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Iran spox slams “US hypocrisy” over UN rapporteur sanctions, Israeli crimes in Palestine

By
Fatemeh Askarieh
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Esmael baghaei

Esmail Baqaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, posted a message on X social media in support of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Palestine, titled “The truth cannot be silenced through sanctions”.

Baqaei said Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, is being sanctioned and bullied simply for speaking the truth and standing up against genocide, occupation, and apartheid.

He added, at the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — a war criminal wanted by the International Criminal Court — is being welcomed in Washington.

Baqaei pointed out, this is a blatant and complete display of hypocrisy. And the world is watching.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, said on Wednesday that Washington is sanctioning Francesca Albanese “for her illegitimate and disgraceful efforts to pressure the International Criminal Court into taking action against American and Israeli officials, companies, and executives.”

This week, the UN Special Rapporteur criticized countries that allowed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fly over their airspace en route to the United States, saying that such countries may have violated their obligations under international law.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories also warned:“The genocide in Gaza will not stop — because it is profitable.”

Iran parl’t speaker: Over 500 Israelis killed in recent war with Iran 

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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His remarks came in a televised interview aired on Thursday night.

Ghalibaf discussed the strategic dimensions and background of the imposed war launched by the Israeli regime against Iran on June 13.

He highlighted the role of Iran’s Leader in unifying the nation and forming a “90-million-strong core” of national resistance.

Ghalibaf stated that Iran had achieved 90% success in its missile strikes during the second half of the conflict and maintained aerial and ground control over Israeli-occupied territories.

He cited figures from Israel’s own security studies center, noting 3,520 wounded and estimating the death toll to exceed 500.

He also emphasized that Iran’s military strategies were continuously updated during the war, using the conflict as a real-world testing ground for its missile capabilities.

In addition to destroying Israeli military sites, Iran disabled several of Israel’s air defense systems, Ghalibaf asserted.

Iran’s Foreign Minister: No plans to exit NPT 

By
Fatemeh Askarieh
-

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Araqchi stated, “Even under the difficult conditions of sanctions, the assassination of our scientists, and acts of sabotage, we have demonstrated our commitment to the NPT. Moreover, we believe that compliance with the treaty’s provisions should not be one-sided.”

Araqchi said, “Our uranium enrichment is carried out based on our rights under the NPT, and we have always maintained that we have no military objectives. Even now, after being attacked, we have not deviated from our official policy of refraining from pursuing nuclear weapons.”

Regarding France’s threat to reimpose sanctions on Iran through the snapback mechanism, he said, “Threatening sanctions does not help diplomacy. If Europe truly wants to play a central role, it must demonstrate independence and neutrality.”

On Iran’s missile program, Araqchi reiterated, “We have repeatedly emphasized that our missile program is purely defensive and deterrent in nature. Given that Iran is constantly threatened by Israel and the United States — and is now under attack — it is unreasonable to expect us to abandon our defensive capabilities.”

In response to a question about a proposal to form a consortium between Iran and certain regional countries to establish a joint civilian nuclear energy program, he said: “Iran has always welcomed ideas based on international and regional cooperation and transparency, although success in this area has been limited.”

Regarding the resumption of talks between Iran and the US, Araqchi said: “Iran has consistently shown that it is fundamentally ready for dialogue based on mutual respect. But our counterpart (the US) violated a multilateral international agreement. During the negotiations, it violated our airspace and attacked our facilities.”

He said it is essential that responsibility for these mistakes be acknowledged, and a clear sign of a change in behavior be demonstrated. It must be guaranteed that in future negotiations, the United States will not engage in military attacks.

IRGC busts Zionist-affiliated terror safehouse

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
IRGC

In a statement released by the Quds Regional Headquarters of the IRGC Ground Forces, the operation follows the recent takedown of six armed and foreign-trained terrorists in the city of Chabahar. Subsequent investigations led security forces to the safehouse, where a massive cache of weapons and explosives was found.

Among the items seized were 13 ready-to-detonate bombs, 11 electric detonators, 9 remote circuits, 3 explosive traps, 8 radios, 47 kilograms of high explosives hidden in objects, 38 meters of detonation cord, 800 rounds of ammunition for M16 rifles and machine guns, and 2 vehicles.

According to the IRGC, the terrorist group—affiliated with the Zionist regime—had plotted to attack vital economic infrastructure and crowded civilian areas in an attempt to sow chaos and advance Tel Aviv’s broader regional agenda.

The statement praised local residents for their vigilance and reaffirmed that the people of Sistan and Baluchestan stand firm with the Islamic Republic against all foreign-backed subversion.

259 dengue fever cases detected in Iran; Aedes mosquito found in 8 provinces

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Fever

According to the national communicable disease surveillance system, 255 cases were recorded in Chabahar, including 249 local transmissions and six cases linked to travel from Pakistan.

Additional cases were reported in Zahedan and Iranshahr, in Sistan and Baluchestan pdovince, involving individuals who had recently traveled to Chabahar.

In 2024, over 1,100 dengue cases were recorded nationwide, of which 922 were locally transmitted.

The dengue virus is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Authorities have detected these mosquitoes in eight provinces, including Hormozgan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Bushehr, Fars, Gilan, Mazandaran, Ardabil, and East Azarbaijan.

Health officials emphasize preventive measures such as using mosquito nets and eliminating stagnant water in plant trays, air cooler pans, and other containers where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, nausea, rash, joint pain, and in severe cases, abdominal pain and internal fluid accumulation.

Iranian envoy: Afghan repatriation plan is long-term, not abrupt

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Speaking to TOLOnews, Alireza Bikdeli emphasized that over six million Afghans currently reside in Iran, with only a small fraction, estimated at 300,000, having recently returned through border crossings such as Eslam Qala and Milak.

He stated that the return process, officially called the “Afghan Nationals Organization Plan,” began in 2022 and aims to document and regulate migrants, distinguishing between legal and illegal residents.

Bikdeli stressed that the plan gave undocumented Afghans until July 5, 2025, to return voluntarily. Those who left by the deadline can re-enter legally with valid documents; otherwise, they face a five-year entry ban.

The Iranian diplomat also acknowledged the humanitarian concerns raised over border conditions and said Tehran has coordinated with Afghan authorities to address the needs.

He praised Afghanistan’s stance during recent regional tensions and affirmed that both nations share deep cultural and historical ties.

On recognizing the Taliban-led government, Bikdeli said such recognition follows legal processes and noted that Iran maintains ongoing cooperation with Afghan authorities.

Iran inaugurates nation’s largest solar power plant amid water, energy challenges

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The project, led by Mobarakeh Steel Company, aims to eventually generate 600 megawatts of solar electricity, with the first 120-megawatt phase now operational.

The solar farm, spanning 1,200 hectares, is expected to play a key role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and expanding Iran’s renewable energy capacity.

Built with a €305 million investment, the plant features advanced tracking technology to optimize solar capture and is projected to prevent one million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

President Pezeshkian praised stakeholders for their role in advancing clean energy, especially during a time when Iran faces serious water shortages that have reduced hydropower generation.

Officials emphasize the urgency of diversifying energy sources. With hydropower output declining due to drought, solar expansion is viewed as critical for energy stability in Iran.

Isfahan Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad said solar capacity in the province is expected to reach 5,300 megawatts by 2028, contributing over 30% to the country’s solar power output.

Saudi Arabia executed more than 100 foreigners in 2025 so far: AFP

By
IFP Media Wire
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Saudi Execution

“Khalil Qasim Muhammad Omar and Murad Yaqub Adam Siyo -– both of Ethiopian nationality -– were found guilty of smuggling hashish,” read the statement published by the Saudi Press Agency.

“Upon referral to the competent court, a verdict was issued confirming the charges against them and sentencing them to death.”

In total, 189 people have been executed in 2025, according to AFP’s count, including 88 Saudis.

In 2024, the 100-foreigners execution mark was only surpassed in November in the Gulf kingdom, one of the world’s leading users of the death penalty.

According to a previous AFP tally, at least 338 people were executed last year, compared with 170 in 2023 — far surpassing the previously known record of 196 in 2022.

British parliamentary committee seeks answers over US firm BCG’s role in Gaza

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza

Labour Party MP Liam Byrne, who chairs the House of Commons Business and Trade Select Committee, asked Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in a letter on Wednesday for “clarification and information” about its work in the besieged enclave, adding that the query was part of the committee’s “scrutiny of the UK’s commercial, political and humanitarian links to the conflict”.

Byrne’s letter to BCG CEO Christoph Schweizer comes after The Financial Times daily reported on Friday that the firm had drawn up an estimate of the costs of relocating Palestinians from Gaza and signed a multimillion-dollar contract to help create the Israel- and US-backed GHF.

Gaza health authorities say that more than 700 Palestinians have been killed trying to access aid at distribution centres run by the GHF, which has been disavowed by the United Nations and numerous aid organisations.

The UK newspaper also reported on Monday that the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), run by the former British prime minister, participated in message groups and calls for a post-war development plan for Gaza that relied on BCG modelling.

In his letter, Byrne asked for a “clear and comprehensive response” to a list of questions, including a “detailed timeline” of when BCG began work on establishing the GHF.

Byrne also demanded information from BCG about other companies and institutions, as well as funding sources, linked to the creation of the group.

The GHF, which began operating in the bombarded Palestinian enclave in late May, has drawn widespread criticism amid numerous reports that its US security contractors and Israeli forces have opened fire on aid seekers.

While noting that BCG had ended its involvement with the GHF, and that some of the associated work had been “unauthorised”, Byrne said the firm should provide specific details on what activities were not authorised, “when and how” the work was undertaken, and what actions were made to correct those activities.

Byrne also called for more information about BCG’s work on proposals to relocate the population of Gaza, which have been condemned by Palestinians in the enclave, rights groups and the UN.

“Who commissioned or requested this work? Which individuals or entities . . . did BCG engage with in this context? Is any such work ongoing or active in any form? Were any UK-based organisations – including companies, NGOs, academics or think-tanks – involved?” Byrne said in the letter.

Byrne directed BCG to respond by July 22, “given the seriousness of these issues and the high level of public interest”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also floated the idea of relocating Palestinians during his meetings this week with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

In a statement issued earlier this week, BCG said that “recent media reporting has misrepresented” the firm’s potential role in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza.

The firm said that two of its partners “failed to disclose the full nature of the work” they carried out without payment in helping to establish the GHF.

“These individuals then carried out subsequent unauthorised work. Their actions reflected a serious failure of judgment and adherence to our standards,” the company said, adding that the two partners had been fired.

Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders meet for peace negotiations in UAE

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Pashinyan Aliyev

The meeting in Abu Dhabi on Thursday between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, confirmed by both their governments, comes after the two countries finalised a draft peace deal in March.

The South Caucasus countries have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan that had a mostly ethnic-Armenian population at the time, broke away from Azerbaijan with support from Armenia.

Peace talks began after Azerbaijan recaptured Karabakh in a lightning offensive in September 2023, prompting a huge exodus of almost all of the territory’s 100,000 Armenians, who fled to Armenia.

But the timeline for sealing a deal remains uncertain.

Ceasefire violations along the heavily militarised 1,000km (620-mile) shared border surged soon after the draft deal was announced, though there have been no reported violations recently.

In a potential stumbling block to a deal, Azerbaijan has said it wants Armenia to change its constitution, which it says makes implicit claims to Azerbaijani territory.

Yerevan denies this, but Pashinyan has repeatedly stressed in recent months – most recently this week – that the South Caucasus country’s founding charter needs to be updated.

Azerbaijan also asked for a transport corridor through Armenia, linking the bulk of its territory to Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani enclave that borders Baku’s ally, Turkiye.

Pashinyan and Aliyev’s last encounter was in May, on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania.

In June, Pashinyan made a rare visit to Istanbul to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a meeting Armenia described as a “historic” step towards regional peace.

This week, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for a swift peace deal between the Caucasus neighbours.

The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries in the late 1980s prompted mass expulsions of hundreds of thousands of mostly Muslim Azeris from Armenia, and Armenians, who are majority Christian, from Azerbaijan.

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