Baghaei: Iran-Oman agreement finalized, but US aggression keeps Hormuz unsafe

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the Iran-Oman agreement on safe transit routes has been finalized, but stressed it is "not a sufficient condition" while US aggression continues.

🔹He said negotiations are "neither inherently good nor bad—they are a tool" for advancing Iran's interests, with the Foreign Ministry following decisions of relevant authorities.

🔹Baghaei warned that any military presence or cooperation with the US in the Persian Gulf will be considered "complicity in aggression."

🔹He dismissed reports of an agreement on Al-Tal Al-Aa'ther as "baseless media speculation."

From Shiraz to Zanzibar: A look into centuries-old Persian connection

For centuries, seasonal monsoon winds connected Iran to East Africa, creating networks of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. The "Shirazi" tradition—once seen as a direct migration from Shiraz—is now understood as a complex history of movement, intermarriage, and cosmopolitan coastal communities. Genetic and archaeological evidence confirms Persian influence, but the resulting Swahili culture was shaped by active African participation, not passive importation.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529770/From-Shiraz-to-Zanzibar-A-look-into-centuries-old-Persian-connection

Dennis Ross: Iran's resilience during US war continues to 'surprise'

Former US negotiator Dennis Ross says Iran's resilience has "consistently surprised" Washington, and military pressure alone won't force Tehran to retreat. He suggests a Hormuz deal—based on legitimate navigational or security fees—could offer both sides a face‑saving exit. After six months of war, Iran's endurance is pushing the US to seek a way out.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529765/Dennis-Ross-Iran-s-resilience-during-US-war-continues-to-surprise

Gen. Heidari: Iran changing war equations was beyond enemy's imagination

🔹Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari, Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, stated that Iran's use of its strategic capacities has had a "significant impact on global economic equations."

🔹"The enemy could not imagine that Iran could change the war equations and expand the battlefield to a regional level," he said.

🔹Heidari added that the Strait of Hormuz, as a critical regional point, has "extensive capacity to influence regional and global equations."

Sydney art exhibition highlights Minab tragedy, voices of war, resilience

The "When the Earth Embraces the Sky" exhibition in Sydney features over 50 artworks exploring war and displacement, with an Iranian section dedicated to the Minab school tragedy where 168 were killed on Feb 28. Artists from Iranian, Afghan, Iraqi, Lebanese, and Palestinian communities contribute. The event includes the documentary "Minab" and runs until September 13.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529744/Sydney-art-exhibition-highlights-Minab-tragedy-voices-of-war

Iran Navy Cmdr.: We can land forces at any point to confront enemies

🔹Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has stated that Iran's military possesses the capability to land forces at any strategic location in the region, giving the country a significant edge in shaping regional equations.

🔹The admiral emphasized that Iran's operational reach extends far beyond its borders, serving as a strong deterrent against foreign aggression.

🔹"Our presence is no longer limited to our shores," he said, adding that this capacity sends a clear message to adversaries.

🔹The remarks come amid ongoing US-Israeli military pressure on Iran and heightened regional tensions.

Air defense commander: We are updating our systems to meet new threats

🔹Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, head of the Joint Air Defense Command and commander of the Army Air Defense Force, stated that Iran is continuously updating its equipment and systems to counter emerging threats.

🔹He emphasized that Iran's air defense forces are operating with full preparedness and vigilance, utilizing domestic knowledge and indigenous power to maintain a decisive edge against enemy aircraft.

🔹"The enemy's advanced technology does not guarantee their return," Elhami said, noting that Iran's air defense systems have successfully destroyed hostile aircraft in recent confrontations.

Estahban’s centuries-old tradition of sustainable fig cultivation

Estahban in Fars province is one of the world’s leading centers of rainfed fig production, with about 2.6 million fig trees covering 25,950 hectares. For more than 250 years, local gardeners have passed down traditional cultivation techniques while developing innovative ways to capture and conserve rainwater. These practices improve water efficiency, protect soil and reduce erosion. The fig gardens also support thousands of families and provide food for domestic and wild animals, making them vital to the region’s economy and environment.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529792/From-rainwater-to-figs-Estahban-s-tradition-of-sustainable-cultivation

Iranian students achieve milestones at international Olympiads despite war

Iranian students won 13 medals across multiple Olympiads despite the US-Israeli war. The physics team ranked first globally with 3 golds. Iran also won its first AI Olympiad gold, first medals in mathematics, and unprecedented geography success. Students triumphed at competitions in Colombia, Kazakhstan, China, Turkey, Italy, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, and online—demonstrating resilience and academic excellence under pressure.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529784/Iranian-students-achieve-milestones-at-international-Olympiads

India's new ambassador to Iran seeks to deepen ties amid shifting geopolitics

India's Ambassador-designate Vishwesh Negi has met with Iranian officials to boost bilateral cooperation. His appointment comes as New Delhi advocates de-escalation and backs SCO declarations condemning US-Israeli aggression. Key priorities include the Chabahar port, the INSTC corridor, and local-currency trade mechanisms. Negi's defense and security expertise positions him to operationalize growing India-Iran strategic ties.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529807/India-s-new-ambassador-to-Iran-seeks-to-deepen-ties-amid-shifting

Economic blockade is difficult in a multipolar world

The head of the Iran‑Russia Joint Chamber of Commerce says a total US economic blockade is difficult in today's multipolar world, as China, India, Russia, and Gulf states have independent interests. He stresses diversifying trade routes, boosting non‑oil exports, and reducing currency conversion costs—not just bypassing the dollar, but building reliable regional payment and logistics networks.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529801/Economic-blockade-is-difficult-in-a-multipolar-world

Iran to declare 'restricted zone' beyond Strait of Hormuz

Iran's SNSC chief announced plans for a restricted zone beyond the Strait, where unauthorized vessels face sanctions. He dismissed Trump's claim the waterway is open, saying traffic has collapsed from 100+ ships daily to just 7‑8. He also revealed a new anti‑ship missile test above a US warship, forcing it to flee. Tehran will only reopen the strait if Washington ends aggression.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529788/Iran-to-declare-restricted-zone-beyond-Strait-of-Hormuz-amid

Aramco facilities in Jizan burn as Yemeni forces advance

Yemeni forces struck Saudi Aramco's Jizan refinery again, sending Brent above $97. Yemen also downed three Saudi drones in 24 hours and advanced along the Red Sea coast. Meanwhile, a Saudi airstrike on a jail in Al‑Jawf killed a child and left dozens trapped. Ansarullah warns Riyadh will "bear the consequences" of its aggression.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529809/Aramco-facilities-in-Jizan-burn-as-Yemeni-forces-advance

US House moves to silence universities in favor of Israel

The House passed a bill (237‑169) that would bar federal funding for universities that boycott Israeli institutions—including those in illegal West Bank settlements. Critics call it a violation of free speech and a blow to academic freedom. With US public support for Israel plummeting, the bill penalizes dissent while shielding Israel from accountability. It now heads to the Senate.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529810/US-House-moves-to-silence-universities-in-favor-of-Israel

Washington Post confirms US bombing of Iranian wedding

The Washington Post has confirmed that a US bomb struck a wedding in Kuhestak, killing four and wounding dozens. A JSOW glide bomb intended for a nearby tower strayed into the residential venue—just 440 feet away. The report links this to the Minab school massacre, where 168 were killed. The Pentagon has dismantled civilian harm oversight, critics say, evading accountability for systematic civilian casualties.

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/529796/Washington-Post-confirms-US-bombing-of-Iranian-wedding

📞 Iran FM congratulates new OIC chief, urges united Islamic response to Israeli aggression

🔹Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his election as OIC Secretary-General, urging him to use the organization's capacities to strengthen unity among Islamic nations.

🔹Araghchi briefed the OIC chief on US-Israeli aggression against Iran, stressing the need for a responsible Islamic response to sovereignty violations.

🔹He also highlighted the situation in Palestine and Lebanon, urging a firm, unified stance against Zionist crimes.

🔹Araghchi invited the new OIC chief to visit Tehran at the earliest opportunity.

Baghaei: Canada's support for US economic war is complicity in law-breaking

🔹Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei responded to Canada's joint statement backing US economic war on Iran, saying Canada cannot claim to champion "peace and international law" while supporting US aggression.

🔹He noted that the Strait of Hormuz was secure before the US-Israeli war began on February 28.

🔹"If freedom of navigation is truly the issue, why does Canada—knowing US signatures are 'written in pencil'—support US economic terrorism instead of calling for an end to the war and blockade?"

🔹Baghaei concluded: "This is submission to intimidation that won't shield Canada from American bullying."