🔴 Hezbollah chief: Iran-US MoU halted Israeli aggression

🔹Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that the Iran-US ceasefire agreement was the decisive factor in stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanon. "Had it not been for that memorandum, this ceasefire would never have been achieved," he said.

🔹Condemning direct Lebanon-Israel talks as bringing "shame and humiliation," he called on Lebanese officials to defy the US and engage with the resistance.

🔹Qassem praised Iran's steadfastness, saying the martyred Leader's funeral showed popular support for the revolution.

Iran, Pakistan forge path to $10b trade milestone as joint committee meets in Islamabad

The 19th Iran-Pakistan Joint Trade Committee convened in Islamabad, co-chaired by ministers from both countries, aiming to boost annual trade from $3 billion to $10 billion. Key priorities include finalizing a Free Trade Agreement, resolving container delays at Karachi Port, and reducing border waiting times at Mirjaveh-Taftan. Four working groups cover trade, customs, free zones, and the FTA. Iran's Minister Atabak stated the $10 billion target is feasible within one year if obstacles are removed. A private sector delegation from Iran's Chamber of Commerce joined the talks, with a business conference scheduled. The meeting underscores growing regional economic integration.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528818/Iran-Pakistan-forge-path-to-10b-trade-milestone-as-joint-committee

The Biggest Red Banner of Vengeance Rises in Karbala

During this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage—the first since Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination—the largest red vengeance flag in modern history was raised in Karbala's Bayn al-Haramayn plaza. Dedicated to the martyred Leader, the banner inscribed "Ya Latharat al-Hussein" fused Karbala's tragedy with demands for retribution against the US-Israel war. Iraqi officials anticipated up to 22 million pilgrims, with over 4.88 million foreign visitors from 172 nations. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi joined, hailing Iran-Iraq unity. Kataib Hezbollah rejected US pressure to disarm. Global processions occurred in Dearborn (45,000 participants), Nigeria, and European cities. The event transformed the pilgrimage into a "civilizational covenant" against imperialism.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528850/The-Biggest-Red-Banner-of-Vengeance-Rises-in-Karbala

Leader's office rejects attributed comments on Pezeshkian's alleged resignation

The office of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei formally denied claims that the Leader had reacted to President Pezeshkian's alleged resignation letters, calling them "fundamentally false." The statement warned that such fabrications serve enemies' objectives by creating division. The denial followed remarks by cleric Ayatollah Kharrazi claiming Pezeshkian had threatened resignation 28 times. Pezeshkian firmly rejected the rumors, stating: "If I want to resign, I will officially declare that I have resigned. I will not resign." He dismissed speculation of rifts with military officials. Western media, including Iran International, had previously amplified the rumors. The Leader has consistently backed Pezeshkian's government since assuming office.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528844/Leader-s-office-rejects-attributed-comments-on-Pezeshkian-s-alleged

Iran, Oman continue talks on safe shipping routes in Strait of Hormuz

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said negotiations between Iran and Oman—as the two coastal states of the Strait—are continuing with a focus on designating safe routes for commercial shipping that respect sovereign rights and the national security interests of both nations .

🔹Baghaei noted that both technical and political-level talks have been positive, with discussions centered on an "intermediate route" concept, transforming separate northern and southern routes into a round-trip corridor .

The West won the headlines - Iran changed history

This analysis argues that while the West dominated media narratives, Iran's resilience in the face of US-Israeli pressure reflects a deeper historical shift—the erosion of Western authority to define reality. It contends that military superiority failed to produce political victory, as Washington's "victory" rhetoric conflicts with its continued pursuit of negotiations. The article places Iran's resistance within the broader emergence of a multipolar world, citing BRICS, Iran-Saudi rapprochement (facilitated by China), and growing Global South strategic autonomy. It notes that Gaza has altered perceptions of Western claims about human rights. The conclusion: "The West won the headlines. Iran may yet prove to have changed history."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528828/The-West-won-the-headlines-Iran-changed-history

Pezeshkian: We support any decision by Palestinian leaders in negotiations

In a phone call with Hamas political bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya, President Pezeshkian affirmed that Palestine remains the foremost issue of the Islamic world and will never leave Iran's foreign policy priorities. He expressed Iran's support for any decision by Palestinian leaders in the negotiation process and stressed that Islamic unity paves the way for justice. Al-Hayya thanked Iran for its steadfast support, vowing that Palestinians will remain committed to their cause.

Gradual attrition: The cornerstone of the new US strategy against Hezbollah

This analysis argues that Washington has shifted from seeking Hezbollah's "immediate destruction" to a strategy of "gradual attrition" through political, economic, social, media, and security instruments. Key components include: transferring the monopoly on arms to the Lebanese state by strengthening the army; replacing Hezbollah's social services with state institutions; exploiting Lebanon's economic crisis as leverage; narrative-building to erode Hezbollah's legitimacy; and constraining its regional environment, particularly in Syria. The strategy aims to remove Lebanon from the Axis of Resistance framework and transfer decision-making to a Western-aligned government—essentially reshaping Lebanon's balance of power through systemic pressure rather than direct military confrontation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528845/Gradual-attrition-The-cornerstone-of-the-new-US-strategy-against

New York art installation mocking Trump's Iran policy gains international attention

A 10-foot golden sculpture titled "Iran War Participation Trophy" was installed in Manhattan's Foley Square by anonymous collective Secret Handshake. The oversized cup bears the inscription "#1 Participant" and sarcastically "awards" Trump for his "enthusiastic involvement" in the Iran war, "regardless of the final score." Major outlets including Euronews, The Washington Post, TIME, and NBC New York covered the installation. Reactions ranged from laughter and applause to criticism from Trump supporters. Visitors left imitation trophies around the base. The artists described it as "an attempt to de-escalate the conflict through positive reinforcement," using satire rather than conventional protest.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528831/New-York-art-installation-mocking-Trump-s-Iran-policy-gains-international

Iran, Pakistan sing MOU to boost bilateral trade toward $10b target

Iran and Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding to expand trade cooperation during the 19th Joint Trade Committee in Islamabad, reaffirming their commitment to increase bilateral trade from $3 billion to $10 billion by 2030. The MOU covers border regions, maritime development, free trade agreement steps, joint free zones, and barter mechanisms. Iran's Minister Atabak stated Iran places "no restrictions" on increasing trade. A separate cooperation MOU was signed between the Iran Chamber of Commerce and Pakistan's FPCCI. TPO Head Dehnavi highlighted Iran's ports (Chabahar, Karachi, Gwadar), free zones, and energy resources. A meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister is also scheduled.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528859/Iran-Pakistan-sing-MOU-to-boost-bilateral-trade-toward-10b

📞 Italy FM discusses Hormuz, Lebanon with Araghchi

🔹Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon.

🔹Araghchi briefed Tajani on ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait to commercial traffic, with Tajani stressing "the importance of continuing dialogue" to reach a political solution and avoid further military escalation.

🔹The Italian minister emphasized the need to ensure "full freedom of navigation" in the Strait without tolls or restrictions.

🔹On Lebanon, Tajani expressed hope that the ongoing Rome negotiations would yield concrete results, stressing "Iran's role is crucial to halting Hezbollah's military actions."

🔹Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to playing an active role in promoting dialogue and stability in the region.

🔴 Iran-Oman joint statement in final drafting stage: Baghaei

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced that negotiations between the two coastal states over safe commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz have been "professional" and "moving forward" over the past two months .

🔹The geographical coordinates of the proposed route have been agreed upon, and barring obstruction by third parties, a joint statement is in the final drafting stage .

🔹Baghaei stressed that the strait's closure was caused by US-Israeli military aggression, and a bilateral understanding with Oman alone "cannot, in itself, mean the strait has become safe" as long as the US naval blockade and threats persist .

🔹He added that Iran has no plans for FM Araghchi or Parliament Speaker Qalibaf to travel to Pakistan or Qatar this week, though both mediators continue their efforts to reduce tensions .