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Iranian deputy FM warns of high risk of war with Israel

Saeed Khatibzadeh Iran FM Spokesperson

Speaking during a televised interview in Baghdad, Khatibzadeh said Israel had failed to achieve its objectives in its US-assisted confrontation with Iran in June.

He noted that the conflict significantly altered realities on the ground, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and noted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was unable to protect Iran’s nuclear facilities during the attacks.

The deputy foreign minister, who also heads Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies, stressed that Tehran responded forcefully to Israeli violations of its sovereignty.

He slammed Israel for pursuing “a policy of assassination and terror,” citing the killing of Iranian commanders and scientists as “crimes under international law.”

Khatibzadeh added that Israel has used “powerful media lobbies” to spread disinformation, but insisted Iran quickly regained control during the hostilities.

During his visit to Baghdad, Khatibzadeh also highlighted strong bilateral ties between Iran and Iraq, pointing to recent agreements on energy and other areas of cooperation.

Iran FM: E3 Snapback Move Illegal, Unjustifiable

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, met with the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, on Thursday evening in Doha.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments related to Iran’s nuclear issue, particularly in light of the irresponsible and unjustified move by three European countries, the UK, Germany, and France, to reinstate previously annulled UN Security Council resolutions.

They also exchanged views on Iran’s ongoing engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He reminded the EU High Representative of her important role as the coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and stressed that the EU is expected to fulfill its responsibilities under the nuclear accord and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 by countering efforts that undermine diplomacy.

Araqchi also reiterated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s consistent commitment to the path of diplomacy, affirming that Iran remains serious and steadfast in this approach.

The EU’s foreign policy chief described diplomacy and negotiation as the only viable path to address the concerns of all parties, and emphasized the need to give diplomacy more time and space.

The two sides agreed to continue consultations in the coming days and weeks.

Iran’s FM: Supporting Palestine Resistance Principled Stance of Islamic Republic

Araqchi made the remarks in a meeting with Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the political bureau and head of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, along with several members of the resistance movement’s leadership council and political bureau, in Doha.

They discussed the latest political and field developments in Gaza, the ongoing genocide by the Zionist regime, efforts to halt its crimes, and the issue of prisoner exchange.

Iran’s foreign minister praised the legendary resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of unprecedented crimes committed by the Zionist regime.

Araqchi pointed to the intensified crimes by the Zionist regime in Gaza and the West Bank, including imposing hunger and famine on innocent civilians and killing of women and children in food distribution lines.

He described the growing wave of protests and gatherings across various countries against the Zionist regime as a clear sign of global awakening to the genocide in occupied Palestine.

The foreign minister emphasized the need for continued coordinated and comprehensive action by Islamic countries to stop the genocide, deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged population, and prosecute and punish the top officials of the criminal Zionist regime.

The head of Hamas’s political bureau in Gaza presented a report on the latest situation on the ground, efforts to stop the crimes of the Zionist regime, and the status of prisoner exchanges.

Al-Hayya expressed gratitude for the support of Iran’s leadership, government, and people for the Palestinian cause.

He stressed that despite committing the most heinous crimes against Palestinians, the Zionist regime cannot overcome the determination and will of the Palestinian people to resist and defend their rightful and legal rights.

Gen. Abdollahi appointed as new cmdr. of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters

In his first message after assuming office, Abdollahi stressed that the Iranian Armed Forces are “better prepared and more advanced than ever before,” adding that the people of Iran “should have no concern about the future.”

He succeeds the late General Gholam Ali Rashid, the former commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, who was martyred in the opening hours of the Israeli regime’s acts of aggression against Iran last June.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters is the supreme operational command in Iran, tasked with the planning, coordination, and supervision of the country’s armed forces. It plays a pivotal role in shaping Iran’s defense strategy and ensuring coordination among all branches of the armed forces.

Iran govt. clarifies position on cancellation of Shajarian’s Azadi Square Concert

Mohajerani emphasized that from the outset, the government’s stance had been clear: large-scale street concerts, attracting millions, were seen as an opportunity to strengthen national cohesion.

She recalled that similar experiences, such as post-war celebrations in the 1980s, proved such events both possible and unifying when institutions worked together.

Regarding deliberations within the cabinet, Mohajerani explained that while some agencies raised concerns over the scale of public turnout, the government’s preference remained Azadi Square. Azadi Stadium was considered as an alternative but is under renovation.

“The government firmly supported this concert as a means to boost social vitality and national hope,” she stressed, adding that officials must speak honestly with the public and accept responsibility for decisions instead of shifting blame.

Australia’s envoy leaves Iran amid diplomatic rift

In a statement, the Ministry’s spokesperson described the move as “unjustified,” stressing that Iran continues to provide consular services through its mission in Canberra.

“Our consular section in Australia remains active, and we will make every effort to serve Iranian nationals residing there,” the spokesperson said.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations of antisemitism against the Islamic Republic as “ridiculous and baseless.”

The development comes after Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador last week in response to allegations linking Tehran to antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne—a move that marked the first such expulsion by Canberra since World War II. In turn, Iran has characterized the charges as politically motivated and accused Australia of undermining bilateral relations.

Iran’s ex-resident Rouhani warns against snapback sanctions, urges Europe to return to dialogue

Hassan Rouhani

Speaking to his advisers, Rouhani argued that Europe has no legal, political, or moral grounds to pursue the measure.

“The Europeans failed to honor their 11 commitments under the JCPOA. They cannot now accuse Iran of noncompliance,” he said, referring to the 2015 nuclear deal.

Rouhani also dismissed critics inside Iran who opposed the JCPOA.

“Those who called the resolutions just scraps of paper, and those who burned the agreement in parliament, should remain silent now. If we had abandoned the deal when the US did, all sanctions would have immediately returned in 2018,” he noted.

While acknowledging that renewed UN sanctions may not add significant economic pressure beyond US measures, Rouhani emphasized their political and legal weight.

He urged continued diplomacy to prevent escalation: “There is still time to negotiate with the three European countries or the 4+1. This is in the interest of Iran, Europe, the NPT, and the world.”

Iran’s defense minister: Shanghai Cooperation Organization could form security alliances

Speaking in a televised interview following President Massoud Pezeshkian’s trip to China earlier this week, General Nasirzadeh highlighted the security and defense discussions held with senior officials attending the SCO summit.

“We had constructive talks with representatives of member states in the fields of security and defense,” he said.

Currently, the SCO’s engagement has largely been limited to counterterrorism efforts and combating drug trafficking. However, General Nasirzadeh suggested that the organization is positioned to play a broader role.

“With the pace of developments, the SCO can extend its scope of activity and form strong security coalitions,” he noted.

Iran became a full member of the SCO in 2023, marking a significant step in its eastward diplomatic and security policy.

Officials in Tehran have since emphasized the potential of the grouping, comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian states, to balance Western-led alliances and enhance regional security cooperation.

Iran denies use of smartphones in tracking slain commanders, stresses civil defense priorities

Internet

“As far as I know, none of our commanders used such devices or networks. Many I know for certain did not, and others almost certainly did not. Therefore, the use of these tools for targeting is completely ruled out,” Jalali told local media.

He acknowledged, however, that modern technologies, including mobile phones, can be weaponized. “Every technology has the potential to turn into a threat. The recent pager incident in Lebanon confirms this,” he said, stressing the need for more intelligent use of digital tools.

Jalali also underlined the importance of civil defense preparedness, noting that the 12-day conflict with Israel in June demonstrated the strategic value of resilience measures.

He said Iran had issued detailed operational guidelines to ministries, municipalities, and industries, including drills to secure nuclear sites and essential infrastructure.

Jalali emphasized that broader government and parliamentary support is essential to fund and implement civil defense programs. “Civil defense must become a national priority,” he said.

Iran’s FM says Tehran unafraid of talks or war, rejects speculation on SCO membership

Abbas Araghchi

Speaking late Wednesday upon returning from President Massoud Pezeshkian’s visit to China, he described the trip as a milestone in bilateral relations and dismissed rumors that Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) could be revoked. “There is no such provision, and member states expressed their support for Iran,” he said.

Araghchi noted that the Iranian president’s meeting with his Russian counterpart was extended due to the breadth of political and economic issues under discussion.

Addressing speculation over the shorter meeting with China’s president, he explained that such encounters are traditionally brief during multilateral summits with many leaders in attendance.

On European efforts to trigger the “snapback” sanctions mechanism, the minister said Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing had submitted a joint letter to the United Nations and were pursuing further initiatives.

He revealed that Russia and China have already drafted a resolution at the Security Council to counter the move, which Iran is actively consulting on.

Araghchi also confirmed ongoing talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressing that new circumstances require a new framework for cooperation.