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SCO leaders sign over 20 agreements, condemn Israeli, US Strikes against Iran

The documents cover a wide range of cooperation, including the establishment of a comprehensive center for addressing security threats, a center for combating drug trafficking, the SCO’s 10-year strategy, initiatives in artificial intelligence, green industries, scientific and technological cooperation, multilateral trade, and sustainable energy development.

In a strongly worded statement, SCO members condemned the Israeli and US military strikes on Iranian facilities in June, which targeted non-military infrastructure and resulted in civilian casualties.

The statement slammed the attacks as “a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter,” stressing that such actions undermine regional and global security.

Member states also reiterated their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2231, calling for full compliance and constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation.

The summit also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a renewed push for a comprehensive and just resolution to the Palestinian issue.

Iran urges stronger financial, peace initiatives at SCO Summit

Pezeshkian said the SCO, as a key pillar of the emerging multipolar world, should take “clear and practical steps” to create a more peaceful global environment while expanding economic partnerships.

Highlighting the negative impact of “illegal unilateral sanctions,” Pezeshkian proposed a “special SCO accounts and settlements mechanism” to reduce reliance on the US dollar.

The initiative includes conducting transactions in national currencies, developing joint digital payment systems, and establishing a multilateral currency swap fund to support members facing sanctions or liquidity crises.

The Iranian president also recommended forming a committee of foreign ministers to respond swiftly to regional crises, particularly in situations involving violations of member states’ sovereignty.

Pezeshkian noted Iran’s strategic role in regional trade, highlighting the upcoming integration of the port of Chabahar, southern Iran, into the national rail network, which would enhance connectivity between China, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Indian Ocean.

Iran confirms visit of two IAEA inspectors amid nuclear oversight talks

IAEA Team

Speaking to state media during President Massoud Pezeshkian’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami said the inspectors monitored the fuel replacement process at the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

“This inspection was part of ongoing cooperation with the IAEA, carried out within the framework of parliamentary law and with the council’s approval,” Eslami said, adding that the inspectors “came, supervised the process, and left.”

Eslami noted that negotiations with the IAEA remain ongoing, with two meetings held so far and a third planned.

He criticized the agency’s leadership, saying its governance is “influenced by global powers” and applies “double standards” in monitoring member states.

Ties between Iran and the IAEA deteriorated even further after Iranian officials slammed the atomic agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi, for its “biased stance” following the US-Israel alliance’s strike on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities earlier this year.

Addressing renewed discussions over the activation of the “snapback” sanctions mechanism by the European parties to the JCPOA nuclear deal, Eslami said the issue is “not new,” saying Iran’s adversaries are using pressure tactics to force concessions.

Iran’s leader, president congratulate natl. Junior volleyball team on world championship victory

In a message, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, praised the young champions, stating:
“Young champions of volleyball, with your fine play you brought joy to the hearts of the Iranian nation. I thank you all.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian also issued a congratulatory message to the nation, the coaching staff, and the players of the team.

He emphasized that the victory demonstrated how the determination and willpower of Iran’s youth can lead the country to reach peaks of success on the global stage.

The Iranian junior volleyball team secured the world title after defeating Italy 3–1 in the final, marking the country’s third championship win in the FIVB U21 Men’s Volleyball World Championship.

The squad advanced to the final following eight consecutive victories in both group and knockout stages.

Iran president arrives in China for SCO summit

IRGC deputy commander: Enemies achieved no objectives in 12-day conflict

Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi

Speaking at a ceremony in Qom, General Fadavi highlighted that despite extensive planning and announced objectives, the enemy faced “complete failure” in the short conflict.

He acknowledged that casualties are a natural part of warfare but emphasized that Iran’s defense was effective and the adversaries admitted defeat.

General Fadavi underlined the continuing importance of provincial IRGC units, noting their critical role in national defense. He cited instances in which local operations, including missile strikes against Israeli targets, involved significant sacrifices by Iranian forces.

He also referenced longstanding US hostility toward Iran since the 1979 revolution, stating that American efforts to undermine the Islamic Republic have consistently failed, highlighting Iran’s demonstrated deterrence capabilities following missile strikes on Al Udeid base in Qatar.

60% of Gen Z in US support Hamas over Israel amid Gaza war: Poll

Hamas

As part of a broad set of questions, the survey asked online respondents: “In the Israel-Hamas conflict, do you support more Israel or more Hamas?”

According to the online survey released this week, 60% of the young people aged between 18 to 24 expressed support for Hamas over Israel.

Among the age groups that sided with Israel were 25-34-year-olds with 65%, 35-44-year-olds with 70%, 45-54-year-olds with 74%, 55-64-year-olds with 84%, and 65 and older with 89%.

The poll also found that voters were evenly divided on whether Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, with a 50-50 split.

It also revealed that the slight majority of the respondents (51%) believe criticism of Israel is driven more by a concern for Palestinian human rights rather than antisemitism.

Conducted by The Harris Poll and HarrisX between Aug. 20-21 with 2,025 registered voters and a margin of error of 2.2% points, the poll has been widely cited as evidence of a fundamental shift in American public opinion.

Israel’s offensive has killed nearly 63,400 Palestinians since October 2023, devastating the enclave as famine spreads in the second year of genocide.

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.

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

IRGC condemns Israel’s deadly strike in Yemen

IRGC

In a statement, the IRGC said the attack was a “blatant war crime against humanity” that exposed the “savage and inhuman nature” of Israel and its backers.
It stressed that such crimes would only ignite further “sacred rage” across the region, fueling resistance against occupiers and hegemonic powers.

The statement pointed to the United States full  support for Israel while international organizations remain silent in the face of atrocities in Gaza and now Yemen.

It warned that the “pure blood of martyrs” would strengthen the resolve of the Yemeni people and expand the geography of resistance.

Calling on Islamic governments, international bodies, and human rights organizations to break their silence and take decisive action, the IRGC vowed unwavering support for the peoples of Palestine and Yemen.

“Resistance will continue, and ultimate victory belongs to the oppressed and justice-seeking nations,” it declared.

Official: Iran weighs conditional accession to CFT, seeks closer engagement with FATF

FATF

Speaking on the sidelines of a conference on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, Hadi Khani noted that Iran is already a member of the Palermo Convention and hopes for “more serious discussions” with representatives of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the near future.

He stressed that Iran has long been unfairly placed on FATF’s high-risk list, which has led to economic restrictions. “Remaining on the blacklist and potential activation of mechanisms such as the snapback clause would increase costs for managing sanctions,” he warned.

Khani emphasized that many countries have joined these conventions with specific reservations to protect national interests, adding that Iran’s review process in the Expediency Council is technical and independent of political or media pressures.

Iran has already incorporated parts of FATF recommendations into domestic law, and officials hope to finalize decisions after ongoing expert reviews, he explained.

IRGC colonel killed during mission in Iran’s southeast

Crime Scene

In a statement released on Sunday, the public relations office of the IRGC’s Tharallah unit in Kerman province confirmed that Colonel Mohammadi was martyred while performing his duties in the volatile border area of Sistan-Baluchestan.

Details of the incident have not yet been released, and no group has claimed responsibility for possible hostilities in the area.

Sistan-Baluchestan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long been a hotspot for cross-border smuggling, armed clashes, and militant activity. Security forces and civilians in the region frequently face confrontations with armed groups, including separatists and drug traffickers.