'Chatter swirls over removal of Iran security chief after just four months'

 

The abrupt replacement of Iran’s top security official after just four months in the job has triggered widespread speculation in Tehran over the reasons for one of the shortest tenures at the helm of the Supreme National Security Council.

Mohammad-Bagher Zolghadr was replaced as secretary of the SNSC on Sunday, less than five months after taking the post on March 24 following the death of Ali Larijani.

No official explanation has been given for the unusually rapid change, leaving its significance and meaning for Tehran’s approach to talks with Washington the subject of intense speculation.

Some Iranian commentators are citing the reported ‘criticism’ of his handling of the post and tensions over decision-making during the war, including targeting vessels in the Persian Gulf during the week-long funeral of slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Zolghadr was gone just hours after publicly detailing an expanded set of Iranian demands that he said Washington would have to meet before Tehran reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

The demands included an end to US attacks on Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of the blockade on Iranian ports, the withdrawal of US forces from around Iran, sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for war damage.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202608101095

Iraq says unauthorized drone launches will be treated as terrorism

 

Iraq will treat unauthorized drone launches as “terrorist acts” under its counterterrorism law as Baghdad moves to bring weapons under state control, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

The measure follows scores of attacks on US interests across the region by Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq since the US-Iran war began in late February.

Authorities have confiscated 49 drones this year and created a database covering six million weapons nationwide, the ministry said. Iraq is also seeking to disarm armed groups operating outside state control.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202608107586

'Oil spill from damaged tanker spreads over huge area off Oman'

 

Oman said on Monday an oil slick covering about 150 square miles had spread off its coast after the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi, carrying Russian crude, was damaged.

Oman’s Environment Authority said the slick, near the Hallaniyat Islands off the southern governorate of Dhofar, extended northeast toward the mainland and came within about 4.3 miles of the shore at its closest point.

A Reuters report said the vessel’s crew first reported difficulties on June 8 off Yemen’s Mukalla, citing two maritime security sources who said initial assessments indicated an onboard blast.

Omani authorities have not identified the cause of the spill. British maritime security company Vanguard told AFP last week that the tanker was rocked by explosions in early June while sailing off Yemen, causing water to enter several sections of the vessel.

Greenpeace and PAX told AFP the spill was on the verge of causing an “environmental disaster,” saying the tanker was carrying around one million barrels of crude.

The 900-foot tanker had been loaded with Russian crude and is under European Union and British sanctions over its role in carrying Russian fuels.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202608104812

'Araghchi hails Rezaei's appointment, vows full diplomatic support'

 

Iran's foreign minister on Monday hailed the appointment of Mohsen Rezaei as Iran’s new security chief, pledging close diplomatic coordination with the Supreme National Security Council.

“The trust placed in you by the Supreme Leader and the president to assume this important responsibility is the result of years of experience, struggle and effective involvement in various defense, security and managerial fields, as well as close engagement with the country’s most complex strategic issues,” Abbas Araghchi said in a message to Rezaei posted on his Telegram channel.

“In the current high-risk circumstances and in a rapidly changing environment, this experience is a valuable asset for carrying out this important role,” he added.

“As in the past, the Foreign Ministry, within the framework of the Islamic Republic’s overarching policies and in close coordination with the Supreme National Security Council, will use all of the country’s diplomatic capacities to advance national interests, strengthen the authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and ensure and consolidate the country’s sustainable security,” Araghchi said.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202608109803

'Pakistan says it briefed Iran on defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey'

 

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday and outlined a recently signed defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Dar underscored the agreement’s objectives of “strengthening strategic cooperation and contributing to regional peace and security,” the ministry said.

The two ministers also discussed regional and international developments, including the evolving situation in the region and efforts to promote peace and stability, the ministry added.

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202608107198

WTI up by over 3.5% as Hormuz deal fears persist

 Oil futures prices continued to rise on Monday after Iran said it had reached a deal with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz, including a regulation to impose transit tolls. Moreover, data and analytics company Kpler estimated that traffic through the strait "weakened further" over the weekend. Furthermore, United States President Donald Trump revealed that Washington is "only semi-negotiating" with Tehran.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September's deliveries jumped by 3.54% at 9:59 am ET to $80.88 per barrel. Brent for October's settlements increased by 2.90% at 10:02 am ET to $86.14 per barrel.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/WTI-up-by-over-3.5-as-Hormuz-deal-fears-persist/66889365

European gas jumps 10% amid Hormuz reopening uncertainty

 European natural gas prices climbed by as much as 10% on Monday as investors closely monitored developments around the Strait of Hormuz, with traffic through the crucial waterway remaining subdued over the weekend amid continued uncertainty over the resumption of normal maritime flows.

Earlier today, Iran noted that Tehran was still not negotiating with Washington, adding to concerns about further disruptions to liquefied natural gas shipments.

For September contracts, UK natural gas futures surged 10.91% to go for 148.37 pence per therm at 3:42 pm CET. Dutch TTF natural gas for September deliveries jumped 8.83% to €60.89 per megawatt hour.

https://breakingthenews.net/Article/European-gas-jumps-10-amid-Hormuz-reopening-uncertainty/66889324