Iran slams proposed UNSC move on Strait of Hormuz

The Iraqi armed forces on Monday denied reports of unauthorized foreign military installations in the deserts of Karbala and Najaf, rejecting claims of a covert military presence linked to the Israel-Iran conflict.

In a statement posted on X, the military said rumors surrounding a secret base stemmed from a clash on March 5 involving Iraqi security forces and what it described as “unidentified, unlicensed detachments.”

The military said inspections carried out by Iraq’s Joint Operations Command since then had confirmed that “no unauthorised bases or forces have been present” in the area.

Baghdad also warned it would pursue legal action against individuals or outlets spreading what it called “misleading information” and “malicious rumors” that undermine Iraq’s sovereignty and damage the reputation of its security institutions.

The statement came days after the Wall Street Journal reported that Israel had established a secret military base in the Iraqi desert to support air strikes against Iran.

As prices continue to soar across Iran, hardline clerics and pro-government figures are increasingly attempting to shift blame away from the state even as economic pressure deepens for ordinary citizens.

In Mashhad, firebrand Friday prayer leader Ahmad Alamolhoda claimed that “US Army infantry is responsible for rising prices.” He later said the remark was metaphorical.

Earlier in the week, Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the hardline daily Kayhan, wrote that “rising prices and hoarding are the products of the enemy’s infiltration in the government.”

While Iran’s armed forces were “working miracles,” he argued, the economy had been left undefended, allowing enemies to undermine battlefield gains.

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Police said officers responded Sunday afternoon to reports of a dangerous driver near Major Mackenzie Drive West and Yonge Street, where a protest was taking place.

According to police, the suspect struck a food delivery driver who was not involved in the demonstration and hit another vehicle while fleeing the scene. He then stopped his car and yelled threats at demonstrators before being arrested.

The delivery driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Police identified the suspect as 39-year-old Mehran Mohagheghi of Richmond Hill. He faces charges including assault with a weapon, dangerous operation, uttering threats and failure to stop after an accident.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and appealed for witnesses and video footage to come forward.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions at Iranian diaspora demonstrations across North America and Europe since the January protests and crackdown inside Iran.

Rallies linked to the conflict have increasingly drawn sharp confrontations not only between supporters and opponents of the Islamic Republic, but also among rival opposition factions divided over strategy, leadership and foreign involvement.

Earlier this year, a vehicle drove into a crowd during a large anti-government rally in Los Angeles, injuring several protesters and prompting a police investigation.

Smaller scuffles and confrontations have also been reported at demonstrations in cities including London, Berlin and Paris in recent months.

US equity indexes edged higher to fresh record closing highs on Monday as investors awaited a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, while oil prices climbed on renewed concerns over the Iran conflict.

Markets were rattled after Trump said the US-Iran ceasefire was “on life support” and dismissed Tehran’s response to a US peace proposal as “stupid,” fueling fears that the 10-week conflict could drag on and continue disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The S&P 500 rose 0.19% to close at 7,412.84, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.10% to 26,274.13, both record closing highs.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three individuals and nine companies accused of helping Iran export oil to China, targeting networks based in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The Treasury Department said the sanctions targeted individuals and entities involved in helping the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sell and transport Iranian oil through a network of front companies.

Four of the sanctioned companies were based in Hong Kong, four in the UAE and one in Oman, according to the Treasury statement.

The move follows another round of sanctions announced Friday against individuals and firms accused of facilitating Iranian purchases of weapons and components used in drones and ballistic missiles.

The latest measures come days before President Donald Trump’s expected meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where Iran is expected to be a major topic of discussion alongside efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce tensions in the region.

Washington has repeatedly accused Beijing of enabling Iranian oil exports despite sanctions, while China has remained one of the main buyers of Iranian crude throughout the conflict and subsequent blockade crisis.