Iran's National Geography Olympiad team secured a bronze medal at the 22nd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026), competing against teams from over 55 countries.

How Mossad and the CIA grossly miscalculated Iran’s resilience

The joint US-Israeli war on Iran has exposed a historic intelligence failure. CIA and Mossad assessments—once seen as espionage gold standards—proved fundamentally flawed and politically manipulated. The farce peaked in Ankara, where Trump fled in a catering truck based on Israeli intel the CIA itself deemed “low confidence”. Six months on, Iran's resilience has shattered the myth of Western-Israeli superiority.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529120/How-Mossad-and-the-CIA-grossly-miscalculated-Iran-s-resilience

Iran condemns Israeli minister's 'nightly killing quota' for Gaza

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has strongly condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who reportedly set a nightly quota of 30 to 40 Palestinians to be killed in Gaza.

In a post on X, Gharibabadi said the minister also spoke of expelling Palestinians and expanding settlements, calling the statements an "admission" that must be documented and preserved for future prosecution.

Brigadier General Akrami-Nia, Spokesman of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, signs the commemorative plaque of the Tehran Times.

Iran, Russia discuss cultural cooperation in Ankara

Iranian cultural attaché Asghar Farsi and Russian House Ankara head Alexander Sotnichenko met in Ankara to expand cultural ties. They agreed on joint cinema programs, cultural days, book fairs, and exhibitions. Farsi offered Persian language teaching expertise to the Russian center. Both sides stressed strengthening communication between cultural institutions and exploring new areas of cooperation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529104/Iran-Russia-discuss-cultural-cooperation-in-Ankara

Iran ready for technical co-op to improve, develop electricity sector in Tajikistan

Iran's Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi met Tajik counterpart Daler Juma to review water and electricity cooperation. Aliabadi announced Iran's readiness for technical cooperation to improve Tajikistan's electricity grid, citing deep historical ties. Both sides emphasized expanding commercial, technical, and cultural ties, including shared dams, energy logistics, and workforce development.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529102/Iran-ready-for-technical-co-op-to-improve-develop-electricity

Baghaei: Iran's dignity stems from generations who refused to surrender the country's fate to others

🔹The Foreign Ministry spokesman denied claims of a 60-day deadline in the Islamabad MoU, stating: "Iran does not adjust its policies under pressure or time constraints—decisions are made based on national interests."

🔹Marking the anniversary of the 1953 CIA-backed coup, Baghaei said: "One major miscalculation about Iran is assuming that today's Iran is the same as the past, where foreign will could be imposed. The recent wars proved otherwise."

🔹"Iran's dignity and independence are owed to generations who refused to surrender their country's destiny to others," he emphasized.

🔹On Qatar's mediation role, he confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement but stressed that Tehran's demands regarding missing Iranian pilots remain a serious priority.

IRGC spox: Trump's claim of back-channel talks with IRGC is delusion born of defeat

🔹Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi , IRGC spokesman, firmly rejected Trump's claim that the US is holding back-channel talks with IRGC commanders on war-related issues, stating no such negotiations are taking place .

🔹He called the claim "pure fantasy" fueled by Trump's nightmares and desperation stemming from defeat and frustration in the war .

🔹The general emphasized that the IRGC "speaks its word on the battlefield," while diplomatic affairs fall under other branches of the system—and even at that level, no talks with Americans are currently underway due to Washington's repeated breaches of promises .

🔹 Mohebbi stressed that Trump's only real path forward is to accept defeat and comply with Iran's terms, warning that the sooner US officials acknowledge their failure, the less damage their country will suffer .

60 days after the MoU: Why has peace remained elusive, and what comes next?

A 14-point Iran-US MoU signed on June 17 has expired amid systematic US violations. Washington failed to fulfill key commitments—lifting sanctions, releasing assets, and enforcing Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon—while Trump declared it "over" on July 7. Iran suspended its commitments in response. Analysts suggest Trump signed primarily to lower oil prices. With the deadline passed, peace remains distant and tensions persist.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529158/60-days-after-the-MoU-Why-has-peace-remained-elusive-and-what

‼️ Exclusive:

Iranian Army spokesman warns US against ‘miscalculation’ as MoU expires

Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami-Nia warned the US against any miscalculation, stressing Iran's armed forces are "far, far more ready than in the past." The warning came as a 14-point Iran-US MoU expired on Monday. He cited Washington's record of "stabbing diplomacy in the back" even during talks, urging the US not to fall under Zionist influence again.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529154/Iranian-Army-spokesman-warns-US-against-miscalculation-as-MoU

Tehran municipality official highlights restoration of war-damaged areas

Tehran municipality official Hamidreza Moghaddamfar says 50% of restoration work in war-damaged areas is complete. Over 14,000 residential units in Tehran were damaged—2,000 completely destroyed—with reconstruction planned by next Iranian year. The project uses modern engineering and participatory models. He stressed preserving historical identity while revitalizing the capital after the US-Israeli war.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529146/Tehran-municipality-official-highlights-restoration-of-war-damaged

Iran FM warns Kurdish friends: Stay vigilant against false-flag operations in Iraqi Kurdistan

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reacted to a "reckless attack" on the office of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, stating that nothing justifies such an act. He urged Kurdish friends to remain vigilant against false-flag tactics designed to sow discord among neighbors.

🔹Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's historical support for Kurdish allies against Saddam and ISIS, and expressed gratitude for the security they provide along the shared border.

🔹The attack, which occurred on Monday night in Erbil, was claimed by a little-known group but is widely believed to be a false-flag operation aimed at destabilizing the region.

Iran, Uzbekistan discuss expanding joint artistic cooperation

Iranian cultural attaché Hassan Safarkhani and Uzbekistan Academy of Arts president Akmal Nuriddinov met in Tashkent to expand artistic ties. They agreed on joint exhibitions, research projects, and educational cooperation. A draft MoU will be prepared by the Iranian side. Both sides stressed deep historical and cultural commonalities as a foundation for broader bilateral relations.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529139/Iran-Uzbekistan-discuss-expanding-joint-artistic-cooperation

Defense Ministry: We will powerfully continue martyred Leader's path for building defense power

🔹On the eve of Defense Industry Day and the 40th day since the martyred Leader's funeral, the Ministry of Defense reaffirmed commitment to his vision of strengthening Iran's defense capabilities through self-reliance and trust in domestic expertise.

🔹"An important part of the defense industry's progress was achieved under his guidance," the Ministry stated.

🔹"We will continue the path he charted, advancing it in line with new threats."

Yemeni army drone strikes Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan

🔹Yemen's official news agency, citing a military source, reported that the Aramco oil refinery in Jizan, southwestern Saudi Arabia, was targeted with a number of suicide drones.

🔹According to preliminary reports, several drones struck the refinery's facilities, triggering massive explosions in the area.

🔹No detailed information on the extent of damage or potential casualties is currently available. Saudi officials and Aramco have yet to issue any statements regarding the attack.

Araghchi: 'Unconditional surrender' delusion failed; Iran won both war and diplomacy

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran shattered multiple "myths" during the recent war, including the martyrdom of the Leader and the students of Minab's Shajareh Tayyebeh school—both of whom became "legends" that will never be forgotten.

🔹"The Iranian nation resisted against the world's largest army, backed by nearly all Western countries, for days," he said, speaking at a ceremony with the Health Ministry.

🔹"Those seeking unconditional surrender were begging for negotiations shortly after the war began. It was we who insisted on continuing until the ceasefire came on Iran's terms."

🔹"We fought with authority and negotiated with authority. Many foreign ministers told me: 'You won both the war and diplomacy.'"

Ghalibaf to visit Iraq for regional stability talks

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will travel to Iraq on Wednesday leading a high-ranking delegation for talks on regional developments, strengthening strategic cooperation, and exploring joint mechanisms for security and stability in West Asia.

🔹Ghalibaf is set to meet senior Iraqi officials to discuss bilateral ties, border security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation.

🔹The visit follows recent diplomatic exchanges, including Iraqi PM al-Zaidi's July trip to Tehran and the signing of four cooperation agreements.

Hezbollah's legal status under international law

International law recognizes the right of peoples under foreign occupation to resist, argues Prof. Seyed Yaser Ziaee. With parts of Lebanon still under Israeli occupation, Hezbollah's armed resistance may be legally legitimate. UN resolutions demanding disarmament conflict with the peremptory norm of self-determination. If Hezbollah meets Geneva Convention conditions—responsible command, open arms, lawful conduct—its fighters could qualify as privileged combatants.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529161/Legal-status-of-Lebanese-Hezbollah-resistance-movement-under