Iranian warships in Brazil
Two Iranian navy ships have docked in Rio de Janeiro despite US pressure to bar them. The Makran and Dena navy vessels arrived in Brazilian waters on Sunday morning after the government granted them permission. The two vessels left Iran’s southern waters in early fall with the purpose of sailing around the world. They are expected to break the record for the distance an Iranian flotilla has covered in international waters. The two ships have been sanctioned by the US. Earlier this month, the US ambassador to Brazil urged the government of President Lula da Silva not to allow them to dock. During his previous presidential terms, Lula ramped up diplomatic engagements with Iran as part of his attempts to bolster Brazil’s international standing.
Israeli settler killed
An Israeli settler has been shot dead near the northern West Bank city of Jericho or Ariha in a retaliatory operation. According to Palestinian sources, the shooting occurred at the Beit Ha'Araba junction in the Jordan Valley. A second shooting took place later on in an area close to the first one, leaving at least four people injured, some in critical condition. Israeli media confirmed the two attacks near Jericho. The regime’s forces have closed several roads in the Jordan Valley to arrest the attackers. Palestinians have recently stepped up retaliatory attacks against Israeli targets over the regime’s increasing acts of aggression and brutality in the occupied territories.
US sanctions on China
China has slammed the US for imposing illegal sanctions against its companies over allegedly supporting Russia in the Ukraine war. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning vowed resolute countermeasures by China. She said the sanctions show US' hegemony and double standards. The spokesperson added that the US must stop spreading disinformation and withdraw sanctions on Chinese companies. The US has imposed sanctions on two Chinese satellite firms for providing imagery and intelligence to the Russian army. In recent weeks, the US has repeatedly accused China of mulling military support for Russia. Beijing has denied the claims and in turn accused Washington of fueling the flames of war by arming Ukraine.