The Cradle ✔

❗️UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel was spotted on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, nine nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman, early Thursday, with the crew’s status and extent of damage still unknown.

Regional security runs through Tehran The four-way summit in Tehran has exposed the limits of a regional security order built around Iran's exclusion, even as speculation grows over the future of its alliance with Yemen. By Peiman Salehi

Iraqi PM visits Damascus for talks on trade, energy, security The Iraqi prime minister is on a regional tour and is reportedly due in Lebanon following his trip to Syria

France says support for Palestinian state ‘unchanged’ regardless of Israeli election outcome The support comes despite Israeli leaders vowing that there will ‘never be a Palestinian state’ and actively expanding illegal settlements to make one impossible

❗️Statement from Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem regarding political developments in Lebanon and the region (2/2): "In light of the developments currently taking place in Lebanon and the region, we affirm the following: 1. The resistance continues, grounded in the legitimacy of the right to resist and what the Taif Constitution guarantees. It will confront aggression against it and against Lebanon. There is no room for discussion about withdrawing its weapons as long as the occupation exists and its aggression continues. The enemy must withdraw in accordance with the agreement of 27/11/2024 and Resolution 1701, and the Lebanese army must deploy south of the Litani River. 2. The framework agreement has no legitimacy because it violates the Constitution, the Taif Agreement, the laws, the presidential inaugural address, and the government's statement. It is therefore legally as though it does not exist. It is an agreement that gives the enemy what does not belong to it, relinquishes Lebanon's sources of strength, and relies on inciting strife and destroying the country. 3. We are concerned with the Iran–America agreement because it is the only available source of strength alongside the steadfastness of the resistance, our people, and its supporters. The agreement has proven its effectiveness simply through the issuance of the memorandum of understanding, which lowered the level of aggression against Lebanon. This is because the Islamic Republic of Iran places stopping Israeli aggression against Lebanon and withdrawing from its territory at the top of its priorities. This is a great sacrifice that we appreciate from the icon of free people around the world. 4. We are not concerned with who governs the usurping Israeli entity. However, let him know that he will not be able to continue his occupation and must leave our land. 5. An end must be put to American tutelage and its control over certain levers of the state. Tutelage is like occupation, and both constitute a violation of sovereignty. 6. We salute the remarkable solidarity of our people and all honorable citizens in our country around the resistance. We reaffirm our pledge, which we issued under the title 'A Promise and a Commitment,' that we will remain together to provide shelter, carry out repairs, and rebuild, using our own resources, while striving for the Lebanese state to fulfill its duties and for brotherly and friendly countries to provide assistance. 7. We are committed to national unity and are prepared to do everything that mends the rift and unifies the position. However, we want actions from others that practically confirm this conviction in unity. 8. We reassure you that the relationship between Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and the allied forces that support the resistance is strong. This relationship is based on the principles of Lebanon's sovereignty, the importance of the national army's role and support for it, the rejection of strife in all its forms, and dialogue and understanding with all components of the Lebanese people and the authorities, within the framework of the constants of sovereignty and the Constitution."

❗️Statement from Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem regarding political developments in Lebanon and the region (1/2): "The resistance emerged in our region because of the Israeli occupation, which is supported by the tyrants of the world, foremost among them America. Since its establishment in 1982, Hezbollah in Lebanon has continued this resistance alongside all honorable people in Lebanon and the region to confront the occupation and liberate the land and the people. All the wars instigated by this Zionist enemy under flimsy pretexts are expansionist wars aimed at establishing Greater Israel. The agreements concluded between it and those it attacked, along with their countries and lands, such as Madrid and Oslo, are nothing but milestones for consolidating what it has occupied, pending a new phase for a new war. Therefore, it has not abided by any agreement. Without American and Western support, it would not have been able to consolidate its occupation, let alone expand it. This support is what led to the crimes of genocide against the steadfast and resisting Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and all of Palestine. However, the steadfastness of this people in the face of the occupation and the arrogance that supports it will keep Jerusalem and Palestine for their people, God willing. It is true that the cost of resistance is high, but surrender and concessions leave nothing behind. In Lebanon, had it not been for the resistance, the sacrifices of our people and our families, the offering of righteous martyrs, foremost among them the Master of the Martyrs of the Nation, Sayyed Hassan (may God be pleased with him), Sayyed al-Hashimi, the wounded and prisoners, and the bearing of the burdens of displacement and the destruction of homes and crops ... had it not been for this great steadfastness, the Israeli enemy would have begun establishing settlements and would have controlled all of Lebanon politically, administratively, and territorially. It would not have stopped at the point it has reached now. Our steadfastness and the continuation of our resistance are our only path to liberating all our land, even if it takes time. As for the opposing picture on the enemy’s side, it is failure to achieve its objectives, internal confusion, and political, economic, and social crises, etc., whose consequences are emerging one after another and affecting the future performance of this enemy. What happened in the results of the Israeli elections is one manifestation of defeat. As for tyrannical America, its condition is no better. Iran and its great people stood firm and offered martyrs, foremost among them the dearest Sayyed, the leader of its path and the path of the nation, the martyred Imam Khamenei (may God sanctify his soul), his family, and members of the leadership and the people. However, Iran thwarted America's and Israel's objectives of overthrowing the Islamic system and dividing the country. It has become clear that it is impossible for America to gain control over Iran, at a time when America is experiencing confusion in its political decisions, suffering a severe economic crisis, and has lost its global standing. It is preparing to leave the region ... All of this is thanks to the steadfastness of the great Iranian people and the wise and courageous leadership of Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei (may his shadow endure)."

BREAKING | According to local sources, Saudi warplanes targeted the Al-Badu sub-district in Taiz, Yemen, with two airstrikes.

❗️Statement by the Gaza Ministry of Health: ▪️ "The Ministry of Health warns of the catastrophic consequences resulting from the increasing stoppage of buses and transport buses for transporting medical cadres to and from various health facilities, and the complete exit of a large number of them, as a result of the acute and complete access of oils and fuel, and the suspension of the supply of spare parts, tires and batteries." ▪️ "We are facing a protracted crisis whose features worsen daily, and it is no longer possible in any way to postpone its solution or deal with it through temporary solutions, as the continuation of this deterioration directly means the complete and complete paralysis of health care delivery in hospitals, primary care centers and emergency health service facilities, as a result of the forced inability of the medical staff to reach their workplaces and perform their humanitarian duty." ▪️ "The Ministry of Health has repeatedly communicated with all concerned international institutions and partners in the health sector, and issued urgent distress calls in which it explained in numbers and data the extent of the danger to the transfer of cadres, but until this moment the Ministry has not felt any actual response or concrete action on the ground that puts an end to this severe crisis." ▪️ "Transport companies have reached a state of absolute inability to provide alternatives for operation or maintenance of buses; where every bus that undergoes any technical failure has turned into a 'deaf mass of iron' out of service without the slightest possibility of repairing it, in light of the complete absence of spare parts, tires and oils, and the limitation of the quantities of fuel available to the scarce daily supply, which cannot be guaranteed the continuity of the safe transport service of cadres, or the continued transport of the sick and wounded between different facilities." ▪️ "The suspension of transport services and the interruption of medical staff from their work centers is not just a logistical obstacle, but a direct threat to the safety of thousands of patients and wounded who depend on the presence of these teams around the clock to receive life-saving care." ▪️ "The Ministry of Health renews its urgent and direct appeal to all concerned authorities and health work partners to quickly intervene immediately to provide fuel, oil and emergency maintenance needs (frames, batteries and spare parts)."

US tells Gulf states to brace for renewed assault on Iran after midterms: Report Trump is holding off until after the midterms before unleashing what he calls ‘another little Epic Fury’ on Iran

❗️Israeli War Minister Israel Katz on X: "Much will be said about Gadi Eisenkot’s embarrassing speech yesterday, in keeping with the political tradition of those who rush to sing, declare victory, and crown themselves. But his appeal to senior IDF officials not to obey the directives of the prime minister, me, or the authorized security forums, claiming that 'they have his backing,' is an undemocratic and detached statement. It is also a continuation of the false campaign he and his colleagues waged during the election over alleged disputes between the military and political leadership regarding Iran. The IDF was a full partner in the major achievements against Iran and remains involved in all discussions today. It will carry out any decision required."

UPDATE | As of 14:42 GMT, Brent crude futures had risen $1.81, or 1.6%, to $115.69 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained $2.52, or 2.5%, to reach $102.42 a barrel.

VIDEO | Israeli forces raid shops, restaurants, and local businesses in Hebron, occupied West Bank.

❗️Gaza’s Ministry of Health warns medical transport is crippled as dozens of vehicles sit out of service due to an absolute lack of fuel, spare parts, and essential supplies under Israeli blockade.

❗️NYPD backtracks on $750K contract with Israeli surveillance firm after backlash According to a report by the New York Daily News, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has suspended plans for a $750,000 no-bid contract with Israeli surveillance firm Cognyte following intense public backlash and civil rights concerns. The department confirmed on Tuesday that it is restarting the procurement process to accept competitive proposals after Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to address growing outrage over the city's intent to acquire invasive artificial intelligence surveillance technology. The initial deal sought to equip police vehicles with Cognyte's "FalcoNet" system—an AI-driven mobile cell-site simulator that acts as a fake cell tower to intercept nearby mobile device signals and track targeted individuals. Human rights organizations and local lawmakers vehemently condemned the procurement, highlighting that Cognyte has been banned across Meta platforms and linked to authoritarian regimes and Israeli military units targeting political dissidents. City Councilmembers Tiffany Cabán and Julie Won, alongside legal advocacy groups, warned that deploying stringray-style surveillance tools threatens fundamental constitutional protections and risks expanding warrantless mass surveillance across New York communities. Although an NYPD spokesperson noted that Cognyte may still participate in the open bidding process, civil liberties advocates continue to demand strict legislative bans against municipal contracts with foreign intelligence contractors and state surveillance providers.

❗️Ynet: Trump demands Ben-Gvir’s exclusion from Netanyahu’s next coalition Ynet sources close to US President Donald Trump said the president wants to "make sure" Netanyahu excludes Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir from his next government, with Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich also likely to be targeted for exclusion. Sources close to Trump say the president considers a government that includes Ben-Gvir out of the question. This also explains why Trump claimed credit Wednesday morning for Netanyahu’s electoral gains as official results began emerging during the vote count. In doing so, Trump effectively reminded Netanyahu of the terms of their agreement and made clear that he would not back down from his demands. As election results continue to come in, neither of Israel’s two main political blocs appears to have secured a clear majority to form a government. The focus is now on whether Trump will deepen his involvement in Israeli politics after endorsing Netanyahu ahead of the election, potentially seeking to broker a national unity government that brings together rival political parties. Under the understanding reached between Trump and Netanyahu, the two leaders would prioritize Iran during the first of Trump’s two remaining years in office, aiming to bring a 'definitive end' to the US-Isreali war on Tehran. In Trump’s second and final year, Netanyahu could be required to step down, potentially through a plea bargain or another arrangement, while efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, which Trump considers a cornerstone of his legacy, advance. Several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, have already told the US president they will not pursue normalization with Israel while Netanyahu remains prime minister. Trump may therefore seek to establish a unity government with a rotating premiership to help advance the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

BREAKING | Damage reported at the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia, resulting from a previous strike carried out by Yemen's Armed Forces, according to Al-Masirah.

Yemeni army issues ‘final’ evacuation call for Aden Airport Saudi military aircraft have been landing at the facility in the city of Aden, where Riyadh’s proxies are based

❗️Israeli military resumes home demolitions and violent raids in occupied West Bank According to Wafa, Israeli occupation forces resumed large-scale military raids and systematic home demolitions across the occupied West Bank today. The renewed campaign came as election officials finalized ballot tallies from Tuesday's parliamentary vote, demonstrating that military operations against captive Palestinian populations persist unabated regardless of domestic Israeli political maneuvering. In Beita, south of Nablus, occupation troops deployed heavy machinery and high explosives to raze Palestinian residential structures, leaving multiple families displaced. Simultaneously, forced demolitions were carried out in occupied East Jerusalem, where municipal authorities coerced a Palestinian resident in Silwan into dismantling his own home under threat of punitive fines. Military units also mounted violent incursions into Al-Sawahira al-Sharqiyah and conducted sweep operations in Al-Mughayyir, raiding dozens of homes and subjecting residents to collective punishment. Mass arrests accompanied the structural demolitions across northern West Bank governorates. Occupation soldiers rounded up Palestinians during targeted raids in Tubas and Burqa, northwest of Nablus, adding to the tens of thousands of Palestinians detained under administrative measures.

❗️Over 600,000 'double-envelope votes' remain in Israel, could shift 14 Knesset seats More than 600,000 'double-envelope votes' remain to be counted, equivalent to around 14 Knesset seats, according to Israeli Army Radio correspondent Doron Kadosh and the Central Elections Committee (CEC). While most ballots are expected to be counted today, the final tally of double-envelope votes may not be completed until Friday due to high voter turnout. The number of these ballots is significantly higher than in the 2022 election, with Acting CEC director Dean Livne warning that the unexpectedly large volume could delay the count. 'Double-envelope ballots' are cast by soldiers, including reservists, prisoners, medical personnel, people with medical conditions, and Israeli representatives serving abroad. Voters place their anonymous ballot inside one envelope and then into a second envelope bearing their identifying details, allowing officials to verify that they have not voted elsewhere without linking them to their vote. Historically, these ballots have tended to reduce representation for Palestinian and Haredi parties while benefiting Zionist parties. The financial daily Globes reports that Palestinian parties could lose seats once the remaining votes are counted, although the large number of reservists serving this year across the political spectrum makes the outcome harder to predict. Despite their potential impact on individual parties, the votes are not expected to fundamentally change the balance between political blocs.

Netanyahu bloc leads count after Israeli election as both sides lack majority Opposition leader and head of Israel's Democratic party Yair Golan has called on the Eisenkot camp to 'stop the racism' and join with Palestinian-Israeli parties to achieve a majority