International

Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

Published

1 month ago

May 7, 2026

Israel Jails Soldiers Over Virgin Mary Statue Desecration in Lebanon

Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

The Israeli military has opened an investigation after a soldier was photographed smoking and placing another cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon, triggering outrage among Christian leaders and residents in the region.

The controversial image, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, was reportedly taken in the Christian-majority village of Debel in southern Lebanon. The incident has intensified tensions amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the soldier’s conduct as unacceptable and said the military viewed the matter with “utmost severity.”

According to the military, the soldier’s actions were inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of Israeli troops. The IDF added that disciplinary action would be taken after the completion of an internal investigation.

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Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the photograph had been taken several weeks earlier and stressed that the military respects religious freedom and holy sites.

“The IDF respects freedom of religion and worship, as well as holy sites and religious symbols of all religions and communities,” he said.

The controversy comes only weeks after another incident in the same village where an Israeli soldier was filmed striking a statue of Jesus Christ on the cross with a sledgehammer. Following widespread criticism, two soldiers involved in that case reportedly received 30-day prison sentences and were removed from combat duties.

Reacting to the latest incident, head of Debel’s congregation, Father Fadi Felfeli, condemned the act, describing it as offensive and unethical.

“Honestly, this issue really provoked us, especially after the apology regarding the cross,” he told the BBC.

Father Felfeli accused some members of the Israeli army of displaying intolerance toward Christians and religious symbols.

“It also shows that there are individuals within the army that lack ethics and values and are bigoted. This reflects a great deal of fanaticism,” he added.

Although the Virgin Mary statue was not physically damaged, the cleric said the act reflected extremism and disrespect toward a peaceful Christian community that has tried to remain neutral during the conflict.

The Custodia Terrae Sanctae, which represents the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land, also condemned the incident. The organisation described the soldier’s actions as “disrespectful and outrageous behaviour” and called on Israeli authorities to ensure accountability.

The church body urged the Israeli government and the military to send a strong message that attacks or acts of disrespect toward religious symbols would not be tolerated.

The incident has further raised concerns about growing hostility toward Christian sites and religious symbols amid the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict. Christian leaders have repeatedly warned against attacks on churches, clergy and sacred monuments in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite a US-mediated ceasefire agreement that took effect in April. Israeli troops remain stationed in parts of southern Lebanon, while both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Lebanese health authorities claim Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed more than 120 people in the past week, including civilians. Hezbollah has also continued rocket, drone and mortar attacks targeting Israeli troops and communities in northern Israel.

On Wednesday night, Israel carried out an air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs for the first time since the ceasefire began. The Israeli military claimed the strike killed Ahmed Ali Balout, identified as a commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, although Hezbollah had not officially confirmed the claim at the time of reporting.

Lebanese officials say at least 2,715 people have been killed since the conflict escalated in March, while Israeli authorities report that 17 soldiers and one civilian have died in southern Lebanon. Two civilians have also reportedly been killed in northern Israel.

Outrage as Israeli Soldier Poses With Cigarette in Virgin Mary Statue’s Mouth

Related Topics:Cigarette Israeli Soldier Virgin Mary

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International

Iran to US: No Deal Unless We Keep Enriching Uranium & Controlling Hormuz

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran to US: No Deal Unless We Keep Enriching Uranium & Controlling Hormuz

TEHRAN / WASHINGTON – Iran has drawn a firm red line under any future agreement with the United States: its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable, and it alone will manage the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The declaration came Friday, directly contradicting assurances U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly gave to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Despite Trump’s claim that a draft deal has been approved at the “highest levels” in Tehran, Iranian state media insist that no final accord will be signed unless it explicitly preserves the Islamic Republic’s nuclear sovereignty and control over the Gulf’s critical oil and gas chokepoint.

Following weeks of indirect negotiations in Oman aimed at ending the war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, a ceasefire took effect in April. However, sporadic violence has continued to threaten a return to all-out conflict. Now, as both sides finalize a 60-day negotiation window, Iran’s official IRNA news agency has outlined the country’s unyielding stance.

On the nuclear front, Iran insists its right to enrich uranium and retain existing stockpiles of enriched material will be “emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement.” This directly rebuts Israel’s claim that Trump promised to strip Iran of all enriched nuclear matter. Regarding maritime security, Tehran demands to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to grant or deny vessels passage. Since the war began, Iran has blockaded the waterway, allowing only a trickle of ships through after they obtain permission from Iranian armed forces. According to the Mehr News Agency, which published what it said was a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU), Iran assumes “no new nuclear obligations” and will not cede management of the strait or restore conditions that existed prior to the U.S.-Israeli military aggression.

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While Trump told reporters a draft deal had been “brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved,” the text circulating in Tehran includes demands that Washington has yet to publicly endorse. The draft MoU reportedly includes several key provisions. First, it calls for a “decisive end” to the conflict across all fronts, including Lebanon, rather than a simple extension of the fragile ceasefire. Second, it demands the release of **$24 billion** in Iranian assets held abroad, with half of that sum ($12 billion) required to be released before final negotiations can even begin. Third, it seeks a suspension of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical sales, alongside a complete lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports that has been in place since April 13. Fourth, it includes a demand that the U.S. and its allies pay war reparations and present a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. Finally, regarding the strait, the draft specifies that the waterway would be managed via a mechanism between Iran and Oman, with no role for the United States.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quickly pushed back against the Iranian narrative. After speaking with Trump, Netanyahu reiterated that the U.S. president had vowed any agreement would include the removal of all enriched nuclear material from Iran and the dismantling of its missile infrastructure. “As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said Friday.

On the streets of Tehran, the prospect of a deal has been met with wary skepticism. “I am not sure how I feel,” a 29-year-old cafe worker in the Iranian capital told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. “The main purpose of this war was for the US to remove the system, and this did not happen. So what does a deal do?”

Despite Trump’s optimism—which has briefly boosted stock markets and lowered oil prices—Iran’s uncompromising stance on uranium enrichment and Hormuz control suggests that a final agreement is far from guaranteed. The next 60 days of indirect talks will determine whether the U.S. can accept Tehran’s conditions or if the region will slide back toward military confrontation.

Iran to US: No Deal Unless We Keep Enriching Uranium & Controlling Hormuz

International

Oil Prices Slide as Trump Hints at Breakthrough in Iran Negotiations

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Oil Prices Slide as Trump Hints at Breakthrough in Iran Negotiations

Global oil prices fell sharply on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran were nearing a breakthrough, easing fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies and boosting hopes of stability in the Middle East.

The decline saw Brent crude oil fall to about $87 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded around $84.50 per barrel. The drop came after several days of gains driven by escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, which had pushed oil prices above the $90-per-barrel mark earlier in the week.

Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed confidence that diplomatic efforts were yielding results and suggested that a formal agreement with Iran could be reached in the coming days.

“We have essentially ended the war with Iran,” Trump said, adding that discussions were progressing toward a settlement that could significantly reduce tensions across the region.

The remarks marked a dramatic shift from previous statements by the U.S. president, who had earlier threatened military action against Iran and suggested possible strikes on key oil export infrastructure, including Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for handling most of Iran’s crude shipments.

The prospect of a diplomatic resolution immediately calmed energy markets, with traders reducing the geopolitical risk premium that had been built into oil prices since the crisis intensified.

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A major factor behind the market reaction was renewed optimism over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes. The waterway serves as a critical route for nearly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Concerns that conflict could disrupt shipping through the strait had fuelled fears of supply shortages and triggered a surge in crude prices over the past week. Trump’s latest comments, including suggestions that the passage could soon reopen fully to normal traffic, helped reverse those gains.

Despite the pullback, analysts caution that oil prices remain significantly above pre-crisis levels. Before tensions escalated, crude traded within the $70–$72 per barrel range. Market experts say prices are unlikely to return to those levels unless a comprehensive agreement is reached and normal oil flows through the Gulf are restored.

Iranian officials have also urged caution, noting that negotiations are still ongoing and that no final deal has been signed. The uncertainty means markets could remain volatile until concrete details emerge from the talks.

Energy analysts warn that any setback in negotiations or renewed threat to shipping in the Gulf could quickly push crude oil prices higher again. Conversely, a successful agreement could boost global supply, ease inflationary pressures, and provide relief for energy-importing countries struggling with high fuel costs.

Investors worldwide are now closely monitoring developments between Washington and Tehran, with the outcome expected to have significant implications for global oil markets, energy security, and the broader world economy.

Oil Prices Slide as Trump Hints at Breakthrough in Iran Negotiations

International

Trump Defends Rising Inflation, Says Prices Will Fall After Iran Conflict

Published

2 days ago

June 12, 2026

Trends Admin

US President Donald Trump

Trump Defends Rising Inflation, Says Prices Will Fall After Iran Conflict

United States President Donald Trump has sparked fresh debate over the state of the American economy after declaring that he “loves” the latest inflation figures, even as US inflation climbed to its highest level in three years.

New data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that annual inflation rose to 4.2 per cent in May 2026, up from 3.8 per cent in April, marking the third straight monthly increase and the highest rate recorded since 2023.

The increase was driven largely by rising energy prices, with gasoline, electricity and other fuel-related costs surging amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Reacting to the figures at the White House, Trump appeared unconcerned about the inflation spike.

“I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation,” the president told reporters.

The remark quickly drew attention across political and economic circles, with critics arguing that millions of Americans continue to struggle with higher living costs. However, Trump later clarified that he was not celebrating rising prices but rather expressing confidence that inflation remained lower than many analysts had predicted despite global instability.

Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said the latest figures demonstrated the resilience of the US economy during a period of international conflict.

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“I love the inflation numbers because of what I’m talking about. The numbers are going to be phenomenal because what’s showing is that despite the fact that we’re in a war, the numbers are much lower than anticipated, and when we’re out of that war, the numbers will be at lower numbers than they were even before it started,” he said.

Trump maintained that inflationary pressures would ease significantly once tensions in the Middle East subside. According to him, oil prices are expected to decline sharply after the conflict ends, helping to reduce transportation, manufacturing and household energy costs.

“When this conflict is over, you will see oil drop to where it was before,” he told reporters.

The latest inflation report showed that energy costs accounted for a significant share of the increase in consumer prices. Government data indicated that fuel-related expenses contributed heavily to the overall rise, with gasoline prices recording one of the sharpest increases.

Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed that the national average price of regular gasoline rose to approximately $4.15 per gallon, compared with about $2.98 per gallon in late February.

Analysts have linked the increase in fuel prices to disruptions in global oil markets and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Any threat to oil exports through the waterway typically drives up crude oil prices and increases inflationary pressures across major economies.

Beyond energy, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported higher costs for airline tickets, healthcare services, communication services, recreation and other consumer goods and services.

The inflation increase presents a fresh challenge for the US Federal Reserve, which has a long-term inflation target of 2 per cent. Rising inflation often raises expectations that the central bank could maintain higher interest rates or introduce additional measures aimed at slowing price growth.

Financial markets are now closely watching upcoming policy decisions from the Federal Reserve as officials assess whether current inflation pressures are temporary or likely to persist.

The issue is also expected to become a major political talking point ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, with inflation, fuel costs and affordability remaining among the top concerns for American voters.

Although current inflation remains well below the 9.1 per cent peak recorded in 2022, economists remain divided over the outlook for the coming months. While some believe easing geopolitical tensions could bring prices down, others warn that continued disruptions in global energy markets may keep inflation elevated for longer than expected.

For now, the latest data underscores the continued influence of energy prices on the US economy and sets the stage for a renewed debate over inflation, interest rates and economic policy in the months ahead.