IRGC Aerospace advanced defense system downs US cruise missile

🔹A US cruise missile was shot down this morning (July 12) in the outskirts of Khorramabad city during the latest US terrorist army aggression.

🔹The missile was intercepted and destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force's advanced defense system, operating under the country's integrated air defense network.

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnault met with Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi earlier today.

Iran FM expresses condolences over the passing of Qatar's father Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

🔹In a message posted on X, Abbas Araghchi voiced deep sorrow and grief over the demise of the former Qatari leader.

🔹"I extend my sincerest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the esteemed Al Thani family, and the brotherly nation of Qatar," Araghchi wrote.

🔹 He concluded with prayers for divine mercy on the deceased and patience for the bereaved.

New painting by Abdolhamid Ghadirian bids farewell to Martyr Leader

Titled "In the Path of Light," the 190x150 cm oil on canvas captures the magnificent yet heartbreaking moments of millions bidding farewell to Ayatollah Khamenei.

Ghadirian, who has long explored the concept of light in his work, said: "What stood out was that he always strived for God's will over his own. The magnificent funeral in Iraq was astonishing—the enemy's anger results from a great luminous event. God has increased the contrast between light and darkness until there's no room for gray."

The painting embodies the slogan: "We Must Rise."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528036/New-painting-by-Abdolhamid-Ghadirian-bids-farewell-to-Martyr

Tehran, Seoul discuss broader cooperation in culture and tourism

Iran's minister of cultural heritage met South Korea's ambassador to explore expanding ties in culture, tourism, handicrafts, and creative industries. Salehi-Amiri said entering the creative economy is a strategic priority, and Seoul's experience in this field is valuable for Tehran.

He proposed reciprocal artifact exhibitions, joint restoration training, university cooperation, and digital technology exchange. Iran is ready to participate in Seoul's cultural exhibitions and invites Korea to Tehran's tourism expo.

Ambassador Kim noted his recent visit to Alamut fortress, expressing hope its imminent UNESCO inscription will introduce Iran's heritage globally.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528097/Tehran-Seoul-discuss-broader-cooperation-in-culture-and-tourism

FM Araghchi, UN envoy discuss Lebanon, US ceasefire violations

🔹UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnault met with Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Sunday to discuss regional stability and the situation in Lebanon.

🔹Arnault expressed condolences over the martyrdom of Iran's Leader and officials in US-Israeli aggression, and emphasized the importance of comprehensive efforts for regional peace.

🔹He provided an assessment of Lebanon's situation and UN efforts to stabilize the ceasefire, hoping for lasting security through implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

🔹Araghchi strongly condemned US ceasefire violations, Zionist regime aggression against Lebanon, and stressed the need for a firm UN stance against US attacks. He reaffirmed Iran's full support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A chicken hawk named 'Lady G' and the innocent lives spent to feed his imperial sadism

Senator Lindsey Graham died of cardiac arrest on July 11—outlived by the nations he swore to destroy. The closeted warmonger, known in press circles as "Lady G," resolved his inner shame through absolute violence, becoming the loudest bully in the Senate.

A mercenary for Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing, he boasted that war against Iran was "a sound investment." He openly advocated for a nuclear holocaust against Gaza, asking: "What is too many?"

Graham died knowing his crusade failed. The Islamic Republic still stands. His heart gave out before Iran's resolve did.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528108/A-chicken-hawk-named-Lady-G-and-the-innocent-lives-spent-to

Hormuz locked: Iran crushes US military might

The US violated the June 17 MoU with fresh strikes on 140 sites across southern Iran. Iran responded with precision counter-strikes on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain—killing US soldiers and destroying Patriot systems, ammunition depots, and radar installations.

Iran then declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice. The US failed to force it open during 39 days of active war—and failed again.

Trump's bluster masks strategic defeat. As Mohsen Rezaee stated: "Hormuz is a strategic deterrent. Iran will protect its interests through national strength." Empty threats cannot erase Iran's victory.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528101/Hormuz-locked-Iran-crushes-US-military-might

‼️ Exclusive:

Iran's Hormuz leverage is a genuine asymmetric equaliser, says Italian analyst

By Sahar Dadjoo

In an exclusive interview, Silvia Boltuc tells Tehran Times that Iran's control of the Strait is its single most valuable strategic asset—"a genuine asymmetric equaliser" that can move global markets and pressure Trump.

She warns, however, that overplaying it risks alienating China (Iran's largest oil customer), accelerating bypass pipelines, and nudging Europe toward Ankara.

Every play must be weighed against three audiences: Washington, Beijing, and Brussels. Calibration is key.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528112/Iran-s-Hormuz-leverage-is-a-genuine-asymmetric-equaliser-no

The MoU is dead, the real war resumes

The collapse of the political framework matters more than any single attack. Agreements survive by shaping behavior—once they don't, they become artifacts.

The strategic question has shifted: not destroying assets, but increasing the cost of maintaining the US-led regional security order. Every damaged tanker, every insurance hike, every naval redeployment erodes that model.

This is attrition as strategy—not decisive battles, but accumulated pressure. The destination: a new regional order where security isn't guaranteed by extra-regional dominance but by equilibrium centered on Iran. A Pax Iranica.

The wishful thinking is over. Only the real war remains.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528102/The-MoU-is-dead-the-real-war-resumes

Luxembourgish authorities have dismissed an elementary school teacher, who is also a survivor of the Bosnian genocide, after she publicly criticized the killing of children in the Gaza Strip on social media, and voiced her concerns about ongoing Israeli atrocities in the war-ravaged coastal region.

Luxembourg’s Ministry of National Education asserted that the decision against Fatima Kurtic was made due to posts it deemed anti-Semitic.

Kurtic contests that description, arguing that her posts were critical of the Israeli regime and Zionism — not of Jewish people — and that her advocacy has always opposed war crimes and the killing of innocent civilians.

After her dismissal, students, parents, and supporters came together to organize peaceful demonstrations, demanding justice and seeking her reinstatement.

‼️Breaking:

Explosions reported in parts of Ahvaz

🔹Local reports indicate explosions have occurred in several areas of Ahvaz, southwestern Iran, amid ongoing US-Israeli aggression against Iranian territory .

‼️ Deputy Governor of Markazi Province also confirms US strike on city of Khondab

‼️Khouzestan Deputy Governor reported that areas in Behbahan and Dezful counties were hit by US enemy projectiles at 1:40 AM on Monday, July 22.

‼️US airstrikes target four points in Omidiyeh, Mahshahr, South of Iran

Will world economy pay price for violating Islamabad agreement?

The collapse of the US-Iran understanding has reintroduced "geopolitical risk" as a critical global economic variable. Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz—carrying a significant portion of global oil—has already pushed Brent crude up over 5%, raising shipping costs and inflation fears.

Three scenarios loom: return to talks (unlikely), sustained controlled tensions (most probable), or military conflict. Even without war, prolonged uncertainty could cost as much as conflict—delaying investments, pressuring supply chains, and slowing global growth.

As the IMF warns, higher energy prices may become a lasting reality.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528092/Will-world-economy-pay-price-for-violating-Islamabad-agreement

Alamut cited as evidence of political, cultural and engineering ingenuity in UNESCO

The Cultural Landscape of Alamut—a serial nomination of seven Nizari Ismaili fortifications (11th–13th centuries)—has been recommended for UNESCO inscription. ICOMOS confirmed its Outstanding Universal Value as "exceptional testimony" to this cultural tradition.

The 2,000 sq km defensive system integrates advanced engineering, water storage, tunnels, and fortifications designed with the mountain environment. Alamut Castle served as the political and intellectual center, with a renowned library hosting scholars in astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

The nomination will be decided at the upcoming UNESCO session in Busan.

Bluster to mask defeat: Trump's rhetoric exposes US-Israeli disarray.

Trump threatens to "decimate" Iran, claiming "1,000 missiles are locked and loaded." But this bluster masks strategic failure. After Iran's 100 waves of strikes against US bases, Trump accepted the April 8 ceasefire on Iran's terms.

He then violated the June 17 MoU with new sanctions and airstrikes. Iran responded in kind. Meanwhile, Iran's control of the Strait has pushed US fuel prices and inflation up, dragging Trump's popularity to record lows.

Empty threats cannot erase Iranian resilience or the shifting balance of power.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528060/Bluster-to-mask-defeat-Trump-s-rhetoric-exposes-US-Israeli-disarray