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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Strait Of Hormuz Still Sees Ship Traffic Despite Iran Attacks, Data Shows

Edited by Milan Gagnon and Andreas Becker. The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the world's most dangerous waterways since March, when Iran began attacking shipping vessels as a pressure tactic in its ceasefire talks with the United States. Still, though a significant proportion of the global oil trade bottlenecks at the strait, shipping traffic never completely halted. With the United States and Iran issuing conflicting statements as to whether the Strait of Hormuz is open, DW analyzed public data sources to track how shipping traffic has changed during the course of the war and which vessels are still taking the risk of transiting the maritime choke point, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. <h2>Shipping Through Strait Of Hormuz Disrupted</h2> As Iran's strikes on and interception of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz continue, mines have also been reported in the prewar shipping lanes. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), a project of the US-led Combined Maritime Forces, assesses the threat to shippers as "severe," its second-highest warning level. However, according to one of JMIC's latest advisory notes, issued after attacks resumed on July 6 and 7, "commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained at reduced levels, with vessels transiting via both the southern Omani corridor and the northern Iranian-controlled route." JMIC added that shippers remained cautious of transiting the strait amid the attacks on vessels in recent weeks. DW's analysis of data from the open-source platform Global Fishing Watch showed that, nevertheless, several shipping companies have navigated their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz throughout the war. Though the platform's primary purpose is to monitor fishing efforts, it also collects data on all other vessels using satellite imagery and relying on signals transmitted by ships' automatic identification systems (AIS). As ships can switch off their AIS transponders — and have reportedly repeatedly chosen to while transiting the Strait of Hormuz — the number of vessels is likely higher than shown. Based on AIS signals, a combined total of at least 84 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz in two periods of the conflict: from the start of the war on February 28 until the announcement of a ceasefire on April 7 and following the renewed attacks on July 6 and 7. This aligns with reports of the United States saying it gave passage to about 70 ships and adding that not all of them transmitted signals. For comparison: In the same periods of 2025, more than 900 ships crossed the strait. Of these 84 ships, 34 moved from east to west into the Persian Gulf and 50 crossed the strait in the opposite direction, moving out of the gulf. <h2>In Which Countries Are Ships That Transit The Strait Of Hormuz Registered?</h2> As part of the AIS signal, ships transmit which flag they are sailing under, but this information is entered manually aboard the vessels. In only a few cases investigated for this story did the flag reflect the actual country of origin of the registered owner or the ship manager of a vessel. This information can still be looked up manually in different databases using the ship's international ID number and its name. Only nine Iranian- and two Pakistani-owned ships transited under their respective national flags. All of the other 73 ships hoisted a flag different from the vessel owner's country. Analysis of this data shows that a wide variety of companies operating in the region continue to cross the Strait of Hormuz. At the top of the list is the United Arab Emirates, which neighbors the strait. The UAE's Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP) runs overland parallel to the waterway in the south. 13 cargo ships registered in the United Arab Emirates transited the strait during the shutdown, as well as two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers and three support vessels. Most of the UAE-based ship owners in the dataset appear to have only one to five vessels in their fleet. One of the UAE-registered vessels that was detected passing into the Persian Gulf on July 11 is managed by Lubeck Shipping LLC, a company associated with an Iranian oil tycoon that has been sanctioned by the United States. Also sanctioned by the United States is Salina Ship Management PvT Ltd., a company from the Indian state of Maharashtra that US officials accuse of helping Iran move petrol. The company manages one of the four Indian oil and LPG tankers that Global Fishing Watch recorded entering the strait. India, like many Asian countries, is heavily reliant on the Strait of Hormuz for energy supply. China, Pakistan and Vietnam, too, had oil and LPG tankers in the Persian Gulf that they moved out of the Strait of Hormuz before a ceasefire was announced on April 7. All seven vessels owned and managed by companies from Greece, the world's biggest shipping power, were freighters, typically carrying unpackaged dried goods such as iron, coal and grains. <h2>Why Risk Transiting The Strait Of Hormuz?</h2> The primary motive for continuing to move oil and other goods via the Strait of Hormuz despite the threat of attacks by Iran is financial — "simply because the reward seems higher than the risk," said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at Kpler, a business intelligence company headquartered in Belgium that specializes in analyzing global commodity flows. "The key point is that producers of oil (or gas, aluminum, and other products) within the Strait of Hormuz essentially have only two options," economist David Wech wrote in an email. Wech monitors the flow of energy commodities such as oil and refined products for the British company Vortexa. "Option 1: to halt production and earn no money at all — or even incur losses due to operating expenditures," Wech wrote. "And option 2: accept the risk of transiting the strait and thereby earn 90% or more of their normal revenue. With an oil price of currently more than $80 per barrel, we're talking about billions of USD." With hostilities hot again as of July, the Brent Crude oil price is on yet another upward trend, perhaps one of the most perceivable global effects of the war and the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. <h2>What Are Alternatives To Strait Of Hormuz?</h2> In prewar times, roughly 25% of the global maritime oil trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Alternative routes have limited capacity to compensate for the loss of oil flow through the strait, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Two pipelines are currently used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz: the UAE's ADCOP and another in Saudi Arabia. The ADCOP in the United Arab Emirates would allow ships to land and load in the northeastern port of Fujairah and transport oil out of the Persian Gulf without transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Abqaiq-Yanbu crude oil pipeline system (East-West Crude Pipeline or Petroline) in Saudi Arabia has some capacity left, the IEA reported in February. Publicly available shipping data for Yanbu show an increase in oil-related ship traffic from May through June, compared with previous years. "Combined, Yanbu and Fujairah have been able to reroute over 4 million barrels a day of crude from having to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," Smith said. "This has been able to act as a release valve to keep barrels flowing to key customers in Asia — but only offsetting 4 of the total 15 million barrels per day that typically passes through the strait." The alternative routes have their own risks. Reports are increasing of piracy and attacks on ships by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow choke point between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. "Bab al-Mandeb has the potential to add further supply woes to a global supply picture that is already severely constrained," Smith said. So, the release valve to the Strait of Hormuz might soon become a maritime choke point of its own. (Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/strait-hormuz-iran-shipping-traffic-dw-analysis-public-data-1859120

Monday, July 27, 2026

Trump Signals Hope For Iran Deal As Drone Attacks Test Fragile Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington was engaged in “good talks” with Iran and that an agreement to end their conflict could be within reach, while warning that American military strikes would resume if negotiations fail. Trump’s comments came as the fragile pause in the US air campaign faced an immediate test, with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq reporting drone attacks on Monday. The developments raised fresh questions over whether the temporary halt could hold as diplomatic efforts continue. Washington abruptly suspended a two-week campaign of air strikes against Iran on Saturday, marking Trump’s latest strategic shift in the five-month-old conflict. The president has since indicated that the pause could lead to negotiations, but has made clear that military action remains an option. <h2>Trump Warns Of Return To Military Action</h2> “We’re having good talks,” Trump said on Monday. “I think there’s a good chance that something could happen, and if it does, good, if it doesn’t, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago.” Later at a campaign rally in Michigan, Trump struck a tougher tone while discussing Iran. “You can’t bribe them. You’ve got to beat them, and we’ll beat the hell out of them. But we’ll see how it turns out,” he said, adding that “very friendly negotiations” were currently taking place. The contrasting remarks underscored the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire. While Trump has signalled an opening for diplomacy, his threat to resume strikes if talks fail leaves the possibility of renewed US military action hanging over the negotiations. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/tehran-washington-talks-strait-hormuz-revolutionary-guards-vessels-oil-prices-1858928">Iran Says No US Talks Planned, Revolutionary Guards Stop Six Vessels In Hormuz</a> <h2>Iran Says Messages Are Still Being Exchanged</h2> Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Monday that messages were continuing to pass between Tehran and Washington through mediators. He said Iran had not abandoned diplomacy, but rejected reports that Tehran had sought negotiations as “fabricated”. “This is not in our DNA,” Baghaei said. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Sunday that Iran would also halt its attacks for as long as Trump’s self-imposed ceasefire remained in place. However, Iran’s central military command accused the US on Monday of threatening vessels and oil tankers in Iranian territorial waters and attempting to impose what it called an “illegal maritime blockade”. Iran said such actions amounted to an escalation of the regional conflict, adding another layer of tension to an already fragile pause in fighting. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V7gf7N_1GUY?si=7Eaw76MykIiVW_HL" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>Drone Attacks Raise Fresh Concerns Over Ceasefire</h2> Saudi Arabia said it had shot down drones targeting petroleum facilities, including targets in Riyadh. The kingdom said the drones had been launched from Iraq by Iran-backed armed groups and warned that it reserved the right to respond. Separately, Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen claimed they had targeted the East-West Pipeline, which carries oil to Saudi Arabia’s main Red Sea port of Yanbu. The group described the attack as retaliation for Saudi drone incursions. The latest reports came as Tehran also maintained that it remained in control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway for global energy supplies. Trump has demanded that vessels be allowed to move through the strait freely, making the waterway another potential flashpoint as Washington and Tehran weigh their next moves. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-occupied-kashmir-prorest-rangers-open-fire-on-march-to-muzaffarabad-11-dead-1858951">PoK Unrest: Pakistani Rangers Open Fire On March To Muzaffarabad, 11 Dead</a> <h2>Oil Prices Tumble As War Weighs On Trump</h2> The uncertainty surrounding the conflict has also carried political consequences for Trump and his Republican Party. Public disapproval of the war has been weighing on the president ahead of November’s midterm elections, when Republicans will seek to defend their slim majorities in Congress. The developments leave Trump facing a delicate balancing act: pursue negotiations that could bring the conflict to an end while maintaining pressure on Tehran and keeping the option of renewed military action open if diplomacy fails.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-trump-signals-hope-for-iran-deal-as-drone-attacks-test-fragile-ceasefire-1858963

Iran Says No US Talks Planned, Revolutionary Guards Stop Six Vessels In Hormuz

<h2>Iran Says Revolutionary Guards Stop Six Vessels In Hormuz</h2> Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy stopped six vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz through routes not approved by Iranian authorities, Iran's state television reported on Monday. According to a state TV correspondent, the vessels were intercepted overnight after trying to use routes outside those designated by Iran. The report said the IRGC Navy fired warning shots before turning the vessels back. Earlier, state television reported an unspecified "incident" involving one vessel but provided no further details. The latest action follows a similar episode on Saturday, when the Revolutionary Guards said they stopped four vessels attempting to transit the southern part of the strait after firing warning shots. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/berlin-pride-attack-suspect-shot-dead-van-ramming-1858827">Berlin Pride Attack: Suspect Shot Dead After Van Ramming Kills 1, 29 Injured</a> <hr /> <h2>Oil Prices Fall As US-Iran Pause Raises Hopes For Renewed Talks</h2> Oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran boosted hopes for a return to ceasefire efforts and negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude dropped more than 7% at one point, briefly falling below $90 (€79) a barrel, as investors welcomed signs of de-escalation after nearly two weeks of exchanges between Washington and Tehran. The US refrained from launching further strikes over the weekend, while Iran said it would halt retaliatory attacks against regional neighbors. The moves eased concerns over disruptions to shipping routes and global energy supplies. Meanwhile, Iran said discussions with Oman had made progress on managing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks focused on ensuring safe shipping passage while respecting the sovereignty of the countries involved. The recent conflict had pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since May, as concerns grew over threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/communal-clash-erupts-in-nepal-s-india-bordering-sunsari-1-killed-restrictive-orders-imposed-1858840">Communal Clash Erupts In Nepal's India-Bordering Sunsari; 1 Killed, Restrictive Orders Imposed</a> <hr /> <h2>Welcome To Our Coverage</h2> Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has not sought to resume talks with Washington and does not currently hold direct talks with the US. While mediators continue to pass on messages, Baghaei said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged and the waterway is still closed. He also said some Gulf countries had been involved in the US war on Iran, without providing further details. (Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/tehran-washington-talks-strait-hormuz-revolutionary-guards-vessels-oil-prices-1858928

PoK Unrest: Pakistani Rangers Open Fire On March To Muzaffarabad, 11 Dead

Marking the 48th day of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistani security forces opened indiscriminate fire on thousands of demonstrators on Monday, killing at least 11 people and leaving more than 38 critically injured, local sources confirmed. The crackdown came after negotiations between protest leaders and the Pakistani government collapsed. Following the failed talks, nearly 2 lakh protesters gathered at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground since June 9 launched a long march towards Muzaffarabad at around 4 pm, triggering one of the deadliest confrontations since the protests began. <h2>March Turns Deadly</h2> Violence intensified when another group of demonstrators arriving from nearby towns reached Chinar Chowk, around 1.5 kilometres from Eidgah Ground. Pakistani Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel opened fire with AK-47 rifles directly at the crowd, while Punjab Police and PoK Police used tear gas to disperse protesters. At the same time, the main procession moving from Eidgah Ground came under sustained firing only a few hundred metres into the march. For nearly 90 minutes, Rangers and FC personnel fired live ammunition into unarmed crowds while heavy tear gas shelling continued across the area, forcing protesters to retreat. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-donald-trump-warns-tehran-says-will-return-to-strong-military-action-if-iran-talks-fail-1858947">'Will Return To Strong Military Action If Iran Talks Fail': Trump Warns</a> <h2>Hospitals Blocked</h2> The injured were taken back to Eidgah Ground after protesters claimed Pakistani Rangers and FC personnel had taken control of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalakot, preventing wounded demonstrators from receiving treatment. Visuals from the ground showed ambulances transporting the injured to makeshift medical camps established at Eidgah Ground, while the bodies of those killed were placed side by side on wooden charpais ahead of Namaz-e-Janaza. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C12VPqrjiis?si=jxf4nbcElxXZnDNi" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Amid the violence, protester Mohammad Aqeel issued an emotional appeal, saying Pakistani forces had displayed "utter brutality" against unarmed civilians. He urged international media and global human rights organisations to intervene and witness the situation unfolding in the region. By 8.30 pm, local sources confirmed 11 deaths, with the toll expected to rise because of the number of critically injured victims. More than 38 people remain in critical condition. According to local sources, over 85 civilians have lost their lives in security force action across PoK since June. Internet services across the region have remained suspended since June 5, while surviving demonstrators regrouped at Eidgah Ground following the firing, with tensions continuing to remain extremely high. Also Read: <a href="France, Spain Battle Massive Wildfires As Thousands Evacuated, Macron Holds Crisis Meeting">France, Spain Battle Massive Wildfires As Thousands Evacuated, Macron Holds Crisis Meeting</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-occupied-kashmir-prorest-rangers-open-fire-on-march-to-muzaffarabad-11-dead-1858951

Communal Clash Erupts In Nepal's India-Bordering Sunsari; 1 Killed, Restrictive Orders Imposed

Kathmandu, Jul 27 (PTI) One person was killed and several others, including security personnel, were injured in a communal clash in Nepal's Sunsari district, bordering India, prompting authorities to impose indefinite restrictive orders in parts of the area from Monday. According to the District Administration Office, Sunsari, the prohibitory orders took effect from 7:00 am and cover five market areas in the district, located in the Koshi province. The restrictions will remain in force until further notice. Under the prohibitory orders, gatherings of more than four people, demonstrations, public meetings and sit-ins have been banned in the affected areas. The violence erupted on Sunday night in the Kaptangunj area of Devgunj rural municipality when members of two religious communities, who were separately organising programmes, clashed over the use of loudspeakers and the display of religious flags, police said. A verbal altercation between the two groups escalated into violence, prompting security personnel to intervene, they said. During efforts to bring the situation under control, security forces opened fire, killing 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta. More than a dozen people, including security personnel, were injured in the clashes, police said. The administration said violators of the prohibitory order could face a fine of NPR 500, imprisonment of up to one month, or both. Sunsari, located in southeastern Nepal, shares a border with India's Bihar and is an important transit and commercial corridor between the two countries.  (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/communal-clash-erupts-in-nepal-s-india-bordering-sunsari-1-killed-restrictive-orders-imposed-1858840

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Greta Thunberg Joins CJP Protest In London: ‘Indian Student Protest Made Us Proud’

Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Sunday voiced support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student agitation over alleged irregularities in India’s education system, saying the movement demonstrated the “true meaning of people power”. Addressing a gathering organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) in London, Thunberg said the Indian students’ fight for justice was connected to the wider struggle for democracy and liberation. She called for international solidarity with the protesters. “The Indian Student protest, has made us all proud! They have given us hope!” Thunberg said, adding that the movement showed what people could achieve when they came together and resisted. ALSO READ | <a href="%20https://ift.tt/9Wk2s3y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CJP Leaders Party At 'Five-Star' Hotel, Critics Raise Questions Over Viral Video</a> <h2>Greta Thunberg Calls For Global Solidarity</h2> Thunberg said the students’ movement had demonstrated the strength of collective action and urged people beyond India to stand alongside those involved in the campaign. She described the struggle for justice in India as part of a broader fight for democracy and liberation, saying the two causes were connected. “We all have to come together now and rise up in solidarity with India,” she said. The SFI’s UK unit organised the weekend gathering and described it as a celebration of what it called the movement’s victory. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> SFI-UK’s victory gathering is in full swing at Trafalgar Square! We send our salutes to <a href="https://ift.tt/qkpmDbB>, who showed up in solidarity with the Indian student movement at the London protest today. The student movement has given global activists hope about the power of the people ✊ <a href="https://t.co/nvtsYqEI2R">pic.twitter.com/nvtsYqEI2R</a> — Students' Federation of India - United Kingdom (@sfi_uk) <a href="https://ift.tt/uW26eJx 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/1jOmlhG" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h2>CJP Agitation Ends After 36 Days</h2> Thunberg’s comments came after the CJP’s 36-day agitation ended with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest began on June 20 and gained further momentum following police action against demonstrators on July 20. The campaign subsequently received backing from several student organisations and activists, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who undertook a prolonged hunger strike in solidarity with the movement. ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/D6IQjTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BJP MP's Daughter Says She Was Pressured To Delete Post On Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation</a> <h2>CJP Says Centre Accepted Remaining Demands</h2> The CJP announced on Saturday that it was calling off the agitation after the Centre agreed to its remaining demands. These included compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak and withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke described the preceding 36 days as “really, really difficult” and thanked supporters across the country for standing behind the fledgling outfit despite widespread scepticism surrounding its campaign.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/greta-thunberg-cjp-protest-joins-sfi-led-cjp-protest-in-london-indian-student-protest-made-us-proud-1858801

'Jihad Only Path Forward': Khamenei Reaffirms Support For Hezbollah, Ties US Peace Deal To Lebanon Ceasefire

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has reaffirmed Tehran's unwavering support for Hezbollah, declaring that there is "no path forward except jihad and resistance" and describing the defence of the Iran-backed Lebanese group as a "strategic mandate" for the Islamic Republic. In a post on X, Khamenei responded to a letter of allegiance from Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem and the group's fighters, who pledged that he would find in them "nothing but obedience, an unyielding will to achieve victory, and a love of martyrdom." Praising Hezbollah's "patience, nobility and self-sacrifice", Khamenei described the group as an "unyielding rock" standing against what he called the "savage aggression" of Israel and its allies. <h3 data-section-id="150jlr3" data-start="1173" data-end="1210">'Resistance Is The Only Path'</h3> Khamenei said growing global frustration with the United States and Israel had made resistance the only viable course. "Today, as the nations of the world have grown weary of the tyranny and oppression of the US government and criminal Zionists, who are the destroyers of lives and generations, there remains no path forward except jihad and resistance," he said. He also reaffirmed Iran's long-standing position that defending Hezbollah and preserving Lebanon's territorial integrity are strategic priorities. He added that Hezbollah's campaign had become "an inspiring message for the free nations of the world in their quest for liberation from the oppression and tyranny of Global Arrogance and its proxies." ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-halts-iran-strikes-after-13-days-amid-escalation-fears-missile-stockpile-concerns-1858725">Trump Halts Iran Strikes After 13 Days Amid Escalation Fears, Missile Stockpile Concerns</a> <h3>Iran Ties US Peace Deal To Lebanon Ceasefire</h3> Reaffirming Iran's long-standing support for Hezbollah, Khamenei said the Islamic Republic considered protecting the group and preserving Lebanon's sovereignty a strategic responsibility. "In line with the policy set by the great martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the defence of these oppressed yet powerful fighters to be its strategic mandate," he said. Khamenei also laid out Tehran's position on any future agreement to end the conflict with the United States. "Iran has designated the preservation of Lebanon's territorial integrity and the absolute, unconditional termination of the Zionist regime's aggression as the primary condition for any agreement to ending the war against the aggressive United States," he said. Khamenei also said any agreement to end the ongoing conflict with the United States must include the "absolute, unconditional termination" of Israeli military action against Lebanon. <h3 data-section-id="1st2v2h" data-start="2013" data-end="2046">Pays Tribute To Nasrallah, Praises Lebanese People</h3> The Iranian leader also praised the people of southern Lebanon for supporting Hezbollah during the conflict and paid tribute to former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other slain commanders. He said their sacrifices had transformed Hezbollah "from a sapling into a mighty tree" that commands respect across the Islamic world. He concluded by offering prayers for Hezbollah's fighters, veterans, displaced civilians and the families of those killed, expressing confidence that they would ultimately prevail. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/berlin-lgbtq-pride-attack-live-updates-authorities-suspect-islamist-terror-abdul-ballout-dead-injured-1858744">Berlin Pride Event Attack: Authorities Suspect Islamist Terror; 1 Dead, 29 Injured</a> <h3 data-section-id="9cvrb5" data-start="2381" data-end="2425">Remarks Come Amid Diplomatic Efforts</h3> Khamenei's remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region and underscore Tehran's continued political and ideological backing for Hezbollah. They also follow Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's first meeting with US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed plans to disarm the Iran-backed group, secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, strengthen US support for the Lebanese Army, accelerate reconstruction efforts and boost American investment in Lebanon. Earlier, Aoun told Trump that a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory was essential to consolidating stability and enabling the Lebanese state to extend its authority.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/mojtaba-khamenei-reaffirms-support-hezbollah-demands-end-israeli-attack-on-lebanon-jihad-resistance-only-path-forward-1858765