Historic Zionist perceptions of Lebanon

Israel’s ongoing destruction in southern Lebanon reflects longstanding Zionist views that predate the regime, writes Ali Minabi. Early Zionist thinking saw Lebanon as a “special case” due to sectarian divisions, seeking alliances with Maronite elites and eyeing the Litani River for water and security. Today’s policies—expanding occupation, displacing residents—are a continuation of that strategic vision.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529128/Historic-Zionist-perceptions-of-Lebanon

Case of 3 Iranian pilots is a serious test to determine Qatar's role in the war

Iran has formally requested Qatar allow a military fact-finding team to investigate three IRIAF pilots captured after a March 2 strike on Al Udeid base. Doha denies holding them, but Tehran says they've been secretly detained for nearly six months. The case tests Qatar's mediator claims—it cannot fight alongside the US while posing as neutral.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529123/Case-of-3-Iranian-pilots-is-a-serious-test-to-determine-Qatar-s

Was Israel behind the Ceuta crisis?

Over 600,000 migrants entered Spain's Ceuta enclave in a coordinated hybrid attack. Chinese intelligence assesses Morocco and Israel orchestrated the incursion to destabilize Spain over its Palestinian rights support and opposition to the war on Iran. Spanish officials and lawmakers have openly highlighted the Israeli connection, while verified footage shows Moroccan intelligence operatives embedded among the migrants.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529126/Was-Israel-behind-the-Ceuta-crisis

Lebanese-Israeli-US talks intended to undermine US-Iran MOU: professor

Bard College professor Ziad Abu Rish says Lebanese officials have put “all their eggs in the US-Israeli basket” by signing the Washington-brokered framework. He argues the talks were designed to undermine the US-Iran MOU and its Lebanon clause. Israel’s refusal to withdraw further has left Beirut with no leverage. Meanwhile, deadly Israeli strikes continue across southern Lebanon.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529119/Lebanese-Israeli-US-talks-intended-to-undermine-US-Iran-MOU

Yemen strikes Saudi-linked mercenary concentrations in Mokha

Yemeni forces unleashed ballistic missiles and drones on Saudi-affiliated military sites in Mokha and Marib, wiping out weapons depots and command facilities. Dozens of mercenaries were killed. The strikes halted Mokha port operations, with seven dead and $16m in damages. Sanaa enforces a blockade-for-blockade policy against Riyadh, which has scrambled a 15-nation maritime coalition in response.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529127/Yemen-strikes-Saudi-linked-mercenary-concentrations-in-Mokha

Iran's National Geography Olympiad team secured a bronze medal at the 22nd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026), competing against teams from over 55 countries.

How Mossad and the CIA grossly miscalculated Iran’s resilience

The joint US-Israeli war on Iran has exposed a historic intelligence failure. CIA and Mossad assessments—once seen as espionage gold standards—proved fundamentally flawed and politically manipulated. The farce peaked in Ankara, where Trump fled in a catering truck based on Israeli intel the CIA itself deemed “low confidence”. Six months on, Iran's resilience has shattered the myth of Western-Israeli superiority.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529120/How-Mossad-and-the-CIA-grossly-miscalculated-Iran-s-resilience

Iran condemns Israeli minister's 'nightly killing quota' for Gaza

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has strongly condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who reportedly set a nightly quota of 30 to 40 Palestinians to be killed in Gaza.

In a post on X, Gharibabadi said the minister also spoke of expelling Palestinians and expanding settlements, calling the statements an "admission" that must be documented and preserved for future prosecution.

Brigadier General Akrami-Nia, Spokesman of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, signs the commemorative plaque of the Tehran Times.

Iran, Russia discuss cultural cooperation in Ankara

Iranian cultural attaché Asghar Farsi and Russian House Ankara head Alexander Sotnichenko met in Ankara to expand cultural ties. They agreed on joint cinema programs, cultural days, book fairs, and exhibitions. Farsi offered Persian language teaching expertise to the Russian center. Both sides stressed strengthening communication between cultural institutions and exploring new areas of cooperation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529104/Iran-Russia-discuss-cultural-cooperation-in-Ankara

Iran ready for technical co-op to improve, develop electricity sector in Tajikistan

Iran's Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi met Tajik counterpart Daler Juma to review water and electricity cooperation. Aliabadi announced Iran's readiness for technical cooperation to improve Tajikistan's electricity grid, citing deep historical ties. Both sides emphasized expanding commercial, technical, and cultural ties, including shared dams, energy logistics, and workforce development.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529102/Iran-ready-for-technical-co-op-to-improve-develop-electricity

Baghaei: Iran's dignity stems from generations who refused to surrender the country's fate to others

🔹The Foreign Ministry spokesman denied claims of a 60-day deadline in the Islamabad MoU, stating: "Iran does not adjust its policies under pressure or time constraints—decisions are made based on national interests."

🔹Marking the anniversary of the 1953 CIA-backed coup, Baghaei said: "One major miscalculation about Iran is assuming that today's Iran is the same as the past, where foreign will could be imposed. The recent wars proved otherwise."

🔹"Iran's dignity and independence are owed to generations who refused to surrender their country's destiny to others," he emphasized.

🔹On Qatar's mediation role, he confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement but stressed that Tehran's demands regarding missing Iranian pilots remain a serious priority.

IRGC spox: Trump's claim of back-channel talks with IRGC is delusion born of defeat

🔹Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi , IRGC spokesman, firmly rejected Trump's claim that the US is holding back-channel talks with IRGC commanders on war-related issues, stating no such negotiations are taking place .

🔹He called the claim "pure fantasy" fueled by Trump's nightmares and desperation stemming from defeat and frustration in the war .

🔹The general emphasized that the IRGC "speaks its word on the battlefield," while diplomatic affairs fall under other branches of the system—and even at that level, no talks with Americans are currently underway due to Washington's repeated breaches of promises .

🔹 Mohebbi stressed that Trump's only real path forward is to accept defeat and comply with Iran's terms, warning that the sooner US officials acknowledge their failure, the less damage their country will suffer .

60 days after the MoU: Why has peace remained elusive, and what comes next?

A 14-point Iran-US MoU signed on June 17 has expired amid systematic US violations. Washington failed to fulfill key commitments—lifting sanctions, releasing assets, and enforcing Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon—while Trump declared it "over" on July 7. Iran suspended its commitments in response. Analysts suggest Trump signed primarily to lower oil prices. With the deadline passed, peace remains distant and tensions persist.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529158/60-days-after-the-MoU-Why-has-peace-remained-elusive-and-what

‼️ Exclusive:

Iranian Army spokesman warns US against ‘miscalculation’ as MoU expires

Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami-Nia warned the US against any miscalculation, stressing Iran's armed forces are "far, far more ready than in the past." The warning came as a 14-point Iran-US MoU expired on Monday. He cited Washington's record of "stabbing diplomacy in the back" even during talks, urging the US not to fall under Zionist influence again.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529154/Iranian-Army-spokesman-warns-US-against-miscalculation-as-MoU

Tehran municipality official highlights restoration of war-damaged areas

Tehran municipality official Hamidreza Moghaddamfar says 50% of restoration work in war-damaged areas is complete. Over 14,000 residential units in Tehran were damaged—2,000 completely destroyed—with reconstruction planned by next Iranian year. The project uses modern engineering and participatory models. He stressed preserving historical identity while revitalizing the capital after the US-Israeli war.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529146/Tehran-municipality-official-highlights-restoration-of-war-damaged