Trump administration rejects UN migration declaration, calling mass migration never safe

(SeaPRwire) - On Monday, the U.S. State Department declared it would not endorse the "progress" declaration from the International Migration Review Forum, alleging that the United Nations is attempting to "promote and enable replacement immigration within the United States and throughout the wider West."The department stated in a Monday release that the United States abstained from the second International Migration Review Forum, which took place May 5–8 at U.N. Headquarters in New York, and will not endorse the resulting declaration.As noted by the U.N. Network on Migration, the forum serves as the primary global venue for member states to assess the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The 2026 session was intended to yield an intergovernmentally agreed "Progress Declaration."President Donald Trump halted U.S. involvement in the U.N. process for the Global Compact for Migration during his first term in 2017, and the State Department now asserts that the federal government will reaffirm this opposition.The Global Compact was adopted in 2018 following the United States' withdrawal from the negotiations. Both the U.N. and the International Organization for Migration characterize the compact as a cooperative framework designed to enhance migration governance internationally."As Secretary Rubio stated, welcoming mass migration was a serious error that jeopardizes the stability of our societies and the future of our nations," the department's statement reads."In recent years, Americans have seen firsthand how mass immigration has devastated our communities: border crime and chaos, states of emergency in major cities, and billions of taxpayer dollars spent on hotels, plane tickets, cell phones, and cash cards for migrants.""Much of this was driven by U.N. agencies and their partners, which not only enabled the invasion of our country but also proceeded to redistribute our own people's wealth and resources to millions of foreigners from the most troubled regions of the world," it continued.The department contended that there was nothing safe, orderly, or regular about these actions, noting that the costs were "borne primarily by working Americans forced to compete for limited jobs, housing, and social services.""The U.N. has little to say about these Americans," the department wrote."President Trump is focused on the interests of Americans, not foreigners or globalist bureaucrats," the statement reads. "The United States will not support a process that imposes, whether openly or covertly, guidelines, standards, or commitments that restrict the American people's sovereign, democratic right to make decisions in the best interests of our country."The department concluded its statement by stating that its objective is not to "manage" migration, but to "facilitate remigration."In an X thread also announcing the objection to the declaration, the department stated that U.N. agencies "systematically facilitated mass migration into America and Europe, even as citizens of these nations called for restrictions on migration." It added that U.N. materials related to the Global Compact advocate for expanding regular migration pathways and reference the "regularization" of migrants.The International Organization for Migration states that the forum occurs every four years to allow countries to review progress and shape future migration policy. IOM, which coordinates the U.N. Network on Migration, notes that the network comprises 39 U.N. agencies working to assist countries on migration issues.The department alleged that "U.N. agencies – working with the NGOs they fund – established a migration corridor through Central America and to the U.S. border," the post reads. "As the American people suffered under an unprecedented wave of mass migration, the U.N. was on the ground piping migrants to our southern border.""After facilitating mass migration to the United States, U.N. agencies condemned the deportation of illegal immigrants," the post continued. "While the United Kingdom faced unprecedented illegal boat crossings, U.N. agencies criticized plans for deportations. U.N. officials lobbied aviation regulators to block the deportation of migrants – a shocking violation of the United Kingdom's national sovereignty."The U.N. Network on Migration describes the compact as "non-legally binding." A U.N.-hosted text of the compact also asserts that it respects states' sovereign right to determine their national migration policies and to distinguish between regular and irregular migration status.The declaration itself characterizes the Global Compact as a cooperative framework and acknowledges that no state can address migration in isolation, while also upholding state sovereignty.The department pushed back against the compact's framing of migration as "safe, orderly, and regular.""For citizens of Western nations, mass migration was never safe. It introduced new security threats, imposed financial burdens, and undermined the stability of our societies," it wrote."The United States will not legitimize global compacts that facilitate mass migration into America or Western nations," the post added.U.N. materials frame the compact as a cooperative framework for cross-border issues, including labor migration, border management, migrant protection, and development. U.N. agencies, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, describe the IMRF as a state-led review process involving relevant stakeholders.Digital has reached out to the U.N. for comment. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Macron intervenes at Africa summit to reprimand attendees for “total lack of respect”

(SeaPRwire) - French President Emmanuel Macron drew significant backlash after he intervened during a youth-oriented session at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Monday, openly reprimanding participants for speaking over presenters and labeling the disturbance "a total lack of respect."Footage from the event depicted Macron standing up from his chair and proceeding onto the stage during the "Africa Forward: Creation in Motion" session, a segment that showcased artists and young entrepreneurs discussing culture and innovation."Excuse me, everyone. Hey, hey, hey," Macron addressed the audience. "I apologize, folks. But it's unfeasible to discuss culture, to have such highly inspired individuals, present here, delivering a speech amidst such noise.""Therefore, this demonstrates a complete absence of respect," he proceeded. "I propose that if you wish to engage in private conversations or discuss other matters, you utilize the designated bilateral rooms, or step outside. If you choose to remain here, we will listen to the speakers, and we will all participate respectfully."Macron's unsolicited comments quickly drew condemnation on social media. Fadzayi Mahere, a former Zimbabwean Member of Parliament, challenged the French president on X, stating: "Respectfully @EmmanuelMacron I do not believe it is polite or suitable for you to arrive on our Continent and address people in such a demeaning manner. They are not your children. Avoid being patronizing. Consider if a state guest behaved similarly in your nation? Would it be acceptable? I doubt it."A separate post by a Kenyan-Canadian lawyer, boasting 3.1 million followers, declared, "Africans do not require @EmmanuelMacron’s authorization to speak in Africa," as stated by Dr. Miguna Miguna, who, according to local news, announced his candidacy for the Kenyan presidency in 2027 this past January. According to a report released Monday by Modern Ghana, the interruption held a symbolic irony, given that Macron had journeyed to Kenya to advocate for what Paris characterizes as a more equitable and respectful collaboration with African countries, aiming to depart from what detractors have historically perceived as a paternalistic post-colonial framework.The occurrence transpired during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, an event where over 30 African leaders, business executives, and young entrepreneurs convened for deliberations centered on economic advancement, innovation, and collaboration between Africa and Europe.Kenya’s Standard Media indicated that the interaction "cast an uncommon shadow" over the summit, observing that certain civil society organizations labeled the two-day gathering a "reengineering of imperialism."This incident highlighted the delicate equilibrium Macron must maintain as France endeavors to reshape its ties with Africa, subsequent to years of political friction and military pullbacks from various West African nations.Earlier on Monday, Macron informed students at the University of Nairobi that "Africa is thriving" and contended that the continent requires investment to bolster its sovereignty, rather than relying on development assistance, as per Modern Ghana’s report by Mustapha Bature Sallama. The report further mentioned that Macron recognized France’s own fiscal limitations during his address.Macron has progressively prioritized collaborations with African youth, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures as Paris re-evaluates its Africa strategy amidst intensifying rivalry from Russia, China, and Turkey for sway throughout the continent.Reuters provided input for this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Iran regime power players may seek Russia in Assad-style escape as US talks falter: expert Hot News

Iran regime power players may seek Russia in Assad-style escape as US talks falter: expert

(SeaPRwire) - The seemingly collapse of high-stakes U.S.-Iran negotiations has heightened fears that senior leaders within Tehran’s ruling establishment could flee to Russia to seek shelter, with the aim of "continuing their insurgency and undermining any new Iranian regime," an analyst warns. The breakdown of the talks comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CBS’ "60 Minutes" that overthrowing Iran’s ruling regime could now even be a feasible outcome. Netanyahu pointed out that any such collapse would dismantle the "scaffolding" of Tehran’s global network of terrorist proxies, potentially ending Hezbollah’s regional influence as well. "The entire framework of the terrorist proxy network that Iran has built will crumble if the Iranian regime falls," Netanyahu stated. "I believe no one can predict when that will occur. Is it a possibility? Yes. Is it guaranteed? No," he cautioned. With diplomatic options likely exhausted and the regime’s stability in doubt, one expert has posited that any exit strategy the ruling leadership might be considering could mirror that of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled Syria in 2024. "If the situation deteriorates further, some senior figures could potentially follow a similar path to Bashar al-Assad’s inner circle and seek refuge in Russia," Middle East expert Saeid Golkar told Digital. Golkar, a senior advisor at United Against Nuclear Iran, noted that escape destinations would likely depend on a leader’s rank. While top officials such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf might travel to Moscow, lower-ranking figures would be more likely to seek shelter in Iraq or Afghanistan, where the IRGC maintains operational ties, he clarified. "For the most senior leaders, Russia would probably be the most likely destination, just as we saw with Bashar al-Assad," Golkar said, noting that many officials have already transferred their assets into "financial networks outside Iran." The ongoing crisis began following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in 2026, at the onset of Operation Epic Fury. While his son Mojtaba Khamenei was named as his successor, ongoing reports indicate he sustained severe injuries during the strikes and has been absent from recent negotiations. Golkar explained that the "invisible state," or Bayt-e Rahbari, was designed to withstand decapitation, while the ideological cost of fleeing the country would be high for ruling leaders. "Within the regime’s ideological culture, leaving the nation during a collapse would be viewed as desertion," Golkar noted. However, as military fractures deepen and succession remains unclear, the "Assad model" of seeking Russian protection appears increasingly appealing to those in the top ranks of power. "Mojtaba, however, is 'either dead or in very poor health, which is why he cannot send any video or voice message,'" Golkar added. "If he died from his injuries, there was no clear natural successor. He was the continuation of the regime." "Still, the system was built to ensure continuity during a crisis," Golkar said, adding that its goal is to "make sure the regime can survive even if formal institutions are damaged, leaders are killed, or the civilian government stops functioning." "I would characterize this as a regime designed not just to govern, but always to strive to survive decapitation," Golkar added. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Starmer facing survival crisis: UK PM resists resignation amid local election losses and party revolt Hot News

Starmer facing survival crisis: UK PM resists resignation amid local election losses and party revolt

(SeaPRwire) - On Monday, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was fighting to hold onto his role, declining to step down even as pressure from within his own party mounted and a wave of close aides resigned.Reports indicate that calls for his resignation intensified after more than 70 Labor MPs publicly urged the party leader to quit, while several parliamentary aides stepped down in protest.This growing rebellion comes at a critical juncture for Starmer, whose authority has been undermined by political and economic setbacks.As Digital previously reported, the immediate catalyst was the crushing losses in the May 8 local elections: Labor lost hundreds of council seats across England, surrendered long-held territory in Wales, and fell behind rivals in Scotland.A recent YouGov poll also found that roughly half of Britons believe Starmer should resign.At the same time, rising U.K. borrowing costs have heightened concerns about the government’s economic and public service policies, as well as its failure to ease living costs.The Associated Press reported that Starmer was further damaged by his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson—a friend of Jeffrey Epstein—as Britain’s ambassador to Washington.In Scotland, Labor’s struggles were laid bare when John Swinney secured a decisive victory, delivering another blow to Starmer’s authority.The result drew attention from former President Donald Trump, who publicly congratulated Swinney and appeared to take a swipe at Starmer.Trump and Starmer’s relationship had grown strained; the former president said, "This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with," criticizing the U.K. leader’s reluctance to let U.S. warplanes use British bases after the start of the war against Iran.Meanwhile, Starmer struck a defiant tone in a speech labeled a "reset" on Monday, insisting he would not resign."I take responsibility for not walking away, not plunging our country into chaos like the Tories did," he stated.Sam Carlin, one of the MPs calling for change, said Starmer was "not the right person" to revive the struggling party."As a result, I join Labor colleagues across the U.K. in urging the prime minister to step down for the sake of our movement and the people we serve," he added."We have made significant progress, but if we stay on our current path, it will not last."Former minister Catherine West led efforts to formalize the challenge, calling for a timetable to elect a new leader as early as September.Three figures are viewed as frontrunners to succeed Starmer.Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham would need to return to Parliament to launch a bid, while Angela Rayner continues to grapple with the fallout from past tax issues.Health Secretary Wes Streeting is seen as a more immediate contender.Under Labor rules, a leadership contest can be triggered if sufficient support coalesces behind a challenger—typically through nominations from MPs and affiliated groups.If Starmer were to resign, the party would enter a formal contest period, culminating in a vote among members. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Remains of US soldier recovered from Atlantic Ocean in Morocco military exercise, second missing

(SeaPRwire) - Military officials have confirmed that the remains of a U.S. Army officer who disappeared during training exercises in Morocco have been retrieved from the Atlantic Ocean, while efforts to locate a second soldier remain ongoing.U.S. Army Europe and Africa stated on Sunday that the body of 27-year-old 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, was recovered on Saturday. Key, an Air Defense Artillery officer, was one of two soldiers who reportedly fell from a cliff while on an off-duty hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2.According to the Army, a Moroccan search team discovered Key’s remains in the water along the coast at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time Saturday, about one mile from the site where the two soldiers were believed to have entered the water."Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco," said Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. "Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s family as we honor his life and service."Key and the other soldier were reported missing on May 2 while taking part in African Lion, an annual multinational military exercise held across Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, and Morocco.Moroccan military authorities reported that the two went missing around 9 p.m. near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, a region characterized by desert, mountains, and semi-desert plains.The search-and-rescue operation for the pair involved over 600 personnel from the U.S., Morocco, and other partner nations, utilizing drones, helicopters, and ships.The search for the second soldier is continuing.A U.S. team has stayed in Morocco following the conclusion of the exercises on Friday to maintain command and control and assist with the ongoing search efforts.The Army noted that Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.His military honors include the Army Service Ribbon and the Army Achievement Medal.Key joined the military in 2023 as an officer candidate, receiving his commission the following year through Officer Candidate School. He subsequently finished the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.He is survived by his sister, brother-in-law, and parents.African Lion 24 is a U.S.-led exercise that commenced in April across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, involving more than 5,600 military and civilian personnel from over 40 countries.It stands as the largest U.S. joint military exercise on the African continent, a status it has held for more than two decades.In 2012, an MV-22 Osprey crash near Cap Draa during the African Lion exercise resulted in the deaths of two U.S. Marines and injuries to two others. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Massive 11,000-carat ruby, second-largest ever found in conflict-ridden country, unearthed in Burma Hot News

Massive 11,000-carat ruby, second-largest ever found in conflict-ridden country, unearthed in Burma

(SeaPRwire) - A colossal ruby discovered in Burma is being recognized as the second-largest ever found in the conflict-affected nation.The gemstone, weighing approximately 11,000 carats—about 4.8 pounds—was unearthed near Mogok in the Mandalay region, a key hub of Burma’s gem industry and an area currently impacted by ongoing hostilities, according to The Associated Press, quoting state media.The discovery occurred in mid-April, just after the country’s traditional New Year festivities.While it is about half the size of a 21,450-carat ruby found in 1996, experts suggest this new specimen could command greater value due to its superior quality, as reported by the news outlet.The stone exhibits a purplish-red hue with subtle yellow undertones, moderate transparency, and a highly reflective surface.Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing and his cabinet have already examined the gem in the capital, Naypyidaw.Burma accounts for up to 90% of the world’s ruby production, primarily from Mogok and the nearby Mong Hsu mines.The gem trade—both legal and illicit—constitutes a major economic driver in the country.Nevertheless, human rights organizations such as Global Witness have consistently called on jewelers to refrain from purchasing Burmese gemstones, asserting that the trade fuels the nation’s military regimes, per The Associated Press.Gem mining also provides financial support to ethnic armed groups vying for autonomy, further fueling Burma’s protracted conflicts.Mining areas remain unstable.Mogok was captured by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group, in July 2024; control subsequently reverted to the military following a ceasefire agreement brokered by China late last year. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Second suspected oil slick near Iran heightens fears of major disaster in vital global oil corridor Hot News

Second suspected oil slick near Iran heightens fears of major disaster in vital global oil corridor

(SeaPRwire) - A second suspected oil slick has been detected near Iran’s Kharg Island export hub, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward AI, raising concerns about a potential environmental disaster as the larger spill identified on May 8 continues moving toward Saudi Arabian waters.The newly spotted slick comes amid warnings from U.N. officials that oil spills in the region could lead to an ecological catastrophe during the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis."Another possible oil spill was detected today at 11 a.m. local time," Windward reported. The visible area is estimated to be between 12 and 20 square kilometers.While Tehran has blamed foreign vessels, maritime experts suggest the main slick—estimated at tens of thousands of barrels and covering approximately 65 square kilometers, per the U.N. University Institute for Water, Environment and Health—is more likely due to aging infrastructure, pipeline ruptures, or the heightened tensions of a "war mode" environment since February."We should be concerned about the origin of the slick and closely monitor any developments," said U.N. official Dr. Kaveh Madani."If this slick expands, we must seriously consider the possibility of leakage from aging infrastructure," he added, noting that the slick was "moving southwest away from the island.""We need to track its movement and determine whether it approaches populated areas. If so, desalination operations may need to be suspended. Currently, the risk remains low," he stated.Madani also highlighted that the slick is located near a heavily concentrated zone of pipelines and energy facilities."Maintaining these infrastructure systems in good condition has already been challenging for Iranians even during peacetime due to sanctions," he explained, warning that in times of conflict, "a major accident is highly probable."Water circulation in the Persian Gulf is slow, allowing pollutants to linger for extended periods, he noted."Similar incidents occurred during the Gulf Wars and the Iran-Iraq War, with lasting impacts on coastal communities, fisheries, marine ecosystems, and even desalination plant intakes," he recalled.The larger spill, visible in satellite images as a gray-and-white patch, was first observed west of Kharg Island, as reported by Windward AI on May 8, and has since continued its drift."It is believed to be crude oil rather than bunker fuel and unlikely to have originated from a ship, possibly stemming from pipeline issues or a failed ship-to-ship transfer," the company said.According to Windward, the spill could enter Qatar’s exclusive economic zone within about four days and potentially reach the UAE’s Al Mirfa region in roughly 13 days.The incident follows increased U.S. efforts to enforce "Economic Fury" by tightening sanctions and expanding naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz in order to limit Iran’s oil exports.Since Iran closed the strait in late February following heightened hostilities, tankers have accumulated in the region as the critical oil transit route remains largely blocked."We are also aware of the large number of tankers operating in the area, which increases the likelihood of accidental spills," Madani remarked."As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and the region remains in a state of conflict, environmental protection will not be a priority. However, monitoring tanker activity is still essential," he emphasized.In the meantime, Jafar Pourkabgani, a lawmaker representing Bushehr province, asserted that the slick resulted from "oil residue and ballast water waste from European tankers" discharged into the sea."This claim is false and part of the enemy’s psychological warfare," he wrote on X, dismissing allegations that Iran deliberately released oil due to full storage tanks.Iran’s Oil Terminals Company also denied reports of a leak near Kharg Island, Reuters reported.The company’s chief executive stated on Sunday that inspections found no evidence of leaks originating from storage tanks, pipelines, loading facilities, or nearby tankers. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Antisemitic attacks are escalating on both sides of the Atlantic, from London synagogues to New York preschools Hot News

Antisemitic attacks are escalating on both sides of the Atlantic, from London synagogues to New York preschools

(SeaPRwire) - On Sunday, thousands gathered in London to protest the dramatic surge in violent attacks against the nation's Jewish citizens.The marchers voiced their anger regarding the British government's failure to act on the matter.Days prior to the demonstration, U.K. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch told Digital that "zero tolerance for antisemitism" requires treating the "epidemic of violence" as a true national emergency. She has pushed for stricter measures, including the removal of foreign clerics inciting hatred in mosques and other bodies. "Antisemites will not be welcomed or tolerated. Britain has been a haven for Jews for centuries. It must remain so," she insisted.Her comments arrived as the U.K. elevated its national terrorism threat level to "severe," the second-highest category, indicating an attack is highly probable. Security officials cite a deteriorating climate marked by a rise in antisemitic acts, arson, and targeted violence as the reason for this change."There’s an unholy alliance of the hard Left and Islamist extremists behind some of the spread of antisemitism," Badenoch cautioned. She challenged the interpretation of slogans like "from the river to the sea" or "globalize the intifada," asking, "What do people think... mean if they do not mean the erasure of the world’s only Jewish state and violence against Jews everywhere?"Security officials in Britain have consistently identified Islamist extremism as a top terror threat, with MI5 warning that radicalization networks and extremist ideologies continue to present significant risks.Jewish leaders and analysts observe that open support for terrorist groups like Hamas, coupled with the public celebration of violence, has helped normalize hostility toward Jews.As antisemitic incidents hit record highs across the U.K., Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism over his handling of the crisis. Speaking at the No10 Tackling Antisemitism Forum last week, Starmer remarked: "Our Jewish communities [are] feeling frightened, angry and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them.""In recent months, as antisemitic incidents have risen, we have acted decisively to strengthen the safety of Jewish communities," he added, announcing an extra £25 million for patrols and security to prevent harm. Despite this, critics argue the response is inadequate, warning that Jewish people remain at risk as the situation escalates.Jonathan Sacerdoti, a London-based writer and commentator, told Digital that while police have shown they can deploy large-scale resources when needed, many Jewish residents doubt that same urgency is used to protect them."Considering they’re able to police massive anti-Israel protests every two weeks for the last two and a half years," Sacerdoti noted, "they ought to be able to do the same to protect Jews."He added that funding alone cannot fix the deeper issue at hand."Jews should not need a volunteer security organization," he stated. "The state should protect us itself."For Jewish families throughout the United Kingdom, the threat is a tangible part of daily life rather than an abstract concept.Rabbi Albert Chait of the United Hebrew Congregation in Leeds pointed out that the normalization of security for Jewish children is particularly troubling."You know what the worst thing is, in my opinion?" Chait asked. "The fact that my children do not ask why there is police outside their school. They do not question why there is paid security on the gate and on the street. They do not even question it because that is just normal day to day activity."The Community Security Trust reports that antisemitic incidents in Britain hit around 3,700 in 2025, among the highest ever recorded, leading to more funding for security at synagogues, schools, and institutions.As Britain faces a situation many call a national crisis, similar warnings are appearing in the United States.In Queens, New York, this past week, several Jewish homes, a synagogue, and a community center with a preschool were vandalized with swastikas and antisemitic graffiti, alarming residents.Swastikas in school bathrooms and subway stations, along with graffiti on Jewish institutions, show that hate symbols are becoming more visible in American life."One of the sites houses a pre-K program, where young children, their families and staff were greeted with swastikas and other hateful vandalism," said Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, speaking to Jewish Insider. "This is not normal, and we need city leaders to act now."Many observers find the parallels between the two countries hard to dismiss.The rising violence, normalized hostility, and ideological debates seen in Britain are no longer just an overseas problem.These trends are increasingly reflected in communities across America.As the crisis grows, Badenoch’s warning has implications well beyond the United Kingdom."I have never seen the level of racism, discrimination, intimidation and attacks that have been directed at the Jewish community," she said. "If other minority communities were facing similar levels of violence, there would be a national emergency." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Woman recounts seven years in Chinese prison, detailing torture, surveillance and husband’s death Hot News

Woman recounts seven years in Chinese prison, detailing torture, surveillance and husband’s death

(SeaPRwire) - EXCLUSIVE: Wang Chunyan held a photograph toward the camera, her hands trembling slightly as she pointed to each of the 21 smiling faces: a husband and wife, a university lecturer, a young engineer, friends she met in prison.Some died in detention, she said. Others after years of abuse. Others disappeared into China’s vast security system and never returned the same. "More than 25 of my friends have died in this persecution. I only have photos of 21 of them," Chunyan said, her voice breaking.For more than two decades, the 70-year-old Falun Gong practitioner said, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) systematically dismantled her life, stripping away the business she had built, the home she once shared with her family and, eventually, seven years of her life in prison.But the hardest thing for her is that she believes it took her husband too. "My beloved husband died due to the persecution," Chunyan claimed during an exclusive interview with Digital.Her account comes as President Donald Trump prepares to travel to China next week for meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with trade, security and regional tensions expected to dominate the agenda. Yet behind the geopolitical rivalry lies another conflict: Beijing’s decades-long campaign against religious and spiritual groups the Communist Party views as threats to its authority.Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback believes Wang’s story reflects a much broader struggle unfolding inside China. "Either the world changes China or China will change the world," Brownback told Digital.Brownback recently chronicled Chunyan’s story and the experiences of other survivors in his book China’s War on Faith, arguing that personal testimony can often reveal the reality of persecution more powerfully than statistics alone. "Stories are more powerful than data," he said.The book examines what Brownback describes as an increasingly sophisticated system of surveillance and repression targeting Christians, Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners. He argues the Chinese Communist Party views independent faith communities as a direct threat to its authority."They fear religious freedom more than anything else. More than our aircraft carriers, more than our nuclear weapons, more than anything else because they think it is the biggest threat to the regime."Chunyan’s story started in the late 1990s, when she suffered from severe insomnia, sometimes sleeping only two or three hours a night. Then her older sister introduced her to Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice she says is centered on meditation exercises and teachings rooted in "truthfulness, compassion and tolerance."The movement spread rapidly across China during the 1990s, attracting tens of millions of followers before Beijing banned it in 1999, portraying it as a threat to Communist Party control.Chunyan says Falun Gong helped improve her physical condition. She said, "My business was booming. My family was happy. My life was perfect."Chunyan became convinced the practice had saved her life. She owned a successful company selling chemical production equipment and had become wealthy by Chinese standards, but after the crackdown began she felt compelled to publicly defend Falun Gong against what she believed were government lies.She bought a printing press and began distributing leaflets. Soon afterward, she said, surveillance followed everywhere."The buildings where I worked were under constant surveillance," Chunyan recalled. "I left to escape and was afraid to come home."For years, she lived in hiding, using prepaid calling cards and public telephones to secretly arrange meetings with her husband, Yu Yefu, in restaurants, coffee shops and hotels across the city. The two tried, briefly, to maintain some sense of normalcy.Yu himself never practiced Falun Gong, but police repeatedly pressured him to reveal where his wife was hiding. He never did. Then, in 2002, Wang stopped hearing from him.When she finally returned home, she found him unconscious. Doctors could not save him. "He protected me," she said in tears.He was 49 years old when he died. Their daughter was still in college.The devastation spread through the family afterward, Chunyan said. Her mother-in-law stopped eating and later became paralyzed. Her father-in-law died from grief. Her sisters were also imprisoned and tortured.Then came Chunyan’s own imprisonment.She described years of forced labor, sleep deprivation and physical abuse. At one point, she said, the torture became so severe that she fainted three times in a single day.One memory still haunts her most. Shortly before her release from prison, Wang said authorities conducted unexplained blood tests and medical examinations. At the time, fellow inmates told her the government was simply checking on Falun Gong prisoners before release. Only later, after learning about allegations of forced organ harvesting involving detained Falun Gong practitioners, did she begin to fear why the testing may have happened. "I was horrified," Chunyan said.Today, Chunyan lives in the United States, having left China in 2013 and eventually making her way through Thailand before arriving in America in 2015.Yet decades later, the losses remain immediate to her."There are millions of families in China like ours," Chunyan wants the world to know, "Persecuted by the CCP."In a statement to Digital, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu rejected the allegations and defended Beijing’s actions against Falun Gong. "The aforementioned remarks are nothing but malicious fabrications and sensational lies," Liu said. "Falun Gong is a cult organization that is anti-humanity, anti-science and anti-society. It is hostile toward religion, endangers the public, and serves as a malignant tumor within society." Liu argued that "the Chinese government outlawed the Falun Gong cult in accordance with the law, thereby safeguarding the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the vast majority of the Chinese people." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Report: North Korea revises constitution to stipulate automatic nuclear strike in case of Kim Jong Un’s assassination Hot News

Report: North Korea revises constitution to stipulate automatic nuclear strike in case of Kim Jong Un’s assassination

(SeaPRwire) - According to a report, North Korea has amended its constitution to mandate an automatic nuclear retaliation in the event of the assassination of leader Kim Jong Un.The Telegraph reported that this change follows increased global tensions after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other officials during a recent conflict.Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran as part of a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operation earlier this year, Digital previously reported.The constitutional amendment was approved during a session of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, which opened March 22 in Pyongyang, the outlet said.South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) briefed senior government officials this week on the update, according to the report.The revised policy details procedures for retaliatory action if North Korea’s leadership is incapacitated or killed."If the command-and-control system over the state’s nuclear forces is placed in danger by hostile forces’ attacks … a nuclear strike shall be launched automatically and immediately," the updated provision states.Reuters previously reported that North Korea revised its constitution to define its territory as bordering South Korea and remove references to reunification, reflecting Kim’s push to formally treat the two Koreas as separate states.That marked the first time North Korea included a territorial clause in its constitution.Last month, Kim pledged to further strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities while maintaining a hard-line stance toward South Korea, which he has called the "most hostile" state.Kim has also accused the United States of "state terrorism and aggression," and signaled North Korea could take a more active role in opposition to Washington amid rising global tensions.Digital's Alex Nitzberg and This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Man who is accused of threatening former Prince Andrew near his Sandringham home pleads not guilty in court Hot News

Man who is accused of threatening former Prince Andrew near his Sandringham home pleads not guilty in court

(SeaPRwire) - A 39-year-old man pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of threatening former Prince Andrew near his residence at the royal family’s Sandringham estate.Alex Jenkinson, 39, is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior toward the former prince, whose royal titles were stripped last year by King Charles III due to his association with Jeffrey Epstein.Jenkinson faces two counts: one for allegedly threatening Andrew on Wednesday and another for allegedly threatening a different man on Tuesday.The former Duke of York is also expected to testify during the trial, which is scheduled for July 29 at Westminster Magistrates' Court.According to the Daily Telegraph, Andrew was reportedly confronted by a masked individual while walking his dogs near his home."Police responded to the scene and arrested the suspect on suspicion of a public order offense and possession of an offensive weapon," stated the police report.This incident occurred three months after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—his current name—was himself arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his connections with Epstein and his role as the U.K. trade envoy.Andrew relocated to Sandringham earlier this year following his removal from his previous residence at Royal Lodge in Windsor.Virginia Giuffre, who has been his primary accuser, alleged that she was compelled to engage in sexual activity with the royal on three occasions beginning when she was underage at 17 years old.Andrew has consistently denied these allegations but reached a settlement with Giuffre in 2022 over her civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault. She passed away by suicide in 2025.Jenkinson appeared before the court remotely from King's Lynn Police Investigation Centre in Norfolk on Friday; he was seen with his arm in a sling.Although he entered a plea of not guilty to the main charges, Jenkinson did plead guilty to refusing to provide a blood sample while in custody.He has been released on bail subject to conditions: he must not enter Norfolk, avoid any contact with Andrew, and maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle, Windsor Castle, and Highgrove.Reuters and This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Labour MP issues Cabinet ultimatum, threatens to launch leadership challenge against Starmer by Monday

(SeaPRwire) - U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer could face a leadership challenge as soon as next week after his Labour Party suffered major losses in Thursday’s local elections.Labour MP Catherine West told the BBC that if a Cabinet minister does not challenge Starmer by Monday, she will trigger a leadership contest herself.West said she was putting the Cabinet "on notice.""I’m putting people on notice — if I don’t hear by Monday morning of some leadership hopefuls, I will be asking everybody in the Parliamentary Labour Party to put a name against my name, because we need to get this ball rolling," she told the outlet."But my preferred option is for the Cabinet to do a reshuffle within itself, where there’s plenty of talent and for Keir to be given a different role, which he might enjoy, perhaps an international role, and then for others to come to the fore, who can communicate the message, who are very able, so we can have minimum fuss," she continued.West, a former junior Foreign Office minister, would need support from 20% of Labour MPs — or 81 members — to trigger a contest.She said about 10 MPs are backing her effort and expressed confidence more would join, according to the report.Labour suffered roughly 1,400 losses across the U.K. in this week’s elections, with Reform UK making significant gains, according to GB News.Starmer accepted responsibility for the losses but resisted calls to resign, saying he was "not going to walk away and plunge the country into chaos."Still, he has not explicitly ruled out a managed exit and is expected to address the situation on Monday.As of late Friday, 22 Labour MPs had publicly called for the prime minister to step down or set a timeline for his exit, the BBC reported.West did not name a preferred replacement."I don't have a candidate," she said. "That's part of the problem.""But I think there are several people who would like to do it, who have been planning for months, but I'm very surprised that none of them has popped up today to say 'I will do it'," she added. Digital’s Robert Schmad contributed to this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Putin says he thinks the war with Ukraine ‘is coming to an end’ as Trump-brokered 3-day ceasefire begins

(SeaPRwire) - On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his belief that the conflict with Ukraine might conclude in the near future."I believe the situation is nearing its conclusion," Putin reportedly informed journalists, as per Reuters.Putin's remarks followed former President Trump's announcement of a three-day ceasefire, intended to commemorate the Soviet Union's World War II victory and facilitate a significant prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.The truce commenced on Saturday and is scheduled to last until Monday, Trump stated on Truth Social. He noted, "The celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, similarly, in Ukraine, as they too played a substantial role and factor in World War II."He further elaborated, "This cessation of hostilities will encompass a halt to all kinetic operations, alongside an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each nation." Trump added, "This proposal originated directly from me, and I am highly appreciative of its acceptance by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy."The occasion was marked by Russia's most subdued Victory Day parade in recent memory.The conflict in Ukraine has persisted for over four years since Russia's invasion in February 2022; despite initial Kremlin expectations of a swift victory, Russia has yet to fully capture the Donbass region.When questioned about discussions with European leaders, Putin informed journalists he would favor speaking with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.He further stated that he would only contemplate engaging with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once a durable peace agreement had been finalized.Via X, Zelenskyy verified the prisoner exchange involving individuals captured throughout the four-year conflict, which commenced with Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighboring country.He posted, "As part of the negotiation process facilitated by the American side, we secured Russia's consent for a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals from each side." He continued, "A ceasefire must also be implemented on May 9, 10, and 11. Ukraine is diligently striving to repatriate its citizens from Russian detention. I have directed our team to swiftly make all necessary preparations for this exchange."Zelenskyy additionally extended gratitude to Trump for his diplomatic engagement in the proceedings and expressed his hope that the United States would ensure Moscow adheres to the accord.' Louis Casiano contributed to this dispatch. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Experts urge Trump administration to ensure any Iran nuclear deal blocks plutonium route to bombs Hot News

Experts urge Trump administration to ensure any Iran nuclear deal blocks plutonium route to bombs

(SeaPRwire) - Nuclear weapons experts are urging the Trump administration to ensure that any new agreement with Iran explicitly prohibits the country from using plutonium from its nuclear facilities to develop atomic bombs.While the administration and non-proliferation specialists have primarily concentrated on Iran’s uranium-based nuclear weapons program, there is growing concern that Tehran could exploit this oversight by secretly pursuing a plutonium-driven pathway to building nuclear weapons.Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), stated to Digital: "I genuinely believe any proposed deal with Iran must address the plutonium route to nuclear weapons. Israel has struck the Arak heavy water reactor twice in the past year—once in June 2025 and again in March 2026. Intelligence indicated that Iran had repeatedly attempted to rebuild the facility even after these attacks, so any future agreement should include safeguards against the plutonium pathway."According to Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center and former deputy for nonproliferation policy at the Department of Defense (1989–1993), Iran could potentially use plutonium derived from spent fuel at its Bushehr nuclear reactor to construct an atomic weapon.In a recent article on the Real Clear Defense website, he emphasized: "Washington must ensure that Iran does not remove the spent fuel from Bushehr or extract plutonium from it. This can and should be accomplished without resorting to military action."Sokolski recommended that the Pentagon monitor whether Iran removes any spent fuel from the Bushehr plant, suggesting surveillance via space-based assets or drones, as was done in 2012. He also proposed that any peace deal between President Trump and Tehran include provisions for near-real-time monitoring of both the Bushehr reactor and its spent fuel pond, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) previous oversight of Iran’s enrichment activities.In an April article published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Sokolski asserted that Iran possesses enough plutonium to produce more than 200 nuclear warheads. He pointed out: "The last time IAEA inspectors visited Bushehr was on August 27, 2025. Even during periods when inspectors had routine access, visits occurred only every 90 days—a timeframe sufficient for diverting spent fuel and possibly fabricating it into nuclear weapons."He further noted: "President Obama did not demand such continuous surveillance, despite repeated requests from the IAEA; Iran consistently refused."Recent IAEA reports have failed to provide detailed analysis of the plutonium route to nuclear weapons.A State Department spokesperson told Digital that "Iran’s nuclear program poses a threat to the United States and the entire world."The spokesperson continued: "Today, Iran remains in violation of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by refusing full cooperation with the IAEA. Iran’s leadership must engage in meaningful diplomatic negotiations with the United States to resolve the nuclear issue permanently."David Albright, a physicist and president of the Institute for Science and International Security, expressed skepticism when asked about Iran’s intentions regarding plutonium from Bushehr’s spent fuel. The former weapons inspector argued:"First, Iran would need a design for a plutonium-based nuclear weapon that it has never developed—there is no evidence of such a design in the Nuclear Archive. Second, any attempt to divert material from Bushehr would likely be detected, prompting Russia to halt enriched uranium supplies, which would shut down a multibillion-dollar project vital for regional electricity generation. Third, most of the plutonium in the spent fuel is reactor-grade, and it may not even be suitable for weapons production."Albright added: "Although reactor-grade plutonium can theoretically be used to make nuclear weapons, doing so successfully—especially achieving significant explosive yield—is extremely challenging." He also remarked that former National Security Adviser John Bolton has raised concerns about this issue for decades, calling it a remote possibility that was initially rejected during the Bush administration.Despite these arguments, persistent fears remain over Iran’s deceptive tendencies and its ultimate goal of acquiring nuclear weapons capability. As a result, calls continue for a complete ban on Iran’s plutonium reprocessing and enhanced surveillance of its plutonium infrastructure within any future U.S.-led agreement.Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program, told Digital: "The United States must insist on a permanent and verifiable prohibition on plutonium reprocessing in Iran under any negotiated settlement."Stricker highlighted that Russia has also recognized the risks involved. She explained: "To Russia’s credit, it required Iran to allow inspectors back into the Bushehr facility following the June 2025 airstrikes, and those inspections resumed last August. While the plutonium produced at Bushehr is not ideal for nuclear weapons due to its low quality, Iran has not actively pursued the plutonium route since the early 2000s, making it difficult to restart such efforts. Additionally, Tehran would need to covertly acquire and equip a clandestine plutonium reprocessing plant along with advanced machinery to handle and chemically process the fuel—creating substantial barriers to developing weapons-grade material."She concluded by stating: "The IAEA could reduce proliferation risks at Bushehr by increasing inspection frequency to monthly intervals. Alternatively, Russia could remove the accumulated spent fuel from the site." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Police say three hikers were killed after climbing a restricted Indonesian volcano to create online content Hot News

Police say three hikers were killed after climbing a restricted Indonesian volcano to create online content

(SeaPRwire) - Three individuals died and five more sustained injuries on Friday following an eruption of Mount Dukono on a remote Indonesian island, where the hikers had entered a prohibited zone, officials stated.Approximately 20 trekkers began their ascent of the nearly 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano in Halmahera on Thursday, disregarding safety prohibitions, according to North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu."They knew the climb was banned because the mountain is a restricted area under high alert, but they persisted," Pasaribu said.In spite of social media cautions and on-site signage, "many are still eager to climb, motivated by the goal of producing content for the internet," Pasaribu added.Pasaribu confirmed that three people, comprising one local and two Singaporeans, lost their lives in the eruption. The Indonesian fatality was from Ternate, located in the same province as Mount Dukono.The bodies of the three victims are still on the volcano, as continuing eruptions and challenging landscape have hindered rescue teams from retrieving them, Pasaribu explained.The party was trapped when the volcano erupted at 7:41 a.m. local time, propelling an ash plume more than six miles into the air.Rescue units were dispatched after an emergency signal was received from the mountain region.By Friday afternoon, 17 climbers had been successfully rescued, National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari reported. This group included seven Singaporeans and two Indonesians who assisted in the rescue effort and gave details about the victims' climbing paths prior to the eruption.Five of the rescued individuals were noted to have injuries.Pasaribu stated that police intend to interrogate those who accompanied the hikers up the mountain. Digital has contacted the Indonesian National Police for further comment.The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program notes that Mount Dukono has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1933."Friday’s eruption ranks as one of the most powerful in this timeframe," said Lana Saria, head of the Geology Agency at Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Trump’s blockade may be forcing Iran to dump oil into the Gulf, experts say Hot News

Trump’s blockade may be forcing Iran to dump oil into the Gulf, experts say

(SeaPRwire) - Satellite imagery has shown a large suspected oil slick near Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal, which experts suggest may indicate that Tehran’s oil infrastructure is under increasing strain due to heightened U.S. pressure.The slick, captured in Copernicus Sentinel satellite images between Wednesday and Friday, spanned approximately 45 square kilometers west of the island, according to analysts quoted by Reuters.This development appears to signal that President Trump’s maritime pressure strategy is meeting one of its main goals: overwhelming Iran’s export capabilities so much that Tehran can no longer efficiently move or store crude oil to maintain normal production levels.The suspected spill close to Iran’s principal oil hub is prompting concerns that escalating U.S. sanctions are exceeding Tehran’s capacity to store or export crude, potentially forcing hazardous operational changes with significant environmental repercussions in the Gulf region."At this point, I see two plausible explanations, and they might both be true," Miad Maleki, an expert on Iran sanctions and energy at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Digital."One possibility is operational: Iran did not reduce extraction quickly enough compared to its actual onshore capability and overestimated how many empty tankers could evade the blockade," he explained."As a result, they have effectively exceeded their export system’s capacity, with more oil reaching or accumulating at terminals than they can load, leading them to release some of the excess into the sea."Maleki also noted another potential cause: mechanical failure linked to Iran’s reliance on aging tankers used as floating storage units or vessels involved in sanctions evasion."They have deployed older, less reliable ships as floating storage or as carriers circumventing sanctions, and some of these retired or poorly maintained vessels are now leaking," he said.In either case, the underlying issue remains the same—there is a growing mismatch between storage and evacuation capabilities and upstream output, resulting in environmental damage across the Gulf.This incident occurs amid the Trump administration’s ongoing "Economic Fury" campaign against Iran, which combines strict sanctions enforcement with an expanding U.S. naval presence around the Strait of Hormuz aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports.Prior to the conflict, Iran exported about 1.5 million barrels of oil per day, mostly to China. Analysts report that the blockade and threats of sanctions against shipping companies and financial institutions have made it increasingly difficult for Tehran to transport crude from Kharg Island.Reuters reported that the slick appeared as a "grey and white" plume located west of the 8-kilometer-long island.Leon Moreland, a researcher at the Conflict and Environment Observatory, told Reuters that the slick visually resembles oil, while Louis Goddard, co-founder of consultancy Data Desk, described it as possibly the largest spill since the start of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran around 70 days ago.Kharg Island manages roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports and has become a key strategic point in the Trump administration’s efforts to cut off the regime’s primary revenue stream during the current conflict.Energy analysts warn that Iran now faces a critical challenge. If the country cannot export its oil or secure additional storage, it may be forced to either shut down wells—risking long-term harm to oil fields—or dispose of surplus crude in ways that could lead to widespread environmental consequences throughout the Gulf."Iran has already reduced extraction. In a full-scale blockade scenario, the real limitation isn’t production at the wellhead, but rather the inability to load tankers at export terminals," Maleki stated."Once onshore storage approaches capacity, output must be reduced to align with available headroom or wells will be temporarily shut down," he added. "For Iran, this threshold is roughly 13 days."The environmental impact is also sparking alarm throughout the Gulf.Windward, a maritime risk intelligence firm, estimated that the slick was moving southeast at approximately 2 kilometers per hour and cautioned that it could enter Qatar’s exclusive economic zone within days and potentially drift toward the United Arab Emirates within two weeks.The region’s desalination infrastructure, vital for millions of residents, remains especially vulnerable to major oil contamination events.This spill is also occurring during a period of elevated military tensions in the Gulf. The conflict has trapped hundreds of vessels in the area and caused one of the most significant disruptions to global crude and liquefied natural gas supplies in recent years.Iranian officials have not issued any public statements regarding the suspected spill or its possible causes.Digital contacted the Iranian mission to the United Nations for comment.Reuters contributed to this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Israeli police say Iran using WhatsApp, Facebook, blackmail to recruit spies as latest attempt foiled Hot News

Israeli police say Iran using WhatsApp, Facebook, blackmail to recruit spies as latest attempt foiled

(SeaPRwire) - The recent apprehension of two Israeli Air Force members on espionage charges has highlighted Iran's intensifying campaign to infiltrate the Israeli military by co-opting internal personnel.Over the past 18 months, the Israel Police, in coordination with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), have probed more than 20 separate cases involving between 40 and 50 suspects. While many remain detained, authorities suspect that other individuals involved in these networks have yet to be identified.Capt. Sefi Berger of the Israel Police’s Lahav 433 unit, which oversees Iranian espionage investigations, noted that Tehran is primarily focused on gathering intelligence to facilitate attack planning, as well as tracking high-profile figures and other sensitive locations.Compensation for these activities varies significantly. One group of seven suspects reportedly received roughly $300,000, whereas an Iron Dome reservist was allegedly paid $1,000—or in some instances, even less."People might believe they are going to get rich, but the money is not life-changing," Berger stated. "In one instance last year involving two soldiers, one received just $21 and has been incarcerated for a year and a half."Iranian recruitment strategies involve infiltrating WhatsApp and Facebook groups frequented by Israelis looking for freelance work, as well as utilizing pornography sites to obtain compromising material for blackmail. Recruitment also exploits the emotional vulnerabilities of individuals whose judgment may be impaired."During the recruitment process, a bond can form between the handler and the asset. Sometimes the individual is seeking a father figure or a friend—someone who will listen without judgment," Berger explained.Gonen Ben Itzhak, a former Shin Bet handler who spent years recruiting sources within Palestinian society, described the situation as exceptionally grave, noting that he has never witnessed such a high volume of espionage attempts against Israel."The million-dollar question is what makes a good recruit. There is no simple answer. There are certain indicators that someone might be more susceptible. The Iranians utilize social media—a tool we didn't have in the same capacity—and it is highly effective for identifying potential motives," he said.As a handler, Ben Itzhak explained that he aimed to recruit as many viable candidates as possible while avoiding those who might draw attention, such as known criminals. He characterized the process as gradual and often unpredictable."Initially, they must agree to meet in secret. Sometimes they show up but refuse to share information. I would start with basic questions—like who leads Hamas in their village," he said."Sometimes it takes time. Some refuse to cooperate, while others may act as double agents. In many cases, they are trained to gather information without being detected. It is a process," Ben Itzhak added.On Friday, indictments were issued against an Israeli civilian and three soldiers arrested in March for allegedly working for Iranian intelligence and conducting security-related missions before joining the IDF.As part of these alleged operations, the defendants documented and transmitted photos and videos of locations such as train stations, shopping centers, and security cameras to their handlers, and were at one point ordered to acquire weapons. They also allegedly leaked documents from the Air Force Technical School, where some of the suspects had been students.In March, 22-year-old Haifa resident Ami Gaydarov was arrested for allegedly manufacturing explosives intended to target a senior Israeli official under the direction of an Iranian agent.Last month, a resident of the Israeli-Arab city of Qalansawe was detained on suspicion of spying for "a hostile actor, mediated through the Al Jazeera channel." Investigations revealed that Miqdad Moder Hosni Natur established contact with his handler after being introduced while searching for employment through the Qatari-based news outlet.Under Israeli law, communicating with a foreign agent can result in a 15-year prison sentence. Providing intelligence can lead to over 10 years in prison, while aiding the enemy during wartime carries a minimum sentence of life imprisonment, or in severe cases, the death penalty.Berger also cautioned Israelis against attempting to deceive foreign agents, emphasizing that any form of contact is a serious crime."We had a hotel worker near the Dead Sea who falsely told Iranians that a group of Israelis would be arriving. He claimed it was a lie, but I explained that he had effectively placed a target on that hotel, its staff, and its guests, and encouraged an attack," Berger said."People unfamiliar with this world should not engage in it. Contact is an offense, providing information is an offense, and aiding the enemy is the most severe," he added.While most suspects remain in custody awaiting trial, some cases are currently moving through the court system.One concluded case involved 70-year-old Moti Maman, who was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison after traveling to Iran twice to meet with intelligence agents to discuss carrying out terrorist activities in Israel. He also discussed the potential assassination of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Former Mossad operative Gad Shimron stated that while these espionage efforts have caused damage, their impact remains tactical rather than strategic. However, he warned against complacency."The electronic Iron Dome is attempting to catch Israelis willing to work for the Iranians, and I believe it is quite efficient," he said. "But one should never underestimate the enemy. I am certain they are investing significant effort and that they have achieved successes we are not yet aware of." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Iranian dissidents capitalize on Trump’s remarks on armed resistance, reviving Reagan Doctrine Hot News

Iranian dissidents capitalize on Trump’s remarks on armed resistance, reviving Reagan Doctrine

(SeaPRwire) - Following President Donald Trump’s suggestion this week that Iranians "would fight back" if they had access to weapons, Iranian dissidents, military analysts, and some Republican legislators are publicly reviving a once-forbidden question: ought the West to go beyond its "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran and actively back armed resistance within Iran?In an interview on "The Hugh Hewitt Show," while discussing anti-regime unrest and the Iranian government’s crackdown on demonstrators, Trump stated: "They have to have guns. And I think they’re getting some guns. As soon as they have guns, they’ll fight like, as good as anybody there is."These remarks come at a time when the Iranian regime is emerging weakened from weeks of conflict, and frustration remains palpable among many Iranians following years of unsuccessful protests and violent suppressions by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Advocates for a more assertive strategy contend that sanctions, diplomacy, and nonviolent protests have not brought about significant change in Iran, and they note the present moment might be the best chance in decades to challenge the regime from inside. Detractors caution that publicly debating armed resistance could put protesters in danger, widen rifts within the opposition, and risk pushing Iran toward civil war.The concept of armed resistance mirrors elements of the Reagan Doctrine—a Cold War-era strategy where the U.S. supported anti-Soviet resistance movements globally, from Afghanistan to Nicaragua.Brett Velicovich, founder of Powerus and a former U.S. military and intelligence expert specializing in drone warfare, told Digital: "We need to give Iranians the tools now, and they’ll finish the job themselves.""It’s their time to do something. There has never been a better chance."Velicovich labeled this strategy "Reagan Doctrine 2.0," adapted for the era of drones and decentralized combat.He added: "Cheap FPV drones, loitering munitions, and small arms allow motivated fighters to turn Iran’s streets and mountains into a nightmare for the IRGC. This isn’t fantasy; it’s effective asymmetric warfare."Velicovich asserted that modern drone technology has drastically shifted the balance of power between governments and insurgent or resistance groups.As he put it: "Drones democratize power. The regime’s monopoly on violence ends the day the people gain eyes in the sky and precision strike capabilities."Yet, even some opponents of the Iranian regime warn that drawing parallels to Cold War proxy movements has its limitations.Unlike Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe or 1980s Afghanistan, Iran is a strongly nationalistic nation with a divided opposition and profound anxieties about foreign interference, stemming from decades of conflict in the Middle East.Nonetheless, demands for more direct backing of anti-regime forces are increasingly entering mainstream Republican foreign policy conversations.Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) recently advocated for what he termed a "Second Amendment solution" within Iran.On "Hannity," Graham stated: "If I were President Trump and I were Israel, I would arm the Iranian people heavily so they could take to the streets with weapons and turn the tide of the fight inside Iran."However, the issue of who exactly would receive such support remains highly contentious.Some opposition backers continue to rally behind exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—whose name has appeared during anti-regime protests in Iran and who has called on the international community not to offer Tehran "another lifeline."Another group that has carried out various operations against the regime is the controversial People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK), which has long presented itself as a structured opposition force against the Islamic Republic. The MEK recently shared videos showing its members targeting "regime centers and symbols of crime and repression" in retaliation for the execution of two of its members last month: Hamed Validi and Mohammad (Nima) Massoum-Shahi.Others highlight existing armed or semi-organized anti-regime groups, such as Kurdish organizations, Baloch insurgent networks, and underground resistance cells operating within Iran.Sardar Pashaei—director of the Hiwa Foundation and a former Iranian wrestling champion now residing in the U.S.—warned that publicly talking about arming protesters could itself endanger lives.Pashaei told Digital: "I think we must be extremely cautious on this issue, especially publicly, because the regime can use it as a pretext to arrest protesters, fabricate cases, and even justify executions.""For decades, the Islamic Republic has used accusations of ties to the United States, Israel, or espionage to target dissidents and political prisoners."Pashaei maintained that a better strategy is to support Iranian civil society, restore internet access, and back democratic opposition groups that represent Iran’s ethnic and political diversity.The issue grew even more delicate after Trump stated in an early April phone interview with "Sunday" that his administration had previously tried to send firearms to Iranian protesters via Kurdish channels, though the attempt was unsuccessful."We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them. We sent them through the Kurds. And I think the Kurds took the guns," Trump said.Multiple Kurdish groups have denied receiving these shipments.Pashaei cautioned that claims of foreign weapons support could widen rifts within the opposition and also expose Kurdish groups to more retaliation from Tehran."During the so-called ceasefire period, Kurdish opposition groups were targeted more than 30 times with drone and missile attacks," he said, adding that four young Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were killed, including 19-year-old Ghazal Mowlan.A source with knowledge of discussions about Iranian opposition strategy noted that advocates of a more assertive approach are increasingly convinced the current moment offers a rare chance to identify, train, and support local resistance networks that can protect protesters and challenge the regime from inside.The source added that while Iran spent decades building and nurturing proxy networks across the Middle East, Western governments mostly refrained from investing in organized anti-regime infrastructure within Iran.Others caution that empowering armed factions could spark ethnic fragmentation, civil war, or a Syria-like conflict in Iran.Per the source, advocates of a more assertive strategy are increasingly of the view that the current moment provides a rare opportunity to identify, train, and support local resistance networks able to protect protesters and challenge the regime from inside.It remains uncertain whether Washington will be willing to move past pressure campaigns and sanctions to adopt a policy closer to a modernized Reagan Doctrine.For the time being, Trump’s remarks have brought a once-theoretical discussion into the public sphere, with some asserting that the current moment could be the best chance in decades to challenge the regime. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Israel’s Demands for an Iran Peace Deal: No Uranium Enrichment, Missile Restrictions, and Rigorous Enforcement Hot News

Israel’s Demands for an Iran Peace Deal: No Uranium Enrichment, Missile Restrictions, and Rigorous Enforcement

(SeaPRwire) - As President Donald Trump indicates progress toward a potential agreement with Iran, Israeli officials and analysts are increasingly specifying what Jerusalem believes must be included in any deal to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its military and regional influence.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel and the United States remain in "full coordination" as negotiations continue."We share common objectives, and the most important objective is the removal of the enriched material from Iran, all the enriched material, and the dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities," Netanyahu said at the opening of a security cabinet meeting."We’ve had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it’s very possible that we’ll make a deal," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday. At the same time, Trump warned that if negotiations fail, "we’ll have to go a big step further."For Israel, the question is not simply whether the war ends, but whether Iran emerges from negotiations weakened or repositioned to rebuild. Israeli officials fear a weak agreement could allow Tehran to preserve strategic capabilities, regain economic breathing room and eventually restore the regional network of armed groups that threatened Israel before the war. Jerusalem is also seeking guarantees that any future deal preserves military leverage and freedom of action if Iran violates its commitments.Against that backdrop, Israeli analysts say Jerusalem’s red lines focus on four core areas: dismantling Iran’s enrichment infrastructure, restricting its ballistic missile program, preventing Tehran from rebuilding Hezbollah and Hamas, and ensuring the regime does not gain political legitimacy or strategic relief from the negotiations.On the nuclear issue, former Israeli National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror said Israel’s position remains uncompromising."Weaponized uranium must leave Iran," Amidror said. "The Iranians must not be allowed to enrich uranium."Israeli journalist and commentator Nadav Eyal agreed, adding that Israel is seeking a much stricter framework than previous agreements. "Israel wants Iran to stop enrichment for as long as possible and for the enriched material to leave Iran," Eyal said, adding that Jerusalem is looking for "an arms control agreement that would be extensive and robust."Avner Golov, vice president of the Mind Israel think tank, told Digital that Israel also wants Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure dismantled entirely. "In the nuclear arena, what matters is the removal of the enriched material, the destruction of the underground facilities, including those still being built, and a prohibition on new sites," Golov said.Golov also warned against "sunset clauses" that would allow restrictions to expire after several years. "There must be an agreement without sunsets," he said, calling for "unprecedented monitoring and supervision, anywhere, under any conditions and not dependent on Iranian approval."Jonathan Ruhe, Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) fellow for American strategy, told Digital, "Ultimately the United States and Israel should have strongly similar redlines for an acceptable deal," he said, including "shutting down Iran’s nuclear weapons program completely, permanently and verifiably."Ruhe said that goes beyond Iran handing over highly enriched uranium and includes shutting down remaining enrichment-related facilities at Pickaxe and Isfahan.Alongside the nuclear issue, Israeli analysts say Iran’s ballistic missile program has become equally central to Israel’s security concerns."One of the key questions is whether there will be any sort of limitation on the ballistic missile program of the Iranians," Eyal said. "Israel sees this as no less of an existential threat than the nuclear issue."Amidror warned that without missile restrictions, the threat could eventually extend beyond Israel and Europe. "If there are no restrictions on the missile program, then missiles that today can reach half of Europe will, within five to 10 years, be able to reach the United States," he warned.Golov argued that a nuclear-only agreement would leave Iran free to rebuild a missile shield protecting a future nuclear breakout. "A deal that focuses only on the nuclear program would allow the Iranians to produce thousands of missiles and create a protective shield around their nuclear program."Ruhe similarly said limiting Iran’s missile arsenal must include preventing Iran from rebuilding production capabilities damaged during the war.Another major Israeli concern is that sanctions relief or renewed trade could funnel money back to Iran’s regional proxies."Israel is demanding that the Islamic Republic isolate itself from involvement with Lebanon and Gaza and stop supporting armed groups that operate against Israel," Eyal said."For Israel, it is a material issue that the money injected into Iran will not be used to rebuild the proxies in the region," he added.Amidror said Iran’s ability to support Hezbollah and Hamas has already been weakened by the collapse of regional supply routes. "The Iranians cannot effectively support the proxies because there is no longer a land bridge from Iran to Syria," he said, but warned that if negotiations leave the impression that Washington backed down, Iran’s regional proxies could emerge stronger even after the war.Ruhe similarly argued that Israel wants to avoid any agreement that restores legitimacy to the Iranian regime without fundamentally weakening it."Avoiding anything that legitimates Iran’s regime and abandons the Iranian people" is critical, Ruhe said, including "giving guarantees against future attacks or compensating Tehran for wartime damages."Ruhe warned that for Israel, a "bad deal" is ultimately any agreement that restrains Israel’s future freedom of action against Iran and its proxies."This is one big reason Iran wants to ensnare the Trump administration in open-ended negotiations that sideline military options and create daylight between Washington and Jerusalem," Ruhe said. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Former Thatcher adviser: Trump ‘justified in his fury’ over Europe’s Iran betrayal Hot News

Former Thatcher adviser: Trump ‘justified in his fury’ over Europe’s Iran betrayal

(SeaPRwire) - As President Donald Trump continues to express anger at NATO European allies for their lack of support in the war with Iran, he has made clear that their behavior comes at a cost.In the weeks during the war and since the ceasefire, the president has responded not only with words but also with decisive actions against several of those countries.On Saturday, Trump said he would withdraw more than the initial 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as announced by the Pentagon, following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of the American effort to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.A day earlier, he remarked about Germany, "We're gonna cut way down. We're cutting a lot further than 5,000." The Trump administration previously announced a reduction of 5,000 troops in Germany after Merz stated that Iran's regime "humiliated" Trump.In apparent panic, Merz retracted his attack on Trump and his Iran strategy on Sunday. The chancellor wrote on X: "The United States is and will remain Germany’s most important partner in the North Atlantic Alliance. We share a common goal: Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons."Trump increased his troop withdrawal figure from Germany amid his comments about reducing U.S. military presence in Spain and Italy due to their failure to assist America in the war against Iran. The president’s frustration with Western European nations has been growing for weeks and could lead to significant changes within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation, told Digital, "The lack of support for the United States has been nothing less than treacherous. I think the president has the right to be outraged by the lack of support from key European allies."He explained, "There is a deeply rooted cultural appeasement in Europe toward the Iranian regime that dates back decades, along with a refusal to acknowledge the grave dangers posed by a nuclear-armed Iran. European leaders are sleepwalking toward catastrophe with the dangerous path they have chosen."The absence of support for the United States shows how far Europe has strayed from its moral compass. Iran is a genocidal regime that threatens to erase Israel from existence," he noted. Gardiner added that the Islamic Republic has killed thousands of its own people.Gardiner, who served as an advisor to Lady Thatcher, stated, "If you listen to European leaders, it’s as if the U.S. is the villain here."Merz, speaking last week in Marsberg, criticized the U.S. approach to Iran, claiming Washington was being "humiliated by the Iranian leadership" and expressing hope that the conflict would end "as quickly as possible."Gardiner commented on Merz’s remarks: "Statements like these actually aid the propaganda of the Iranian dictatorship. It is astonishing that a German chancellor would make such remarks during wartime…and the German chancellor is providing comfort to the Iranian regime. It is utterly disgraceful."Numerous press inquiries sent to Merz’s spokesman Stefan Kornelius were not answered.Before announcing the troop withdrawal from Germany and in response to a question about reducing U.S. troops in Spain and Italy, Trump replied, "I mean, they haven't been exactly on board. Yeah, probably. Yeah, I probably will… Italy hasn't been of any help to us. And Spain has been horrible. Absolutely horrible."Spain’s socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has taken a hostile stance against the U.S. and Israeli military campaign targeting the Iranian regime, prohibiting the use of Spanish military bases for refueling aircraft or preparing for military operations. He has condemned the campaign as illegal while remaining silent on the regime’s execution of thousands of protesters and its intensified efforts to develop ballistic missiles and enrich uranium for nuclear weapons.Gardiner said, "The Spanish have been the worst by far. At least the Germans and Italians have allowed the use of their bases. The Spanish have refused to cooperate in any way with the war."Trump told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera last month about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, "I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong."The Europe expert, Gardiner, observes a wide gap between how mainly Western European countries and the United States view the preservation of Western civilization, freedom, democracy, and liberty."Europe has lost both its ability and its willingness to fight. The United States is clearly willing to fight to defend Western civilization and the free world. Much of Europe has given up on this, especially Western Europe. It is an appeasement mindset combined with weakness, pacifism, and a growing acceptance among European leaders of mass migration and Islamification."He added, "Europe has fundamentally changed over the last twenty years beyond recognition, yet Europe’s ruling elites accept it seemingly as a given, with some notable exceptions."Trump reprimanded the United Kingdom and France in March regarding their position on the war against Iran."The Country of France wouldn’t let planes heading to Israel, loaded with military supplies, fly over French territory," Trump wrote on Truth Social."France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the 'Butcher of Iran,' who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!!," he wrote.Trump also wrote, "All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to participate in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you.""Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.""You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself; the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been essentially decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!"Gardiner stated that the crisis over the Iran war demonstrates that Europe has surrendered. The major Western European powers have embraced "defeatism," and "they don’t care. It is that simple. And future generations will have to pay the price for the course Europe is currently taking," he said.' Brittany Miller and Solly Boussidan contributed to this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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