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

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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

Iranian culinary team wins multiple medals at Armenian festival

Iranian chefs won multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at the fifth Navasard festival in Sisian, Armenia. Zahra Rostami topped the competition with 98 points, while Mehran Ferdousian and Marzieh Rahbar also claimed gold. Deputy tourism minister Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpei praised the achievement, highlighting food tourism’s role in introducing Iran’s culture and identity internationally.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529148/Iranian-culinary-team-wins-multiple-medals-at-Armenian-festival

Israel expands assaults across Lebanon’s Jabal Amel despite US mediation claims

Israeli forces unleashed a large wave of violence across southern Lebanon on Monday—artillery, drones, and ground incursions targeting multiple towns. Saturday's strikes on Ansar and Deir al-Zahrani killed 11, including women and children. Over 4,300 killed since March 2. The US-mediated framework has proven hollow; talks collapsed. Analysts say Netanyahu needs prolonged war to appease far-right allies ahead of October elections.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529155/Israel-expands-assaults-across-Lebanon-s-Jabal-Amel-despite-US

Ghalibaf: Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until Islamabad MoU conditions met

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until all conditions of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding are fully met—including the lifting of the naval blockade, release of frozen assets, removal of oil sanctions, and an end to threats and military operations on all fronts.

🔹Ghalibaf stated that the US, which accepted the ceasefire out of desperation, soon "betrayed its commitments." He emphasized that the opportunity provided by the MoU has helped boost economic resilience and rebuild Iran's defense capabilities.

🔹"Iran is ready to impose an even heavier defeat on the enemy in proportion to its actions," he warned.

Iran, Armenia explore livestock imports, border investment in agricultural talks

Iran and Armenia discussed expanding agricultural cooperation during the EAEU meeting in Almaty. Talks covered light livestock imports, joint border investments, greenhouse development, and utilizing Armenia’s pasture capacities. Both sides stressed private sector involvement and follow-up mechanisms to strengthen bilateral agricultural ties.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529136/Iran-Armenia-explore-livestock-imports-border-investment-in

Iran, Kazakhstan advance agricultural ties with focus on extraterritorial cultivation

Iran and Kazakhstan have deepened agricultural cooperation, focusing on extraterritorial cultivation in Kazakhstan's fertile lands. Kazakh agrifood trade with Iran surged 55.8% in 2025, with exports rising 97%. Both sides discussed joint investments, expanding Iranian fruit exports, and boosting bilateral trade to $3 billion under a roadmap from President Pezeshkian's December visit.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529135/Iran-Kazakhstan-advance-agricultural-ties-with-focus-on-extraterritorial

Bulk carrier struck by projectile in Strait of Hormuz, chief engineer killed

🔹A Greek-owned bulk carrier, the Minoan Dignity, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Qatar renews call for diplomatic solution, de-escalation in region

🔹Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari emphasized Doha's ongoing efforts to reduce regional tensions, stating that the primary goal is to "contain the crisis and bring Iran and the US back to the MoU and the negotiating table."

🔹He stressed that the only way forward is a ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a return to dialogue.

Hamas condemns Israeli strike on Syria's Abu al-Zuhour airport

🔹Hamas condemned this morning's Zionist regime attack on Abu al-Zuhour airport in the Idlib countryside, describing it as a "criminal act" and "state-organized terrorism."

Ben-Gvir unveils execution facility for Palestinian prisoners

🔹Israeli media have published images of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visiting a project to build a dedicated execution complex for Palestinian prisoners.

🔹The facility, located within a death row wing in central Israel, includes a hanging chamber and viewing booths for "terror victims" and their families.

The 40th-day commemoration of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution is currently underway at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran, led by Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.