Daily News – 2026-08-15

Mehdi Mahdavi Azad warned about the reduction of essential goods reserves and the risk of famine in Iran. He said that increased US pressure could lead Iran into a full-scale economic war. This situation may deepen the economic crisis.

Fatemeh Tadrisi, a political prisoner, was granted leave from Kachouyi Prison in Karaj. This leave was granted on the morning of Saturday, 24 Mordad, due to the death of her husband. The news was reported by Harana News Agency.

A program titled 'Outlook' with Mehdi Mahdavi Azad discusses the unprecedented economic war declared by the US against Iran. The full version of this program is available on YouTube. The program addresses economic developments between Iran and the US.

Due to rising prices and the livelihood crisis in Iran, 5 and 10 kilogram rice packages are being sold in installments at Etka chain stores. These stores are affiliated with the Ministry of Defense of the Islamic Republic. Previous reports also indicated that citizens have been forced to buy goods in installments due to low purchasing power.

At least six protests were held today, Saturday, 24 Mordad, in Tehran, Isfahan, Mahshahr, Sirjan, and Zirab. Participants included families of cystic fibrosis patients, retired steel and mining workers, petrochemical and municipal workers, and land applicants. They demanded attention to their demands.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson firmly denied the claims of Iranian pilots' detention. Qatar stated that it took necessary defensive actions after the airspace violation. Coordination has also been made for the delivery of one pilot's body.

Moroccan security forces dispersed migrants attempting to enter Ceuta from Fnideq on Saturday, August 15. Security measures were increased following social media messages calling for mass crossing. Rabat has warned that organizers of this call will face legal action.

A group of contract workers employed in the Green Belt project of Ahvaz Municipality reported three months of unpaid wages.

The 60-day ceasefire period has ended. Washington is on the verge of unprecedented economic pressure against Tehran. This was discussed in the audio version of Titrawal with Niusha Saremi.

Persepolis football team defeated Shams Azar 2-0 in the first week of the Iranian Premier League. The goals were scored by Mohammad Mahdi Mohibi and Mohammad Omri. Also, the match between Zob Ahan and Foolad Khuzestan ended in a goalless draw.

Due to lack of workplace safety, eight workers in Tabriz, Mashhad, Mahabad, and Bandar Abbas were involved in accidents. Seven were injured and one worker died. Three of the injured were firefighters.

An audio file from a media and cyberspace headquarters meeting in Pakdasht shows officials expressing concern about the potential resurgence of protests and security system breaches. Jamshid Barzegar stated that the Islamic Republic is trying to justify harsher crackdowns by portraying threats to Basij forces. He added that people have so far shown restraint against the violence of suppressive forces.

Peyman Hadadi announced negotiations with Ramin Rezaeian, Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad, and Kasra Taheri. Rezaeian was interested in returning to Persepolis but his requested amount exceeded the club's budget. The club also could not pay the requested amounts for Hosseinnejad and Taheri, and eventually Taheri was signed through Shahrabadi.

The official Yemeni government stated that the Houthis fired six ballistic missiles at Al-Mokha port on Friday, August 14, killing at least four civilians. A video showed boats catching fire and damage to port facilities. The Houthis confirmed targeting a military gathering of forces supported by Saudi Arabia.

Ramin Kashif Azar, CEO of Imam Khomeini Airport City Company, stated that the air transport industry was completely halted during the war and airlines were in a worse condition than other sectors. He added that problems caused by the war still persist and efforts have been made to avoid layoffs and ensure employees receive their salaries.

Peyvand and Borna Naeimi, two Baha'i citizens, have been held in Kerman prison for over seven and five months respectively without a clear decision. No judicial ruling has been made regarding their status. This has been confirmed by a source close to their families.

The Israeli army announced that last night it targeted Hezbollah's infrastructure in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's operations. The Lebanese president said these attacks aimed to disrupt peace talks. The report is by Ashkan Safaei, a journalist from Iran International.

Reza Sepahvand, spokesperson for the Energy Commission of the Parliament, stated that gasoline imports have stopped due to a maritime blockade. He mentioned supply problems considering the number of vehicles. He also emphasized that decisions about gasoline should consider the economic capacity of the people and existing capacities.

An audio file from a secret meeting of the Media and Cyberspace Headquarters in Pakdasht reveals concerns of Basij and IRGC-affiliated institutions about a new wave of public protests and infiltration into security agencies. The meeting was held following incidents including the death of Hamidreza Rajabzadeh. The Media and Cyberspace Headquarters operates under the IRGC.

Seyed Javad Mousavi, detained in connection with the December 2025 protests, was transferred to Birjand prison. He was sentenced to five years in prison. His transfer took place today, Saturday, August 14.

The Central Bank announced that a foreign provider has revoked the security certificates of some websites related to the bank. Users may receive security error messages when accessing these sites. This issue is not due to a cyberattack, and necessary measures to resolve the problem are underway.

The Deputy Minister of Oil denied any connection between the oil patches in the Persian Gulf and the Qeshm oil facilities. The probable source of pollution is the route of oil tankers and vessels. The exact source of pollution and environmental damage extent remain unknown.

The first week of the Iranian Premier League started with victories for Esteghlal, Tractor, and Sepahan. Esteghlal defeated Mes Shahr-e Babak 4-0. Tractor and Sepahan also won 2-0 against Paykan and Chadormalu respectively.

Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, condemned Hezbollah's attack on Israeli forces and the violation of the ceasefire. He stated that Hezbollah knowingly injures Israeli soldiers expecting a response. Huckabee also claimed that Hezbollah gathers children and moves them to military zones to put them at risk.

Iran International has identified 9 members of the Ministry of Intelligence corruption network known as the Shayan network. This network has failed to return about two thousand trillion tomans of oil money. Members include the son of Mohsen Rezaee, the son of Fallahian, the Minister of Intelligence under Hashemi, and the son-in-law of the Minister of Intelligence under Rouhani.

Saeid Mollaei, former Iranian national judo player, traveled to Israel for a friendly match with the Israeli judo champion. He said freedom is near and a victory celebration will soon be held in Tehran. This is Mollaei's fourth trip to Israel.

Masoud Farhikhteh, a teachers' union activist, has been deprived of visits and phone contact with his family for 53 days. After spending 20 days in solitary confinement, he is now held in a separate room as punishment. These measures followed his release of statements regarding prisoners' demands.

The Israeli army announced that Ali Samir Al-Hajj Hassan, a commander of a Hezbollah unit in southern Lebanon, was killed. The attack was in response to Hezbollah's actions against Israeli forces in the security buffer zone. Several other Hezbollah members were also killed in the attack.

Mohammad Bagherzadeh announced that three army pilots whose fighters crashed in Esfand are alive and detained by Qatari forces. These three pilots have been in detention for about six months, and the Qatari government has not allowed them to meet or contact their families. Previously, the status of these pilots was unclear.

The head of the government in Iran described recent price increases and their impact on citizens' livelihoods as natural, citing economic blockade and US oil sanctions as reasons. He mentioned that oil revenues have decreased and import routes have become longer. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has also increased pressure on Iran's economy.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that after the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli attack on southern Beirut, Iran's negotiations with the US were halted. He said that following this attack, Iran threatened a strong response and rejected Trump's tweet about lifting the siege and opening the Strait of Hormuz. These events highlight the intensity and complexity of the negotiations.

Mahtab Gholizadeh stated that installment buying has expanded in Iran due to the worsening livelihood crisis. This type of purchase now includes items like meat, chicken, and medical services. This situation indicates a decline in purchasing power turning into a serious crisis.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that Hezbollah violated the ceasefire in Lebanon by attacking Israeli forces in a security zone. Three Israeli soldiers were seriously injured in the attack. In response, the Israeli army targeted Hezbollah's command headquarters.

Workers of Salman Farsi Petrochemical gathered today in front of the Mahshahr representative's office. They demand clarification of their employment status and protest the change from direct contracts to contractor status. These workers were previously laid off and have received a labor office ruling for reinstatement.

Shakila Ghasemi, a Bahá'í citizen residing in Kerman, was released from Kerman prison on bail. This release took place on Saturday, 24th of Mordad. Harana News Agency reported this news.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed concern over Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon. He emphasized prioritizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also explained that the Mecca defense agreement allows for joint actions and the future inclusion of other countries.

Houshang Hasan Yari pointed out ambiguities regarding the claim of the captivity of three Su-24 pilots in Qatar. He questioned why the Islamic Republic raised the issue six months after the incident. He also warned that this claim could weaken Iran's relations with Qatar.

Ali Khazarian, a member of the National Security Commission of the Parliament, warned about the dangers of yielding on the Strait of Hormuz issue. He said that retreating in this matter would increase enemy pressure on the country. Khazarian emphasized that opening the Strait of Hormuz is interpreted as weakness and retreat.

Fifty Russian and Belarusian swimmers participated as neutrals in the 2026 European Swimming Championships in Saint-Denis, France. This decision followed the lifting of sanctions by the World Aquatics Federation against these athletes. Ukrainian sports officials have protested this matter.

Two new cases of Caspian seal deaths were recorded on the coasts of Mazandaran. The total deaths of this species since the beginning of the year have reached 25. The carcasses were too decomposed for autopsy and were buried hygienically.

Two citizens named Esmail Basar and his son Zakaria Basar were arrested by the intelligence forces in Bukan. With these arrests, the total number of detainees in recent days in this city reached eight. This news was reported by Harana News Agency.

Jafar Pourkabegani, a member of parliament and former governor of Bushehr, is accused of involvement in the suppression and killing of protesters during the "Iranian National Revolution." This information comes from reports and data received from citizens and Iran International sources. Farzad Fattahi from Iran International has explained this issue.

Vladimir Putin traveled for the first time to the Iturup Island, a disputed area between Russia and Japan. The Japanese Prime Minister called the move unacceptable, and Japan's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador. This trip triggered diplomatic reactions.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the attack on a ship affiliated with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in the Strait of Hormuz was carried out by the Islamic Republic. The ministry condemned the attack as hostile and called for an end to the attacks and the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE described the action as a threat to regional stability and global energy security.

Ismail Baghaei, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that negotiations between Iran and Oman have had a positive trend despite what he called 'US obstructions.' According to him, the two sides have reached an agreement on the shipping traffic map in the Strait of Hormuz. This action was the result of cooperation among various institutions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the center and the participation of defense, security, and environmental sectors.

Mohammadreza Mirtajeddini stated that the decision about continuing the nightly government gatherings depends on Mojtaba Khamenei. He denied that these gatherings would end with the conclusion of the month of Safar. These gatherings will continue as long as internal and external threats exist.

The head of the Yazd Emergency Center stated that most emergency calls and missions are related to traffic accidents. In the first four months of this year, 83,700 calls were made to the emergency center. Over 7,300 of these calls were related to traffic accidents.

Several underground and unauthorized tattoo salons in Ardabil were identified and sealed. Several people have been arrested in connection with this, and investigations to identify other accomplices continue. These centers operated by publishing images contrary to public decency.

Kamran Ghazanfari, a Tehran representative, said the current problems in the country are due to wrong foreign policies and mismanagement by officials. He added that the negotiation team has adopted a weak and eager approach to negotiations. According to him, the current situation is unrelated to the war, and the best action is for the government to step aside.

A citizen in Al-Ghadir market square in Ahvaz criticized Masoud Pezeshkian about the darkness caused by the power outage. He mentioned disruptions in activities and jobs. This video was published on social media.

Hamid Bord, Deputy Minister of Oil and CEO of the National Oil Company, denied oil release from Qeshm oil facilities. He stated that if pollution exists, its source should be investigated along the route of tankers and marine vessels. Bord identified the US as responsible for the oil stains in Qeshm.

Alireza Zakani, the mayor of Tehran, announced that metro and bus services in the capital will be free until the end of the war. He did not specify the exact time when these free services will end. This statement was made in response to journalists' questions.

Several tattoo service centers in Ardabil were closed by order of the provincial prosecutor. Several individuals related to these centers were arrested. Providing tattoo services to both women and men and sharing related images on social media were cited as reasons for the action.

A citizen sent a video to Iran International criticizing a government ceremony with a symbolic coffin for Ali Khamenei. He described the ceremony as "necrophilia" and protested its expenses.

Retirees of the Isfahan Steel Pension Fund protested today in front of the Isfahan governor's office due to unmet demands. They demanded the establishment of basic and supplementary insurance, payment of overdue medical expenses, and implementation of the third phase of salary adjustment. The protesters also emphasized improving their living conditions.

Majidreza Khaki stated that about 700 tons of rice labeled as "American rice" have been imported into Iran through Iraq since the beginning of the year. These shipments were brought in by individuals without official registration and are not considered smuggling. There is no official plan for direct rice imports from the United States.

Donald Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts in the past two years. One attempt involved the IRGC trying to kill him with the help of a Pakistani man. Additionally, a shooting at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania resulted in Trump being wounded in the ear.

Saeed Maadani cited ideological selection, limited scientific communication, brain drain, and weakened academic freedom as reasons for the decline of Iranian universities. Moloud Hajizadeh stated that after the Cultural Revolution, the educational system became increasingly closed, leading to the decline in academic standing. These remarks were made in an interview with Iran International.

The Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrest of two individuals in a case related to foreign infiltration and interference. Two French embassy employees present at the detention site were interrogated by security agents. These diplomats were handed over to the French embassy after the interrogation.

A citizen in a video addressed to Mohseni Ejei and Ahmad Vahidi called for an end to warmongering. He emphasized that people have limited patience amid the livelihood crisis. This message was sent to the remaining government officials.

Persepolis football team, after changes in the transfer season and youth development by Mehdi Tartaar, will face Shams Azar Qazvin in the first week of the Iranian Premier League. This match marks the start of the new league season. Additionally, an interview with Mazdak Mirzaei, Mohammad Taghavi, and Raha Pourbakhsh was conducted on the Hattrick program.

A video shows that on the afternoon of Friday, August 14, smoke from a fire was seen around the Shahr-e Rey refinery.

The Tehran derby is scheduled for September 1 or 2, 2026, but if held in Shahr-e Qods, it will be played without spectators due to the local security council's opposition. The league intends to hold the derby in Mashhad, Isfahan, or Tabriz. Azadi Stadium will be unavailable at least for the first half of the season due to renovations and turf replacement.

The Taliban called the fifth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan a great victory and the anniversary of Afghanistan's liberation from occupation. They asked the people to be grateful for Taliban rule and to work to strengthen the Taliban system. The Taliban congratulated the people and their forces on this event.

Mohammad Javad Akbarin stated that the Islamic Republic government is delaying decisions while waiting for a change in the US administration. He added that whether an agreement is reached or not, the Islamic Republic has no way out. The era of neither war nor negotiation has ended.

A man suspected of killing his wife in Mashhad last November was arrested after nine months. He was detained by police in Zahedan and transferred to Mashhad. The suspect confessed to the murder during interrogation.

Families of cystic fibrosis patients protested in front of the Ministry of Health on Saturday. They were protesting the crisis of high prices and drug shortages. This disease is a genetic disorder that produces thick mucus in the lungs and pancreas.

Hossein Aghaei from Iran International said Trump's strategy towards the Islamic Republic is moving towards intensifying naval blockade and crippling the economy. He added that economic pressure alone is not enough to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Achieving this goal requires effective and targeted military actions as well.

A video shows that during the religious holidays of the month of Safar, citizens are stuck in heavy traffic on northern roads in Gilan and Qazvin provinces. The traffic congestion has been observed on various routes. The Safar holidays are cited as the main reason for this traffic.

Trump claimed that Iran's leadership ranks have been severely damaged and its missile capability has decreased by 82 percent. Iran's foreign minister stated that no negotiations with the US are underway and denied reports of a 60-day ceasefire. Technical talks with Oman regarding maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing.

Siamak Sadeghi Chehrazi, a cultural activists in Khuzestan, has been detained in Sheiban prison in Ahvaz for over four months without a final decision. His detention order has been extended for the fourth consecutive month.

A video sent by a citizen shows that frequent power outages continue in various cities. The power went out at the citizen's home during filming. This indicates the ongoing issue of power outages.

Reza Goharzad commented on the claim of Iran's attempt to assassinate Donald Trump. He said the news could affect US security measures and pressure on the Islamic Republic. Conflicting reports and regional reactions have created further ambiguities.

Rouhollah Rahimpour said the Islamic Republic is currently seeking to buy time and maintain a status of 'neither war nor negotiation.' He believes Tehran hopes to outlast pressure from the Trump administration by prolonging the situation. The goal is also to maintain some tension over the Strait of Hormuz to force the US to make concessions.

Loghman Ghorbani and Mohammad Hajizadeh, two citizens from Bukan, were recently arrested by security forces. They have been transferred to an unknown location. No further details have been provided.

Mes Shahrbabak club filed a complaint against Yaser Asani as an ineligible player after the first week match against Esteghlal, demanding a 3-0 result. The complaint was officially submitted to the match organizer and registered in the Football Federation system. Esteghlal's management believes Asani has no issues playing, but their rivals argue he cannot play due to the closed transfer window.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a bulk carrier was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night. The crew is safe, and no damage reports have been released. Environmental consequences of the incident are also unknown.

Fereydoun from Anzali stated that 50 gambling houses are active in his city. He said if he plays twenty-one at home, the officers will notice. These remarks refer to the gambling situation in Anzali.

Iranians in Italy held a gathering on Friday in the city of Turin. The gathering was in support of Shahzadeh Reza Pahlavi and the National Iranian Revolution. A video of the event was sent to Iran International.

Persepolis team will play against Shams Azar in Qazvin in Mehdi Tartar's first match as coach. This was reported by Farhad Mitra in the Hat-trick program. The full version of the Hat-trick program is available to watch.

Ahmad Vahidi, commander of the IRGC, praised the performance of the Islamic Republic's military forces in southern Iran against the US. He wrote that these forces proved they can impose Islam's rule over the world by imposing their will on the enemy. He also emphasized that the Islamic Republic's armed forces have brought the US to its knees.

The football teams Shams Azar and Persepolis will face each other on Saturday, August 14, 2026, in the first match of the 26th Premier League. This match marks the start of the new Premier League season. To participate in the poll about the match result, visit the Iran International Sports Instagram page.

During 36 years of Ali Khamenei's rule, dozens of political activists and artists wrote critical letters to him. These letters received no official response, and their authors faced threats, violence, and imprisonment. These actions show disregard for security consequences.

Donald Trump said the Islamic Republic is severely failing. He announced that the US might declare the Strait of Hormuz as its territory. He also mentioned the continuation of the naval blockade of Iranian ports and said no ship would pass without US permission.

Ghassan Ashour said Saudi Arabia is unlikely to send ground forces to Yemen at this stage. He added that if attacks on oil facilities are not serious, Saudi Arabia will likely limit itself to air and long-range attacks. These remarks concern the ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi ports.

The US Justice Department, in a new court filing, described the missile threat attributed to the Islamic Republic against Donald Trump's plane as an 'assassination attempt'. Middle East affairs analyst Erfan Ghaneifard told Iran International that the Islamic Republic's new strategy to strike the West shows that destroying the Islamic Republic is the only solution.

Alihan Korish, leader of the Suleymanci group, along with 30 others, was arrested in Turkey on charges of money laundering and participation in organized crime. The group was building a center worth about 70 million dollars in Cologne, Germany. The prosecution emphasized that the investigation is not related to religious activities.

Omid Memarian, a political analyst, says the Islamic Republic believes that by becoming more aggressive and showing no fear of war, it increases the costs of war for the US. The goal is for the US to stop due to these costs and return to the negotiating table. At that point, Iran can gain more concessions.

Kerry Bettsov, a former US Treasury official, said sanctions alone cannot overthrow the Islamic Republic but are designed to increase the cost of Tehran's military and nuclear activities. He emphasized that the impact of sanctions should be measured by how much these activities become more difficult and costly, not by the number of sanctions. Continuous enforcement of sanctions is more important than their number, and arms sanctions can reduce the efficiency of Iran's missiles and drones.

Trump posted an image on Truth Social titled 'Siege - The Iron Wall' showing American warships exploding ships flying the Islamic Republic flag. The image depicts an iron wall in the sea. The ships with the Iranian flag are on one side of the wall.

Trump posted images titled "This is no longer our tanker" on Truth Social, showing him with the American flag and two American soldiers on a ship. In the first image, two men in white clothing are falling off the ship, but they were removed in the second image. The images also show a trampled flag of the Islamic Republic.

Brian Schwartz quoted a senior White House official saying that Donald Trump was joking when he said the US would declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory after a war with Iran. The official added that Trump had not discussed such an action with his advisors.

Masoud Pezeshkian reported a decrease in oil revenues and an increase in import costs during a meeting with political party secretaries. He also mentioned damage to factories. Pezeshkian stated that it is not possible to sell oil.

Manouchehr Bakhtiari, father of Pouya Bakhtiari and prisoner in Bandar Abbas, is deprived of necessary medical services despite multiple illnesses including prostate and cervical disc issues. He was sent for an MRI on June 16 but the results were not provided to a specialist and no effective treatment has been pursued. His physical condition is reported as poor.

Simultaneously with the funeral ceremony of Hossein Khajeh Amiri, known as Iraj, Dara spoke with an Iran International reporter about his life and artistic legacy. Hossein Khajeh Amiri was known by the stage name Iraj. The interview covered his activities and artistic impact.

Canada has sanctioned several Iranian officials, including members of the Revolutionary Guards. The Canadian Foreign Minister stated that the sanctions target these individuals due to their military roles and threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This action is a response to Iran's activities in the Strait of Hormuz.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced that one of its vessels was attacked on Friday, August 14, in the Strait of Hormuz. No one was injured in the attack and the situation is under control. No details have been released about the attacker or the extent of the damage.

Shayan Samiei stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln has been replaced by the USS George Washington in the Middle East. He said the naval blockade of Iran continues strongly and the US seeks to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic. Donald Trump also emphasized the importance of controlling the Strait of Hormuz.

Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has not yet decided to resume negotiations with the US. Message exchanges via Qatar and Pakistan do not mean negotiations have started. He also mentioned that talks with Oman continue and previous channels are no longer effective.

A luxury Hilton hotel in Germany has stopped accepting guests following the EU sanctions on Ali Ansari. The sanctions have affected Ansari's extensive hotel investments in several European countries. Financial restrictions and asset freezes indicate the sanctions' effects are gradually becoming apparent.

Bahrain, Syria, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have condemned the Islamic Republic's attack on two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Alireza Nourizadeh stated that the Islamic Republic is creating more enmity against itself through its actions.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced that the coalition between Israel and the US has weakened Iran's axis, and the Islamic Republic is now weaker than ever. The statement described the new regional situation as opening new paths for peace. Meanwhile, Washington has issued warnings about increased pressure on Iran's economy.

Donald Trump, President of the United States, said during a speech to law enforcement personnel in Long Island, New York, that after finishing defeating Iran, which he said is already being badly defeated, he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz territory of the United States. He added that the blockade is in their hands and no ship will pass unless they want it to.

Tractor football team won against Paykan in the first week of the Iran Premier League after Javad Nekounam's return following 683 days. Shahriar Nekounam scored twice in the match. An interview with Mohammad Taghavi and Raha Pourbakhsh was also conducted on the Hat-trick program.

Donald Trump said in a speech in Nassau County, New York, that he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. He also said he would never apologize if people have to pay a little more for gasoline because he did the right thing. Trump added that a very evil country cannot have nuclear weapons.