Trump fires Federal Election Commission members ahead of midterms

🔹Donald Trump has removed two Democratic members and forced a Republican member of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to resign—leaving the federal agency without any commissioners just months before the 2026 midterm elections.

🔹Commission Chair Thomas Hicks and member Benjamin Hovland (both Democrats) were dismissed, while Republican member Christy McCormick was permitted to resign.

🔹The White House confirmed the decision, stating the president has authority to remove individuals not aligned with the mission of "ensuring election security and counting legal votes."

Symbolic funeral procession for Iran's martyred Leader held in India

Iran and Indonesia FMs hold meeting in Mashhad

🔹Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono held a meeting in Mashhad on Friday.

🔹The Indonesian delegation, which includes the Foreign Minister, the Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly, and several scholars and Islamic organization leaders, arrived in Mashhad earlier today to officially pay tribute to the martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

SNSC Chief: Infrastructure attacks will be met with reciprocal response; Zionist regime won't be safe

🔹Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued a statement condemning recent US aggression and threats against Iranian infrastructure.

🔹"The most hated figure in the world once again said what befits him against the great and grieving Iranian nation," Zolqadr stated, referring to Trump's remarks.

🔹"He is enraged by the brilliance of the historic epic of the Iranian and Iraqi peoples in the funeral procession of the martyred Leader."

🔹"As we have previously declared, attacks on infrastructure will be met with reciprocal strikes. The criminal Zionist regime, which stands behind these acts of aggression, will not be safe from the response of our combatants."

Exclusive footage from KHAMENEI.IR of the blessed shrine of the martyred Leader and his family

Qatari delegation arrives in Iran for consultations

🔹A Qatari political delegation arrived in Iran on Friday for consultations with Iranian officials, following the recent US attacks on Iranian territory on Wednesday and Thursday.

🔹The delegation, led by an advisor to Qatar's foreign minister, is expected to travel to Mashhad, where Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is currently present.

🔹The visit aims to restore Qatar's mediation role after Doha accused Tehran of attacking a Qatari LNG carrier in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday—an allegation Iran has rejected .

Over 5,000 foreign guests from 30 countries accommodated in Mashhad for martyred Leader's funeral

Spokesperson Mehdi Shad confirmed 5,084 international guests have arrived, with more delegations expected. Countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Lebanon, Pakistan, the US, Britain, Russia, China, and many others from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Some 80 foreign journalists and over 500 media personnel are covering the ceremonies.

Ayatollah Khamenei was laid to rest Thursday at Imam Reza Shrine, concluding six days of historic mourning across Iran and Iraq.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528016/Over-5-000-foreign-guests-from-30-countries-accommodated-in-Mashhad

Infantino, Trump mock football

FIFA allowed US striker Balogun to play in the World Cup Round of 16 despite a red-card suspension—after Trump reportedly urged FIFA president Infantino to review the case.

Under FIFA's rules, Balogun should have served a one-match ban. Instead, politics overturned sporting punishment. Belgium, UEFA, and former officials warned this sets a dangerous precedent.

When rules bend for powerful voices, football loses credibility. The beautiful game belongs to the people—not politicians who pick up the phone.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/527962/Infantino-Trump-mock-football

Ghalibaf: Only those ready for war can negotiate with US

🔹Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in a meeting with Indonesian MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani, stated:

🔹"In negotiations, I made it clear to the US Vice President that we have no trust in you."

🔹"From my perspective, only those who are prepared for war can negotiate with the United States."

🔹"The US, Zionist regime, and NATO thought they could force Iran to surrender within days, but soon realized they would not achieve their goals."

🔹Indonesian MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani stated: "We believe Iran's noble people seek peace, and I think Your Excellency's efforts can lead to peace. Indonesia has welcomed efforts to end the Iran-US war."

With fists raised and vows of vengeance, millions entomb their martyred Leader

The week-long funeral reached its climax in Mashhad as millions gathered at Imam Reza Shrine for the final burial. Ayatollah Khamenei was laid to rest alongside martyred family members—including his 14-month-old granddaughter.

Calls for revenge against Trump and the architects of the war have become a firm national stance. Massive banners explicitly named those responsible, while crimson flags and chants of "Death to America" filled the streets.

The enemy sought collapse; they found unity. This burial is not an end—it's the beginning of the nation's response.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528019/With-fists-raised-and-vows-of-vengeance-millions-entomb-their

‼️ EXCLUSIVE: Qatari visit—mediation or damage control?

🔹A Qatari delegation arrived in Iran today, reportedly for mediation. But can Doha claim neutrality after its Tuesday statement accusing Iran of attacking a Qatari tanker in the Strait of Hormuz—triggering massive US strikes that killed Iranians and damaged infrastructure?

🔹Under the Islamabad MoU, Iran holds exclusive authority over Strait transit coordination. Qatar's uncoordinated passage with transponders off raises serious questions.

🔹Did Qatar—possibly in coordination with CENTCOM—provide the pretext for US attacks? If so, this visit appears less about mediation and more about making amends for a grave mistake.

Iran's National Math Olympiad team crowned champions in China 2026 🇮🇷🏆

🔹 Iran's National Math Olympiad team won the championship at the 4th International Mathematics Competition of China (IMSC 2026) in Beijing, securing 4 gold and 2 silver medals! 🥇🥈

🔹 The Iranian squad outperformed 49 teams from various countries, with Poland and Brazil finishing second and third respectively.

Bilateral ties, Strait of Hormuz top agenda as Araghchi heads to Oman

🔹Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will lead a diplomatic delegation to Muscat on Sunday, July 11, for official talks with Omani officials.

🔹Discussions will focus on bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the situation in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Israeli aggression and recent tensions.

🔹The visit comes as Iran continues diplomatic consultations with regional partners following US attacks on Iranian territory and violations of the ceasefire MoU.

America at 250: A republic in crisis

As the US marks its 250th anniversary, it appears less a nation celebrating than one facing a historic reckoning. Donald Trump embodies a deeper revolt against constitutional principles—institutions are treated as enemies, the media as "fake," courts as obstacles.

Political disagreement has become identity warfare, fueled by fear and anger. Abroad, "America First" means harsher power—sanctions, military threats, and regime change. At home, inequality is ignored while immigrants are scapegoated.

When truth depends on loyalty rather than evidence, democracy falters. The question: can constitutional principles survive?

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528020/America-at-250-A-republic-in-crisis

New mural unveiled in Tehran as nation bids final farewell to martyred Leader

At Valiasr Square, artist Danial Farrokh—creator of the acclaimed "Clenched Fists" mural—unveiled a new tribute: the late Leader's hand in a farewell gesture, surrounded by butterflies symbolizing the Iranian people, with the verse: "What candle is this, for which all souls are but butterflies?"

The unveiling marks the conclusion of six days of historic funeral ceremonies across Iran and Iraq. The artwork captures the profound bond between Leader and nation—transforming grief into renewed commitment to his path of justice and resistance.