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Iran protests ship seizure

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Greece’s charge d’affaires to convey Tehran’s strong protest to Athens over the seizure of an Iranian-flagged ship and its cargo. An Iranian foreign ministry official said Greece seized the ship under illegal pressures from the United States. He said the vessel had stopped in Greek waters due to a technical glitch and its seizure was against Athens’ international obligations. The official said the seizure of the ship’s cargo amounted to international piracy, holding the Greek government and those who illegally seized the cargo responsible. He said the Iranian government will not overlook its legal rights in this case and expects the Greek government to abide by its international obligations. Greece is holding the Iranian-flagged vessel in its waters. Its cargo has been seized in coordination with the US government.

Iran Leader remarks

The leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution says Iran has firmly stood against hostilities and enmities and continues to make progress. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the comments in a meeting with Iranian lawmakers. The leader said Iran and world powers are engaged in constant challenge in various dimensions because the Islamic Republic’s new model, which is the religious democracy, led to the disruption of the global hegemonic system. Ayatollah Khamenei also raised the alarm about the hostile stance of world powers and threats of those possessing atomic weapons against each other. He added that Europe is one of the most war-prone regions that witnesses increasing military provocations and war in its vicinity. Ayatollah Khamenei said such conditions, in addition to food shortages and an unprecedented spread of a disease have made the situation more complicated for other countries.

“Hezbollah protecting Lebanon”

The Secretary General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement hails the victory over Israel in 2000, saying it was an unprecedented achievement for the resistance. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was delivering an address, marking the 22nd anniversary of the liberation of southern Lebanon from the Israeli occupation. He said the victory thwarted the regime’s project for creating greater Israel. The Hezbollah leader said Israel is a barbaric entity that only pretends to be civilized. Nasrallah said Hezbollah has been fighting to protect Lebanon and its people, without having any intention to grab power. The Hezbollah leader added that the resistance movement does not seek permission from anyone to protect the country. He also warned Israel about continuation of its aggressions against al-Aqsa Mosque. Nasrallah said any aggression against al-Aqsa and other sanctities of Muslims will cause an explosion in the region. Lebanon marks the Resistance and Liberation Day on May 25th every year. Hezbollah forces drove Israel out of southern Lebanon in May 2000, ending over two decades of the regime’s occupation.

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