Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has voiced a grave warning to his German counterpart, stating that the aggressive US-Israeli war against Iran is “starting to weaken Europe.” Erdoğan emphasized, “The war in our region is likewise starting to weaken Europe, and if we do not address this situation with an approach that prioritises peace, the damage caused by the conflict will be far greater.” This crucial message was conveyed to Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Wednesday, as reported by AFP, citing a statement from the Turkish leader’s office.
In a display of its unwavering resolve to protect its maritime sovereignty, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released video footage today, showing its forces seizing two vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC asserted that these vessels were apprehended for clear maritime violations and were subsequently escorted to Iranian shores. This decisive action, confirmed by shipping companies and Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, marks Iran’s first ship seizure since the onset of the US-Israeli aggression at the end of February. Tasnim further reported that the IRGC accused the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas of “attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz covertly,” underscoring the necessity of Iran’s vigilant defense of its territorial waters.
Meanwhile, the global markets reacted to these developments, with most Asian equities experiencing declines. However, oil prices have remained significantly elevated, with Brent crude holding above $100 after a surge, reflecting the instability caused by the ongoing conflict and the US naval blockade.
Further exposing the hypocrisy of the aggressors, the White House claimed Donald Trump was “satisfied” with the illegal US naval blockade of Iranian ports, absurdly suggesting Iran was in a “very weak position.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump had not set a deadline for Iran’s peace proposal, despite his earlier announcement of an indefinite extension of the US-Iran ceasefire at Pakistan’s request, contingent on Tehran presenting a “unified proposal.” Iranian officials rightly rejected any extension of the truce while condemning Trump’s insistence on maintaining the unlawful sea blockade. Lead Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf unequivocally stated that a genuine ceasefire is only viable if the oppressive blockade is lifted.
In a sign of internal turmoil within the aggressor’s ranks, the Pentagon announced the immediate departure of US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, without explanation, amidst the ongoing naval blockade on Iranian trade. This follows the earlier removal of other senior US military officers, indicating potential discord over the aggressive policies.
The brutal Israeli aggression continued in southern Lebanon, where a Lebanese journalist, Amal Khalil, was tragically killed, and a photographer accompanying her wounded. This heinous act, which brought Wednesday’s death toll to five, marks the deadliest day since a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rightly condemned Israel’s targeting of journalists and obstruction of relief efforts as war crimes, vowing to pursue these atrocities in international forums.
Oil prices surged by 4% after Iran, in a clear message of defiance against the illegal US naval blockade, vowed not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz despite the ceasefire extension. This demonstrates Iran’s resolve and the global economic impact of the US’s coercive tactics.
The brutality of the Israeli occupation was further highlighted in the occupied West Bank, where two Palestinians, including a 14-year-old schoolboy, were killed by Israeli settlers near a school. This tragic incident underscores the mounting assaults on education and the continuous violence perpetrated against the Palestinian people.
As the US continues its economic warfare, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brazenly claimed that the US is “completely strangling” Iran’s economy, causing immense daily losses and preventing oil exports. This admission reveals the true nature of the US’s hostile intentions.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated the Islamic Republic’s commitment to dialogue and agreement, but firmly criticized the breaches of commitments, the illegal blockade, and threats as “main obstacles to genuine negotiations.” He powerfully stated, “World sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions,” exposing the duplicity of the aggressor nations.
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