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- Iranian hacking group threatens US Marines after leaking personal details
- German rescuers transport stranded humpback whale to deeper waters
- Russia deepens ties with Iran as foreign minister praises strategic partnership
- US President Confirms Iran’s Request to Lift Blockade
- European Parliament demands 10% hike in EU long-term budget plan
- US Rejects Iran’s Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Nuclear Concerns
- Bosnia Signs Pipeline Deal with US-Linked Investors to Cut Russian Gas Dependence
- Iran talks stall as global alliances come under pressure
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Iranian hacking group threatens US Marines after leaking personal details
6:00 am
Get you up to speed: Iranian hacking group threatens US Marines after leaking personal details
A hacking group known as the Handala Hack Team has released the personal details of 2,379 U.S. Marines stationed in the Persian Gulf region. This group, linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, has claimed responsibility for dozens of cyberattacks since December 2023.
The Handala Hack Team, linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, has threatened US Marines after leaking personal information about 2,379 servicemen in the Persian Gulf, according to reports. They asserted that they possess “detailed information” about the Marines’ families and warned of forthcoming drone deployments targeting US forces, describing them as “terrorists responsible for the deaths of Minab schoolchildren.”
The Handala Hack Team has threatened U.S. Marines, stating they possess extensive personal information and will soon publish details on all U.S. Navy personnel in the region. The group has warned that imminent drone deployments will target these servicemen, linking their threats to the context of Iran’s ongoing conflict involving U.S. forces.
Iranian hackers expose details of thousands of US Marines in the Middle East | News World
A sinister message claimed to know sensitive information about the soldiers’ families (Picture: Getty)
A hacking group linked to the Iranian government has issued deadly threats to US Marines in the Middle East after leaking their personal information.
Handala Hack Team, which is linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, has been behind dozens of cyberattacks since December 2023.
On its Telegram channel, they wrote: ‘Today, merely as a demonstration, and to prove the extent of our intelligence superiority, we have published the full personal details of 2,379 U.S. Marines stationed in the Persian Gulf region.
‘This is just a drop in the ocean of our surveillance capabilities. The “security” that American commanders boast about is nothing more than an empty illusion, a childish fantasy.’
The sinister message also claimed to know ‘detailed information’ about the Marines’ families, home addresses, bases, shopping habits and ‘nightly activities’.
The hacking group exposed photos of FBI head Kash Patel last month (Picture: Mehr)
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‘This exposure is just a minor warning. When zero hour arrives, Kheibar missiles and Shahed drones will rain down not only on those who participated in the crimes of Minab and Gaza, but on every invader who clings to the delusion of immunity,’ it added.
‘Today, we released this limited list so you could feel a glimpse of our true power; Tomorrow, the entire roster may haunt your every night.’
WTX has contacted the US Marine Corps for a statement.
The threatening message referenced the deadly strikes on a primary school in Minab, Iran, in the early days of the conflict.
Minab Girl’s Primary School in the southern province of Hormozgan was struck as Trump launched his ‘combat military operation’, killing 175 children.
Israel against Iran spread across the Middle East, threatening to plunge the global economy into chaos, with Lebanon and Gulf energy exporters dragged into the conflict. (Photo by Iranian Press Center / AFP via Getty Images) / XGTY / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / IRANIAN PRESS CENTER" – HANDOUT – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS” decoding=”async” loading=”lazy”/>
The hacking group said it was revenge for the deadly strike on a girl’s primary school (Picture: AFP)
Experts cited satellite image analysis and said the school was likely struck amid a quick succession of bombs dropped on the compound.
Iran has continued to issue deadly threats to US servicemen and women in the Middle East as the conflict continues.
Last month, the hacking group published personal emails and pictures of the head of the FBI after hacking into his accounts.
The group wrote: ‘Kash Patel, the current head of the FBI, who once saw his name displayed with pride on the agency’s headquarters, will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims.
‘The so-called ‘impenetrable’ systems of the FBI were brought to their knees within hours by our team.’
Many of the hacked records shared were from more than a decade ago.
Leaked photos included one of Mr Patel smoking a cigar in his mouth and another of the FBI boss standing next to a vintage sports car.
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German rescuers transport stranded humpback whale to deeper waters
5:00 am
German rescuers transport stranded humpback whale to deeper waters
Whale Rescue
German rescuers successfully transported a stranded humpback whale, dubbed “Timmy,” into a barge from a sandbank near Lübeck for relocation to deeper waters.
German rescuers successfully transported a stranded humpback whale, dubbed “Timmy,” into a barge from a sandbank near Lübeck for relocation to deeper waters.
Rescue Scale
The rescue operation, involving a specially designed barge, highlights significant mobilisation efforts by entrepreneurs and local authorities amid overwhelming public interest in Timmy’s plight.
The rescue operation, involving a specially designed barge, highlights significant mobilisation efforts by entrepreneurs and local authorities amid overwhelming public interest in Timmy’s plight.
Supportive sentiments
Karin Walter-Mommert stated, “Knowing he’s now in the barge is simply wonderful and shows that the fight for Timmy was worth it.”
Karin Walter-Mommert stated, “Knowing he’s now in the barge is simply wonderful and shows that the fight for Timmy was worth it.”
Key developments
Rescuers successfully lifted a stranded humpback whale, nicknamed “Timmy,” onto a barge designed to transport the mammal to deeper waters in an ongoing rescue effort near Lübeck.
The operation, funded by two local entrepreneurs, followed previous failed attempts and received authorisation from state environment minister Till Backhaus after veterinarians confirmed the whale’s suitability for transport.
German bid to rescue ‘Timmy’ the whale stranded off Baltic coast passes key hurdle
German rescuers on Tuesday hauled a stranded humpback whale into a special boat due to carry it to deeper waters, in the latest attempt to free the mammal whose ordeal has captured the imagination of Germany for weeks.
The whale, dubbed “Timmy” by German media, and its struggle for survival have gripped the country since it beached on a sandbank near the city of Lübeck, far from its natural habitat in late March.
The latest rescue effort, financed by two entrepreneurs, involves transporting the sea mammal in a barge, which has a water-filled hold and is usually used to carry other boats, from Germany’s Baltic Sea coast to deeper waters.
Starting earlier on Tuesday, rescuers attached straps to the whale and heaved the creature down a channel that had been specially dug in the sand to allow it to reach the barge, close to the island of Poel.
After some distance, the whale, with rescuers swimming alongside it, sped up and then swam into the barge, sparking cheers of delight from the rescue team and others watching from the shore.
“I can’t even say how happy I am,” Karin Walter-Mommert, one of the entrepreneurs financing the rescue bid, told the Bild daily paper.
“You could see that the whale fought and wanted to live. Knowing he’s now in the barge is simply wonderful and shows that the fight for Timmy was worth it.”
The plan is now for the barge to be transported to the North Sea and hopefully for the whale to be released if it is strong enough.
A piece of green netting will be used to close the entrance to the barge so the mammal does not swim out.
Media frenzy
Till Backhaus, environment minister for the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, earlier gave the green light for the mission to proceed after vets said the whale was fit to be transported.
The whale was first spotted stuck on a sandbank on 23 March before freeing itself and then becoming stuck again several times.
Several attempts were initially made to free the sea mammal, including by digging channels for it to swim down, but all failed.
At the start of April, officials gave up on the animal, saying they believed it could not be saved.
But this triggered an outcry and authorities were persuaded to let the entrepreneurs come up with a rescue plan.
Some scientists and animal rights activists have strongly criticised the decision to allow further rescue bids, believing they will be too risky for the whale and estimating the chances of success as low.
Backhaus defended the latest attempt, saying it was “definitely worth it.”
“I’ve always said, those who do nothing make no mistakes,” he added.
The saga has sparked a media frenzy, with non-stop coverage from TV channels, online outlets and social media influencers.
Additional sources • AFP
Russia deepens ties with Iran as foreign minister praises strategic partnership
3:00 am
Get you up to speed: Russia deepens ties with Iran as foreign minister praises strategic partnership
Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, where he highlighted their ‘strategic relationship’. A Russian superyacht linked to sanctioned billionaire Alexey Mordashov sailed from Dubai to Muscat, traversing the contested waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, expressed gratitude for Russia’s support for diplomacy and acknowledged the growing strength of their strategic relationship. According to research by the Washington Post, Russia has supplied Iran with information to help target US warships and aircraft in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St Petersburg, where Araghchi praised their “strategic relationship” and expressed gratitude for Russia’s support in diplomacy. The ongoing situation indicates that Russia remains a silent yet significant player in the US-Iran conflict, having supplied Iran with information to enhance its military capabilities against US targets.
After a Russian superyacht sails through Strait of Hormuz, what’s Russia’s role in the war? | News World
Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg (Picture: AFP)
As the rest of the world holds its breath to see how the ongoing stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz will turn out, one vessel decided to risk itself and sail straight through.
A Russian superyacht linked to sanctioned Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov sailed from Dubai to Muscat this weekend, moving directly through the waters that Iran and the United States are fighting over.
The bizarre passage, through waters laden with mines, represents more than just a cocky captain taking a dangerous route.
Russia has been a silent player in the conflict between the US and Iran from the beginning, without much of the world realising.
Yesterday, the relationship became more apparent when Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted an Iranian delegation in St Petersburg, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lauded their ‘strategic relationship’.
Araghchi wrote on social media: ‘Recent events have evidenced the depth and strength of our strategic partnership. As our relationship continues to grow, we are grateful for solidarity and welcome Russia’s support for diplomacy.
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‘It is a good opportunity for us to consult with our Russian friends about the developments that have occurred in relation to the war during this period and what is happening now.’
Putin met Ayatollah Ali Khamenei multiple times before his death (Picture: AFP)
Though Russia hasn’t been directly involved in peace talks between the United States and Iran, they have a lot to lose.
The war has been an unexpected shot in the arm for Russia, with a significant bump in demand for its oil and gas, boosting exports battered in recent years by sanctions linked to its war in Ukraine.
Though it appears that Russia may have a stake in the Iran-US war because of its need for oil, they have also become involved in a military capacity, without much of the world realising.
Russia supplied Iran with information to help it target US warships and aircraft deployed to the Middle East, the Washington Post found.
The extent of Russian support was not entirely clear, but the Iranian military’s ability to locate US targets itself has been degraded since the conflict erupted, the Post reported.
Keir Giles, a Russian expert at Chatham House, told WTX: ‘It makes sense for Russia to facilitate Iran’s war effort as much as possible without directly inconveniencing Moscow itself.
‘The coalition of partner countries that oppose the West has shared interests in doing as much damage as possible to the Western coalition and to the rules-based international order, even if they might have divergent strategic objectives of their own.’
Foreign Minister Aragchi has kept up a good relationship with Putin (Picture: Reuters)
Russia seemingly inserting itself into peace talks is also interesting, Giles said, because the country has always sought to position itself as a broker for conflicts to project global influence.
‘They have a lot to gain from being involved in this process, from very publicly inserting themselves and making themselves look like a peacemaker instead of a supporter of Iran’s campaign of retaliation against the United States and its Gulf neighbours,’ Giles added.
However, Russia might also have something to gain if the war between Iran and the US continues longer.
Giles said: ‘The longer the war goes on, the better it is for Russia: high oil prices, relief from sanctions, the world’s distraction away from the war in Ukraine, and the enormous rates at which the United States and its allies have been expending munitions that otherwise might be available to defend Europe.
‘All of these are heavily in Russia’s favour. So there’s a strong interest for them in the war not coming to a conclusive end.’
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US President Confirms Iran’s Request to Lift Blockade
2:06 am
Get you up to speed: US President Confirms Iran’s Request to Lift Naval Blockade on Ports
Iran war live: Trump says Tehran wants end to blockade; Israel kills medics
US President states that Iran has requested Washington to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports. After the US rejected Iran’s latest proposal. The communication indicates a direct outreach from Iran to the US.
US President has stated that Iran has reached out to request the lifting of the naval blockade on its ports.
President Donald Trump says Iran is in a “state of collapse” and has asked Washington to lift its blockade on Iranian ports “as soon as possible”.
There has been no further clarification from Trump on those comments from a short Truth Social post earlier in the day. He’s insinuating that there is division in the Iranian leadership, saying that they do not know who’s actually in control.
This is part of perhaps a campaign to unsettle the Iranian leadership and cast division among them as he attempts to get them back to the negotiating table on his terms.
It would appear that the ceasefire, though, stays in place. But that itself is at the will of the US president.
Iran calls for UNSC to compel Israel to stop attacks on Lebanon
Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, has called on the UN Security Council to “act decisively to compel Israel to fully uphold the ceasefire in Lebanon”.
The council should also ensure that Israel “immediately halt all attacks against civilian and civilian infrastructure and withdraws all its occupying forces” from Lebanon, Iravani said.
He also decried US and Israeli attacks on Iran, as well as Israel’s actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
European Parliament demands 10% hike in EU long-term budget plan
2:00 am
European Parliament demands 10% hike in EU long-term budget plan
Budget Proposal
The European Parliament has adopted its position on the EU long-term budget, calling for a 10% increase and advocating for EU-level taxes.
The European Parliament has adopted its position on the EU long-term budget, calling for a 10% increase and advocating for EU-level taxes.
Budget Increase
The European Parliament’s call for a 10% increase in the EU long-term budget signifies a strategic move to enhance funding during critical negotiations for the 2028-2034 financial cycle.
The European Parliament’s call for a 10% increase in the EU long-term budget signifies a strategic move to enhance funding during critical negotiations for the 2028-2034 financial cycle.
Parliament Response
“We are prepared for tough negotiations to secure a robust budget that reflects our priorities,” stated an MEP following the call for a 10% increase.
“We are prepared for tough negotiations to secure a robust budget that reflects our priorities,” stated an MEP following the call for a 10% increase.
Key developments
The European Parliament has formally adopted its stance on the EU long-term budget, demanding a 10% increase alongside the introduction of EU-level taxes to support funding.
European Parliament demands €200 billion extra for EU budget in hardball talks
The European Parliament has adopted its position on the EU long-term budget, calling for a 10% increase and pushing for EU-level taxes. MEPs say they are ready for tough talks as money talks intensify for 2028-2034 cycle.
US Rejects Iran’s Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Nuclear Concerns
12:56 am
Get you up to speed: What’s in Iran’s latest proposal – and how has the US responded? The United States is considering a proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while postponing discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Early indications from the Trump administration suggest the proposal is unlikely to be accepted in its current form. US President Donald...
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