UK courts whitewash Israeli genocide
in Gaza: Palestine Action terror ban
is upheld
June 15th, 6:43pm
(PressTV)
Britain’s Court of Appeal has upheld the government’s ban
on the heroic activist group Palestine Action under
draconian terror legislation..... in yet another
shameless display of Western collusion
with the Israeli regime.
The ruling, delivered Monday, overturned a February High
Court decision ---- that had declared the ban under the
Terrorism Act 2000 unlawful and disproportionate.
Chief Justice Sue Carr claimed Palestine Action’s actions
went beyond non-violent direct action, asserting that
the proscription “struck a fair balance.”
Lawyers for Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood had
argued that concerns over curtailed freedom of
expression were “overstated.”
Carr echoed this, insisting it was a “fundamental mistake” to
ignore the group’s alleged promotion of “unlawful violence
amounting to terrorism,” even while admitting the ban
was “highly controversial” ......and enjoyed broad
support from otherwise law-abiding citizens.
This verdict comes amid widespread outrage and a defiant
civil disobedience campaign against the proscription
imposed in July 2025.
It offers little comfort to a British government
increasingly exposed for its complicity in
Israeli crimes.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, vowed to fight on.
“We will take this all the way to the Supreme Court and the
European Court of Human Rights to overturn one of the
most extreme attacks on free speech and the right
to protest ---- in modern British history.”
Amnesty International slammed the decision as “deeply
disappointing,” calling the terrorist designation “a
grave misuse of counter-terrorism powers with
serious consequences for human rights.”
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, leading the Lift the Ban
campaign, expressed shock: “It appears the courts have
been instrumentalized to suppress opposition to
genocide --- when they should be doing the
precise opposite. We -- will continue to
protest - against this Government’s
embarrassing attempts to cover
up its crimes with mafia-state
intimidation tactics.”
Activists insist that Britain cannot simply invoke
sweeping counter-terrorism powers to silence
critics of Israeli atrocities.
Over 3,000 arrests linked to support for Palestine
Action have already been made.... since the ban.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
previously condemned the UK’s disproportionate
use of these laws --- against pro-Palestinian
voices, labeling it as: a direct threat to
freedom of expression & assembly.
This ruling lays bare the hypocrisy of the British establishment.
It shields Israeli war criminals and their arms suppliers while
branding peaceful citizens as terrorists for daring to
disrupt the machinery of genocide.
Activists say true terrorism is the Zionist regime’s daily
slaughter of Palestinians, not the courageous
resistance aimed at halting the flow
of weapons.
Britain persists in exporting arms and equipment, including
F-35 fighter jet components, to Israel ---- despite its own
supposed ''suspension'' in September 2024.
________________________________________
Senior cleric: Lebanon's govt.
should review its stances, &
improve relations with Iran
June 15th, 4:13pm
(PressTV)
The vice president of Lebanon's Supreme Islamic Shia Council
has welcomed the memorandum of understanding between
Tehran and Washington, describing it as an opportunity
...for the Beirut government to redefine its political
approaches, improve relations with the Islamic
Republic of Iran, and move to consolidation
of the ceasefire and the reconstruction
of the Arab country.
While thanking Iran for its "steadfast position against the Zionist
regime's war of aggression against Lebanon," Sheikh Ali al-
Khatib said Tehran had long insisted that any agreement
with the US must result in a cessation of Israeli strikes
on Lebanon.
He stated that Iran has adhered to its promises and obligations
towards Lebanon, emphasizing that the US government is
now expected to fulfill its obligations.... and oblige the
Tel Aviv regime to stop its attacks and vile actions
against Lebanon.
Sheikh Khatib hailed the Iran-US deal as an achievement for
the Iranian nation, expressing gratitude to all the countries
that played a role in its conclusion.
He hoped that the memorandum of understanding, could help
strengthen stability in West Asia region and across the globe.
Sheikh Khatib also called on the Lebanese government to
review its positions, and improve its relations with Iran
in light of the recent developments.
The vice president of Lebanon's Supreme Islamic Shia Council
expressed hope that the deal between Tehran & Washington
will lead to the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation
forces from southern Lebanon, a return of the local
population to their residences, the start of the
reconstruction process -- and the release
all those Lebanese prisoners... being
kept in Israeli detention centres.
On Monday evening, Iran's Supreme National Security Council
announced that the Memorandum of Understanding made
between Tehran and Washington ...earlier in the day on
Monday will bring an end to the warfare on all fronts,
including in Lebanon.
The SNSC secretariat declared that, guided by the late Leader
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the instructions of the
current Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei,
the steadfast support of the Iranian people, and
the relentless efforts of the nation's armed
forces --- the Islamic Republic has now
concluded a phase of challenging
and intensive talks.
“The text of the memorandum concerning the end-of-war
discussions (Islamabad talks) between Iran and the US
was finalized on the evening of June 15, with the
consent of the Supreme National Security
Council,” the statement indicated.
“It was agreed ...that all military actions and warfare on
various fronts, including Lebanon, cease immediately
and permanently. Moreover, the naval blockade
against Iran will also be ended completely
and without delay. ”
Additionally, the SNSC secretariat mentioned that the MoU
is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday, June 19.
____________________________________________
Hezbollah vows no return
to pre-March 2 reality,
congratulates Iran
June 15th, 2:28pm
(Al Mayadeen English)
Hezbollah salutes Iran's steadfastness in securing a ceasefire
that includes Lebanon, warns "Israel" there will be no return
to pre-March 2 reality, and calls on Lebanese forces to unite.
Hezbollah has congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on
reaching a memorandum of understanding with the US,
which the Lebanese Resistance movement credits
with bringing about a comprehensive ceasefire
across all fronts, including Lebanon.
In a statement, Hezbollah's media relations office affirmed that
the agreement is the fruit of Iran's "legendary steadfastness,
exceptional resolve, and immense sacrifices," highlighting
that the Iranian people and their leadership held firmly to
"national choices ------ that safeguard their dignity,
sovereignty, and independence."
A prelude to full liberation
Hezbollah underscored that the achievement was only a first
step, framing the ceasefire as "a prelude to completing the
path... toward the full liberation" of Lebanese land, the
return of prisoners to their families, the return of all
displaced residents -- particularly those from front-
line villages and the reconstruction of everything
destroyed by the Israeli aggression.
The Resistance urged its constituency not to rush back to their
towns and villages, calling on them to "exercise patience and
await the instructions of the relevant authorities," citing
safety concerns and the risk of 'Israeli' violations of
the agreement.
No return to pre-March 2 reality
Hezbollah warned the Israeli regime, stressing that it
"must understand that there will be no return to
the pre-March 2 reality."
The Resistance, it asserted, would not accept "any aggression
that violates the sovereignty of its homeland or spills the
blood of its people," and will remain committed to
Lebanon's right to defend its land until full
Israeli withdrawal is achieved --- and
all the prisoners... returned.
A call for Lebanese national unity
The statement called on Lebanon's authorities and all political
forces to restore a unified national position, framing unity as
essential to protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, strength,
and resilience --- against Israeli ambitions.
Addressing Lebanese authorities directly, Hezbollah warned
against the path of direct negotiations with "Israel" and
stances taken against the Resistance.
"Wisdom - dictates a thorough review of the policies and
courses pursued by [Lebanon's] authorities, learning
from this experience and from the many ordeals
Lebanon has previously faced, while
abandoning illusions and
failed gambles."
The movement said -- relying on "true friends"
represents the surest path to safeguarding
Lebanon's national interests.
Iran ---- a strong, loyal ally
Hezbollah extended particular praise to the Leader of
the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei,
saluting his "rare wisdom, courage, and insight"
in leading this phase... alongside the Iranian
president, government, and armed forces,
including the Islamic Revolution
Guard Corps.
The movement expressed deep gratitude for Iran's
steadfast support for Lebanon, its people, and its
Resistance, and highlighted Iran's insistence on
Lebanon being included in any understanding
that would bring the war to an end.
Hezbollah affirmed that Iran bore "the burdens of siege
and aggression," proving itself to be "truly the best
support and a strong, loyal ally."
Hezbollah also extended thanks to all countries that
participated in, contributed to, or helped remove
obstacles to reaching the agreement.
It also called on Lebanon to make proper use of a
"regional and international umbrella" to achieve
sovereignty and liberate its land, within the
framework of internal unity.
Salute to the Resistance's
popular base
The statement paid a high tribute to "the people of honour,
dignity, and pride," the loyal supporters of the Resistance
and the displaced, praising their "patience, endurance,
and steadfastness" ....throughout the aggression.
Hezbollah confirmed they proved themselves
to be "the noblest of people" ....echoing the
words of Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah closed with a salute to the leadership and fighters of
the Resistance, asserting that they are the nation's "fortified
shield and impregnable rampart." It highlighted that they
sacrificed their "blood and sacred souls for the dignity
of their homeland ...and the honour of their people,"
waged heroic battles in which the Israeli enemy
witnessed "some of their might," and made it
taste "the bitterness of defeat."
Source: Al Mayadeen English
_______________________________
Displaced Lebanese heading home
despite Israel’s refusal to halt
aggression as part of
Iran-US deal
June 15th, 11:15am
(PressTV)
Forcibly displaced Lebanese are returning to their towns in
southern Lebanon despite Israel's open defiance of an
agreement between the US and Iran that declared a
permanent termination of military operations on
all fronts.
In the first official reaction from an Israeli leader to last night's
ceasefire announcement, Israel Katz, Israel's minister of
military affairs, said that occupation troops will remain
in southern Lebanon and promptly defended the
Zionist entity's policies.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I - are leading a clear
policy that determines that the IDF will remain in the security
zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, without any time limit, to
protect, from there, the border and Israeli communities
against jihadist elements,” he said.
He added that local inhabitants would be expelled from the
security zones, and all - he alleged to be - terror-related
infrastructure, both on the ground and underground,
including homes in villages along the contact line
....will be obliterated.
He claimed.. that maintaining control over the security zones is
among the IDF's most significant accomplishments in the war,
noting that for that reason, "we oppose an IDF withdrawal
from Lebanon, despite all the existing pressures and
those that will still come."
He asserted that Netanyahu had made these positions
unequivocally clear to US President Trump and other
senior US officials, adding that he himself had
conveyed the same message to the US'
Secretary of War, Peter Hegseth.
Katz further noted that the IDF also backs maintaining
control over the security zone in Lebanon.
“We will not compromise on Israel’s security interests"
and the protection of settlers "and we will not
withdraw from the security zones,” he said.
The Israeli minister also cautioned that any Iranian attack
on Israel triggered by events in Lebanon would be met
with full force, reiterating the regime's sole
commitment to settlers and security.
Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported
that Netanyahu had informed Trump that “Israel is not
bound by the terms of the agreement” reached
between Iran and Washington and will not
withdraw from Lebanon.
The daily cited Israeli sources as stating that Netanyahu
further informed Trump that the Israeli military would
stay in its existing positions inside Lebanon, and
would retaliate against any strikes launched by
the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.
Earlier this morning, Lebanese families who were forcibly
displaced from their homes started making their way
back to their southern towns - in defiance of both
the continued Israeli assaults and widespread
recommendations from their local municipal
authorities to wait until the recent US-Iran
agreement becomes clearer.
Local municipalities in southern Lebanon have confirmed to
sources on the ground that Israeli occupation forces are
still ''firmly entrenched'' north of the Litani River,
cautioning that the situation is not yet secure
for residents to permanently return to these
contested areas.
Israel continues to raid southern Lebanon
in open defiance of the Iran-US deal
Israeli occupation forces carried out strikes against areas
in southern Lebanon on Monday, in blatant violation of
the Iran-US deal.
According to Lebanese media outlets, shortly after the
announcement of the Iran-US MoU, which included
the end of war on all fronts, including Lebanon,
Israeli occupation forces pressed ahead with
their assaults south of the Arab country,
violating the deal.
Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes in the early hours
of Monday, targeting the town of Majdal Zoun. A drone strike
hit areas in the town of Kfar Tebnit as well.
Iran and the US on Sunday finalized the text of an MoU
aimed at ending the war, said Iran’s Supreme National
Security Council (SNSC).
It is expected to bring an immediate and permanent halt to the
war on all fronts.... including Lebanon, and end the US naval
blockade against Iran. The agreement is scheduled to be
officially signed in Switzerland on June 19.
_____________________________________________________________
Pakistan - will host ‘historic’ Iran-US deal
signing ceremony in Geneva on June 19:
PM Sharif
June 15th, 10:40am
(PressTV)
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the formal signing
ceremony of the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
will be hosted by his country in Geneva on June 19.
Sharif, whose country mediated between Iran and the US,
announced early on Monday that Tehran and Washington
reached an agreement following intensive negotiations,
with both sides declaring an immediate, permanent
end to military operations across all fronts,
including in Lebanon.
During his opening address to Pakistan’s National Assembly,
Shehbaz said, "Today, by the grace of Allah, the world has
crossed an historic milestone.”
Describing the development as a turning point after a period of
global tension, he added, “I congratulate the Pakistani
nation and the entire international community
from the depths of my heart.”
He called the Iran-US agreement a matter of collective pride,
saying Pakistan played a constructive role in supporting
the diplomatic engagement.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the US, following the
announcement of a ceasefire on April 8 of this year,
began negotiations to permanently end the war
with Pakistan's mediation.
The text of the MOU, based on Iran's 14-point proposal from the
very beginning of the ceasefire, was reviewed multiple times
over the past 60 days in the capitals of both countries.
Tehran and Washington each, at various stages, applied
and announced their perspectives on the text.
Despite all pressures, ceasefire violations, and repeated
changes in Washington's position, the Islamic Republic
of Iran insisted on its stance.
Following the signing of the MOU, the two countries will place
a series of intensive negotiations on their agenda over the
next 60 days, to reach a comprehensive agreement on
disputed issues.
__________________________________
Iran - to hold US to account for
implementation of agreement:
Araghchi to counterparts
June 15th, 9:56am
(PressTV)
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has discussed the
agreement with the United States with his counterparts
from Türkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Japan, and Saudi Arabia,
emphasizing US responsibility for implementing
the deal.
Speaking in separate telephone calls on Monday morning with
Hakan Fidan of Türkiye, Fuad Hussein of Iraq, Badr Abdelatty
of Egypt, Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan and Faisal bin Farhan
of Saudi Arabia, Araghchi discussed the process and
provisions of the Islamabad memorandum
of understanding.
Referring to the responsibility of the US in implementing the
agreement, Araghchi emphasized the need for a complete
halt to the destabilizing aggressions and the Israeli
attacks against Lebanon.
The top diplomat also expressed gratitude for the positions and
roles of Türkiye, Iraq, & Egypt in supporting the establishment
of a ceasefire, reducing tensions, and pursuing diplomatic
efforts to achieve regional stability and security.
The foreign ministers of Iran, Türkiye, Iraq, and Egypt also
stressed -- the continuation of close consultations and
cooperation regarding regional developments.. and
the necessity of strengthening diplomatic efforts
to maintain peace and stability.
In conversation with his Japanese counterpart,
Araghchi explained the most important
provisions of the memorandum of
understanding.. and expressed
hope - that its implementation
would mark the beginning of
a new chapter of economic
cooperation & investment
between the 2 countries.
Motegi welcomed the Islamabad memorandum of
understanding, describing it as an important step
toward resolving regional crises, and stressed
the necessity of its precise implementation.
Talks toward a final agreement.... will be postponed until
after the other side has implemented its commitments
under the memorandum, the secretariat said.
Araghchi also briefed his Saudi counterpart --- on the
provisions and latest developments regarding the
Islamabad memorandum of understanding.
Araghchi also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's role
in the ongoing diplomatic process.. aimed at ending the
US-Israeli aggression against Iran and strengthening
regional stability and security. He further stressed
the importance ...of continuing this process.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the US, following the
announcement of a ceasefire on April 8 of this year,
began negotiations to permanently end the war -
with Pakistan's mediation.
The text of the announced memorandum of understanding —
based on Iran's 14-point proposal from the very beginning of
the ceasefire — was reviewed multiple times over the past
60 days in the capitals of both countries. Tehran and
Washington each, at various stages, applied and
announced their perspectives on the text.
Despite all pressures, ceasefire violations, and repeated
changes in Washington's position, the Islamic Republic
of Iran insisted on its stance.
Following the signing of this memorandum, the two countries
will place a series of intensive negotiations on their agenda
in the next 60 days - to reach a comprehensive agreement
on disputed issues.
_________________________________________________
Netanyahu.... must be removed
'with sticks and stones' -- if he
tries to sabotage the election,
says Ex-Israeli PM Ehud Barak
June 15th, 7:08am
(PressTV)
Former Israeli premier Ehud Barak has called for Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu to be removed “with sticks and stones”
if he attempts to undermine the upcoming general election
through military aggression against Lebanon.
“I fear Netanyahu may try to sabotage the elections, and he
can do it very easily … If he tries, we will have no choice
but to remove him with sticks and stones,” Barak said
during an interview on Sunday.
Netanyahu, 76, has led the current coalition
administration since late December 2022.
His party, Likud, has been described as the most right-wing
since Israel was illegally established as a political entity
on the occupied Palestinian territories in 1948.
The current term of the Israeli parliament expires in
October 2026, with elections expected to be held
in September or October.
Barak warned that Netanyahu “could sabotage the elections”
by attacking Lebanon, which in turn would force the
Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, or
Iran, to retaliate.
“Netanyahu wants an endless war because he understands
that ending it ..would accelerate his trial,” Barak warned.
Netanyahu is currently standing trial on corruption charges and
is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) since
2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza,
where Israel’s genocidal assault has killed over 72,000
Palestinians and wounded 172,000 others.
Barak condemned Netanyahu for attacking Iran, saying “Israel
is paying the price for Netanyahu’s arrogance and lack of
foresight,” because “none of the objectives of the war
against Iran have been achieved.”
He also said that the negotiations between Washington and
Tehran are “very bad” for Israel and that Netanyahu
is to blame for any upcoming agreement.
The arrangements under discussion between Iran and the US
are “not an agreement, but a memorandum of understanding
that [fails] to address either missiles or Iran’s regional
allies,” Barak said.
On Monday -- the secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security
Council (SNSC) said that Tehran and Washington have finalized
the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending
the war, bringing an immediate, permanent halt to military
operations on all fronts --- including in Lebanon --- and
terminating the US naval blockade against Iran.
The MoU, finalized late Sunday, will
be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
Under its terms, the war and all military attacks, including
in Lebanon, have ended immediately, and the US naval
blockade of Iran has been lifted.
Further technical and political talks are expected to follow
the signing ...to address implementation details.
The US-Israeli aggression against Iran
began on February 28, 2026.
The Iranian armed forces responded with daily missile
and drone barrages against targets in the Israeli-
occupied territories, as well as US military
bases and assets across the region.
Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a sharp rise
in global oil prices and other energy-related commodities.