分类： politics

A coalition of Middle Eastern nations has successfully intervened to prevent potential military strikes by the United States against Iran, according to multiple diplomatic sources. The diplomatic effort, involving Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, raised urgent concerns about regional destabilization and global economic consequences.

Anonymous Arab diplomats revealed that senior officials from these nations engaged in intensive negotiations with the US administration over a 48-hour period. Their warnings about the catastrophic implications of military action reportedly reached President Donald Trump at the critical moment when strikes were being considered.

The Telegraph reported that appeals from both Gulf states and Israel ultimately persuaded Trump to abandon plans for military engagement on Wednesday night. This development occurred despite the administration’s public maintenance of military readiness rhetoric.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt maintained the official position on Thursday, stating that “all options remain on the table” regarding US policy toward Iran. However, the diplomatic breakthrough appears to have created an unexpected shift in tensions.

In a surprising related development, President Trump expressed gratitude toward the Iranian government on Friday, acknowledging their decision to cancel planned executions. “Iran canceled the hanging of over 800 people,” Trump told reporters while departing the White House, adding that he “greatly respected” this decision.

The successful diplomatic intervention represents a significant moment in Middle Eastern relations, demonstrating how regional powers can collaboratively work to prevent escalation between global superpowers and neighboring states.

LONDON — Britain’s political landscape has become the stage for a significant diplomatic confrontation as the deadline approaches for the government’s decision on China’s proposed mega-embassy in London. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch of the Conservative Party joined hundreds of protesters Saturday at the planned construction site near Tower Bridge, delivering a forceful condemnation of Chinese government activities against British citizens and parliamentarians.

The demonstration, featuring chants of ‘no China mega embassy,’ highlighted growing concerns about China’s alleged harassment of UK nationals and espionage activities. Badenoch accused the current Labour government of displaying excessive caution toward China, stating: ‘We know that we have to stand up to the abuses of China. What worries me is that we have a government right now that seems to be scared of China.’

After seven years of delays and legal challenges, the UK government faces a Tuesday deadline to approve or block what would become China’s largest diplomatic compound in Europe. The proposed 20,000 square-meter complex on the former Royal Mint site would consolidate China’s seven current diplomatic premises into a single location near London’s financial district and critical data infrastructure.

Security concerns have been at the forefront of the debate, with opponents warning the embassy could serve as a base for espionage operations and surveillance of Chinese dissidents in exile. Britain’s intelligence services have previously issued alerts about China’s ‘targeted and widespread’ efforts to recruit parliamentarians through professional networks and cover companies.

Despite these concerns, security experts suggest the risks are manageable. Ciaran Martin, former head of Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre, noted that no government would override security services if they deemed the project too risky. ‘Unless we want to sever diplomatic relations with China,’ Martin wrote, ‘the location of their embassy becomes an issue of practicalities, security assessments and counterintelligence operations.’

China has expressed frustration over the prolonged approval process, accusing the UK of ‘constantly complicating and politicizing the matter.’ The decision carries significant diplomatic implications, potentially paving the way for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s anticipated visit to China and expansion of UK diplomatic facilities in Beijing. Starmer has emphasized the need to balance national security concerns with maintaining diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with China.

In a significant development within Iran’s political crisis, Reza Pahlavi—the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah—has publicly declared his conviction that the current Islamic republic will inevitably collapse. During a Friday press conference in Washington, Pahlavi positioned himself as an opposition leader while urgently calling for international action to support protesters.

The political tension escalates as former U.S. President Donald Trump maintains a contradictory stance. Despite previously threatening military intervention if Iranian security forces harmed demonstrators, and explicitly promising that ‘help is on the way,’ Trump has taken no tangible action. This hesitation persists amid alarming casualty reports from human rights organizations. Norway-based Iran Human Rights documents at least 3,428 protester deaths, with some estimates reaching between 5,000 and 20,000 fatalities.

Pahlavi specifically appealed to Trump to avoid following the diplomatic approach of former President Barack Obama, emphasizing his belief that Trump would ultimately honor his commitments to the Iranian people. Meanwhile, Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to claim that Iran had ceased executing protesters, posting a message of gratitude to the clerical leadership.

The opposition leader outlined concrete measures for international powers, including surgical strikes targeting the command structure of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, expulsion of Iranian diplomats from foreign nations, and restoration of internet access which authorities have severely restricted.

Addressing his vision for Iran’s future, Pahlavi advocated for a secular democracy determined through a national referendum, distancing himself from his father’s controversial legacy while promising improved relations with the United States and Israel. He proposed a ‘Cyrus Accord’ to normalize ties with Israel, invoking the ancient Persian emperor who liberated Jews from captivity.

Despite gathering support from protesters chanting his name, Pahlavi faces skepticism from critics who suspect monarchical restoration ambitions and prefer opposition leadership emerging from within Iran itself.