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IRGC says unity of government, nation and armed forces key to strong Iran

IRGC

The IRGC, in a statement on Sunday, marked the Government Week, the week leading up to the 1981 martyrdom anniversary of Iran’s then president Mohammad-Ali Rajaei and Prime Minister Mohammad-Javad Bahonar by the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist cult.

It said the Government Week is not only a symbol of loyalty to the ideals of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but also a lasting manifestation of the deep bond between serving the people while remaining committed to divine values, and defending national independence.

“Today, as the region and the world face complex developments and multilayered, hybrid confrontations among influential actors, the Islamic Iran—relying on the faith, insight, and resilience of its people, and the wise guidance of Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei]—follows the path of progress and dignity with strength and determination,” it added.

The IRGC also appreciated the efforts of the administration of President Masoud Pezeshkian aimed at addressing the country’s needs in various sectors, along with the government’s effective support for the Armed Forces, especially during the sacred defense against the illegal Israeli-US aggression.

The elite military force further noted that it is actively assisting the government and contributing to Iran’s development as a fundamental principle.

“The powerful Islamic Revolution Guards Corps believes that a deep bond between the government, the nation, and the Armed Forces guarantees the realization of a strong and advanced Iran,” it pointed out.

“In pursuit of this aspiration, we stand by the government and the nation using all our capacities and capabilities.”

The IRGC also said it has prioritized the preservation and enhancement of its defensive and security capabilities, vowing to keep playing an active role in Iran’s sustainable development regardless of psychological warfare and media provocations by ill-wishers.

Renowned Iranian actor, Mehrdad Falahatgar, passes away

Over the course of his career, he appeared in numerous films that became landmarks of Iranian cinema.

Among his most notable works are “Under the Skin of the City,” “Crime,” “Doubt,” “The Ritual of Love-Slaying,” “The Glass Agency,” “Passion of Love,” and “Cinderella.” His roles in these productions not only showcased his acting talent but also placed his name alongside some of the most prominent figures in Iranian cinema.

Falahatgar’s portrayal of Sinuhe in the popular television series Prophet Joseph remains one of his most memorable performances, securing his legacy in Iranian cultural memory.

Govt. spokeswoman: War, negotiation both strategic tools in Iran’s foreign policy

Her comments came as the Foreign Minister also reiterated the importance of continuing dialogue with international counterparts.

Mohajerani thanked the people for their patience during the difficult past year and explained that the cabinet was effectively formed in wartime, immediately facing severe economic imbalances.

She noted that the government chose transparency with the public rather than concealment.

Referring to the administration’s priorities, she underlined that education justice is central, with nearly fifty meetings between the President and education officials focused on improving public schools. On the pursuit of social calm, she emphasized honesty with citizens even on difficult issues such as power cuts.

Responding to people’s concerns, Mohajerani said the government prioritized not cutting electricity to industries to preserve jobs, while promoting solar energy and repairs to power plants.

On livelihoods, she pointed to food coupons as a relief measure. Addressing internet filtering, she admitted costs had risen due to restrictions, noting the government is working to lift them, though some platforms remain blocked.

Iran’s Leader rejects US pressure, calls for unity amid regional tensions

Speaking during a ceremony marking the martyrdom anniversary of the eighth Shia Imam, Ali ibn Mussa al-Reza, Ayatollah Khamenei criticized those advocating direct talks with Washington, calling them “short-sighted,” and said Iran’s firm stance has foiled hostile plans.

“Forty-five years of US hostility, sanctions, threats, and pressure, all stem from one reason: they want Iran to take orders from them,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

He condemned a meeting held in a European capital a day after the recent Israeli attack on Iran, where “opponents of the Islamic Republic discussed finding a replacement government for Iran.”

Calling the gathering “foolish,” the Leader said, “the Iranian nation, standing with its armed forces, the government, and the system, dealt a strong blow to these plots.”

Ayatollah Khamenei urged unity among the public, government, and armed forces, describing it as a “steel shield” against external pressures.

“The enemies, after failing in their military confrontation, are now trying to create internal divisions,” he warned.

The Leader called for strong public support for the administration, particularly for “the hardworking and active president,” emphasizing that unity is essential to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and national interests.

Highlighting Iran’s resilience, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated that “insults and threats will only strengthen the nation’s determination” and vowed that Iran will continue to stand firm against foreign pressures while maintaining its independence.

Armenians hold rally against Russian military base

Armenia, a landlocked ex-Soviet country in the Caucasus, has long relied on Russia to bolster its security in its standoff with neighbouring Azerbaijan.

But ties between the traditional allies have been strained since Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh, in which Moscow did not intervene to back Armenia.

“We demand the withdrawal of the Russian base from the territory of Armenia. The presence of this base does not ensure security, but creates an internal threat,” said Arman Babajanyan, one of the organisers.

Some protesters held placards with slogans including: “Armenia without Russian boots” and “End the Russian occupation”.

“Russia must leave Armenia,” said protester Anahit Tadevosyan who said the Russians were “destroying Ukraine”.

“They have betrayed us, they must leave,” the 74-year-old added.

A heavy police presence outside the base — home to around 3,000 troops — prevented clashes between the anti-Russia rally and a rival protest of a few dozen people in support of the base.

The Gyumri base “ensures the independence and security of Armenia,” Manuk Sukiasyan, a member of the Mother Armenia movement said at the counter-protest.

The Russian 102nd Military Base has been in the northern Armenian city since 1995.

Last year, Russia agreed to remove some troops and border guards from Armenia, but left its forces on Armenia’s borders with Turkey and Iran.

The two countries are military allies through the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a mutual defence pact, though Yerevan said it had de facto suspended participation amid bilateral tensions.

Armenia also joined the International Criminal Court (ICC) last year, a move that obliges it to arrest Russia’s President Vladimir Putin should he set foot on Armenian territory. Putin faces an ICC warrant on war crimes charges.

US approves sale of cruise missiles to Ukraine: Wall Street Journal

Russia Ukraine War

The munitions, which have a range of up to 280 miles, will arrive in Ukraine within six weeks. Several US officials told the WSJ that Ukraine would have to seek the Pentagon’s approval when using them.

While US President Donald Trump had criticized the previous administration for its unconditional aid to Kiev, he said earlier this week that Ukraine has “no chance of winning” unless it is capable of striking targets in Russia. Ukrainian troops have been steadily losing ground to Russian forces over the course of 2025 and struggled to replenish their ranks.

After months of uncertainty over America’s commitments, Trump said in July that any additional weapons delivered to Ukraine would be paid by NATO members in Europe.

Ukraine’s key European backers, including France and Germany, are increasingly pushing further weapons deliveries as part of the security guarantees provided to Ukraine after the end of the conflict. Russia, however, maintains that Western military aid is an obstacle to reaching a peace deal.

Iran FM urges Islamic nations to unite against “Greater Israel” threat

Abbas Araghchi

In an op-ed published by Asharq Al-Awsat ahead of an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Araghchi condemned “organized genocide and ethnic cleansing” by Israel in Gaza, with Western support enabling “unprecedented crimes.”

“The Zionist regime has turned Gaza into scorched earth, using starvation as a weapon and turning food distribution points into death traps for innocent civilians,” Araghchi wrote.

He said Israel’s actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen reflect an aggressive strategy aimed at regional domination under the notion of the so-called “Greater Israel.”

He urged the upcoming OIC summit to move beyond symbolic statements and adopt “decisive, coordinated measures,” including diplomatic pressure, international legal action, and economic and military sanctions against Israel.

Araghchi also called for the immediate creation of a UN- and OIC-supervised humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to besieged Gazans, adding that unity among Islamic nations is critical to safeguarding regional security and advancing the cause of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital.

Iranian wrestling legend Emam-Ali Habibi passes away at 94

Born on May 26, 1931, in a village near Babol, Habibi, widely known as the “Tiger of Mazandaran,” began his wrestling journey with the traditional local style “Locho” before entering professional freestyle wrestling in the early 1950s.

Habibi made history at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics by winning gold in the 67 kg category, becoming the first Iranian wrestler to achieve the feat.

He later secured three world championship titles in 1959, 1961, and 1962, along with a gold medal at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo.

Renowned for his speed and mastery of techniques such as “one arm-one leg” and “head-and-arm,” Habibi was considered the fastest wrestler of his era.

His remarkable skills earned him a place in the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012, and since 2010, an international tournament in northern Iranian province of Mazandaran, his hometown, has been held in his honor.

After retiring from competition, Habibi briefly coached new wresters.

Erdogan’s wife urges Melania Trump to speak up for Gaza’s children

Gaza War

Emine Erdogan asked Donald Trump’s spouse to write to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show mercy to Gaza’s children.

In a letter presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Alaska Summit earlier this month, she appealed to him to make peace in Ukraine for the sake of the children.

Turkey’s First Lady wrote: “I have faith that the important sensitivity you have shown for the 648 Ukrainian children who have lost their lives in the war will be extended to Gaza as well, where, in the span of two years, 62,000 innocent civilians, including 18,000 children, have been brutally killed.”

“As a mother, as a woman, and as a human being, I deeply share the sentiments expressed in your letter, and I hope that you will give the same hope to the children of Gaza, who also yearn for peace and tranquillity,” Emine wrote to Melania.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has tried to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine during the war, which is in its fourth year.

On Tuesday, he accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon in Gaza, stating the images coming from the Palestinian enclave were worse than “Nazi camps”.

The United Nations on Friday officially declared a famine in Gaza, which Netanyahu dismissed as a “blatant lie”.

Iran observes martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza with massive pilgrimage

The northeastern city of Mashhad, home to the revered Imam’s shrine, has become the focal point of mourning and devotion.

According to official reports, millions of pilgrims, including visitors from abroad, arrived in Mashhad by the eve of the martyrdom anniversary, on Saturday evening.

Among them, thousands made the journey on foot, a powerful gesture of reverence and spiritual commitment, as confirmed by the governor of Khorasan Razavi province.

Similar mourning rituals and gatherings are taking place in cities across the country, including Qom, where Imam Reza’s sister, Hazrat Masoumeh, is buried.

The nationwide observance reflects the deep emotional and religious significance of the occasion.

Imam Reza was martyred in 818 AD, poisoned by the Abbasid ruler Caliph Ma’mun. His martyrdom anniversary, which falls on August 24 this year, is recognized as a national holiday in Iran, drawing millions into collective remembrance.