Iran highlights US losses, expanded military readiness

Iran released its most comprehensive account of damage inflicted on US military assets during hostilities from July 8–22, claiming strikes on seven command centers, six Patriot radars, logistics hubs, aircraft shelters, and intelligence facilities. The IRGC reported destroying or damaging 11 fighter aircraft, 17 drones, an F-15, a P-8, a C-17, eight refueling aircraft, and multiple missile storage sites. Iranian officials said the ceasefire allowed accelerated missile production, improved precision, and integration of new air-defense systems. They warned that any country supporting US operations—including Britain or regional states—would be considered a legitimate target, and reiterated that Strait of Hormuz navigation requires Iranian framework.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528587/Iran-highlights-US-losses-expanded-military-readiness

Historic handwritten note by martyred Leader Ayatollah Khamenei unveiled in Tehran

A handwritten note by Iran's martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, was publicly unveiled for the first time on July 26, 2026, during a ceremony commemorating wartime field hospitals. Written on July 26, 1988, during his visit as President to the Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) Field Hospital, the note praised medical staff for their "radiant manifestations of faith, knowledge and devotion" and "astonishing achievement" in saving wounded soldiers. The manuscript, rediscovered during documentary production, was unveiled at the Emdadgaran Ashura Institute. Officials at the ceremony recounted Ayatollah Khamenei's 19-hour hospital visit, his wartime insistence on frontline presence, and his role in initiating Iran's domestic missile program.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528561/Historic-handwritten-note-by-martyred-Leader-Ayatollah-Khamenei

Foreign Ministry Spox: We will never allow US to dictate war and peace timeline

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, in his weekly press conference, said: "We have never allowed and will never allow the US to be the determinant of the time of war and peace."

🔹"The war that was supposed to collapse Iran in three days has now, after five months, left the US trapped in a quagmire—a scandal of their own making, incited by the Zionist regime," he stated.

🔹Baghaei added that Ukraine's attack on an Iranian commercial vessel—killing a sailor—will not go unanswered. "This act is an international violation. Those who see themselves as Ukraine's supporters must be held accountable," he said.

🔹On the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei confirmed that talks with Oman continue and the strait remains closed due to US-imposed insecurity, while dismissing claims of Iran requesting talks as "inconsistent with our nature."

🔹He also called on regional states to stop cooperating with US aggression, saying: "Countries that have placed their territories at America's service must be held accountable."

🔹Baghaei also touched on the recent British decision to designate the IRGC as a "threat to national security," calling it a politically-motivated action with no legal basis, and warned that Iran will take necessary measures in response.

🔹The full press conference addressed multiple issues, including talks with Oman, Ukraine, Turkey, EU statements, and the US nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia.

Yemeni Armed Forces strike key Saudi oil transfer facilities

🔹Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced that Yemeni forces targeted critical sites for crude oil supply and transfer from eastern Saudi Arabia to Yanbu using drone strikes.

🔹The operations hit Aramco facilities in Jizan with dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, and Yanbu with ballistic, cruise missiles, and drones.

🔹"Both operations were carried out with precision and success," Saree said .

🔹The strikes come in response to Saudi violations of Yemen's airspace and airstrikes on Hodeidah and Kamaran Island .

Iran, Armenia forge comprehensive energy partnership

Iran and Armenia have agreed on a sweeping new roadmap for energy cooperation, spanning electricity grid integration, hydroelectric development, and a fundamental overhaul of their gas-for-electricity trade mechanism. The agreements were finalized during high-level meetings in Tehran. Key projects include accelerating the stalled third power transmission line (230 kV), developing the Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Russia power corridor, and constructing the Meghri hydroelectric plant (200 MW). On the gas front, Iran proposed a new commercial model to export gas through Armenian territory to third-party markets, transforming Yerevan into a transit corridor. Both sides established a joint working group and aim to commission the 400 kV line by year-end.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528575/Iran-Armenia-forge-comprehensive-energy-partnership

Iran stands firm with Lebanon

Are France and Britain about to dive into the quagmire Trump created?

Iran has accused Britain and France of orchestrating a "blame game" and coordinating with the US in psychological warfare. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the UK's designation of the IRGC as a national security threat and its use of British bases for US attacks against Iran. He dismissed French claims of diplomat mistreatment as a "politically motivated" narrative. The Tehran Times revealed that British diplomats' departure was coordinated with US Secretary of State Rubio, and a French ambassador's meeting sought coordinated European pressure—though Germany reportedly opposed the move. Iran warned that such hostile policies will carry costs for European countries.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528626/Are-France-and-Britain-about-to-dive-into-the-quagmire-Trump

📞 Iran FM holds phone talks with Omani, Saudi counterparts on regional stability, Strait of Hormuz

🔹Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held separate phone conversations on Monday evening with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan .

🔹The discussions covered the latest bilateral and regional developments, with the three diplomats stressing the need to strengthen cooperation and advance joint diplomatic efforts to establish stability in the region- .

🔹Araghchi emphasized the necessity of addressing the "insecurity imposed on the Strait of Hormuz resulting from the United States' aggressive actions" .

The unholy alliance of Israel and Ukraine anchoring the new imperial order

This opinion piece argues that Ukraine and Israel have formed a "tripartite security apparatus" with the US, functioning as a live-fire laboratory, strike force, and weapons laundering mechanism. It claims Ukraine feeds downed drone telemetry to Israeli handlers to recalibrate air defenses, while Israel ships radars and Patriot interceptors to Kyiv. The article alleges Ukrainian drone experts have deployed across the Persian Gulf to advise Arab monarchies against Iranian UAVs. It cites the martyrdom of an Iranian sailor on a Caspian Sea cargo ship as evidence of Kyiv targeting Iranian commercial shipping. Iran warns that Ukraine's auxiliary role to Israel makes its territory a legitimate target.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528629/The-unholy-alliance-of-Israel-and-Ukraine-anchoring-the-new-imperial

For a young sailor: First voyage, final farewell

The death of young Iranian sailor Nima Moradi in an attack on the commercial vessel *Anna* in the Caspian Sea has sparked widespread condemnation. Moradi, from Bandar Anzali, was serving on his first voyage from Russia's Astrakhan Port to Iran when the strike occurred. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accused Ukraine's President Zelensky of attacking a civilian ship and killing a sailor at Israel's behest, calling it a UN Charter violation. Social media users mourned the loss of a promising life and future dreams, with many demanding accountability. The tragedy transformed a first voyage into a final farewell.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528630/For-a-young-sailor-First-voyage-final-farewell

The unholy alliance of Israel and Ukraine anchoring the new imperial order

This opinion piece argues that Ukraine and Israel have formed a "tripartite security apparatus" with the US, functioning as a live-fire laboratory, strike force, and weapons laundering mechanism. It claims Ukraine feeds downed drone telemetry to Israeli handlers to recalibrate air defenses, while Israel ships radars and Patriot interceptors to Kyiv. The article alleges Ukrainian drone experts have deployed across the Persian Gulf to advise Arab monarchies against Iranian UAVs. It cites the martyrdom of an Iranian sailor on a Caspian Sea cargo ship as evidence of Kyiv targeting Iranian commercial shipping. Iran warns that Ukraine's auxiliary role to Israel makes its territory a legitimate target.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528629/The-unholy-alliance-of-Israel-and-Ukraine-anchoring-the-new-imperial

📞 Japanese FM urges flexibility, seeks resolution on detained national in call with Araghchi

🔹Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a phone call with Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi today, urging "maximum flexibility" to reduce tensions and emphasizing the need for continued Iran-US talks under the Islamabad MoU.

🔹Motegi also called for the "early resolution" of a Japanese national's case, who was released on bail in April 2026 but remains banned from leaving Iran . The individual is an NHK Tehran bureau chief freed on security charges ..

🔹Araghchi outlined Iran's position on the current situation and US-Iran exchanges, stressing the importance of responsible international action to prevent further complications .

UNESCO-listed Alamut reflects Iran’s military architecture, enduring cultural legacy: expert

Iran's "Alamut Castle and Related Fortifications" was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List during the 48th session in Busan, becoming the country's 30th tangible cultural heritage site. Archaeologist Rajab-Ali Labaf-Khaniki described the fortress as an exceptional example of military and residential design, featuring defensive installations, elite quarters, and sophisticated engineering. He noted its historical significance ties to Ismaili resistance against the Abbasid Caliphate and Mongol invasions. Labaf-Khaniki emphasized that the site's architectural, historical, and cultural values justify its global recognition, as such heritage continues to inspire humanity and represent civilization for future generations.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528616/UNESCO-listed-Alamut-reflects-Iran-s-military-architecture-enduring

“Tears of Minab” musical tribute released to honor child martyrs

The Rudaki Foundation has released "Tears of Minab," a single and music video dedicated to the student martyrs of the Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province. Composed by Mohammad Mehdi Bateni and performed by Hadi Feyzabadi, the tribute transforms grief into a narrative of national unity and endurance. This follows an earlier production, "The Last Essay," commemorating the fortieth day of the tragedy. On February 28, a US-Israeli strike targeted the school, killing 168 children and teachers and wounding 95 others. Investigations by Al Jazeera, The New York Times, and BBC Verify confirmed the school was deliberately struck, raising serious accountability questions.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528599/Tears-of-Minab-musical-tribute-released-to-honor-child-martyrs

Iran: Any company/country receiving funds from frozen assets will be denied passage through Strait

🔹The spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that the US president has announced he will compensate damages to vessels affected during the imposed war—caused by US-created insecurity and illegal transit through the southern Strait route—from Iran's frozen assets.

🔹Warning the criminal US president of the consequences of this illegal act, the spokesperson declared that any company or country that accepts Trump's proposal and uses Iran's frozen assets will be banned from transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

🔹"Iran's Armed Forces will no longer permit transit for any of their vessels," the statement emphasized.