Iranian parliament member Amir Hayat-Moqaddam claimed that if Iran were to place its naval assets within a 2,000 km range of the United States, it would be able to directly strike cities like New York City and Washington DC. He added that all European countries are already within Iranian missile range. He also noted that the Revolutionary Guards has developed strike capabilities with warships over 20 years. His remarks come amid European threats to reinstate UN sanctions if nuclear talks do not resume by August’s end.
Seyed Yahya Rahim Safavi, advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, warned that a new war between Iran and Israel could break out at any time, adding that an offensive strategy is the best form of defense. Other Iranian leaders, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and military commander Amir Hatami, echoed similar sentiments.Although open hostilities ceased on June 24, a cyber war between Iran and Israel continues, marked by thousands of cyberattacks on both sides targeting intelligence systems and critical infrastructure.
Mohammadi Younesi Rostami, the governor of Mazandaran Province, sparked controversy by stating, “As long as people are hungry, I do not believe in chastity and hijab.” He later clarified that his point was that economic and livelihood issues must be addressed first, and then the enforcement of hijab laws should be done with proper timing and consideration. His remarks drew strong reactions from some members of parliament who accused him of disrespecting the religious values and historical culture of the province. One representative even said that if he were the gatekeeper of the governor’s office, he would not have allowed him to enter.
Iran’s Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of labor rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, despite what her lawyer described as “serious flaws” in the case. The court had previously overturned the ruling due to lack of evidence of armed activity and failure to prove membership in a rebel (baghi) group, but the Revolutionary Court in Rasht reissued the sentence based on a security forces’ report, and this time it was confirmed. Mohammadi faces the charge of baghi (armed rebellion against the state), which carries the death penalty under Iranian law, allegedly due to her membership more than a decade ago in the “Committee for Coordinating the Establishment of Labor Organizations,” which, according to its founders, operated openly and legally and opposed clandestine activity. She was also accused of ties to the Komala Party, which she denies. The ruling has drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations and civil society activists.
Iran plans to open five new museums dedicated to the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War by late 2025, raising the total from 29 to 34. Brigadier General Bahman Kargar, head of the Foundation for the Preservation and Publication of Sacred Defense Works, announced this in Tehran. Existing museums cover 44 hectares, documenting the war’s history, with 162 related sites registered as national heritage. The foundation also archives recent conflict materials and promotes education and cultural dialogue to preserve national identity. It supports museum development, memorials, and cultural festivals related to the war.
