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— @ronnieagabajr Jul 3, 2026
Category: Articles and Tweets
Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign
Iran has deployed special forces along Iran’s Persian Gulf coast to identify vessels using the Oman-side route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran International.
There are three routes through the Hormuz Strait:
– the southern route near Omani waters.
– the middle route used before the war.
– the northern route under Iranian control.The middle route was closed after Iran mined it at the start of the war. After the Omani route was opened a few weeks ago, Iran started attacking vessels using it, demanding that all traffic go through its own route.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of the Islamic Republic’s negotiating team, said in Oman on June 23 that management of the Strait of Hormuz would not return to the pre-war situation and that Tehran plans charging vessels a “service fee.”
Other Iranian officials have stated that Iran and Oman have joint sovereignty over the Strait and that they will begin joint toll collection after the 60-day deadline set in the MOU with the U.S. expires.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Iran is misusing, abusing and trying to expand Article 5 of the MOU against the United States.
In essence, Article 5 says Iran will make its best efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels during the 60 days the MOU is in place without charging transit fees while removing military and technical obstacles (including naval mines), and engaging in future dialogue with Oman and regional states regarding the management of the Strait.
The key phrase in Article 5 is: “Iran will make arrangements.”
Tehran is now interpreting this language to argue that vessels not complying with its own “transit arrangements” are effectively violating the agreement and frames its attacks or interference against those ships as “enforcement of safety arrangements” or “responses to violations of navigation protocols,” even labeling some vessels as “unauthorized transit targets.”
In practice, this amounts to shifting responsibility onto the United States and portraying Washington as the party undermining the agreement by encouraging vessels to take the Omani route through the Strait.
This follows a familiar Iranian negotiating pattern: exploiting ambiguous language, stretching interpretations to their maximum extent and using calibrated coercion to create new facts on the ground while avoiding an explicit breach of the agreement.
In business, contracts are generally negotiated in good faith, with both parties seeking a mutually beneficial outcome. That is fundamentally different from the negotiating approach used by Iran.
Critics fear that Iran is likely to use the same approach to any future nuclear agreement. It’s believed that Tehran will use legal ambiguity to gradually expand its room for maneuver while remaining formally within the text.
In the end, Iran will do whatever it takes to retain its highly enriched Uranium, acquire more and continue the path toward nuclear weapons with complete delivery systems. Not sticking to the spirit of an agreement will be the least of their concerns.
— @visegrad24 Jul 3, 2026
Summary
Emerging intelligence tools and open-source platforms are accelerating geopolitical risk analysis, while escalating conflicts in Europe and the Middle East reveal shifting alliances and covert operations. Russia’s aggressive posturing in Poland and the Arctic contrasts with Iran’s internal power struggles following Khamenei’s death, as regional actors like Hezbollah and the Houthis double down on defiance. Meanwhile, OSINT advancements are reshaping both military strategy and civilian investigations.
Key Stories
Russia escalates hybrid warfare with drone incursions and Poland threats — A new IISS report confirms Russian-linked commercial vessels likely launched drones over UK military bases, while U.S. intelligence warns of an imminent armed provocation in Poland to test NATO resolve. These moves suggest a coordinated campaign to destabilize Europe without triggering Article 5.
Iran’s power vacuum exposes fractures after Khamenei’s death — The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei at his father’s funeral, alongside high-profile attendees like Hamas and Medvedev, signals potential succession battles. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic presence further complicates Iran’s isolation, while Hezbollah’s rejection of Lebanon-Israel negotiations underscores hardening regional stances.
OSINT platforms advance as intelligence gaps persist — New tools like the UK’s flexible OSINT platform and AI-powered agents are democratizing intelligence analysis, yet experts warn the challenge lies in interpreting vast data volumes. Meanwhile, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen’s revelations about ignored Gaza warnings highlight persistent blind spots in institutional intelligence.
Houthi-Saudi tensions flare amid Iranian airlift dispute — Houthi forces claim to have repelled Saudi jets attempting to block an Iranian civilian aircraft carrying Yemeni citizens, escalating into threats against Saudi airports. The incident reflects broader proxy conflicts as Iran’s influence persists despite internal turmoil.
Arctic and cyber domains emerge as new conflict frontiers — Russia’s surge in Arctic warplane sorties near Norway and the arrest of a Scattered Spider hacking group member reveal expanding hybrid warfare tactics. Concurrently, OSINT applications are growing in civilian sectors, from child abuse investigations to supply chain risk management.
JUST NOW: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is ready for dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding: “We are open, we are ready to meet. He is physically afraid to meet.”
Video
— @_MAGA_NEWS_ Jul 3, 2026
#CIA, #Love, and #Power:
x.com/mikenov/status/2073065…Michael Novakhov (@mikenov)When the power of love beats the love of power: Performance Crime As A Message – Performance crime reshapes policing and global threats. Performance Crime As A Message in the sabotage and the special hostile intelligence operations. When a hostile intelligence service utilizes performance crime, they are broadcasting specific signals to policymakers, rival intelligence agencies, and the general public. thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…— https://x.com/mikenov/status/2073065244247589236— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jul 3, 2026
#Mossad #GRU #Counterintelligence
The Hidden Meanings
x.com/mikenov/status/2073065…Michael Novakhov (@mikenov)When the power of love beats the love of power: Performance Crime As A Message – Performance crime reshapes policing and global threats. Performance Crime As A Message in the sabotage and the special hostile intelligence operations. When a hostile intelligence service utilizes performance crime, they are broadcasting specific signals to policymakers, rival intelligence agencies, and the general public. thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…— https://x.com/mikenov/status/2073065244247589236— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jul 3, 2026
Summary
Iran’s warning to oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz signals heightened maritime tensions, while regional conflicts involving Hezbollah and Hamas persist. The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has triggered mourning and vows of retaliation, complicating U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Israel’s military actions and protests over October 7 failures underscore deepening instability.
Key Stories
Iran threatens force against tankers in Strait of Hormuz amid U.S. tensions — Iran’s military warned oil tankers to use approved routes in the Strait of Hormuz or face a forceful response, escalating maritime tensions. U.S. officials and analysts view this as a provocation, with diplomatic efforts stalled during Iran’s mourning period for Khamenei.
Hezbollah-Israel clashes intensify as IDF targets infrastructure — Israel struck Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon after ceasefire violations, including a weapons transport cell. Hezbollah’s leader reaffirmed no normalization with Israel, while Syria’s shifting stance may signal broader regional realignments.
Iran mourns Khamenei as revenge vows and nuclear threats emerge — Iran’s Supreme Leader funeral drew global attention, with leaders like Pakistan’s delegation paying respects. Iran issued nuclear threats against Israel and the U.S., while internal protests marked 1,000 days since the October 7 Hamas attack.
Israel-Hamas war persists with hostage concerns and military strikes — Israel eliminated a Hamas commander linked to October 7 abductions, while protests demanded accountability for intelligence failures. Gaza’s future remains uncertain as ceasefires falter and humanitarian crises deepen.
Qatar amplifies anti-U.S. rhetoric amid regional power shifts — Qatar framed a U.S.-Iran memorandum as an Iranian victory, portraying the U.S. as a declining superpower. MEMRI’s reports highlight Qatar’s pro-Iranian stance, while Israel’s humanitarian aid to Venezuela contrasts regional conflicts.
When the power of love beats the love of power: Performance Crime As A Message – Performance crime reshapes policing and global threats. Performance Crime As A Message in the sabotage and the special hostile intelligence operations. When a hostile intelligence service utilizes performance crime, they are broadcasting specific signals to policymakers, rival intelligence agencies, and the general public. thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…
— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jul 3, 2026
🚨 Johnson: Putin is no longer issuing warnings,
Russia is ready for a direct war with NATO.🔥
Video
— @Rusia_HD Jul 3, 2026
Summary
Recent events reveal escalating geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and evolving intelligence strategies. Iran’s leadership transition and U.S.-Iran diplomacy dominate headlines, while a Ukrainian suspect in the Monaco attack underscores hybrid threats. Venezuela’s earthquakes exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation, and performance crime emerges as a tool for hostile intelligence operations. Meanwhile, America’s 250th anniversary celebrations highlight deep partisan divides and corporate influence.
Key Stories
Iran mourns Khamenei as U.S. tensions simmer — Iran held a funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling a potential leadership shift amid ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic strains. Reports suggest heightened regional volatility as both nations navigate delicate negotiations.
Performance crime redefines intelligence and sabotage tactics — Hostile intelligence services are increasingly using performance crime—public, symbolic acts of sabotage—to send targeted messages to policymakers and rivals. This tactic blurs the line between criminal activity and strategic communication, reshaping global threat assessments.
Ukrainian woman identified as Monaco blast suspect — Authorities named a Ukrainian woman disguised as a man as the primary suspect in a Monaco attack targeting a tycoon. Interpol is assisting in the search, highlighting the cross-border nature of modern security threats.
Venezuela earthquakes deepen humanitarian crisis — Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, compounding years of political and economic instability. Rescue efforts struggle amid rubble, with survivors guarding loved ones’ remains and international aid mobilizing.
America’s 250th anniversary marred by partisan and corporate divides — Corporate sponsors with federal interests, like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, are funding Trump-aligned celebrations, while federal employees criticize the festivities amid government overhauls. The partisan split reflects broader national divisions.