📞 Iran FM holds phone calls with Pakistan Army chief, Turkish counterpart

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone conversations with Pakistan's Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday to discuss the latest regional developments, the consequences of US destabilizing actions, and the risk of escalating tensions.

🔹Araghchi warned against any US adventurism, stressing Iran's full readiness to protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, and to deliver a decisive response to any aggression.

President Pezeshkian hails Iranians as 'true heroes' shaping the nation's future

President Masoud Pezeshkian marked his administration's third year by praising Iranians as "true heroes" for their steadfastness through two years of foreign hostility. He wrote on X that the country's future belongs to its people despite "imposed wars" and U.S.-Israeli pressure. His tenure began with the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, followed by Israel's June 2025 war and the February 2026 39-day war that martyred Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and killed 168 people (mostly schoolchildren) in Minab. Pezeshkian emphasized internal unity and regional diplomacy, stating Iranian strikes are defensive responses respecting neighbors' sovereignty. He affirmed Iran's path remains in the hands of its people.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528774/President-Pezeshkian-hails-Iranians-as-true-heroes-shaping

📞 Iran FM, Saudi counterpart discuss US-Zionist aggression, warn against regional complicity

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone conversation on Sunday to discuss the continued plots and aggressive actions by the US and the Zionist regime in the region .

🔹Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's full readiness to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, stressing that any aggression—whether by the US, the Zionist regime, or through regional complicity—will face a "decisive and proportionate response" from Iran's Armed Forces.

🔹He warned that all consequences of such adventurism will fall squarely on those responsible.

Mahalat: Discover 'the Netherlands of Iran'

Nestled in Markazi province, Mahalat is known as the "Netherlands of Iran" for its status as the country's leading center for ornamental flowers and plants, with over 700 active greenhouse complexes producing approximately 1% of the world's cultivated area for decorative flowers. The city also specializes in ornamental fish breeding for export. Historical attractions include the ancient Khorheh site (with stone columns and ruins), Atashkuh fire temple (Sassanid-era), Jamshidi castle, Nimvar dam, Miluneh tower, and Baqerabad bridge. Natural highlights feature Sarcheshmeh park, a centuries-old giant plane tree in Chenar Square, and mineral-rich hot springs. Visitors can also buy local handicrafts, medicinal herbs, and honey.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528765/Mahalat-Discover-the-Netherlands-of-Iran

Iran, Italy to cooperate on restoring ancient gateway near Persepolis for site museum

Iran and Italy are collaborating to restore Tall-e Ajori, an ancient ceremonial gateway near Persepolis, and convert it into a site museum. Located about 3 km from the UNESCO-listed Persepolis in Fars province, Tall-e Ajori (also known as the Cyrus Gate or Gate of Parseh) measured roughly 30 by 40 meters and stood 12 meters high. Commissioned by Cyrus the Great and completed under Cambyses, it predates Persepolis and served as the principal entrance to the Achaemenid royal city, featuring glazed bricks with Babylonian artistic influences. The project will proceed in three phases (structural calculations, design, construction), involving Italian specialists and local Iranian engineering expertise.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528767/Iran-Italy-to-cooperate-on-restoring-ancient-gateway-near-Persepolis

Seven fortresses, one strategy: How the Alamut defensive network worked

UNESCO's newly inscribed "Alamut Castle and Related Fortifications" comprises a network of seven mountain strongholds (Alamut, Lambesar, Noweizar Shah, Shams Kalayeh, Qestīnlar, Shirkuh, and Ilan) that formed an advanced defensive system between the 11th–13th centuries. The strategy relied on选址 on high cliffs with restricted access, overlooking communication routes for surveillance. Advanced water and food management (cisterns, storage, agriculture) enabled long-term siege resistance. The dispersion principle ensured that if one fortress fell, others remained operational—a form of "network resilience." Lambesar, the second largest, controlled western routes. The complex also served as a political and intellectual center. The Mongols captured it in 1256. It became Iran's 30th UNESCO site in 2026.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528794/Seven-fortresses-one-strategy-How-the-Alamut-defensive-network

9th Iranian Film Festival in Tokyo honors martyred children of Minab

The 9th Iranian Film Festival in Tokyo opened at Minato City's Libra Hall, featuring a special focus on the "Martyred Children of Minab"—168 people (mostly children aged 7–12) killed when a US missile struck Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school on February 28. The family of seven-year-old Makan Nasiri—the only child whose remains were never recovered after a 140-day search—attended as honorary guests. The festival includes six features and two documentaries, with Japanese subtitles. Renowned musician Mohsen Sharifian will perform on the ney-anban (bagpipe) in memory of the children. The festival runs through August 2 and is open to the public.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528713/9th-Iranian-Film-Festival-in-Tokyo-honors-martyred-children-of

IRGC honors Haniyeh's memory, says Hamas disarmament attempts will lead nowhere

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) marked the second anniversary of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran (July 31, 2024) by vowing a "harsh and devastating" response. The IRGC statement condemned the assassination as a "monumental crime" violating international law and Iran's sovereignty. It asserted that US and Israeli attempts to disarm Hamas as part of a so-called peace process "will lead nowhere and has already failed from the outset," because Haniyeh's path is "the path of honor, dignity, and freedom." The IRGC reaffirmed that the resistance path will continue until "the annihilation of the usurpers of the Holy Quds."

Iran, South Korea to strengthen building industrialization cooperation at Tehran exhibition

The International Exhibition of Building and Construction in Tehran (August 18–21) will serve as a platform for deepening Iran-South Korea technological cooperation in building industrialization. Mojtaba Mahallati, Deputy for Support and Planning of the Iran Cooperative Chamber, announced ongoing negotiations with South Korea to strengthen collaboration, aiming to operationalize the cooperation memorandum between Iran's Ministry of Transport and South Korea. The objective extends beyond capital attraction to "transfer knowledge and the latest modern technologies in building industrialization to Iranian specialists," combining local expertise with Korean technology to improve construction speed and quality. Nearly 1,000 domestic and international companies will participate.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528806/Iran-South-Korea-to-strengthen-building-industrialization-cooperation

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are moving towards finalization, with "the final stages underway".

Iran honors Ismail Haniyeh on 2nd martyrdom anniversary, vows to continue resistance

🔹On the second anniversary of the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas and a pioneer of Palestine's liberation, the Foreign Ministry honored his memory alongside the global resistance front and the patient Palestinian nation.

🔹Tehran reaffirmed its commitment to continue the righteous struggle against the Zionist regime's occupation until the realization of Palestinian self-determination, the liberation of occupied Palestine, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital .

🔹The Ministry emphasized that keeping Haniyeh's legacy alive is essential to advancing the cause of Al-Quds, deepening the culture of resistance, and inspiring free nations worldwide.

🔹It also called on the international community and the Islamic Ummah to take urgent action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and to hold the Zionist regime accountable for genocide and war crimes .

For many Arbaeen pilgrims, every step honors martyred Ayatollah Khamenei

This piece describes the first Arbaeen pilgrimage since the US-Israeli war began, with millions marching from Najaf to Karbala in numbers that have multiplied rather than scattered. It highlights the martyred Leader's body being carried through Iraq's shrine cities in July, with over 10 million Iraqis mourning and Karbala recognizing him as the first pilgrim of this year's Arbaeen. The article notes the blood bond between Iran and Iraq, citing joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes that killed 20 Iraqi fighters and five Iranian advisers—with retaliation postponed until after the pilgrimage. At Pole 553, a red flag symbolizing blood demanding justice has remained aloft continuously. The author argues that assassination cannot break a civilization built on faith and sacrifice.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528810/For-Many-Arbaeen-Pilgrims-Every-Step-Honors-Martyred-Ayatollah

Mural honoring Ismail Haniyeh unveiled in Tehran

On the second anniversary of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran (July 31, 2024), a mural was unveiled at Jomhouri and Valiasr avenues. The artwork features a framed photograph of Haniyeh embracing martyred Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, flanked by Iranian and Palestinian flags. Designed by Mohammad Amin Emami and Sina Ra'yat-doost, the mural serves as a public tribute to Haniyeh's legacy and Palestinian resilience. The Art Bureau uses urban art to keep narratives of struggle present. Haniyeh, born in Gaza's Shati refugee camp in 1963, led Hamas's political bureau from 2017 until his assassination.

🔴 Baghaei: Understanding with Oman does not mean Strait is open

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei clarified that the understanding with Oman on a new shipping route does not mean the Strait of Hormuz is being opened or closed.

🔹"We must ensure the Strait is not exploited by aggressors against Iran," he said, stressing that the closure is due to US violations, not Oman.

🔹Baghaei warned that any country providing territory or logistics to support US aggression will be treated as an aggressor and may face legitimate defensive action.

🔹"No one should imagine that US threats or media pressure will cause Iran to deviate from its principled positions," he added.

Pezeshkian: Enemy must be forced to uphold MoU

President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that the memorandum of understanding signed with the US was the product of collective wisdom and enjoys full consensus among state officials. He expressed confidence that the agreement will serve as the "center of gravity" for Iran's foreign policy going forward .

"We must strive to force the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed," he said. "The security of the country, the region, and our allies will be enhanced through this agreement" .

Iran and Iraq FMs discuss regional developments, bilateral coordination

🔹Foreign Ministers Abbas Araghchi and Fuad Hussein held a phone call on Sunday to discuss the latest regional developments, ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and key issues of mutual interest .

🔹The two top diplomats reviewed recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz and their impact on maritime security and regional stability .

Hybrid war arrives against Spain

This analysis argues that the July 30 Ceuta border breach—where nearly 50,000 people entered from Morocco, with at least 90 deaths—constitutes a "hybrid war" against Spain, allegedly backed by Israel to punish Madrid for its pro-Palestinian stance (recognizing Palestine in May 2024, arms embargo, banning Israeli-linked ships and military aircraft). It cites pro-Israeli analysts urging Morocco to reclaim Ceuta and Melilla, and Morocco's 2020 Abraham Accords recognition of Western Sahara in exchange for US support. The crisis has exposed EU fractures, with Italy and other nations suspending Schengen agreements. The article identifies beneficiaries: Morocco, Israel, the Trump administration (Vice President Vance blamed "radical left globalist policies"), and Spain's far-right Vox party. It concludes that distancing from the US and Israel "comes at a price."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528808/Hybrid-war-arrives-against-Spain

Israel intensifies Gaza killings to quash Hamas's disarmament plan

This analysis argues that Israel has intensified attacks in Gaza—killing at least 11 Palestinians on Sunday, with over 1,200 killed since the ceasefire began (including ~260 children)—to undermine Hamas's Friday agreement to disarm and transfer power to a Palestinian technocratic "Gaza Peace Board." Former Israeli ambassador Alon Pinkas stated Israel is "absolutely not" happy with the US-brokered deal and has submitted a reservation. The article claims Israel's ruling extremists seek to depopulate Palestine, using the October 7 attack as a pretext for ethnic cleansing. It notes Israel's failure to withdraw to the "Yellow Line" buffer zone or halt attacks. The author concludes that extremists are defying the US to destroy what remains of Palestine.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528807/Israel-intensifies-Gaza-killings-to-quash-Hamas-s-disarmament