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Trump thanks senators after Iran war powers vote reversal

Jun 25, 2026, 04:16 GMT+1

US President Donald Trump thanked several Republican senators after the Senate reversed course on the Iran War Powers resolution, saying a change in votes by Senators Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy turned the outcome in favor of advancing the measure.

"Wow! The Senate just changed its vote on Iran from 50-48 against, to 50-47 for. Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy changed. Thank you to Leader John Thune, Lindsey Graham, Bernie Moreno, and all. This vote puts Iran on notice!" he posted on Truth Social.

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Don’t feed us, free us: Iranians hit back at Vance over 'hunger' remarks
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VOICES FROM IRAN

Don’t feed us, free us: Iranians hit back at Vance over 'hunger' remarks

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IRGC personnel sheltered in Shiraz lodging complex were target of deadly strike

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Opium for survival: Inside a shift in Iran’s Zagros villages

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IAEA chief says inspectors will visit Iran enrichment sites under US-Iran MoU

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INSIGHT

President's economic reality check fuels Iran's US deal debate

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Senate rejects motion to advance Iran War Powers resolution

Jun 25, 2026, 04:03 GMT+1

The US Senate voted 47-50-1 against a motion to proceed to Senate Joint Resolution 185, the Iran War Powers resolution introduced by US Senator Tim Kaine.

The failed procedural vote effectively blocked the resolution from advancing, marking a victory for President Donald Trump and Republican leaders who argued the measure could undermine US leverage in ongoing negotiations with Iran.

Senator Rand Paul backs off Iran war powers vote after Trump appeal

Jun 25, 2026, 03:22 GMT+1

US Senator Rand Paul said on Wednesday he will vote “present” on the Iran War Powers resolution, saying hostilities appear to have ended and that President Donald Trump asked him to consider the impact on ongoing negotiations.

"Tonight I will vote present on the War Powers resolution. My opinion on the debate over war and executive power has not changed and I have voted that way several times. But since hostilities seem to be over and the President asked me to give consideration to his negotiating position, I will do so," he posted on X. "My vote of present is a way to give the President more space and leverage to negotiate a lasting peace."

Hardline revolt targets Ghalibaf over US agreement

Jun 25, 2026, 02:46 GMT+1
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Behrouz Turani
Hardline revolt targets Ghalibaf over US agreement
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Iran's parliament speaker and lead negotiator Mohamed Bagher Ghalibaf arrives in Zurich, Switzerland for talks with the United State, June 20, 2026

Resistance to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's leadership, both as parliament speaker and chief negotiator, appears to be growing, though it remains confined to a small but vocal group of ultraconservative lawmakers.

Over recent days, at least four MPs—Hamid Rasai, Amir Hossein Sabeti, Abolfazl Aboutorabi and Kamran Ghazanfari—have publicly challenged Ghalibaf, accusing him of violating Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's red lines and keeping parliament closed to shield the government and negotiators from criticism.

Despite the attacks, Ghalibaf's position appears secure. A recent internal vote showed his supporters retain a comfortable majority, with fewer than 30 of the Majles' 290 members opposing his speakership.

All four leading critics belong to the ultraconservative Paydari (Steadfastness) Party, which has consistently opposed negotiations with the United States.

Even so, Ghazanfari has threatened that if parliament does not reopen before June 28, he and like-minded MPs will stage a sit-in outside the Majles. He argues the closure was never authorized by the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), as Ghalibaf has maintained, and claims one man has effectively been making decisions on behalf of all 290 lawmakers.

Parliament was originally closed after the outbreak of the 40-day war with Israel and the United States because of security concerns.

Ghazanfari's assertion that "all MPs" want parliament reopened is not borne out by events. Over the past four months, only Rasai has publicly demanded its reopening. Ghazanfari nevertheless accuses Ghalibaf of unlawfully keeping the Majles shut because he fears lawmakers would oppose negotiations with Washington.

Ghalibaf has rejected the allegation, saying parliament remains operational and that sessions are being held online because of continuing security risks. He has also called on the Judiciary to investigate the claims against him.

According to ILNA, Ghazanfari has further accused Ghalibaf of violating the constitution and falsely claiming the SNSC ordered parliament's closure.

He also alleges Ghalibaf refused to show MPs the purported SNSC authorization and ignored what he described as a request from Mojtaba Khamenei to reopen parliament.

Hardline MP Abolfazl Aboutorabi told the Didban Iran website that Ghalibaf was preventing parliament from legislating on Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. He accused the speaker of "playing with words" by presenting the accord with the United States as an MoU rather than a binding agreement.

Aboutorabi said several MPs were preparing a legal complaint against Ghalibaf, arguing that any memorandum or agreement should require parliamentary approval.

Asked whether MPs planned to impeach President Masoud Pezeshkian over the MoU, he replied that impeachment was not currently under consideration, adding: "Maybe God helps and makes him a martyr."

The remark is among the most serious death-tinged comments directed at the president since a prominent eulogist earlier suggested Pezeshkian could be beheaded before later insisting the remark had been intended as an "internal discussion."

Aboutorabi also accused Ghalibaf of violating Khamenei's red lines on the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear negotiations.

Similar allegations have been made by other Paydari figures, including Mahmoud Nabavian and Amir Hossein Sabeti, who argue the agreement with Washington is being pursued against the Supreme Leader's wishes.

For now, however, there is little indication the campaign is gaining traction beyond a small faction. Ghalibaf's support within parliament remains strong, while his longstanding ties to the Revolutionary Guards and Khamenei's inner circle leave him well placed to withstand attacks from rivals with far less institutional backing.

Only Iran-designated routes valid for Strait of Hormuz passage, IRGC says

Jun 25, 2026, 02:28 GMT+1

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Wednesday only maritime routes designated by Iran are permitted for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, warning vessels against using any alternative paths announced by other authorities.

"A few hours ago, without prior notice or coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced a new route for the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is unacceptable and completely dangerous," IRGC said in a statement published on official media.

"It is hereby announced to all that the only permitted route for passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the routes designated by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Navigation outside these routes is highly dangerous and prohibited, and we warn all vessels to strictly avoid any movement outside the designated corridors," the statement added.

Political prisoners held in harsh conditions in Ahvaz, activist says

Jun 25, 2026, 02:23 GMT+1

Iranian activist Sepideh Qoliyan said political prisoners in Sepidar prison in Ahvaz are being held in extremely harsh conditions, describing severe restrictions on access to basic facilities.

"The political prisoners have been separated from the rest in the worst way possible, kept in a place without natural light, without enough drinking water, without 24-hour access to the toilet and shower. They even use the lack of these basic facilities as part of the torture." she posted on X.