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

Michigan hosts 'largest Arbaeen march in America'

🔹An estimated 45,000 people took part in the 31st annual Arbaeen procession in Dearborn, Michigan on Saturday, despite rainy weather, according to local media.

🔹The march—the largest Arbaeen gathering in the United States—covered a 1.2-mile route from the Karbala Islamic Center on Warren Avenue to Ford Woods Park on Ford Road.