(August 24, 2026)
The next leader of the United Nations could, for the first time, be a woman. But first sheâll need Trumpâs approval.
Archiv: extreme bullsh*t
Iraq under regional pressure as neighbors threaten to strike Iran-aligned factions
(August 3, 2026)
Iraq is facing a fresh wave of regional pressure after Saudi Arabia struck sites inside the country and several neighboring states, including Kuwait, Jordan and Syria, warned Baghdad that any attack launched from Iraqi soil against their territory would be met with direct military retaliation against armed factions inside the country.
Weltstrafgericht: Staaten beschlieĂen Aus fĂŒr ChefanklĂ€ger Khan
Doch Richter des Gerichtshofes stellten nach Darstellung von Khans Verteidiger fest, dass „kein Fehlverhalten oder eine Pflichtverletzung“ nachgewiesen worden sei.
Vor dem Hintergrund dieser AffĂ€re hatte die US-Regierung kĂŒrzlich ihre Attacken gegen das Gericht noch verstĂ€rkt. Die USA verhĂ€ngten bereits Sanktionen gegen Richter und Mitarbeiter. Die USA und Israel gehören dem Gericht nicht an.
Former UN oversight chief says ICC prosecutor Karim Khan is âvictim of massive stitch-upâ
(July 20, 2026)
Over the past year, he has submitted four expert‘s opinions commissioned by Khan‘s legal team to the 21-member bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), criticising the manner in which the investigation into misconduct allegations facing the prosecutor was conducted, and the subsequent handling of the process by the bureau.
In his latest submission on 28 June, obtained by Middle East Eye through independent sources, Swanson denounced the 8 June decision by the bureau, which suspended the prosecutor after concluding by a majority that he committed âserious misconductâ.
The bureauâs decision departed from the unanimous conclusion of a panel of three judges it appointed, which in March concluded that the facts presented in the UN investigation „do not establish misconduct or breach of duty under the relevant framework“.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan dismissed
âThe Assembly has decided by a majority of 82 States Parties thatâŠprosecutor Karim Kahn committed serious conduct and a serious breach of dutyâŠand to remove [him] from office,â the Assembly president announced, calling for the dignity and privacy of all those involved.
ICC member states vote to dismiss chief prosecutor Khan
Assembly of States President PĂ€ivi Kaukoranta said 82 of â the courtâs 125 member states voted in â favor of the prosecutorâs â removal, concluding that Khan âcommitted serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty.â
ICC member states to vote on possible removal of prosecutor Karim Khan
The vote will take place during a special session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the ICC‘s governing body, at UN headquarters in New York.
The 125 member states will decide by secret ballot, with an absolute majority of at least 63 votes required to remove Khan from office.
In May 2024, Khanâs office requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Gaza war.
The ICC later issued warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. The move drew fierce condemnation from Israel and the US, culminating in US sanctions targeting several ICC officials, including Khan.
Khan faces historic removal vote as critics warn ICC process has been politicised
Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are set to gather at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday for a controversial vote which could see the court‘s chief prosecutor Karim Khan dismissed from his job over alleged misconduct claims.
It will be the first time in the ICC‘s 24-year history that member states have been asked to decide whether to remove a sitting chief prosecutor from office.
The Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the courtâs governing body that is made up of its 125 members, will vote by secret ballot requiring an absolute majority of 63 states to remove the prosecutor.
Khanâs lawyers said they have been denied accreditation to attend Fridayâs session and to mount a defence prior to the vote. They added that the president of the ASP âhas closed every formal channelâ through which they can address the assembly, and has asked all state parties not to meet with the legal team.
Satellite images show damage inside Iranâs Bushehr nuclear power plant
A comparison of European Sentinel-2 satellite images captured on July 7 and July 12 shows newly formed impact scars inside the Bushehr complex, along with another apparent strike site within nearby support facilities.
The open-source unit of Al Jazeera Network compiled satellite imagery, field footage and official data from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) to map the locations of US strikes across Iran between July 7 and July 15.
IRGC Strikes Targets in Oman, Blasting Key Mediatorâs Territory
(today)
The IRGC described the strikes as part of a âretaliatory operationâ and claimed that the Strait of Hormuz remains âunder the complete controlâ of its naval forces. The military branch also declared that these operations would continue.
The attack comes despite Oman serving as one of the primary mediators between Tehran and Washington in recent months, and follows previous assertions by Islamic Republic officials emphasising cooperation with Muscat regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
2026 Iranian strikes on Oman
From 28 February 2026, as part of the 2026 Iran war, Iran began launching a series of drone strikes on sites in Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, targeting the Port of Duqm and the Port of Salalah, which are used by the United States. Separate drone strikes targeted ports and industrial zones in Sohar, Bukha, and Mina Al Fahal, along with attacks in the Omani territorial waters of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The attacks killed 19 people and injured 26 others.
Three Oil Tankers targeted in successive attacks Off Omani Coast
Muscat: The Maritime Security Centre has reported that three oil tankers were targeted in separate attacks off the Omani coast, with one crew member confirmed killed and three others still missing, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Indian sailor killed in Iranian strike on oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz
One Indian crew member was killed, and eight others were wounded in an Iranian missile strike targeting two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emiratesâ Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Companyâs (Adnoc) shipping arm confirmed that two of its very large crude carriers were struck and sustained âsignificant damageâ while passing through the strait.
UKMTO issues warning after report of fire on board container ship
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says it has received a report of an incident some nine nautical miles (about 17km) east of the Omani coast.
âMilitary authorities have reported that a container ship has sustained damage to the rear of the vessel, which has caused a fire on board,â it said.
âVessels are advised to transit with caution,â it added.
The alert came moments after CENTCOM announced the start of a third round of strikes on Iran, citing an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged ship in the strait.
US launches strikes on Iran and reimposes sanctions in retaliation for attacks on commercial shipping
This comes as Trump meets world leaders at the NATO summit in Turkey, where the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be a key topic.
US military says it launched new strikes against Iran
The US military says its forces have started launching new strikes against Iran.
What we know about the tankers hit in the Strait of Hormuz
(5 hours ago)
– Three tankers have been hit by projectiles in separate attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and Tuesday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
– One vessel caught fire after being struck off the coast of Oman, while two others sustained damage, including one reportedly hit by a drone. No injuries were reported.
– The first vessel targeted was the Qatari LNG tanker Al Rekayyat, which was struck near Limah, Oman, while transiting south toward the Gulf of Oman.
Exclusive: ICC bureau changes rules to lower threshold for Khan‘s removal
Previously, the procedure was expected to consist of a two-stage vote in which members would first vote on whether misconduct had occurred and its gravity, with a second vote on removal triggered only if they found „serious misconduct.“
The ASP, which is made up of diplomatic representatives from the international court‘s 125 member states, is due to vote on Khan‘s future at the United Nations‘ headquarters in New York City on 24 July.
It comes after the bureau, a body of diplomats from 21 member states, determined by a two-thirds majority last month that Khan had committed „serious misconduct.“
This was despite a judicial panel, appointed by the bureau to review the findings of a United Nations investigation into complaints against Khan, concluding that the evidence against him was insufficient to establish any level of misconduct.
Syria‘s al-Sharaa rejects military action against Hezbollah despite Trump‘s push – report
New details have also emerged regarding discussions involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives. Reports indicate that Trump proposed a framework in which the Syrian military would play a central role in a future effort to disarm Hezbollah.
The proposal, however, has reportedly faced skepticism from multiple sides. Israeli officials have questioned Syria‘s ability to effectively confront Hezbollah, while Lebanese authorities oppose the presence of foreign troops operating within Lebanon.
UN observes heavy Israeli troop and air movements near border
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said peacekeepers in southern Lebanon continue to observe extensive Israeli military activity, including âhigh-density armoured movements, large-scale engineering and demolition works and sustained logistical trafficâ in areas near the border.
Dujarric said the UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil, also recorded intensive air activity involving fighter aircraft and drones.
UAE investigates source of drones after ‚treacherous terrorist attack‘ on Barakah plant
(May 17, 2026)
The UAE said on Sunday that it had launched an investigation to determine the source of the drone attack.
Authorities responded after an electrical generator was set on fire outside the inner perimeter of the plant in the Al Dhafra Region. No injuries were reported and there was no impact on radiological safety levels, Abu Dhabi Media Office said.
The media office statement did not name Iran as being responsible for firing the drone, when previous statements following air strikes have done so.
MK Odeh: Will do Everything to Prevent Smotrich-Netanyahu-Ben Gvir from Continuing in Power
Smotrichâs comments drew immediate condemnation from the opposition, with Raâam chairman Mansour Abbas asserting that âhuman life holds no value in his eyesâ. MK Ayman Odeh, the chairman of Hadash-Taâal parliamentary faction, also slammed Smotrich, declaring on X that âwhat the racists and Kahanists say is not important, what matters is what we will do.â âAnd we, the Arab citizens, together with the democratic Jews, will do everything, simply everything, to prevent Smotrich-Netanyahu-Ben Gvir from continuing to another term,â Odeh wrote.
Smotrich: Including Arab party in government âa thousand timesâ worse than Oct. 7 failures
(May 5, 2026)
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked an uproar on Tuesday when he asserted that former prime minister Naftali Bennettâs decision to include the Islamist Raâam party in his 2021-2022 government was far worse than the governmental failures tied to Hamasâs October 7, 2023, onslaught â the worst attack on civilians in Israeli history, which saw some 1,200 people murdered and 251 taken hostage, and which led to a multi-front war in which some 900 others have been killed.
Smotrichâs comments drew immediate condemnation from the opposition, with Raâam chairman Mansour Abbas asserting that âhuman life holds no value in [his] eyesâ and Bennett accusing the finance minister, as well as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of âtrying with all their might to make people forget the atrocities that occurred on their watch.â
Exclusive: Democrats Explore Suing Trump If He Ignores Congress on Iran War
(April 28, 2026)
The emerging discussions mark the clearest sign yet that Democrats, repeatedly blocked in their attempts to restrain the war through floor votes, are searching for new ways to force a constitutional reckoning over who decides when America goes to war.
(…)
While itâs unclear how Republicans will ultimately vote, Schiff urged caution about relying on the courts. âThe Supreme Court has been very selective about offering Congress standing to any litigation,â he says. âIt‘s not a strategy I would want to rely onâŠ
EU airlines may use ‚mixed fuel‘ amid shortages, agency says
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is developing guidance to help airlines use US-grade Jet-A fuel as Europe faces shortages linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a spokesperson said.
EASA said most commercial aircraft engines are certified to use both fuel types, noting that European airlines already operate with mixed fuel loads on transatlantic routes.
UNIFIL statement (18 April 2026)
18 April 2026
This morning, a UNIFIL patrol clearing explosive ordnance along a road in the village of Ghanduriyah to re-establish links with isolated UNIFIL positions came under small-arms fire from non-state-actors. Tragically, one peacekeeper succumbed to his injuries and three others were injured, two of them seriously.
The injured peacekeepers have been taken to medical facilities for treatment.
We extend our most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the brave peacekeeper who lost his life in service of peace. Our thoughts and wishes go out for the full and speedy recovery of the injured peacekeepers.
UNIFIL condemns this deliberate attack on peacekeepers engaged in their mandated tasks. The work of explosive ordnance disposal teams is vital in the missionâs area of operations especially in the wake of the recent hostilities.
UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Initial assessment indicates the fire came from non-state actors (allegedly Hizbullah).
We reiterate the obligations of all actors under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times. Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes.
UNIFIL calls on the Government of Lebanon to swiftly initiate an investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable for the crimes committed against UNIFIL peacekeepers.
French soldier killed in Lebanon in attack on UN peacekeepers
Macron named the soldier as Florian Montorio, a staff sergeant in the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment of Montauban serving with Unifil, the United Nations‘ peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
He was killed on Saturday morning in southern Lebanon, the president said in a post on X. The three soldiers wounded in the same attack were evacuated, he added.
„Everything suggests that Hezbollah is responsible for this attack,“ Macron said. „France demands that the Lebanese authorities immediately arrest the perpetrators and assume their responsibilities alongside Unifil.“
But Hezbollah denied any connection to the attack. In a statement, the group urged „caution in making judgments and assigning responsibilities“ pending the results of an investigation by the Lebanese army.
List of Conservatives Rebuking Donald Trumpâs Jesus Image, Pope Feud
Candace Owens, conservative commentator
Carmine Sabia, conservative pundit
Megan Basham, The Daily Wire
Brilyn Hollyhand, MAGA influencer
Marjorie Taylor Greene, former GOP Representative
Milo Yiannopoulos, right-wing influencer
Riley Gaines, anti-trans activist
Trump Finally Deletes Crazed Christ Post Even MAGA Hates
The post was quietly deleted following an outpouring of anger on Monday morning from Catholics, the largest single religious denomination across the country. Hours later, Trump asserted during a press conference that, while he did share the image, he believed he was depicted as a Red Cross doctor, not Jesus.
Trump deletes social media post with AI image depicting him as Jesus after backlash
President Trump deleted a social media post depicting him as Jesus Christ after receiving widespread backlash over the AI-generated image. CBS News‘ Weijia Jiang has more.
Trump Post of Himself as âJesusâ Includes Strange Horned Creature Not in Original
President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image depictimg himself late Sunday as a Jesus-like character healing a sick man, but the image included one not-so-subtle change from the original posted months ago by a MAGA fan â swapping out a U.S. soldier for a horned creature with wings.
The presidentâs religious depiction of himself in the viral image alone was enough to draw furious criticism from even his most die-hard supporters, who accused him of âblasphemyâ and urged him to remove it.
Based on its independent analysis of new satellite imagery and detailed knowledge of the site, the IAEA can confirm recent impacts of military strikes close to Iranâs Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including one just 75 metres from the site perimeter.
The BNPP itself has not been damaged, the IAEAâs analysis of the 5 April imagery shows.
Once again, IAEA Director General @rafaelmgrossi warns that continued military activity near the BNPP – an operating plant with large amounts of nuclear fuel – could cause a severe radiological accident with harmful consequences for people and the environment in Iran and beyond.
Regardless of the nature of the intended targets, DG Grossi says such attacks pose a very real danger to nuclear safety and must stop. DG Grossi reiterates call for all parties to fully respect the 7 indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict. A nuclear facility and surrounding areas should never be struck, DG Grossi says.
IAEA confirms impact of recent strikes near Iran‘s Bushehr nuclear power plant
The UN atomic watchdog âsaid that the confirmation was based on its independent analysis âof new satellite âimagery and detailed knowledge of the âsite, â adding that one strike had hit only 75 metres from the site âperimeter.
UN nuclear agency chief âdeeply concernedâ by reports of latest attack on Iran power plant
(April 4, 2026)
Reports of yet another projectile strike near the Bushehr nuclear power plant prompted Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to register his deep concern on Saturday.
The IAEA was informed of the strike â the fourth such incident in recent weeks â by Iranian officials. Iran also informed the agency that a member of the siteâs physical protection staff members was killed by a projectile fragment and that a building on site was affected by shockwaves and fragments.
Mr. Grossi emphasised that nuclear power plant sites or nearby areas must never be attacked, noting that auxiliary site buildings may contain vital safety equipment. No increase in radiation levels was reported, following the latest incident.
Reiterating call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident, Mr. Grossi again stressed the paramount importance of adhering to the IAEAâs seven pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during a conflict (see below).
Russia evacuates 198 more staff from Iran‘s Bushehr nuclear plant, agencies report
Russian news agencies cited Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev as saying that developments near âthe plant âwere â unfolding in line with the worst-case scenario.
Likhachev said that âthe killed staff member was âan â Iranian national.
Rosatom said it had informed Russian President Vladimir Putin on the â situation âsurrounding the plant, the âTASS news agency cited Likhachev as saying.
Iran warns of radioactive catastrophe after 4th attack on Bushehr nuclear plant
The foreign minister criticized the silence and inaction of Western governments in condemning the highly dangerous attacks on Iranâs nuclear facilities as he drew a parallel between a similar alleged attack by Russia on a major Ukrainian nuclear power plant in early 2022.
âRemember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? ⊠Israel-U.S. have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now. Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran,â he said, making a reference to member states of the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council.