Iran Leader appoints Dr. Zolghadr as political advisor, praises his experience

🔹Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei issued a decree appointing Dr. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political advisor, recognizing his valuable experience in the new role.

Mohsen Rezaei appointed Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council

🔹Following the resignation of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr and his new appointment as political advisor to the Supreme Leader, President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Mohsen Rezaei as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

The sealed watermelon of the Mecca Agreement

This analysis critiques the mutual defense pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in Mecca—described as a "sealed watermelon" whose contents remain unknown. The article argues the agreement is an admission that US protection has failed, as American bases became targets in Iran's strikes. However, it notes contradictions: Turkey remains in NATO, Saudi hosts US forces and signed a civilian nuclear deal with Washington (conditional on joining the Abraham Accords), and Pakistan has had relations with Israel since 1949. The pact lacks joint command or automatic triggers. The author argues true regional security requires naming Israel as "the engine of instability" and demands zero normalization—"security for all, or security for none."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528990/The-sealed-watermelon-of-the-Mecca-Agreement

The war united the nation in defending Iran

This analysis argues that the US-Israeli war, beginning with the assassination of the Supreme Leader and targeting senior officials, united Iranians across all groups, sects, and nationalities around defending the nation—contradicting Western hopes of exploiting internal divisions. The author distinguishes between "divisions" and "infiltration": while Western intelligence has established extensive networks over decades (contributing to assassinations and unrest), these remain at an individual level incapable of bringing political change or a coup. The author notes that neither conservative nor reformist government factions would join such efforts, and Iran's strong revolutionary institutions prevent infiltration from controlling the country or mobilizing broad segments of the population.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528986/The-war-united-the-nation-in-defending-Iran

Iran, Uzbekistan discuss removing barriers to bilateral trade

Iran and Uzbekistan discussed removing trade barriers, aiming to boost bilateral exchanges to $2 billion under a comprehensive cooperation MoU through 2027. Iran Chamber head Samad Hassanzadeh requested road transport facilitation and visa waiver for Iranian traders (Iran has unilaterally abolished visas for Uzbeks). He cited Iran's capacities in technical/engineering services, mining, power plant equipment, petrochemicals, and proposed joint investments in textile factories, steel mills, and greenhouses. Uzbek Ambassador Fariddin Nasriyev requested reduced transit tariffs for Uzbek trucks (fewer transit through Iran due to high costs) and expressed readiness to purchase oil derivatives. He noted Iran and Uzbekistan are complementary—not competitive—in agricultural production.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528980/Iran-Uzbekistan-discuss-removing-barriers-to-bilateral-trade

NamiRa: Iranian-developed manually curated microRNA database on cancers

Iranian researchers at Royan Institute, in collaboration with Germany's University of Duisburg-Essen, have developed namiRa ("immortal" in Persian)—a manually curated database on cancer-associated microRNAs (miRNAs). The team systematically curated nearly 10,000 scientific publications, extracting validated data on 1,095 human miRNAs across 33 cancer types. Unlike existing databases, namiRa integrates multiple layers of evidence: expression patterns, detection methods, functional roles (in vitro/in vivo), validated target genes, and regulatory network visualization. The database aims to accelerate biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and cancer research. The study was published in *Computers in Biology and Medicine* (Elsevier). The name "NamiRa" means "immortal" in Persian.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528983/NamiRa-Iranian-developed-manually-curated-microRNA-database

🔴 Baghaei: Zionist regime is biggest threat to regional security

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that the Zionist regime is the "biggest threat to stability, security, and cooperation" in the region. Regional nations have realized—after Gaza genocide and Israeli attacks—that the US can no longer guarantee their security.

🔹The Strait of Hormuz will not reopen as long as the US naval blockade continues. Talks with Oman on a safe shipping route are "smooth and constructive," with an intermediate route under discussion.

🔹Baghaei also expressed hope Kuwait would reconsider closing the Iranian school and denying consular access to detained Iranian citizens.

Azerbaijani President thanks Iran's Pezeshkian for warm remarks

🔹President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian for his "beautiful and friendly words" about Azerbaijan.

🔹"Azerbaijani and Iranian people have always stood by each other in difficult times. Against the background of recent events in our region, Azerbaijan's support for the brotherly Iranian people has once again been demonstrated," Aliyev wrote in a message.

🔹The exchange reflects the two neighbors' growing diplomatic engagement and shared historical ties.

Sistan-Baluchestan advances UNESCO bid for historic Asbads

Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province is advancing efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for its historic Asbads—traditional vertical-axis windmills. Mohammad-Hassan Talebian, head of the nomination dossier, said registration would highlight the province's cultural potential and contribute to tourism and sustainable local economies. The Asbad nomination is a two-stage UNESCO dossier. The windmills, found in South Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, and Sistan-Baluchestan, date back over a thousand years and are among the world's earliest known wind-powered machines. They were used for grinding grain, pumping water, and processing agricultural products, representing an early example of renewable-energy technology.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528971/Sistan-Baluchestan-advances-UNESCO-bid-for-historic-Asbads

New roadmap developed for Iran-Pakistan logistics cooperation

A new roadmap for Iran-Pakistan logistics cooperation was developed during an Iranian economic delegation's visit, with transit and trade at the center of negotiations. Masoud Polmeh, Vice-Chairman of the Iran Chamber's Transportation Committee, reported agreements to resolve the issue of over 12,000 stranded containers at Karachi Port—ruling out auctioning or declaring them abandoned, reducing warehousing costs, and adjusting demurrage fees. Pakistan agreed to operate active borders on a 24-hour basis. Meetings were held with six Pakistani ministers, covering mining cooperation, energy supply (crude oil and gas), and agricultural imports (including Pakistani rice). The roadmap aims to facilitate transport, reduce documentation, and address financial mechanisms.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528979/New-roadmap-developed-for-Iran-Pakistan-logistics-cooperation

🔴 Pezeshkian: Leader's top advice—avoid division, preserve unity

🔹President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a TV interview, described his recent seven-hour meeting with the Supreme Leader as "very good," saying they discussed the country's economic challenges, including livelihoods, employment, and housing, as well as how to stand firm amid sanctions.

🔹He said the Leader's main advice was to "avoid division and preserve unity," emphasizing that "all enemy plans are focused on creating discord."

🔹Pezeshkian stressed: "We must speak with one voice so the world knows Iran stands united." He added, "I apologize for any shortcomings during these difficult times and assure the people we will not hesitate to serve them."

Iran highlights culture as key to peace at BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting

Iran's Deputy Culture Minister Mohsen Javadi addressed the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal, India, emphasizing culture as "the only common and effective language" for addressing global challenges and promoting peace. He met with Indian Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who presented him with a turquoise shawl as a symbol of respect. The two-day meeting (August 8–9) focused on "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Iran's participation aimed to expand cultural exchanges and strengthen cultural diplomacy among BRICS members. The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi in September, where leaders will discuss broader cooperation issues.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/528967/Iran-highlights-culture-as-key-to-peace-at-BRICS-Culture-Ministers

🔴 Pakistan FM shares Mecca Agreement details with Iran's Araghchi

🔹Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday, sharing the contours of the recently signed "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye .

🔹The two top diplomats exchanged views on regional and international developments, focusing on the evolving situation and efforts to promote peace and stability .

🔹Dar emphasized the agreement's objectives of "strengthening strategic cooperation and contributing to regional peace and security" .

🔹Araghchi thanked his counterpart for sharing the pact's key aspects, and both ministers agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest .

Iran, Germany FMs hold phone call on regional, international developments

🔹Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul held a telephone conversation on Monday evening to discuss bilateral, regional, and international developments .

The same hostage economics playbook, from Havana to Tehran to Beirut

This analysis argues that Washington uses "hostage economics"—targeting civilian financial infrastructure—as a primary foreign policy tool. It cites the March 2025 Israeli strikes on Lebanese banks, exchange shops, and fuel stations as deliberate attacks on civilian survival to pressure Hezbollah. The article criticizes US pressure to install Karim Souaid as central bank governor, who purged officials with Resistance ties. It draws parallels to Syria's Caesar Act (blocking medical imports), Cuba's energy blockade (20+ hour blackouts, doubled infant mortality), and Iran's sanctions regime. The author argues such pressure fails to fracture resistance—instead, "smashing infrastructure binds the people to their defenders permanently."

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529011/The-same-hostage-economics-playbook-from-Havana-to-Tehran-to

Rezaei appointment highlights lockstep coordination between Iran's military and political leadership

President Pezeshkian appointed Major General Mohsen Rezaei as SNSC secretary after the Leader designated him as his representative—a move that demonstrates institutional coordination, not internal division. Rezaei, the IRGC's longest-serving commander (1981–1997) and former Expediency Council secretary, brings decades of military, economic, and strategic experience. He replaces Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr. The appointment comes amid Hormuz Strait talks; Rezaei recently warned the US of "serious risks" if its blockade continues. Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stated Iran is "a country of institutions, not individuals," emphasizing coordination between the ministry and SNSC. The article rejects Western narratives of "moderates vs. hardliners" as psychological warfare.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529007/Rezaei-appointment-highlights-lockstep-coordination-between-Iran-s