Tishwash: The office of Grand Ayatollah Sistani: Tomorrow, Friday, is the last day of Ramadan.
Saturday is the first day of Eid.
The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani announced today, Thursday (March 19, 2026), that the crescent moon of Shawwal could not be sighted, therefore Friday will be the completion of the month of Ramadan and Saturday will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
The office said in a statement received by Network 964 , “The office of His Eminence Sayyid al-Sistani (may his shadow last) in Najaf al-Ashraf announces that tomorrow, Friday, is the last day of the blessed month of Ramadan, and Saturday, corresponding to (March 21, 2026), is the first day of Shawwal for the year 1447 AH.” link
Tishwash: The Pentagon is sending 2,200 troops to the Middle East.
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Thursday that three Navy ships carrying approximately 2,200 soldiers will head to the Middle East next week .
Politico quoted a Pentagon official, in a report followed by Al-Sa’a Network, as saying that “the Department is also considering sending more troops to the region.”
He added that “the military movements are part of plans to strengthen the American military presence in the Middle East during the next phase.” link
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Tishwash: The Strait of Hormuz: Five European countries and Japan are on the front lines of the crisis
Five European countries, along with Japan, announced on Thursday their readiness to put in place plans to ensure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed by Iranian military forces following the US-Israeli war on their country.
A joint statement issued by Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan on the sidelines of the Brussels summit read: “We condemn Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf.”
The European countries and Japan added: “We are ready to contribute to ensuring passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and we will take steps to stabilize energy markets.”
The countries continued in their statement: “We will work to support the most affected countries through the United Nations,” calling for “an immediate halt to attacks on oil and gas facilities.”
Iran is exploiting its location in the Strait of Hormuz to put pressure on the energy market and force countries to negotiate for safe passage, which raises the cost of conflict for the United States and its allies.
The recent attacks have caused unprecedented disruption to shipping and increased risks, with the number of passing ships declining sharply.
Asian countries such as India, Turkey and Pakistan began negotiating with Tehran to secure supplies, amid a de facto closure of the strait to “enemy ships”.
In contrast, Washington is finding it difficult to form a maritime coalition, and the resumption of normal navigation could take weeks even in the best-case scenario. link
Tishwash: Sudani: Iraq supports a ceasefire and warns against its expansion.
Sudani: Iraq supports a ceasefire and warns against its expansion.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s support for all international efforts aimed at ending the war in Iran, warning of the conflict’s potential to escalate in the region.
During a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the two discussed regional developments and the rapidly escalating conflict.
Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq “supports all efforts by countries and international organizations to stop the war,” stressing the importance of strengthening stability and restoring security in the region.
He added that the solution must be achieved through “dialogue and addressing issues and problems without resorting to military action.”
The Prime Minister underscored Iraq’s full commitment to protecting diplomatic missions, stating that security forces “in all their branches are prepared to protect embassies and missions operating in Iraq,” as part of their constitutional duties.
He also affirmed Baghdad’s rejection of “the use of Iraqi territory or airspace to attack others,” while emphasizing the importance of not dragging the country into the conflict or expanding it.
Al-Sudani reiterated the necessity for NATO countries “not to become involved in this war,” calling for maximum efforts to support diplomatic solutions.
For his part, Rutte expressed his appreciation for the Iraqi positions, praising the efforts to protect diplomatic missions, and emphasizing the “constructive partnership between NATO and Iraq.” link
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