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US believes Russia will win: Politico

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IFP Media Wire
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Russia Ukraine War

On Monday, Trump threatened to impose secondary US tariffs of up to 100% on Russia’s trading partners unless progress toward a peace agreement is made within 50 days. He also authorized new weapons deliveries to Ukraine, which are to be paid for by European NATO members. Moscow has warned that Trump’s declaration could be seen by Kiev as a signal to continue the war.

According to Politico, Trump decided to up the pressure on Moscow out of frustration with continued Russian strikes on Ukraine. The source noted that the US president believes that Moscow can secure military victory against Kiev thanks to its “bigger economy” and “bigger military.”

“The president’s view is Russia is going to win; it’s a matter of how long it takes,” the White House official told the outlet, noting Moscow’s progress on the battlefield.

In recent months, Russian forces have continued to gain ground, fully liberating the Lugansk People’s Republic, as well as the Kursk Region, which was invaded by Ukrainian forces last year.

Russia has rejected Trump’s latest ultimatum, while condemning attempts to pressure it. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov asserted that this approach is “unacceptable” and demanded that Washington and NATO respect Russia’s interests and concerns.

Moscow has repeatedly stressed that it is open to conducting negotiations based on mutual respect with the aim of settling the Ukraine conflict diplomatically. However, Russian officials have also said they see no genuine effort on the part of Kiev or the West to pursue peace and repeatedly slammed calls by Western officials to inflict “strategic defeat” on Russia.

Russia has emphasized that it remains determined to achieve the goals of its military operation in Ukraine and, while it would prefer to do so through diplomacy, it is prepared to use military means if necessary.

West Bank witnessing largest displacement since 1967: UN

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israel Palestine West Bank

The United Nations said an Israeli military operation launched in the north of the occupied territory in January had displaced tens of thousands of people, raising concerns about possible “ethnic cleansing”.

The military operation “has been the longest since … the second Intifada”, in the early 2000s, stated Juliette Touma, spokeswoman for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

“It is impacting several refugee camps in the area, and it is causing the largest population displacement of the Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967,” she told reporters in Geneva via video from Jordan.

The UN rights office meanwhile warned that mass forced displacement by an occupation force could amount to “ethnic cleansing”.

Since Israel’s military launched its operation “Iron Wall” in the north of the West Bank in January, rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said that “about 30,000 Palestinians remain forcibly displaced”.

Israeli security forces had during the same period issued demolition orders for about 1,400 homes in the northern West Bank, he added, describing the figures as “alarming”.

He pointed out that Israeli demolitions had displaced 2,907 Palestinians across the West Bank since October 2023.

Another 2,400 Palestinians — nearly half of them children — had been displaced as a result of Israeli settler actions, he added, lamenting that the combined result was the “emptying large parts of the West Bank of Palestinians”.

“Permanently displacing the civilian population within occupied territory amounts to unlawful transfer,” Kheetan continued, stressing that depending on the circumstances this could be “tantamount to ethnic cleansing” and could “amount to a crime against humanity”.

Kheetan added 757 attacks by Israeli settlers had been recorded in the West Bank during the first half of the year, a 13 percent increase on the same period in 2024.

The attacks injured 96 Palestinians in the occupied territory in June alone, he told reporters, stressing that this was the highest monthly injury toll of Palestinians from settler attacks, “in over two decades”.

Violence in the West Bank has surged since the October 2023 attack on the occupied territories by Palestinian group Hamas triggered war in the Gaza Strip.

Since then, at least 964 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to the UN.

During that same period, 53 Israelis have been killed in reported attacks by Palestinians or in armed clashes.

Iran urges formation of security mechanism in Shanghai Cooperation Organization

By
IFP Media Wire
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Speaking on Tuesday at the 25th meeting of SCO foreign ministers in Tianjin, China, Araqchi said: “Today, more than ever, the SCO stands at the forefront as a major multilateral body advancing regional and international cooperation and confronting unilateralism and emerging threats.”

Referring to the recent Israeli aggression against Iran, which resulted in the martyrdom of hundreds of military commanders, scientists, and civilians, as well as widespread destruction across various regions, he added: “The subsequent involvement of the United States in this act of aggression—through targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities—left no doubt that the US is fully complicit in Israel’s war of aggression against Iran.”

He stated that these acts of aggression represent a clear violation of the UN Charter, a fatal blow to diplomacy, the rule of law, the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), multiple IAEA resolutions, and UN Security Council Resolution 487, which prohibits attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities.

Araqchi also pointed to the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, saying: “It is deeply regrettable that over the past two years, the international community has failed to take effective action to stop the genocide of the Palestinian people or to end the occupation of neighboring Arab lands by the Israeli regime.”

He emphasized that the Israeli aggression against Iran is, in fact, a direct result of the absolute impunity the regime has enjoyed—primarily due to support from the United States and certain European countries.

The Iranian top diplomat further stated that the SCO, with its vast geopolitical, economic, and human capacities, can and indeed must play a central role in addressing emerging threats—particularly state terrorism, military aggression, cognitive warfare, and unilateral sanctions.

He also called for the creation of a permanent mechanism to monitor, document, and coordinate responses to military aggression, sabotage, state terrorism, and violations of the national sovereignty of SCO member states.

Russia responds to Trump’s 50-day ultimatum

By
IFP Media Wire
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Kremlin

On Monday, the US leader said he was “very, very unhappy” with Russia, warning of “severe” secondary tariffs of up to 100% if no progress in diplomacy is reached soon. Trump, however, left the door open to talks with Moscow, stating that while he is “disappointed” in Russian President Vladimir Putin, he is “not done with him.”

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Peskov described Trump’s remarks as “quite serious.”

“We undoubtedly need time to analyze what was said in Washington. And if and when President Putin deems it necessary, he will certainly comment on it,” Peskov added.

At the same time, the spokesman noted the recent shift in Trump’s position will not be interpreted in Kiev as a call for peace.

“It seems that such decisions that are being made in Washington, in NATO countries, and directly in Brussels, are perceived by the Ukrainian side not as a signal toward peace, but as a signal to continue the war,” he continued.

According to Peskov, Russia remains open to negotiations with Ukraine but has yet to receive a response on their timing.

“We are waiting for proposals from the Ukrainian side on the timing of holding the third round of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations… We have not yet received proposals from the Ukrainian side.”

Trump has made efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict since taking office in January. He has held several phone calls with Putin, which revolved around a potential peace settlement, restoring broader bilateral relations, and exploring economic cooperation.

This year, Russian and Ukrainian delegations have held two rounds of direct talks in Istanbul. While they fell short of any breakthroughs, the sides agreed to large-scale prisoner exchanges.

Iran gov’t spokesperson: No specific timeline for lifting Telegram ban; internet access must balance security, freedom

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Internet Mobile

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Mohajerani reiterated that since taking office, the government has supported open internet access.

However, she explained that during the recent 12-day military conflict with Israel, some drones targeting civilians were reportedly controlled via the internet.

“Naturally, for public safety, a temporary shift to the national internet was necessary, and as you saw, the internet returned afterward,” she noted.

Mohajerani stressed the government’s priority is protecting citizens while ensuring that accurate information can still be communicated. “If you were in the government’s position, would you choose people’s security or unrestricted news access? Of course, protecting lives comes first,” she said.

Addressing concerns about so-called “tiered internet,” Mohajerani said, “The government supports free internet, but if, for instance, journalists need broader access, they should be given that. Affairs cannot be stalled waiting for problems to be resolved.”

She also acknowledged that ongoing regional tensions, especially involving Israel, have fueled opposition narratives regarding internet policy.

Lavrov says time for dialogue with Iran has come, emphasizes diplomatic solution to nuclear issue

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two officials held talks on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin, China.

During the meeting, Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s stance that the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program must be addressed strictly through peaceful dialogue and in accordance with international law.

The two sides also exchanged views on a range of regional and international matters of mutual interest, underscoring the growing significance of diplomatic coordination between Tehran and Moscow.

Lavrov stated at the beginning of the meeting, “We now have the opportunity to discuss several developments that are unfolding rapidly.”

The report also notes that both parties agreed to continue consultations at various levels in the near future, highlighting the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement between the two sides, especially following Iran’s conflict with the US and Israel last month and its aftermath.

Israeli ultra-Orthodox party leaves Netanyahu government over conscription

By
IFP Media Wire
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Six of the remaining seven members of UTJ, which is comprised of the Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael factions, wrote letters of resignation, Israeli media reported.

UTJ chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf had resigned a month ago. A spokesperson for Goldknopf confirmed that, in all, seven UTJ Knesset members are leaving the government.

Degel HaTorah was quoted by news reports as saying the decision was made “in accordance with the directive” of the group’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Dov Lando.

Degel Hatorah announced in a statement that after conferring with its head rabbis, “and following repeated violations by the government of its commitments to ensure the status of holy yeshiva students who diligently engage in their studies … [its MKs] have announced their resignation from the coalition and the government”.

The decision would leave Netanyahu with a razor-thin majority of 61 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.

It was not clear whether Shas, another ultra-Orthodox party, would follow suit.

Ultra-Orthodox lawmakers have long threatened to leave the coalition over the conscription bill. They argue that a bill to exempt “yeshiva” or seminary students from conscription was a key promise in their agreement to join Netanyahu’s coalition in late 2022.

In June, on the eve of Israel’s war with Iran, the coalition barely survived after governing lawmakers reached a deal with ultra-Orthodox parties regarding exemptions to the mandatory military service.

The ultra-Orthodox have long been exempt from military service, which applies to most other young Israelis. But last year, the Supreme Court ordered the Ministry of Defense to end that practice and start conscripting seminary students.

Netanyahu had been pushing hard to resolve the deadlock over the new military conscription bill, which has led to the present crisis.

He is under pressure from his own Likud party to draft more ultra-Orthodox men and impose penalties on dodgers, a red line for the Shas party, which demands a law guaranteeing its members’ permanent exemption from military service.

Netanyahu’s coalition, formed in December 2022, is one of the most far-right governments in Israel’s history.

Syria DM announces ceasefire in Sweida

By
IFP Media Wire
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“To all units operating within the city of Sweida, we declare a complete ceasefire after an agreement with the city’s notables and dignitaries,” Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra posted on X.

Syrian government forces entered the city of Sweida on Tuesday, the interior ministry announced, aiming to end clashes that have killed nearly 100 people.

Druze leaders have urged local fighters in Sweida to resist incoming Syrian government forces.

The southern city had been under the control of armed factions from the Druze minority, whose religious leaders stressed they had approved the deployment of Damascus’ troops and called on fighters to hand over their weapons.

A curfew was to be imposed on the southern city in a bid to halt the violence, which erupted at the weekend and has since spread across Sweida governorate.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor reported 99 people killed since the fighting erupted on Sunday — 60 Druze, including four civilians, 18 Bedouin fighters, 14 security personnel and seven unidentified people in military uniforms.

The defense ministry reported 18 deaths among the ranks of the armed forces.

Trump asked Zelensky if Ukraine could strike Moscow: FT

By
IFP Media Wire
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The Washington Post also reported that, according to its source, Trump asked the Ukrainian leader why he had not struck the Russian capital. Zelensky allegedly replied that such an attack would be possible if the U.S. supplied the necessary weapons.

“Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow? . . . Can you hit St Petersburg too?” Trump said, according to the Financial Times, reportedly encouraging the strategy so that Russia can “feel the pain” and agree to negotiations.

The news comes as Trump seems to be warming up to Ukraine after months of a rocky relationship, offering advanced weapons to the war-torn country via a deal with NATO and threatening Russia with “severe tariffs” if Putin does not agree to a peace deal within 50 days.

The conversation reportedly took place during a phone call between Trump and Zelensky on July 4, only a day after the U.S. president talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Following the call with the Kremlin’s chief, Trump complained he had made no progress toward peace and that Putin remained determined to continue his war against Ukraine.

According to the Washington Post, Trump considers authorizing Kyiv to use the 18 ATACMS missiles currently in Ukraine at their full range of 300 kilometers (about 190 miles) and supplying additional missiles.

The outlet also wrote that Trump previously considered supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, weapons capable of striking Moscow and St. Petersburg, but their delivery is not on the table at the moment.

After the July 4 call between Zelensky and Trump, Ukraine was provided a list of long-range systems it could receive via third-party countries, the Financial Times reported, citing sources.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Ukraine would be receiving significant military support under a new U.S.-NATO scheme, including missiles and Patriot air defenses.

Ukraine has previously received a number of ATACMS missiles from the Biden administration, though it was given permission to use them on Russian territory only in late 2024. Trump criticized the decision to ease the restrictions at the time.

Two drones fell in Iraqi Kurdistan’s oilfield: Counter-terrorism service

By
IFP Media Wire
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US Drone

Khurmala oilfield is located near the Iraqi Kurdish city of Irbil.

The Iraqi Security Media Cell, an official body responsible for disseminating security information, said in a statement that no casualties were reported and only material damage was recorded.

An investigation into the incident was launched in coordination with security forces in Kurdistan, it added.

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