Spain's World Cup glory denies Trump and Bibi their dream finale

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup—a result with unmistakable political symbolism. Madrid has emerged as one of Europe's strongest critics of Israel's Gaza campaign and openly opposed the US-Israeli offensive against Iran.

Trump had repeatedly criticized Spain's foreign policy and openly admired Argentina's Milei, a close ideological ally. An Argentine victory would have been a symbolic gift. Instead, Ferran Torres' extra-time winner collapsed that narrative.

Iran's President Pezeshkian congratulated Spain, calling it a "well-deserved" triumph. Parliament Speaker praised Spain's support for Palestinians. Celebrations echoed through Gaza.

Football's grandest stage became an unexpected moment of geopolitical symbolism.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528386/Spain-s-World-Cup-glory-denies-Trump-and-Bibi-their-dream-finale

Can Trump swallow his pride and back down from the Strait of Hormuz?

Five months into a war Washington assumed would be a quick victory, Trump faces a humiliating binary choice: deeper quagmire or ceding control of the world's vital energy artery to Iran.

Analyst Gregory Brew told Fortune bluntly: "There is no military option for reopening the Strait." Iran's determination hardens with every strike. Meanwhile, US oil prices have rebounded above $88, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at a 43-year low.

Expert recommendation: cede control to Iran, allow Tehran to collect service fees. The self-proclaimed dealmaker has been out-dealed. History will remember him as the president who lost the Strait.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528352/Can-Trump-swallow-his-pride-and-surrender-Strait-of-Hormuz-to

Iran's interior minister, Pakistani PM hold talks in Islamabad

Oldest known photographs reveal how Persepolis has changed over time

The earliest surviving photographs of Persepolis were taken in 1857 by Italian officer Luigi Pesce—capturing a landscape largely buried beneath centuries of soil. The Apadana's eastern staircase, now iconic, had not yet been excavated.

Antoin Sevruguin documented the site around 1900. In the 1930s, Ernst Herzfeld and Erich Schmidt conducted systematic excavations, with Schmidt producing pioneering aerial photographs from his own aircraft.

From Pesce's wet-plate images to Schmidt's aerial surveys, the visual chronology spans 80 years—revealing how one of the world's greatest archaeological sites has been gradually uncovered.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528368/Oldest-known-photographs-reveal-how-Persepolis-has-changed-over

Iran FM to France: Your diplomats' behavior in Tehran is unacceptable

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly protested the "unconventional and undiplomatic" actions of two French diplomats in Tehran during a phone call with French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot.

🔹Araghchi stressed that compliance with host country laws and adherence to diplomatic norms are not optional—they are prerequisites for any foreign mission. He urged Paris to take immediate measures to prevent such behavior from recurring.

🔹The Iranian minister also placed full responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz closure on Washington, calling it a direct result of US violations of the Islamabad MoU.

🔹"The party that deviated from agreements and jeopardized diplomacy must bear the consequences," Araghchi warned.

Ghalibaf congratulates Khalil al-Hayya on Hamas leadership appointment

🔹Iran's Parliament Speaker praised al-Hayya's appointment as Hamas political bureau chief, calling it "a sacred trust forged in fire and blood" as Palestine's soil remains warm with the blood of martyrs Haniyeh and Sinwar.

🔹"Their martyrdom marked the beginning of a new chapter of holy anger," Ghalibaf stated, affirming: "The Islamic Republic stands alongside you and all fighters on the field."

🔹He expressed confidence that the resistance flag will fly higher than ever.

Pezeshkian: Diplomatic apparatus will never compromise on the nation's rights

President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran's negotiating team "will never retreat from the rights of the Iranian nation." Speaking at National Industry and Mining Day, he praised manufacturers for maintaining production despite war and sanctions, crediting domestic cohesion as the key factor behind Iran's success.

He said one of Tehran's principal objectives in negotiations was reopening the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate oil exports. While accusing the opposing side of failing to honor commitments, Pezeshkian said Iran achieved results that exceeded expectations.

He cautioned against uninformed criticism of negotiations, stating: "Unity and solidarity are the foundations of national strength."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528425/Pezeshkian-Diplomatic-apparatus-will-never-compromise-on-the

The ghost of 1986 and the geography of confrontation

In 1986, Reagan bombed Libya. Today's confrontation with Iran is far more daunting. Qeshm Island is larger than Okinawa—which took months to secure. Iran has spent decades tunnelling and preparing.

Former Navy SEAL Matt Bracken warns: "We will lose everybody we send in." The islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb form an unsinkable arch defense.

Any sustained Strait disruption would trigger global recession. Geography is not negotiable. Underestimate Iran's geography—and lose the strategic contest.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528417/The-ghost-of-1986-and-the-geography-of-confrontation