Aletho News

Lebanon is now part of Iran’s deterrence doctrine

Lebanon is now central to Iran’s deterrence strategy, with pressure on allies treated as pressure on Tehran itself.

By Peiman Salehi | The Cradle | June 17, 2026

“We are consolidating an Iranian equation in the region, one in which Iran will no longer exercise restraint in the face of any aggression or disorder. It will cost the Americans some pain and expense, but they will get used to it.” – Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission, was describing a policy already underway rather than offering a warning.

Lebanon is where that policy is now being tested, and where much of what western analysts thought they understood about Iranian strategic behavior is being quietly dismantled. … continue

Israeli media urges continued Lebanon strikes to disrupt Iran-US MoU

Press TV – June 17, 2026

Israel’s Channel 14 has called on the occupying regime to maintain its attacks on Lebanon in order to sabotage the peace agreement between Iran and the United States.

The channel claimed that Israel must continue its strikes on Lebanon to derail the recent Iran-US memorandum of understanding. […]

Israel has reportedly informed the US that it does not consider itself bound by the agreement, which includes an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. … Full article

Five killed in Israeli aggression on Lebanon amid Iran-US agreement

Al Mayadeen | June 17, 2026

Israeli occupation forces launched a series of attacks on several areas in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, shattering the newly announced agreement between Washington and Tehran that was intended to end all hostilities, including at the Lebanese front.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the town of al-Nabatieh al-Fawqa, near the city of Nabatieh, one of the largest urban centers in southern Lebanon, as well as the eastern outskirts of the neighboring town of Kfar Tibnit. In a separate attack, an Israeli drone struck the town of Ansariyeh in the Zahrani district.

The NNA further reported that Israeli warplanes conducted mock raids and flew aggressively over the Nabatieh and Iqlim al-Tuffah regions.

Artillery shelling also targeted the Ali al-Taher hill, on the outskirts of al-Nabatieh al-Fawqa, as well as the vicinity of Beit al-Moaalem near the Nabatieh–al-Nabatieh al-Fawqa junction. The town of Majdal Zoun was also hit by artillery fire.

Concurrently, hostile reconnaissance drones were observed flying over Beirut’s Southern Suburb.

Overnight and into the morning hours, occupation artillery subjected the Ali al-Taher hill to intense and concentrated shelling. Multiple rounds landed near the government-run Nabih Berri Hospital, as well as in the al-Maidan neighborhood and the Convent Quarter in Nabatieh city. … Full article

Iranian army warns Israel of ‘severe response’ over dozens of violations in Lebanon

The Cradle | June 17, 2026

The Iranian army has warned that it will strike Israel in response to continued attacks and violations in south Lebanon, as Hebrew media indicates Tel Aviv is preparing for a collapse of the understanding between Tehran and Washington.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian military said in a statement on the evening of 16 June that Israel violated the Lebanon clause of the US–Iran understanding at least 84 times since the agreement was announced.

The Israeli “terrorist army” continues “its crimes and killings against the oppressed people of Lebanon,” the Iranian army statement said.

“If the child-killing army of the Zionist regime does not end its aggression in southern Lebanon, it should expect a severe response from the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it added.

The statement came after deadly airstrikes and attacks on south Lebanon, including multiple drone strikes on Mayfadoun and artillery shelling across Nabatieh al-Fawqa and elsewhere.

At least four people have been killed in Lebanon in the last 48 hours, and attacks have persisted.

In response to continued attacks and the occupation of dozens of villages, Hezbollah has continued to resist the presence of Israeli troops inside Lebanon, but has halted cross-border strikes against Israeli targets in an effort to give the ceasefire a chance.

Hezbollah resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli occupation forces on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Tebnit on 17 June, according to local reports. … Full article

Pax Iranica? The end of uncontested U.S. military hegemony

By Raphael Machado | Strategic Culture Foundation | June 17, 2026

Anyone would be skeptical about the sustainability of the “peace” taking shape in the Middle East from the Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between Iran and the United States in a few days. It is plausible that it may not even be signed. And even if it is signed, considering that it involves a gradual, phased unfolding of a peace process that would last at least two months, it is hard to believe that everything will go as intended by the parties and the Pakistani mediators.

Nevertheless, in the terms that this “peace” is presented and which have been accepted by the U.S., we are facing an overwhelming victory for Iran. Even if the diplomatic process is derailed, nothing will change the fact that the U.S. accepted peace with Iran on terms unilaterally favorable to the Persians, leaving Tehran in a much stronger position than before the war began.

First of all, the U.S. failure should be seen as obvious and rests on a very simple assessment: Washington failed to achieve any strategic objective in the conflict with Iran: the “regime” was not overthrown, the nuclear program was not destroyed, military capabilities were not eliminated, support for the Axis of Resistance was not liquidated, and finally, it was not possible to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force.

The U.S. committed the most basic error of any conflict: misjudging the balance of power. And in this, naturally, the U.S. was led into error by Israel and its allies within the U.S.. From the start, reports indicate that the Pentagon opposed military action against Iran, for good reasons. … continue

Iran announces plan to link electricity grid with Qatar, transfer up to 1,000 MW of power

The Cradle | June 17, 2026

Iran is planning to connect its electricity grid with Qatar and announced on 16 June that work on the matter is in its “final stage,” reviving a years-old agreement with the Gulf state in the aftermath of the brutal US-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic.

Iranian Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said on Tuesday that “the connection between Iran and Qatar will begin soon.”

He added that “studies are in the final stage, and we are beginning the implementation phase.”

Aliabadi also said Tehran was “studying” power grid connection with other Gulf countries, according to Tasnim News Agency. … continue

Albanian protests enter 17th day over Trump-linked luxury resort project

Press TV – June 17, 2026

Anti-government demonstrators gathered in Albania’s capital for the 17th consecutive day on Tuesday, protesting a planned tourism development project linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the daughter and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

A large crowd assembled in Tirana’s Skanderbeg Square, chanting “Albania is not for sale” in opposition to the proposed sale of a beach in the Zvernec area of southwestern Vlora County. The project is reportedly valued at approximately $4 billion.

Over the ensuing years, the couple’s trip evolved into plans to build a luxury resort along a stretch of Albanian coastline directly across from the island. Albania’s government has given the project preliminary approval, prompting daily protests outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office in the capital Tirana.

Carrying banners and Albanian flags, protesters marched to the Prime Minister’s Office on Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard, where they gathered outside the government building and chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

“Edi Rama, you traitor, resign as soon as possible!” protesters shouted.

Now in its third week, the protest movement has shown no signs of losing momentum, with organizers vowing to continue demonstrations until their demands are met. … Full article

Katz reveals years of secret security cooperation with Somaliland

Al Mayadeen | June 17, 2026

Israeli Minister of War Israel Katz disclosed on Wednesday that “Israel” and the breakaway region of Somaliland have maintained extensive security ties for years, including cooperation that had remained undisclosed until now.

The remarks came during a meeting in occupied al-Quds with the visiting regional president of the breakaway region of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, and senior officials from the self-declared region.

According to Katz, the relationship between the two sides extends well beyond recent diplomatic developments.

“For many years, we have cooperated under the radar in a series of operations that will remain classified. Now, we are determined to take our security cooperation to new horizons,” he said. … Full article

What Is Defensive Medicine?

An Essay on Why Your Doctor’s Recommendation May Have Nothing to Do with You

Lies are Unbekoming | June 15, 2026

A prospective study at a Level I trauma center in the United States examined 1,097 consecutive CT scans and asked the ordering physicians to identify, for each scan, the reason it was performed. Four hundred and sixteen of those scans (38 percent) were ordered primarily to protect the physician from a possible lawsuit, not because the clinical situation required imaging. The defensively ordered scans exposed patients to an average of 8.8 millisieverts of ionizing radiation per person. Of those defensive scans, 2.2 percent changed how the patient was managed. The remaining 97.8 percent produced no clinical benefit. What they did produce was radiation exposure to patients, charges to insurance, and legal cover for the ordering physicians.¹

The 2.2 percent represents roughly nine patients out of the 416 defensively scanned whose course of care shifted because of the scan. Those nine exist. They are the cases on which defensive practice rests its moral claim. The trade their existence requires, however, is one no consenting patient would knowingly accept: irradiating roughly forty-five people to alter the management of one, with the population-level cancer burden falling on the forty-four whose management did not change. “Management change” is also not a synonym for benefit; it includes precautionary medication, further imaging, and surveillance protocols that themselves produce iatrogenic harm. The defense of the 2.2 percent does not survive contact with the math.

Extrapolated nationally, defensive CT imaging alone is estimated to add approximately $501 million annually to American healthcare expenditure, a figure that covers only CT scans and only in the United States.¹ A 2025 paper in JAMA Internal Medicine projects that the 93 million CT scans performed in the United States in 2023 will eventually produce approximately 103,000 cancers across the lifetimes of the people who received them, accounting for roughly 5 percent of all new annual cancer diagnoses in the country.²

A subset of those cancers will arise from scans ordered to protect not the patient but the physician. The patient will never know they were exposed for that reason. By the time the cancer arrives, decades after the scan, the link between the encounter and the disease is no longer recoverable.

Defensive medicine is the operating principle that produces this arrangement. The practice is documented in peer-reviewed literature, in physician self-reports, and across the cost-accounting of the institutions that profit from it. The patient sitting across the desk from the doctor is rarely aware the principle exists. The doctor knows. What this essay describes is what happens in the consulting room as a result of that asymmetry of awareness. … continue

CDC Awards Pfizer $1.24 Billion for COVID Vaccines for Kids and Adults

By Henrick Karoliszyn, DSW | The Defender | June 12, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent decision to award Pfizer $1.24 billion for COVID-19 vaccines has renewed debate over the government’s continued investment in mRNA technology.

The contracts, awarded on June 1, include about $735.7 million for pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and nearly $505.3 million for adult doses for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Critics say the funding reflects a continued commitment to vaccines associated with high rates of serious injuries and deaths, and a lack of adequate safety testing and monitoring.

Public health experts argue the investment is necessary to protect vulnerable populations and prepare for future outbreaks.

The latest contracts come as mRNA technology expands beyond COVID-19. … continue

Russian frigate fires warning shots in English Channel

RT | June 16, 2026

A Russian vessel fired warning shots near a British yacht sailing on a dangerous trajectory in the English Channel, the Russian Defense Ministry has said, adding that the shots were fired when all other options had been exhausted.

The Admiral Grigorovich was sailing in international waters between the Isle of Wight and Normandy shortly before midday on Tuesday when its crew spotted the civilian yacht, the ‘Bright Future’ sailing “on a dangerous course that would bring it into close proximity with the warship,” the ministry said.

The Russian crew tried and failed to reach the yacht by radio, before firing signal flares and sounding a siren, neither of which succeeded in changing its course. When the yacht came within 150 meters, the commander of the Admiral Grigorovich decided to fire warning shots across its bow with small arms.

“Following this, the British-flagged yacht immediately altered course and moved away from the Russian warship,” the ministry said, adding that the Russian crew “acted in strict compliance with international navigation rules and took all necessary measures to prevent an incident.”

The incident was first reported by the British press, which made no mention of the yacht sailing toward the warship. … continue

Historic blow to South Korea’s military intelligence agency

“Military Intervention in Politics Will No Longer Be Possible”

By Erkin Oncan | Strategic Culture Foundation | June 15, 2026

The aftermath of the December 2024 coup attempt in South Korea, led by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, continues to reverberate. … continue

Radio Free Europe, the Cold War ‘Weapon’ Congress Still Funds

By Patrick Pillow | The Libertarian Institute | June 16, 2026

“Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty were critically important weapons in the free world’s competition with Soviet totalitarianism—and without them the Soviet bloc might even have not disintegrated.”

This was the assessment of Zbigniew Brzezinski, former national security advisor to President Jimmy Carter and one of the most influential foreign policy strategists of the Cold War era.

Brzezinski’s description is notable not only because of who said it, but because of how he described the organization. He did not characterize Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty as merely a U.S.-funded news organization but instead, referred to it as a “weapon” in a geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union.

More than three decades after the Cold War ended, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty remains in operation—and Congress is now considering a major increase in its funding.

As Americans continue to grapple with rising prices and persistent inflation, Washington DC’s attention has increasingly shifted toward foreign policy priorities rather than domestic economic concerns. When foreign spending does enter the public conversation, it is often through provisions buried deep within legislative text and only briefly summarized in committee reports, with limited public attention.

One recent example is the Ukraine Support Act, sponsored by Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY). The bill continues ongoing U.S. funding for Ukraine as the war with Russia enters its fourth year, and like most large foreign aid packages, it contains a wide range of provisions.

Among them is Section 108, which authorizes $250 million in funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for 2026 alone. The language describes this funding as necessary to bring the organization to its “full capacity” in combating “conspiracy theories” and “Russian disinformation.” To understand this framing, it helps to look at the organization’s origins. … continue

Israel revokes Oslo-era agreement to seize full control of Hebron: Report

The historic Ibrahimi Mosque and surrounding neighborhoods now fall under exclusive Israeli control

The Cradle | June 16, 2026

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, on 15 June, formally revoked the 1997 Hebron Protocol, stripping Hebron Municipality and Islamic endowments of planning and construction rights in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.

Finalized Monday night by Israel’s Higher Planning Council following a security cabinet vote, the move transfers jurisdiction over development, infrastructure, and preservation in the Old City and the historic Ibrahimi Mosque to Israeli authorities, with Israeli officials framing the change as a “historic correction.” … Full article

Israeli settlers destroy sole water pipeline serving Umm Safa village in occupied West Bank

MEMO | June 16, 2026

Israeli settlers on Monday damaged the only water pipeline supplying the village of Umm Safa in the central occupied West Bank.

Local sources told Anadolu Agency that settlers destroyed the village’s main and only water pipeline while bulldozing Palestinian-owned land and constructing a settlement road near the village, northwest of Ramallah.

The sources said the damage to the pipeline caused a complete water outage in the village.

The village of Umm Safa is witnessing an escalation in settler attacks launched from surrounding settlements and outposts in all directions, preventing Palestinians from accessing their lands.

Two Palestinians killed in Israeli drone strike in central Gaza

Palestinian Information Center – June 16, 2026

GAZA – Two Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in an Israeli drone strike in central Gaza as ceasefire violations continued.

Local sources reported that an Israeli drone targeted an area near Al-Nouri Tower, north of the Nuseirat refugee camp, killing two people.

Israeli forces also continued ceasefire violations across the Gaza Strip through gunfire, artillery shelling, and demolition operations.

Residents reported heavy gunfire from Israeli military vehicles east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, accompanied by artillery shelling and low-flying drones. Israeli forces also fired smoke grenades and live ammunition near Salah al-Din Road at the Bani Suheila roundabout east of the city.

In Gaza City, Israeli helicopters flew at low altitude over both the eastern and western parts of the city, heightening tensions among residents.

Furthermore, Israeli military vehicles opened fire toward areas surrounding the Wadi Gaza bridge north of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, though no injuries were reported. … Full article

‘Israel’ kills 4 in Mayfadoun double-tap, bombs cars in South Lebanon

Al Mayadeen | June 16, 2026

Israeli occupation forces killed four people and wounded several others in a series of attacks on the town of Mayfadoun in south Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon, including a deliberate second strike on residents who had gathered at the scene of an earlier attack.

According to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in South Lebanon, IOF first bombed a car in Mayfadoun before attacking the same area again after residents had gathered.

A second car in the town was then bombed, followed by a third car in the nearby town of Shoukin, bringing the total to three vehicles struck and one gathering of civilians hit.

Civil Defense teams from the Islamic Health Authority worked to evacuate the casualties in coordination with other ambulance associations.

The attacks on Mayfadoun were the latest in a series of Israeli attacks that began shortly after midnight. Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported Israeli artillery shelling on Jabal al-Rafee shortly after midnight on Tuesday, followed by an artillery attack on the outskirts of al-Aishiyah in the Jezzine district in the morning, and a drone attack on Nabatieh al-Fawqa in the afternoon. … Full article

UN: Israel continues to violate Lebanon airspace in defiance of Iran-US MoU

Press TV – June 16, 2026

The United Nations has reported ongoing Israeli military offensives in southern Lebanon, including projectile launches and repeated violations of airspace, though it recorded a decrease in overall violence following a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference on Monday that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had “observed a decrease in violence and exchanges of fire” from midnight until 4 p.m. local time.

UNIFIL also documented “133 trajectories of projectiles and 2 airstrikes” conducted by Israeli forces, while noting “no trajectories from Hezbollah or non-state actors.”

Dujarric further explained that peacekeepers had recorded 25 violations of Lebanese airspace by Israeli forces, with a cumulative overflight duration of “approximately 40 hours.”

“Prior to the announcement of the agreement yesterday between the US and Iran, our UNIFIL peacekeepers noted 135 violations of Lebanese airspace by the [Israeli military], with a total overflight time exceeding 222 hours,” he stated, adding that the peacekeeping mission had recorded a total of “1,374 trajectories of projectiles over the weekend, with 1,328 attributed” to Israeli forces. … continue

Iran warns of ‘harsh response’ as Israel violates ceasefire 84 times in Lebanon

Press TV – June 16, 2026

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters on Monday warned the Israeli regime to halt repeated ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon or face a “harsh response” from Iran’s armed forces.

In a statement on Tuesday, the headquarters said the “terrorist army of the Zionist regime” had violated the ceasefire 84 times over the past two days, despite the US president’s announcement declaring an end to the war.

It noted that the occupation regime has been continuing “crimes and the killing of the oppressed people of Lebanon,” even after the ceasefire was meant to take effect. … Full article

Araghchi: Israeli occupation of Lebanese land a violation of MoU

Al Mayadeen | June 16, 2026

In a televised statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that, from Iran’s perspective, the two parties to the Memorandum of Understanding are the United States and “Israel” on one side, and Iran and Hezbollah on the other.

He also said, contrary to Trump’s overnight statement, that the MoU would be signed on Friday.

Speaking at the opening of a meeting with ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and heads of foreign and international missions in Tehran on Tuesday, Araghchi stressed that the end of the war in Lebanon is an inseparable part of the complete end of the war, noting that ending the war on Lebanon also includes ending the occupation of Lebanese territory.

Araghchi said that, from now on, any military attack by “Israel” on Lebanon, as well as the continuation of the occupation of Lebanese territories, will be considered a violation of the MoU. … continue

The Straight of Hormuz is Open for Iranian Business… Oil is Moving and Iran is Getting Paid

By Larry C. Johnson | SONAR21 | June 16, 2026 

Let’s give Donald Trump credit for one thing… He kept his word and lifted the US blockade on Iranian ships and Iran is going to town with its oil tankers moving in and out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

This does not mean that the MOU with Iran, which is supposed to be signed in Geneva on Friday, will hold, but it is a step in the direction of de-escalation. So the question we ought to ask is why did Donald Trump blink and accept the proposal that Iran proffered way back in April?

I think there are several reasons, but the principal one is that the US is running out of oil, which means Trump will not be able to artificially suppress the price of gasoline. US strategic oil reserves have fallen to their lowest level since 1983, reports CNN. The decline comes amid continued drawdowns to mitigate the impact of the conflict with Iran. Reserves have dropped to 340.3 million barrels, last seen during the Reagan administration, which was still building the stockpile. … continue

Netanyahu warns fight against Iran ‘not over,’ vows continued occupation in Lebanon

The Cradle | June 15, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister and wanted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu declared during a news conference on 15 June that Tel Aviv has its “own interests,” stressing that his “struggle” against Iran is “not over.”

“The agreement with Iran was made by Trump, and this is his decision; we have our own interests,” Netanyahu said.

He also claimed he was “not sure about the details of the agreement between Washington and Tehran,” while at the same time telling reporters that the framework aligns with the war goals defined by the Israeli cabinet.

“I did not say that one of the objectives of the operation was to overthrow the Iranian regime,” he claimed, contradicting comments made early in the war.

“It did not go wrong at all. I defined the goals — and the cabinet defined the goals — differently from what you said,” he told a reporter.

“Many times, we see eye to eye, and there are also cases in which we see less eye to eye. I am responsible for Israel’s security interests. I stand up for them,” Netanyahu added in response to a question on his relationship with Trump.

“When necessary, I stand firm on our security interests.”

The premier went on to repeat what his war minister and other officials said earlier on Monday, vowing to continue the occupation in south Lebanon. … Full article

Hezbollah fighters confront intruding Israeli forces in southern Lebanon

Press TV – June 16, 2026

Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have confronted an Israeli military convoy as it was attempting to infiltrate into southern Lebanon despite an Iran-US agreement that includes complete cessation of Israeli assaults on Lebanon.

Hezbollah said in a statement on Monday that its fighters, employing rockets and drones, obstructed an Israeli unit comprising an excavator and two Merkava tanks that was moving forward near the town of Kfar Tebnit, close to the southern city of Nabatieh.

In a subsequent statement later in the day, Hezbollah said, “The enemy army has reorganized its forces in the vicinity of the crossing area by deploying an armored contingent consisting of five Merkava tanks and four vehicles.”

“The combatants of the Islamic Resistance have targeted them with rocket barrages and artillery shells, and clashes are continuing.”

It came after an Israeli drone struck a vehicle in the same region, killing its driver. The air raid marked the first fatal strike since the announcement of the agreement. … continue

Lebanon Accuses Israel Of Violating The Chemical Weapons Convention By Spraying Toxic Herbicide Over Farmland

By Justin K.P. | The Dissident | June 15, 2026

Lebanon has officially accused Israel – in a complaint filed with the U.N. Security Council- of violating the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for using aircraft to spray glyphosate, a “toxic herbicide with serious consequences for health, soil, and crops” over farmland in Southern Lebanon, as part of its broader ethnic cleansing plan.

Lebanon said that “the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons prohibits the use of herbicides as a means of warfare”.

It noted that “Chemical analyses and laboratory tests conducted on soil samples taken from Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil district), Ras Naqoura and Dhaira (Sour district) ‘confirmed the use of glyphosate at high concentrations reaching 22,750 micrograms per gram, a level far higher than the concentrations usually found in agricultural soils after farmers’ direct use of this product, which generally range between 0.5 and 2 micrograms per gram at most’”.

For context, Lebanon’s agriculture minister, Nizar Hani, revealed in February that “Laboratory tests have identified the chemical sprayed by Israeli aircraft in southern Lebanon as glyphosate, a widely used herbicide that can destroy vegetation when applied intensively,” adding that “the substance was used at abnormally high concentrations along the border with Israel”.

Nizar Hani noted that, “glyphosate, like other herbicides, eliminates vegetation when used at such high levels, directly affecting soil and water and causing negative repercussions for human health” and “the substance is classified as having carcinogenic effects and poses serious risks, particularly to agriculture and plant ecosystems” adding, “the incident was consistent with known practices along the border, where such substances are used to create vegetation-free zones, effectively resulting in systematic desertification.” … continue

Ukrainian media exposes drone plant at film studio hit by Russia

RT | June 15, 2026

The Russian military has destroyed a warehouse at the Dovzhenko Film Studios in Kiev, with the national filmmaker and local media accidentally confirming that it housed a drone manufacturing plant.

The Russian Defense Ministry on Monday named the warehouse among the targets of a large-scale overnight strike on the Ukrainian capital. The building housed a “workshop for the production and tuning of long- and medium-range UAVs,” the ministry stated.

Ukrainian officials were quick to deny the military nature of the destroyed installation, with the studio claiming the warehouse was used to store “unique” props and costumes dating back to the Soviet era.

“The missile destroyed the entire building and ignited a fire. It wasn’t debris, but a direct hit. Judging by the scale of the destruction, you can see there was practically nothing left to save,” the studio’s director general, Andrey Donchik, told Ukrainian media.

Footage from the scene shared by the studio itself and Ukrainian media outlet NV.ua, however, told a different story, showing a distinctive stack of aircraft wings among the rubble. The wings appear to be consistent with those of Ukrainian FP-1/2 drones used for long-range strikes on Russian territory. […]

Ukraine has a long history of using civilian installations, including assorted warehouses, public buildings, and agricultural and industrial facilities, for military purposes. Over the course of the conflict, Kiev has taken considerable steps to decentralize its weapons production chain, creating small-scale assembly sites that mainly produce FPV and fixed-wing long-range drones from components supplied from abroad.

When such manufacturing sites are discovered and destroyed by Moscow, Kiev routinely denies their nature and accuses Russia of targeting civilian sites. Moscow has consistently brushed off such allegations, maintaining that it only targets military and dual-use installations in response to indiscriminate “terrorist attacks” staged by Kiev.

Three killed in Ukrainian drone strike on Tula Region, Russia – governor

RT | June 15, 2026

Three people were killed and three others injured, including a one-year-old child, after Ukrainian drones struck residential areas in Tula Region, Russia, Governor Dmitry Milyaev has said.

The attack damaged several private homes and commercial facilities in the settlements of Yamny, Maslovo, Mikhalkovo, and Inshinsky outside Tula, a city around 193 km (120 miles) south of Moscow. … Full article

‘Jewish lobby’ deceived Putin – Lukashenko

RT | June 15, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin was deceived into withdrawing troops from near Kiev in 2022 by forces claiming to represent Vladimir Zelensky’s willingness to seek peace, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said.

Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya, Lukashenko said the conflict could have ended quickly in its early stages, when Moscow’s forces were near the Ukrainian capital.

“At the time, not only I, but everyone in the world understood that the war would end quickly with a Russian victory. This was primarily because the Russians were in Kiev,” the Belarusian leader said, according to BelTA.

However, Lukashenko claimed that “certain politicians and forces” then asked Putin to stop, pull troops back from Kiev, and conclude a peace agreement. “Before that withdrawal, everyone understood that Ukraine’s days were numbered.”

The Belarusian president argued that Moscow had been acting on what appeared to be a genuine opportunity to reach a settlement, adding: “Judge for yourselves who was right and who was wrong in this matter.”

“Once again, probably, these forces deceived him. It was the Vatican. And, surprisingly, the Jewish lobby, the Israelis,” Lukashenko said. “They said on behalf of Zelensky: that’s it, we are moving toward peace, we agree. And others as well.” … continue

The UK Joins the Pirates

By Craig Murray | June 15, 2026

I was genuinely surprised by the Starmer regime’s refusal to state that the Israeli boarding of the Global Sumud flotilla on the High Seas was illegal. I did not realise it was because the UK was planning to undertake similar illegal seizure itself.

The Gaza Flotilla seizure was illegal: while for obvious reasons freedom of navigation had been the undisputed basis of UK maritime policy for centuries. The UK is a set of islands whose population is dependent on food imports to stay alive. Freedom of navigation is a core strategic interest of the UK. The relevant provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea were very heavily UK driven, including on passage through straits.

Abandoning the primacy of freedom of navigation is absolutely a radical policy departure for the UK, driven like so many other changes to traditional British legal positions by the Starmer regime’s extreme support for Israel. … continue

Israel’s Illegal Settlement Economy Behind the London Real Estate Fair

By Freddie Ponton | 21st Century Wire | June 15, 2026

Five days after Britain hit networks tied to settler violence in the West Bank with sanctions, the rest of the machine walked into Edgware United Synagogue and carried on selling. On 14 June, the Great Israeli Real Estate Event went ahead behind heavy police lines. Protesters packed the streets outside, politicians slammed it, and fourteen people got arrested. Inside, Israeli firms pitched homes, land and relocation packages tied straight into the settlement economy.

I followed the trail. … continue

Israeli settlers burn Palestinian cars, target mosque in fresh West Bank attacks

Press TV – June 15, 2026

A horde of Israeli settlers has set fire to several Palestinian cars and vandalized property in the West Bank, as Israeli attacks against Palestinian citizens and their land continue to surge across the occupied territory.

According to local sources, the attack unfolded on Sunday evening in the town of Deir Dibwan, east of Ramallah, when a group of Israeli settlers stormed the al-Marah area near the western entrance of the town.

The extremists set fire to and smashed four vehicles belonging to Palestinian citizens, causing heavy material damage.

The al-Baidar Human Rights Organization said that the settler rampage resulted in widespread damage to residents’ property, including vehicles, homes, and agricultural land in the targeted area.

In a separate yet strikingly similar incident, a group of settlers stormed the town of Burqa in eastern Ramallah Sunday night and attempted to set fire to a local mosque.

Local sources reported that the assailants ignited a fire at the entrance of a mosque in Burqa, fired live ammunition into the air, and set a car ablaze during their brazen attack. No injuries were reported.

These back-to-back attacks come amid a marked and alarming surge in Israeli attacks across the occupied West Bank. According to figures released by the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, Israeli forces and settlers carried out a staggering 1,659 attacks against Palestinian citizens and their property during the month of May alone, including 551 carried out by settlers. … Full article

Israeli government plans to fund extremist occupier group in occupied West Bank with $1.89M

MEMO | June 15, 2026

The Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to allocate 5.5 million shekels ($1.89 million) in state funding to the extremist occupier group known as the “Hilltop Youth,” the Yedioth Ahronoth daily said Monday.

The newspaper said the budget was outlined in a document issued by the Settlement and National Missions Ministry, headed by Minister Orit Strock, which will oversee the transfer of funds through regional settlement councils in the occupied West Bank.

The funding plan is scheduled to run from June through the end of the year and totals 5.5 million shekels, it added.

According to the newspaper, each member of the Hilltop Youth movement would receive the equivalent of approximately $550 per month to help cover food, clothing and living expenses for more than 650 youths living in hilltop outposts and pastoral settlement sites across the occupied West Bank. … continue

Three Palestinians killed, one injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza

Palestinian Information Center – June 15, 2026

GAZA – Three Palestinian civilians, including a woman and a child, were martyred and another one was injured in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Monday.

According to media sources, a civilian was killed this afternoon when an Israeli strike targeted a tent used as a sewing shop near Al-Razi School in an-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

A woman was also killed after an Israeli strike targeted a street near her home in the town of az-Zawaida in central Gaza.

In another incident, a medical source said that a child, Rayan Bahaa, was brought dead to Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital alongside his wounded father. Their evacuation to the hospital happened hours after Israeli forces shot and detained them in the Wadi as-Salqa area, southeast of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli armored vehicles opened fire east of Khan Yunis amid heavy artillery shelling.

Israeli forces also expanded the “Yellow Line” area by moving concrete blocks towards the western side of Khan Yunis. … Full article

Iran receives first $3 billion asset tranche as part of understanding with UAE: Report

Press TV – June 15, 2026

The first tranche of approximately $3 billion in Iranian foreign-exchange assets has arrived in Tehran following the landing of a private Emirati aircraft at Mehrabad Airport in recent days, according to a report.

The development, which was confirmed on Monday, came as part of a broader financial arrangement between Tehran and Abu Dhabi aimed at preserving regional economic stability, with the shipment marking the initial phase of the process.

Radar data confirmed that a Boeing 737-7JZ BBJ, registered A6-RJF and operated as an Emirati private aircraft, conducted a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Tehran last Monday. The aircraft, which was carrying the funds, landed at Mehrabad Airport after crossing regional air traffic restrictions.

The arrangement between the countries features gradual release of Iranian financial resources.

The transfer countered official US positions featuring repeated denials regarding certain aspects of the relevant discussions.

The Emirati side has, however, committed to the release of between $10 billion and $20 billion in Iranian assets as part of the arrangement.

Press TV reporter wounded in Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon

Press TV – June 15, 2026

A Press TV correspondent has been struck by an Israeli drone while reporting in southern Lebanon, despite wearing a clearly marked press vest.

Israeli forces deliberately targeted Hadi Hoteit in the southern Lebanese town of Kfar Tebnit on Monday, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), despite the journalist wearing clearly marked press gear.

Hoteit sustained a shrapnel wound to his foot and was transported to Al-Najda Al-Shaabia Hospital in Nabatieh, where he underwent surgery and is receiving medical treatment.

The NNA reported that the Israeli military fired a shell that landed near the journalist. … continue

Time for Trump to Tell Benjamin Netanyahu to Go Away!

Netanyahu always says “What you own belongs to me”

By Philip Giraldi • Unz Review • June 14, 2026

In addition to the regular lethal American and Israeli attacks on Iran, last week alone the Israeli military killed 13 Gazans and 13 Lebanese. Gaza is now 70% Israeli occupied, contrary to what was agreed upon in the ceasefire arrangement, as is much of south Lebanon. More than 1,000 Gazans have been murdered by Israel since the temporary ceasefire was declared in October 2025. And one might add to the toll the constant aggression in south Syria, where Israel is creating an army base presence to be followed by settlers that creeps ever closer to the capital Damascus. It is an encroachment that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his band of war criminals intend to turn into a component of “Greater Israel” together with Gaza and Lebanon. … continue

Israeli officials: ‘Security zones’ to remain in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza

Al Mayadeen | June 15, 2026

Israeli War Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli army will continue to hold so-called “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, asserting that what he described as border security requirements take precedence over any political or diplomatic arrangements.

He stated that the policy is being pursued in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that the IOF would remain deployed in these areas without a defined timeline.

According to Katz, the stated objective of maintaining these zones is to prevent what he described as threats from armed groups operating near the borders.

He said Israeli forces would remain in the “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza in order to protect Israeli settlements and border areas, framing the deployments as a defensive necessity to mask its colonial nature. … continue

Israel continues to raid southern Lebanon in open defiance of Iran-US deal

Press TV – June 15, 2026

Shortly after the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, which included the end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, Israeli occupation forces pressed ahead with their assaults south of the Arab country, violating the deal.

According to Lebanese media outlets, Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes in the early hours of Monday, targeting the town of Majdal Zoun. A drone strike hit areas in the town of Kfar Tebnit as well.

There were, however, no immediate reports about possible casualties and the extent of damage caused.

This aerial aggression was coupled with intense and ongoing artillery bombardment on the city of Nabatieh and the towns of Kfar Remman, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, and Kfar Tebnit.

Additional reports also noted further strikes by the occupation forces in the towns of Khiam and Markaba in southern Lebanon, along with a drone attack on the town of Haris in the Bint Jbeil district of the Nabatieh Governorate.

Hezbollah continues to confront the Israeli occupation and respond to its ongoing aggression against Lebanon and its people. … Full article

Araghchi: US Responsible for Implementing MoU with Iran

Al-Manar | June 15, 2026

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stressed the US’ responsibility regarding the implementation of the MoU with Iran as well as a complete halt to the Israeli regime’s attacks against Lebanon.

Araghchi made the remarks in his separate phone calls with Turkish, Iraq, and Egyptian counterparts Hakan Fidan, Fuad Hussein, and Badr Abdelatty. … continue

US must cut military, intelligence assistance to Israel to protect Iran deal: Ex-Trump official

Press TV – June 15, 2026

A former official in US President Donald Trump’s administration says cutting US assistance to Israel could help strengthen the agreement between Tehran and Washington, amid the Tel Aviv regime’s continuous attempts to sabotage regional peace.

Joe Kent, who left the administration after disagreements over the United States’ joint unprovoked aggression against Iran alongside the regime, made the remarks in a post on X on Monday. … continue

Israel Fails to Sabotage Islamabad Accord… At Least for Now

By Larry C. Johnson | SONAR21 | June 14, 2026 

Well, when news broke that Israel had bombed the southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday afternoon, the Iranians started gearing up for promised retaliation only to be dissuaded by a Donald Trump bribe. Iran and the US reportedly were closing in on an agreement based on Iran’s 14-point plan when the Israeli strike in Lebanon threw everything into chaos. Iran quickly started ramping up for a renewed missile strike on Israel, but Donald Trump rump reportedly offered Iran financial incentives to not attack Israel.

Iranian media outlet Mehr reported that a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran calls for the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during a 60-day negotiation period, with half of that — $12 billion — required to be made available to Iran before negotiations even begin. The MOU also reportedly includes immediate and permanent cessation of war on all fronts including Lebanon, a US commitment not to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, lifting of the naval blockade within 30 days, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian arrangements.

Trump essentially offered Iran a bribe to not attack Israel. Hedeclared on Truth Social that the US deal with Iran was “now complete,” authorizing the toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the immediate removal of the US.naval blockade, instead of waiting 30 days. He also agreed that Iran could receive the $12 billion as soon as the ceasefire agreement was signed on Friday. … continue

The 12 Screenings That Manufacture the Patients They Claim to Find

An Essay on Threshold Manipulation, Overdiagnosis, Cascades, and the Markers That Aren’t What They Claim

Lies are Unbekoming | June 10, 2026

The Pattern Across the Programmes

In 2022, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the NordICC trial — the first randomised controlled study of colonoscopy screening ever conducted. Over 84,000 people were followed for ten years. The trial found an 18% reduction in cancer incidence and no significant reduction in cancer deaths. To prevent a single case of colorectal cancer, 455 people had to be invited for screening. To prevent a single death, the numbers were statistically indistinguishable from zero.¹

This is the pattern.

Across the major screening programmes — mammography, PSA, Pap, colonoscopy, lung CT — when the question is whether the screened population actually outlives the unscreened population, the benefit largely disappears.² The statistic the programmes advertise is disease-specific mortality: deaths from the disease the test is looking for. The statistic they bury is all-cause mortality: whether the screened group, taken as a whole, lives longer. The two numbers are not the same. You can reduce deaths from one disease while total deaths remain flat — because treatment has killed as many people as the disease prevented, or because the disease you found was never going to kill anyone.²

The screened do not live longer than the unscreened. They are more likely to spend their remaining years monitored, biopsied, cut, and medicated for conditions that would not have harmed them. This essay catalogues twelve tests that produce that conversion, organised by the four mechanisms through which it is achieved. … continue

Satellite imagery proves destruction at Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain

Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2026

Nour News has released satellite and 3D imagery documenting significant damage at Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base, which hosts US forces and assets, following recent Iranian missile and drone strikes on the installation.

The imagery refutes US claims of minimal losses, confirming the destruction of critical logistical and surveillance infrastructure at one of the region’s key military installations.

Satellite imagery captured following the strikes confirms the destruction of a radar site at Jabal Ad Dukhan in Bahrain. The site is believed to have hosted an AR-327 long-range air surveillance radar beneath a radome, which has since been destroyed, according to Egypt’s Intel Observer.

Imagery also documents the destruction of fuel bladders located at coordinates 25°54’28.43″N, 50°35’17.32″E within the base. The fuel storage facilities had been used to support US military aircraft operations at the installation. … Full article

Iran deputy FM says MoU with US finalized, to be signed in Geneva on Friday

Press TV – June 14,2026

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs has announced that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States has been finalized and will be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland, while also declaring the immediate end of the US naval blockade and the permanent cessation of war on all fronts.

In remarks carried by Iranian media on Sunday, Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that the text of the Islamabad MoU has been finalized.

“The official signing of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding will take place on Friday in Switzerland,” he said.

“Starting tonight, the US naval blockade against Iran will be terminated,” Gharibabadi added, declaring “the immediate and permanent end of the war and military operations on various fronts, including Lebanon.”

The announcement follows weeks of intensive negotiations mediated by Pakistan, with support from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The finalization of the MoU brings an end to the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, which began on February 28.

Fake Gaza charity, donation scam traced to Israeli influence firm

Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2026

A purported charity that raised funds in the name of Palestinians in Gaza was in fact a fabricated operation linked to infrastructure associated with an Israeli influence network now under investigation in France, according to a joint investigation by Haaretz and the French newspaper Libération.

The organization, called “Sadaqah Palestine”, presented itself as a humanitarian initiative providing assistance to Palestinian families, children, and refugees affected by war, displacement, and poverty. Through a website, social media accounts, and paid advertisements, it appealed to donors by invoking Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.

Investigators found no evidence that the organization existed as a registered charity. Searches of charity registries in the United Kingdom, United States, European Union, and “Israel” reportedly yielded no record of the group.

The findings have raised concerns that the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the solidarity movement supporting them were exploited as part of a wider operation that may have sought to collect donations, harvest personal information, or build databases of supporters.

According to archived versions of the website, the operation emerged amid the collapse of much of Gaza’s humanitarian infrastructure during the Israeli war on the Strip.

The website urged donors to compensate for the reduction of international aid efforts and promoted fundraising campaigns through social media and paid advertisements.

Meta records reviewed by investigators showed that the operation purchased advertisements targeting users in the United Kingdom. One advertisement stated: “URGENT: Gaza faces humanitarian catastrophe. Your donation provides immediate relief – food, water, medical aid. Every dollar saves lives. Donate now.”

Despite these appeals, investigators found little indication that genuine humanitarian work was ever carried out. Archived records showed that the website remained largely undeveloped for weeks after launch, even as fundraising efforts were underway.

Researchers also concluded that much of the operation’s online activity appeared inauthentic. Images and videos used by the organization were reportedly taken from existing humanitarian and media sources, while large portions of its social media following appeared to consist of suspected bot accounts and coordinated networks.

Cybersecurity researchers cited by the investigation suggested that the operation may have functioned as a “honeypot” intended to attract individuals sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Such operations are often used to collect personal information, map networks of supporters, or direct targets toward other objectives under false pretenses.

The investigation traced the charity’s digital infrastructure to systems associated with BlackCore, an Israeli company that describes itself as an “elite influence, cyber and technology” firm.

Researchers identified shared servers, email systems, and digital certificates linking the fake charity to domains allegedly connected to BlackCore’s operations. … Full article

Israeli Army Demolishes Homes, Structures in Jenin and Jerusalem

IMEMC | June 14, 2026

Israeli occupation forces demolished multiple Palestinian homes, residential structures, and commercial buildings on Sunday in the Jenin and Jerusalem districts, displacing families and expanding a months‑long campaign targeting communities in Area C.

In the Khur al‑Dab’a area of Barta’a ash‑Sharqiya, west of Jenin in the northern West Bank, Israeli forces demolished several homes, commercial buildings, and storage facilities after an Israeli court issued demolition orders under the pretext of “building without a permit.”

Large military units sealed all access roads leading to the area and prevented residents from reaching their properties during the operation.

The community has faced repeated demolitions for months, and today’s destruction marks the second demolition in one week, following the demolition of eight homes and structures last Monday.

Residents said soldiers forced families out before the bulldozers began work, leaving several households displaced. … Full article

Colonizers Attack Farmers and Bulldoze Farmland

IMEMC | June 14, 2026

Illegal paramilitary Israeli colonizers carried out multiple attacks on Sunday in the Ramallah, Bethlehem and Nablus districts, assaulting Palestinian farmers and bulldozing agricultural land under the protection of Israeli occupation forces.

Colonizers attacked farmers in Sinjil, north of Ramallah in the central West Bank, while they were harvesting wheat in the Sahel area, attempting to stop the harvest.

In Ein Yabrud, east of Ramallah, colonizers damaged a Palestinian-owned vehicle during a separate attack. … Full article

Israeli aggression kills 13-year-old child in Gaza

Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2026

A 13-year-old Palestinian boy has succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli army fire in southern Gaza, as Israeli forces continue attacking residential buildings across the Strip, sources reported Sunday.

The child, identified as Amr Emad Al-Bishiti, died after being shot by Israeli troops in the Batn Al-Sameen area, south of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza.

In parallel, the Israeli military blew up residential buildings near the Tel Al-Zaatar area in Jabalia, northern Gaza. Similar demolitions were carried out east of Al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City.

Witnesses reported that Israeli warships opened fire simultaneously with the launch of flare shells off the Gaza City seafront. Separately, Israeli military vehicles fired their guns north of the town of Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.

The latest attacks come despite a declared ceasefire agreement and are part of a systematic campaign by Israeli forces across the Gaza Strip. … Full article

Hezbollah fighters successfully ambush Israeli occupation forces in southern Lebanon

Press TV – June 14, 2026

Fighters from the Hezbollah resistance movement have confronted Israeli forces as they were attempting to infiltrate into areas in southern Lebanon, targeting troop and vehicle concentrations with barrages of rockets and kamikaze drones.

In a series of statements on Sunday, Hezbollah announced that its fighters detected an Israeli military convoy that had moved into the southern town of Majdal Zoun, located in the Tyre district. The resistance fighters then carried out an ambush, employing light and medium weapons alongside rocket-propelled grenades in an operation that lasted for about two hours.

Hezbollah asserted that several Israeli military vehicles accompanying the force were destroyed and went up in flames during the confrontation. At the same time, the Lebanese resistance fighters launched three consecutive rocket barrages aimed at Israeli troop concentrations on the southern and southeastern outskirts of Majdal Zoun. … Full article

Three people killed, others wounded in Israeli strikes in Lebanon

Palestinian Information Center – June 14, 2026

BEIRUT – Three people were martyred and others were injured on Saturday in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Rayhan in Jezzine district, killing its mayor Ali Badi.

In Nabatieh district, an Israeli warplane launched a strike on the town of Kfar Reman, killing one person and injuring two others, according to NNA.

Another airstrike hit the town of Ansar in the same district, leaving one person dead and another wounded.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said that one of its soldiers sustained severe injuries after being targeted by an Israeli drone in the Nabatieh area.

The army explained in a statement that an Israeli drone initially targeted the soldier while he was traveling near Al-Najda Hospital in Nabatieh, but missed. The drone then struck him a second time on the Kfar Reman road, injuring him critically.

In the Tyre district, NNA reported that Israeli occupation forces detonated and destroyed several homes in the town of Majdal Zoun.

With one strike, Netanyahu tries to kill two peace deals

Netanyahu knew exactly what he was doing when he defied Trump’s red line and struck Beirut this morning

By Trita Parsi | June 14, 2026

It’s important to understand that, contrary to Donald Trump’s quip to Barak Ravid that Netanyahu has “no f***ing judgment,” the Israeli Prime Minister knows exactly what he is doing: With a set of strikes at the Dahiyeh neighborhood in Beirut, he is trying to kill both the pending US-Iran peace deal and the fragile peace between Israel and Lebanon that would come with it.

There is a further strategic dividend. Netanyahu is also seeking to preempt Iran’s attempt to establish a new regional deterrence equation—one in which attacks on Beirut, and potentially on Lebanon more broadly, would trigger a direct Iranian response against Israel. By striking now, he is not merely targeting an adversary; he is challenging the emergence of a regional order that would constrain Israel’s freedom of military action. … continue

Deal at risk? Diplomat says ‘Israel’ seeks to sabotage US-Iran MoU

Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2026

Israeli airstrikes on Beirut are creating obstacles to finalizing a deal currently under discussion, Fox News reported, citing a diplomat involved in the talks.

Israeli strikes on Beirut’s Southern Suburb have raised concerns among parties involved in the ongoing US-Iran negotiations to end the war, with Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst reporting that the attacks are creating obstacles to finalizing a deal, citing a diplomat involved in the talks.

“The strikes today in Beirut are creating issues with finalizing the deal,” the diplomat stressed, as cited by Fox News.

Furthermore, the diplomat accused “Israel” of undermining the negotiations, saying, “This is a clear attempt by Israel to sabotage the President’s deal and drag the United States back into war.”

This comes shortly after Israeli occupation forces carried out an aggression targeting a residential building in Beirut’s Southern Suburb, again violating the so-called “ceasefire” reached between the Lebanese government and “Israel” through talks mediated by the United States.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the “Zionists’ aggression against Dahieh” demonstrated that the United States either lacks the will to implement its commitments or does not have the capacity to do so. … Full article

Iran warns ‘no point’ in deal with US if Israel remains unrestrained

The Cradle | June 14, 2026

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned in a statement on 14 June that there is “no point” in continuing efforts to reach a deal with Washington if Tel Aviv remains unrestrained, a few hours after a new Israeli attack on Lebanon’s capital.

“The Zionists’ aggression against the southern suburb [of Beirut] once again demonstrated that the US either lacks the will to uphold its commitments or lacks the ability to do so,” Ghalibaf said.

“You cannot gain concessions by giving the [Israeli] regime a green light. The ‘good cop, bad cop’ game has grown old. If you lack the will and the ability to fulfill your commitments, then there is no point in speaking about continuing down this path,” the parliament speaker added.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, deputy commander and deputy inspector of the Iranian military’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Israel’s attack on Beirut’s southern suburb will not go unanswered.

“If you seek an agreement or understanding, you must discipline the Zionist regime. If this rabid dog is not controlled, it will bite your leg before the ink is dry on the agreement,” said Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s Foreign Policy and National Security Committee. … continue

Iranian missiles are more effective, precise: former Pentagon official

Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2026

Iranian missiles have become more effective, accurate, and destructive, Former US Chief of Naval Operations Adviser at the Pentagon, Professor Theodore Postol, stated.

In an interview with Going Underground, Postol stated, “Their [Iran’s] ballistic missiles are by exceptional margins beyond what we saw in the beginning, even in the June 2025 war, causing severe damage to targets of high strategic value to the Israelis.”

In the televised interview broadcast Saturday, he admitted he had been mistaken in his earlier assessment that Tehran would inflict only “limited” damage on Tel Aviv.

“I was estimating, based on data I had collected, that the Iranians could do significant but modest damage to Tel Aviv if the war escalated,” Postol stated, noting that “well, I was wrong, because there was a whole generation of newer, more capable missiles that are impossible, I want to underscore, impossible to intercept.”

Attempts to intercept Iranian missiles ‘foolish’

“They are not close to being subject to interception, and they have bigger warheads that are more destructive,” Postol added, noting that Iran possesses large numbers of these missiles, characterized by high precision, “which means that they can focus them on doing more heavy damage on targets that are more valuable to the Israelis.”

Postol described Israeli air defenses as “foolish” in their attempts to counter Iranian ballistic missiles, stating: “Then there are the drones. And the air defences have been foolishly used against ballistic missiles. The air defences have almost no capability against ballistic missiles.”

Additionally, Postol rejected the notion that Iran is the “nuclear instability” in the Middle East, instead saying that “Israel” is, attributing this to the willingness of Israeli leadership to “push their country to a situation where their own military leadership is telling them we are on the ropes.” … Full article

Ukraine as a laboratory of ‘techno-fascism’

By Dmitri Kovalevich | Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2026

Ukraine has become a testing ground for Western military technologies, AI-driven warfare, and defense industry interests, with the conflict increasingly serving geopolitical and corporate objectives beyond Ukraine itself. … Read article

Desperate Starmer choosing piracy as distraction over UK crime crisis – Putin envoy

RT | June 14, 2026

Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev has accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of using the seizure of a supposed Russian-linked vessel to distract from domestic problems.

In a post on X on Sunday, Starmer announced that UK forces intercepted a tanker involved in ‘shadow fleet’ operations, which allegedly help Russia bypass Western sanctions on oil exports.

The Smyrtos was reportedly transiting the English Channel before it was boarded by UK marines. The UK Defense Ministry said it will be held and monitored off the south coast while its operations are investigated.

Starmer boasted that he personally directed the interception, calling it a “successful operation” that delivered “yet another blow to Russia.” He later posted footage purportedly showing armed marines boarding the vessel.

Dmitriev suggested that the operation was not about security or enforcing sanctions, but to manufacture a confrontation and distract the public from immigration problems and crime.

“Desperate Starmer, instead of intercepting HIS immigrants who rape, mutilate and behead British people, attempts to DISTRACT the UK with an escalation,” he wrote on X. … continue

Albanian villagers say Jared Kushner’s projects developed on disputed land

Press TV – June 14, 2026

Albanian villagers have revealed that the projects belonging to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, are being built on disputed land.

Kushner and his private equity firm Affinity Partners, along with his wife Ivanka Trump, plan to develop two resort properties in Albania, including on the uninhabited Sazan island and on the Albanian coast.

Media reports said on Saturday that some 200 Albanian families claim ownership of the land bought to develop the luxury resorts.

Some plan to seek a court order to halt the projects and take Kushner’s company, Affinity Partners, to court.

Villagers say Kushner’s projects are being developed on land approved by the Edi Rama government via sales through an accused gangster.

A dozen of the villages plan to seek a court order to halt the project, their lawyer, Kostandin Beko, told Reuters.

Beko said the villagers he represents were declared the rightful owners of the land by an Albanian court back in 2013.

However, the dispute has remained unresolved because that ruling was appealed by Artur Shehu, the man who has since sold the property.

Shehu, who fled Albania in 1999 and is now based in Miami, Florida, claimed his family owned the land for more than 100 years, from the time of the Ottoman Empire.

He has been investigated in Italy for allegedly doing business in his homeland on behalf of Italian gangsters, according to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

The Italians are said to have also suspected him at one point of drug trafficking, though he has never been charged with a crime.

On Friday, Albanian media reported Shehu is now also under scrutiny by anti-corruption prosecutors there, probing large-scale money laundering.

A close associate of Shehu was charged and convicted in 2018 of forging documents to steal land. … Full article