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Zelensky pledges to retake Crimea despite Trump’s peace push

By
IFP Media Wire
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In a speech marking Ukraine’s Independence Day on Sunday, Zelensky vowed to retake the peninsula, which is predominantly populated by ethnic Russians and overwhelmingly voted to join Russia after the 2014 Western-backed coup in Kiev. He also pledged to reclaim the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, which, along with Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, joined Russia in 2022 after referendums.

“Here at the zero kilometer, this is a starting point where distances to Ukrainian cities are marked – to our Donetsk, our Lugansk, our Crimea,” Zelensky said in an address filmed at Kiev’s Maidan Square, the site of the Western-backed 2014 coup.

“All of this is Ukraine… and no temporary occupation can change that. One day… we will be together again as one country. It’s only a matter of time,” he added.

While mediating peace efforts between Moscow and Kiev, US President Donald Trump has floated the idea of “land swaps,” but firmly stated that Kiev will not regain Crimea, calling that scenario “impossible.”

Land issues were reportedly on the agenda at talks between Trump, Zelensky, and Kiev’s EU backers earlier this week, but Zelensky reportedly rejected proposals to cede territory. He confirmed this in his speech on Sunday, declaring: “Ukraine will never again in history be forced to bear the shame that the Russians call ‘a compromise’.”

Trump has called for a one-on-one meeting between Putin and Zelensky, stating it could accelerate the peace process, but warned that the Ukrainian leader must “show flexibility,” including on territorial claims. He congratulated Ukraine on its national holiday in a post on X, while again urging Kiev to negotiate a settlement with Moscow to “stop the senseless killing.”

Putin has not ruled out meeting with Zelensky, despite questioning the Ukrainian leader’s legitimacy due to the expiration of his term, but insists that this can only happen after tangible progress in negotiations.

On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressed that Putin could meet Zelensky “when the agenda is ready for a summit,” but added that “as things stand, no meeting is planned.” Moscow has consistently maintained it will only accept a peace deal that includes Ukrainian neutrality, demilitarization, and recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye as Russian.

Russia claims west trying to ‘block’ Ukraine peace negotiations

By
IFP Media Wire
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Trump and Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump has been championing a bilateral meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents — but both sides have blamed each other for not wanting the talks to come through.

“They’re just looking for a pretext to block negotiations,” Lavrov said in an interview with state TV station Rossiya aired Sunday on Telegram.

He slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for “obstinately insisting, setting conditions, demanding an immediate meeting at all costs” with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Lavrov also accused Ukrainian authorities of “attempts to disrupt the process that was laid down by Presidents Putin and Trump, which has yielded very good results.”

“We hope that these attempts will be thwarted,” he added.

On Friday, Lavrov stated “no meeting” between Zelensky and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was planned.

Earlier this week, Zelensky for his part said Russia was “trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting.”

Zelensky has signaled willingness to meet with Putin, but only after his allies agree on security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian attacks once the fighting stops.

Moscow announced that there could be no discussion about such guarantees without it, and said any presence of European troops in Ukraine would be “absolutely unacceptable.”

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

By
IFP Media Wire
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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

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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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

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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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

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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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

By
IFP Media Wire
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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

By
IFP Media Wire
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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

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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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

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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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.

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