Israeli warplanes slaughter civilians, obliterate hospital in southern Lebanon

Israeli strikes on Nabatieh district killed four civilians, wounded 20, and destroyed Al‑Ghandour Hospital—despite a US‑backed framework supposed to secure withdrawal. Hezbollah drones disrupted an Israeli tunnel demolition plot. As Israel plans a forced pullback to a 2‑4 km strip, it is accelerating the scorched‑earth demolition of border villages. Over 4,360 killed in Lebanon since March.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529759/Israeli-warplanes-slaughter-civilians-obliterate-hospital-in

Iran to designate 'prohibited zone' in Strait of Hormuz, blacklist violating vessels: SNSC chief

🔹SNSC Secretary Mohsen Rezaei announced Iran will establish a "prohibited zone" in the Strait of Hormuz, extending from the US naval blockade line into the Persian Gulf, to blacklist vessels attempting unauthorized transit.

🔹"Each ship attempting to transit will be registered in our blacklist. Owners and charterers will face serious insurance and shipping cost problems," he said.

🔹Rezaei also confirmed Iran tested a ballistic missile against a US naval vessel in the past 48 hours, calling it "a turning point."

🔹He stated Iran has finalized a corridor agreement with Oman to manage Gulf entry-exit, with the map agreed upon and the deal to be signed soon.

🔹"This corridor will serve as a practical guarantee in the new diplomacy—in exchange for managing the route, commitments will be made to keep the Strait open, avoid sabotage, and prevent threats or attacks on Iran."

Shadowy Emirati firm exposed as major oil supplier for Israeli military

Heritage Petroleum FZCO, a Dubai-based firm incorporated in December 2023, has quietly supplied 22 million barrels of crude to Israeli refineries since October 2023—fueling the Gaza genocide. Working with Swiss giant Vitol, the company routed shipments via Turkey's Ceyhan port, exploiting loopholes to bypass Ankara's trade ban. Activists say such firms and states risk complicity in genocide under international law.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529760/Shadowy-Emirati-firm-exposed-as-major-oil-supplier-for-Israeli

Baghaei: US expects world to pay for war it started on Iran

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the US has disrupted global shipping and energy markets by launching an "unlawful and savage war" on Iran—and now seeks to present the world with the bill.

🔹"The Strait of Hormuz was wide open until February 28, when the US-Israeli aggression began. Tankers are halted, trade is disrupted, and energy prices are rising," he wrote on X.

🔹"Washington wants to recast its own war as the cost of Iran's behavior—utterly preposterous!"

President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Tajikistan's president, government and people on the 35th anniversary of the country's independence, emphasising the historic, cultural and linguistic bonds between the two nations.

In a message to Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Pezeshkian said the two countries' ancient historical, cultural and linguistic ties and their civilisational commonalities are a "great asset" for deepening and expanding fraternal relations.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has placed the expansion of comprehensive cooperation with Tajikistan among its foreign policy priorities and stresses its firm resolve to strengthen these relations in the direction of mutual interests, regional stability and security, and the elevation of our shared culture and literature," he said.

Iran warns South Korea against Gulf military presence

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei warned Seoul that any military presence in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz would be considered "direct support for the American aggressor" with serious consequences.

🔹Baghaei said Iran values its 64-year friendly ties with South Korea but stressed: "No sovereign government submits to US pressure to take part in aggressive acts against Iran."

🔹The warning comes amid US efforts to build a coalition in the Gulf.

Iran attends 39th Moscow International Book Fair

Iran showcased 500 book titles, illustrations, and cultural programs at the Moscow International Book Fair. The pavilion highlighted literature, culture, and religion, with a special memorial for Minab's child martyrs. It also promoted Iran's "Grant" program and pursued publishing cooperation with Russian partners. Over 300 publishers from Russia and abroad participated.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529735/Iran-attends-39th-Moscow-International-Book-Fair

Ghalibaf: If you attack our assets, you will be attacked

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the region's oil and gas production chain—and US companies operating there—are "accessible and vulnerable."

🔹"It's simple and clear: if you attack our assets, you will be attacked. We have proven this ability before. Ask your military bases that have been taken out of operation," he said in a post on X.

🔹The remarks come amid ongoing US-Israeli aggression and economic warfare against Iran, as Washington continues its naval blockade in the Persian Gulf.

Baghaei: Iran-Oman agreement finalized, but US aggression keeps Hormuz unsafe

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the Iran-Oman agreement on safe transit routes has been finalized, but stressed it is "not a sufficient condition" while US aggression continues.

🔹He said negotiations are "neither inherently good nor bad—they are a tool" for advancing Iran's interests, with the Foreign Ministry following decisions of relevant authorities.

🔹Baghaei warned that any military presence or cooperation with the US in the Persian Gulf will be considered "complicity in aggression."

🔹He dismissed reports of an agreement on Al-Tal Al-Aa'ther as "baseless media speculation."

From Shiraz to Zanzibar: A look into centuries-old Persian connection

For centuries, seasonal monsoon winds connected Iran to East Africa, creating networks of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. The "Shirazi" tradition—once seen as a direct migration from Shiraz—is now understood as a complex history of movement, intermarriage, and cosmopolitan coastal communities. Genetic and archaeological evidence confirms Persian influence, but the resulting Swahili culture was shaped by active African participation, not passive importation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529770/From-Shiraz-to-Zanzibar-A-look-into-centuries-old-Persian-connection

Dennis Ross: Iran's resilience during US war continues to 'surprise'

Former US negotiator Dennis Ross says Iran's resilience has "consistently surprised" Washington, and military pressure alone won't force Tehran to retreat. He suggests a Hormuz deal—based on legitimate navigational or security fees—could offer both sides a face‑saving exit. After six months of war, Iran's endurance is pushing the US to seek a way out.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529765/Dennis-Ross-Iran-s-resilience-during-US-war-continues-to-surprise

Gen. Heidari: Iran changing war equations was beyond enemy's imagination

🔹Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari, Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, stated that Iran's use of its strategic capacities has had a "significant impact on global economic equations."

🔹"The enemy could not imagine that Iran could change the war equations and expand the battlefield to a regional level," he said.

🔹Heidari added that the Strait of Hormuz, as a critical regional point, has "extensive capacity to influence regional and global equations."

Sydney art exhibition highlights Minab tragedy, voices of war, resilience

The "When the Earth Embraces the Sky" exhibition in Sydney features over 50 artworks exploring war and displacement, with an Iranian section dedicated to the Minab school tragedy where 168 were killed on Feb 28. Artists from Iranian, Afghan, Iraqi, Lebanese, and Palestinian communities contribute. The event includes the documentary "Minab" and runs until September 13.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529744/Sydney-art-exhibition-highlights-Minab-tragedy-voices-of-war

Iran Navy Cmdr.: We can land forces at any point to confront enemies

🔹Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has stated that Iran's military possesses the capability to land forces at any strategic location in the region, giving the country a significant edge in shaping regional equations.

🔹The admiral emphasized that Iran's operational reach extends far beyond its borders, serving as a strong deterrent against foreign aggression.

🔹"Our presence is no longer limited to our shores," he said, adding that this capacity sends a clear message to adversaries.

🔹The remarks come amid ongoing US-Israeli military pressure on Iran and heightened regional tensions.

Air defense commander: We are updating our systems to meet new threats

🔹Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, head of the Joint Air Defense Command and commander of the Army Air Defense Force, stated that Iran is continuously updating its equipment and systems to counter emerging threats.

🔹He emphasized that Iran's air defense forces are operating with full preparedness and vigilance, utilizing domestic knowledge and indigenous power to maintain a decisive edge against enemy aircraft.

🔹"The enemy's advanced technology does not guarantee their return," Elhami said, noting that Iran's air defense systems have successfully destroyed hostile aircraft in recent confrontations.

Estahban’s centuries-old tradition of sustainable fig cultivation

Estahban in Fars province is one of the world’s leading centers of rainfed fig production, with about 2.6 million fig trees covering 25,950 hectares. For more than 250 years, local gardeners have passed down traditional cultivation techniques while developing innovative ways to capture and conserve rainwater. These practices improve water efficiency, protect soil and reduce erosion. The fig gardens also support thousands of families and provide food for domestic and wild animals, making them vital to the region’s economy and environment.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529792/From-rainwater-to-figs-Estahban-s-tradition-of-sustainable-cultivation

Iranian students achieve milestones at international Olympiads despite war

Iranian students won 13 medals across multiple Olympiads despite the US-Israeli war. The physics team ranked first globally with 3 golds. Iran also won its first AI Olympiad gold, first medals in mathematics, and unprecedented geography success. Students triumphed at competitions in Colombia, Kazakhstan, China, Turkey, Italy, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, and online—demonstrating resilience and academic excellence under pressure.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529784/Iranian-students-achieve-milestones-at-international-Olympiads

India's new ambassador to Iran seeks to deepen ties amid shifting geopolitics

India's Ambassador-designate Vishwesh Negi has met with Iranian officials to boost bilateral cooperation. His appointment comes as New Delhi advocates de-escalation and backs SCO declarations condemning US-Israeli aggression. Key priorities include the Chabahar port, the INSTC corridor, and local-currency trade mechanisms. Negi's defense and security expertise positions him to operationalize growing India-Iran strategic ties.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529807/India-s-new-ambassador-to-Iran-seeks-to-deepen-ties-amid-shifting

Economic blockade is difficult in a multipolar world

The head of the Iran‑Russia Joint Chamber of Commerce says a total US economic blockade is difficult in today's multipolar world, as China, India, Russia, and Gulf states have independent interests. He stresses diversifying trade routes, boosting non‑oil exports, and reducing currency conversion costs—not just bypassing the dollar, but building reliable regional payment and logistics networks.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529801/Economic-blockade-is-difficult-in-a-multipolar-world