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Former Iranian President Rouhani urges national strategy based on people’s will, not mere slogans

Hassan Rouhani

Speaking to his advisers in the aftermath of Iran’s 12-day conflict with the US-Israeli alliance in June, Rouhani stressed that national strategy must evolve with the country’s realities and shortcomings.

“Our national strategy, if based on development, has one framework. But if it is based on the idea of guiding the entire world according to our own judgment, that is something else,” Rouhani said. “We must design a strategy that is shaped by the will of the people.”

He argued that while some elements of Iran’s 46-year strategic framework have been successful, others have shown weaknesses that must be addressed.

“Where there is doubt or hesitation about a policy, we can consult the people. Their wishes must be the foundation of our national strategy,” he added.

Rouhani warned that ignoring these lessons and relying solely on slogans could leave Iran vulnerable to future crises.

“If we change and complete our strategy, strengthen national cohesion, and follow the will of the people, we can prevent new wars,” he concluded.

Iranian lawmakers urge withdrawal from NPT amid rising tensions

Iran Nuclear Program

The demand was raised during Wednesday’s open session of the parliament, where a written warning addressed to Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi was read out by Ahmad Naderi, a member of the presiding board.

The statement, signed by lawmaker Mohammadreza Ahmadi and 59 others, criticized Western violations of commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, or JCPOA.

The legislators noted that “Washington’s withdrawal from the accord and Europe’s failure to uphold their obligations have left Iran with little reason to continue cooperation.”

In a separate development, Esmaeil Kowsari, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stressed that the final decision on quitting the NPT rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

He described the possible activation of the “snapback” sanctions mechanism by European states as “unlawful and illegitimate,” noting that Iran has legal and political options to respond.

Kowsari added that if international efforts fail to stop Western measures, Iran will consider “appropriate reciprocal actions,” which could include withdrawal from the NPT, but emphasized that “alternative strategies” are also under review.

Iran seeks guarantees before resuming talks with US, EU troika

Majid Takht Ravanchi

Speaking to a Turkish outlet, he emphasized that “diplomacy cannot continue under military aggression,” referencing Israeli and US strikes on Iran in June.

Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that indirect messages between Tehran and Washington are being exchanged through mediators, including Oman. However, he stressed that without assurances, talks cannot restart.

“We do not want to see the same scenario repeated,” he said, adding that Washington must prove it will not undermine negotiations.

In discussions with the European E3 — Britain, France, and Germany — the deputy minister reiterated that uranium enrichment is “non-negotiable” and must remain part of any deal. He underlined that zero enrichment is “impossible and unacceptable,” while sanctions relief is an essential condition for Iran.

The diplomat also condemned the strikes as “clear violations of international law,” noting heavy civilian casualties. He voiced appreciation for Turkey’s role as a host and said Ankara remains a preferred venue for talks.

Takht-Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran’s stance that its nuclear program is peaceful and fully within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Pentagon chief: US seeking ‘deter’ Russia and China

Pentagon

Speaking to Fox News, Hegseth argued that the large military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighted the closer ties between the two neighbors.

“Unfortunately, the weakness of the previous administration has driven Russia and China closer together. That was a terrible development of a lack of American leadership and a lack of American strength,” Hegseth said.

“But that’s why President Trump has charged us at the Defense Department to be prepared, rebuild our military in historic ways, restore the warrior ethos, and reestablish deterrence,” he added.

Hegseth later clarified that although the US does not seek conflict with Russia or China, it aims to “maintain strategic advantage.”

Moscow and Beijing have described their relations as a strategic partnership “without limits.” After the West imposed sweeping sanctions in response to the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Russia redirected much of its trade and supply chains toward China.

Both countries have condemned Washington’s “Cold War mentality” and pledged to work toward a fairer, more equitable model of international relations.

Trump warns Putin on Ukraine war

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said he planned to talk to Putin in the coming days, but the Russian leader was aware of his administration’s stance on the war.

“I have no message to President Putin. He knows where I stand, and he’ll make a decision one way or the other,” Trump stated, adding, “Whatever his decision is, we’ll either be happy about it or unhappy. And if we’re unhappy about it, you’ll see things happen.”

Trump’s comments came after Putin said earlier that he would be willing to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow.

“Donald asked me for such a meeting. I said: ‘Yes, it’s possible, let Zelenskyy come to Moscow,’” Putin stated at the end of his visit to China, where he attended Beijing’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.

“I have never ruled out the possibility of such a meeting,” Putin continued, adding, “But is there any point? Let’s see.”

Putin added that Moscow would achieve its aims in Ukraine militarily if it could not reach an agreement.

“Let’s see how the situation develops,” Putin said.

Trump has suggested a one-on-one meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy as part of his efforts to bring an end to the three-and-a-half-year-long conflict.

Despite Trump’s pledge to bring a swift end to the conflict, Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on the terms of any potential peace agreement.

Russia has announced that any deal with Ukraine would need to include land in four regions it has annexed since 2022, while Kyiv has ruled out ceding any territory.

Trump urges Hamas to free all 20 hostages in Gaza ‘immediately’

Israel Hostages Hamas

“Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 Hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!” Trump wrote on his social media company, Truth Social.

The president did not elaborate on what measures he would take if the hostages were released or what “end” he was referring to.

Around 250 hostages were taken to Gaza following the cross-border attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Tel Aviv estimates there are 50 Israeli hostages still in Gaza, including 20 alive. Meanwhile, rights groups say more than 10,800 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons under torture, starvation, and medical neglect.

Israel has killed nearly 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

International efforts for a ceasefire since Israel shattered a truce in March have so far failed.

Rare footage of endangered Persian leopards captured in Iran’s Bamou National Park

Iran Leopard

The images were recorded using night-vision cameras. The Persian leopard is among the most threatened big cats in the world, with its population declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict.

Iranian authorities and conservationists have been making extensive efforts to protect the species and prevent its extinction.

Related footage:

Over 1.2 million illegal Afghans return from Iran this year

Afghan Refugee in Iran

However, he said more than two million undocumented foreigners still remain in Iran.

Rezaei added that Iran had accepted many Afghans during times of crisis, as they sought refuge across the border.

He said talks have been held with Afghan authorities to encourage people to stay in their own country.

According to him, many Afghans voluntarily returned with their families, and Iran even set up stations at eastern borders to provide them support on their way back.
At the same time, law enforcement forces have detained some individuals who refused to comply with return regulations.

Rezaei stressed that all undocumented foreigners will be identified and removed, while legal residents are allowed to continue living in Iran.

He also said Iran has persuaded Afghan officials to control their citizens so that they would not cross the border illegally into Iran.

Iran says oil sales unaffected by potential snapback sanctions

Iran Oil Tanker

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting, Paknejad emphasized that Iran currently faces no difficulties in selling crude, with daily exports increasing by 21,000 barrels during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.

On August 29, France, Germany, Britain triggered the one-month countdown for automatic return of the UN sanctions on Iran.

Addressing questions about the disputed Arash 1 gas field between Iran and Kuwait, the minister confirmed that hydrocarbon reserves have been proven in the exploratory well, which was drilled approximately 750 meters from the old boundary line.

He said the Foreign Ministry is coordinating with relevant parties, and once the legal status is clarified, Iran is prepared to proceed with development in accordance with its Seventh Development Plan.

Paknejad also reiterated that the government will take necessary measures based on prevailing conditions, underscoring Tehran’s continued focus on energy development and maintaining stable oil revenues despite international tensions.

Minister: No ban on entry of foreign tourists to Iran

Takht-e-Jamshid

Speaking to local media, Salehi Amiri said, “Neither the ministry nor the government has issued any directive restricting the entry of foreign tourists.
We have received no official notification on such a matter, and there is no obstacle for foreign visitors to enter the country.”

Addressing Iran’s tourism strategy, the minister said that despite a sharp decline in arrivals, dropping by 75% after the recent regional conflict, the government remains committed to growth.

He noted that arrivals increased to 7.39 million tourists in 2024, up from 6.2 million in 2023, and projected 9.5 to 10 million visitors by March 2026, provided regional conditions stabilize.

Salehi Amiri emphasized a five-year development plan targeting 15 million foreign tourists, with priority markets including neighboring countries, the Persian Gulf states, and key partners such as China, India, and Russia.

He added that new incentives, including tax exemptions and infrastructure support, aim to boost investment in Iran’s tourism sector.