Middle East Crisis Iran War

Hard-line group does everything to thwart deal with US

A small but influential group within the Iranian regime is stepping up its efforts to thwart a deal between Tehran and Washington, CNN reports.

The very hard-line group, called Jebhe-ye Paydari or “Endurance Front,” is described as “super-revolutionaries.” Even compared to the rest of the Iranian regime, the group is considered very hostile to the US and Israel.

The group includes high-ranking media figures, top politicians and religious leaders.

Members of the group have participated in the talks in Pakistan, suggesting that Tehran is trying to show unity within the regime. But at home, the group has become increasingly vocal in its criticism of the negotiators. Even considering a deal with the US is tantamount to capitulation, many of the group’s members believe.

Swedish ship captain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz – drove full speed out

For over two months, silence has reigned through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran War. Bergens Tidene and Svenska Dagbladet have met the Swedish ship captain Carl-Henrik Wersäll who ended up on the wrong side of the strait when the war broke out with his 182-meter-long chemical tanker, but still decided to try to get out.

Wersäll was in port in Dubai when the war broke out and immediately made the decision to try to leave the area. When word came that the strait would be closed, they found themselves in the middle of it. For two days, the ship drove at full speed to leave the Arabian Sea, and as a result, they managed to get home.

However, around 2,000 other ships were not as fortunate and are still trapped in the Persian Gulf as they are not allowed to pass through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.