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SCO expanding global presence: Iranian FM

Abbas Araghchi

Speaking upon his arrival in China on Tuesday, Araghchi confirmed his participation in the SCO’s 25th Foreign Ministers’ Council meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in Tianjin.

“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is gradually expanding its global foothold, transcending its regional framework. The organization has incorporated a diverse range of issues into its agenda, spanning economic, political, and security dimensions,” Araghchi said.

He added that the summit would finalize the organization’s development strategy across key sectors, including energy and trade, while also providing a platform for discussions on pressing international issues.

“I will have bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of China and Russia, which naturally have special importance in the current circumstances,” he said, adding that he is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with fellow SCO member states to discuss mutual relations and regional developments.

Referring to the aggression of the Israeli regime and the United States against Iran, Araghchi said all international and regional organizations and more than 120 countries condemned the aggression as well as the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, expressing strong support for Tehran.

Araghchi underscored that “the Shanghai Cooperation Organization also issued a statement on this matter, which is commendable,” adding that he will address the issue in his discussions, particularly during the public sessions on Wednesday.

On June 13, Israel launched a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians.

More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran, through its successful retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the US, managed to impose a halt to the illegal assault.

Recent explosions in Iran: Annual gas incident statistics offer crucial context

Firefighter

To better understand the situation, we need to examine annual statistics on fires and explosions caused by gas leaks in buildings throughout Iran.

This helps assess whether such incidents, as portrayed by some media, are truly abnormal or instead part of a recurring accident pattern within the country.

This report, without seeking to confirm or deny the cause of any specific event, presents documented data to provide a rational perspective on the issue. It suggests that gas-related fires and explosions are common in Iran; a reality that may now be used as an opportunity for amplification and exploitation in the current media conflict.

High Volume of Fire Incidents in Iran: A Constant Reality

Iran faces a substantial number of fire-related incidents annually, only some of which result from gas leaks.

According to the Iranian Fire Department and Emergency Services, more than 450,000 firefighting operations take place nationwide each year, with roughly 170,000 fire incidents annually.

These figures reflect extensive emergency activity and a permanent backdrop of incidents, not limited to gas-related causes.

The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as an Ongoing Crisis

One of the deadliest gas-related incidents in Iran is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, commonly referred to as the “silent killer.”

This colorless and odorless gas claims hundreds of lives each year.

The Iranian Legal Medicine Organization regularly publishes statistics:

•  In the Iranian year 1400 (2021–2022), 839 people died from CO poisoning.
•  In the first 7 months of 1401 (March–October 2022), 255 deaths were recorded.
•  In the first 6 months of 1402 (March–September 2023), fatalities rose by 22.3% to reach 274.
•  On average, about 900 people die from CO poisoning in Iran each year.

These figures highlight an ongoing public health crisis, especially prominent in colder seasons due to unsafe heating appliances or poor ventilation.

Gas Leak Explosions: Recurrent Incidents Over the Years

Explosions and fires stemming from gas leaks in buildings are not new. They’ve occurred across the country for many years.

Although comprehensive yearly statistics are not publicly available for all such incidents, many documented cases confirm their repetition:

•  In 2020, a gas leak at the Sina Athar Health Center in Tehran caused an explosion that killed 19.
In the same year, a powerful natural gas blast in Ahvaz collapsed a five-story building, killing one and injuring 12. Another case in Rasht involved severe burns from a gas heater leak.
•  In 2023, a carbon monoxide leak in a residential complex in Tehran’s Lavizan district poisoned 10 people due to faulty boiler equipment.
•  In 2024, a blast in an unfinished building on Tehran’s Farahzadi Street injured 4.
A similar explosion in a caretaker unit at a religious center in Hamedan caused damage to 45 homes, shops, and vehicles, injuring one person slightly.
•  Most recently, in July 2025, a gas explosion near Chitgar Lake in Tehran injured 4, and another in the Pardisan neighborhood in Qom injured 7, both attributed to gas leaks.

These incidents across cities like Tehran, Ahvaz, Rasht, Deyhuk, Karaj, Hamedan, and Qom reveal the wide geographical distribution of this recurring issue.

Root Causes: Negligence and Technical Failures

Most of these incidents are linked to internal, preventable causes. Customer negligence and human error are among the most frequent reasons for gas accidents.

For instance, in East Azarbaijan Province in 2018, gas user negligence caused 219 incidents, and in 2019, 38 people died due to improper natural gas use.

Poor installation, malfunctioning equipment, and inadequate ventilation are also major contributors.

Conclusion: Common Events as Media Opportunities

Based on the available data, fires and explosions caused by gas leaks are frequent and ongoing in Iran, resulting in significant human and financial losses each year. Organizations like the National Iranian Gas Company and the Fire Department continue efforts, responding to over 343,000 calls in 2024 – 24% of which led to emergency services – but still face challenges like negligence, faulty infrastructure, and hazardous buildings, with 17,000 high-risk structures in Tehran alone.

Thus, while every incident requires accurate investigation, the recent rise in media focus, especially following Israel’s attack on Iran, suggests a trend toward using these commonly occurring events as tools in the media battle.

These incidents, regardless of the specific cause behind each one, unfold within a statistical backdrop of similar events across the country, a fact that should be considered in public analysis.

Israel seeks to weaken Islamic world: Iran’s president

During a meeting with Federal Minister for Interior of Pakistan Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that politicians and decision-makers across the Islamic world must recognize this sinister strategy of the Zionist regime and counter it by strengthening unity and solidarity among Muslim nations.

Reiterating that the Zionist regime aims to undermine and fragment the Muslim community, the president stressed that leaders and policymakers in the Islamic world must remain vigilant against this wicked strategy and work to neutralize it by deepening cohesion and solidarity among Islamic nations.

Referring to the critical situation in the Islamic world, he described unity and synergy among Islamic countries as an undeniable necessity, adding that if Muslim governments and nations fully understand the importance of Islamic unity, they can stand as a united front against the Zionist regime, which survives by sowing discord and committing atrocities in Islamic societies.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian expressed satisfaction with the current level of bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan, highlighting the importance of diplomatic exchanges and constructive dialogue to deepen and expand comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

The president also expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s sincere support during the Israeli-imposed war against Iran, stating that both countries possess vast potential for expanding cooperation, and Tehran is fully prepared to activate these capacities to enhance bilateral relations and implement mutual engagements.

In response, Pakistan’s interior minister conveyed the greetings and respect of his country’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to President Pezeshkian and congratulated the Iranian nation on its victory against the Zionist regime’s aggression.

Naqvi noted: “We believe that the wise leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei and your Excellency’s strategic management played a decisive role in this proud resistance, an achievement that is a source of pride for the Islamic Ummah.”

He also recalled Islamabad’s swift and unequivocal condemnation of the Zionist regime’s aggression, stating that Pakistan was among the first countries to denounce the regime’s aggression and affirm Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense.

He went on to describe Iran-Pakistan relations as unique and steadily expanding, emphasizing that the ambassadors of both countries are working diligently to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation across various fields.

43 Israeli soldiers committed suicide after returning from Gaza war: Report

Israeli Army

Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, at least 43 soldiers have taken their own lives, according to reports by Israeli media outlets.

Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, quoting sources, reported that the most recent case involved a soldier from the Golani Brigade, who this week shot himself dead at the Sde Yaman military base.

The soldier took his own life after being questioned by the military police as part of a prior investigation. He had just returned from Gaza for a refresher training session when he was summoned for the interrogation.

Just days earlier, the Israeli news site Walla reported that another soldier had died by suicide after months of psychological suffering brought on by the horrors he witnessed during the prolonged war in Gaza and Lebanon.

His trauma began with the loss of two close friends on October 7, 2023, and intensified with “his continued anguish during the long months of war, and the horrors he witnessed on the battlefield.”

His family stated than he often spoke of “the smell of corpses and the atrocities he had seen.” He had been assigned to transport the bodies of dead soldiers from the fronts in Gaza and Lebanon.

He committed suicide after multiple requests for psychological support “to no avail.”

The Israeli army reportedly refused to bury him with “military honors” or count him among the war’s military casualties.

Despite attempts by the Israeli army to censor reports of suicides among soldiers and the surrounding circumstances, evidence continues to surface of a sharp increase in such cases.

The army has reportedly been burying some of these soldiers without military funerals or public announcements, in a desperate effort to conceal the extent of the crisis.

Meanwhile, the Hebrew-language Maariv daily reports that the Israeli Knesset is set to hold an emergency session following pressure from the families of soldiers, who raised concerns over serious flaws and security gaps in the Puma combat vehicles, heavily deployed in Gaza.

Key issues with the vehicle include the lack of a rear emergency exit, limited peripheral cameras, and weaker protection compared to other armored vehicles.

In recent months, a growing manpower shortage has prompted the Israeli army to recall soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Critics say the Israeli regime is sending more soldiers into Gaza to fight in the same areas where battles have already taken place repeatedly.

Tehran committed to utilizing diplomatic means to prevent war, protect Iranians’ rights: President Pezeshkian

In a message to Iranian expatriates, President Pezeshkian stated on Monday that his administration views the solidarity created among the people and officials during the 12-day war imposed by the Zionist regime as an opportunity for greater service to the nation, underlining that authorities still believe the window for diplomacy is open. The president also appreciated the steadfastness and support by the nation during significant situations.

The full text of President Pezeshkian’s message is as follows:

To the dear Iranian expatriates,

In times when our country faced a significant test, the people, as the rightful owners of this nation, demonstrated that they are the beating heart of this land. This steadfastness, support, and backing deserve to be seen, heard, and appreciated today, and it undoubtedly places a heavier responsibility on the officials and raises rightful expectations.

During these events, although significant psychological pressures and difficulties were imposed on our nation, we witnessed the formation of one of the most remarkable displays of public participation, consensus, and social cohesion in contemporary Iranian history. Iranians, both inside and outside the country, critics and non-critics alike, stood united against the aggressor, imposing their will on the enemy.

In this context, the calmness, wisdom, and firmness of the Leader of the Revolution from the very first day of the imposed war were another vital asset for forming a national mobilization against the aggressors, reminding us all of the unity of the Islamic system.
However, today a new chapter has begun. A chapter of hope and movement towards a safer, calmer, and more powerful Iran. This path can only be achieved with the cooperation and solidarity of our dear people, maintaining national consensus, and relying on the energy of youth and new ideas.

To open new horizons, we must critically reflect on the past. What leads us toward a better future is the reconstruction of hope, readiness to learn, change, and create a new path through consensus, solidarity, and rationality.

Our national security is guaranteed by both military strength and the bond of hearts and social unity. Now is the time to step toward opening horizons and hoping for a bright future, backed by the country’s vast social capital, to build a flourishing Iran. We have never sought war and have always aimed for effective roles in global sustainable peace. Our enemies should know that while our nation seeks peace, it will never submit. Iran is a country that, based on its historical, cultural, and religious roots, seeks justice and human dignity for all nations.

As you know, the Zionist enemy attacked us at a time when, despite distrust of the Americans, we were negotiating with them to resolve any misunderstandings in public opinion and to prove the peaceful nature of our nuclear activities. After five rounds of negotiations, while preparing for the sixth round of talks, the Zionist regime, with US support, cowardly attacked our country, martyring several military commanders, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians, including women and children. We have repeatedly stated that our doctrine is a peaceful nuclear program. Experience has shown that whenever Iran seeks to move toward stability and peace, the Zionist regime intervenes and disrupts.

According to all principles and international laws and the United Nations Charter, what we did during the 12 days of the Zionist-imposed war was legitimate defense against the aggressor. Despite the martyrdom of some military commanders in the initial attack, with the wisdom and guidance of the Leader of the Revolution, the swift appointment of successors, and the rapid reconstruction of the armed forces’ combat organization, our armed forces were able to deliver more confident and devastating blows to the aggressor.

Nevertheless, the path ahead is clear for us, and the government will spare no effort in opening diplomatic doors and expanding horizons. We still believe that the window for diplomacy is open, and we are pursuing this peaceful path with determination and by mobilizing all political capacities. We advocate for diplomacy and constructive interaction, opposing war, and to keep the shadow of war away from the country, we will utilize all political and diplomatic resources while defending the natural rights of the Iranian people.

The government sees the solidarity created among the people and officials during the 12-day war as an opportunity for greater service to the nation. All executive agencies and officials are particularly attentive to this matter, and the satisfaction of the people is the basis for our planning and actions. We strive with all our might to ensure that there are no problems regarding the livelihood and healthcare of the people. We must join hands and work for the pride of our country.

Relevant ministries and all stakeholders continuously monitor the market situation to ensure that there is no shortage of essential goods through proper management. With the continuation of this oversight and management process and the issued directives, we will witness stability and calm in the market, God willing.

In conclusion, I pray for the elevation of the ranks of all the martyrs of this imposed war and hope that our enemies have recognized our people and will never again make such a miscalculation. Our armed forces are now at the highest level of their defensive capability, contrary to the enemies’ erroneous calculations, and if the enemies intend to invade Iran again, they will face even more crushing responses.

Gas leaks blamed for recent explosions across Iran, officials deny security threat

Firefighter

Authorities have dismissed any claims of terrorism or foreign attacks, urging the public to rely on official sources for information.

Tasnim News Agency reported on Tuesday that initial investigations suggest aging infrastructure and failure to observe safety regulations as primary causes of these incidents. Officials dismissed media reports, stressing that none of the recent events had security or terrorist origins.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in the Pardisan residential complex in Qom on Monday, where a gas leak led to an explosion that injured at least seven people.
Although some social media users compared the damage to Israeli airstrikes, both local officials and national media firmly denied any security-related links.

Additional incidents on the same day include a fire in a Tehran shoe store, thick black smoke from a furniture workshop on the Tehran-Karaj highway, and smoke near Mashhad airport, which was reportedly caused by controlled grass burning.

These incidents follow the war between Iran and Israel which continues to haunt the public.

Iran’s president calls Israel project of imperial hegemony in region

In a meeting with Iraqi Minister of Interior Abdul Amir Al-Shammari in Tehran on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian said that Iran and Iraq must stand united against such a common enemy, support one another, and avoid division.

The president further described the relations between the two neighboring countries as brotherly and based on deep religious and cultural ties.

“We consider the government and people of Iraq and other Islamic countries as our brothers and will continue our efforts to strengthen unity, cohesion, and brotherhood among the Islamic community,” he added.

President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Iraqi government and people towards Iranian pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

He expressed hope that the coordination between the two countries to facilitate the Arbaeen ceremony will become a turning point for cooperation in other areas, including activating border markets, joint investments, and academic exchanges.

The Iraqi minister, for his part, conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to President Pezeshkian and congratulated the resistance of the Iranian people against the Zionist enemy.

He elaborated on the Iraqi government’s efforts to provide the necessary facilities for hosting millions of pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, particularly in the areas of transportation, healthcare, and security.

Al-Shammari stated that the Iraqi government is utilizing all its capacities to hold this religious ceremony magnificently, and these actions and coordination will continue until the last pilgrim leaves the country.

Senior Iranian MP: No return to nuclear talks without UN condemnation of Israeli attacks

Araghchi Witkoff

Esmaeil Kosari, who is a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, told Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen TV that Iran never abandoned the negotiating table. “It was the other side that violated agreements and even attacked Iran”, Kosari added. He said under such circumstances, talks cannot continue unless Iran’s conditions are met.

Kosari stressed that Iran will never halt its uranium enrichment, calling it a sovereign right and part of a purely peaceful program developed by Iranian scientists.

“No country can decide for Iran…we will never accept zero enrichment, and no one has the right to dictate terms on us”, the MP said.

Referring to the IAEA’s inspections, Kosari said the agency itself has confirmed there has been no deviation in Iran’s nuclear program.

He however accused some international bodies of misusing inspections to pressure Tehran.

“Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA will only resume when it stops its biased behavior,” said Kosari.

The lawmaker further touched upon the future of nuclear negotiations. Kosari said first, the UN and IAEA must condemn the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran’s nuclear facilities and second, those responsible for the attacks must be held accountable under international law.

He also warned of military readiness on part of Iran.

“Iran will not start a war, but we will determine how it ends if we get attacked”, he said.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Kosari acknowledged military preparations are complete and that Iran keeps on the table the option to close the vital waterway if necessary.

“The decision is ours alone,” he said.

Americans say Trump hasn’t been tough enough on Putin: Poll

Putin and Trump

Those respondents consist of 58 percent independents, 73 percent Democrats and 48 percent Republicans.

Additionally, 53 percent of surveyed voters said they are not satisfied with Trump’s handling of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

“The poll shows a shift in attitudes against Putin and for more support for Ukraine. Putin’s rope a dope strategy is over,” stated the poll’s director, Mark Penn.

On Monday, Trump said the U.S. would impose 100 percent secondary economic sanctions on countries that trade with Russia if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine in the next 50 days.

Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Putin as the Russian president continues to fire missiles into Ukraine despite ceasefire efforts.

“The only one we haven’t been able to get to yet is Russia. And I’m not happy. And I will tell you that Ukraine wants to do something,” Trump said on Monday.

“It’s all talk and then missiles go into Kyiv and kill 60 people,” he added. “It’s got to stop. It’s got to stop.”

The Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll survey was conducted July 6-8, 2025, and surveyed 2,044 registered voters. It is a collaboration of the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and the Harris Poll.

The survey is an online sample drawn from the Harris Panel and weighted to reflect known demographics. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.2 percentage points.

Families of Israeli hostages reach out to Hamas over fate of ceasefire negotiations: MEE

Israel Hostages

Sources told MEE that the third party reached out to Hamas after the captives’ families feared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin was trying to torpedo a possible deal.

A senior figure within Hamas told the representative to relay to the families that it was “serious” about reaching an agreement to end the war and release the captives, but that it was facing “intransigent Israeli positions”, sources told MEE.

“Hamas is serious about reaching an agreement to end the war and establish arrangements that ensure calm and stability. It has demonstrated significant flexibility and positive responsibility during the negotiation rounds,” the sources quoted Hamas as saying.

“Israel has insisted on continuing the war, destroying the Gaza Strip, displacing its population, and imposing a state of hunger, suffering, and ongoing massacres that have not ceased for a single day.”

Hamas and Israel reached a brief three-stage ceasefire in January, but the deal collapsed in March after Israel took back several of its captives and resumed bombing Gaza, walking away from the deal before talks with Hamas on a permanent end to the war could start.

Since then, the Donald Trump administration has given Israel full backing to wage war on Gaza.

According to sources, the Hamas official told the representative that the Palestinian movement had complied with “everything stipulated” in the first phase of the previous ceasefire, which was supposed to transition to phase two talks on ending the war.

Before withdrawing from the ceasefire, Hamas announced that Israel committed “hundreds of violations”, including deploying troops beyond “buffer zones”, killing 132 civilians, preventing the inflow of reconstruction material, and remaining in the Philadelphia Corridor that separates Gaza from Egypt.

Hamas reportedly told the representative that despite Israel unilaterally resuming the war, it responded to proposals by mediators to revive the ceasefire, “but Israel rejected them and insisted on releasing half of the Israeli prisoners without offering any guarantees that the war would cease. In fact, it openly insisted on its continuation”.

As it stands, there are believed to be around 20 living captives in Gaza and just over 30 dead Israelis. Since the 7 October 2023 attacks on southern Israel, the military has only rescued eight captives in raids that have seen hundreds of Palestinians killed.

In their conversation, Hamas also told the representative to relay to the captives’ families that Israel had “without any justification, returned to war in a shocking, more brutal, and more destructive manner than before, committing massacres on a daily basis.”

According to sources, the Hamas official told the representative that despite the mounting civilian death toll it had “no problem” with resuming negotiations and had “responded to several proposals presented by mediators, but Israel rejected them and insisted on releasing half of the Israeli prisoners without offering any guarantees that the war would cease.”

Hamas also reportedly told the representative that it was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who had “without any justification, returned to war in a shocking, more brutal, and more destructive manner than before, committing massacres on a daily basis.”

The movement added that despite the daily massacres, where on average 100 Palestinians are killed every 24 hours, it had “no problem” with resuming negotiations and “responded to several proposals presented by mediators, but Israel rejected them and insisted on releasing half of the Israeli prisoners without offering any guarantees that the war would cease.”

The group also maintained that it responded positively to US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal “in order to reach an agreement” but Netanyahu was taking “a hardline stance,” and seeking to control large swathes of the strip and displace more than 600,000 Palestinians.

The sources stated that the Hamas official reiterated that Netanyahu was to blame for the captives’ plight after he “rejected” the group’s offer to release “all Israeli prisoners at once in exchange for ending the war.”

The sources added that Hamas also told the representatives that it was ready to transfer power after the war ends to an “independent, professional committee to govern Gaza with full powers,” and that the group would not play any role in running the enclave.

On Sunday, President Trump said talks on a Gaza ceasefire were going along well, repeating remarks he made a week earlier when Netanyahu visited Washington.

In contrast, MEE reported on Saturday that Hamas negotiators were sceptical that a ceasefire agreement could be reached in the current round of talks in Doha, Qatar.

Sources close to Palestinian negotiators said talks have remained deadlocked over at least two of four key issues.

The first is the extent of the proposed Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip during a 60-day truce. The second is the method of aid distribution.

The US has reportedly proposed postponing discussions on these two points, instead focusing on the names of Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel in exchange for the remaining Israeli captives.

According to the sources, Hamas told the representative for the captives’ families that it asked to amend three points related to the distribution of aid, the deployment of Israeli soldiers in Gaza and guarantees on ending the war after an initial 60-day truce is over.

“However, Israel has taken a hardline stance, particularly in its redeployment maps, where it seeks to control approximately 36 percent of the Gaza Strip’s area and keep approximately 600,000 residents displaced and unable to return to their homes,” Hamas is reported to have said.

“Israel has repeatedly rejected our offer to return all Israeli prisoners at once in exchange for ending the war. They rejected it and preferred a partial solution. This is a clear indication of their intention to continue the war and their disregard for prisoners as a central issue for Israeli society,” it added.

For more than 21 months, Israel has relentlessly bombed the besieged Gaza Strip, displacing the entire 2.3 million population multiple times, and has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians.

The figure also includes at least 1,400 health sector professionals, 280 United Nations aid workers – the highest staff death toll in UN history – and at least 228 journalists, with the highest number of media workers killed in conflict since the Committee to Protect Journalists began recording data in 1992.