As the United States approaches its midterm elections, the American war machine and its Zionist architects are attempting to leverage domestic political uncertainty to pressure the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, for the Axis of Resistance, Washington’s electoral theatre holds no sway over strategic realities on the ground.

Speaking on Al Mayadeen’s The Great Standoff, prominent Iranian academic and political analyst Mohammad Marandi emphasised that Tehran’s military posture is entirely independent of the US political calendar. The prevailing assumption within the Islamic Republic is absolute: war is imminent, and the Armed Forces are on full alert and fully prepared to confront any American-Zionist aggression.

The Illusion of Domestic Constraints

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson noted that control of the US Senate could theoretically act as a constraint on President Donald Trump’s war ambitions. Johnson suggested that if the Republican Party loses its grip on the Senate, the likelihood of a unilateral assault on Iran significantly decreases. He argued that a Democratic Senate could leverage military promotions and pursue impeachment if Trump bypasses Congress to launch an illegal war.

While Johnson pointed out that the Zionist regime’s influence over Washington is fortunately slipping, the reality on the ground in Tehran does not rely on the internal squabbles of the US political elite.

A Severe Warning to Regional Vassals

Marandi issued a stern and unequivocal warning to Gulf states that might consider facilitating US military operations against Iran. Recalling Tehran’s previous responses to aggression—including strikes against targets in Qatar following an attack on an Iranian gas field—Marandi declared that any American strike would be met with immediate and overwhelming force.

“Iran will definitely hit back very hard,” Marandi stated, adding a direct message to US client regimes in the region: “Iran will immediately demolish the critical infrastructure of these regimes.”

Diplomatic Deceit and the MOU

Recent diplomatic manoeuvres, including messages relayed through Qatar and reports tied to US Vice President JD Vance, have done nothing to alter Tehran’s strategic calculus. Marandi dismissed the latest US communications as wholly insufficient, reiterating that the Islamic Republic’s stance remains unchanged.

Tehran demands the full implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)—which encompasses the fronts of Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s seven-day plan serves as the benchmark for this MoU. Furthermore, Marandi underscored that Iran will not entertain any discussions regarding its nuclear program until the US honours its commitments and lifts its suffocating blockade and sanctions.

Johnson echoed this sentiment, arguing that the Islamic Republic is entirely justified in its deep distrust of the Trump administration. “You can’t even trust what Donald Trump signs, a written document, much less what he says,” Johnson remarked, citing the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the Zionist regime’s regional attacks.

The Audacity of Qatari Hypocrisy

Both analysts sharply rebuked Qatari officials who recently called on Iran to show “good faith.” Marandi condemned the statement as profoundly out of touch, noting that ordinary Iranians view Doha—host to the massive Al Udeid Air Base and a hub for US refuelling planes—as an extension of the enemy.

Johnson characterised Doha’s demand for Iranian goodwill as sheer “chutzpah,” given Qatar’s role as a principal launching pad for American military operations in West Asia.

While Marandi acknowledged that recent backchannel messages from Washington are a clear sign that the US recognises the formidable strength of the Islamic Republic, he cautioned that the Zionist entity continues to exert enormous, dangerous influence over Trump’s decision-making. Therefore, the Axis of Resistance remains vigilant, knowing that true deterrence is forged not through American promises, but through unwavering military readiness.

Reference: Al-Mayadeen

Saudi Arabia — As the Al Saud regime attempts to rebrand itself through diplomatic outreach to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the dark and bloody legacy of its Wahhabi religious establishment is being dragged into the light. For years, state-sponsored clerics and muftis weaponised faith to manufacture sectarian divisions, transforming Riyadh’s political insecurities into a devastating regional conflict.

In a scathing critique, Yemeni media analyst Mohsen Ali Al-Jamal recently exposed the role of Saudi religious preachers in fanning the flames of anti-Iran hysteria. According to Al-Jamal, the Saudi religious establishment did not merely support the state’s geopolitical ambitions; they provided a twisted theological justification for it.

By issuing disgraceful fatwas and utilizing vile sectarian rhetoric—including the Takfiri labeling of Iranians as “Majus”—these state-aligned muftis sought to frame Riyadh’s political rivalry with Tehran as a fundamental battle for the faith. This calculated strategy portrayed hostility toward the Islamic Republic not as a question of state policy, but as a binding religious obligation for Muslims.

Today, however, the Al Saud regime’s sudden pivot toward dialogue and détente with Tehran has unmasked the profound hypocrisy of this approach. Critics and observers are now asking a critical question: If diplomatic engagement with the Islamic Republic is entirely viable today, why were years of bloodshed, sectarian polarisation, and religiously charged demonisation actively encouraged by the kingdom’s top clerics?

For the believers and the masses, the answer is clear. The Wahhabi establishment was never defending the faith; they were defending the throne. Disagreements with Iran were deliberately cloaked in sectarian terms to prevent any public appetite for diplomacy, framing political compromise as an act of heresy.

The Devastating Human Cost in Yemen

The most tragic consequences of this manufactured sectarian war were felt far beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Yemen. The aggressive Takfiri messaging and sectarian slogans emanating from Riyadh’s pulpits created a toxic environment where regional rivalries were fused with religious identity.

Al-Jamal highlights that this toxic ideology was used to manipulate and radicalise the youth, particularly in southern Yemen. Driven by state-sponsored sectarian hysteria, young men were dragged into a brutal war against their fellow Yemenis and the legitimate Ansarullah government.

The human toll of these muftis’ fatwas is immeasurable. Thousands of young lives were extinguished, and countless families were left grieving loved ones sacrificed on the altar of Riyadh’s geopolitical games. The devastation left behind—shattered communities, grieving mothers, and a fractured society—represents a heavy burden that will outlast the Al Saud regime’s fleeting political manoeuvres.

The Enduring Scars of Takfiri Rhetoric

Governments may revise their foreign policies when strategic interests shift, but the social and psychological scars inflicted by sectarian messaging do not heal overnight. Years of religiously framed hostility have deeply embedded mistrust and division within the Ummah. A mere handshake or diplomatic agreement cannot instantly erase the poison poured into the hearts of the masses by corrupt clerics.

The contrast between yesterday’s virulent anti-Iran fatwas and today’s diplomatic overtures serves as a damning indictment of those who use the minbar to serve kings. When religious figures surrender their pulpits to political masters, they turn the Ummah’s differences into bloodbaths.

As the Axis of Resistance continues to champion genuine Islamic unity and Palestinian liberation, the exposure of this Wahhabi hypocrisy offers a vital lesson. While the regimes may shift their alliances, the painful legacy of their sectarian warmongering remains a stark reminder of the true cost of allowing tyrants to dictate the faith.

Reference: ABNA24

1. The Zionist Hit List and a Deadlocked Knesset

As the vote count nears completion, the Zionist entity remains politically paralysed: Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc holds 53 seats against Eisenkot’s 48, with Palestinian parties securing 19. Refusing to accept the deadlock, Netanyahu baselessly accused Turkey and Qatar of bribing voters, claims swiftly dismissed by the election chief as having “no basis.” Meanwhile, Israel Hayom leaked a delusional Zionist regime “target list” featuring Iran’s top leadership—including the Supreme Leader, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, and the IRGC Aerospace Commander—exposing the entity’s desperate reliance on assassination plots to compensate for its strategic failures.

2. The “Islamic NATO” Illusion: A Neo-Colonial Trap

PW published a blistering analysis of the newly signed “Mecca Agreement on Joint Defence” between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, exposing it not as a shield for the Ummah, but as a “corral for regional vassals” built on Washington’s blueprints. The piece highlights the alliance’s fatal vulnerabilities: 80% of Saudi weapons are American and require constant US software/maintenance support; Turkey’s aviation relies on US F-16 platforms; and Pakistan is deeply indebted to the IMF. The pact is unmasked as a “golden cage” designed to contain the Axis of Resistance, where the members’ financial and logistical survival remains entirely hostage to Western banking systems and supply chains.

3. Tehran Exposes US Bases in the UAE as Tankers Bleed Oil

In a direct warning to Gulf vassals, Iran published maps detailing the movement and positions of US troops inside the UAE, highlighting them as potential targets for strikes. The warning comes as the Emirati coastline is currently choking on widespread oil pollution from ongoing attacks on tankers off its coast. The environmental disaster has forced beach closures and triggered a severe decline in tourism, delivering a massive economic blow to the Emirates just as Washington uses their territory to posture against Tehran.

4. Saudi War Crimes: Chemical Factory Bombed in Taiz

The Saudi war machine continues its indiscriminate slaughter of Yemeni civilian infrastructure. Yemen’s Ministry of Economy condemned a Saudi airstrike that completely destroyed the Chemico Paints and Chemicals Company factory in Taiz. The attack not only threatened the livelihoods of over 500 families but has sparked severe environmental and humanitarian risks due to the chemical fallout. Ansar Allah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi reiterated that nations seeking dignity must possess the power to confront such aggression, noting that even peaceful nations are not spared from the evil of tyrants.

5. Pentagon Purge: Hegseth Fires General Over Iran War Leaks

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lieutenant General Brett Silvia, Director of Strategy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Silvia was reportedly under investigation for allegedly leaking classified information regarding the disastrous US war against Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The purge signals a desperate attempt by the Trump administration to silence internal military dissent and cover up the strategic failures of its Middle East campaigns.

Also on the wire

• UK Parliament: 75 MPs have formally urged the British government to impose further sanctions on the Zionist regime for obstructing humanitarian aid in Gaza.

• Bosnia: An Italian army Chinook helicopter crashed during an EU military operation near Brcko, killing three personnel.

• Qom: Grand Ayatollah Nour Hamadani condemned the persecution and sentencing of religious scholars across the region, warning that unjust rulings will hasten the downfall of oppressive rulers.

Occupied al-Quds — As the vote count for the 26th Knesset elections nears completion, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has secured its 27th seat, though the Zionist political landscape remains deeply fractured with no clear path to a governing majority.

According to the Israeli election committee, more than 97 percent of the votes have been tallied without altering the overall distribution between political blocs. Likud gained an additional seat at the expense of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, which dropped to six seats. Overall, the right-wing bloc led by the Israeli occupation Prime Minister Netanyahu has secured 53 seats, while the Zionist opposition bloc, led by former general Gadi Eisenkot, holds 48 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

Meanwhile, Palestinian parties inside the occupied territories—namely the Joint List and Raam—have collectively won 19 seats. Neither the Netanyahu nor the Eisenkot bloc has reached the 61-seat threshold required to form a government, and both have explicitly ruled out forming coalitions with non-Zionist Palestinian parties.

Refusing to accept the deadlocked outcome, Netanyahu has resorted to allegations of widespread electoral fraud. Following Tuesday’s vote, he accused Turkiye and Qatar of bribing voters to support Palestinian-Israeli parties. In inflammatory remarks, Netanyahu framed the alleged interference as an “attack on democracy” aimed at the “Islamisation of Israel,” the overthrow of right-wing rule, and the defeat of the Israeli military in all arenas—primarily against Iran.

Israel’s top election official swiftly pushed back against the accusations. Dean Livne, acting director general of Israel’s Central Elections Committee (CEC), stated on Thursday that the elections were “conducted lawfully.” In a letter to Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak, Livne emphasised that the integrity of polling stations was rigorously safeguarded, declaring there is “no basis for allegations of systematic violations.”

Despite Livne dismissing the systematic fraud claims as baseless, CEC Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg has reportedly called for Israel’s internal intelligence service, the Shin Bet, to investigate the allegations of foreign funding. Sohlberg cited “serious suspicions” of improper influence by foreign entities acting against Zionist interests, directing the intelligence agency to review classified information regarding the matter.

Reference: The Cradle | Al-Mayadeen

Qom — Grand Ayatollah Nour Hamadani has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the sentencing of several religious scholars to prison and death in various countries across the region, calling on regional governments to abandon what he described as “reckless actions” and instead unite against global arrogance and Zionism.

The statement, released in response to recent judicial rulings targeting clerics and religious figures, opened with condolences marking the martyrdom of Lady Fatima Zahra (SA) and invoked a hadith narrated by Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS), as recorded in Bihar al-Anwar (Vol. 2, p. 5, Hadith 8) and Tafsir al-Imam al-Askari (Hadith 221).

The hadith states: “The scholars of our Shia community stand guard on the borders that face Iblis and his followers, preventing them from attacking the weak among our Shia and ensuring that Iblis and his followers, the Kharijites, do not subjugate them.”

A Duty to Protect the Faith

Grand Ayatollah Nour Hamadani emphasised that defending the truth, resisting oppression, and safeguarding religious beliefs constitute the fundamental duty of the scholarly class. He affirmed that wherever injustice occurs, the voice of religious scholars must be heard, and that any assault on those protecting the faith and the rights of their communities warrants unequivocal condemnation.

Warning to Regional Governments

Addressing regional rulers directly, the Grand Ayatollah warned that attempts to silence the voice of justice through unfair sentences of imprisonment or execution would be futile. He cautioned that such decisions “will not only fail to silence the defenders of truth and justice, but will also lead to the downfall and loss of authority of those who make them.”

He urged governments to refrain from such reckless persecution and instead channel their efforts toward confronting what he termed the existential threats posed by “global arrogance and Zionism, which seek to destroy the very foundation of Islam.”

A Prayer for the Oppressed

The statement concluded with a solemn supplication to Almighty God, asking for the continued greatness and prosperity of Islam, divine assistance for all oppressed religious scholars, and their ultimate liberation from “the shackles of oppressors.”

Reference: Shia News

The publication of the full text of the “Mecca Agreement on Joint Defence” between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan has sparked a wave of loud statements about the creation of an “Islamic analogue of NATO.” However, behind the gilded facade with quotes about brotherhood lies not a shield for the Ummah, but a corral for regional vassals, designed according to Washington’s blueprints.

Can states whose policies have been based for decades on expansion, competition for spheres of influence, and technological dependence on external power centres become true arbiters of justice and security in the region?

The Faces of the Alliance: Personal Ambitions Instead of Islamic Unity

An analysis of the actual actions of the participants in the agreement shows that their foreign policy orientations are far from the selfless protection of the Ummah.

Saudi Arabia. The foreign policy of Riyadh is subordinate to the struggle for absolute dominance. For many years, the intervention in Yemen — aimed at controlling the strategic ports and oil resources of Hadramaut and Shabwa — was carried out in parallel with a behind-the-scenes struggle against its own ally, the UAE. In Sudan, Saudi interests on the Red Sea coast clash with Emirati support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), turning the country into an arena for foreign ambitions. And despite possessing the holiest sites — Mecca and Medina — the regime is forcibly imposing Western secularism: while Islamic scholars sit in prison, raves and semi-naked shows are held in the desert, disguised as “progress.”

Pakistan. Despite possessing a formidable army and nuclear potential, Islamabad remains chronically dependent on tranches from the IMF, Saudi deposits, and Chinese loans. The country’s military-political establishment is forced to constantly manoeuvre between the interests of Washington, Beijing, and the Gulf monarchies, where considerations of financial survival invariably outweigh ideological declarations. What “Islamic solidarity” is there when the treasury is empty and the economy is on life support?

Turkey. Ankara is consistently implementing a doctrine of projecting power beyond its national borders. In northern Iraq, the Turkish army has maintained military bases for years in defiance of Baghdad’s protests; in northern Syria, a de facto military-political protectorate has been established, relying on loyal armed formations. The country has been a member of the North Atlantic Alliance since 1952, and for decades the İncirlik base and the Kürecik radar — shielding its Zionist allies within NATO — have been located on its territory.

The “Golden Cage”: Limits of Autonomy and Imported Shackles

The main paradox of the new alliance lies in its resource vulnerability. The question is not whether the countries of the region have resources — they possess colossal capital. The question is how viable this system is in the event of a hypothetical break with global power centers.

• Technological leash. According to SIPRI, the vast majority of Saudi Arabia’s main weapons (almost 80%) come from the United States, requiring constant maintenance, software updates, spare parts, and satellite support. Turkey’s aviation is fundamentally dependent on American F-16 platforms, and even its own KAAN fighter jet depends on American engines. Pakistan, in turn, is more than 80% dependent on Chinese military supplies. A bloc is being created whose components are controlled from different, competing technological centers.

• Financial hostages. Oil dollars and the sovereign funds of the monarchies are integrated into the Western banking system — Saudi Arabia’s investments in U.S. treasury bonds alone amount to hundreds of billions of dollars. Whenever the sheikhs talk about real industrialization, the master puts a stop to it, graciously allowing them to spend trillions only on golden toilets, skyscrapers, and elite football.

• Logistical loop. Behind the splendor of the Dubai and Riyadh towers towers emptiness: these countries do not even produce basic food or equipment for desalination. Blocking external logistical arteries can paralyze these economies within weeks.

True resilience in the face of external diktat is historically demonstrated not by those who own state-of-the-art showcases, but by those peoples and movements — as in Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine — whose strength is rooted in self-sufficiency, their own faith, and a willingness to rely on their own resources rather than the favor of external patrons.

The Hypocrisy of the “Terrorism” Article

Article 5 of the Mecca Pact enshrines cooperation in the “fight against terrorism in all its forms.” The question is: whose terrorism?

How will the participants in the alliance define terrorism if their criteria are mutually exclusive? For Ankara, the primary threat is the PKK, while Syrian groups have long enjoyed its support. For the Gulf monarchies, threats are often movements affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, to which the Turkish leadership is sympathetic. Erdogan for years sheltered radicals in Idlib, until he eventually brought them to power in Syria. Riyadh for decades exported sectarians who laid the foundation for Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

In practice, the label of “terrorists” is often tried to be applied to those forces of the “Axis of Resistance” that are conducting a direct and uncompromising armed struggle against the Zionist occupation of Palestine and the Western military presence.

Historical Verdict and True Goals

The history of Western Asia remembers many artificial alliances: from the Baghdad Pact (CENTO) of 1955 to the stillborn project of an “Arab NATO” (MESA) and the nominal “Islamic Military Coalition.” They all inevitably disintegrated as soon as the ambitions of the rulers clashed with reality.

Behind the loud facade of the Mecca Pact, quite specific calculations are visible:

• Evolution of external control. Neo-colonialism is changing form: instead of a direct military presence, the hegemon prefers to create regional structures-subcontractors, which remain on Western technical and financial support.

• The danger of a sectarian wedge. There is a clear intention to direct the resources of the alliance not to curb Zionist aggression, but to create an artificial front to contain Iran and the entire “Axis of Resistance” under the false flag of “confessional protection.”

• The inevitability of internal friction. As soon as the momentary conjuncture weakens, the struggle for leadership in the Muslim world between Ankara, Riyadh, and their allies will inevitably flare up again.

True Islamic unity is not built on foreign military licenses, debt obligations, and collusion among elites who ignore the suffering of Palestine. The security of the region can only be achieved by the peoples of Western Asia — through overcoming dependence, sincere dialogue, and refusing to serve the geopolitical interests of global predators.

Reference: Shia News

Introduction

In recent years, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has demonstrated a rigid and predictable pattern of behaviour: anyone who criticises him or speaks an unpleasant truth must be punished. It does not matter if the critic is a neighbouring state, a prominent religious figure, or a journalist. The demand from Baku is always the same—a public apology and severe consequences for the offender. However, a recent comparative analysis of high-profile diplomatic spats reveals a glaring truth about the limits of Aliyev’s authoritarian diplomacy and the contrasting systems of regional powers.

The Iranian Wall: Firm Rejection of Ultimatums

In early 2025, tensions flared after Ayatollah Hassan Amuli, a representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran in Ardabil, made sharp remarks criticising Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This friction coincided with public displays of their portraits in Tabriz that drew heavy ire from the Azerbaijani regime

Baku’s reaction was immediate, uncompromising, and deeply emotional. Aliyev publicly demanded that the “said cleric” be removed from his position and that Azerbaijan receive a formal apology. Moreover, this demand was addressed directly to the Supreme Leader—the very authority who appointed the cleric.

Iran’s response was crystal clear: absolute silence in the face of diplomatic blackmail. No one was dismissed, and no official apology came from the leadership in Tehran. The ultimatum was entirely ignored. Why? Because the Islamic system in Iran is built on the foundational principle that power and governance are accountable to God and the long-term ideological goals of the Resistance, not to the fragile ego of a secular, neighbouring president.

Yielding at Any Cost: The Turkish Capitulation

Contrast Iran’s steadfastness with the events of October 2026. After Azerbaijan tightened its secular policies by banning the hijab and enforcing strict new rules for school uniforms, Turkish presidential advisor Oktay Saral publicly criticised the move Saral argued that it was unacceptable to deny an education to Azerbaijani students simply for wearing a headscarf

The result? To mend ties with Baku and preserve the Azerbaijani-Turkish “alliance,” Erdogan almost immediately dismissed his chief adviser. But the submission did not stop there.

Azerbaijan escalated the pressure by issuing international arrest warrants for several Turkish nationals, including journalists and influencers, accusing them of inciting the overthrow of the government.

Instead of defending freedom of speech, Ankara began a sweeping media crackdown, arresting journalists to appease Aliyev’s demands.

The Difference: Ideology vs. Pragmatism

Two identical demands for submission—two completely different responses.

In the first case, Aliyev ran into a wall. He was dealing with a religious leader and a system anchored in divine accountability. For those who build policy based on religious responsibility and long-term strategic goals, immediate diplomatic comfort is not the highest value. They know what they are striving for and are entirely willing to endure Baku’s diplomatic tantrums to maintain their position.

In the second case, Aliyev was dealing with a politician for whom allied relations, business ties, and regional calculations proved more important than the principles of his own advisor or the free speech of his citizens.

Conclusion: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

This dynamic reveals a characteristic feature of Aliyev’s geopolitical style. He reacts not as a mature head of state conducting a complex regional game, but as a petulant ruler who perceives any criticism as a personal insult.

Ultimately, the pressure from Baku failed to break the Supreme Leader or the system he leads. But a political establishment that acts not for a higher purpose, but merely to maintain a favourable balance of power, will ultimately give in. Baku has learned that while it cannot bully the Wilayah, it can easily manipulate those whose only guiding principle is political expediency.

Reference: Shia News

1. The Post-Election Hangover: 70% Debt, Brain Drain, and Trump’s Delusion

As the dust settles on the 26th Knesset elections, Bloomberg outlines the five existential crises awaiting the next Zionist government: state debt has ballooned to 70% of GDP (up from 59% pre-genocide), military spending is projected to hit 8% of GDP, a severe housing crisis is worsening, the Haredi draft exemption continues to cripple the occupation army, and 100,000 skilled professionals (scientists, engineers, doctors) have fled the entity since 2023. Despite this terminal economic and demographic decay, Donald Trump took to social media to bizarrely claim that his support shifted the election from a “crushing defeat” for Netanyahu to a “powerful comeback,” exposing the American establishment’s desperate need to project an illusion of Zionist stability.

2. Hezbollah Defiant: Qassem Rejects Disarmament and US Tutelage

In a resolute address, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem firmly rejected Western and Zionist demands for the resistance to disarm, condemning US interference and “tutelage” over Lebanon. Qassem reaffirmed that the resistance emerged as a direct response to Israeli occupation backed by American tyrants, and that the Zionist enemy instigates all expansionist wars under flimsy pretexts to further its “Greater Israel” agenda. He pledged continued reconstruction and national unity, making it clear that the Axis of Resistance will not surrender its deterrent capabilities to the very imperial forces seeking to dominate the region.

3. Kiev’s Diplomatic Suicide: Seoul Threatens to Sever Ties Over North Korean POWs

A massive diplomatic crisis has erupted between South Korea and Ukraine. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that Seoul does not rule out severing diplomatic relations with Kyiv if tensions continue to escalate. The crisis was triggered by Zelensky’s statement regarding the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Seoul has already recalled its ambassador and eight embassy staff members from Kyiv, signaling a potential complete rupture in relations as Ukraine’s desperation for leverage exposes it to severe diplomatic blowback from key Western-aligned partners.

4. The Leader’s Covenant: Arming the Youth with Knowledge and Faith

In a profound message to university student groups, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei called upon Iran’s youth to arm themselves with “the twin weapons of knowledge and faith.” Praising the students’ determination as a “heavy trust” rooted in the legacy of Imam Khomeini and the martyred Imam Khamenei, the Leader urged “doubled efforts in work and innovation” to propel the nation toward the “peaks of progress and Islamic-Iranian civilisation.” This directive follows his landmark Monday roadmap for an “ever-stronger Iran,” cementing the strategic reliance on the younger generation to defy global arrogance and break scientific boundaries.

5. The Far-Right Flees: Bolsonaro Lands in the US

Following his historic defeat by Lula and his refusal to surrender his passports to Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Bolsonaro has officially landed in the United States. The defeated far-right candidate is now fleeing potential corruption prosecution and money laundering investigations in Brazil, seeking refuge in the imperial core just as his faction’s grip on Latin American power collapses.

6. Jakarta Chokes: Gas Masks, Corporate Arson, and El Niño

Indonesia is battling its most severe forest fires and haze crisis in 11 years, exacerbated by El Niño. Students and civil society groups have taken to the streets in gas masks, demanding President Prabowo Subianto declare a national disaster. The crisis has exposed massive corporate complicity: police have named 11 corporations (including foreign-investment firms) as suspects, and Singapore’s National Environment Agency has issued preventive notices to seven Indonesian firms tied to the massive Sinar Mas Group (APP). With respiratory illnesses spiking across Southeast Asia, the pressure on corporate plantation conglomerates and the state’s regulatory capture is reaching a boiling point.

Also on the wire

• Spain: 64 dead after a catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains as emergency rescue teams continue operations.

• Portugal: Citizens demonstrated in front of the National Assembly in Lisbon, protesting the worsening housing crisis and police violence.

• Gaza: At least 2 Palestinians killed and 7 injured in fresh Israeli drone strikes on Khan Younis.

BEIRUT – Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has categorically ruled out any discussions regarding the disarmament of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon as long as the Israeli occupation and its ongoing aggression persist.

In a comprehensive address detailing the political and military landscape of the region, the Hezbollah leader reaffirmed that the resistance remains the sole legitimate path to liberating all occupied Lebanese territories. He stressed that the cost of steadfastness, though high, is infinitely preferable to the devastation of surrender.

Rejection of Unconstitutional Agreements

Sheikh Qassem strongly condemned the recent “framework agreement,” dismissing it as null and void. He argued that the deal violates the Lebanese Constitution, the Taif Agreement, and national laws, while unlawfully granting concessions to the Israeli enemy. Furthermore, he demanded the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces in strict accordance with the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Shield of the Resistance

Highlighting the existential threat posed by the Zionist entity, Sheikh Qassem noted that the sacrifices of the resistance—honouring martyrs such as Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine—prevented Israel from expanding its control, establishing settlements, and imposing political and territorial domination over the entirety of Lebanon.

End to US Tutelage and Geopolitical Realities

The Secretary-General also issued a stark demand for an end to American “tutelage” over Lebanese state institutions, equating foreign interference with a violation of national sovereignty. He pointed to the internal crises plaguing both the US and the Israeli regime as evidence of their declining global and regional influence.

Contrasting this decline with regional resilience, Sheikh Qassem praised the steadfastness of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He commended the Iranian nation and its leadership under Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei for thwarting US-Israeli efforts to partition the country, noting that Iran’s unwavering stance has been instrumental in mitigating Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

A Pledge for Reconstruction and Unity

Looking toward Lebanon’s future, Sheikh Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s unwavering commitment to the “Promise and Commitment” initiative, ensuring the reconstruction of destroyed homes and the sheltering of displaced citizens through the movement’s own resources, alongside state and allied support.

Concluding his address, he called for genuine national unity to heal internal divisions, emphasising strong ties with the Amal Movement and allied forces. “We are committed to national unity and are prepared to do everything possible to heal divisions,” Sheikh Qassem stated, urging other political factions to demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric.

Reference: Al-Mayadeen

OCCUPIED PALESTINE — The Zionist regime is facing yet another severe political crisis as the latest parliamentary election results fail to give any of the main rival camps a majority in the 120-seat Knesset, highlighting the chronic instability and systemic failures of the occupying entity.

According to the latest vote counts, the right-wing bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu has secured 54 seats, with his Likud party taking 26. Meanwhile, the so-called opposition camp, led by Gadi Eisenkot, trails closely with 49 seats, including 21 for his Yashar party. Crucially, both factions remain far below the 61-seat threshold required to form a government.

In a powerful display of steadfastness, Palestinian-led lists inside the 1948 occupied territories achieved a remarkable victory, collectively securing 19 seats. The Joint List won 13 seats, while the Ra’am party secured six. This strong presence further complicates the Zionist political calculus, as both major factions have historically refused genuine partnerships with Palestinian representatives.

Approximately 600,000 “double-envelope” ballots—including votes from soldiers and diplomats—remain to be counted. While these could slightly alter the final distribution, they are unlikely to break the deadlock. Furthermore, the electoral process was marred by attempts at sabotage, with Ahmad Tibi, head of the Taal party, revealing that government-backed settlers actively tried to suppress and disrupt Palestinian votes during the election.

The deadlock has sparked panic and infighting among Zionist leaders. Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party within Eisenkot’s camp, openly called for an alliance with Palestinian parties, declaring that “Netanyahu lost” and condemning the racist division of Jewish and Arab votes. “We have no future here if we don’t stop being afraid and if we don’t stop with the racism,” Golan stated, pointing to the regime’s deep-seated apartheid mentality.

However, entrenched racism continues to dictate the regime’s politics. While Eisenkot’s camp is reportedly attempting to coordinate with Palestinian lawmakers merely to oust the Likud Knesset speaker, a true coalition remains a distant prospect. Netanyahu and his far-right allies have flatly refused to join with Palestinian parties, further ensuring the political gridlock.

As the final votes are tallied, the persistent inability to form a cohesive government underscores the inherent fragility of the Zionist project, driven by relentless internal division and the unwavering resilience of the Palestinian people.

Reference: The Cradle | Al-Mayadeen

Tehran – In a profound message that underscores the unbreakable bond between the Wilayati leadership and the vanguard of the revolution, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, has called upon the Iranian youth and university students to arm themselves with the twin weapons of knowledge and faith.

Responding to recent correspondence received from student groups across the Islamic Republic, the Leader praised the resolute determination and deep sense of responsibility demonstrated by the younger generation. He described these noble traits as the vital thread connecting the leadership and the youth in a sacred covenant, rooted deeply in the pure Muhammadian school of Islam.

“Young students, I read your affectionate letters with great care,” Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei wrote in the letter issued on Wednesday. “The determination, willpower, and sense of responsibility shining through your letters represent a heavy trust, a trust rooted in the pure Prophet Muhammad’s school of Islam and the legacy of Imam Khomeini and the martyred Imam Khamenei.”

Referencing the immense sacrifices made to safeguard the revolution, the Leader emphasised that honouring this legacy requires immense spiritual and intellectual preparation. He urged the students to “equip yourselves with the weapons of knowledge, faith, self-purification, and deep familiarity with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).”

The message comes at a critical juncture for the Axis of Resistance and the Islamic Republic, as the nation continues to defy global arrogance and advance its sovereign capabilities. Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei called for “doubled efforts in work and innovation to add to the strength and authority of beloved Iran.”

He expressed his steadfast hope that under the guidance of the Wilayah and the relentless efforts of its faithful youth, the path toward “the peaks of progress and Islamic-Iranian civilisation” will soon be fully realised.

This latest message to student groups follows a landmark statement issued on Monday, where the Leader addressed Iran’s scientific, cultural, and sports medalists. In that directive, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution outlined a comprehensive, forward-looking roadmap for an “ever-stronger Iran,” urging the nation’s elites and intellectuals to relentlessly break scientific boundaries and cement Iran’s authority on the global stage.

For the faithful youth of Iran, the directive is clear: the covenant remains unbroken, and the march toward ultimate civilisational victory continues.

Reference: PressTv

JAKARTA — Indonesia is currently battling its most severe forest fires and resulting haze crisis in over a decade, an environmental disaster exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The crisis has triggered widespread public backlash, prompting students and civil society groups to take to the streets across multiple cities to demand immediate government intervention.

On Wednesday, demonstrators—some wearing protective gas masks—gathered in Jakarta and other regions to condemn the state’s handling of the disaster. The primary demand from the streets is for President Prabowo Subianto to formally declare the situation a national disaster. These demonstrations mark the second wave of protests in just one week. The civil unrest coincides with declining approval ratings for President Subianto, now two years into his term, according to recent polling by the Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting firm.

In a late-Wednesday statement, the government’s communications office acknowledged the demonstrations, welcoming the students’ civic participation. Officials noted that aid has been dispatched to the hardest-hit provinces and emphasised that lawsuits have been filed against corporations tied to the illegal burning.

The haze crisis has placed major plantation and forestry firms under intense regulatory scrutiny. Both Indonesian authorities and environmental watchdogs have identified corporate concessions overlapping with active fire zones. In August, the Forestry Ministry slapped administrative sanctions on six companies managing over 1,511 hectares of burned land.

The environmental fallout has also drawn international attention. Singapore’s National Environment Agency recently issued preventive notices to seven Indonesian firms, demanding they deploy firefighting teams, stop burning activities, and submit prevention plans. Notably, three of these companies are suppliers to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a subsidiary of Indonesia’s massive Sinar Mas Group.

Furthermore, Indonesian police announced on October 23 that 11 corporations—including three undisclosed foreign-investment firms—have been named as suspects in forest and land fire investigations. Environmental groups like Walhi continue to identify additional firms with links to foreign plantation conglomerates as enforcement measures remain ongoing.

As respiratory illnesses spike and the toxic smog drifts into neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, the pressure on both corporate actors and the Indonesian government continues to mount.

Reference: Al-Mayadeen

1. The Leader’s Directive: Hormuz Control and an Endogenous Order

In a pivotal meeting with SNSC Secretary Major General Dr. Mohsen Rezaei, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei outlined the strategic trajectory of the Islamic Republic. The Leader reaffirmed the absolute necessity of firm management and control over the Strait of Hormuz, and issued a stern directive to decisively end the current destabilising state of “neither war nor peace” by fully meeting the conditions set by Iranian officials. Crucially, Dr. Rezaei reported on the success of a landmark quadrilateral security meeting in Tehran between Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—proving that US intimidation has failed and paving the way for an “endogenous regional order” entirely free from foreign interference.

2. The 26th Knesset: Settlers Vote Amid Division and Intimidation

Voting commenced today for the Zionist entity’s 26th Knesset elections, the first since the Al-Aqsa Flood operation shattered the myth of regime invincibility. 7.33 million eligible settlers are choosing between a neck-and-neck Benjamin Netanyahu and centrist challenger Gadi Eisenkot, with the campaign dominated by the October 7 security failure and the Gaza genocide. The electoral process is marred by characteristic aggression: reports indicate the deliberate presence of armed settlers near ballot boxes in Palestinian areas as a tactic of intimidation, while thousands protested Netanyahu in Tel Aviv just hours before polls opened.

3. Washington in Turmoil: Democrats Weaponise the Epstein Cover-Up

With the November 3 midterms eight days away, House Judiciary Democrats have formally demanded a special counsel to investigate President Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. In a blistering 53-page report, Democrats accuse the DOJ and FBI of a systemic cover-up, noting that five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein’s presence. The opposition is targeting Attorney General Todd Blanche—Trump’s former personal defence attorney—accusing him of acting as the president’s “personal shield.” Democrats have funnelled over $35 million into attack ads focusing on the scandal. Meanwhile, the US envoy has demanded the UN dismiss the Special Rapporteur exposing the Zionist genocide in Palestine.

4. Azerbaijan’s Hijab Ban: Qom Warns of Zionist Influence

The clerical backlash against Baku’s hijab ban continues. Abdul-Hussein Hosrovpanah, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, warned that the policy reflects Zionist regime influence and compared the crackdown to the atrocities of Reza Shah Pahlavi, predicting similar consequences for the Aliyev regime. He emphasised that Islamic countries are “obliged to react” and that fulfilling this duty is a necessity.

5. Hegseth Humiliated, Bolsonaro Flees, and France Burns

In a viral exchange, US Senator Tammy Duckworth told War Secretary Pete Hegseth to “do a little homework” after he failed to name ASEAN member states. In Brazil, Flávio Bolsonaro missed a court deadline to surrender his passports and may have fled to Argentina amid a money laundering probe. And in France, brutal police tactics against protesting students sparked outrage, with social media users noting: “When you see the brutality France is inflicting on its own people, you can only imagine how horrific it was in colonial Africa.”

Also on the wire

• Sudan: 21 killed and 40 wounded in an airstrike on Nyala, capital of South Darfur.

• Turkey: A tornado struck Antalya, killing 4 construction workers and damaging a crane.

• UN Security Council: Russia’s envoy cautioned Western countries against politicising Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, warning it could “pave the way for renewed aggression.”

USA - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump’s US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has sparked widespread outrage after hurling blatantly racist and Islamophobic insults at the Arab and Muslim communities during a Republican election rally in Michigan.

In a desperate attempt to smear Mohamed Abdelsayed, the Democratic Muslim candidate running for the US Senate, Kennedy resorted to baseless historical erasure. He arrogantly asserted that the Arab world—home to a population of roughly 500 million people—has contributed absolutely nothing to global science, literature, or prestigious intellectual awards.

The remarks lay bare the deep-seated Islamophobia festering within the Trump administration and the broader Republican establishment. Kennedy, feigning political expertise on the Muslim Brotherhood, maliciously generalised his bigotry to all Arabs and Muslims. This targeted attack comes despite Abdelsayed explicitly denying any ties to the organisation and declaring his outright opposition to it.

The sheer ignorance and arrogance of the US Health Secretary’s statements have drawn sharp rebuke from political and cultural analysts. Observers swiftly dismantled Kennedy’s colonialist claims by pointing to the rich intellectual and scientific legacy of the Muslim and Arab Ummah. They highlighted towering literary figures and Nobel laureates—such as Naguib Mahfouz and Abdulrazak Gurnah—as undeniable proof of the Arab world’s global contributions. Rather than reflecting reality, Kennedy’s words merely project a humiliating, imperialist mindset designed to degrade Arab and Muslim identity.

This racist outburst arrives at a highly sensitive geopolitical juncture. The US regime remains heavily entangled in aggressive military campaigns and destabilisation efforts across the Middle East. Domestically, the midterm elections are heating up, and Michigan—home to one of the most vibrant, organised, and politically active Muslim populations in the United States—has become a crucial battleground for determining the balance of power in Congress.

The escalation of anti-Muslim rhetoric by Trump and his cabinet members is increasingly backfiring. Many Arab and Muslim Americans who previously engaged with or voted for the Republican ticket in 2024 are now expressing deep disillusionment and betrayal. Analysts warn that the White House’s continued reliance on xenophobic tropes and humiliating discourse will severely fracture its domestic support base, alienate minority voters, and further poison its already fraught relations with the Muslim world.

Reference: ABNA24

TEHRAN – In a pivotal meeting outlining the strategic trajectory of the Islamic Republic, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, received Major General Dr. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The high-level talks focused on fortifying national resilience, safeguarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and cementing a new regional order free from foreign interference.

During the meeting, the Leader described the SNSC and its Secretariat as the vital “crossroads of policymaking” for the nation. He underscored the profound interconnectedness of four critical pillars—culture, politics, the economy, and security—noting that decisions in any single domain must be fortified by comprehensive, supportive measures across all others. Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that sound, well-grounded decision-making demands a meticulous roadmap, rooted in a complete understanding of every national undertaking from its inception to its conclusion.

Addressing the domestic front, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution called for the fortification of national cohesion, unity, and mutual trust between the Iranian people and their officials. He highlighted the imperative of leveraging the capacities enshrined in the Islamic Constitution, specifically Article 176, to empower the President and executive bodies in swiftly resolving the country’s pressing challenges.

On matters of defence and foreign policy, the Leader reaffirmed the absolute necessity of safeguarding national and regional security through firm, unwavering management and control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. He also advocated for the strengthening of bilateral ties with neighbouring states, anchored in lasting, mutual interests.

Touching upon the broader geopolitical struggle, Ayatollah Khamenei characterised the current desperation of the enemy as a direct fruit of the Iranian nation’s steadfast resistance. To sustain the people’s active participation in defending the homeland and the Islamic establishment, he emphasised the necessity of proactive, timely, and transparent communication. Furthermore, he issued a stern directive to pursue the inalienable rights and interests of the Iranian nation and the Axis of Resistance. He demanded that the conditions set forth by Iranian officials for ending the conflict be fully met, decisively bringing an end to the current, destabilising state of “neither war nor peace.”

Earlier in the meeting, SNSC Secretary Dr. Mohsen Rezaei presented a comprehensive report on the nation’s situation across various sectors. Outlining the Secretariat’s strategic initiatives, Dr. Rezaei highlighted the active pursuit of the Islamic Republic’s vital policy of “establishing endogenous regional arrangements and order.”

This policy is already being actively realised on the ground. Dr. Rezaei’s report to the Leader followed a landmark quadrilateral security meeting hosted in Tehran, which brought together senior officials from Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Speaking on the outcomes of these talks, the SNSC Secretary called for a robust regional security framework built entirely by West Asian nations and free from foreign interference. He noted that the successful quadrilateral gathering definitively demonstrated that U.S. threats and intimidation tactics have failed to deter regional states from pursuing closer, independent ties and cooperation.

Reference: Tehran Times | Rahbar.ir

WASHINGTON – In a dramatic escalation of political warfare ahead of the US midterm elections, House Judiciary Democrats have formally demanded the appointment of a special counsel to investigate President Donald Trump’s ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawmakers accused the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI of actively shielding the president from judicial scrutiny, alleging a systemic cover-up designed to protect the American political elite.

In a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche on Monday, Democrats argued that federal authorities have compromised the integrity of the Epstein investigation. “At a minimum, DOJ and FBI’s efforts to protect Trump rather than pursue justice require the appointment of an independent special counsel,” the committee stated. They added that the inquiry must extend beyond Trump to encompass all of Epstein’s “potential accomplices and co-conspirators.”

The demand coincided with the release of a 53-page report by Judiciary Committee Democrats that revisits severe sexual misconduct allegations against the president. Representative Jamie Raskin, the committee’s senior Democrat, condemned the Justice Department for allegedly concealing crimes to protect the president. “Five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein’s company or presence,” Raskin revealed.

While Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges regarding the Epstein case, his name remains heavily featured in DOJ documents. Democrats claim the lack of judicial findings is a direct result of institutional protection rather than innocence.

Questions Surrounding Attorney General’s Independence

The opposition has also launched blistering attacks on Attorney General Todd Blanche, questioning his ability to lead an impartial investigation. Democrats highlighted Blanche’s previous role as Trump’s personal defence attorney, accusing him of operating as the president’s personal shield within the Justice Department.

“Determined to protect the President at any cost, DOJ itself now leads the cover-up of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation,” the Democrats alleged, adding that Blanche has merely transitioned from “being Donald Trump’s personal attorney to his personal Attorney General.”

The controversy over the Epstein files has loomed over Washington for months. Following immense congressional pressure, Trump eventually signed legislation mandating the release of Justice Department records concerning Epstein. However, upon publication, the documents were heavily redacted, further fuelling accusations of a state-sponsored cover-up.

Weaponising the Scandal for Midterms

The timing of the report is highly strategic. Released just eight days before the critical November 3 midterm elections—which will decide the balance of power in Congress—the Epstein scandal has become a central battleground. Democrats have reportedly funnelled over $35 million into political advertisements focusing on the affair, hoping to sway voters by highlighting the moral corruption of the US establishment.

The Epstein saga continues to expose the dark underbelly of the Western political and financial elite. Epstein died in federal custody in 2019 under highly suspicious circumstances while awaiting trial for trafficking minors, a death officially ruled a suicide. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. However, the vast network of prominent figures in politics, business, and academia who frequented Epstein’s circles remains largely untouched by the US justice system.

Reference: Al-Mayadeen

OCCUPIED PALESTINE — Voting commenced on Tuesday across the occupied territories for the Zionist regime’s 26th Knesset elections, taking place under the heavy shadow of internal political strife, economic instability, and the ongoing fallout from the genocidal war on Gaza.

Marking the first election since the historic Al-Aqsa Flood operation on October 7, 2023, the vote is widely seen as a referendum on the leadership of embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to final pre-election surveys, Netanyahu is currently locked in a neck-and-neck race with his chief centrist challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, signalling a deeply divided entity.

The electoral campaign has been dominated by bitter rifts over the regime’s multi-front wars, contentious military draft laws, and the alarming rise of hard-line religious extremism. Furthermore, the political discourse has heavily centred on who bears responsibility for the unprecedented security failure on October 7, an operation that shattered the illusion of the regime’s invincibility.

The Zionist entity heads to the polls facing growing international isolation and condemnation. Critics and human rights organisations continue to point to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, a massive surge in illegal settlement expansion, and escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank as evidence of the regime’s rightward and extremist shift.

Heavy Turnout and Intimidation Tactics

More than 7.33 million eligible settlers are registered to cast their ballots, choosing from 38 competing electoral lists for the 120 parliamentary seats. Reports indicate a heavy voter turnout, with tens of thousands of Israelis reportedly travelling from overseas specifically to participate in the elections.

However, the electoral process has not been without its characteristic aggression. Reports from occupied Palestine noted large crowds at polling stations but also highlighted the deliberate presence of armed settlers near ballot boxes in Palestinian “Arab areas” in a clear display of intimidation. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, thousands gathered in protest against Netanyahu just hours before the polls opened, underscoring the severe domestic dissatisfaction with his rule.

Awaiting the Results

Television networks within the occupied territories are expected to publish exit poll estimates immediately after the main polling stations close at 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday. However, these are merely statistical projections.

The central elections committee will begin counting regular ballots overnight, while the counting of double-envelope votes and reviews of potential violations will continue in the subsequent days. Final official results are scheduled to be published no later than Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Regardless of the outcome, the elections underscore a profound crisis of confidence within the Zionist establishment, as the regime continues to grapple with the strategic and psychological blows inflicted by the Axis of Resistance.

Reference: ABNA24 | Al-Mayadeen

USA - A United States envoy to the United Nations has launched a vitriolic campaign calling for the dismissal of Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Jeff Bartos, the US Representative for UN Management and Reform, attacked the Italian human rights scholar on Monday, absurdly labelling her a “moral fugitive” and a “lunatic.” In a desperate attempt to shield the Zionist regime from international accountability, Bartos accused Albanese of harbouring hatred toward the United States, the West, and Israel, while falsely conflating legitimate criticism of the occupying regime with antisemitism.

Addressing the UN, Bartos claimed that Albanese’s words are found in the “chants of terrorists” and complained that the UN allows a “charlatan to soil the UN uniform.” He urged his UN colleagues to publicly denounce the rapporteur, claiming they privately refer to her and similar human rights defenders as “institutional poison.”

“Start by saying publicly what you say to me privately. That the UN should not be a nursery for evil... That Albanese must go,” Bartos demanded, revealing Washington’s deep discomfort with international legal scrutiny of its closest ally in West Asia.

Albanese, an international lawyer who has served as the UN Special Rapporteur since May 2022, has consistently documented the Zionist regime’s atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. She has rightfully described the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestinians as “the cruellest genocide in modern history.”

In March 2024, Albanese presented her landmark report, “Anatomy of a Genocide,” to the UN Human Rights Council, concluding there were reasonable grounds to believe the Zionist entity was intentionally committing genocidal acts in Gaza. She followed this up with a March 2026 report titled “Torture and Genocide,” which detailed the systematic and collective vengeance inflicted upon Palestinians since October 2023.

In her latest report, Albanese explained that torture has become an integral component of the regime’s “settler-colonial genocide,” perpetrated across the entire territory of Palestine with the clear intent to destroy conditions of life.

“Torture has always been a central feature of the dispossession of Palestinians by Israel. Yet, since October 2023, Israel has employed torture on a scale that suggests collective vengeance and destructive intent,” she stated.

Unsurprisingly, the Zionist regime has designated Albanese as persona non grata and denied her entry into the occupied Palestinian territories. Washington’s latest attempt to silence her only underscores the lengths to which the US will go to shield Israel from international law and justice.

Reference: PressTv

1. The Strike Trump Wouldn’t Sign

Per CNN, the Zionist regime had planned a new strike on Iran over the weekend — but Trump did not approve the operation, and Washington is unwilling to give the green light before the November 3 midterms. A second leash: depleted air-defence resources, leaving the entity dependent on additional American support after the previous clashes. Israel Hayom reports heightened military readiness across the occupied territories while Netanyahu vows the regime will strike Iran again “soon” — a threat now visibly subordinated to the American electoral calendar and the empire’s hollow arsenals.

2. The Leader’s Directive: Accelerating Scientific Might

In a statement published today, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called for accelerated scientific and technological progress in the wake of the recently imposed wars with the US

Emphasising that “a strong Iran is founded upon scientific and technological might,” he directed that the new scientific surge must be “both profound and accelerated”.

The Leader also called on Muslim nations to unite against the US and the Zionist entity, urging regional leaders to recognise their shared responsibilities in the current geopolitical landscape.

3. Lula’s Fourth Dawn: Brazil Rolls Back the Far-Right Tide

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured an unprecedented fourth term, crushing Flavio Bolsonaro 51.8% to 48.2% — the first candidate since 1989 to win a runoff after trailing in the first round. Framing the victory as a defence of sovereignty, Lula declared Brazil had “defeated foreign interference through digital platforms” and pledged to regulate the major tech companies. The far-right’s desperation met a swift legal reckoning: Flavio refused to concede, then was ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to surrender his passport and was barred from leaving the country. From Petro (“fascism in Latin America… has been restrained”) to Sanders, Khanna and Mamdani, the Global South and the Western left hailed a historic blow to fascism.

4. Election-Eve Autopsy: From Ben-Gurion to the Ballot Box

Ahead of tomorrow’s October 27 Knesset elections, PW’s analysis traces how Ben-Gurion’s “nation in arms” doctrine has consumed its own architects: military rank as the only political currency, the 1967 turn that made the army the armed wing of the settlement enterprise, and a conscription crisis exposing the settlers’ crumbling social compact. With Eisenkot and Netanyahu trading blame for the Al-Aqsa Flood humiliation, the campaign is laid bare as “a dispute among colonisers over who should bear the burden of the killing” — the polls will only decide which faction steers the occupation into its inevitable decline.

5. Winter Hunger and a $10 Billion Beg: The Siege Economy Reverses

The war’s economic boomerang landed on the aggressors today. France is seeking more Algerian oil and gas as Europe faces winter supply pressures — sovereign Algiers, fresh off its $37.5 billion hydrocarbon windfall, now holds the cards. Meanwhile Bloomberg reports Saudi Aramco is nearing a $10 billion loan with global banks as Yemeni forces’ operations squeeze regional energy markets. UN chief Guterres warned the West Asia conflicts are driving up food and energy prices worldwide — the global bill for the US-Saudi war machine coming due in real time.

6. Qom’s Certainty: Wilayah as the Shield Against Intimidation

In a profound ethics lesson on Imam Sajjad’s (AS) Makarim al-Akhlaq supplication, Grand Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani taught that true greatness of Allah in the heart renders believers immune to the threats of arrogant powers: “One in whose sight God is great does not waver or tremble before worldly threats.” Recounting the companion who calmly recited his own prophesied martyrdom to the tyrant Ziyad ibn Abih, the Marja showed how certainty strips the executioner of his psychological power. His companion piece, “The Fatimi Roadmap: Defending Wilayah,” published the same day, was unreachable at press time due to a host error — title logged for the record.

Also on the wire

• UN succession: Press TV profiles seven contenders vying to replace Guterres atop a world body whose authority has been “severely eroded” by its failure to stop wars or hold powerful states accountable.

• Tomorrow: The Zionist entity votes in its Knesset elections — the dispatch will carry the fallout.

The militarisation of the Zionist entity did not begin as a mere reaction to “security threats,” but was the very foundation upon which the illegal occupation of Palestine was built. From David Ben-Gurion’s founding doctrines to the upcoming October 27, 2026 Knesset elections, military violence remains the defining feature of the regime’s identity, political legitimacy, and internal social organisation. As the Zionist entity heads to the polls, its campaign reveals an occupying society entirely consumed by the contradictions of its own colonial project.

The Foundations of a “Nation in Arms”

For Ben-Gurion and the early architects of the Zionist state, the military was not just a tool of defence; it was the primary instrument of land theft and ethnic cleansing. Zionist terror organisations like the Haganah formed the core of the occupying army established in 1948, centralising power and monopolising violence.

Ben-Gurion’s military doctrine of the 1950s assumed a permanent state of conflict, emphasising preemptive strikes and mass mobilisation. This created the concept of a “nation in arms,” where military service was weaponised to socialise generations of settlers into the colonial project. Military experience became the ultimate credential for political leadership, blurring the lines between civilian governance and military occupation.

From Blood-Stained Generals to Political Authority

Historically, the Zionist Labour Party dominated politics by leaning heavily on the prestige of its military commanders. Research into the regime’s electoral history shows that as mainstream parties lost their connection to the security establishment, they were marginalised by a political culture built entirely on “cultural militarism.”

Today, military rank and operational experience are the only valid currencies in a political culture built on perpetual war. Former IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) chiefs of staff and senior commanders routinely transition into electoral politics, using their bloody reputations as claims to national leadership. In a regime where violence is the baseline, politicians are judged solely on their perceived capacity to wage it.

1967, Religious Extremism, and the Settler Project

The 1967 occupation of the West Bank and Gaza marked a critical turning point. The military’s role expanded from mere defence to the direct administration and subjugation of the Palestinian people. This territorial expansion gave rise to religious nationalism, intertwining the settler-colonial enterprise with the military apparatus.

Where early Zionism was dominated by secular Labour elites, later decades saw religious extremists and settler movements hijack the military to serve their expansionist ambitions. The military effectively became the armed wing of the settlement enterprise.

The 2026 Elections: A Settler Society Tearing Itself Apart

The upcoming elections lay bare the severe fractures within the Zionist entity. The campaign is dominated by the regime’s internal civil war: blaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition for the historic humiliation inflicted by the Palestinian Resistance during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023.

The opposition, led by former IOF chief Gadi Eisenkot, leans heavily on his military credentials, promising to “restore security” while continuing the genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, the governing coalition is collapsing under the weight of the ultra-Orthodox conscription crisis.

This dispute over draft exemptions is highly revealing. It exposes the crumbling social compact of the occupiers. Military service is treated as a prerequisite for full participation in the colonial project. As the IOF’s endless wars drain settler manpower, the resentment over ultra-Orthodox exemptions has boiled over. Yet, crucially, this outrage is never directed at the purpose of the military—which is to oppress Palestinians and occupy Arab lands—but only at who is forced to bear the burden of the violence.

Conclusion

The fierce debates in the upcoming election are not about ending the occupation, dismantling the apartheid regime, or granting Palestinians their rightful sovereignty. They are merely a dispute among colonisers over who should bear the burden of the killing, and who gets to command the sinking ship of the occupation. The success of Al-Aqsa Flood exposed the myth of Zionist invincibility, and while the regime’s factions bicker over conscription and security failures, they remain united in their commitment to the machinery of force. The October 27 elections will only decide which faction gets to steer the Zionist entity into its inevitable historical decline.

Reference: Al-Mayadeen