Iran warns Middle East neighbors against joining US 'economic war'

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the recent memorandum of understanding with the United States, claiming it to be the best way to exit the ongoing conflict. He stated that the agreement represented dignity, wisdom, and the national interest. However, the deal has not yielded any tangible results yet, as the two sides remain far apart, particularly on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global shipping.

Meanwhile, the new head of Iran's top security body, Mohsen Rezaei, expressed a more forceful stance on retaliation against neighboring countries supporting U.S. sanctions against Iran. He warned that Tehran would retaliate "seismically" if its neighbors join the economic sanctions imposed by Washington. Rezaei's comments come as a hard-line new leader in Iran's security council, signaling a shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy.

Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is set to visit Tehran on Monday. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and continue efforts to promote peace and security in the region. This comes after a phone call between Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistan has been actively involved in mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran.

In the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian man with one leg lost in a settler attack was beaten again outside his home by two Israeli settlers. Saeed Muhammad Ibrahim Rabah, a Palestinian amputee, suffered bruises and pain after being struck with a pipe by a settler. The settlers entered his home in the southern West Bank and attempted to enter the property, where they struck Rabah with a pipe.

He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. The violence is an attempt to intimidate Palestinians and deter them from protesting against the government.