Iran wins medals at International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence

Iranian students won a gold, two silvers, and a bronze at the 3rd International Olympiad in AI (IOAI 2026) in Astana, Kazakhstan, with over 500 students from 103 countries. Shayan Rezaeizadeh (gold), Mohammad-Reza Darvishi and Mohammad-Amin Nazmfar (silvers), and Mani Monjipor (bronze) competed in individual contests, team challenges, and the GAITE module. This follows Iran's recent successes: two golds at the Mathematical Olympiad, three golds at the Biology Olympiad, three golds at the Physics Olympiad (including the absolute winner), and a silver/bronze at the Chemistry Olympiad, as well as four medals at the Open International Geography Olympiad.

🔴 Pezeshkian: Iran's defense capabilities lie in people's resistance, not US pressure

🔹President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at a press conference on National Journalists' Day, stated that Iran's security and defensive capabilities depend on the steadfastness and resistance of its noble people.

🔹"America is colonialist, America is criminal, and the Islamic Republic must remain—there is no doubt about this," he emphasized, stressing that Iran's position toward the US remains unchanged.

🔹Pezeshkian noted that Washington and its allies understand that "a country can no longer be forced into submission through war and missiles alone" and that internal divisions are part of their strategy.

🔹He highlighted that diplomacy compelled the US to enter into an understanding with Iran, but Washington violated the Islamabad MoU on the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran's response.

🔹"National unity and resistance remain essential to safeguarding the country's security and defense capabilities," he concluded.

Oman: Hormuz talks progressing in 'positive, constructive atmosphere'

🔹Oman's Foreign Ministry confirmed Saturday that ongoing negotiations with Iran over navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding in a "positive and constructive atmosphere," while condemning repeated attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway .

🔹The ministry stressed the importance of avoiding any actions that could affect the talks' progress, saying the negotiations should continue in a manner that takes into account the interests of all parties .

We will stand firm behind Leader's decision on war

At a press conference marking National Journalist Day, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that military commanders know their capabilities, and the Leader will make the final decision on war—"whatever decision he makes, we will stand firm to the end." He described the US as a "colonialist" and "criminal" regime but said the current circumstances present the best opportunity for agreement through dialogue, provided Iran's rights are recognized. He noted regional ties are improving, citing cooperation with Pakistan (trade toward $10 billion), Afghanistan, Russia, and Iraq. He acknowledged complications from attacking US bases on neighbors' territory but said diplomacy continues. "War cannot continue forever," he emphasized.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528959/We-will-stand-firm-behind-Leader-s-decision-on-war

A beat written in blood across Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran

This tribute marks Iran's Journalists' Day (August 8), commemorating reporter Mahmoud Saremi—killed in Mazar-i-Sharif 28 years ago—while documenting the regional toll of journalists killed since October 2023. The Committee to Protect Journalists counts over 260 journalists and media workers killed, with more than 200 Palestinians in Gaza alone—the highest CPJ has recorded since 1992. Lebanon lost 9 journalists this year, including Amal Khalil and Ali Shoaib. Yemen's single deadliest strike killed 31 journalists at Sanaa newspaper offices. Iran lost 12 media workers in the 2025 war and more in February 2026. The piece concludes: "whatever they recorded is already out in the world, already read, and already beyond anyone's power to take back."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528958/A-beat-written-in-blood-across-Gaza-Lebanon-Yemen-and-Iran

Why is Trump suddenly reviving his Gaza plan?

This analysis questions Trump's sudden announcement of a "historic agreement" for Hamas disarmament through the "Board of Peace," given Israel's year-long violations of the ceasefire plan (UN Resolution 2803). While Hamas complied with provisions on prisoner exchange and aid, Israel resumed aggression after recovering captives—killing ~1,300 Palestinians—and expanded occupation from 45% to over 70% of Gaza. Israel insists on direct supervision of disarmament and refuses withdrawal before completion. The article suggests Trump's revival may be a prelude to a third war against Iran, as both Trump and Netanyahu share identical objectives: disarming all resistance forces and overthrowing governments opposed to their policies.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528955/Why-is-Trump-suddenly-reviving-his-Gaza-plan

America's 'supercarrier' is a floating nightmare as food and hope run out

This report describes severe humanitarian and operational crises aboard US Navy carriers deployed against Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln spent 208 consecutive days at sea out of a 259-day deployment, with sailors surviving on half-cup rice rations, running out of soap, and facing black mold and contaminated water. A shipboard therapist warned of near-collective psychological collapse. The USS Gerald R. Ford suffered sewage failures and a 30-hour fire during a 326-day deployment, suggesting possible internal sabotage. Acting Navy Secretary and Vice Admiral Verissimo offered no timeline for crew return. The Pentagon dismissed reports, but families in San Diego expressed anguish over a war they reject.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528957/America-s-supercarrier-is-a-floating-nightmare-as-food-and

President Pezeshkian discusses economic, military issues with Leader

🔹President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, on the occasion of the start of his third year in office .

🔹The two sides held detailed talks on the country's challenges, particularly public livelihood needs, the ongoing third imposed war, military developments, strategies for managing resources (rial, foreign currency, energy), and economic engagement with foreign partners .

Araghchi: No talks with US; Hormuz reopening tied to conditions

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is not currently holding any negotiations with the United States, though mediators continue efforts to pave the way for a possible resumption of talks .

🔹"Until the violations of the memorandum of understanding by the US are over and the US compensates for what it has violated, from our point of view, it is not possible to restart negotiations," Araghchi emphasized .

🔹Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi confirmed that negotiations with Oman on determining a new maritime route are in their final stages, with old routes set to be replaced by new ones .

🔹However, he stressed that any agreement with Oman does not mean the strait will be reopened—its reopening remains subject to separate conditions, including compensation for US violations of the MoU .

A Zionist settler attacked and beat a foreign female activist who was supporting a Palestinian family in the occupied West Bank, according to local sources .

Army ground force commander: Borders secure with rapid reaction units

🔹Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army's Ground Force, stated that the armed forces stand ready to defend the country's borders to the last drop of blood.

🔹He emphasized that the effective presence of rapid reaction and special forces units in border areas has ensured sustainable security along the frontiers.

IRGC Spox.: US admitted defeat in war against Iran

IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi declared that the United States has "accepted defeat in the war without achieving any of its goals," making it "the only war in which America, without achieving anything, has accepted its defeat." He stated the Strait of Hormuz is now "a geography of battle" that Iran will hold "until the enemy accepts all our conditions." The strait has been closed to shipping under Iranian control, and Iran has said it will remain shut until US military interference ends. Mohebbi credited journalists and media with contributing to the outcome, adding that the enemy is "on a trajectory of declining aims."

Iran, Azerbaijan forge new economic corridor as border trade surges

Iran and Azerbaijan are rapidly expanding trade and transit cooperation through infrastructure projects and customs facilitation. The Bileh Savar border crossing recorded $268 million in exports over the past year. A customs cooperation MoU aims to accelerate clearance. Bridges at Astara and Nakhchivan are nearing completion. Ardabil province accounts for 4% of Iran's agricultural output, 25% of tires, and 30% of mineral water. A ten-sector cooperation document covers transport (INSTC corridor, targeting 15 million tons by 2030), energy (joint oil blocks, power grid connections), water projects, and investment. Annual trade has reached ~$650 million, with 120,000 Iranian trucks transiting Azerbaijan annually. A Joint Investment Committee will convene soon.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528928/Iran-Azerbaijan-forge-new-economic-corridor-as-border-trade

‼️ Exclusive:

Is the U.S. military abducting sailors in the sea of Oman?

Head of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council: Iran will not retreat from Strait of Hormuz

🔹Ayatollah Sadiq Amoli Larijani, head of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, declared that "the Iranian nation and armed forces are standing firm at the Strait of Hormuz, and sovereignty over this waterway belongs to the Islamic Republic."

🔹He added that the enemy is attempting to isolate Iran with full force, but the Islamic Republic has over 40 years of experience with sanctions.

🔹"National unity and cohesion must be preserved at any cost," he stressed.

🔹His remarks come amid ongoing talks with Oman on safe shipping routes, with Iranian officials reaffirming that the strait's management remains firmly under Iran's control.