Key facts
- Four Palestine Action activists were sentenced as terrorists by a British judge.
- The activists were convicted for damaging drones and equipment at an Israeli arms factory.
- The damage caused by the activists totaled £1.2 million.
- The judge cited a 'terrorism connection' in the sentencing.
- Iran's Foreign Minister indicated a US-Iran memorandum to end a war is nearing finalization.
- President Trump dismissed reports of the Iran-US memorandum as 'fake news'.
A British judge has ruled that activists from the group Palestine Action will be sentenced as terrorists, a significant development for convictions related to non-terror offenses. Four activists received this designation for their involvement in damaging drones and equipment at an Israeli arms factory, causing approximately £1.2 million in damage.
This ruling comes as Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that a memorandum of understanding with the United States aimed at ending a war is nearing finalization. However, US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports regarding this memorandum as 'fake news,' reposting the Iranian minister's statement on his Truth Social platform after earlier criticizing Iran for alleged leaks.
In parallel, the US military's Central Command reported that its forces remain vigilant in the Middle East, having recently downed multiple attack drones launched by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The command affirmed that the international trade corridor remains open for transit.
Meanwhile, members of the United Nations Security Council have issued a joint statement condemning the killing of a Serbian peacekeeper from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The peacekeeper sustained fatal injuries from mortar shells.
Reports from the occupied West Bank indicate ongoing Israeli military operations, including incursions into Bethlehem, Tuqu, Immatain, and Jit, and clashes in Beita following raids. Israeli settlers also reportedly set up blockades near Ramallah, disrupting local travel.
Former US diplomat Henry Ensher commented that Iran may be using the conflict in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel to its advantage during negotiations with the US, suggesting any withdrawal of Israeli forces would be a gradual process. He also noted that the US and Iran would likely engage in a phased approach regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, an Iranian pro-democracy activist was reportedly deported by the United States to the Central African Republic, with her lawyer expressing grave concerns about her safety.