Iran made preparations to close Strait of Hormuz: Report
Quoting two US officials, Reuters news agency reports that the Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Gulf some time after Israel launched its initial missile attack against Iran on June 13.
The loading of the mines, which have not been deployed in the strait, suggests that Tehran may have been serious about closing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, a move that would have escalated an already-spiralling conflict and severely hobbled global commerce. About one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and a blockage would likely have spiked world energy prices.
The report also said it wasn’t clear if the mines have since been unloaded. The sources did not disclose how the US determined that the mines had been put on the Iranian vessels, but such intelligence is typically gathered through satellite imagery, clandestine human sources or a combination of both methods.
The two officials said the US government has not ruled out the possibility that loading the mines was a ruse. The Iranians could have prepared the mines to convince the US that Tehran was serious about closing the strait, but without intending to do so, the officials said.
Iran’s military could have also simply been making necessary preparations in the event that Iran’s leaders gave the order, they said.
Netanyahu may seek US guarantees for strikes on Iran’s rebuilt nuclear and missile sites: Report
The Israeli broadcaster Kan reports that PM Netanyahu is likely to ask President Trump for guarantees to be able to strike Iran should it detect that Iranian authorities are trying to rebuild their nuclear programme or missile arsenal.
Netanyahu, who is scheduled to travel to Washington next week, may request a written letter from the US, the report said.
In their 12-day war, Israel deeply damaged Iran’s missile production and damaged its nuclear capabilities. While the extent of the damage remains disputed, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged last week that the country’s nuclear facilities sustained “significant and serious damages” after the US dropped bunker busters on three key sites.
Acknowledged or claimed? Best way to get US/Israel to back off is to make them believe their own lies lol.
Iranian president approves law suspending cooperation with IAEA
Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a law requiring the government to suspend Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the official Press TV and other Iranian news agencies report.
Last week, Iran’s parliament passed the legislation to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. The move came after growing tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog over monitoring access and transparency in the wake of recent military confrontations with Israel and the US.
Israeli FM urges E3 nations to reinstate Iran sanctions
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Germany, France and the UK – the three European signatories to a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 – to impose new sanctions on Tehran.
“The time to activate the Snapback mechanism is now! I call upon the E3 countries – Germany, France and the UK – to reinstate all sanctions against Iran!” Saar posted on X.
