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Iranian navy successfully tests cruise missiles in Eghtedar 1404 drill

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Navy Forces

According to the Army’s Public Relations Office, naval missile units and surface vessels carried out coordinated strikes using the Nasir, Qadir, and Qader cruise missiles, engaging and destroying surface targets in simultaneous launches from both coastal batteries and naval platforms.

As part of the exercise, the missile boat Genaveh and the destroyer Sabalan executed precision strikes with Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles, while the coastal Velayat-2 system deployed the medium-range Qader anti-ship missile.

Military officials described the Qader as a medium-range, radar-evading cruise missile with high destructive power and advanced targeting accuracy, designed to engage both naval vessels and coastal installations.

The Qadir and Nasir missiles, with long- and short-range capabilities respectively, are also radar-evading systems optimized for precision strikes against maritime targets.

The Army emphasized that the exercise, which comes two months after the Israeli strikes, demonstrates Iran’s growing indigenous missile technology and its ability to conduct complex, synchronized operations under real combat conditions.

Iran denies security incident at Tabriz Air Base

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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In a statement issued Wednesday, the Army’s Public Relations Office said the large plume of smoke seen earlier in the day resulted from a fire at a municipal workshop near Azarbaijan Square, where piles of rubber and plastic materials had ignited.

The fire caused widespread concern among residents, prompting speculation about a possible security event at the nearby air base, with Israeli strikes on the country in June in hindsight .

Authorities stressed that the situation was quickly brought under control and that the incident posed no threat to public safety or military operations.

The statement added that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze and that any evidence of sabotage or deliberate arson will be handled with “firm legal measures.”

The Army also reassured the public that its forces remain on full alert, emphasizing their readiness to deliver a “decisive response” to any potential threat or hostile action.

US sanctions more ICC judges over cases against Israel

By
IFP Media Wire
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The International Criminal Court (ICC)

“The Court is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, using a term popular with President Donald Trump’s supporters.

Rubio said that the four people targeted from the tribunal based in The Hague had sought to investigate or prosecute nationals from the United States or Israel “without the consent of either nation.”

The four include Judge Nicolas Guillou of France, who is presiding over a case in which an arrest warrant was issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The case was brought forward by the State of Palestine, which is not recognized by Washington but, unlike Israel or the United States, has acceded to the statute that set up the tribunal in The Hague.

Guillou, a veteran jurist, had worked for several years in the United States assisting the Justice Department with judicial cooperation during Barack Obama’s presidency.

Also targeted in the latest US sanctions was a Canadian judge, Kimberly Prost, who was involved in a case that authorized an investigation into alleged crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan, including by US forces.

Under the sanctions, the United States will bar entry of the ICC judges to the United States and block any property they have in the world’s largest economy — measures more often taken against US adversaries than individuals from close allies.

Rubio also slapped sanctions on two deputy prosecutors — Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal.

The State Department said the two were punished by the United States for supporting “illegitimate ICC actions against Israel,” including by supporting the arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.

The Trump administration has roundly rejected the authority of the court, which is backed by almost all European democracies and was set up as a court of last resort when national systems do not allow for justice.

Trump on Friday welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska even though Putin faces an ICC arrest warrant, a factor that has stopped him from traveling more widely since he ordered the invasion of Ukraine.

Rubio slapped sanctions on four other ICC judges in June.

The International Criminal Court on Wednesday denounced new US sanctions against two more of its judges and two prosecutors, calling them a “flagrant attack” on its independence.

“These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution,” the court said in a statement.

The ICC noted it stood “firmly behind its personnel and victims of unimaginable atrocities”.

It added it would “continue fulfilling its mandates, undeterred” and “without regard to any restriction, pressure or threat”.

Iran launches major missile drill Eghtedar 1404

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iranian Navy

The two-day exercise aims to enhance combat readiness, test advanced weaponry, and demonstrate Iran’s defensive and deterrent capabilities.

According to senior commanders, the exercise features simultaneous launches of long-range cruise missiles from both naval vessels and coastal batteries, as well as the operational deployment of the domestically developed Bavar-5 drone.

The unmanned system, introduced two years ago in Tehran and showcased at Russia’s Army-2024 exhibition, is designed for precision strikes.

Various naval units, including surface and subsurface vessels, electronic warfare divisions, and special diving teams, are also taking part in coordinated operations.

Among the missiles to be tested is the Qader, known for its low-altitude sea-skimming capabilities and versatility for ship- or air-based launches, enhancing radar evasion.

Military analysts say the drill underscores Iran’s progress in indigenous missile and drone technologies, achieved despite years of international sanctions.

The drill comes two months after Israel launched an invasion against Iran, which faced retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iranian forces.

China reiterates opposition to Snapback trigger against Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Water facility at Arak

The move would automatically reimpose sanctions against Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

In an explanatory note circulated at the UN Security Council, China stressed that the current difficulties in implementing the 2015 Iran nuclear, JCPOA, and Resolution 2231 stem not from Iran’s actions, but from the disruption caused by the US and three European countries.

Beijing added that this cannot serve as justification for reinstating previously lifted sanctions.

China warned that attempts to invoke the snapback mechanism could lead to unpredictable and catastrophic consequences, undermining years of diplomatic achievements.

The note underlined that the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 are inseparably linked, and any unilateral effort to trigger snapback outside of the legal framework would constitute an abuse of Security Council powers and would carry no legitimacy.

The Chinese mission further defended Iran’s right as a member of the NPT to peacefully use nuclear energy.

“Retreat of Caspian Sea could lead to desertification of coastal areas”

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Caspian Sea

Mojtahedi said water levels along the Caspian coast of Iran have dropped to around 300 meters, warning that a further decline to 500–600 meters could transform coastal areas into arid zones dominated by sand and salt.

Mojtahedi underlined that while the Caspian has historically experienced fluctuations, rising in the 1970s and falling in the 1950s, the current retreat, combined with global warming, poses unprecedented challenges.

He further explained that unlike open seas, where melting polar ice raises water levels, closed basins like the Caspian Sea are more vulnerable to evaporation-induced declines.

The drop in water levels also threatens critical wetlands, including Anzali and Miankaleh, and contributes to wind erosion along the Iranian coast.

He urged the planting of native salt-tolerant species to stabilize soils and called for continuous monitoring of the Caspian Sea’s water levels by scientific institutions.

Reduced snowfall and rainfall in the basin, partly due to warming winters, are further stressing river inflows, intensifying the risk of desertification along the southern coast. A study conducted by the Caspian Sea Studies and Research Center also shows the declining trend in Caspian Sea water levels began in 1996.

Factors such as water management practices, high evaporation rates, and climate change are potential contributors to decreased water flow into the Caspian Sea.

Iran’s Navy to launch large-scale missile drill in Indian Ocean

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Navy

Rear Admiral Abbas Hassani, spokesperson for the drill, said the operational phase of the exercise will start with the code phrase “Oh Muhammad, Messenger of God” and last two days. It will take place across the northern Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman.

According to the announcement, surface and subsurface vessels, naval aviation units, coastal and sea-based missile sites, and electronic warfare divisions will participate. The exercise will also feature drone operations and missile launches in line with updated procedures and lessons learned from past maneuvers.

Hassani confirmed that a wide range of precision-guided cruise missiles with short, medium, and long ranges will be tested to strike and destroy surface targets.

He added that the exercise aims to strengthen combat readiness, enhance planning and command capabilities, and demonstrate deterrence. “This drill also seeks to inspire confidence among the Iranian people while relying entirely on domestic expertise,” the spokesman said.

The Navy has staged regular war games in recent years, highlighting its emphasis on expanding missile and drone capabilities.

Iran minister: Oil exports planned according to market conditions

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Oil Tanker

“We do not have a single barrel of oil that we cannot sell,” Paknejad said, stressing that all exports are planned according to market conditions.

He also highlighted the inauguration of a $1.6 billion gas recovery project in western province of Ilam, expected to generate $700 million annually by capturing 240 million cubic feet of flare gas.

Paknejad also said the recent decision to allow imports of super gasoline will not affect existing fuel quotas or prices for ordinary consumers.

Speaking on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Paknejad clarified that fuel subsidies remain unchanged.

He explained that the private sector, not the government, has been authorized to import super gasoline, referred to as “special gasoline” in cabinet documents, and offer it as a premium service to consumers willing to pay higher costs.

Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami undergoes heart procedure

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Seyed Mohammad Khatami

Mohammad Reza Khatami, himself a prominent reformist figure, said the 80-year-old former president experienced persistent chest pain along with other symptoms indicating a heart condition.

“Following medical examinations, it was confirmed that Mr. Khatami had a cardiac complication caused by a blocked artery. Angioplasty was performed, and thankfully the outcome was very positive,” he told local media.

His brother added that the former president is now under close medical supervision and is continuing treatment.

Khatami, who served as Iran’s president from 1997 to 2005, is widely regarded as the leading figure of the country’s reformist movement.

He remains a symbolic presence in Iranian politics despite facing restrictions on public activity and media coverage in recent years.

US may provide air support for Ukraine under peace accord: Trump

By
IFP Media Wire
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Russia Ukraine War

“When it comes to security, (European allies) are willing to put people on the ground. We’re willing to help them with things, especially, probably, by air,” Trump said, stressing that no U.S. troops would be deployed on Ukrainian soil.

Kyiv has long insisted on binding security guarantees from its allies to prevent Moscow from invading again after a ceasefire. Trump initially dismissed such guarantees as Europe’s responsibility, but has recently shifted his position.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that U.S. air support remains “an option and a possibility.” She did not specify what form it could take, though air support could involve missile defense systems or a no-fly zone.

Bloomberg has reported that a package of security guarantees for Ukraine could be finalized this week, with European leaders moving quickly after Trump signaled support.

European officials have discussed sending British and French troops to Ukraine, along with contingents from roughly 10 other countries, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.

During talks in Washington NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the issue of deploying U.S. or European troops had not been raised. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived in Washington with European leaders, has pressed for firm guarantees as part of any deal.

French President Emmanuel Macron has noted that security guarantees would not include NATO membership but would instead rely on a strong Ukrainian military supported by a “coalition of the willing,” which includes over 30 countries such as Canada and Japan.

Some allies are prepared to send ground troops, while others will provide air and naval support.

European officials have told the Kyiv Independent that a series of meetings among the participant countries of the “coalition of the willing” could take place in the coming days to hash out the details.

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