Enemies will never abandon their hostility
towards Iranian nation: IRGC’s
chief commander
chief commander
August 21, 9:19pm
(PressTV)
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corp’s chief commander asserts
that Iran must continue strengthening its defensive & offensive
capabilities, noting that the Islamic Republic’s enemies will
never abandon their hostility and conspiracies against
the nation.
Major General Ahmad Vahidi made the remarks in a message on
Friday on the occasion of the National Defense Industry Day.
The commander --- cited a strategic assessment of the regional
developments, particularly the two latest bouts of unprovoked
US-Israeli aggression targeting the country, as a testament to
the adversaries’ persistent refusal...... to discard their hostile
approach and scheming attitude towards the Iranian nation.
According to the commander, the battlefield today had come to
play host to new forms of “hybrid and military aggression,”
alongside crimes against humanity.
In light of the ongoing US-Zionist hostility, Iran’s production of
defense & military equipment will continue ------ with “greater
strength, prudence, speed, & wisdom,” said the commander.
He described this strategy as “the only prudent and effective
means” of navigating difficult historical junctures and
thwarting enemy conspiracies “both today and in
the future.”
Vahidi credited Iran’s Armed Forces and defense industry
with creating a “formidable defensive shield” against
the threats facing the country.
He said this capability had been demonstrated on “real and historic
battlefields,” including during the latest wars --- and attributed the
achievements to the sacrifices made by members of the Iranian
Armed Forces and the defense industry.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian
Armed Forces, Major General Ali Abdollahi:
What has been achieved at Iran’s Ministry of Defense in recent years
goes beyond the production of military equipment; it represents a
“deterrent defense industrial revolution.”
Press TV (@PressTV) August 21, 2026
The commander concluded his message --- by paying tribute to
the martyrs of the country’s defense industry, and expressing
appreciation towards those walking in their footsteps....... by
endeavouring down the path of defending Iran’s sovereignty.
_______________________________________
Assassinations, raids, abductions --- won’t
break Palestinian resistance, says Hamas
August 21, 6:02pm
(PressTV)
The wife of 58-year-old Fathi Khazem, who was killed by the Israeli
military as they tried to arrest him, stands at the bedroom door
military as they tried to arrest him, stands at the bedroom door
near a pool of his blood at their home in the northern city of
Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on August 21,
2026. (Photo by AFP)
The Hamas resistance movement has strongly condemned the
Israeli military over fatally shooting a Palestinian man in the
occupied northern West Bank city of Jenin, stressing that
assassinations, raids and abductions will never manage
to break the Palestinian nation’s will or undermine
their steadfastness.
The Gaza-based group, in a statement released on Friday, mourned
the martyrdom of 58-year-old Fathi Khazem, who died from injuries
sustained after being shot by Israeli forces early Friday, stating
that Palestinians’ choice to resist the Israeli occupation will
remain firm --- and unflinching.
Hamas noted that the targeting of Khazem falls within the
framework of Israel's ongoing atrocities against the
Palestinian people, emphasizing that the policy
of raids, assassinations, and abductions will
not stop the path of resistance or weaken
Palestinians’ attachment to their land
and inalienable rights.
The resistance movement called upon Palestinians, especially the
younger generation in the West Bank, to maintain their resistance
against Israeli occupation and to confront Israeli troops & illegal
settlers, saying this comes in defense of Palestinian land,
sacred sites, and rights.
settlers, saying this comes in defense of Palestinian land,
sacred sites, and rights.
For its part, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement
denounced the Israeli military’s raid in Jenin and the
assassination of Hazem before his family - as a
“cold-blooded execution” driven by a policy
of vengeance.
The group underscored that the horrendous crime will not go
unanswered, stressing that the killings of iconic figures will
fail to intimidate Palestinian people or weaken their resolve
to defend their land and holy sites.
Local sources said an Israeli special forces unit stormed Khazem's
home ...in the early morning, amid a heavy military presence and
intense gunfire. Israeli reinforcements later arrived in the area.
The sources said soldiers entered the house with gunfire heard from
inside. Bloodstains were visible throughout, including the stairs,
and Khazem was shot inside his home.
Palestinian ambulances tried to reach the house but were
blocked during the operation, according to local sources.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said in a statement that
Israeli forces took Khazem’s body ......as they withdrew.
Khazem was reportedly a retired colonel in
the Palestinian National Security Forces.
His son, Raad Khazem, carried out a retaliatory shooting operation
in Tel Aviv in April 2022. 3 illegal settlers were killed and several
others wounded as a result. Israeli authorities demanded that
Fathi Khazem hand himself in, but he declined.
His son was shot dead by Israeli forces
after a massive manhunt.
A second son, identified as Abdul Rahman Khazem, was killed
during an Israeli military raid targeting resistance fighters in
the Jenin refugee camp in September 2022.
Violence in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967,
has surged since the onset of the Gaza genocidal war
on October 7, 2023.
At least 1,098 Palestinians have been killed and more than
7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and
settlers, according to Palestinian figures.
_________________________________________
US-sanctioned ICC President warns of
‘demise of international rule of law’
August 21, 5:24pm
(PressTV)
International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane has
warned against “the demise of international rule of law”
after being targeted by US sanctions.
“The sanction against me this time, was something I had
anticipated to an extent, so I’m not surprised,” Akane
said in a statement released on X by her publisher
Bungei Shunju on Friday.
“The important thing is not to let this be the start
---- of the demise of the international rule of law.”
In July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched an ongoing
campaign to dismantle the ICC. Rubio labeled the court a
“corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that
has maliciously abused its authority” and urged its
125 member states to withdraw, declaring his
intention to dismantle it “brick by brick.”
The US State Department announced that the unprecedented move
aims to “systematically disable the ICC’s ability to operate.” A US
official added that Washington will “watch with interest” to see
which countries heed Rubio’s call to pull out and which do not.
US President Donald Trump - openly admitted that Rubio’s efforts
to undermine the ICC are aimed at shielding the Israeli regime’s
leader from prosecution.
During a Cabinet meeting at Camp David in July, Trump revealed
that Rubio was working to “save Bibi and others” from the ICC.
On August 18, the Trump administration sanctioned Akane, a
Japanese national, along with Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal,
a senior trial lawyer in the court’s prosecution office.
In recent years, Trump administrations have repeatedly targeted
ICC judges and prosecutors, citing the court’s investigations
involving US personnel and its arrest warrants for Israeli
prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister
of military affairs Yoav Gallant as a threat to US and
Israeli interests and security.
Akane’s statement on Friday marked her first public reaction, since
the sanctions were imposed. She was elected to a three-year term
as ICC president in March 2024 and has served as a judge at the
court since March 2018.
On Wednesday, the ICC condemned the US sanctions as a “flagrant
attack” against its officials. The measures are widely viewed, as
retaliation for the court’s investigations into the Israeli regime’s
crimes against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples in the
Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon.
The court noted that the Trump administration has now sanctioned
nine of its 18 judges, both deputy prosecutors, and its former chief
prosecutor, describing the action as a “flagrant attack against the
independence of an impartial judicial institution.”
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
and senior EU officials expressed support for Akane and the ICC.
Founded in 2002 and rooted in the post-World War II drive to
establish the rule of law worldwide, the ICC serves as a
court of last resort. It provides a pathway toward
peace by prosecuting individuals charged with
severe criminal acts and grave atrocities - in
countries that lack adequate legal systems
to ensure accountability.
___________________________________________
‘Same bull. Different bullies’: Araghchi says
US economic pressure -- is doomed to fail
August 21, 4:29pm
(PressTV)
Tehran says US President Donald Trump’s “most crushing
economic operation ever” against the Islamic Republic
is doomed to fail like previous Washington's pressure
campaigns against Tehran over the past 14 years.
In a post on his X account, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
traced a series of Washington's history of failed pressure tactics
against Tehran and the descriptions it used for them.
14 years ago: “Most crippling sanctions in history.” Failed.
8 years ago: “Maximum pressure.” Failed.
5 months ago: “Unconditional surrender.” Failed.
Today: “Most crushing economic operation ever.” Bound to fail.
We have seen this movie before. Same bull. Different bullies. pic.twitter.com/CNMSopprV5
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) August 21, 2026
Quoting a tweet by former US president Barack Obama, Araghchi
said the United States imposed the “most crippling sanctions in
history” 14 years ago, but the measures failed.
Eight years ago, under Trump's first term, he added, Washington
launched its “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran,
which also failed.
Five months ago, the United States demanded “unconditional
surrender” from Iran, but that effort likewise failed, the top
Iranian diplomat asserted, referring to Trump's demand
in the wake of the joint 40-day US-Israeli aggression
on Iran in late February.
Araghchi said Washington is now resorting to its latest campaign
described as the “most crushing economic operation ever,”
which will be “bound to fail”.
“We have seen this movie before.
Same bull. Different bullies,”
he wrote.
Failed in the military war, Trump desperately resorted to economic
pressure on Iran's economy on Wednesday, threatening
“tremendous economic consequences” on any
country that helps or does business
with Tehran.
“Today, I am announcing -- the most crushing economic operation
ever taken against any country!” Trump boasted on Truth Social.
“Any country - that allows its financial institutions, businesses,
“Any country - that allows its financial institutions, businesses,
airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline
to Iran will itself face tremendous economic consequences.”
Iran condemns a new round of US economic sanctions against
the country, stating that the measures amount to “economic
terrorism” and “crimes against humanity.”
“Economic sanctions and pressure, are the other side of the same
coin as military war and aggression,” the ministry said, stressing
that Washington’s reliance on both policies has placed global
peace and security --- at risk.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also warned the United
States on Thursday -- that intensifying “failed” policies against
Iran will only lead to further setbacks, as Washington resorts
to economic pressure after conceding defeat in its military
aggression against the country.
________________________________________
Iran’s production of advanced weapons
continues unabated: Deputy
defense minister
August 21, 4:12pm
(PressTV)
Iran’s deputy defense minister says the country’s production of
advanced weapons continues without interruption, despite
the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
Brigadier General Shahrokh Shahram said on Friday that the enemy
miscalculated Iran’s defense and military capabilities during the
war - and wrongly assumed that targeting a few sites linked to
the Defense Ministry, would cripple Iran's military production.
"The production of advanced weaponry in Iran
is continuing uninterrupted,” he added.
He emphasized that Iran enjoys broad national participation in
its defense industry, making it impossible for the enemy to
halt military production through attacks on a limited
number of facilities.
The senior Iranian defense official reiterated -- that the enemy
received “more devastating, advanced, and larger volumes of
weapons" as the war progressed, eventually realizing that
its attacks on Iran’s defense industry ......had failed to
achieve their objectives.
"We had made the necessary preparations for this war and had
relocated our defense and military assets from vulnerable
locations and bottlenecks, to the extent that the enemy
could not even identify a single one of our missile
cities," Shahram said.
"If previously production was carried out in a routine and uniform
manner, it is now increasing at an astonishing and upward pace,”
he pointed out.
Shahram’s remarks came after the spokesman for the Islamic
Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Hossein
Mohebbi, warned on Thursday that the elite force will use
significantly more destructive and advanced weapons
than those employed in previous wars.. if a new war
breaks out.
Pointing to the US mounting economic pressure campaign against
Iran, Shahram said Washington is now posing “economic threats”
against Tehran ------ despite its failed sanctions for 47 years.
“The Islamic Iran demonstrated its power to the world in this
imposed war, while regional countries also realized that
spending billions of dollars on weapons and turning
themselves into milking cows had yielded
no results,” he added.
According to the official, confronting the Islamic Republic is
“doomed to fail” while Iran’s adversaries must accept the
country’s power and authority in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said national defensive power is the backbone of the country's
security, growth, and development, adding, “Iran's defense
industry has now achieved indigenous designs, for
advanced weapons that the enemy is unable
to target.”
In a post on his X account on Thursday, the Iranian Foreign Minister
Abbas Araghchi warned the US that intensifying “failed” policies
against Iran will only lead to further setbacks, as Washington
resorts to economic pressure after conceding defeat in its
military aggression against the country.
_________________________________________
Yemeni army targets Saudi-backed forces,
military trucks in Ma’rib, western coast
with new drone
August 21, 3:30pm
(PressTV)
The Yemeni Armed Forces say they have carried out airstrikes
targeting the positions and military trucks of Saudi-backed
mercenary troops in the country’s southern province of
Ma’rib and areas on the Red Sea coast, using a new
homegrown strike-reconnaissance drone.
On Friday, the media bureau of Yemen's Operations Command Centre
released video footage of a large-scale military offensive, adding
that the operation had “successfully achieved its objectives.”
It added that a new domestically developed strike-
reconnaissance drone, dubbed “Rajum” (Sling),
was employed in the retaliatory operation.
The drone purportedly can perform strike missions and tactical
reconnaissance, and is said to be equipped with autopilot and
automatic target tracking.
This came a day after the spokesperson for the Yemeni military
said they had carried out two separate drone attacks targeting
an Aramco facility and a “sensitive” target at Najran airport in
southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree said Yemeni Armed Forces had
conducted two “military operations” with a pair of drones,
adding that both operations had “successfully achieved
their objectives.”
“The first targeted a sensitive Saudi enemy target at Najran airport,
while the second targeted Aramco Najran,” Saree stated.
The attacks, he added, came in response to an airspace violation
by Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s northwestern Sa’ada province.
__________________________________________
Hezbollah slams US as 'mother of terror'
as Washington imposes new sanctions
August 21, 3:15pm
(PressTV)
Lebanon’s Hezbollah has slammed the United States as the “mother
of terror” in the world after the US reinstated sanctions against the
resistance movement over claims that it is controlled by the
Islamic Revolution Guard Corps’ Quds Force.
In a statement on Friday, Hezbollah rejected the US claims,
describing the move as part of US attempts to press the
resistance and weaken Lebanon, “with the aim of
protecting the security of the Israeli enemy,
entrenching its occupation of southern
Lebanon and paving the way for it to
carry out its expansionist projects
and ambitions in the region.”
The resistance movement noted that the US action shows that
Washington treats Lebanon from a “position of tutelage,” and
strives to “strip Lebanon of all its sources of strength”,
instead of pressuring Israel to withdraw its troops
from southern Lebanon and halt its aggression.
It warned ---- that the US policy aims to create unrest in Lebanon,
and divert Lebanon’s confrontation away from the Israeli enemy.
The movement dismissed any questioning of its Lebanese identity,
referring to the sacrifices of thousands of its members who were
killed in defense of Lebanon and its people, as well as its long
history of fighting the Israeli occupation and defending
Lebanese territory and sovereignty.
Hezbollah also defended its ties with Tehran, saying “Our close
and fraternal relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran
is one we cherish and are proud of.”
The statement noted that Tehran has “stood by Lebanon,
supported it, and helped it liberate its land and restore
its sovereignty and rights. It remained at its side
through all stages and crises,” including.... by
contributing to the country’s reconstruction
after the 2006 Israeli war.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah stressed that Washington “has no moral or
legal authority to classify others” and determine who is patriotic.
Referring to the US “bloody criminal record”, including its military
interventions in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, its unwavering
support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza, its cover-up of Israel’s
crimes in Lebanon, Yemen and Syria ---- as well as its
unprovoked, illegal aggression against the Islamic
Republic, Hezbollah said that these crimes and
violations ------- make the US “the mother of
terrorism in the world” ...and disqualify it
from presenting itself as an authority
over other countries and peoples.
The movement stressed that these “unjust” sanctions and
designations will not undermine its commitment to
“resistance” and defending the country.
“Resistance was, is and will remain --- an integral
part of Lebanon’s history, present and future,”
the statement said.
____________________________________
Israeli occupation, not just E1
settlement expansion plan,
‘must end’: UN rapporteur
settlement expansion plan,
‘must end’: UN rapporteur
August 21, 1:38pm
(PressTV)
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since
1967, Francesca Albanese, said both the illegal E1
settlement expansion plan, which would split the
occupied West Bank, and Israel’s occupation of
Palestinian territories “must come to an end.”
In a post on X on Friday, Albanese stated that the International
Court of Justice’s 2024 advisory opinion clarified that “it’s the
occupation itself — not just the E1 plans — that must end.”
She condemned the ongoing Israeli assaults, and the violence
perpetrated by illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank and
Gaza, stating that Israeli soldiers and settlers severed water
pipes in the West Bank as the siege of the town of
Qusra persisted.
“In Gaza, the pulverization continues and
so do the massacres,” Albanese said.
“Since the ceasefire, Israel has killed 1,200+ people, including 300
children,” the veteran Italian legal expert on human rights noted.
She described the situation as “59 years of predatory
occupation” & “1,049 days of genocide,” criticizing
the lack of international sanctions.
Earlier, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy,
the Netherlands, Norway, and Canada called Israel’s decision
to issue construction tenders for the E1 settlement project
“unacceptable” and urged Israel to immediately rescind
the plans.
Israel outsourcing coercion to settlers in
occupied West Bank: UN’s Albanese
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese says Israel bears
responsibility for settler violence in the West Bank and is
effectively outsourcing coercion to them.
Additionally, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC), Hussein Ibrahim Taha --- condemned Israel’s
announcement of a tender for the construction of 1,234 new
settler units as part of the illegal E1 settlement project.
Taha said in a statement that the move constitutes a continuation
of Israeli settlement expansion schemes, annexations, forced
displacements and the imposition of facts on the ground,
aimed at altering the legal, political and demographic
status of the occupied Palestinian territories.
He called on the international community ---- particularly the UN
Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities
and take immediate measures to compel Israel, as the
occupying power, to comply with its international
obligations and immediately halt its systematic
crimes and violations against Palestinians,
their land and holy sites.
The E1 project aims to sever connections between Palestinian
communities and greatly hinder territorial continuity. It will
create a separation between East al-Quds and certain
areas of the West Bank, compelling Palestinians to
undertake long detours when traveling between
cities and towns.
Despite the fact that the E1 construction plan dates back
to the 1990s, its execution has consistently faced
delays ...owing to global opposition.
IRGC Quds Force chief: Israel now afflicted with
‘social cancer’; its internal collapse ‘inevitable’
Chief Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution
Guards Corps (IRGC) says illegal Israeli settlers are suffering
from "social cancer."
On August 14, far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich
announced his intention..... to move forward with the illegal
project that “buries the concept of a Palestinian state”.
More than 700,000 settlers live in over 230 settlements built since
the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.
The international community views the settlements as illegal
under international law and the Geneva Conventions - due
to their construction on occupied territories.
The UN Security Council has condemned Israel’s
settlement activities in several resolutions.
In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - declared
Israel’s decades-long occupation of historical Palestine illegal.
The ICJ demanded the evacuation of all existing settlements
in the West Bank and East al-Quds. It was mere words.
__________________________________________________
Pezeshkian: Iran - will never bow to bullying,
will give ‘crushing’ response to any attack
August 21, 1:29pm
(PressTV)
President Masoud Pezeshkian says that Tehran will not bow to
pressure or aggression, warning that the country will deliver
a “crushing response” to any future attack.
Addressing a meeting of the Islamic Association of Iranian Medical
Society in Tehran on Friday, Pezeshkian described the
Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as an
“honourable and valuable” outcome.... of
negotiations, rejecting suggestions
that Tehran had surrendered.. or
made significant concessions.
Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as an
“honourable and valuable” outcome.... of
negotiations, rejecting suggestions
that Tehran had surrendered.. or
made significant concessions.
“They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that
indicates surrender; all the commitments are related to the
other side,” he said.
He stressed that the agreement did not mean
Iran would submit.... if the US or its allies
launched another attack.
“Of course, none of this means that if they want to attack us,
we will surrender. These are two separate issues,”
Pezeshkian said.
“We will under no circumstances bow to bullying, and there is
no doubt about that. We will stand against them until our last
breath and give them a crushing response,” he added.
Pezeshkian said the agreement represented a “major achievement”
that had been approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security
Council, with those members directly involved in the
negotiations, firmly defending its terms.
“It is better to end the war today, when we are in a position of power
and dignity, when the whole world acknowledges our victory and
admits that the US has attacked our schools, hospitals, and
infrastructure, in violation of all laws,” Pezeshkian said.
Iranian military commanders and armed forces, he said, remain
fully prepared to defend the country, while emphasizing the
importance of preserving unity at home.
________________________________________________
China --- rejects US call to sever
economic ties with Iran... says
sanctions will not resolve war
August 21, 11:08am
(PressTV)
Beijing has rejected Washington’s latest demand that countries
join a renewed campaign of economic sanctions against Iran,
reaffirming that the escalating crisis needs political dialogue.
“Sanctions and pressure tactics are not the solution,” Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told media, Thursday.
The rebuke came, one day after the Trump administration issued
an open call to allies and China alike to fall in line with what the
president billed as the “most crushing economic operation
ever taken against any country” — a boastful threat that
came after Washington failed to achieve any of its war
objectives some six months after starting the
aggression on Iran in late February.
Notably, the United States has yet to detail the full scope of its so-
called operation, with US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent
punting further specifics to a Monday press conference — a
delay....... that raises questions about the campaign’s
actual readiness.
China calls on parties ---- to act responsibly and stick
to the political and diplomatic approach, added Jian.
Iran has strongly condemned the US campaign, with the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, describing Washington’s
economic aggression as an attempt to divert attention
from the US’s own problems.
Araghchi pointed to the US’s “unprecedented debt & surging
interest costs” as Washington seeks to impose further
economic pressure on Iran.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday the latest US
sanctions, announced on the anniversary of the 1953 coup
against Iran’s democratically elected government....
demonstrate Washington’s continued hostility
toward the Iranian people.
“The new US sanctions ------ are not only another indication of the
continuation of 73 years of hostility by US policymakers toward
the Iranian people, but also demonstrate ------ the anti-human,
lawless and hegemonic nature of the US government,”
the ministry noted.
The ministry further condemned the sanctions for targeting
the fundamental rights of Iranian citizens and violating
international norms.
“Without a doubt, the US economic sanctions against Iran,
which target the fundamental human rights of every
Iranian citizen --- constitute ‘economic terrorism’
and ‘crimes against humanity,’” it maintained.
Beijing’s rejection comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s
planned September 24 visit to the White House, adding
significance to China’s refusal to participate in
Washington’s economic campaign
against Tehran.
__________________________________________
Israeli forces ..expand ground incursions
in southern Syria, advancing with tanks
to Quneitra countryside
August 21, 11:04am
(PressTV)
Israeli occupation forces have expanded their incursions into
southern Syria, advancing with two tanks and three military
vehicles toward Tal al-Dariyat in the southern countryside
of Quneitra.
An Israeli patrol also moved into the Tal al-Karoum area in
the province's central countryside, according to local
Syrian sources - cited by al-Mayadeen.
the province's central countryside, according to local
Syrian sources - cited by al-Mayadeen.
The operation comes amid continued and repeated Israeli
incursions into Syrian territory ---- coinciding with the
deployment of Israeli forces in several areas of the
Quneitra countryside, the establishment of new
military posts and positions, as well as raids
and kidnappings of civilians.
incursions into Syrian territory ---- coinciding with the
deployment of Israeli forces in several areas of the
Quneitra countryside, the establishment of new
military posts and positions, as well as raids
and kidnappings of civilians.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces raided the town of Jabata
al-Khashab in Quneitra province with more than 100
personnel and 15 vehicles, abducting 2 residents
and searching multiple homes.
al-Khashab in Quneitra province with more than 100
personnel and 15 vehicles, abducting 2 residents
and searching multiple homes.
The overnight raid ......caused panic and intense fear among
residents, particularly because of the size of the military
force involved and the entry of military vehicles into
residential neighbourhoods.
residents, particularly because of the size of the military
force involved and the entry of military vehicles into
residential neighbourhoods.
The Israeli campaign of territorial incursions and attacks
across southern Syria has intensified since the fall of
Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024.
across southern Syria has intensified since the fall of
Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024.
Following the collapse of the Syrian government, Israel
exploited the resulting security vacuum to expand its
military presence inside Syrian territory.
exploited the resulting security vacuum to expand its
military presence inside Syrian territory.
Alongside extensive strikes on Syria's military infrastructure,
including air defense systems and warplanes, Israeli forces
pushed into areas of Quneitra and seized positions in
southern Syria, including parts of the strategically
important Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) area.
including air defense systems and warplanes, Israeli forces
pushed into areas of Quneitra and seized positions in
southern Syria, including parts of the strategically
important Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) area.
The Israeli forces have since maintained an almost daily
presence in parts of Quneitra and Daraa, establishing
temporary checkpoints, searching civilians and
vehicles, raiding homes, and detaining and
interrogating Syrians.
presence in parts of Quneitra and Daraa, establishing
temporary checkpoints, searching civilians and
vehicles, raiding homes, and detaining and
interrogating Syrians.
Local sources have also reported the destruction and
bulldozing of agricultural land during the incursions.
bulldozing of agricultural land during the incursions.
Satellite imagery and investigations have documented more
than 800 Israeli incursions beyond the buffer zone, since
December 2024, with about 235 square kilometres of
southern Syrian territory currently under direct
Israeli military control.
than 800 Israeli incursions beyond the buffer zone, since
December 2024, with about 235 square kilometres of
southern Syrian territory currently under direct
Israeli military control.
Israel's expanding military footprint in Syria has
also been accompanied by repeated airstrikes.
also been accompanied by repeated airstrikes.
On Tuesday, Israeli aircraft carried out eight strikes against
the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airbase in the eastern
countryside of Idlib ----- causing material damage to
the facility.
the runway of Abu al-Duhur military airbase in the eastern
countryside of Idlib ----- causing material damage to
the facility.
The attack came........ just a day after a Turkish military
delegation visited the airbase to inspect rehabilitation
work underway, leaving hours before the unprovoked
Israeli attack.
delegation visited the airbase to inspect rehabilitation
work underway, leaving hours before the unprovoked
Israeli attack.
Israel's war minister threatens Turkey
....as Apache squadron moves north
....as Apache squadron moves north
Israel has issued a veiled threat against Turkey following
its strikes on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border.
its strikes on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border.
The current de facto Syrian president --- Abu Muhammad al-
Jolani, whose extremist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
toppled President Assad in December 2024, has presided
over a regime.... that has done little in the face of the
Israeli invasion, occupation, and incessant
harassment of Syrians.
Jolani, whose extremist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
toppled President Assad in December 2024, has presided
over a regime.... that has done little in the face of the
Israeli invasion, occupation, and incessant
harassment of Syrians.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani's response to the
airbase bombing on Thursday was remarkably
....muted.
airbase bombing on Thursday was remarkably
....muted.
He merely expressed "concern" and said the attack "had no
justification," while also signaling Damascus's continued
openness to negotiations with Israel.
justification," while also signaling Damascus's continued
openness to negotiations with Israel.
Al-Shaibani said Syria remained open to resuming negotiations
with Israel if there is "real political will" in Tel Aviv.
with Israel if there is "real political will" in Tel Aviv.
"We tried to reach a security agreement with Israel, but it
retreated from its commitments," al-Shaibani stated,
adding: that Syria had made significant progress
toward a security agreement during a year of
US-mediated talks, but Israel later backed
away from all commitments.
retreated from its commitments," al-Shaibani stated,
adding: that Syria had made significant progress
toward a security agreement during a year of
US-mediated talks, but Israel later backed
away from all commitments.
Despite this ---- al-Shaibani said: "We are still interested in
reaching an agreement with Israel to reduce escalation,"
adding that talks could resume..... if Israel showed
"real political will".
reaching an agreement with Israel to reduce escalation,"
adding that talks could resume..... if Israel showed
"real political will".
Netanyahu called the HTS capture of Damascus in 2024 an
"historic day" ...and took credit for starting the chain of
events that led to regime change.
"historic day" ...and took credit for starting the chain of
events that led to regime change.
After Assad fell, Israel used the opportunity ------- to launch a
wide-ranging bombing campaign to destroy Syria's military
and defense infrastructure, including its air defenses.
wide-ranging bombing campaign to destroy Syria's military
and defense infrastructure, including its air defenses.
Israel has occupied large swathes of Syrian territory since
1967 and occupied additional territory immediately after
Assad was toppled.
1967 and occupied additional territory immediately after
Assad was toppled.
Israeli leaders have increasingly signaled that their
military occupation in Syria is not temporary
and could expand further.
military occupation in Syria is not temporary
and could expand further.
Israeli war minister Israel Katz has said Israel plans to keep
troops in Syria. Israeli troops carry out regular raids and
are erecting military infrastructure in water-rich
southern Syria, while facing no resistance
from Syria's new authorities.
troops in Syria. Israeli troops carry out regular raids and
are erecting military infrastructure in water-rich
southern Syria, while facing no resistance
from Syria's new authorities.
__________________________________________
Resistance Axis - stronger than
ever before: Ghalibaf from Iraq
August 21, 10:51am
(Al Mayadeen English)
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stresses
the need to confront sanctions, affirming that Iran will not allow
its dignity and honour to be violated.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on
Friday that the Axis of Resistance, is stronger than ever in
confronting global arrogance, while calling for plans to
counter sanctions.
Speaking during his visit to Iraq, Ghalibaf said, "The Axis
of Resistance today is stronger than ever in confronting
global arrogance".
He added, "We are not advocates of war - and do not seek it,
but we believe in an Islamic principle, which is that we will
not allow people to come, trample on our dignity and
honour, and then leave".
Ghalibaf arrived in Iraq’s Najaf province on Friday morning,
where he began his visit.... by heading to the grave of
martyr Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, according to the
Iraqi News Agency (INA).
He also thanked the Iraqi people for the funeral ceremonies
held in Najaf and Karbala for the late Leader of the Islamic
Revolution ...and the Islamic Republic martyr Sayyed Ali
Khamenei. Ghalibaf also highlighted - Iraq’s hosting of
millions of Iranian pilgrims over the years during the
Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Ghalibaf calls for planning
----- to counter sanctions
----- to counter sanctions
During a meeting with Iranian and Iraqi economists in Baghdad,
Ghalibaf stressed the need to prepare for sanctions and
overcome their effects. He said he was prepared to
"sacrifice money ...and position" and stand firm
in defense of dignity.
"Our enemies come to plunder the resources of Muslim countries,"
Ghalibaf said, calling for planning --- to confront and overcome
sanctions under the current circumstances.
His remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump
announced the “most destructive economic operation
ever undertaken against any country” targeting Iran.
Trump characterized the measures, as an “economic war
and unprecedented isolation,” following what he called
"Tehran’s failure to seize the opportunity given to it
to reach an agreement".
Ghalibaf arrived in Baghdad two days ago at
the head of a parliamentary delegation.
During his visit, he met senior Iraqi officials and prominent
figures, including Iraqi President Nizar Amedi, Prime
Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, and Parliament
Speaker Haybat al-Halbousi.
Ghalibaf’s Baghdad meetings - focused on bilateral ties
Ghalibaf’s remarks in Najaf and his meeting with Iranian
and Iraqi economists followed several meetings with
senior Iraqi officials during his visit to Baghdad,
where he discussed bilateral relations,
regional developments, and Iraq’s
sources of strength.
Source: News websites