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US Seeks Control Over Global Energy Infrastructure – Kremlin

teleSUR | March 27, 2026

The United States is aiming to take control of the Russian-owned Nord Stream pipelines that link Russia and Germany, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday, alleging Washington’s interest in the damaged infrastructure reflects a broader push to dominate global energy markets.

Peskov told reporters that the U.S. focus on the Baltic Sea pipelines was “evident,” adding that the assets — rendered inoperable after sabotage in September 2022 — remain the property of Russian state-owned Gazprom.

Foreign partners withdrew following the imposition of sanctions, which Moscow considers illegitimate, he said. “One of them is destroyed, it is deteriorating further each day due to the aggressiveness of the marine environment.”

His comments came hours after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told France Télévisions that Washington was seeking to dominate world energy markets, including the Nord Stream system. A 2024 Wall Street Journal report said U.S. investor Stephen P. Lynch had been exploring the purchase of Nord Stream 2, one branch of which remains intact.

Peskov also dismissed as “a lie” speculation that Russia was threatening to halt operations of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in the Black Sea to pressure the United States. He said Russia remains a reliable energy transit partner and accused Ukraine of carrying out drone attacks against CPC infrastructure, causing temporary suspensions.

“In practice, it is Kiev that has been and continues to engage in energy blackmail, which affects the interests of our companies,” Peskov underscored.

Japan Clings to US Vassalage Despite Energy Crunch Caused By Iran War

Sputnik – 27.03.2026

With 90% of Japan’s oil and 11% of its LNG sourced in the Persian Gulf, effectively closed thanks to the US-Israeli war on Iran, Tokyo has been put in a strategic bind, facing growing pressure both domestically and in ties with neighbors. … continue

US senators target Orban government for standing up to Zelensky

RT | March 27, 2026

Two US lawmakers are seeking to impose sanctions on officials in Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, citing Budapest’s stance on Russian energy imports and its ongoing diplomatic dispute with Ukraine.

Ukraine cut off Russian oil supplies to Hungary earlier this year, claiming that damage to the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline made deliveries impossible. Orban has accused Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky of trying to manufacture an artificial energy crisis to boost the Hungarian opposition in the upcoming parliamentary election, and has retaliated by blocking a €90 billion EU loan intended to bankroll Kiev.

A bill threatening Hungarian officials was announced on Friday by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, and Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, who co-chair the US Senate NATO observer group.

“When the rest of Europe is rightfully weaning off Russian energy, Hungary has doubled down,” Shaheen, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, said. She also took aim at Vice President J.D. Vance over his reported plans to travel to Hungary in a gesture of support for Orban.

Tillis said the bill – the BLOCK PUTIN Act – signals that NATO members undermining Ukraine aid will face “consequences,” while also “giving Hungary a clear path to get back in line.” … continue

The deep-rooted culture of corruption in Ukraine

By Lucas Leiroz | Strategic Culture Foundation | March 27, 2026

Recently, the Kiev regime halted the regular deployment of troops for training abroad. This reveals more than a mere administrative change. In reality, it is a symptom of deeply entrenched structural problems within the country’s state and military apparatus. Under the pretext of logistical difficulties and the supposed lack of preparedness of Western instructors, Kiev authorities appear to be promoting a strategic reconfiguration that opens even greater space for corrupt practices. … continue

Russian cultural center in Prague attacked with Molotov cocktails

RT | March 27, 2026

The Russian House cultural center in the Czech capital of Prague was attacked with Molotov cocktails on Thursday evening, in what Moscow has labeled a “terrorist attack.”

The facility’s director, Igor Girenko, told RT that the attackers appeared to target the windows of the building’s library, noting that three of the six incendiary bottles thrown failed to explode. “It’s hard to imagine what the consequences would have been if these inhumane men had succeeded.” … Full article

US-Israeli strikes kill 15 in Qom, target residential areas in Urmia

Al Mayadeen | March 27, 2026

The US and “Israel” targeted residential areas across Iran on Friday, with attacks reported in the city of Urmia in the northwestern province of West Azerbaijan as rescue teams continued searching for survivors.

Another three residential buildings were hit in the central city of Qom in the early hours of Friday, killing 15 people and wounding 10 others. The attack came a day after the United States carried out strikes on two residential areas in Iran’s Isfahan province on Thursday.

Iran’s Health Ministry has confirmed that at least 1,937 people have been martyred and 24,800 wounded since the start of the aggression, with victims ranging in age from eight months to 88 years old. […]

Iran’s deputy health minister confirmed that attacks have damaged 190 medical centres and put 12 hospitals out of service.

According to Iranian Red Crescent head Pir Hossein Kolivand, 22 medical personnel have been martyred and 113 others wounded in strikes on health facilities, while 66 children under the age of five have been martyred since the aggression began. … Full article

Iran mobilizing one million soldiers to ‘create hell’ for any US ground assault: Report

The Cradle | March 27, 2026

Iran is mobilizing one million soldiers to repel any potential ground invasion launched by the US army against the Islamic Republic, an Iranian military source told Tasnim News Agency on 26 March.

“With the growing speculation about the possibility of a historical folly by the US in launching a ground invasion on the southern front of Iran, a wave of enthusiasm has emerged among Iranian ground fighters to create a historical hell for the Americans on Iranian soil,” the source said.

The source added that “in addition to organizing more than one million fighters for ground combat, in recent days there has been a massive influx of requests from Iranian youth directed towards the centers of Basij, the IRGC, and the Army to also participate in this battle.”

“The US wants to open the Strait of Hormuz with suicide and self-destructive tactics; that’s fine. We are ready for both their suicide strategy to be executed and for the Strait to remain closed,” the source went on to say. … continue

The coming military and psychological unravelling?

Ashes of Pompeii | March 27, 2026

In the late 1960’s, America stood at the zenith of its postwar power. Its economy dominated, its military seemed unstoppable, and its confidence was unshakable. The war in Vietnam was going swimmingly, MacNamara’s body counts were the proof of it. Then came Tet. … continue

Iran has the last laugh

By M. K. BHADRAKUMAR | Indian Punchline | March 27, 2026

Wars are always unpredictable. The most famous instance is of another armada like the US’ in the Persian Gulf at the moment — the Spanish Armada, a 130-ship naval fleet sent by Spain in 1588 commanded by Alonso de Guzmán, Duke of Medina Sidonia, an aristocrat appointed by Philip II of Spain to invade England, depose Queen Elizabeth I, and restore Catholicism.

Despite its strength, the Spanish Armada was defeated in the English Channel by a smaller English force using fireships and better artillery, then largely destroyed by storms while retreating around Scotland and Ireland.

The US president Donald Trump’s much-touted armada has more or less the same mission as the Spanish Armada — ranging from regime change to  overthrow of the Islamic system of governance to the unspoken leitmotif of a Crusade. Curiously, it seems destined for a similar miserable ending too, the US’ overwhelming military superiority notwithstanding.

Sir Alexander William Younger KCMGUS, former head of MI6, said in an interview with the Economist on Monday that Iran has gained the “upper hand” in the ongoing war with the United States and Iran.  Sir Alexander complimented Iran.

More than one factor contributed to this “paradigm shift” of the Big Boy coming out second best. Bad planning, lack of a coherent strategy, over-confidence over the US’ apparent military superiority – all these played their part in the undoing of the plot against Iran that the two aggressors hatched. … continue

Iran declares hotels hosting US forces as potential targets: Fars

Al Mayadeen | March 26, 2026

Iran has reportedly issued a warning to hotel owners across parts of West Asia, saying properties that accommodate US military personnel could be treated as “legitimate targets,” Fars News Agency reported, citing an informed source.

The report added that a “decisive warning” had been sent on Thursday to hotel operators, particularly in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, cautioning against hosting US forces.

According to the report, Iranian authorities argue that recent regional developments have led to US military bases being “destroyed or rendered inoperative” following missile strikes and coordinated operations involving allied resistance movements.

The report further says that, as a result, US forces have begun staying in hotels in several regional countries.

Under the warning described by Fars, hotels accommodating US military personnel would be considered “legitimate military targets” and added to Iran’s target list, the report said. … Full article

US-Israeli aggression on Iran triggers review of GCC countries’ investment pledges to Washington

Press TV – March 26, 2026

As the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran enters its fifth week, the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are reassessing massive overseas investment commitments, particularly those directed toward the United States, amid severe economic fallout from Iran’s retaliatory strikes against US bases in the region and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The war was initiated by Washington and Tel Aviv’s unprovoked aerial aggression against Iran late last month. The conflict has sent shockwaves through the Persian Gulf region, choking off vital oil and gas revenues that underpin GCC economies and forcing sovereign wealth funds to prioritize domestic needs over foreign pledges.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted eye-popping investment deals with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar — totaling trillions of dollars — as the cornerstone of his economic vision for the United States.

These pledges, secured during high-profile trips and announcements, were meant to fuel American tech startups, investment firms, defense contractors, and major businesses.

However, sources familiar with internal discussions indicate growing alarm in the Trump administration that GCC allies may be unable to deliver on these promises as the war exacts a heavy toll, Politico reported on Thursday.

“What has really concerned observers is that Persian Gulf states have signaled they are only weeks away from potentially repatriating tens of billions of dollars in US-based investments to address urgent domestic and defensive requirements,” one source noted. … continue

Russia slams UK plan to seize tankers suspected of carrying its oil

RT | March 26, 2026

Russia has slammed the UK after it threatened to “interdict,” board and seize vessels in British waters it deems as being part of an alleged Russian ‘shadow fleet.’

Moscow has denied operating such a fleet and has condemned seizures of vessels on the high seas as “piracy,” stressing that it would take “all measures” to defend shipping.

In a statement on Wednesday, Downing Street said that London would coordinate with its allies in the ‘Joint Expeditionary Force’ (JEF) – a group of ten European NATO members – to “close off UK waters, including the [English] Channel, for sanctioned vessels.”

The goal is to force vessel operators to “either divert to longer, financially painful routes, or risk being detained by British forces,” the statement said. … continue

IOF, settlers open fire on vehicles, kill 1, injure 8 south al-Khalil

Al Mayadeen | March 26, 2026

A 31-year-old Palestinian, Yusri Majed Abu Qubaita, was killed, and eight others were injured, some critically, in Masafer Yatta, south of al-Khalil, on Wednesday, after several vehicles overturned following a chase by Israeli occupation forces and settlers, who reportedly opened fire.

The attached video below documents the settlers’ attack on residents in the Khilat Amira area of ​​Masafer Yatta, south of al-Khalil.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its teams treated one fatality and three injuries, including one caused by live ammunition, after Israeli occupation troops and settlers chased vehicles carrying workers in the Masar Yatta hills.

In detail, according to the WAFA news agency, Israeli occupation forces and settler groups chased multiple Palestinian vehicles in the area between Umm al-Kheir and Fateh Sidra, firing live bullets that caused several vehicles to overturn.

Witnesses reported that the occupation forces prevented local residents and volunteers from continuing rescue efforts, firing live ammunition at them as they tried to search for missing or injured Palestinians. … Full article

Colonizers Kill One in Bethlehem, Injure Others in Nablus

IMEMC | March 26, 2026

A Palestinian young man was killed, and others were wounded on Thursday, after illegal Israeli colonizers carried out an attack against citizens in the Harmala area, southeast of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank. In two additional incidents, settlers shot one young man and assaulted another in the northern West Bank governorate of Nablus.

According to the Jerusalem Governorate Media Office, Mohammad Faraj Al-Malhi was shot and killed by Israeli settlers on Thursday afternoon, adding that he was a resident of Sharafat town, southwest of occupied Jerusalem.

Media sources reported that the young Al-Malhi succumbed to a serious gunshot wound to the head, inflicted on him by illegal settlers in the Harmala area, southeast of Bethlehem.

They added that three other members of the Al-Malhi family suffered injuries as a result of rocks hurled by the settler gang, including his brother who was seriously wounded in the head. … Full article

Rights groups accuse Israeli police of executing Palestinian in his home in Jerusalem

Palestinian Information Center – March 26, 2026

RAMALLAH – The Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ and Ex‑Detainees’ Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoner Society have accused the Israeli occupation police of executing 21‑year‑old Qasim Shuqairat following a raid on his home in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel al-Mukaber on Wednesday.

In a joint statement, the two organizations explained that Israeli forces opened fire at Shuqairat immediately after storming his home, then kidnaped him without disclosing his fate, before it was later confirmed that he had succumbed to bullet injuries.

They condemned the incident as a “crime” and a “stark illustration of the escalating state of savagery in Israeli practices against Palestinians.”

Israeli Airstrike Kills Palestinian, Injures Several in Central Gaza

IMEMC | March 26, 2026

A Palestinian man was killed, and several others were injured on Wednesday when Israeli warplanes bombed an area in central Gaza, the Civil Defense and medical sources in the besieged Strip confirmed.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, said one Palestinian was killed and several others were wounded after Israeli warplanes fired missiles at agricultural land south of Deir al‑Balah in central Gaza.

The Israeli strike targeted an area south of Deir al‑Balah, killing 22‑year‑old Abdul‑Rahman Qanbour and injuring seven others. … Full article

“Massacre of Tanks”: How Hezbollah Resistance Annihilated Elite Israeli Armored Force in Southern Lebanon

Al-Manar | March 26, 2026

In a qualitative and unprecedented operation, Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance carried out a complex, fully coordinated ambush along the southern Lebanon area between Al-Muhaysibat and Al-Qantara, culminating in the complete destruction of an armored company belonging to the Israeli enemy’s elite 7th Armored Brigade, in what can only be described as a crushing battlefield defeat.

In a paper released on Thursday, the Union Center for Research and Development offered a reading for the ambush which took place on Wednesday.

The paper cited a detailed statement issued by the Resistance Operations Room. According to the statement, the ambush, executed with precision and strategic patience, lasted from 18:50 to 20:50 on Wednesday, resulting in the destruction of 10 Merkava tanks and two armored D9 bulldozers, and the neutralization of the entire attacking force. […]

Collapse of the “Invincible” Doctrine

Scenes of Israeli enemy soldiers abandoning their armored vehicles and fleeing on foot laid bare the fragility of the Israeli army’s so-called armored superiority, dealing a severe blow to its combat doctrine and morale, the Union Center noted.

The failure of repeated attempts to advance toward strategic axes, coupled with heavy losses in a limited geographical area, underscores the Resistance’s firm grip over the battlefield and its ability to thwart enemy maneuvers. … Full article

Iran submits response to US plan, sets terms for war’s end: Tasnim

Al Mayadeen | March 26, 2026

An informed source told Tasnim on Thursday that Iran has delivered its response to a 15-point proposal put forward by the United States, transmitting its position through intermediaries on Wednesday night. Tehran is now awaiting a reply.

According to the source, Iran’s response sets out a series of conditions tied to any potential end to the war. These include an immediate halt to assassination operations, the establishment of binding guarantees to prevent a renewed aggression, and the provision of clearly defined compensation and reparations. The response also calls for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities across all fronts, extending to all resistance groups involved in the confrontation throughout the region.

The source further stressed that Iran considers its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz to be a natural and legal right that will remain in place. This control, the source indicated, is viewed as a mechanism to ensure the implementation of any commitments made by the other side and must be formally acknowledged.

These positions, the source added, are separate from the demands previously raised during the second round of nuclear negotiations held in Geneva shortly before the US-Israeli war that began in February. … continue

Pakistan ramps up food exports to Persian Gulf nations as war deepens food insecurity

The Cradle | March 26, 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to speed up exports of surplus food to Persian Gulf states on 26 March, as disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz strain regional supply routes and increase food security concerns.

“It is our duty to take care of the needs of food in the Gulf countries amid the current regional situation where global supply lines are affected,” Sharif said, according to a Prime Minister’s Office handout.

Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review export plans, instructing officials to ensure domestic supply remains stable while scaling shipments abroad, and calling for expanded flight operations and improved port efficiency to respond to what officials described as an evolving regional situation.

Authorities approved 40 food items for export, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.

Open sea and air routes are being used, with reduced transport costs and no additional export charges on key food categories.

Iran has taken de facto control of the Strait of Hormuz following the start of the US-Israeli war on the nation, severely restricting maritime traffic and allowing only coordinated or approved vessels to pass. … continue

Iran Allows Passage Through Hormuz for Friendly Countries — Araghchi

Sputnik – 26.03.2026

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to friendly states, including Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq, while closed to its adversaries.
“The Strait of Hormuz… is closed only to our enemies… But it’s free for everyone else,” Araghchi said in a TV interview.

He added that several countries have contacted Tehran to request safe passage, which Iranian forces have facilitated in certain cases.

According to Araghchi, such arrangements may continue, with Iran also considering new mechanisms for secure transit in the future.

“US bases in the region, despite what was said, were used against Iran. Services were provided to US forces, even outside the bases. Their airspace was used against us, and this is something we have all observed. They are even admitting it in different ways,” he said, adding such actions were “completely illegal… and unjustifiable.”

Araghchi stressed Iran has “no hostility” toward neighboring countries, describing their people as “brothers and sisters,” and said Iran’s actions target US and Israeli interests amid the ongoing US-Israeli aggression.

US vs Iran: Kharg Island Talk — Bluff or Escalation? Ex-Military Officer Weighs In

Sputnik – 26.03.2026

“An operation towards Kharg Island might happen, but it might as well be a smokescreen or a way for the US to put pressure on Iran,” ex-Swedish army officer and defense politician Mikael Valtersson tells Sputnik, commenting on reports about a possible US ground operation against the Islamic Republic.

News outlets earlier reported that the Pentagon was preparing to send about 2,000 soldiers from the US army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.

“This might be an attempt to pressure Iran towards negotiations,” Valtersson points out.

“The problem with such a strategy is that Iran knows that Trump is desperate to get lower oil prices and a better world, especially the US economy,” Valtersson says, adding that “therefore such an attack is unlikely, since the loss of Iranian oil export and a potential long-term loss of oil production in the Gulf States after retaliatory strikes from Iran would worsen the energy crisis both in the short and long term.” … continue

Zelensky unnecessarily involves Ukraine in the Middle East crisis

By Ahmed Adel | March 26, 2026

Unlike European countries and other NATO allies staying out of the Middle East conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Ukraine—already short on troops and military strength—has sent 201 drone specialists to support the war effort against the Islamic Republic. This decision by the Kiev regime comes despite the difficulties Ukraine faces in the conflict against Russia on various tactical fronts and ends up causing embarrassment between the European bloc and the US, which has received little practical support from Western allies in its war effort against Iran.

It also raises questions about how a country reliant on European funding, which even campaigns to recruit foreigners due to a shortage of personnel, can become involved in a distant conflict. This demonstrates that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has no interest in ending the conflict in his own country and aims to win favor with the US by becoming entangled in the Persian Gulf quagmire, so the war in Eastern Europe can continue. … continue

Ukraine ‘on the verge of a financial catastrophe’ – senior MP

RT | March 26, 2026

Ukraine is on the brink of a financial abyss, with billions in Western funding at risk due to Kiev’s failure to implement key governance, judicial, and anti-corruption reforms, a senior lawmaker has warned.

Speaking to the Ukrainian parliament on Thursday, Daniil Getmantsev, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada’s Finance, Tax and Customs Committee, warned of mounting failures to meet obligations to the EU, IMF, and World Bank.

”In 2025, we failed to meet 14 indicators of the Ukraine Facility. And because of this, we did not receive €3.9 billion,” Getmantsev said. “Moreover, 300 million of that amount is being lost completely in the first quarter [as] we have already failed to meet 5 out of 5 indicators.”

Getmantsev was referring to the EU’s €50 billion mechanism, which acts as one of Ukraine’s core budget lifelines. Facility ties quarterly disbursements to 69 reforms covering rule of law, governance, financial stability, and anti-corruption. … Full article

Turkish tanker blacklisted by Ukraine hit in drone attack – media

RT | March 26, 2026

A Turkish oil tanker has reportedly been struck by drones near the Bosphorus after taking on around 140,000 tons of oil at a Russian port, local media reported on Thursday. The ship is blacklisted by the Ukrainian government for transporting Russian goods.

The vessel, identified as the Altura, is owned by Turkish shipping company Pergamon and operated by a crew of 27 Turkish nationals. According to reports, it was targeted by air and surface drones around 22 km from the strategic waterway. While no casualties were reported, the ship is said to have sustained damage to its bridge and upper deck, with flooding reported in the engine room. … continue

Canada, the U.S., and NATO: the inescapable trap

By Lucas Leiroz | Strategic Culture Foundation | March 25, 2026

The recent decision by the Canadian government to significantly expand its military presence in the Arctic reveals far more than a simple concern with territorial sovereignty. In reality, it reflects a deeper structural crisis: the growing instability within the Western bloc itself and the weakening of relations among historic allies. … continue

Villains of Judea: Leonid Radvinsky

How Leonid Radvinsky built a pornography empire to bankroll a foreign ethnostate

José Niño Unfiltered | March 24, 2026

… Radvinsky’s path mirrors that of many Jewish magnates whose fortunes are built upon the erosion of social mores. His wealth, harvested from cultural collapse, is then re-directed to strengthen the political and strategic footholds of his tribe in the Middle East.

Taken together, these forces amount to a zero‑sum game in which the spiritual and cultural bankruptcy of one people finances the geopolitical leverage of another. – Read full article

Democrats flip Florida seat home to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago as voters reject his Iran war

Press TV – March 25, 2026

Emily Gregory, a Democratic candidate, emerged victorious in Tuesday’s special election for a Florida state House seat covering the district that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, flipping the seat from Republican control.

Gregory defeated her Republican rival, Jon Maples, who had received Trump’s endorsement, in the contest for the vacant seat, which analysts describe as a verdict against Trump.

Trump has faced blistering criticism in the US over his hostile foreign policy and disastrous military interventions, from Venezuela to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

His unprovoked and unjustified war against Iran, which started with the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and some top-ranking political and military officials on February 28, has been widely criticized both in the US and across the world. … Full article

Israel displaces Jerusalemite families from 11 homes in Silwan

Palestinian Information Center – March 25, 2026

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM – The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) displaced Palestinian families from 11 homes in the east Jerusalem district of Silwan, south of the Aqsa Mosque, on Wednesday.

According to local sources, Israeli police forces and settlers wearing orange jackets stormed the Batn al‑Hawa neighborhood in Silwan and evacuated 11 inhabited homes belonging to different Jerusalemite families, displacing around 65 residents.

Settlers were seen throwing mattresses, clothing, children’s toys, and other personal belongings of Palestinian families out of these homes, whose ownership is to be transferred to Jewish families.

At the same time, the IOA seized two apartments in Silwan belonging to the Basbous family.

Israeli rights group B’Tselem said these evictions “mark the beginning of a large wave of displacement affecting around 2,200 people in Silwan who face imminent risk of forced displacement, including 90 families (700 individuals) in Batn al-Hawa.”

B’Tselem added that the evictions “clearly embody an Israeli policy aimed at engineering the demographic balance and Judaizing the neighborhood through the exploitation of discriminatory laws.”

IOF assault Palestinian farmer at flying checkpoint in Khirbet Yarza

International Solidarity Movement | March 25, 2026

On Tuesday 24 March 2026, the IOF set up a flying (temporary) checkpoint in the Yarza area, near the Palestinian town of Tubas, to inspect people entering and leaving the region. Those present reported that during the inspection the IOF searched mobile devices.

After finding a photograph of a police car on one of the phones, a Palestinian farmer named Mahmoud was physically assaulted by the army. Mahmoud was intentionally beaten on his legs, on which he had a previously sustained injury from an accident. … continue

Israeli court says Palestinian minor likely died of starvation in custody

MEMO | March 25, 2026

An Israeli court has concluded that a Palestinian minor who died in custody most likely succumbed to starvation, despite the formal closure of the investigation into his death.

According to details reported by the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz, Judge Ehud Kaplan ruled that Walid Khaled Abdullah Ahmed, a 17-year-old from Silwad, suffered from severe malnutrition while held in Megiddo prison, and that starvation was the most likely cause of death.

“The fact that he suffered from malnutrition cannot be concealed,” the judge wrote, referring to the teenager’s extreme weight loss.

While the investigation was closed due to a lack of definitive evidence directly linking his condition to the cause of death, an autopsy indicated that he died from an intestinal infection leading to organ failure, with his weakened state attributed to significant weight loss.

Israeli authorities have not returned Ahmed’s body, despite his Brazilian citizenship and a petition submitted to the Supreme Court seeking its release.

Lawyer Nadia Daka told Haaretz that the minor died as a result of starvation in custody, warning that similar cases could recur without accountability.

The report also highlighted the conditions of other detainees in Megiddo prison, noting that several prisoners exhibited similar symptoms of severe malnutrition.

In one case, a minor reportedly lost 20 kilograms, reducing his body mass index to 15.2, well below the minimum healthy level of 18.5. Medical assessments described his condition as critical and life-threatening, underscoring concerns about the humanitarian situation inside Israeli detention facilities.

Israel rearrests 100 freed prisoners since latest exchange deals

Palestinian Information Center – March 25, 2026

RAMALLAH – Israeli occupation forces continue escalating their targeting of freed Palestinian prisoners released under recent exchange deals, through repeated arrest campaigns, field interrogations, and ongoing questioning, in what appears to be a sustained policy of post-release persecution.

The Palestinian Prisoners Society (PPS) said in a statement on Tuesday that among the latest detainees are several freed prisoners from Qalqilya, including Sameh Al-Shobaki, Ammar Al-Shobaki, Saeed Dhiab, Saed Al-Fayed, and Hadi Jadou. … Full article

Israeli Defense Minister Admits Israeli Policy Is Ethnic Cleansing And A Land Grab In South Lebanon

The Dissident | March 24, 2026

Israel’s defense Minister, Israel Katz, admitted in a Hebrew message on X that Israel’s intention in South Lebanon is to have “ no homes and no residents” and to “control the security zone” (i.e. permanently occupy South Lebanon) “up to the Litani” river. […]

For context, Israel has displaced the majority of South Lebanon’s population and bombed bridges connecting South Lebanon to the rest of the country through the Litani River to prevent return.

Israeli media has been clear that the intention behind this mass displacement is to take Southern Lebanon in service of greater Israel.

Michael Freund, the former deputy communications director for Netanyahu in the Jerusalem Postcalled to “incorporate southern Lebanon into sovereign Israel and settle it with Jews”. … Full article

Telegraph removes article about bond between Lebanese Christians and Hezbollah

RT | March 25, 2026

The Telegraph has removed an article from its website about the close ties between Hezbollah and the Christian town of Ras Baalbek in northeastern Lebanon. The story, which was accessible for just around a day, portrayed the militant movement in a positive light while mentioning local resentment of Israel.

The story was published on Monday amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive against Hezbollah that began earlier this month and has already left more than 880 people dead, over 2,000 injured, and around one million displaced.

West Jerusalem launched the campaign after Hezbollah launched waves of strikes on the Jewish state in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

According to the now inaccessible article, the residents of Ras Baalbek formed a strong bond with Hezbollah when the militants came to their defense against attacks by the Islamic State (IS, former ISIS) militants between 2013 and 2017. […]

As of Wednesday evening, the story is not available on The Telegraph website but can still be read on various news aggregatorsFull article

Jordan cracks down on opponents as it joins US, Israel in intercepting Iranian strikes: Sources

Press TV – March 25, 2026

Jordan is facing growing internal divisions as the country continues coordinating with American and Israeli forces to intercept Iranian missiles and drones, according to sources.

The policy of coordinating with the forces that launched an unprovoked and illegal aggression against a Persian Gulf country has sparked widespread public discontent and prompted a wave of arrests of opponents, Press TV has learned.

While Jordan’s ruling establishment has maintained its role in regional air defense coordination, the domestic front has become increasingly polarized.

Some political factions have aligned themselves with the monarchical establishment’s campaign against Iran, but a significant portion of the population is expressing frustration over the damage caused by intercepted debris falling on homes and streets.

According to sources familiar with the situation, a sentiment has taken hold in unofficial circles across the country, with many questioning why Jordan should serve as a “shield for the Zionists” and endure such extensive harm and hardship as a result of its involvement in the war imposed on the Islamic Republic.

The growing discontent has laid bare a sharp divide between the ruling establishment and large segments of the country’s population.

In response to the rising dissent, Jordanian security forces have launched a widespread crackdown, arresting numerous opposition figures and activists in recent days.

Observers note that the arrests reflect the establishment’s determination to suppress mounting criticism of its foreign policy alignment at a time when regional tensions continue to escalate owing to a war imposed by external powers.

The situation highlights the delicate balance Jordan faces between maintaining its longstanding alliances and addressing the grievances of a population increasingly wary of being drawn into broader conflicts. … Full article

Former Israeli Negotiator: Netanyahu Pushed Iran War To ‘Achieve Greater Israel’

The Dissident | March 24, 2026

… The real motive, a former advisor to the Israeli government and Israeli negotiator during the Oslo negotiations, said, behind Israel’s push for war with Iran is to “weaken Iran militarily, to remove some kind of deterrent” in order to establish Greater Israel. As Daniel Levy put it:

It’s not an era of a Pax Americana with — alongside all that indulgence of Israel, there were still certain brake mechanisms. This time, Israel sees us in an era of what I would call a Pax Greater Israel. This is about how far Israel can extend its dominion, how much of a hard-power, dominant hegemon it can be in the region, seizing parts of Syria or of Lebanon, trying to finish an eradicationist approach to the Palestinians. And crucially, to do that, you have to weaken Iran militarily, to remove some kind of deterrent. You can only do that with the U.S., so you need to pull the U.S. into this war. If that means further accelerating American decline and even accelerating Israel’s loss of support in America, then it’s a price to pay. It’s kind of “use it or lose it,” because those things are happening anyway.

Full article

Seven killed, over a dozen injured in strike on military clinic in western Iraq

Press TV – March 25, 2026

At least seven people were killed and 13 others injured in Iraq’s western province of Al-Anbar when an airstrike targeted a medical facility.

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, the aerial raid struck the Al-Habbaniyah military clinic on Wednesday.

The ministry stated that the Al-Habbaniyah labor department, which falls under the Al-Habbaniyah site command, was also hit in the attack.

The ministry condemned the airstrike as a flagrant violation of international laws that prohibit attacks on medical facilities and their personnel.

“This criminal act represents a dangerous escalation that requires a firm stance and holding those responsible to account,” the statement read.

It further noted that targeting medical facilities is a heinous crime by any standard, as it strikes at institutions dedicated to saving lives. … Full article

US-Israeli strikes hit 85,000 civilian sites, Iran Red Crescent says

Al Mayadeen | March 25, 2026

The magnitude of destruction inflicted on Iran since the launch of the US-Israeli assault is becoming increasingly clear, with Iranian officials reporting widespread damage to civilian life and essential services across the country.

Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, said on Wednesday that the assault has struck deep into civilian areas, leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses damaged. “Since the start of the attack, 85,176 civilian facilities have been damaged. This number includes 64,583 residential buildings, as well as 19,690 commercial spots in various provinces of the country,” he was quoted as saying.

The figures point to a pattern of destruction that extends far beyond military targets. According to Kolivand, 282 healthcare facilities have been hit, alongside the killing of 23 medical staff and the injury of 177 others. At least 600 schools have also been struck, while Iran’s Education Ministry reported that 192 students and teachers have been killed.

Independent reporting and international coverage have increasingly reflected the scale of the impact on civilians. Accounts from the ground describe repeated strikes on residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and public institutions, with entire communities displaced and basic services severely disrupted. … Full article

Former Head Of MI6 Admits That The U.S. And Israel Are Losing The Iran War

The Dissident | March 25, 2026

In an interview with the Economist, Alex Younger, the head of Britain’s MI6 from 2014 to 2020, admitted that Iran has the upper hand against the U.S. and Israel.

When asked, “Who has the upper hand right now, who is in a stronger position?”, Younger replied, “Iran”.

He went on to say “The reality is that the US underestimated the task and I think, as of about two weeks ago, lost the initiative to Iran”.

He added, “The Iranian regime has been more resilient than I think anyone would have expected. They took some good decisions actually as early as last June about dispersing their military capability and delegating the authority for the use of those weapons which has given them significant extra resilience against this incredibly powerful air campaign.”

Younger went on to say, Iran has “embarked on what’s technically called horizontal escalation i.e., firing rockets at anybody within range,” adding that this has “been a very good way of putting indirect price on the US” and has “sort of worked”.

He also said that Iran, “understood the significance of the energy war and held the Strait (of Hormuz) at threat,” which he noted, “globalized the conflict in a way that gives them some weapons.” … continue

Scattered Thoughts on War and Peace

By William Schryver | March 25, 2026

Gentlemen cry peace, peace. But there is no peace. The war has barely begun.

Though its position is untenable, the empire cannot slink away now.

As things stand, Iran et al. have won an overwhelming strategic victory. One that cannot be undone.

And everyone that matters in the world knows this to be true.

That said, a great many people have persuaded themselves that it is the mighty United States military that has achieved an overwhelming victory, and that the Iranians are an utterly “obliterated” foe.

And yet the Iranian missiles and drones keep their schedule, with only a fraction of the opposition they encountered in early March.

Israel — that vulnerable speck of a country — is getting pounded. Hard.

US/Israel air defenses have been reduced to a skeleton shambles.

The impressive Iranian defeat of US/Israeli radar capabilities is arguably the single most notable development so far in this war. … continue

Shock and awe is dead: What Russia understood – and Washington still doesn’t

Decades of military doctrine crumble as Tehran controls the Gulf and time runs out for Washington

By Sergey Poletaev | RT | March 25, 2026

… Trump now finds himself at … a crossroads: Fight or concede defeat. The problem is that the entire Western military-industrial complex has spent decades adapting to the shock and awe doctrine; NATO and the US possess unparalleled and exorbitantly expensive airstrike capabilities, but don’t have many other resources. If a targeted nation can withstand the initial air assaults, time will be on its side – unlike Russia, the West lacks the resources for a prolonged military campaign.

This explains the ‘gestures of goodwill’ Trump is currently making toward Iran. Just like Putin in spring 2022, he needs to buy time and figure out his next move: Continue fighting, launch a highly risky landing operation, or settle for a humiliating peace. The first option could spell disaster for Trump in the upcoming midterm elections, while the second could bring the US the most significant strategic defeat since Vietnam.

Trump can’t afford to sit back and wait; he must unblock the Strait of Hormuz. If he continues to act as if nothing is happening, Arab countries will start negotiating directly with Iran, which will demand not only financial concessions, but also the expulsion of Americans from the region. – Full article

Iran Threatens to Close Red Sea to Shipping in Response to Invasion

By Kyle Anzalone | The Libertarian Institute | March 25, 2026

If the US invades Iran, Tehran will act through its allies in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

“If the enemy wants to take action on land in the Iranian islands or anywhere else in our lands or to inflict costs on Iran with naval movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of ​​Oman,” an Iranian military official told the semi-official Tasnim News Agency. “We will open other fronts for them as a surprise so that their action will not only be of no benefit to them but will also double their costs.”

“The Bab al-Mandab Strait is considered one of the world’s strategic straits, and Iran has both the will and the ability to create a completely credible threat against it.” The official continued, “Therefore, if the Americans want to think of a solution for the Strait of Hormuz with stupid measures, they should be careful not to add another strait to their problems and predicaments.” … continue

Iran in excellent position to prevail in war with US, Israel: John Mearsheimer

Press TV – March 25,2026

Senior political scientist John Mearsheimer says Iran has a good chance of dominating the ongoing war with the United States and Israel given the way the Islamic Republic controls the economic repercussions of the conflict.

Speaking to Piers Morgan Uncensored, Mearsheimer said the US and Israel failed to achieve their objectives in the aggression on Iran, which was to decapitate the government and force Iranians to submit to their demands in the first two or three days of the war.

He said, however, that the war has continued for nearly a month and the Iranians are now in a better position to dictate their demands since they control the flow of oil and other energy products from the Persian Gulf to other parts of the world.

“What’s happened here is that we did not achieve a quick and decisive victory and we are now in a long war, a war of attrition, and that’s a war that the Iranians prepared for and that’s a war that the Iranians are in an excellent position to prevail in,” Mearsheimer said.

He said if the United States decides to further escalate the aggression, it could face devastating responses from Iran that affect not only regional countries and American bases they host but also the entire international economy.

“They have the ability to go up the escalation ladder and tank the international economy.” … continue

Iran Not Holding Talks With US – Foreign Ministry

Sputnik – 25.03.2026

Iran is not engaged in negotiations with the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated.

“There are no negotiations between Iran and the United States, just as there have been none over the past 25 days since the start of the illegal war against Iran,” Baqaei said, as quoted by India Today.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added that Iran’s past experience with negotiations with the US has been “catastrophic.”

Iran continues to carry out strikes on US military facilities in the Middle East and on Israeli territory in response to attacks by the United States and Israel. On the first day of the conflict, February 28, a girls’ school in southern Iran was hit, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. The total number of civilian casualties has exceeded 1,300, with more than 20,000 people injured.

Iran warns US: Do not call your retreat an agreement

Press TV – March 25, 2026

Spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, says the strategic power that the enemy boasted about has “turned into a strategic defeat.”

“If the self-proclaimed superpower of the world could have escaped this predicament, it would have done so by now. Do not call your defeat an agreement,” he said on Wednesday. … continue

Europe to face fuel shortage – Shell CEO

RT | March 25, 2026

European countries could face fuel shortages as soon as next month as a result of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Shell CEO Wael Sawan has warned.

Major energy facilities in the Gulf have been damaged in the conflict, while maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that handles about 20% of global oil flows, has nearly halted.

The war has already affected supplies of jet fuel, Sawan said on Tuesday, as cited by Reuters. Diesel is set to be next, followed by gasoline at the start of the summer driving season, he added.

“South Asia was first to get that brunt. That’s moved to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and then more so into Europe as we get into April,” Sawan said at an energy conference in Houston.

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan have reduced working hours and introduced fuel rationing. Japan and South Korea have released oil from strategic reserves.

Europe is less reliant on Gulf supplies than Asia. It imports about a quarter of its crude, in addition to certain petroleum products, from North Africa. Alternative sources include the US, Norway, and West Africa. However, supply remains tight and fierce competition from Asian buyers for cargoes is driving prices higher. … Full article

Bushehr nuclear plant struck again, no damage reported: Iran, IAEA

Al Mayadeen | March 25, 2026

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was struck by a projectile late Tuesday, stating that no casualties or damage were recorded.

According to the AEOI, the strike occurred at approximately 21:08 local time, describing it as a result of “hostile actions by the American-Zionist enemy.” The organization said preliminary assessments confirmed that there was no material or technical damage, no injuries, and no impact on the plant’s infrastructure.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed it had been informed by Iran of another strike near the facility. … Full article

Qatar’s Real Problem Isn’t the War. It’s the Machines.

By Veron Wickramasinghe | March 24, 2026

… the damage extends far beyond the two LNG trains.

Qatar’s North Field East expansion was 85 percent complete before the conflict. Four new mega-trains producing 32 Mtpa of additional LNG, targeted for late 2026 startup. The project has been suspended indefinitely. Al-Kaabi told Reuters it could be delayed by over a year. SIAD Macchine Impianti’s four new Air Separation Units for those trains are now in limbo.

The North Field South expansion, adding another 16 Mtpa by 2027 to 2028, and the North Field West expansion, adding 16 Mtpa more by 2029 to 2030, were supposed to lift Qatar’s total capacity from 77 Mtpa to 142 Mtpa by the end of the decade. That entire roadmap is now fundamentally compromised.

Qatar was not just maintaining its current supply. It was building the infrastructure to become the dominant LNG supplier of the 2030s. The 142 Mtpa target represented roughly a quarter of projected global LNG capacity. That ambition has been structurally impaired. […]

Here is what the Air Separation Unit supply chain tells you about the state of global energy:

The entire recovery timeline for Qatar, the second-largest LNG exporter on Earth, depends on equipment that can only be manufactured in five countries by five companies. The most critical sub-component, the BAHX heat exchanger, comes from five workshops. The lead times are measured in years, not months. The order books are not empty. These companies were already building ASUs for Qatar’s expansion, for Saudi Arabia’s NEOM hydrogen project, for American LNG terminals, for Chinese coal-to-chemicals plants.
There is no surge capacity. … Full article

Neighbors first – Moscow signals shift in energy strategy

RT | March 25, 2026

Russia plans to prioritize energy exports to neighboring countries deemed less exposed to global disruptions, Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev has said.

Recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s response have shaken global oil and liquefied natural gas markets, disrupting supplies from the Persian Gulf and casting uncertainty over future production.

”The entire world will have to reevaluate supply chains and reassess risks,” Tsivilev told reporters on Wednesday. While Russia’s own exports have not been directly impacted by the Middle East crisis, the country will still adjust its strategy, he added.

“We will prioritize energy deliveries to our closest neighbors, with whom we share land borders and face fewer risks,” the minister said. “We will also reconsider the logistics of oil transportation.” … continue

Volkswagen to produce Iron Dome components in deal with Israeli Rafael

Al Mayadeen | March 25, 2026

Volkswagen is in discussions with Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems over a potential agreement to convert one of its German factories from automobile manufacturing to missile defense production, which would make a civilian facility a legitimate military target, an action that “Israel” has been accusing its regional foes of taking.

Sources familiar with the matter speaking to The Financial Times said the companies are considering repurposing the Osnabrück plant in Lower Saxony to produce components for the Iron Dome anti-air system, currently operated by the Israeli occupation. The facility, which employs around 2,300 workers, has faced possible closure amid declining demand in the automotive sector. […]

While the plan aims to preserve jobs at the VW facility in Osnabrück, it would be against the contracts originally signed by employees, as weapons-related production, especially that said weapons are being used for genocidal purposes in West Asia, is expected to be a contentious issue for many. … Full article

Almost 400 Ukrainian drones downed over Russia in single night – MOD

RT | March 25, 2026

A total of 389 Ukrainian drones have been shot down by air defenses over Russian territory overnight, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported on Wednesday morning.

Incoming UAVs were intercepted and destroyed across 14 regions in the western part of the country, as well as Crimea. … continue

Hungary to halt gas deliveries to Ukraine – Orban

RT | March 25, 2026

Hungary will gradually halt natural gas deliveries to Ukraine until Kiev restores the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced.

In a video posted to his Facebook page on Wednesday, Orban said that Ukraine has been blocking the operation of the Soviet-era oil pipeline for 30 days. “As long as Ukraine does not provide oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary,” he said.

Orban stated that gas that would have been sent to Ukraine will instead be stored in Hungarian facilities, adding that the move is necessary considering that Ukraine “is also attacking the southern gas pipeline that supplies Hungary,” referring to the TurkStream route that brings Russian gas to Hungary via Türkiye and the Balkans.

“We will defend Hungary’s energy security, the protected petrol price, and the reduced gas prices,” Orban declared. He said the country has so far been able to “successfully defend against Ukrainian blackmail” thanks to the protected price scheme, adding that Hungarians pay the lowest prices at gas stations in all of Europe. … continue

Brussels warns Slovakia over ‘discriminatory’ dual fuel pricing targeting foreign drivers

By Thomas Brooke | Remix News | March 25, 2026

The European Commission has warned Slovakia that its newly introduced dual diesel pricing system — charging foreign drivers more than locals — violates EU law, setting up a fresh clash with Prime Minister Robert Fico over energy policy.

The dispute centers on emergency measures adopted by the Slovak government on March 18, which impose a 30-day restriction on diesel refueling and introduce higher prices for vehicles with foreign license plates. The policy is aimed at curbing “fuel tourism,” as drivers from neighboring countries flock to Slovakia to take advantage of significantly lower diesel prices. … continue

Battle for Hungary: How the Russiagate blueprint has been unleashed against Orban

RT | March 25, 2026

The shadow campaign to swing the Hungarian election against Viktor Orban has escalated with the wiretapping of Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The case offers a rare look into how bureaucrats, journalists, and spies run a regime-change operation in real time. … continue