Hezbollah bloc: 'Iran forced a new
balance,' no --------- to direct talks
June 25th, 5:09pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
Lebanon's Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, has issued a strongly
worded statement marking Ashura, praising Iran’s regional role
and reiterating its rejection of any form of direct talks with
"Israel", while calling on Lebanon's authorities - to align
with Tehran’s unconditional support for Lebanon.
The bloc, meeting on June 25, 2025 (corresponding to Muharram
10, 1448 AH), said Ashura represents “the day of the cry of truth
in the face of falsehood, and the triumph of the blood of the
oppressed over the tyranny of the oppressor.”
Describing the occasion as rooted in sacrifice and resistance,
the statement said that Ashura.. carries “all the meanings of
sacrifice, redemption, and heroism -- even in the absence of
supporters and helpers.” It also cited the words of Sayyida
Zainab, the sister of Imam Hussein, quoting her words:
“Scheme your scheme, strive your effort, for by God
you will never erase our memory - nor extinguish
our cause.”
Bloc hails Iran's role as 'a resounding
voice…... from the rising East'
The bloc said the commemoration continues to serve as “a
school from which the free and the oppressed in every era
and generation draw lessons,” adding that its values are
reflected in the resilience of “our steadfast people” and
“the families of our martyrs, wounded, and detainees.”
Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc said this year’s Ashura
comes as Lebanon and Palestine face “a brutal,
criminal, aggressive Zionist occupation that
practices genocide, ethnic cleansing, and
crimes against humanity,” adding that
such actions are carried out “with
US and Western support.”
"In contrast, a small number of actors --- with willpower and
determination stand against all this darkness, complicity,
regression, & failure. They present a bright image filled
with faith, hope, and reliance on God, an image drawn
from the Karbala of Imam Hussein (peace be upon
him) and the Ashura of al-Taff, embodying all the
meanings... of sacrifice, selflessness, loyalty,
courage, bravery, giving, and dedication,"
the statement added.
In particular, it highlighted Iran’s role, stating that “Iran,
its leadership, presidency, government, diplomacy,
parliament, people, and armed forces, including
the Revolutionary Guard and the army, has
stood firm,” and described it --- as “a
resounding voice… from the rising
East.” It said Iran “has always
been supportive ----- of the
oppressed, everywhere
in the world.”
A strong statement of gratitude
The Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc said it had reviewed
recent local and regional developments and issued a
statement outlining its position.
The bloc said Iran’s “historic and honorable stance” -- in
supporting Lebanon and its people should be met with
“gratitude, respect, and appreciation” across the
country. It added that there is “nothing more
deserving of thanks” --- than those who
devote their security, prosperity, and
strategic interests to supporting a
cause or a people, as it said Iran
has done in backing Lebanon
and “repelling aggression”
against the country and
its state and citizens.
The statement expressed “the highest levels of thanks,
appreciation, and gratitude to the Islamic Republic of
Iran, including its leadership, people, presidency,
government, diplomacy, and armed forces,
including ---- the army and the Islamic
Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC).''
Iran created 'a new equation'
The statement said that this “courageous and loyal Iranian
position” had forced both the “Zionist aggressor” and its
US ally ....to agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
It further stressed that this development had created a
“new equation” regionally and globally, in which - Iran
compels respect from the “forces of arrogance” and
reinforces its influence and standing in the region.
"This --- will restore balance to the entire regional
landscape moving forward", the statement reads.
Calls for policy shift
The Bloc said it reflected deeply on the “immense
sacrifices” made by Resistance fighters, their
families, and their broader support base,
including those who have given “their
most precious youth,” as well as
martyrs, the wounded, and
the missing.
"They have set a remarkable example of courage, sacrifice,
bravery, loyalty, patience, and steadfastness in confronting
the Zionist aggression, in their displacement and journeys
of migration and exile, inspired by the lessons of Karbala
and embodying its noble human values in both word and
deed - over many long months," the statement stressed
It added that all of those affected, men, women, and children,
now deserve renewed commitment to loyalty and to
defending their freedom, dignity, sovereignty, and
rights, as well as booting the enemy from their
territory and protecting their interests.
"The Bloc calls on the Lebanese authorities to seize the
opportunity of Iranian support, which has imposed a
ceasefire on the Zionist enemy, and compelled its
US backer - to commit to withdrawing from our
land - very soon. It also renews its call, not to
persist in misguided policies that have only
resulted in gratuitous concessions to the
enemy ....and have deepened internal
divisions - among the Lebanese,”
the statement went on to say.
Direct talks grant 'Israel' advantages at
the expense of Lebanon’s sovereignty
The Bloc reaffirmed its opposition to direct talks with "Israel", as
well as to any results arising from such talks. It warned against
entering into any commitments.... that would grant the Israeli
entity advantages at the expense of Lebanon’s sovereignty,
including arrangements described as “experimental zones
north of the Litani” or any linkage between withdrawal
from Lebanese territory, and external conditions.
It stressed that the authorities must demand the full and
immediate withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from
Lebanese territory, the return of forcibly displaced
people, the release of detainees, and an end to
all forms of aggression against the country.
"Anything beyond that is a Lebanese internal matter
that does not concern the enemy, and there is no
concession in this regard," it concluded.
Ongoing Israeli violations - despite ceasefire
It is worth noting that Ashura is deeply rooted in resistance
and sacrifice, paying tribute --- to Imam Hussein’s defiant
stand against tyranny in the historic Battle of Karbala
more than 1,300 years ago.
Imam Hussein’s revolt, though tragically ending in his
martyrdom, has remained a symbol of unwavering
justice and moral resistance ---- in the face
of oppression.
The bloc's statement comes after the Islamic Resistance
in Lebanon announced on Wednesday, that it is closely
monitoring Israeli violations of the ceasefire after an
Israeli drone strike killed two Lebanese civilians in
the southern town of Kfar Rumman.
Three Lebanese civilians were also killed earlier today
in an Israeli strike on their vehicle in Mayfadoun, in
southern Lebanon.
_______________________________
Most citizens frustrated with US government,
believe Founding Fathers would be....
disappointed: Poll
June 25th, 11am
(PressTV)
Most US citizens have become frustrated with their government,
saying the Founding Fathers would be disappointed with the
present sociopolitical situation of the United States,
according to a recent poll.
As the Donald Trump administration prepares with great fanfare
to hold the US Semiquincentennial – a series of celebrations
and observances to commemorate the historical events
leading up to the creation of the United States as an
independent republic in 1776 – people's
disappointment ---- is becoming
more evident.
The event, which is scheduled to culminate on Saturday, July 4,
2026..... marking the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence by a 56-member group known
as the Founding Fathers – led by George Washington,
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander
Hamilton and John Adams – is once again
stirring society ....and reopening the
bare wounds: of racial, ethnic and
religious divisions - even further
fueled by Trump's presidency.
Polls show Trump’s approval ratings drop to new lows
Major surveys conducted in the United States have shown that
President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have hit new lows.
A Gallup survey published on Wednesday found that only
19% believe the group that signed the Declaration of
Independence would approve of the country's
current direction.
The poll shows that more than three out of four US citizens
believe the Founding Fathers, would be disappointed with
what the United States has become. 77% of respondents
said -- the signers of the Declaration of Independence
would be disappointed ---- with how the nation has
developed over the past 250 years .....while 19%
believe they would be happy with the outcome.
Gallup's survey also showed that the share holding a
negative view has risen from 71% in 2013, and 42%
in 2001.
The participants in the poll represented various political
affiliations. However, those who identified themselves
as Republicans... were somewhat less negative than
Democrats. No more than a quarter of respondents
from either party said the founders would approve
of the country's current condition.
Another poll - conducted by the Marquette School of Law, also
released on Wednesday - found that 66% were at least some-
what proud of the country. However, only about half of them
said they are optimistic about the future of US democracy.
According to a separate poll by Fox News, US citizens are more
likely to define themselves as "patriotic" ---- rather than saying
they are proud of what the US has turned into in recent years.
In 1776, the Founding Fathers launched.. what they referred to as
the "Grand Experiment" on human rights. The goal was to create
a republican form of government independent from Great Britain,
with the aim of setting forth the basics of a new nation......
reflective of the principles of liberty and equality.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
________________________________________________
Hezbollah MP: No agreement will be reached -
without complete withdrawal of Israeli forces
June 25th, 10:53am
(PressTV)
A Lebanese legislator from Hezbollah's political wing says Israel
has consistently breached the ceasefire agreement with the
Beirut government & sought to circumvent the stipulations
outlined in the Iran-US memorandum of understanding
(MoU), cautioning.. that a conclusive agreement can
not be achieved without a total Israeli withdrawal
from Lebanese territory.
Speaking during an Ashura commemoration on Wednesday,
Hassan Fadlallah, a member of the Loyalty to the
Resistance Bloc, emphasized that "the Israeli
enemy has never shown any intention to
comply with this agreement."
He underlined that Hezbollah is entirely ready to retaliate,
stating that "the relevant parties are cognizant of the
suitable course of action and the current trajectory
regarding this issue."
Fadlallah characterized the Iran-US memorandum of
understanding as "a notable accomplishment" for
the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlighting its
inclusion of Lebanon - and the complete
commitment from Iran.
He pointed out that the continuation of negotiations
between the Beirut government and the Tel Aviv
regime is dependent on the cessation of Israeli
assaults on Lebanon, asserting that
"negotiations will not proceed
unless the attacks on
Lebanon stop."
The Lebanese lawmaker further noted that the Iran-US deal
has created "a regional equation," which is based on "the
diplomacy of strength, missiles, resilience, the Strait of
Hormuz, the conflict in Ali al-Taher, and the political
pressure applied by the Islamic Republic of Iran."
"After placing our faith in God Almighty - we depend on the
strength of the resistance fighters, our nation, our unity,
as well as the support and backing from Iran."
The Hezbollah legislator contended that recent developments
have refuted assertions that Lebanon is under the influence
of external powers.
Fadlallah indicated, that the critics of the Iran-US MoU - include
"the Israeli enemy - which aims to undermine the ceasefire, as
well as certain (Lebanese) political faction whose aspirations
have been dashed and illusions destroyed."
"Do not place your trust in America, do not anticipate our defeat,
and do not assume that we are a people who can be subdued,"
the Lebanese lawmaker said.
He went on to accuse certain Lebanese figures of trying
to sabotage the agreement through political pressure
and foreign influence, cautioning against
making concessions.
"We have cautioned them... that they must not,
under any circumstances, yield to this
defeated and humiliated enemy,"
he stated.
Fadlallah emphasized that any agreement between the
Beirut government and the Tel Aviv regime, would not
be enacted without the approval of Hezbollah.
"Nothing will be enacted in Lebanon, without our approval.
What we consent to will be enacted, and what we do not
consent to will not be enacted in Lebanon, even if the
entire world were to unite against it."
He concluded with a plea for an internal reassessment,
addressing the Lebanese government by saying: "The
opportunity has not yet passed... You must escape
the downward spiral, reconnect with your people,
trust them, and the Resistance front, and take
advantage of this Iranian support," adding:
"Lebanon is the one that requires Iran,
not the other way around. It stands
with us."
The Iran-US memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on
June 18, 2026, was an agreement that brought an end to the
US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran. The 14 point MoU,
brokered by Pakistan, committed both sides to an
"immediate and permanent" termination of
military operations --- on "all fronts",
including Lebanon, and provided
for the lifting of the US naval
blockade, and the release
of frozen Iranian assets.
However, the path to implementation
has been rocky ---- from the start.
Despite the ceasefire commitment, Israeli forces have
continued strikes in southern Lebanon, with deadly
attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and border
villages ---- killing dozens of civilians.
Lebanese officials have reported more
than 4,100 people killed since March.
____________________________________
In black and tears: Millions in Iran, globe
-------- observe Ashura to mourn
Imam Hussein's martyrdom
June 25th, 10:48am
(PressTV)
Millions of mourners clad in black observe Ashura, marking the
martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia
Imam, and the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be
upon Him), whose sacrifice in the desert of Karbala has
become the eternal symbol of resistance
against oppression.
Ashura --- the 10th day of the lunar month of
Muharram, fell on Thursday in Iran this year.
Massive crowds of grieving devotees held mourning rituals such
as beating their chests in rhythmic unison.... listening to soulful
elegies, and weeping over the tragedy that unfolded in 680 AD.
On that fateful day, Imam Hussein (AS), along with his 72 loyal
companions, were martyred in the Battle of Karbala, in
southern Iraq, after fighting courageously for justice
against thousands of soldiers of the Umayyad
caliph, Yazid I.
In Iran, mourning processions filled cities and villages across
the country while benefactors distributed votive food,
known generically as nazri, to mourners and the
needy, a tradition embodying the spirit of
generosity and solidarity that Imam
Hussein (AS) championed.
The rhythmic sound of chest-beating and the haunting
melodies of elegies echoed across the country as
millions paid homage to Imam Hussein (AS).
For the millions mourning Imam Hussein (AS), this Ashura
carries an added layer of grief as it is the first Muharram
since the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated
in an unprovoked US-Israeli war of aggression that
erupted on February 28. During over 40 days of
unlawful attacks, the nation lost not only its
revered Leader but also...... several senior
commanders and thousands of civilians.
On the eve of Ashura - known as Tasu’a - mourners remember
Abbas ibn Ali (PBUH), Imam Hussein’s half-brother, who was
martyred shortly before Imam Hussein as he tried to bring
water to women and children in Imam’s camp, who had
had no water to drink for days due to a siege by the
enemy forces.
Shia Muslims across the globe likewise hold mourning rituals,
while hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Iran and other
nations travel to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq -- home
to Imam Hussein's sacred shrine -- to mark Ashura.
More than mere rituals, the Muharram ceremonies represent
the eternal confrontation between truth and falsehood,
embodying humanity's timeless struggle against
oppression and tyranny, the cause that Imam
Hussein (AS) embraced....... with his
ultimate sacrifice.
_______________________________________________
Extrajudicial Executions --- of
Two Palestinians Denounced
Ramallah, June 25th, 10:45am
(Prensa Latina)
Israeli soldiers killed two men in cold blood today in
separate raids in the towns of Jenin and Salfi, in
the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian
Prisoners' Association (APP)
denounced today.
The first, identified as Mohammad Nazem Zayed, was
killed after Israeli soldiers assaulted and ransacked
his home, took him out into the street, shot him
dead and took the body to an unknown
destination, according to the
APP complaint.
The second victim, in Salfit, was Mustafa al-Khatib, killed
inside his home during the raid on his home, where he
was riddled with bullets with assault rifles and his
remains.... left at the scene, the report said.
Both crimes constitute an extension of the systematic
policy of extrajudicial executions by the Israeli
occupiers that shows a trend of increase
since the beginning of the genocidal
war - against the population of the
Gaza Strip, according to the text
of the APP circulated by the
WAFA news agency.
A few days ago, credible local sources reported the death
of a young Palestinian man while in police custody in
one of the detention centres set up in the Israeli-
occupied West Bank.
________________________________________________
‘Neither commit oppression, nor accept it’:
Iranian president cites lesson from
Imam Hussein
June 25th, 9:14am
(PressTV)
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian - has highlighted a lesson
learnt from Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam, that says
neither perpetrate oppression, nor remain silent in the face
of it.
Pezeshkian made the remarks in an X post on Thursday,
marking Ashura, which the martyrdom anniversary of
Imam Hussein (AS), on the 10th day of the lunar
month of Muharram.
“Imam Hussein (AS) taught us to stand against oppression,
the temptation of power and self-interest; one can give
one's life, but not freedom; one can be left alone,
but not abandon the truth,” he said.
“We should neither commit oppression, nor accept
oppression or remain silent in the face of it.”
Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad
(Peace be upon Him), was martyred.. along with his 72
companions in the Battle of Karbala in southern Iraq
in 680 AD -- after fighting courageously for justice
against the much larger army of the Umayyad
caliph, Yazid I.
Every year on Ashura, black-clad Shia Muslims march in
mass processions, beat their chests, listen to elegies,
and hold noon prayers, with benefactors
distributing votive foods.
The mourning rituals symbolize the never-ending and
unwavering stance of truth against falsehood and
humanity’s struggle against injustice, tyranny
and oppression, the cause for which, Imam
Hussein was martyred.