Araqchi Urges Using BRICS Capacities to Revive Multilateralism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called for making use of the capacities of BRICS to rebuild global governance and restore the credibility of multilateralism.
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called for making use of the capacities of BRICS to rebuild global governance and restore the credibility of multilateralism.
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli regime’s terrorist assassination of Qassam Brigades Commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in Gaza, saying the crime reflected the regime’s “desperation and helplessness” in the face of Palestinian resistance.
Israel reports drone and rocket attacks from Hezbollah The Israeli military said a “suspicious aerial target” was identified after sirens sounded in the Misgav Am area of northern Israel. In a statement posted on X, the military said the aircraft fell near Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon and that no casualties were reported. The military also said Hezbollah launched rockets and explosive drones overnight toward Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
Washington DC [US], May 17 (ANI): The United States has rolled out a nearly one-billion-dollar upgrade programme for its fifth-generation stealth fighter F-35 Lightning 2 fleet, primarily centred on electronic warfare modernisation and advanced combat capability enhancements across hundreds of aircraft operated by both the US military and other foreign operators of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
Hezbollah reports rocket attack on Israeli troops near Hadatha Hezbollah said its fighters detonated explosive devices targeting Israeli military bulldozers advancing between the southern Lebanese towns of Rashaf and Hadatha. The group said one booby trap struck a third Israeli bulldozer attempting to move toward Hadatha, while another explosive device targeted a fourth bulldozer on the same route. Hezbollah also said its fighters launched rockets at a gathering of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles on the outskirts of Hadatha in southern Lebanon.
Russian envoy warns US and Israel against renewed strikes on Iran Russian envoy Mikhail Ulyanov criticised reports that the United States and Israel are preparing for a possible resumption of strikes on Iran. Responding to a New York Times report on X, Ulyanov said that if the reports were accurate, it would suggest Washington and Israel “have not learned lessons from their past strategic mistakes”. The newspaper reported that US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision, although several military options have reportedly been discussed.
New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were raised by Rs 1 per kg across Delhi-NCR with effect from Sunday, marking the second hike in two days. Following the revision, CNG will now cost Rs 80. 09 per kg in Delhi.
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A massive explosion echoed across the Beit Shemesh region west of occupied al-Quds on Saturday night, shattering windows and causing panic among settlers.
US exemption on Russian oil expires amid rising energy prices A US exemption allowing the delivery and sale of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products expired on Saturday amid rising global energy prices linked to the war involving Iran. In April, the United States Department of the Treasury issued a waiver permitting shipments of Russian oil loaded onto vessels beginning on 17 April. Washington introduced the exemption in an effort to ease pressure on global energy markets and stabilise fuel prices.
Kachchh (Gujarat) [India], May 17 (ANI): A Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying approximately 20,000 tonnes of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has arrived at Kandla Port in Gujarat's Kachchh district. The vessel identified as the tanker 'Symi' crossed the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz on May 13 before reaching the Indian port.
Video: 250,000 protestors march in London to commemorate Nakba Day Some 250,000 protestors marched in London to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Nakba on Saturday, according to organisers. The event marks the anniversary of the expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians and the killing of 13,000 others in 1948, when Zionist militias occupied Palestinian territory to establish the state of Israel. It was organised by a coalition of groups, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War and is part of a series of marches that have been organised in protest of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza since October 2023.
Bloomberg reports tanker resumes voyage after US detention Bloomberg reported that a giant tanker resumed its voyage after being delayed for several days in the Gulf of Oman following detention by US forces. The vessel is reportedly carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil and is heading to Vietnam. Separately, The Financial Times reported that daily shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped dramatically amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Tehran [Iran], May 17 (ANI): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasised that the country is the heir to a civilisation spanning thousands of years, pushing back against the United States attempts to force the nation into submission. In a post on X, he highlighted the Sarv-e Abarkuh cypress tree, which stands in absolute silence in the heart of Yazd province.
Russian envoy supports Beijing’s stance on Strait of Hormuz Russian envoy Mikhail Ulyanov said Russia supports China’s position that a permanent ceasefire is needed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, Ulyanov said: “Russia fully shares such an approach,” referring to remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang said Beijing believes resolving tensions in the Strait of Hormuz requires “a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire” between the United States and Iran.
Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 17 (ANI): MDMK founder Vaiko condemned the recent fuel price hike triggered by the West Asia crisis and said the burden should not be put on the common man. He also said that the fuel hike will hit salaried and the middle class. 'We condemn the hike in petrol and diesel, which will affect, particularly, the salaried people and the middle class.
Tehran asserts sovereignty over Strait of Hormuz shipping Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Iran would no longer allow military equipment intended for its enemies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. “We had given up our right of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and we previously allowed the passage of military equipment that was intended to be used against us through the Strait of Hormuz. We will not permit that again,” Aref said.
US Centcom says 78 vessels redirected under Iran blockade The United States Central Command said Saturday that 78 commercial vessels had been redirected and four disabled as part of efforts to enforce President Donald Trump’s blockade on ships travelling to and from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz. “As of May 16, 78 commercial ships have been redirected, and 4 have been disabled to ensure compliance,” Centcom said on X. Regional tensions have remained elevated since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran and the closure of the strategic waterway.
Israel says military at highest readiness level for possible Iran war Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israeli officials believe the military is at its highest level of readiness for a possible resumption of fighting with Iran. According to the report, Israeli and United States officials are continuing coordination at senior levels as both sides prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict. The report said Israeli assessments suggest Iran has restored part of its missile capabilities and remains unwilling to abandon its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief demanded by US President Donald Trump.
Iran warns it is ready for renewed war if talks fail Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran remains prepared to resume direct military confrontation with the United States if negotiations fail to produce what Tehran considers acceptable outcomes. In comments posted amid continued diplomatic tensions, Araghchi also argued that the war involving the US and Israel was having growing economic consequences inside the United States. Writing on X alongside an image showing rising US Treasury yields, Araghchi said: “Americans are told that they must absorb rocketing costs of war of choice on Iran.
Pakistan PM says second round of Washington-Tehran talks could bring peace Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is optimistic that a second round of direct talks between the United States and Iran could lead to a lasting peace agreement. In remarks to The Times, Sharif said Pakistan continued to play a mediation role despite escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. Sharif said Pakistan “enjoys the trust of all parties, from Iran and the US administration to the Gulf states” and added that mediation efforts remained underway.