Trump in Netanyahu’s Grip

Despite efforts to end the US–Israeli war on Iran, Trump now says “don’t rush into a deal,” insisting the blockade of Iranian ports will stay. His remarks followed a call with Netanyahu, who demands dismantling Iran’s nuclear sites. This contradicts Trump’s earlier claim that an agreement was largely finalized.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei says talks focus on ending the war, lifting the blockade, and releasing frozen assets—with a 30–60 day timeline.

Critics warn Trump has fallen into Netanyahu’s trap, prioritizing “Israel First” over exiting the quagmire.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/526748/Trump-in-Netanyahu-s-Grip

Street in Nicaragua named after "Minab Angels"

The city of Corinto in Nicaragua has symbolically named a street "Minab Angels" in a show of solidarity with the Iranian nation, commemorating the martyred students of the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school.

Tehran Times and
@SputnikInt will conduct a joint spaces today, 2 PM GMT. The discussion will focus on how Iran and Russia are spearheading efforts toward geopolitical, economic, and technological independence.

‼️Follow Tehran Times on X

Here is the link to a shared space with Sputnik on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1PKqrrrkNEbGb

No retreat will happen: Iran's top security official

Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has declared that no retreat will take place.

"The military, diplomacy, and the people have shown this through their resolute resistance, bringing the enemy to its knees," he said.

Zolqadr stressed that national unity is now more vital than ever to disappoint American and Zionist ambitions. "Collective efforts to prevent any divisive speech or action will lead dear Iran to final victory, God willing," he added.

US must explain extrajudicial killings at sea, says Iran deputy minister

Iran's deputy foreign minister has questioned Washington's extrajudicial killings of dozens of suspected drug smugglers at sea.

Kazem Gharibabadi stated that in recent months, the US military has targeted dozens of boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, leaving nearly 200 dead without arrests or fair trials.

"Can a government turn 'suspicion' into a death sentence outside a battlefield?" he asked.

Gharibabadi stressed that counter-narcotics has a legal path: investigation, arrest, evidence, and fair trial. "Shooting people at sea without trial is nothing but extrajudicial killing," he said, demanding Washington explain how it replaced courts with missiles.

Iran's FM congratulates Lebanon on Resistance and Liberation Day

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent separate messages to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, congratulating the government, nation, and resistance of Lebanon on the anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day.

Araghchi hailed Lebanon's historic victory in expelling the Israeli regime from southern Lebanon in 2000, and reaffirmed Iran's firm and continued support for Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate resistance against Zionist occupation and aggression.

World won't forget enemy's ceasefire plea on day 10 of war: IRGC commander

The commander of Greater Tehran's Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) IRGC Corps stated that the world will not forget how the enemy requested a ceasefire and retreat on the tenth day of the war.

"The more the arrogant powers fail, the more they clamor and fabricate lies," he said, adding that when enemies like the cursed Trump speak of Iran's weakness, they are actually the ones who have suffered the greatest blows.

He emphasized that Iran's armed forces are now stronger, more prepared, and more advanced than when the war began, with all technology and equipment domestically produced. "If the enemy insists, they will once again taste bitter defeat with crushing blows," he warned.

Saudi Arabia rejects Trump's demand for normalisation with Israel

CNN reported on Monday, citing a knowledgeable source, that Saudi Arabia has rejected the US administration's proposal to link normalisation with Israel to an end of the war with Iran.

According to the report, Riyadh will only normalise ties with Israel if there is an irreversible path toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.

RT has reported that the US military has lost 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the start of its conflict with Iran, amounting to nearly one-fifth of Washington's pre-war fleet and an estimated value close to $1 billion.

According to Pentagon deputy chief General David Tibor, the Reaper fleet – no longer in production – has now been reduced to approximately 135 units.

Iran negotiation team travels to Qatar to continue diplomacy

A high-ranking Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf traveled to Qatar on Monday to continue talks on ending the joint US-Israel war.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati are part of the delegation.

Iran has stressed that the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar is a precondition for signing any memorandum of understanding with Washington.

The Iranian spokesperson said conclusions have been reached on many topics, but stressed that an agreement is not imminent.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/526785/Iran-negotiation-team-travels-to-Qatar-to-continue-diplomacy

A tale of a pen fighting on the battlefield: front line on a blank canvas

Iranian cartoonist Seyed Masoud Shojai Tabatabai vowed to create at least one caricature every day of the 40-day war.

His sharp, satirical works target figures like Trump and Netanyahu, exposing what he calls hidden crimes behind official narratives.

One viral piece showed Trump as a wounded bull with a broken horn. Another depicted the US president as tiny before a massive "Made in China" flag.

Shojai Tabatabai also trains young artists in Qom, turning pencils into tools of soft war and emotional documentation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/526734/A-tale-of-a-pen-fighting-on-the-battlefield-front-line-on-a

Israel’s old sabotage playbook is back

Israeli and neoconservative US circles have erupted in panic over Iran-US diplomatic openings, exposing what this analysis calls the collapse of the old "good-cop, bad-cop" routine.

The author argues that Israel, sidelined from core negotiations, fears diplomacy could succeed where military aggression failed.

The piece warns of coming sabotage: legislative poison pills in Congress, potential Israeli escalations in Lebanon, and false-flag operations designed to derail any agreement.

The analysis concludes that a be successful deal threatens a political machine built on permanent confrontation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/526789/Israel-s-old-sabotage-playbook-is-back

Eco-lodges offer tourists a window into traditional rural life

TEHRAN – Iran’s growing network of eco-lodges is helping preserve local cultures, revive fading customs, and create economic opportunities in less-developed areas.

Around 4,000 eco-lodges are now operating across the country, nearly 80% in villages. Visitors sleep in traditional homes, eat regional dishes, and participate in crafts or farming.

Advocates say the lodges reduce poverty and discourage rural-to-city migration. However, operators face rising costs and limited state support.

“Hotels provide services,” one expert said. “Eco-lodges narrate a way of living.”

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/526788/Eco-lodges-offer-tourists-a-window-into-traditional-rural-life

IRCS aims to draft a roadmap for long-term collaboration with IFRC

The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has announced plans to draft a roadmap for long-term cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The initiative aims to strengthen coordinated disaster response, humanitarian logistics, and health services.

Officials from both sides are expected to hold technical meetings to define mutual priorities and operational frameworks. The roadmap is intended to enhance IRCS’s role in regional and international relief efforts while ensuring alignment with IFRC standards.