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 .

US Treasury removes Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad from Iran sanctions list

🔹The US Treasury Department has removed Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad and its two Boeing 737 aircraft from the sanctions list, according to updates posted Wednesday on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) website .

🔹Fly Baghdad was originally sanctioned in January 2024 over alleged links to the IRGC's Quds Force for transporting personnel and equipment .

The Board of Peace is bored of peace and hungry for conquest

This analysis argues that the US-proposed "Board of Peace" agreement for Hamas disarmament is a diplomatic façade masking Israel's continued conquest of Gaza. On July 30, Trump announced a "historic agreement," but Netanyahu released a video on August 4 stating Israel would not withdraw until Hamas is "wiped out" and confirming Israel never agreed to the draft. The "Yellow Line" ceasefire boundary has expanded from 53% to roughly 65% of Gaza occupied, with a stated goal of 70%. The disarmament demand is framed as a trap—if completion can never be certified, withdrawal can never be triggered. The article concludes that the diplomatic architecture exists to "sanitize conquest, not reverse it."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528881/The-Board-of-Peace-is-bored-of-peace-and-hungry-for-conquest

‼️ Exclusive:

Attorney details efforts to document US-Israeli war crimes, plans to take the two regimes to court

Dr. Hassan Abdolianpour, Head of Iran's Judiciary Center for Attorneys, detailed legal efforts to document US-Israeli war crimes. Following the martyred Leader's directive, 19,000 experts documented damage nationwide. Over 4 million citizens granted power of attorney. Lawsuits were filed for the Minab school massacre (2,000-page documentation), Lamerd, and Bampur barracks. The "Chain of Responsibility" identifies all complicit nations. A war crimes bill passed Parliament's general provisions. International lawyers visited Iran to witness damage. Abdolianpour vowed to pursue justice in domestic and international courts.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528878/Attorney-details-efforts-to-document-US-Israeli-war-crimes-plans

Iran, Oman move to finalize new Hormuz shipping corridor

Iran and Oman are in the final stages of negotiating a memorandum of understanding to establish new shipping arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz. An informed source stressed this does not mean immediate reopening. The talks follow the collapse of the Islamabad Memorandum, with Washington now backing the Iran-Oman channel. Iran has insisted the agreement include mechanisms for maritime management, security, and navigational services. Recurring U.S. threats have complicated negotiations. Iranian officials will not conclude any agreement under "coercion or military intimidation." The disruption has caused severe global economic shocks: LNG exports down 95%, urea down 83%, and Japan's crude imports down 64%.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528884/Iran-Oman-move-to-finalize-new-Hormuz-shipping-corridor

Iran's health minister denounces US-Israeli strike against Lamerd stadium as 'clear crime'

Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi visited Lamerd to inspect medical facilities and condemned a US missile strike on a crowded sports stadium on February 28—the war's opening day—as a "clear crime against defenseless people." The attack killed 21 people, including children and teenagers, and wounded around 100. He praised medical teams' dedication and pledged full ministry support, including equipment and staff. Local health officials presented crisis management reports. The same day, a US strike on a Minab elementary school killed nearly 170, mostly children. Officials condemned these attacks as violations of international humanitarian law.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528875/Iran-s-health-minister-denounces-US-Israeli-strike-against-Lamerd

Surveillance of Sciences Po students critical of Israel shows free speech rings hollow in France

This report alleges that Sciences Po university in Paris used "unprecedented surveillance methods" against pro-Palestine students, including social media monitoring, photographing without consent, and gathering evidence for disciplinary proceedings. Mediapart identified at least 48 students subjected to investigations since 2024, with then-director of student life Pierre Catalan accused of creating a fake social media account to monitor activists. Police violently arrested 76 students in May 2026, handing €400 fines and criminal records. Critics including Philippe Marliere and the Ligue des droits de l'homme condemned the crackdowns. The article concludes that France's treatment of pro-Palestinian expression demonstrates that free speech "rings hollow" in the country.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528880/Surveillance-of-Sciences-Po-students-critical-of-Israel-shows

UNESCO committee approves conservation report for Iran's Hegmataneh

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved Iran's conservation report for Hegmataneh (Ecbatana), a site inscribed in 2024. The report covers restoration, site management, monitoring, archaeological research, and governance measures. Committee approval reflects confidence in the site's management and acknowledges efforts to preserve its Outstanding Universal Value. Iran must submit an updated conservation progress report by end-2027. Hegmataneh, near Hamadan, has been inhabited for nearly 3,000 years, with remains from the Median (7th–6th centuries BCE), Achaemenid, Parthian, Sasanian, and Islamic periods. Its Parthian-era urban planning is considered among the most significant examples of that period. Future priorities include strengthening protection, monitoring, and visitor services.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528864/UNESCO-committee-approves-conservation-report-for-Iran-s-Hegmataneh