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Tehran Signals Defiance as Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation and Strait Closure

  A man holds a picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while people attend a funeral ceremony for the Iranian military commanders who were killed in strikes, in Tehran Iran’s Supreme Leader issued his first public remarks following the deaths of senior Iranian commanders, vowing that the country will “avenge the martyrs” and maintain the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until what he described as “justice” is served. His comments, delivered during a nationally broadcast address, underscore a sharp escalation in rhetoric at a moment of heightened regional tension. The Supreme Leader framed the recent losses as sacrifices in the defense of Iran’s sovereignty, promising that those responsible “will face consequences.” He also reaffirmed Iran’s decision to keep the Strait closed, a move that has already disrupted global shipping routes and rattled energy markets. The strait, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil transport, has long been a flas...

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Hostages Set for Release Amid Gaza Ceasefire

 

Palestinian militant groups in Gaza have announced the release of three hostages on Saturday, in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. The hostages named for release are Iair Horn, U.S.-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Russian-Israeli Alexandre Sasha Troufanov.

The announcement follows intense mediation efforts by Egyptian and Qatari officials to maintain the ceasefire, which has been under threat due to accusations of violations from both sides. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, was intended to facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas had previously threatened to halt the release of hostages, accusing Israel of blocking aid deliveries into Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the ceasefire would be canceled if the hostages were not released.

The release of the three hostages is part of a larger agreement that includes the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The ceasefire aims to pave the way for further negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and to rebuild Gaza after 15 months of devastating conflict.

The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the agreement. However, the release of these hostages is seen as a positive step towards maintaining the fragile ceasefire and moving towards a more stable and peaceful resolution.


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