Iran shows resilience against Belgium

Iran held Belgium to a goalless draw in Group G, with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand delivering a man-of-the-match performance. Despite earning a valuable point against tournament favorites, Iran missed a golden opportunity after Belgium's Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the 66th minute. Team Melli struggled to capitalize on the numerical advantage, lacking a convincing attacking plan. Egypt's 3-1 win over New Zealand puts them top of the group. Iran now faces a decisive clash against Egypt to secure their first-ever knockout stage qualification. Fatigue from travel restrictions may have affected performance.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527571/Iran-show-resilience-against-Belgium

Hajj Ramadan, from Gaza in the midst of the flood to martyrdom in Qom

This tribute by a Gaza commander honors Major General Mohammad Saeed Izadi (Hajj Ramadan), martyred in Qom on June 21, 2025, during Israeli aggression. Known as "the man of the shadows," he devoted over two decades to supporting Palestinian resistance through coordinating weapons, training, and logistics. He built military capabilities including the Radwan Force, established command courses for Hamas leadership, and maintained close ties with martyred figures like Nasrallah, Sinwar, and Haniyeh. His efforts strengthened the Resistance Front across Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. His legacy endures as a pillar of the al-Quds and Palestine cause.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527596/Hajj-Ramadan-from-Gaza-in-the-midst-of-the-flood-to-martyrdom

Iran announces US talks framework: High-level committee, $12 billion assets release

🔹Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi detailed arrangements for upcoming Iran-US negotiations. Talks will be held under a high-level committee including Iran's Parliament Speaker and Foreign Minister, the US Vice President, and the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Qatar.

🔹The US has issued a general license for Iran to sell oil, petrochemicals, and petroleum derivatives. Agreements on releasing $12 billion in blocked funds—in two installments—will enter implementation immediately.

🔹A "point of contact" for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and a "conflict prevention unit" in Lebanon will be established with Pakistan and Qatar. Four working groups will address sanctions, nuclear issues, reconstruction, and monitoring.

London Bridge is finally falling down. No fresh sacrifices can save Britain

Keir Starmer has become the seventh UK prime minister in a decade to be discarded, with Andy Burnham set to replace him in September. The article argues real power lies with unelected forces—the City of London, intelligence chiefs, and Whitehall—who will lock in policies before Burnham takes office. It criticizes British foreign policy for supporting Israeli actions in Gaza, bombing Yemen, and escalating sanctions on Iran. Domestic failures include protecting establishment figures like Savile and Mandelson while pursuing Assange. Economic instability, rising gilt yields, and a failing austerity model signal the system's impending collapse.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527598/London-Bridge-is-finally-falling-down-No-fresh-sacrifices-can

China and Iran: Partners in Reforming the Global Governance System

Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu outlines shared principles between China and Iran on global governance. Both nations oppose unilateral hegemonism, support the UN-centered international system, and reject external interference. As Global South members, they cooperate through SCO and BRICS to enhance developing countries' influence. The article highlights dialogue among civilizations, noting the ancient Silk Road ties and cultural exchanges. Iran supports China's Global Governance Initiative and joined its Group of Friends. Marking 55 years of diplomatic relations, China and Iran aim to uphold international law, promote multilateralism, and contribute to a more just global governance system.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527586/China-and-Iran-Partners-in-Reforming-the-Global-Governance-System

How war is reshaping Iranian readers' literary tastes?

Along Tehran's Enghelab Street, war has quietly transformed reading culture. Book prices have soared, limiting choices. A former publisher now sells used books, recommending classics over costly editions. Students prioritize test-preparation materials over novels. Shop owners report cautious browsing and fewer purchases, with many opting for online orders. Readers' preferences have shifted: philosophy gives way to psychology, politics to history, and science to sociology. Yet despite physical reminders of conflict and economic strain, readers persist. The street remains a symbol of adaptation, where bookstores still draw visitors seeking both knowledge and the irreplaceable experience of browsing in person.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527551/How-war-is-reshaping-Iranian-readers-literary-tastes

'The street belongs to the people'

Cultural expert Kurosh Alyani explains the nightly vigils across Iran following the US-Israeli invasion. He argues these gatherings emerged from a collective survival instinct, a desire for collective life, and a reclamation of public space. Despite air-raid warnings and explosions, crowds grew larger. Women from all backgrounds played a prominent role. The gatherings brought together diverse social groups without conflict, revealing a shared national objective that transcended differences. Alyani suggests these networks could become resources for mutual support and awareness. He attributes US miscalculations to a failure to understand Iran's civilizational history and collective response to external threats.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527599/The-street-belongs-to-the-people

Foreign Minister Araghchi arrives in Islamabad ahead of President's visit

🔹Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Islamabad, coinciding with President Pezeshkian's official visit to Pakistan today. He was welcomed at the airport by Iran's Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, and other senior officials.

Sultan of Oman receives Iranian delegation to discuss peace talks, Hormuz

🔹Sultan Haitham bin Tarik welcomed Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Araghchi in Muscat. The delegation conveyed greetings from President Pezeshkian and praised Oman's role in supporting dialogue and stability.

🔹The Sultan asked to convey his greetings to Iran's Leader and President, wishing Iran security and prosperity.

🔹Discussions covered Iran-US negotiations, nuclear issues, and resuming safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman expressed support for the dialogue and hopes for a final peaceful solution.

Araghchi to visit Baghdad on Sunday

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Baghdad on Sunday for high-level talks with Iraqi officials . The visit is part of ongoing diplomatic consultations with regional countries .

‼️ Breaking:

President Pezeshkian arrives in Islamabad, meets Pakistani PM

Iran emerges as critical transit link between Iraq, Afghanistan, South Asia

Recent transport developments highlight Iran's growing role as a regional transit hub. Khorramshahr Port completed its first LPG export to Afghanistan and Pakistan via multimodal transport, while Kermanshah launched the first combined rail shipment from Iraq to Afghanistan through Iranian territory. These projects reflect Tehran's strategy to become an indispensable transit state, leveraging its geographic position to connect West Asia with Central and South Asia. By integrating maritime, rail, and road networks, Iran aims to increase cargo volumes, reduce costs, and strengthen regional trade ties, reinforcing its position as a key logistics facilitator.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527581/Iran-emerges-as-critical-transit-link-between-Iraq-Afghanistan

Oman, Iran issue joint statement on peace deal, Hormuz sovereignty 🇨🇦🇮🇷

🔹Oman reiterated support for the Islamabad Memorandum during Ghalibaf and Araghchi's visit to Muscat , emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and coordination for its successful implementation.

🔹As coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe passage in accordance with international law ⚖️, while asserting sovereignty over their territorial waters.

🔹They agreed to establish a joint committee between their foreign ministries to discuss future shipping administration and services 🚢. Consultations with other regional states will also be conducted.

🔹Both sides committed to maintaining the Strait as a safe and open waterway for international shipping.

Pezeshkian: Peace in West Asia can only be achieved through a regional formula

🔹President Pezeshkian, in a meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stated: "Iran extends its hand of friendship to Islamic countries—including Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey—to build a common understanding and establish a new security architecture in the region. The unity of the Islamic Ummah is essential in facing challenges."

🔹He emphasized that the political will of leaders and support from both nations can elevate bilateral relations to a level befitting two major Muslim countries.

🔹Recent developments have shown a serious determination to boost trade and economic ties, with relevant ministers holding effective discussions during the visit to remove technical obstacles and operationalize past agreements, achieving constructive results.