Greece inks $3.5 billion deal
to buy comprehensive
missile system...
from Israel
August 31, 4:57pm
(PressTV)
Israel and Greece - have signed a massive 3 billion euro ($3.5
billion) deal, under which the Tel Aviv regime will beef up the
Mediterranean country’s defenses & build a “multi-layered”
missile system for it, as the two sides continue to expand
their military relationship.
The Israeli ministry of military affairs said in a statement on Monday
that the multi-billion-dollar weapons deal is the largest-ever with
Athens, and marks one of the biggest in Israel’s history.
The “Achilles Shield” agreement, named after the Greek
mythological figure Achilles, will see Israel export
several systems, including David’s Sling and
SPYDER, manufactured by Rafael, and
BARAK MX, manufactured by Israel
Aerospace Industries, according
to the ministry.
The statement also declared that this marked the first time
that Israel will supply another country with a “complete
defense array against a wide range of threats,”
including ballistic missiles and drones.
UAE exposed ---- as secret buyer in
huge arms deal with Israel: Report
This revelation comes... after a quiet expansion of UAE–Israel
cooperation maintained throughout Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The Greece agreement comes at a time when Israeli arms exports
have hit unprecedented levels, exceeding $19 billion last year,
marking a 30% rise from 2024, according to official statistics,
despite extensive criticism of Israel’s conduct in its
genocidal war in Gaza, its bloody onslaught
against Lebanon, and its illegal war
of aggression on Iran.
Israel and Greece have deepened
military ties ---- in the last decade.
Greece seeks to modernize its armed forces and spends nearly
3.5% of its gross domestic product on defense amid long-
standing disputes with Türkiye.. over sea boundaries
in the eastern Mediterranean.
______________________________________
Iran believes peace, security must prevail
-- throughout all of West Asia: Pezeshkian
August 31, 3:34pm
(PressTV)
President Masoud Pezeshkian has underlined the need for
comprehensive peace throughout West Asia, where no-
one will be subjected to violence.
He made the remarks on Monday in a meeting with
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the
sidelines..... of the annual summit of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran... firmly believes that peace and
security must prevail throughout the region, and that people,
regardless of their religion, sect, or ethnicity, should not be
subjected to war, violence, or conflict,” he said.
Pezeshkian also said Islamic countries have the capability to
resolve their own disputes and internal issues, and that they
can address their problems & differences, through dialogue
and cooperation, without foreign intervention.
Iran, he added, “has consistently maintained that if Muslim
states stand united and act in solidarity, the Zionist regime
would not dare attack them so easily.”
Meanwhile, the Iranian president welcomed a recently signed
defense agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Türkiye,
known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement ---- as a step
toward strengthening unity across the Islamic world.
He further expressed hope: that other countries in the region and
across the Muslim world will also join the pact and expand their
cooperation in defensive, political, economic, & cultural areas.
Additionally, the Iranian president voiced his satisfaction with the
growing Tehran-Islamabad relations and thanked the Pakistani
prime minister for attending the funeral ceremony for the
martyrs of the illegal US-Israeli war of aggression
against Iran.
He also appreciated the Pakistani government for its active
and constructive role in the negotiations that led to a war-
termination deal between Iran and the US.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran remains ready to implement the
agreement reached through the efforts of the friendly and
brotherly government of Pakistan, provided..... that the
other side also honours & fulfills its commitments.”
Pakistan ..brokered the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) on June 17 that required both sides to end all hostilities
and prepare for further negotiations. However, the US violated
the deal by conducting deadly aerial assaults on Iran and
imposing a naval blockade of the country.
Pakistan, previously, played a pivotal role in securing the April 8
ceasefire that brought an end to the 40-day criminal US-Israeli
aggression against Iran.
Sharif, for his part, said enhanced cooperation and coordination
between Iran and Pakistan in recent months have produced
very positive results.
Regional conflicts and insecurity have created problems and
concerns for the people of the region ..and millions around
the world, he added, urging regional countries to step up
cooperation and coordination aimed at bringing an end
to the current situation.
The Pakistani prime minister also pointed to growing international
public support for Iran, saying that today the majority of people
across the globe recognize Tehran’s position as justified.
Moreover, he expressed hope for peace and security in the region
through dialogue and within the framework of the Islamabad MoU.
Iran and Pakistan are two brotherly states, he said, which have a
duty to work for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of their
own people, and those in the region.
Pakistan shares in joy and happiness of the Iranian people,
as well as their sorrow and pain, the Pakistani prime
minister said.
He also said the Mecca Agreement is defensive in nature
and that it is not directed against any country.
_____________________________________
Over 1,000 Israeli soldiers killed
--- in Iran’s retaliatory strikes:
Armed Forces spokesman
August 31, 2:51pm
(PressTV)
The spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces says at least a
thousand Israeli soldiers have been killed in the Islamic
Republic’s retaliatory attacks targeting military
installations, strategic sites and intelligence
centres across the occupied territories.
Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi stated on Monday
that thousands more Israeli military personnel were
also wounded during the joint US-Israeli war of
aggression against Iran, which began late
in February.
Evidence suggests that the United States also lost hundreds of
servicemen, while thousands of its troops were injured during
the latest round of Iranian drone and missile attacks on US
regional bases in July, he further noted.
Brigadier General Shekarchi condemned both Washington and Tel
Aviv for their dishonesty regarding military casualties ...and for
obscuring the real statistics.
He noted that the US had only disclosed the deaths of its troops in
the Afghanistan and Iraq wars years after they had occurred, and
only subsequently ...returned the remains to their families.
The senior spokesman characterized the US military as a
“Hollywood and propaganda army” built up to exploit
the resources of Muslim nations.
Iranian Army: attacks US forces at al-Minhad
Air Base in the UAE ....with kamikaze drones
The Iranian Army says it has targeted US military helicopters
and personnel stationed at al-Minhad Air Base in the UAE
with dozens of kamikaze drones in reprisal for a fatal
US strike on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
He stated that Iran's most significant accomplishment was
revealing the “Hollywood façade” of the US army and the
Tel Aviv regime, thereby allowing the international
community ---- to witness their vulnerability.
The senior Iranian military official said that countries worldwide,
including some that host US military bases, have lost faith in
Washington and have realized ---- that a US that cannot
defend itself ---- is unable to protect its allies.
He then pointed - to the Strait of Hormuz, saying that US President
Donald Trump, along with his supporters and allies, are now seen
as embodiments of “evil and wickedness.” He also issued a
stern warning against any attempts to assert control
over the vital waterway.
“Our response to the US president and other [US] leaders is
that they can merely fantasize about the Strait of Hormuz
being regarded as part of their territory,” he stated.
The spokesman highlighted - that Trump’s claim regarding the Strait
of Hormuz is ridiculous and rooted in illusions and wishful thinking.
“These claims may have been made to wage psychological
warfare against our society.”
General Shekarchi emphasized that Iran will not allow US forces to
remain in West Asia, and is resolute in its efforts ---- to expel them
from the region.
He also vowed that Iran would take revenge for the assassination
of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei, the elementary students who lost their lives in a US
strike against Shajareh Tayyebeh School in the southern city
of Minab, the martyrs in the southern city of Lar, and all the
innocent Iranians who have been killed in the joint
US/Israeli onslaught.
“The matter might take a while, either sooner or later, but it will
certainly be carried out,” Brigadier General Shekarchi said.
He also stated that enemies, through various means, are seeking
to achieve.... whatever they could not accomplish via a direct
military confrontation with the Iranian Armed Forces.
___________________________________
Foreign troops --- must be ‘cut off’
from West Asia: Iran's deputy FM
August 31, 2:29PM
(PressTV)
Iran's deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has praised the
retaliatory operation conducted by the Iranian armed forces
shortly after the US struck Larak Island in the country’s
south, stressing that foreign troops must learn the
lesson --- and leave the region.
Late on Sunday, the US attacked the southern Larak Island in the
Strait of Hormuz, killing and injuring several Iranian servicemen
and civilians & causing damage to public and private property.
“We view these as part of a military aggression against the country.
As the brave armed forces have proved ---- any action against the
country’s territorial integrity, at any level, will be met with a
very decisive response,” Gharibabadi said on Monday.
Noting that “these acts of aggression will receive a proper
response,” he said, “Foreigners must be cut off from this
region and must learn serious lessons, so that they do
not repeat their aggressions against Iran.”
Earlier on Monday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps
announced that its Aerospace Force had struck US
military positions in Jordan ---- delivering a
decisive response to the US assault
on Larak.
The Army also said that US military assets in the United
Arab Emirates - were struck in retaliation for the attack.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says the US attack on its Larak
Island was a violation of national sovereignty,
territorial integrity and the UN Charter.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the US attack on Larak
Island as a violation of the Islamic Republic’s national sovereignty
and territorial integrity, saying it exercised its legitimate right ----
to retaliate.
"In response to this military aggression, and in accordance with the
inherent right of self-defense, the powerful armed forces of Islamic
Iran delivered defensive and crushing blows to US military bases
in Jordan.. which served as the origin and supporter of the US
military aggression against Iran," the ministry emphasized.
It reiterated that the US attack on Larak Island was a clear violation
of the United Nations Charter, and urged the UN Security Council
and the UN Secretary-General - to fulfill their responsibilities in
preserving international peace and security and holding the
aggressor accountable.
According to the ministry, the full responsibility for the
consequences of any new US military action and the
continuation of the naval blockade and economic
warfare against Iran rests with the US and all
parties that in any way aid or abet such
unlawful measures.
______________________________________
Israeli forces burn homes in Houla,
demolish buildings in al-Mansouri
August 31, 1:17pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
Israeli forces - continue violating the ceasefire in southern
Lebanon, setting homes on fire and demolishing buildings
in occupied areas,.
Israeli military forces set fire to several homes in the southern
Lebanese town of Houla and targeted the town with artillery
on Monday, according to a correspondent for Al Mayadeen.
The correspondent reported that the Israeli military carried out an
explosion in the Byout al-Suyyad farm and conducted a sweeping
operation there using machine guns. The Israeli forces also
carried out excavation and demolition work in the town
of Mansouri.
According to the report, the aggression is part of an ongoing Israeli
violation of the ceasefire agreement. "The Israeli army - is shelling
southern villages and towns - with artillery, airstrikes, and drones,
in addition to deliberately burning agricultural fields, detonating
and demolishing homes and infrastructure, and targeting
civilians," the Al Mayadeen's correspondent said.
Continued Israeli artillery and airstrikes
reported in southern Lebanon
Israeli artillery shelling targeted the Zawtar River bed, while ongoing
artillery fire struck the Ali al-Taher hill, according to Al Mayadeen's
correspondent. Israeli warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes
targeting the Wadi al-Salouqi area and the Ali al-Taher hill in the
Nabatieh district.
An Israeli helicopter was also conducting surveillance sweeps over
the western Zawtar River bed, the correspondent reported, while
Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of the towns of al-Mansouri
and Byout al-Seyyad. The Dawhet Kfar Roumman area came
under intermittent artillery fire.
The correspondent in southern Lebanon additionally reported that
the past few hours have seen an Israeli advance toward the
northern outskirts of Mais al-Jabal. Artillery shelling
targeted the Ali al-Taher hill in the morning, and
Israeli forces conducted a sweep in the town
of Haddatha.
"The ongoing Israeli attacks aim to displace southern residents
from their land," the correspondent emphasized.
Health Ministry: 4,352 martyrs, 12,318 wounded
Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Centre -- affiliated
with the Ministry of Public Health, issued an updated cumulative
toll covering the Israeli aggression from March 2 --- through to
August 28.
According to the Ministry, the number of martyrs.. has reached
4,352, while 12,318 people have been wounded since the
escalation began. The latest attacks come amid
continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire
agreement in Lebanon.
Israeli occupation forces have repeatedly targeted southern towns
and villages with artillery fire, warplane strikes, and drone attacks,
while also setting agricultural fields ablaze and carrying out
demolitions and bulldozing operations targeting homes
and infrastructure.
The ongoing violations, have also resulted in the continued
killing and wounding of civilians across southern Lebanon.
Source: Al Mayadeen English
_________________________________
Arab states call US sanctions
on Iran ....unrealistic: Report
August 31, 11:35am
(PressTV)
Leaders of the Arab Persian Gulf states have reportedly
told Washington that sanctions imposed on Iran by the
US Treasury Secretary are “unrealistic” and difficult
for the countries to accommodate ---- citing their
geographic proximity and close ties with Iran.
Officials from the Persian Gulf states formally conveyed to the US
side that the directive issued by US Treasury Secretary Scott
Bessent, as part of an economic war against Iran, was “not
realistic” and couldn't be tolerated, given their geographic
circumstances, neighbouring status and proximity to Iran.
The regional newspaper Rai al-Youm reported that Western
diplomatic circles believe the United Arab Emirates, Oman
and Qatar are unlikely to show the same willingness as
European countries.... to comply with decisions and
memoranda from the US Treasury Department.
According to the report, some foreign governments, including
Qatar, may not adhere to US threats of economic sanctions,
viewing them as unrealistic and evidence of the continued
escalation of tensions in the region.
Such measures, the report said, could also undermine efforts
to pursue scenarios aimed at reducing regional tensions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new
“economic terrorism” campaign, absurdly comparing it
to the D-Day Normandy landings of World War II.
Bessent claimed the measures target Iran’s financial
networks worldwide and warned that no partner is
beyond Washington’s reach.
He said the Trump administration has identified entities
dealing with Iran and will impose deadlines for them to
cut ties ..or face exclusion from the US dollar system.
China, Russia and Pakistan, have also opposed US
threats of sanctions ....against countries trading
with Iran.
The illusion of ‘maximum pressure’: New
US sanctions against Iran.... recycle a
failed strategy with same old results
The latest US sanctions on Iran ..repackage the failed “maximum
pressure” campaign, despite four decades of Iranian adaptation,
Washington’s irreparable credibility deficit, and mounting costs
to US consumers and global stability, all of which demonstrate
that sanctions have failed to achieve their objectives and are
unlikely ever to do so.
Abdolamir Rabihavi, director general of the West Asia Office of Iran’s
Trade Promotion Organization, said Iran’s trading partners had
largely disregarded the announcement of new US sanctions
and that trade with these countries was continuing.
Rabihavi said expanding trade with neighbouring countries as well
as major Eastern economies could provide an opportunity to
strengthen Iran’s foreign trade.
“One should not be overly influenced by unprofessional remarks
by US officials, as many countries need Iranian goods and the
country’s products are competitive in target markets, in
terms of quality and price,” he said.
The official said trade -- was a two-way, mutually beneficial
relationship, noting that just as Iran seeks markets for its
goods, its trading partners are also looking for suitable
suppliers to meet their needs, and Iran can supply
part of those requirements.
Rabihavi also stressed -- the need to diversify Iran’s export markets,
saying Africa, with around 50 countries, and a population of nearly
1.5 billion, represents an important and relatively underdeveloped
market for Iranian exports of goods and services.
Alongside African countries, Rabihavi said, the Central Asian
states could also provide suitable markets for Iranian goods,
particularly given their existing capacities and the
opportunities offered by free-trade agreements,
which Iran should seriously seek to utilize.
____________________________________________
Trump threatens -- to take action
against S Korea for refusing to
take part in war on Iran
August 31, 11:07am
(PressTV)
US President Donald Trump has threatened to downgrade
its ties with South Korea over Seoul’s refusal to
participate in the US-Israeli war on Iran.
In an interview with Fox News released on Sunday,
Trump threatened that Washington may decide to
reconsider the scope of te US military presence
in South Korea.
“We have very little help from other countries, and we help
other countries; we spend billions and billions of dollars
helping NATO and other countries, South Korea... as
an example.”
He added he would be a “fool” if he did not punish
Seoul for refusing to do as it was told by the US.
“When they are not willing to do anything
for you, you can’t be a fool and help them.”
Trump revisited the issue multiple times, even
ordering a significant reduction in joint
military drills with South Korea.
He told the Pentagon earlier this month to
scale back joint military exercises with
the South Korean military.
Trump had described the joint military
exercises with South Korea as costly.
He also said that the annual joint military
exercises were “hostile” towards North
Korea and had called for them to be
reduced, citing his relationship
with Kim Jong-un.
Trump’s latest remarks renewed concerns
among US allies, citing US foreign policy
shifts as proof of Washington’s
untrustworthiness.
Analysts say Trump is sending Washington’s allies
mixed signals, citing the scale-back of joint
military exercises with South Korea as
another example of the Trump
administration’s true lack
of leadership.
____________________________________
Araghchi calls Netanyahu a ‘serpent,’
says he ‘suckered’ US into war
on Iran
August 31, 10:38am
(PressTV)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called Israeli prime
minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “serpent” who “suckered”
the US into war on Iran, exposing his deception and
efforts ---- to manipulate US public opinion
and policymaking.
In a post on his X account on Monday, Araghchi highlighted
the discrepancies between Netanyahu’s Hebrew and
English claims about the war on Iran.
“In Hebrew, Netanyahu openly crows -- that he suckered the US
Administration into a war on Iran on behalf of Israel,” he wrote.
Araghchi stated that Netanyahu “explicitly laughs about how
he ‘influenced’ America through 1,000 hours of airtime on
US networks.”
“In English, he praises POTUS’ leadership. Serpent,” he added.
On Sunday, Netanyahu claimed on Channel 14 that he
has been “dealing with Iran for close to 40 years.”
“It took me a long time... to get our security establishment to deal
with Iran itself. It also took a long time to bring the United States
to this understanding. I was able to do that because I had close
to a thousand hours on American television,” he alleged.
The US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran began on February 28,
with joint strikes ------ that assassinated the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and targeted
nuclear facilities, schools, and hospitals.
The aggression reflected Netanyahu’s long-standing push for direct
US military involvement against Iran. Israel had repeatedly sought
stronger US action against Tehran, while Washington ------ is now
locked in a war ...from which it is unable to extricate itself.