The reported movements involve personnel and equipment being transferred between Harir Air Base, Erbil International Airport and the US consulate compound, in what sources described as preparations for the withdrawal of remaining US troops under a September 2024 agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
Archiv: hört hört.. / hear hear...
14 countries back Saudi-led multinational maritime defense alliance proposal
Fourteen countries have backed a Saudi proposal to establish a multinational “Maritime Defense Alliance,” aimed at protecting international shipping routes and global trade, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement Thursday.
The countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia.
The ministry said military chiefs and other representatives from 43 countries attended a meeting on the initiative, either in person or by video link. A European Union delegation also took part.
Hamas ‘made concessions for the sake of our Palestinian people’, official says
Hamas official Ghazi Hamad has told Al Jazeera that the group “made concessions for the sake of our Palestinian people”.
“Our primary objective is to protect our people in the Gaza Strip from the ongoing hostile measures and criminal plans pursued by the Israeli occupation,” he said.
The Board of Peace and the mediating countries of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States today are pleased to announce that Hamas has agreed to a detailed Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire.
The agreement concludes months of intensive, good faith negotiations to advance President Donald J. Trump‘s vision for establishing new governance, security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and economic recovery in Gaza as set out in the Comprehensive Peace Plan and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803.
The Roadmap represents a historic breakthrough. For the first time, Hamas officially has committed to an actionable plan for relinquishing all its weapons, which will be followed by Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Exclusive: Houthis claim Saudi attacks, offer PMF cooperation
A senior official in Yemen‘s Houthi movement said on Wednesday that the group, and not Iraq‘s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), carried out earlier attacks on Saudi Arabia, accusing Riyadh of blaming Iraqi factions for operations they did not conduct.
Abdullah Al-Numi, a member of the political bureau of the Houthi movement (Ansarallah) told Shafaq News that the PMF had repeatedly denied attacking Saudi Arabia, while his movement had openly claimed responsibility for earlier operations against Saudi ports and facilities, including sites in Yanbu and Jizan.
Nach dem CSD-Anschlag: Polizei findet Bekennervideo auf Handy von Abdul B.
Nach dem Anschlag am Rande des Christopher Street Days (CSD) in Berlin haben Ermittler auf dem Handy des mutmaßlichen Täters Abdul B. ein Bekennervideo gefunden. Eine Sprecherin der Bundesanwaltschaft bestätigte einen entsprechenden Bericht der „Bild“. Das Video zeige demnach unter anderem einen Treueschwur auf die Terrororganisation Islamischer Staat (IS).
Ob es sich bei der Person in dem Video sicher um Abdul B. handelt, blieb zunächst offen. Nach Informationen des „Spiegel“ ist der Mann auf dem Video verhüllt, es soll sich aber mutmaßlich um Abdul B. handeln.
(…)
Abdul B. wurde am Sonntag bei einem Polizeieinsatz erschossen.
Talks between Iran and Oman have been constructive, moving in positive direction, official says
(46 min ago)
Discussions between Iranian officials and their Omani counterparts over the last two days have been constructive, one Iranian official told CBS News on Sunday. Talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are also moving in a positive direction, the official said.
Third Strike on Prince Sultan and Still No HQ-9 Intercept
(July 18, 2026)
Pakistan deployed the HQ-9 battery to Saudi Arabia in May 2026 under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, according to the Times of Islamabad and The Daily Star. The system is operated exclusively by Pakistani military personnel — not Saudi or American crews — and functions as a standalone package integrated with Pakistan’s own command-and-control architecture rather than with Saudi Arabia’s existing air defense network, according to Defence Security Asia reporting from May 2026. The Jerusalem Post noted that Pakistan “deploys the defenses as part of a package because of their interoperability with other Pakistani systems,” a formulation that carries an embedded concession: the HQ-9 is not interoperable with anything else at the base.
(…)
The HQ-9 family’s combat record is now the most extensively documented peacetime marketing success that has failed every wartime test it has faced. During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighters launched two BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missiles at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi, and Pakistan fired approximately 18 HQ-9B interceptors in response, according to Indian Defence Research Wing. The result was zero confirmed intercepts — both BrahMos missiles struck their targets, an 0-for-18 record that prompted Brandon J. Weichert, national security writer at The National Interest, to call the system “a Frankenstein’s Monster” reverse-engineered from Russian S-300 technology.
Iran’s strike on Sultan Air Base puts Pakistan-Saudi Defense Pact in spotlight
(July 18, 2026)
A report shared by Axios, said Iran allegedly fired a ballistic missile at a U.S. base in the Kingdom. Unverified videos circulating on social media purport to show a direct impact at Prince Sultan Air Base, though neither Washington nor Riyadh has officially confirmed the authenticity of the footage or the reported strike.
Iranian missiles fly over Amman, target US base in Saudi Arabia
(July 18, 2026)
Footage surfaced showing Iranian ballistic missiles flying over Amman, Jordan’s capital, reportedly targeting a U.S. military base in Saudi Arabia.
Houthi leader: ‚A full-scale escalation will be met with full-scale escalation‘
(52 min ago)
In a televised statement, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi addressed the Yemeni people, claiming readiness for full-scale escalation „if the Saudi enemy chooses full-scale escalation“.
PM Nawaf Salam at beginning of Cabinet session at Grand Serail: We hope ceasefire will succeed and thank all who contributed to this outcome
Premier Salam said at the beginning of the Cabinet session held at the Grand Serail: „Since the start of the war imposed on Lebanon, the Lebanese government has continuously worked to bring it to an end and to spare Lebanon and the Lebanese people further harm.
Today, we hope that the ceasefire announced by the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will succeed in putting an end to this war and stopping the killing, destruction, displacement, and all the tragedies and suffering inflicted upon the Lebanese people. I can only extend my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to reaching this outcome.“
US and Iran to hold preparatory meetings in Doha before signing deal
The source added that Qatari mediators had departed Tehran after “17 hours of intensive negotiations”, which began on Sunday and culminated in an agreement.
Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening.
(9 hours ago)
Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.
‘I wonder if Bibi even wants to continue:’ Trump casts doubt on Netanyahu’s political future
„I don‘t know,“ Trump said when questioned about whether Netanyahu would lead Israel’s upcoming election. „He‘s had an incredible career. Does he want to continue? Because, you know, he‘s a wartime prime minister. We‘re going to win this war very soon, one way or another, and he‘s a wartime prime minister.“
Trump explicitly framed the long-serving Israeli leader‘s future as uncertain, signaling that Washington may already be preparing for a post-Netanyahu political landscape. „It‘s an open question whether Netanyahu will run again,“ Trump remarked to reporters. „I wonder if Bibi even wants to continue.
JAF says Iran targets Jordan with 5 missiles, all intercepted
AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) on Wednesday said that air defence systems had intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran towards Jordanian airspace.
The army added that no injuries or material damage were reported.
JAF stressed that it remains at the highest level of operational readiness to protect Jordan’s airspace and safeguard the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also reaffirmed that Jordan will not allow any violation of its airspace by any party.
Rashida Tlaib calls out Brian Mast for describing Lebanese civilians killed by Israel as terrorists
US Representative Rashida Tlaib rejected Republican representative Brian Mast’s claim that Lebanese civilians killed by Israel are “terrorists”.
The exchange occurred on Wednesday night during a US House of Representatives session following Tlaib‘s resolution to withdraw US troops from Lebanon, which Mast called “reckless and unserious”.
“Eleven children killed, injured every 24 hours in Lebanon. Are those children Hezbollah? Are those children terrorists?” Tlaib shot at Mast who continued to dismiss Tlaib and her call to protect civilians in Lebanon.
Track AIPAC, an American online project that tracks US political donations by organisations that are part of the Israel lobby, including Aipac, reported that Mast received $881,227 from pro-Israel PACs as of April 2026.
Kuwait airport resumes flights after halting operations due to Iran strikes
(5 hours ago)
Kuwait International Airport says it has resumed Kuwait Airways flights from Terminal 4 after suspending them following Iran’s drone and missile strikes.
The move comes “following the completion of the technical teams and competent authorities’ assessment of the damages and taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of operational processes”, the official Kuna news agency reported.
US and Iran launch new strikes, as Kuwait says airport hit by Iranian drones | BBC News
Iran said it had attacked US bases and helicopters in a „regional country“ using missiles and drones in retaliation. Centcom said Tehran fired two missiles at Kuwait and three at Bahrain, all of which broke apart or were intercepted.
Kuwait‘s army later said Iranian drones had hit its international airport, causing „significant“ building damage and injuries to a number of people.
I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back.
Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop — That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel. President DONALD J. TRUMP
Rumäniens Präsident zu Drohnen-Zwischenfall: „Kein russischer Angriff“ – Merz & EU-Poltiker eskalieren
Am 28./29. Mai 2026 schlug eine Drohne in ein Wohngebäude in Galați ein, nahe der ukrainischen Grenze. Es gab Verletzte, aber keine Toten. Statt besonnener Aufklärung folgte der übliche Reflex: Sofortige Schuldzuweisung an Russland, Forderungen nach NATO-Artikel 4 oder gar 5 und diplomatische Maßnahmen wie die Schließung des russischen Konsulats in Constanța. Der rumänische Präsident Nicușor Dan hat nun jedoch unmissverständlich erklärt: Russland hatte keine Absicht, Rumänien anzugreifen. Die Drohne war offenbar auf dem Weg zu einem ukrainischen Ziel (Hafen Reni) und wurde durch ukrainische elektronische Kriegsführung abgelenkt.
Hier der Bericht dazu:
Tom Steyer for Governor of California
Yes, Tom Steyer is a billionaire. But it matters what he is doing with that power: pushing for taxes on the wealthy, expanding universal programs, and dismantling corporate influence in our politics.
This is also about winning.
In a high-stakes race where Republicans could take the top spot, consolidating behind a candidate who is both values-aligned and building momentum is essential. Our organizers on the ground in California are seeing real energy around Steyer for Governor — and that grassroots engagement helped drive this decision.
Our Revolution, Nation’s Largest Independent Grassroots Political Organization, Endorses Steyer
(April 20, 2026)
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, Our Revolution, America’s largest grassroots independent political organizing group, announced its endorsement of Tom Steyer for Governor of California, joining a surge of prominent endorsers getting behind Steyer’s campaign as early voting approaches. Our Revolution was founded as a continuation of Bernie Sanders’s historic 2016 presidential campaign and works to mobilize voters and elect progressive candidates across the country. In the coming months, it will mobilize its more than one million Californian members to organize and volunteer in support of Steyer’s candidacy.
In California, Vote Against the Forces Destroying Democracy
It is painful that the one person who has spent the past decades aggressively supporting democracy, fighting for immigrant rights, fighting the tendency toward oligarchy in our politics, and challenging the fossil fuel industry is himself a billionaire. But the facts are that Tom Steyer will not veto the billionaire’s tax, has pledged to support closing the Water’s Edge Tax loophole, and has pledged to not take fossil fuel money.
Iran’s foreign minister says Strait of Hormuz open to commercial ships
14 May 2026 08:39 BST
The Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial ships if they coordinate with Iran’s naval forces, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.
The minister is currently attending the Brics foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi.
Trump’s abrupt U-turn on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz came after backlash from allies
(May 6, 2026)
Trump surprised Gulf allies by announcing “Project Freedom” on social media Sunday afternoon, the officials said, angering leadership in Saudi Arabia. In response, the Kingdom informed the U.S. it would not allow the U.S. military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or fly through Saudi airspace to support the effort, the officials said.
A call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not resolve the issue, the two U.S. officials said, forcing the president to pause Project Freedom in order to restore U.S. military access to the critical airspace.
Hegseth says „the ceasefire is not over“ after U.S., Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz
Hegseth later clarified that „the ceasefire is not over“ even though Iranian vessels on Monday fired on U.S. ships guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the U.S. sinking several small Iranian boats.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said Iran had attacked the U.S. „more than 10 times“ since the April 8 ceasefire, but it „fell below the threshold of restarting major combat operations.“
Hegseth says US guiding of ships in Strait of Hormuz is „temporary“ and „defensive“
“To be clear, this operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury,” Hegseth said. “Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope and temporary in duration, with one mission: Protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression.”
The secretary said two US commercial vessels have moved through the strait and six other ships that attempted to violate the blockade of Iranian ports “were all turned around.”
Sudan accuses Ethiopia, UAE of being behind recent drone attacks
Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of playing a role in the recent drone attacks on the country, warning that the aggression will not be “met with silence”.
On Tuesday, the Sudanese government recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia, accusing Addis Ababa and the UAE of being behind an attack on Khartoum International Airport that forced authorities to suspend operations for three days.
Oman‘s state news agency says 2 workers wounded in attack on building near Strait of Hormuz coast
The report did not specify what type of weapon had struck the building, but it came as the neighboring UAE reported air defenses were working to intercept Iranian missile and drone attacks.
(…)
The incident occurred in the Tebat area of Bukha Governorate, which is in an Omani enclave hemmed in by the Strait of Hormuz to the north and UAE territory to the south.
Oil surges past $115 after reported drone strike on UAE port
Oil prices continue their upward incline, with Brent crude climbing to fresh intraday highs after reports of a drone strike targeting a key oil facility in the United Arab Emirates.
Brent rose above $115 a barrel shortly after 17:00 BST, gaining more than five percent on the day, following reports that the port of Fujairah had come under attack.
Verfassungsschutz sieht jüdisches Leben durch Islamismus und Linksextremismus bedroht
Dazu seien öffentlich einsehbare Social-Media-Beiträge oder Reden ausgewertet worden, sagte die Leiterin der „Phänomenbereichsübergreifenden wissenschaftlichen Analysestelle Antisemitismus und Fremdenfeindlichkeit“ (PAAF), Anika Schleinzer.
„Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass Antisemitismus im Islamismus und im linksextremistischen Milieu besonders stark verbreitet ist und auch gezielt instrumentalisiert wird“, hieß es in einer Mitteilung.
Fired U.K. Official Describes ‘Pressure’ From Starmer’s Office for Envoy’s Appointment
The former top civil servant in Britain’s foreign office, who was fired by Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week, said on Tuesday that Mr. Starmer’s office had a “dismissive attitude” about the security vetting of Peter Mandelson, an associate of Jeffrey Epstein who became ambassador to the United States despite concerns raised during the vetting process.
The former civil servant, Olly Robbins, testified in Parliament that he and other officials in charge of deciding whether to grant Mr. Mandelson a high-level security clearance were working in “an atmosphere of pressure” to ensure that nothing got in the way of Mr. Mandelson’s appointment.
Hungary‘s Magyar: ‚Netanyahu would be arrested if he came to Hungary‘
Speaking on his administration‘s commitment to international law, Magyar confirmed his intention to keep Hungary as an active member of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He noted that his legal team has thoroughly reviewed the matter and concluded that Hungary must honor its treaty commitments. „I made it clear that Hungary intends to remain a member of the International Criminal Court,“ Magyar stated, adding that if an individual under an ICC arrest warrant enters a member state’s territory, „they must be taken into custody.“
‘Collateral damage’: Exiled Lebanese tells ‚Post‘ refugees back Israel’s fight against Hezbollah
(today)
Maryam Younnes was only five years old when she fled her home in Dibil in southern Lebanon, leaving behind her grandmother and cousins, unable to legally see or speak to them again.
Maryam’s father, Elias, was a commander in the South Lebanon Army (SLA). He defended the country’s sovereignty against the Palestinian Liberation Organization, which used the territory to launch attacks against Israel and brutalize local populations.
“We were in no man’s land. No one helped us. No one looked after us, just like what’s going on right now.
I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel. These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST.
On Tuesday, the two Countries met for the first time in 34 years here in Washington, D.C., with our Great Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin‘ Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE. It has been my Honor to solve 9 Wars across the World, and this will be my 10th, so let‘s, GET IT DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP