trump’s term. The expansion of the Abraham Accords has generated excitement among Israeli media and Middle East observers.
In a classified meeting, it was revealed that Israel has direct dialogue with Syria’s new government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has ties to designated terrorist movements. Kontorovich believes that Syria’s new government has much to gain by joining the Accords for legitimacy. The possibility of dropping sanctions on Syria to normalize relations with Israel was discussed by Trump in May. There is optimism that Trump could expand the Accords further during his second term, with low barriers for entry.
After the successful completion of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which included Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, there was anticipation that Saudi Arabia would also join. The Trump administration was reportedly seeking an expansion of the Accords, while the Biden administration faced criticism for not furthering the agreements. Various officials and experts have expressed hope for more countries to join the Accords, with ongoing efforts to promote peace in the region.
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