Middle East Monitor Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa

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  Egypt’s Family Law deepens Egyptians’ hardship

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Egyptians are awaiting the long-anticipated new Personal Status Law, widely known as the “Family Law”, amid concerns that it could introduce new restrictions and penalties that would place additional burdens on families and contribute to rising divorce rates and family breakdown in a country where, according to official figures, a divorce takes place every two minutes.  The draft law, which comprises around 355 articles, has sparked extensive social, religious and political debate over marriage conditions, divorce procedures, alimony, child custody, visitation rights, the marital home and other contentious issues affecting family relationships. The controversy escalated after Al-Azhar said the draft law had not yet been referred to it and that it had not taken part in drafting it. In a

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  Iran says US removed World Cup ticket quota for its fans, calls on FIFA to act

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Iran’s football federation said the US has removed the ticket quota allocated to Iranian fans for the World Cup, leaving the federation unable to distribute tickets through its official system, Anadolu Agency reports. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran said Tuesday that FIFA regulations and standard procedures allocate 8% of ticket capacity for each match to the federations taking part in the World Cup. This system allows fans from each country to purchase tickets through an official mechanism coordinated with their national federations, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported. The federation had already begun selling tickets via its official website for Iran’s matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt after receiving its allocated quota, Tasnim added. The federation said

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  Italy’s Foreign Minister Tajani blasts Ben-Gvir remarks amid probe over flotilla detainees

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Italy’s foreign minister on Tuesday condemned “unacceptable” remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who attacked Rome after learning he was under investigation over the treatment of activists detained during seizure of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. “These are unacceptable words, unworthy of a minister,” Antonio Tajani said, referring to comments made by the far-right Israeli minister. “Italy is a friend of Israel that has always defended freedom and democracy,” Tajani added, saying Ben-Gvir’s words “demonstrate the moral standing of this gentleman.” Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation into Ben-Gvir in connection with the treatment of Italian nationals detained during the interception of the flotilla, according to Italian media reports. The probe is part of a broader investigation underway for

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  Trump says talks with Iran remain ongoing, with deal possible in 2 or 3 days

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Negotiations between the US and Iran remain ongoing, President Donald Trump said early Tuesday morning, just hours after Iran and Israel agreed to halt attacks on one another that threatened to shatter a shaky ceasefire, Anadolu Agency reports. Trump said the talks with Tehran did not stop during the escalation in violence, signaling that a deal to formally end the war could be reached within “one or two days from now, but I think it’s going well.” “They were going back and forth, and now they both agreed through me to stop, and we’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape, or form nuclear weapons, etc.,”

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  Pakistani, Lebanese military chiefs discuss regional security amid Israeli attacks on Lebanon

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Pakistani and Lebanese military chiefs on Tuesday discussed the regional security situation and bilateral military cooperation amid Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to an official statement, Anadolu agency reported. Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, the commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, said the Pakistani military media wing in a statement. “During the meeting, both dignitaries exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, evolving regional security environment, defense cooperation and prospects for enhancing bilateral military relations,” it said. The statement added: “The discussions focused on strengthening professional interactions, training cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two

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  What if the American violations ahead of the World Cup happened in an Arab country?

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Even before the first whistle of the 2026 World Cup, scandals have already begun to surface. Long before reaching the pitches, we are currently stuck at airport gates and bogged down in visa complications, where the arbitrary measures and blatant violations practised by US immigration authorities reveal a narrow, security-obsessed mindset. These hostile actions completely contradict the very spirit of a global sporting tournament and the values of hospitality and passion that are supposed to unite the peoples of the world. The latest and most embarrassing example is the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, recognised as one of the finest officials in Africa. FIFA selected him to participate in the World Cup, making him the first Somali referee in

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  Israeli Knesset approves bill expanding deductions from Palestinian Authority funds

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  The Israeli Knesset on Monday approved, in its second and third readings, a bill expanding the mechanisms for deducting money from funds transferred to the Palestinian Authority. The law allows Israel to make additional deductions from Palestinian tax clearance revenues to cover compensation and benefits paid by Israeli institutions as a result of Palestinian operations. According to the text of the law, introduced by Likud Knesset member Avichai Boaron, the new deductions will include compensation paid by Israel to people it describes as victims of Palestinian operations, as well as National Insurance payments to those injured and to the families of those killed. The deductions will also cover compensation for property damage paid through Israel’s Compensation Fund and Property Tax

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  ICC prosecutor Karim Khan suspended over misconduct allegations

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan was suspended from his duties late on Monday after the court’s oversight body referred him for disciplinary proceedings amid growing pressure. In a case that has attracted controversy for more than two years, Khan faces allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide. He has strongly denied any wrongdoing. The final decision on the future of the British lawyer now rests with the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC’s governing body, which will hold a special session to determine whether Khan should remain in his position. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the executive committee of the court’s oversight body, said in a statement on Monday that its assessment was based

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  Iran’s Qaani: New ‘resistance security belt’ will stretch from Hormuz to Bab al-Mandab

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmaeil Qaani said a new “security belt” of resistance would extend from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and from the Gulf to the Red Sea. In remarks carried by Iranian media, Qaani said: “The timely and decisive action of heroic Yemen shows the wisdom of the resistance front, and if necessary, others will also join.” He added: “From the Strait of Hormuz to Bab al-Mandab, and from the Gulf to the Red Sea, there will be a new resistance security belt.” The Quds Force commander said that “the actions of the Zionist entity and the United States in the region will trigger a response from a united resistance front”. READ: US companies benefit

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  Israeli forces demolish 15 homes in village near Jenin, occupied West Bank

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Israeli forces carried out a large-scale demolition operation on Monday in the village of Bartaa, southwest of Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank targeting residential buildings that authorities said lacked the required permits. Local sources said Israeli bulldozers demolished 15 homes in what they described as one of the largest demolition operations carried out in the area in recent months. According to the sources, the structures included multi-storey residential buildings housing dozens of families. The demolitions are expected to leave a number of residents without permanent housing and have raised concerns about possible displacement. Residents said the operation forms part of a broader pattern of demolitions in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian communities frequently face demolition orders linked

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  Top Armenian diplomat expresses belief in full normalisation with Turkiye in ‘near future’

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Monday said he believes his country will achieve full normalisation with Turkiye in the “near future”, Anadolu Agency reported.  Citing remarks to lawmakers at a joint committee hearing in parliament, state news agency Armenpress reported that Mirzoyan said Armenia’s dialogue with Turkiye has continued. Noting that several meetings have taken place in this context, Mirzoyan said one of these meetings included one held by the working group established for the reopening of the Kars-Gyumri railway. “My expectation and belief is that in the very near future, at some stage, we will have tangible progress in terms of the full normalisation of our relations with Turkiye,” Mirzoyan said. “I want to express confidence that in

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  Israeli army assaults 4 children after new incursion in Syria’s Quneitra countryside

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Israeli forces assaulted children following their incursion into Quneitra in southern Syria on Monday, in the latest violation of the Arab country’s sovereignty, Anadolu agency reported. Syrian state television channel Al-Ekhbariya reported that “Israeli occupation forces entered the area west of the town of Al-Rafid in the southern Quneitra countryside, beating four minors, and confiscated their phones.” Earlier on Sunday, the broadcaster reported that “Israeli occupation forces entered the village of Al-Hurriya in the northern Quneitra countryside with five military vehicles and more than thirty soldiers and searched a number of houses.” Israeli forces have carried out near-daily incursions and military operations in southern Syria, including raids, checkpoints, house searches, and detentions, according to Syrian media reports. Following the fall

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  Palestinian prisoners rights group warns of deteriorating conditions in Israel’s Ofer Prison

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  The Prisoners’ Media Office has warned of a severe deterioration in conditions inside Israel’s Ofer prison, citing food shortages, inadequate medical care and worsening health conditions among Palestinian detainees. In a statement issued on Sunday, the office said prisoners have experienced significant weight loss as a result of the Israeli policy of starvation and the poor quality of food provided inside the facility. According to the statement, the situation has been compounded by a lack of medical care, contributing to the spread of skin diseases among detainees. “The continued starvation policy in Ofer prison has led to significant weight loss for a number of prisoners due to a severe shortage of food and its poor quality.” The office said scabies

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  Eisenkot says Netanyahu failed to achieve war objectives across multiple fronts

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Israeli opposition leader and former army chief Gadi Eisenkot has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to achieve the objectives of Israel’s military campaigns across the region. In a statement posted on X on Monday, Eisenkot said: “The Israeli government failed to achieve its war objectives on all fronts.” Eisenkot argued that the government’s handling of multiple conflicts had allowed regional issues to become increasingly interconnected, particularly regarding Iran and Lebanon. “The absence of a strategy has become a strategy in itself. Due to Netanyahu’s lack of political courage and his political weakness, he succeeded in linking the war fronts in an unprecedented way.” The remarks came amid continuing political debate in Israel over the conduct and outcomes of

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  Lebanon says Israel committed 3,491 ceasefire violations since 17th April

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Lebanese authorities say Israel has committed thousands of violations of the ceasefire agreement since 17th April, including airspace incursions, air strikes and ground operations. Information Minister Paul Morcos announced the figures following a cabinet session chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, during which Defence Minister Michel Mansour presented ministers with an assessment of recent developments. According to Morcos, the Israeli military committed 3,491 airspace violations during the reporting period. He said the violations also included 407 bombardment operations, six bulldozing incidents and six ground incursions into Lebanese territory. Morcos added that Israeli warplanes carried out 70 air raids on Sunday alone, while 33 missiles were fired on the same day. READ: Israel to halt attacks on Iran at Trump’s request, to

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  Israeli military says it intercepted drone launched from Yemen over Eilat

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  The Israeli military said early on Tuesday that it intercepted a drone launched from Yemen after air raid sirens were activated in the southern Israeli city of Eilat. In a statement, the military said the Israeli Air Force had intercepted a drone launched from Yemen after it entered the airspace of Eilat, without providing further details. Israeli Army Radio reported that it was the first drone launched from Yemen in about two months and the second attack carried out by the Houthi movement in less than 24 hours, after missiles were fired towards central Israel early on Monday. There was no immediate comment from the Houthis on the drone launch. On Monday, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a

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  Italian prosecutors investigate Ben-Gvir over Global Sumud Flotilla case

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the Global Sumud Flotilla case, according to Italian news agency ANSA. The investigation is linked to remarks Ben-Gvir made in May, when he mocked activists who were shown kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs at Ashdod port after being detained by Israeli authorities. ANSA said prosecutors in Rome had already opened a case several weeks ago into Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including allegations of torture and unlawful detention. The probe covers the interception of the activists, including Italian citizens, and the conditions in which they were held after Israeli forces seized the vessel. READ: Lawyers ask ICC to expand Palestine investigation to

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  Hamas: Iran seeking end to war on all fronts, including Gaza

  by Mehdi Editor on June 9, 2026

  Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the movement highly valued the Iranian and Yemeni responses to what he described as escalating Israeli aggression against the Lebanese people, saying the stance represented a genuine model of solidarity among the region’s nations in confronting Israeli attacks. In a press statement on Monday, Qassem said Hamas viewed the position as “the true form of solidarity that should prevail among all components of the nation”. He called on regional forces to regard this level of support and backing as a duty at this stage in support of the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. Qassem said Hamas had received repeated assurances from Iranian and Yemeni officials that they were seeking to end the war on all fronts,

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  US did not intercept Iranian missiles fired at Israel, report says

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The US did not intercept any Iranian ballistic missiles launched toward Israel overnight, contrary to an earlier claim by an Israeli military official, according to a CNN report citing a US official. CNN reported that the US military did not intercept any of the Iranian missiles fired during the latest exchange, marking a departure from previous rounds of conflict when US forces used missile defense systems to help defend Israel against Iranian attacks. The official also told CNN that the Israeli military coordinated closely with the US military during the operation. Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly held two conversations with US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper, according to the report. READ: Israel to halt attacks

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  Israel demolishes 6 Palestinian homes, displacing dozens in occupied West Bank

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The Israeli army demolished six homes and a carpentry workshop owned by Palestinians across the West Bank on Monday, in the latest demolitions in the occupied territory, Anadolu reports. Israeli bulldozers razed five Palestinian homes in the town of Barta’a, west of Jenin in the northern West Bank, displacing dozens of residents, Barta’a council chief Ghassan Qabha told Anadolu. He said the demolished structures were part of demolitions targeting 20 homes in the town on claims of lacking building permits. “An Israeli court rejected an appeal filed by residents against the demolition order for 20 Palestinian homes in the town on the pretext they were built without permits in areas classified as Area C under the Oslo Accords,” he said.

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  Israeli prime minister vows ‘much harsher’ response to any future Iranian attack

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday vowed a “much harsher” response to any future attack by Iran following a brief escalation between the two sides, Anadolu reports. In a video message, Netanyahu claimed Iran and Hezbollah had sought to impose what he described as a “new and unacceptable equation” through attacks against Israel. “They thought they could fire at Israel from Lebanon and Iran and that we would not act. That did not happen, and it will not happen as long as I am in office,” he said. Netanyahu claimed that Israel had Iran and Hezbollah under pressure and warned that any new attack would be met with a “much harsher” response. His remarks came after Israeli media reported

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  Iran’s parliament speaker says negotiations with US focused on lasting security, not normalization

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Monday that negotiations with the United States are aimed at ending the war and establishing lasting security rather than normalizing relations between the two countries, Anadolu reports. In an audio message on his official social media accounts, Qalibaf said recent tensions stemmed from ceasefire violations and what he described as a maritime blockade. “The military field, diplomacy, public participation and service to the people are all parts of a single integrated framework,” he said. Qalibaf said diplomacy does not prevent military operations and military operations do not prevent diplomacy, arguing that both tools should be employed when necessary. “The goal of negotiations is ending the war and creating lasting security, not normalizing relations

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  Tehran plans nuclear power plants at 5 coastal sites, Iran’s atomic energy chief says

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Iran is moving forward with plans to build nuclear power plants at five locations along its coastline as part of efforts to expand the share of nuclear energy in the country’s electricity mix, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said Monday, Anadolu reports. Mohammad Eslami, vice president and chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, made the remarks during a meeting with members of parliament’s energy and construction commissions, according to the official IRNA news agency. Eslami said projects are being implemented under Iran’s comprehensive strategic document for the nuclear industry, unveiled in 2022. “Based on this document, the construction of nuclear power plants at five coastal locations is on the agenda to increase the share of nuclear

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  US disables unladen oil tanker bound for Iran in Gulf of Oman: CENTCOM

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  US forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Monday after the vessel allegedly violated an ongoing blockade against Iran by “attempting to sail to an Iranian port,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, Anadolu Agency reports. Palau-flagged M/T Marivex was transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman toward Iran, CENTCOM said in a statement. “An F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired a precision munition into the ship’s engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces,” it said, adding the vessel was “no longer” sailing to Iran. CENTCOM began implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. According to

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  The World Cup in the age of Trumpian transaction

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  No matter how intently we listen to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s repetitive hymns extolling the “purity of the game” and its pristine detachment from politics, reality strikes back with a naked truth: football is no longer just a sport. It has morphed into a fierce breed of modern politics, serving simultaneously as an instrument of both soft and hard power. As the World Cup approaches, this reality takes on a more radical dimension. This time, the tournament unfolds within the domain of Donald Trump—a man who views the world strictly through a transactional prism, treating every political or ideological stance as a mere line item in a commercial contract, ripe for buying or selling. When it comes to deep, self-defining

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  Israel to halt attacks on Iran at Trump’s request, to continue offensive in Lebanon, Israeli official says

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Israel agreed to halt airstrikes on Iran upon a request from US President Donald Trump, but will continue its offensive in Lebanon “at full force,” a senior Israeli official said Monday, Anadolu reports. “At Trump’s request, we are halting strikes on Iran,” the official said in statements carried by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. “We are continuing in Lebanon at full force according to the equation that if they fire toward the settlements – we will strike in Dahieh” in Beirut. The official said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conversion with Trump over the phone “was overall good.” Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, citing an unnamed Israeli official, also said the army “will cease fire in Iran, but not in southern Lebanon.” Iran’s

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  Iran says 15 injured in recent Israeli attacks, no deaths reported

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Iran’s emergency services chief said Monday that 15 people were injured in recent Israeli attacks, while no deaths were reported, Anadolu reports. Jafar Miadfar, head of Iran’s Emergency Organization, said 14 of the injured were reported in Mahshahr County in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, while one person was injured in Tehran, according to the semi-official news agency Tasnim. He said one of the injured remains hospitalized, while the other 14 have been discharged after receiving treatment. “No fatalities have been reported so far,” he said. READ: Israeli army expects ‘several days’ of fighting with Iran Miadfar added that Iran’s health system and emergency services remain on full alert and are prepared to provide medical assistance should further attacks occur. Tensions escalated

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  ‘Instead of trying to control the whole world’, pro-Israel advocates can control AI, AJC told

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  “Instead of trying to control the whole world” or “manage” social media, we can control AI, Israeli AI researcher Dr Maya Ackerman has suggested, telling the American Jewish Committee that pro-Israel advocates can go “directly to the companies” developing the technology with “technical and advocacy solutions.” AI presents an incredible opportunity for Jews because “instead of trying to control the whole world” and “manage” social media, “we can go directly to the companies” with “advocacy solutions,” Dr. Maya Ackerman tells the American Jewish Committee. “For the first time, there is… pic.twitter.com/V95Qfcn0Vh — Chris Menahan 🇺🇸 (@infolibnews) June 4, 2026 Ackerman stressed that AI is a major opportunity for pro-Israel advocacy after supporters of Israel “missed the boat with social media”,

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  Israel renews restrictions on war coverage, bars reports on missiles hitting military sites

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The Israeli military censor on Monday imposed strict restrictions on coverage of the ongoing regional war, ordering journalists not to publish information about missiles landing at military sites in the country, Anadolu Agency reports. The move came after Israel reignited tensions Sunday evening by bombing the Lebanese capital Beirut, triggering retaliatory missile attacks from Iran. Israel responded by launching waves of airstrikes against Iranian targets inside the country. The military censor said in a circular sent to journalists that they must fully comply with its instructions regarding any Iranian or Hezbollah fire toward Israel. “Do not publish the exact number of missiles launched in each volley. You may use general phrases such as scattered missiles or dozens, but not precise numbers,”

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  Lebanon-Israel negotiations reached ‘point of no return’: US envoy

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are moving “in the right direction” and have reached a “point of no return,” US Ambassador in Beirut Michel Issa said Monday, Anadolu Agency reports. “It is very important for an official to choose what he wants and move forward with it, especially if it is the only choice to end a painful and harsh situation like the one Lebanon is experiencing,” Issa said following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. A statement by the Lebanese presidency said Aoun and Issa discussed the course of the US-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and efforts to end the Israeli attacks on the Arab country. The negotiations are expected to resume in Washington, Issa said, praising the Lebanese

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  Counting the costs for the death of Arab political journalism

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The decline of political journalism in the Arab world marks a critical turning point in how public discourse is shaped. Once the backbone of informed analysis and accountability, traditional newspapers and long-form journalism have suffered a steady erosion over the past two decades. This crisis was exacerbated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion, and the economic collapse of key media hubs. In their absence, social media platforms and political satire shows have emerged as alternative sources of news and commentary. While these outlets offer new forms of engagement, they lack the depth and rigor that traditional journalism once provided, leaving a critical gap in the region’s public sphere. The death of major Arab newspapers, such as

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  Iran ends attacks on Israel, warns of ‘crushing’ response if Lebanon strikes continue

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Iran on Monday announced an end to its attacks on Israel, warning of a “crushing” response if Israeli attacks against Lebanon continued. “Following the aggressions and evils of the brutal Zionist regime in South Lebanon and the Dahiya region, which took place with the support of the criminal America, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran gave a painful response to this regime in order to support the oppressed people of Lebanon,” the Khaatm al-Anbiya Central Headquartes said in a statement carried by the semi-official news agency Tasnim. Israel and its supporters “should have learned” lessons from Tehran’s response, the military added. “On this basis, the cessation of armed forces operations is announced.” READ: Trump urges Tel Aviv,

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  Trump urges Tel Aviv, Tehran to halt fighting

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  US President Donald Trump on Monday called on Israel and Iran to stop fighting “immediately” in the wake of tit-for-tat airstrikes, Anadolu Agency reports. “Israel and Iran must immediately stop shooting,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. In a later post, Trump said that both Tehran and Tel Aviv are “looking to do an immediate ceasefire.” “Final negotiations on peace are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way,” he wrote on Truth Social. He reiterated that the blockade is “in full force and effect, until a final deal is reached.” READ: Israeli army expects ‘several days’ of fighting with Iran “Things should move quickly,” he added. Earlier in the day, an Israeli airstrike targeted a petrochemical firm in

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  How Lebanon became a managed stalemate

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The pattern is now visible. On 1 June, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire. Within days, both sides violated it. On 5 June, Israeli airstrikes killed three Lebanese army officers and six others on a road south of Nabatiyeh. On 6 June, Israeli helicopters struck Beirut’s southern suburbs in retaliation for Hezbollah drone attacks. On 3 June, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem called the ceasefire agreement “absurd, humiliating, and insulting” and rejected it entirely. The ceasefire lasted less than a week before it became what all the previous ones became: a framework in name, warfare in practice. But here is what is not being said plainly: this is no longer a ceasefire breaking down. This is a ceasefire that was

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  Germany undermining its credibility by tolerating US, Israeli breaches of international law: Report

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Germany’s reluctance to condemn the violation of international law by its allies, the US and Israel, is undermining its own credibility and accelerating the erosion of the rules-based global order, according to a major report released Monday, Anadolu Agency reports. The 2026 Peace Report, produced annually by leading German think tanks for conflict research, warned that states are increasingly acting like “warlords” and using war as a “political tool.” It said that failing to push back against this trend risks further escalation of violent conflicts worldwide. The report sharply criticized the German government’s foreign policy, particularly its hesitation to denounce unilateral US military actions, Israeli war crimes in Gaza, and Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Syria. “By selectively denouncing breaches

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  Israeli army expects ‘several days’ of fighting with Iran

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The Israeli army expects the ongoing military confrontation with Iran will continue for “several days” amid an exchange of attacks between the two countries, Israeli media said Monday. “The assessment within the Israeli army is that the confrontation with Iran will continue for several days,” Army Radio said. The outlet said the army started preparations for a broad call-up of reserve forces, without giving further details. Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command tightened restrictions on gatherings and movement across the country until Monday evening. The public broadcaster KAN said new instructions allow gatherings of up to 200 people in open areas and 500 people indoors, provided people can reach a protected area within the required time. READ: Tehran says Israeli strikes on

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  Tehran says Israeli strikes on Iran ‘fully coordinated’ with US

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Iran said Monday a recent wave of Israeli strikes against the country was “fully coordinated” with the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Anadolu reports. “The direct responsibility of the United States for the actions of the Zionist regime is clear, and the consequences of escalating tensions will also fall on the United States,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told a news briefing cited by the state news agency IRNA. However, Israel’s Army Radio, citing an unnamed military official, said all attacks on Iran “so far are Israeli only.” The official claimed that the US helped Israel to only intercept “some Iranian missiles.” Israel is “preparing for several days of fighting in Iran at least, as well as the possibility of a long-term

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  140 Labour MPs urge UK to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Around 140 Labour MPs have written to the foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, calling on the UK government to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, warning that sanctions on individual settlers and ministers are not enough to stop Israel’s accelerating annexation drive. In a letter dated 7 June, the MPs urge Cooper to take “urgent, concrete action to counter the escalation of violations against Palestinians” by “ending trade with illegal Israeli settlements.” The MPs warn that Israel’s move to prepare the forced displacement of the Palestinian Bedouin community of Khan Al-Ahmar forms part of a wider policy of “erasure, displacement and state-backed settler violence” in the occupied West Bank. They say the planned

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  Israel started ‘dangerous game’ by attacking civilian targets, oil industries: Iran

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Monday Israel started “a dangerous game” by carrying out attacks against civilian targets and oil industries, Anadolu reports. In a statement carried by the state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said it launched a missile attack “on similar industries” in Haifa in northern Israel “a few minutes ago” in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Iran’s Mahshahr petrochemical firm earlier in the day. The IRGC warned the consequences of the current wave of escalation on the global economy will be “the responsibility of the main arsonist in this field, America.” Earlier in the day, an Israeli airstrike targeted a petrochemical firm in southwestern Iran, causing partial damage to the industrial complex, Iranian officials said. The

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  Israel says it launched ‘large-scale strike’ on Iran amid escalation

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The Israeli army said Monday that its warplanes completed a “large-scale strike” targeting what it called “strategic defense systems” in Iran, Anadolu reports. A military statement said the attack was directed by its Intelligence Directorate and targeted defense systems deployed in several areas across Iran. The army claimed that the latest attack dismantled those systems. There was no immediate comment from Iranian authorities on the Israeli claim. The situation escalated late Sunday when Iran launched missiles toward northern Israel in the first such bombardment since a fragile ceasefire in early April, following Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The region has been on edge since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in late February, triggering Iranian retaliation on Israel

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  The world watches as Israel turns law into ashes

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The latest exchange between Israel and Iran in June 2026 has been widely framed as another dangerous escalation in an already combustible region. Yet focusing solely on Iranian missiles risks obscuring a far more consequential reality.  Iran’s strike did not emerge from a geopolitical vacuum. It arrived after months of devastating warfare across Gaza and Lebanon, after repeated ceasefire violations, after the destruction of hospitals, homes, universities and critical civilian infrastructure, and after a mounting death toll that has surpassed 76,000 people across multiple theatres of conflict. The deeper story is not simply one of retaliation. It is the collapse of the belief that international law still applies equally in the Middle East. For decades, the international system has rested

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  Israel detects new batch of Iranian missiles fired towards it

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Israel’s army said Monday that it detected a new batch of missiles launched from Iran amid heightened tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran, Anadolu reports. Israeli defense systems were operating to intercept them, the army said in a statement, calling on the public to “follow the instructions” from officials. Earlier in the day, an Israeli airstrike targeted a petrochemical firm in southwestern Iran, causing partial damage to the industrial complex, Iranian officials said. Sirens also sounded in several cities in central and southern Israel following missile launches by Tehran. The region has been on edge since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in late February, triggering Iranian retaliation on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets. A temporary

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  Israeli airstrike hits Iranian petrochemical facility, says official

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  An Israeli airstrike targeted a petrochemical firm in Mahshahr, southwestern Iran on Monday, causing partial damage to the industrial complex, according to Iranian officials. According to the Mehr News Agency, Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor for security affairs in Khuzestan province, told reporters: “A few minutes ago, the Karun Mahshahr Petrochemical Company was attacked by the Zionist enemy, and part of this industrial complex was damaged as a result of the projectiles hitting it.” According to Hayati, no casualties or injuries were reported in the airstrike. He added: “Further details about the extent of damage as well as possible casualties will be announced.” Following the airstrike, the Mahshahr Petrochemical Special Economic Zone Organization announced the emergency evacuation of day-shift employees, Iran’s

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  Houthis declare ‘total’ ban on Israeli maritime navigation in Red Sea

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Yemen’s Houthi group said on Monday that they will impose “a complete and total ban” on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, stating that Israeli-linked vessels in the waterway will again be targeted, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the group said it carried out a missile attacks targeting sensitive Israeli targets in the Jaffa region, claiming that “the missile strikes achieved their objectives with precision.” The missile attacks on Israel came in response to Israeli aggression in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, the group said. “We affirm that we will respond to escalation with escalation, and our military operations will intensify in accordance to the field developments, the battle, and in conjunction with the axis of Jihad and resistance,”

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  Iranian lawmaker says Tehran collects transit fees from ships passing through Strait of Hormuz

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  An Iranian lawmaker has said that Tehran collects fees ranging from $1.5m to $2m from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. Mohsen Zanganeh, a member of the Iranian parliament’s Planning and Budget Committee, said the charges apply to ships passing through the waterway, according to remarks reported by the semi-official Fars News Agency. “The fees imposed on ships transiting the strait average between $1.5 million and $2 million per vessel.” According to Zanganeh, payments can be made in cash, cryptocurrencies or through the provision of goods, with the value of the goods deducted from the transit charges. Fars reported that, based on current traffic levels, the fees could generate as much

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  Report: Growing Egypt-Turkey defence ties draw Israeli and US attention

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Israeli media reports say the United States is seeking clarification regarding expanding military and security contacts between Egypt and Turkey amid concerns that closer cooperation between the two regional powers could reshape strategic dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, US officials have recently observed a significant increase in the frequency and level of military coordination between Cairo and Ankara, prompting Washington to seek additional information about the nature of the discussions. The newspaper reported that the US State Department asked diplomatic staff in both Egypt and Turkey to provide assessments of recent contacts between senior officials in the two countries’ defence establishments. According to the report, US intelligence assessments have noted increased cooperation on military

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  Egypt condemns deadly strike on Lebanese army patrol, warns against regional escalation

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Egypt has strongly condemned an Israeli strike that targeted a Lebanese army patrol, killing two officers and a soldier, describing the incident as a dangerous escalation and a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. In a statement issued on Sunday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said it was following developments in Lebanon with grave concern and criticised the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory. Egypt called on the international community to take action to halt the Israeli repeated violations and to ensure respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry warned that continued military escalation could further destabilise the region at a time of mounting security challenges across the Middle East. Cairo also stressed the importance of supporting regional and international efforts aimed

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  US embassy closes Jerusalem, Tel Aviv consular services on Monday amid security alert

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  The US Embassy in Israel announced on Sunday evening that its consular sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will be closed on Monday, urging its staff and their families to be prepared to take shelter following the recent Iranian attacks. In a statement, the embassy said: “As a result of the current security situation in Israel, including Home Front Command alerts for multiple regions, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place, and be prepared to move to a protected shelter in the event of a red alert, until further notice.”     It added that US consular services would remain closed on Monday, 8th June. READ: Khamenei adviser: Attack on Israel was a

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  Egypt and Iran hold talks after attack on Israel

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held a phone call on Sunday to discuss regional developments, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency. The talks came amid escalating tensions after Iran launched another missile attack on Israel, following earlier warnings that it would respond to what it described as Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the bombing of Beirut’s southern suburbs. According to the Iranian agency, Araghchi discussed with Abdelatty recent regional developments, Iran’s response to attacks by the “Zionist entity” on Lebanon, and what Tehran described as repeated violations of ceasefire agreements on all fronts. Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted Israel’s Ramat David Air Base in response to what it

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  Lawyers ask ICC to expand Palestine investigation to include “Sumud Flotilla” incident

  by Mehdi Editor on June 8, 2026

  A group of lawyers and international law experts has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expand its ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine to include allegations arising from Israel’s interception of the “Global Sumud Flotilla” in May. The request was submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor on 29th May as part of a broader legal filing seeking an investigation into the treatment of activists aboard the flotilla and the actions of Israeli officials involved in the operation. According to the submission, the flotilla consisted of around 50 vessels carrying 428 activists from 44 countries who said they were attempting to challenge the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. The filing concerns Israel’s interception of the flotilla in