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Informed sources: Iran extracts huge volume of strategic documents from Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu

IRIB cited informed sources in the region as saying that the operation led to the transfer of “an extensive trove of strategic and sensitive information” out of the occupied territories.

These sources did not elaborate on the means or timeline of the operation but emphasized that it involved documents of critical importance.

The report noted that Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, and the national police announced the arrest of two Israeli nationals 17 days ago on suspicion of involvement in security-related offenses linked to Iran.

The two individuals, identified as Roy Mizrahi and Almog Atias, both 24 years old and residents of the northern Israeli city of Nesher, were reportedly detained after the extraction of the documents.

It also said the covert operation had been conducted some time ago, but the Iranian authorities withheld public disclosure due to the sheer volume of the material and the logistical and security challenges of safely transporting it to secure locations within Iran.

“The abundance of documents was such that even the preliminary review, including examination of images and videos, has required a significant amount of time”, IRIB further quoted the unnamed sources as saying.

Israeli authorities have yet to comment on the report.

Iran president reaffirms peaceful nature of nuclear program, expresses readiness for inspections

Speaking during a meeting on Saturday morning with Murat Nurtleu, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, in Tehran, President Pezeshkian stressed that the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran are entirely transparent, a fact repeatedly confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He stated that Iran has repeatedly declared—and demonstrated in practice—that it has never sought to produce nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized: “We do not accept others making decisions about the future and destiny of our nation. The Islamic Republic has always been ready to listen to logical arguments, but will never accept coercion and intimidation.”

President Pezeshkian added: “Any deprivation of nations from knowledge, technology, and scientific advancements in various fields, including healthcare and agriculture, is unacceptable.”

In another part of his remarks, President Pezeshkian highlighted the cultural and historical commonalities and shared perspectives between Iran and Kazakhstan, stating: “We are prepared to expand relations with Kazakhstan in all fields. The future of bilateral relations depends on our shared determination to build a bright future based on peace, security, and prosperity for the region and the world.”

During the meeting, Murat Nurtleu, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, expressed his country’s serious commitment to strengthening ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran in political, economic, and regional dimensions.

He also affirmed Iran’s legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Iran denounces US entry ban on citizens as “racist act”

Iranian Foreign Ministry

Alireza Hashemi Raja, Director General of the Bureau for Iranian Expatriates at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, stated that this measure clearly demonstrates the dominance of a supremacist and racist mentality among US policymakers.

He said the US government’s decision—solely based on foreign citizens’ religions and nationalities—reflects the deep hostility of American decision-makers toward the Iranian people and Muslims, violating fundamental principles of international law, including the prohibition of discrimination and basic human rights.

The Iranian official added that denying hundreds of millions of people the right to travel to another country constitutes racial discrimination and systematic racism within the US ruling establishment, which is a breach of international human rights norms.

Hashemi Raja called on the United Nations and human rights organizations to oppose such unilateral and rights-violating policies by the United States.

Report: Iran football club Esteghlal appoints Brazilian coach Fabio Carille as head coach

According to the Iranian media on Saturday, the 51-year-old tactician is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days.

Carille emerged as Esteghlal’s top choice after the club considered both him and Dutch coach Henk Fraser for the role. Talks progressed swiftly, and Carille has now agreed to terms with the Tehran-based side.

Carille brings a wealth of experience from Brazil’s top leagues and the Saudi Pro League. Most recently, he managed Vasco da Gama, recording 9 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses in 21 matches. He has previously led Brazilian clubs Santos and Corinthians, as well as Saudi sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Wehda.

His most notable achievement came in 2017, when he guided Corinthians to the Brazilian Série A title. Under his leadership, the club also secured three consecutive São Paulo state championships from 2017 to 2019.

Tehran struggles under the weight of internal migration, new report finds

Afghan Refugee

The capital continues to absorb the highest number of internal migrants in Iran, driven by the promise of jobs, services, and prosperity. Yet, this influx is rapidly eroding the city’s capacity to cope.

Soaring living costs, housing shortages, and deepening inequalities have made life increasingly unsustainable for both newcomers and long-term resident, the report says.

“From 1976 to 1986, over 39% of Iran’s inter-provincial migrants settled in Tehran, a trend that persists today,” according to the report.

Migrants, including youth, educated women, and even the elderly, see Tehran as a land of opportunity. But in reality, many are pushed into unstable jobs and informal housing, exacerbating urban poverty and straining infrastructure.

The report underscores that migration is not merely a result of unemployment but stems from chronic inequality, lack of investment in poorer regions, and idealized images of “Tehran success.”

Researchers call for balanced national investment, support for traditional jobs, housing reforms, and development of smaller cities, warning that without decisive action, Tehran risks becoming an exhausted megacity unable to sustain its own weight.

Internal EU report shows Israel committing war crimes in Gaza

Gaza War

The internal assessment cites findings from the UN, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. It concludes that Israel “violated the fundamental principles of the law of war” by repeatedly bombing civilian areas, blocking humanitarian aid and allegedly using starvation — a method explicitly banned under international law, according to the broadcaster.

While the report references violations by all parties to the conflict, it centers on Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The document says more than 500 attacks have targeted medical facilities and personnel, with only 16 of 36 hospitals remaining partially operational by late 2024.

Despite the findings, no sanctions have been imposed. Under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which grants Israel preferential access to the European market, both sides commit to upholding human rights. The €15 billion annual deal remains in effect.

EU foreign ministers are due to meet on June 23 to decide whether to suspend parts of the agreement. According to the VRT, sources say a compromise is under discussion that would allow Israel to expand humanitarian access to Gaza in exchange for avoiding punitive action.

The report has deepened rifts among member states. Ireland, Spain and Belgium reportedly support invoking Article 2 of the agreement to trigger a formal rights review. Germany and Italy are said to oppose the move, while Hungary has indicated it would block a full suspension.

The report concludes with a stark warning: “Without immediate action, Gaza risks becoming the largest man-made disaster of this century,” according to the broadcaster

Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza since October 2023, despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire. Nearly 54,700 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of them women and children, according to local health authorities. Aid agencies warn of a looming famine among the enclave’s more than 2 million residents.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its conduct in the enclave.

Iran FM warns UK, Germany and France Over anti-Tehran measures at IAEA

On Friday, ahead of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting and amid efforts by Germany, France, and the UK to push for a resolution against Iran, Araqchi warned the three European parties to the nuclear deal (JCPOA).

He stated: “After years of good cooperation between Iran and the IAEA—which had led to the issuance of a resolution that closed politically motivated allegations about the so-called ‘Possible Military Dimensions’ (PMD) of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program—my country is once again being accused of ‘non-compliance.’”

The Iranian Foreign Minister pointed to the actions of these three European countries, which not only failed to fulfill their commitment to compensate for the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, but also took the lead in drafting resolutions against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors.

Referring to the similar behavior of the UK, France, and Germany in 2005, Araqchi said: “The result of those actions, in many ways, was the true birth of uranium enrichment in Iran. Have the three European countries really learned nothing over the past two decades?”

Araqchi also wrote on X social media platform that baseless accusations against Iran of safeguards violations—based on flimsy and politicized reports—are clearly aimed at provoking a crisis.

Millions in Iran mark Eid al-Adha with prayers, reflection amid global Muslim observance

Millions in Iran mark Eid al-Adha with prayers, reflection amid global Muslim observance

The festival, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Abraham, who was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command before being divinely granted a ram to sacrifice instead.

In Iran, the day began with large congregational prayers held in major cities and towns.

In the capital Tehran, thousands gathered for the prayers. The atmosphere was solemn yet hopeful, as worshippers not only marked the religious occasion but also prayed for peace and relief for Muslims suffering across the world, including Gaza.

In the holy city of Mashhad, throngs of worshippers gathered at the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, to perform the special Eid prayers in a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and coincides with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Iranian President urges solidarity among Muslims on occasion of Eid al-Adha

In a message released on Thursday, the President described Eid al-Adha as the highest expression of devotion, symbolizing sacrifice and surrender to God.

He called it a day of honor for Prophet Abraham (PBUH), who successfully endured a profound divine trial.

President Pezeshkian expressed his hope that the blessings of this sacred occasion would foster greater unity and solidarity among Muslims, thereby strengthening the dignity of the Islamic Ummah.

He further emphasized that, inspired by the timeless teachings of Islam and the revered Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Muslim community will continue to move forward on the path of progress and development across all domains.

President Pezeshkian: Iran determined to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia

In a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s firm resolve to bolster bilateral relations and expand cooperation across all sectors to serve the shared interests of the Islamic world.

He emphasized the importance of fostering peace, security, and prosperity for Muslim nations.

Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Pezeshkian highlighted the need to further cultivate fraternal bonds between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

He described the Hajj pilgrimage as a powerful symbol of Muslim unity and a convergence of the Islamic Ummah around the values of Islam, the Holy Quran, and the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.).

President Pezeshkian also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality toward Iranian pilgrims and sent warm greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

In reply, Crown Prince bin Salman returned the Eid greetings and voiced hope that this significant Islamic occasion would usher in blessings, advancement, and well-being for the Muslim world, particularly for both Iran and Saudi Arabia.

He praised the recent progress in bilateral relations as important and constructive, noting that such developments not only benefit Tehran and Riyadh but also serve the broader interests of the Islamic world.

The crown prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s willingness to strengthen engagement and broaden cooperation with Iran.