Daily News – 2026-08-16

Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has one of the lowest mental health cases among active US Navy carriers. He praised the prioritization of crew mental health and resilience. Cooper also encouraged sailors and marines to continue their excellent work and wished them a smooth journey home.

The National Security Commission of the Parliament approved an article of the 'Tangsiri' law banning Israeli vessels from passing through the Persian Gulf. This approval is not the final ratification and requires confirmation from relevant authorities. If fully approved, Israeli vessels will not be allowed to transit the Persian Gulf.

Mehdi Mahdavi Azad stated in the program "Cheshmandaz" that the plan to counter infiltration has no connection to combating espionage and continues previous approaches. He described the plan as a continuation of the approach used in the final years of Ali Khamenei's leadership under the term "infiltration." According to him, this plan imposes more restrictions on society.

With the end of the 60-day ceasefire between Iran and the US, Ahmad Vahidi stated he agrees with negotiating with the US to end the war. This news was reported by Axios. The discussion was with Farzin Nadimi at the Washington Institute.

Esmail Saghab Esfahani described Chinese-assembled cars in Iran as low quality and fuel-consuming. He said importing fully assembled Japanese cars would have been cheaper. He also noted that Iran's automotive industry is 60 years old.

Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is working to convey messages between the US and the Islamic Republic and reduce tensions. The Kurdistan Region has consistently emphasized resolving disputes through dialogue. Barzani's good relations with both sides are cited as the reason for his role.

In the Titraval with Niousha Saremi, it was reported that the US has a direct channel with the IRGC through Barzani. The report mentions doubts about Qalibaf and approval from Vahidi. This topic was discussed in the audio version of Titraval.

Three workers died in the counties of Behbahan and Samalqan due to unsafe working conditions and lack of workplace safety. These incidents occurred while they were working. The report was published by Harana News Agency.

Four of five defendants arrested during the January protests were executed less than three months later. Three of these defendants received death sentences without defense lawyers or visitation rights. Saeed Madani described this as a sign of serious decline in Iran and warned that without governance retreat, a violent revolution will occur.

The Lebanese army arrested four people in several operations across three cities on charges of arms and drug trafficking and possession of ammunition. One detainee is accused of forming a gang for trafficking war weapons. The army also seized drugs and equipment used to manufacture them.

Fatemeh Atashi Khiyavi, a political prisoner, was released from Evin Prison after completing her sentence. This news was reported by HRANA news agency. Her release occurred after the end of her imprisonment period.

Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, said Washington is preparing to impose unprecedented economic pressure on Tehran.

The US government used Nechirvan Barzani to establish a secret communication channel with the commander of the IRGC during negotiations with Tehran. Barzani contacted Ahmad Vahidi and learned about the IRGC's support for resolving the crisis through negotiation. This report was published by Axios citing informed sources.

Faleh Sari, Iraq's finance minister, stated that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has directly impacted Iraq's economy. The Iraqi government seeks to increase non-oil revenues to reduce dependence on oil. There is also a plan to approve the first programmatic and performance budget in Iraq's history.

A female blogger was arrested for posting a video considered insulting to sacred beliefs. A legal case has been filed against her. This incident occurred in cyberspace.

The 39th meeting of the heads of education across the country began on Sunday morning, 25th of Mordad, with a speech by Masoud Pezeshkian. During a segment called "Sports Bell," attendees performed physical exercises. Alireza Kazemi, the Minister of Education, was also present in this part.

Two young fans of the Tractor team died in a car accident on their way back to Bonab after the match against Paykan at Sahand Stadium in Tabriz. This news was announced by Hojat Karimi, the CEO of the Tractor club.

Ali Motahari requested supervision of women's and men's clothing in the streets in a letter to Masoud Pezeshkian. He suggested that issues like revealing clothing and wearing leggings for women and shorts for men be monitored and discreetly warned. He also called for continued enforcement of dress regulations in government offices and universities.

Younes Azadbar, a resident of Rasht, was arrested on Sunday, 25 Mordad, after a retirees' protest gathering. He was transferred to a detention center in the city. This news was reported by Harana News Agency.

Andrey Vorobyov, governor of Moscow region, stated that in a drone attack by Ukraine on the region, an 83-year-old man was killed and several people were injured. This attack was described as one of the largest on the Moscow region. A warehouse of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, was targeted.

A prisoner named Kaveh Rafusheh was transferred to solitary confinement in Sanandaj prison for execution of the death sentence. He is 35 years old and from Sanandaj. The transfer took place today, Sunday, 25 Mordad.

Arash Aramesh referred to Amir Hatami's statements about paying rewards for killing or capturing Americans. He said the Islamic Republic has a history of using proxy forces in the region. This call may be directed at groups and individuals willing to take hostages or kill Americans.

The US government has sought help from Nechirvan Barzani to establish direct communication with the IRGC during negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Due to distrust in the positions of the Iranian negotiators, the Trump administration created a secret channel. Barzani plays a role similar to Qatar in mediating between the US and the Islamic Republic.

Arsenal won the 2026 Charity Shield by defeating Manchester City. Calafiori, Kai Havertz, and Odegaard scored for Arsenal. This is Arsenal's second trophy in four months and their eighteenth Charity Shield title.

Don Bacon, a Republican congressman, stated that the US cannot allow the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons. He described a war with Iran as a "hard fight" and criticized Trump's communication about the war. Bacon also pointed to shortages in military weapons and called for greater transparency.

Cristiano Ronaldo stated in an interview that this year is likely his last year playing football and he wants to leave an extraordinary legacy. He also mentioned wanting to spend more time with his family and has planned for his future. Ronaldo emphasized the importance of filling time in various ways and enjoying life after football.

The head of Alborz University of Medical Sciences reported the assault of four staff members at Shahid Madani Hospital in Karaj. The incident occurred after staff prevented relatives of a patient from entering the women's ward. Four main perpetrators of the clash have been arrested.

The Trump administration used Nechirvan Barzani to establish a direct channel with the IRGC command during secret negotiations with Iran to end the war. This was due to doubts about the authority of Iranian negotiators. The secret meeting in Erbil did not take place, but Barzani has expressed readiness to help resume negotiations.

A group of Iranians gathered near the Eiffel Tower in Paris to support political prisoners and demand an immediate release and halt to executions. They also called out the name of Reza Pahlavi as the leader of the transitional period. Participants urged increased international pressure on the Islamic Republic.

Pezeshkian confirmed that with the naval blockade of Iran's ports and the halt of oil sales, gasoline prices must increase to 87,000 tomans. Islamic Republic officials attacked these statements and warned about people returning to the streets and repeating the 2019 protests. This report was prepared by Mojtaba Pourmohsen.

The Iranian parliament has approved a bill criminalizing interviews and communication with foreign media, sending films and photos, scientific cooperation with some foreign universities, and cultural activities. The bill was approved with 183 votes in favor and requires Guardian Council approval to be enforced. Penalties include imprisonment from six months to five years and fines, with some terms in the bill left undefined.

The Israeli army announced that on August 16, it targeted a member of Islamic Jihad in Khan Yunis and a member of Hamas in Nuseirat with airstrikes. These individuals were involved in planning attacks against Israel, according to the army. The Israeli army used precision munitions and aerial surveillance to minimize civilian harm.

Ahmad Ariaee-Nejad, the representative of Malayer, described the death of Mahsa Amini with an insulting phrase and called the protests following her death "eight months of unrest." Mahsa Amini's parents considered these remarks offensive and responded strongly. They emphasized that such statements do not diminish their daughter's value and that her name will remain eternal in the country's history.

Esmail Hosseini from the Energy Commission of the Parliament said that damage to oil facilities and reduced production capacity will make managing gas shortages in the upcoming winter more difficult. He emphasized that gas shortages could affect fuel supply to power plants and the stability of the electricity network. If gas supply is insufficient, the use of liquid fuels such as gas oil and fuel oil will become necessary.

The agreement between the US and the Islamic Republic expires on Monday, 26 Mordad, 60 days after signing. Tensions in the region continue with several attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz reported. Donald Trump stated that the US controls the passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

A number of Afghans and civil activists gathered in Paris to protest against the Taliban's rule and the human rights situation in Afghanistan. The protesters emphasized the extensive restrictions on women and girls and the silence of the international community. A report and an interview with a women's rights activist were also presented.

The head of Tehran's Management and Planning Organization reported a widespread shortage of urban and medical infrastructure. 32% of Tehran's population lives in worn-out areas and informal settlements. Tehran province faces a shortage of about 16,000 hospital beds and lacks infrastructure in various sectors.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations announced that three ships were attacked within 72 hours in the Strait of Hormuz. Two tankers were attacked on August 14 and one cargo ship on August 15. The organization did not provide details about the attackers or possible damages.

The US Department of War has asked major arms manufacturers to present specific plans to increase ammunition production capacity as quickly as possible. This request comes as the US battle against the Islamic Republic has put heavy pressure on reserves of some US air defense and missile defense ammunition, even more than the war in Ukraine.

Amid a deadlock in negotiations between the US and the Islamic Republic, Washington has expanded its diplomatic consultations to European allies including Austria and Greece. This was discussed in an interview with Ali Hassanpour, a reporter for Iran International.

Hossein Samsami stated that the government is implementing policies that led to the protests in January 2026, with the parliament also involved. He warned these policies will increase budget deficits and inflation in the long term. Samsami criticized the ration card policy and the official exchange rate increase, and called medicalian's statements about currency shortages incorrect.

Amir Hatami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran's army, announced that any army personnel who kills or captures an "American force" will receive a ,000 reward. He added that the reward for killing or capturing American female forces would be double, approximately 11.2 billion tomans.

The Supreme Court overturned the death sentences of Shahab Zahdi, Abolfazl Salehi Siavashani, and Yaser Rajaifar. These individuals were sentenced to death in connection with the fire at a Basij base. Their case has been referred back to the Tehran Revolutionary Court for retrial.

Romania announced the downing of a drone in its airspace early Sunday, August 16. The drone entered Romania from Moldova and was shot down by a Spanish F-18 fighter jet. The Spanish fighter was on a NATO air patrol mission.

Jared Kushner, senior advisor to Donald Trump, called Egypt a key partner of the US in the Middle East and praised its role in efforts for peace and stability. Kushner and Sisi met in El Alamein to discuss Middle East developments, the Palestinian issue, and the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Sisi called for continued cooperation to address regional challenges.

In recent weeks, several drones have entered the airspace of European countries. A drone made by the Islamic Republic was shot down in Romania, and a Spanish F-18 fighter also shot down a drone in Romanian airspace. This issue has raised concerns about increasing tensions between Russia and NATO.

Mohammad Khatami stated that the Islamic Republic has imposed its survival and existence on the enemy after the war. He called for avoiding tension and adhering to the agreement to preserve Iran's dignity. Khatami described honorable peace as the solution and emphasized that life with war is impossible.

Today, several forcibly retired faculty members of Farhangian University protested in front of the Ministry of Education. They say that despite parliamentary commissions' emphasis on continuing their service, no effective action has been taken to resolve their issue. Over 320 faculty members were forcibly retired last year and have not received their salaries.

Article 14 of the anti-infiltration bill has been approved by the parliament, restricting cultural activities such as film, series, documentaries, theater, music, and books. The article penalizes works allegedly guided by foreign entities or those questioning religious rulings with fines and permanent bans from government services. Authors and producers of such works may face permanent bans from artistic activities.

The Student Affairs Department of Sharif University confirmed the expulsion and four-year suspension of Reza Dalman. He was arrested for hanging a mouse doll on a tree. The final verdict was communicated to the university on August 16.

The US government sought help from Nechirvan Barzani to establish direct contact with the commander of the IRGC during negotiations with Iran to end the war. Tulsi Gabbard asked Barzani to contact Ahmad Vahidi, who expressed support for negotiations. A proposal for secret talks in Erbil was made but did not take place due to security concerns.

The police commander of Eslamabad-e Gharb announced the arrest of a man around 30 years old accused of acid attack on an elderly man. The incident occurred in Eslamabad-e Gharb county. The suspect is currently in custody.

Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic Army, reacted to Donald Trump's remarks about the Strait of Hormuz, saying: 'You are wrong to say the Strait of Hormuz belongs to America. Even joking about this is a huge mistake.' He also said: 'The Islamic Republic has guardians who will break your legs.'

Mohsen Rezaei congratulated the appointment of six senior commanders of the armed forces by Mojtaba Khamenei. He stated that these appointments disrupted the calculations of the enemies of the Islamic Republic. Rezaei hopes the new commanders will strongly confront any possible aggression.

An activist in the population and family field reported a decline in fertility rates in recent years. She stated that Iran is rapidly moving towards aging at an unprecedented pace. Saba Alaleh explained the reasons for the failure of government incentive policies to increase people's willingness to have children.

Young Iranians face inflation and currency devaluation, making buying or renting a home difficult. Discrepancies in ration card recharge times for different national ID codes have caused dissatisfaction and are seen as unfair. Additionally, issues such as rising electricity bills and gasoline shortages in Kerman province have been reported.

The Islamic Consultative Assembly approved a plan to counter infiltration by foreign intelligence services and institutions with 183 votes in favor. The plan criminalizes communications with media, universities, and American and Israeli institutions, imposing prison sentences of up to 30 years for certain actions. The Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the IRGC will be responsible for enforcing this law.

Ata Hosseinian explained the government's plans to manage the gasoline shortage. He said the government is waiting for security institutions' approval to raise gasoline prices and implement a new rationing system. This fuel shortage has occurred after the war.

Manouchehr Motaki, Tehran representative, said in parliament that the Iranian people are waiting for the issuance of the death sentence for Trump and Netanyahu within 10 days. He also warned about the consequences of a ground attack. Motaki recommended that command be based on the opinion of the Supreme Leader.

The US is implementing unprecedented policies to increase economic pressure on the Islamic Republic. Bloomberg has identified increased pressure on exchange offices and financial intermediaries transferring Tehran's oil revenues as Washington's options. The US naval blockade could worsen stagflation and deepen poverty and unemployment crises in Iran.

Amir Hatami, the commander of the army, announced that members of the armed forces will receive a ,000 reward for killing or capturing an American soldier. This reward is doubled for female forces. The decision applies to members of the army, IRGC, police, Basij, and other armed forces.

A citizen reported severe economic problems and high repair costs for air conditioners and elevators during the summer heat. He also mentioned rising prices of goods and difficult living conditions. This person believes the government's priority is preserving the regime, not the people.

A group of social security retirees gathered today in front of the organization's building in Tehran. They protested their living conditions and demanded the implementation of the equalization plan and fulfillment of other demands. They also called for the halt of death sentences.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Parliament, stated in a press conference that we have achieved victory in the war both militarily and politically. He added that the goals announced by the US and Israel were not achieved. Ghalibaf emphasized that people should take pride in this victory.

According to Article 6 of the counter-infiltration plan, interviews or communication with hostile media, including American and Israeli media, are prohibited and punishable by six months to two years in prison. Government employees who conduct such interviews will face prison and dismissal from government service for two to five years. This plan has been presented by the parliament.

The representative of Hormozgan in the parliament reported low education quality and insufficient infrastructure in the province. She pointed to unequal distribution of educational resources and the impact of war on students' educational opportunities. She also called for the deployment of psychological teams to support affected students.

Shakiba from Tehran stated that her doctor dismissed her due to the events of Dey month. She expressed regret and said she felt ashamed of her father who raised her with labor money. This issue was directly raised by Shakiba.

A citizen in Tehran was arrested for creating an unauthorized communication platform and transmitting classified information using Starlink satellite internet, according to the intelligence police.

Mohammad Javad Akbarin pointed to contradictions in the positions of Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. Hezbollah calls for a return to agreements and Resolution 1701. However, it does not speak about disarmament and handing over weapons to the Lebanese army.

Sattar Hashemi, the Minister of Communications, stated that the internet outage until mid-May caused over 67 trillion tomans in direct damage to the ICT sector and digital economy. He added that this figure does not include indirect costs such as lost investment opportunities and reduced business activities. Additionally, some of the damages are not financially compensable.

Masoud Alani Kohneh Qaleh was arrested by security forces in Oshnavieh. He was transferred to an unknown location by the Intelligence Department agents. This event took place yesterday.

Amir Hatami announced that any Iranian who captures or kills an American soldier will receive a ,000 reward. Previously, plans for rewards for killing Donald Trump had also been proposed. These statements were made during a ceremony on Journalists' Day.

Alireza Raeisi, Deputy Minister of Health, stated that young people need jobs, housing, economic security, and a predictable future to have children. He emphasized that population growth cannot be forced. These remarks were made in the context of population increase policies.

The Judiciary news agency reported the execution of Shahram Sadeghi, a detained protester during the Iranian National Revolution in Karaj. His charges were announced as acting against national security and interests and attacking officers. Hassan Naeb Hashem provided explanations about stopping the execution cycle.

A group of Social Security retirees from Shush, Karkheh, and Haft-Tappeh held a protest in front of the Social Security building in Shush today. They demanded the implementation of the equalization plan, salary increases according to inflation, and attention to their medical and livelihood problems. The protest took place on August 16.

A citizen in Tehran reported that during the peak heat and after returning from work, the electricity was cut off for the third time in one day. The video highlights electricity supply issues in Tehran. Power outages during hot days have caused concerns.

A group of Iranians living in London displayed images of the martyrs of the December protests on a truck. They held a car rally while carrying Lion and Sun flags to honor the deceased. The event took place on Saturday, August 15.

Keyvan Ahmadi, a protest singer from Nurabad Mamasani, performed the Bakhtiari Lori song "Mar Jangeh, Mar Jangeh, Khoda Dooneh Jang Tefangeh" in front of a group of locals. He had previously been arrested for supporting the Iranian National Revolution. This performance took place in Nurabad Mamasani.

Hamid Hosseini, an energy expert, stated that the recent war caused damage to some facilities and made the Black Sea unsafe. These developments have created serious challenges for gasoline supply. Regional changes have also affected gasoline imports.

The police chief of Galikesh announced the closure of five women's hair salons and the arrest of their operators. The reason given was the publication of immoral images on social media. This incident took place in Galikesh county.

Ali Imani Motlagh, a teacher in Lorestan province, was dismissed from his job by the disciplinary board of the provincial education department.

Mehr News Agency warned about humorous videos of eulogies on social media. The agency emphasized that eulogies are not compatible with frivolity and blogging, and joking about them breaks cultural boundaries. It also stressed that the line between respect for sacred matters and exploitation should not be blurred.

Dariush Rahimi, a resident of Sanandaj, was arrested by security forces at his home on Saturday, August 15. The arrest was made without a judicial warrant and involved violence. His and his wife's mobile phones were also confiscated.

Mehdi Eghraryan said the mayor's promise to reduce housing prices has not been fulfilled, and people have been burdened by rising prices. He criticized construction in military barracks acquired by the municipality and called for the barracks to remain in their current use. Eghraryan stated that if warnings are ignored, he will initiate a question plan against the mayor.

Shahram Sadeghi, a detainee from the December 2025 protests in Karaj, was executed early this morning. He was convicted of operational actions in favor of Israel, the USA, and hostile countries against national security and interests. This sentence was issued by the Revolutionary Court of Karaj.

The commander of the Missing Persons Search Committee stated that an air force expert team has been waiting for months to enter Qatar to investigate the status of three Iranian pilots. According to him, Qatari officials have obstructed the return of these pilots. The Qatari Foreign Ministry has denied these reports.

The executive deputy of Masoud Pezeshkian stated that using VPNs has made enemy infiltration easier. About 75% of people oppose the use of VPNs. The sale of VPNs generates between 7 to 12 trillion tomans in revenue, but it is unclear who benefits from it.

Political and sanction pressures from Europe against the Islamic Republic are increasing. More countries outside the European Union are aligning their positions with Brussels' policies. This trend indicates an expansion of sanctions and pressures against Tehran.

Esmaeil Faraji, deputy operations of the Basij organization, announced extensive plans to organize volunteers of the Jan-Fada system. The goal is to train and prepare these volunteers to defend the land of Iran. Additionally, the Basij combat organization has multiplied due to increased registrations.

The Israeli army announced that Abu Hasan Alaa, a senior Hezbollah commander, was killed in an attack on Deir al-Zahrani. A Middle East history researcher said Hezbollah is not satisfied with the Lebanese government's treaty with Israel. The ceasefire negotiations are very fragile.

Ahmad Alavi stated that due to international consensus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and China's losses from its closure, the US may increase pressure on buyers of Iranian oil. He added that the US is prepared to bear the costs of higher oil prices to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Abbas Goudarzi announced that the government has one and a half months from August 20 to introduce the proposed ministers of intelligence and defense to the parliament. There is an idea that the requirement of Ijtihad for the intelligence minister may not be necessary. This issue requires legal amendment, and the government must submit a bill to the parliament.

Hamshahri newspaper criticized mixed-gender sports and optional dress codes in parks. It referred to videos from Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad showing boys and girls exercising together. Hamshahri called for more cultural awareness and supervision of sports programs.

The Israeli army announced that Abu Hasan Alla, a senior commander of the Badr unit of Hezbollah, was killed. This action was in response to Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli forces in the security zone. Hasan Alla was involved in multiple attacks, including launching explosive drones.

Reza Goharzad reported the continuation of the maritime blockade of Iranian ports and fuel distribution problems. He mentioned long gasoline queues and the emergence of a black market. He also said that gasoline imports do not solve price and distribution issues and dissatisfaction could lead to street protests.

Omid Memarian commented on the fate of four missing pilots, stating that the Islamic Republic claims three pilots are in Qatar. Qatari officials have denied this claim. The Islamic Republic must provide evidence of their survival and location.

The spokesperson of Iran's Foreign Ministry announced an agreement between Tehran and Muscat on a shipping map in the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement follows diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume normal ship traffic. More details were provided by an Iran International reporter.

Ali Emami Rad stated that there should be no negotiations with the US and that the military doctrine should shift from defensive to offensive. He emphasized Iran's deep enmity with the US and Israel and vowed not to relent until the avengers of the martyred leader are punished. He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a paternal heritage and key to global power.

The execution of Shahram Sadeghi, a protester from the December uprising, was carried out on the morning of August 16. He was sentenced to death for operational actions in favor of Israel, the US, and hostile groups. After interrogation, Sadeghi admitted to driving the car towards officers and setting it on fire.

Rahmatollah Norouzi, representative of Aliabad Katoul, reported very high housing inflation and serious pressure on buying and renting in large and small cities. He stated that single and married young people face serious difficulties in securing deposits, rent, and purchasing housing.

Ali Nahavandi, head of the Islamic Research Center of the Parliament, stated that the US, Israel, and their regional allies should know that no hostile action will go unanswered. He emphasized that deterrence is not just a threat of response but creating a calculation where refraining from war is more rational for the enemy.

The Israeli army attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The Israeli defense minister stated that no score on any front will remain unsettled. This attack was in response to Hezbollah's actions against Israeli forces.

The Judiciary News Agency reported the execution of Shahram Sadeghi, a December protester in Karaj, on charges of operational actions benefiting Israel and the US. He was arrested for running over officers with a vehicle on January 8. The execution was carried out on charges against national security and interests.

Hossein Shariatmadari called on officials to enforce the hijab law. He condemned the lack of action against unveiled women, calling it religiously and politically forbidden. Shariatmadari also stated that intelligence agencies opposing the Islamic Republic support the unveiling.

Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State, warned that withdrawing from the conflict with the Islamic Republic without victory could undermine Washington's allies' trust. He opposed ending the conflict, stating it would not be seen as a victory. Pompeo emphasized that Washington should continue its operations until the defeat of the Islamic Republic.

The Israeli army displayed a collection of weapons seized from Hamas and Hezbollah. These weapons include mortars, cannons, sniper rifles, and anti-tank launchers made in Iran, as well as equipment from Russia and China. A German-made MG-34 machine gun was also seized from a Hezbollah base.

A group of Iranians living in Brisbane, Australia, held a protest on Saturday against executions in Iran. Participants demanded the halt of death sentences and the release of political prisoners. The protest was organized by the group "Iran Tomorrow - Responsibility Today."

Five years after the Taliban's return to power, Afghanistan's administrative structure has undergone significant changes. Skilled personnel have left the administrations and women have been excluded. Additionally, graduates of religious schools have widely entered the government.

Amirhossein Sabeti, a member of parliament, stated that the Arab countries in the Persian Gulf hosting US military bases should be targeted for revenge. He claimed these countries were involved in the assassination attempt on Khamenei. He also said some senior officials apologized to the Arab countries for the US bases being targeted.

Turkish media have focused on the consequences of five years of Taliban rule in Kabul on the fifth anniversary of the city's fall. The situation of Afghan women and girls, including restrictions on education, employment, and social participation, has been a key focus. The report was prepared by Farzia Sabti from Iran International.

The audio version of the program 'Politics' with Murad Vaisi has been released. This episode discusses signs of food reserve shortages in the country. The program examines the status of food reserves.

Reza Alijani said the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement caused less polarization in society compared to the protests of December 2025. He added that polarization can give the Islamic Republic's security forces an excuse for more repression. Alijani attributed this polarization to some misguided and unaware opposition groups.

Despite the announced agreement between Iran and Oman on the shipping traffic map in the Strait of Hormuz, disagreements over its implementation continue and no joint statement has been issued. The US has emphasized continuing the naval blockade of Iran and announced new sanctions and economic pressures. This report was prepared by Marzieh Hosseini from Iran International.

Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, concluded his 10-day trip to the Middle East. During the trip, he visited six countries and an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea and met with senior officials. Cooper described the mission of the USS Abraham Lincoln as one of the most important operational missions.

The president of Qatar's Football Federation wrote to the AFC president stating that he was not consulted before the open letter by three confederations against the FIFA president was published. Infantino faces opposition from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF. The Qatar Football Federation president requested an explanation from the AFC about consultations before releasing the statement.

Reza Dalman, a protesting student at Sharif University, was expelled for symbolically hanging a mouse's body from a tree. This action was taken by university officials and the Ministry of Science under the Medicalian government. The incident led to the widespread use of the term 'Moushali' among protesters.

Morad Veisi, a senior analyst at Iran International, stated that the increase in gasoline prices and removal of quotas could cause dissatisfaction among millions of passenger drivers. Gasoline prices may rise to 87,000 tomans per liter, starting from Kerman. This issue could lead to widespread protests by drivers.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Parliament, commented on the US president in a tweet. He said the US president should worry about his own security instead of boasting about the Strait of Hormuz. Azizi warned that the US president might end up hiding in a food truck.

Davood Rangi, an import official at the Chamber of Commerce, warned that the blockade of ports could lead to food shortages. Food reserves are sufficient for only three to four months. Land routes and northern ports cannot replace the import of 23 million tons of goods from southern ports.

Ebrahim Rezaei criticized the performance of the Islamic Republic's diplomacy, stating that its weakness has allowed Turkey and Pakistan to benefit from Iran's military actions in the region. He added that if diplomacy were strong, Iran would be the one benefiting regionally. Rezaei emphasized that Iranian fighters have done the hard work, but others are reaping the benefits.

Peyman Hadadi, CEO of Persepolis, commented on Sepahan and Tractor's proposal for a three-team tournament, stating Persepolis had a chance to win last season. He added that if a five-team tournament is held, Persepolis can participate.

Donald Trump shared a video of Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of Iran Program at Foundation for Defense of Democracies, on Truth Social. Ben Taleblu argued that combining financial pressure with a US blockade could intensify damage to Tehran's military capability and economy. He said intensified pressure could maximize the damage from previous military actions and would be effective.

Mostafa Nakhaei, the representative of Nehbandan, stated that part of the daily 20 million liters of fuel smuggling is authorized and occurs at the border. He emphasized that smuggling is not limited to hidden smugglers. These remarks were in response to fuel smuggling statistics.

Amir Aliakbari was knocked out in the first round of the main ACA event fight in Moscow by Alihan Vakhayev. This loss ended his chance to continue the championship path and win the heavyweight belt. After the fight, Aliakbari said, "Tonight was not my night."

Mehregan Namavar, a poet from Dehdasht, was transferred to Yasuj prison on July 4, 2026. She is serving her prison sentence there. This news was reported by HRANA news agency.

Shayan Samiei said that closing the Strait of Hormuz harms the Islamic Republic the most and increases the cost of imports and economic pressure on the Iranian people. He added that the Islamic Republic has no clear plan for the Strait of Hormuz and the idea of exclusive ownership of this waterway is not compatible with geographical reality. Samiei also stated that the Islamic Republic tries to institutionalize this illusion in the minds of the Iranian people and the global public opinion.

Kaveh Yaghmaei explained that his new piece musically narrates recent events and the immortal figures of the national revolution. The work features the Lion and Sun flag and an image of Reza Pahlavi. He emphasized that the future system should be determined by the choice of the Iranian people.