Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will embark on a two-day state visit to Pakistan on August 2 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This will mark the second such visit by an Iranian president in recent years. His agenda includes meetings with political leaders and cultural and business elites, aiming to boost bilateral trade beyond $3 billion and enhance cooperation in border, cultural, and religious areas. The visit follows earlier diplomatic efforts and reflects deepening ties between the two neighboring countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban-led Afghan government. Araghchi stressed the urgent need for a ministerial-level OIC meeting to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also highlighted Iran's efforts to ensure a dignified and rights-based return process for Afghan refugees. In response, Muttaqi called for an immediate end to what he described as genocidal acts in Gaza and urged that the dignity of Afghan returnees be respected.

At least five people were killed in a grenade attack on a judicial building in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, including a one-year-old child and their mother. Security forces later engaged the assailants in a shootout, killing three of them.

Deputy police commander Alireza Daliri stated that the attackers entered the building disguised as visitors and launched the assault shortly afterward. A Pakistan-based group, Jaish al-Adl, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The region has long been home to Iran’s Sunni Baluch minority, who frequently allege political marginalization and systemic discrimination.

Iran’s top religious leader Abu Torabi Ferd declared that if another conflict arises, Israel’s military and economic backbone will be shattered. Reflecting on the recent 12-day war, he highlighted Iran’s national unity and significant damage inflicted on Israel, estimating losses of $30-35 billion—8% of Israel’s GDP. Despite ongoing readiness, Iran warned Israel that any future mistakes could threaten its existence. The conflict involved missile strikes and U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, ending with a ceasefire on June 24.

Iran’s Nahid-2 satellite was successfully launched into orbit from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. Developed jointly by the Iran Space Agency and Iran Space Research Center, Nahid-2 is part of a multinational mission involving 20 satellites. Designed to operate for five years, it features a domestically made propulsion system capable of adjusting altitude by 50 kilometers. The satellite also incorporates Iranian-developed thermal coatings and powerful lithium-ion batteries built for long-term space missions.

Iran has condemned Israel's recent Knesset proposal to annex the West Bank and expand illegal settlements, calling it a continuation of genocide and human rights violations against Palestinians. The Iranian Foreign Ministry urged international communities to support Palestinian self-determination and hold Israel accountable under international law. Iran also warned that UN Security Council’s inaction would embolden Israel's aggressive policies. The Knesset resolution rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state, citing existential threats, and supports annexation of the West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, has strongly condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza, accusing it of genocide with the support of the West. He stated that Israel kills with Western weapons, enforces starvation, and evades accountability through U.S. vetoes and Western backing. In a statement on X, he called for an end to double standards, protection of Gaza’s civilians, and prosecution of Israeli war criminals. Recent Israeli airstrikes have pushed the Palestinian death toll beyond 59,500.

Iran has outlined crucial conditions before engaging in talks with the U.S., including restoring trust, rejecting the use of negotiations for secret agendas or military threats, honoring Iran’s nuclear rights under the NPT, and lifting sanctions. Tehran remains distrustful of Washington and prepared for military defense. Past indirect talks, mediated by Oman, were disrupted after Israeli attacks on Iranian sites. Following Israeli and U.S. strikes, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and the U.S. base in Qatar. A ceasefire was later implemented to temporarily halt the conflict.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran is fully prepared for a second round of war with Israel if necessary. He expressed skepticism about the current ceasefire and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its uranium enrichment program, claiming it complies with international law. Despite taking a tough stance, he indicated openness to diplomacy but stressed that Iran will not compromise its sovereignty. Tensions remain high following recent military clashes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Iran has claimed it forced a U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Fitzgerald, to retreat after it approached Iranian territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman. According to Tehran, an Iranian military helicopter flew over the warship and issued a direct radio warning. The U.S. military, however, described the encounter as "professional and safe." This marks the first reported military standoff between Iran and the U.S. following the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. U.S. officials stated the incident took place in international waters and accused Iran of spreading misleading information. The backdrop includes heightened tensions after recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Senior officials from Iran, Russia, and China met in Tehran to boost cooperation against Western dominance, sanctions, and threats of the JCPOA snapback mechanism. They emphasized diplomatic coordination and mutual support, criticizing Western unilateralism. Iran warned that any new UN sanctions would be illegitimate and proposed practical steps for regional stability. The trilateral talks aim to create a broader strategic framework, with follow-up discussions planned with the European Troika. All three nations committed to deeper consultation in the coming months.

Iran has ruled out any negotiations with the United States, according to its foreign ministry. Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran has no plans to engage with Washington but will resume talks with the UK, France, and Germany on July 25 in Istanbul, focusing on its nuclear program. Deputy Foreign Ministers Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi will represent Iran. Despite severe damage to nuclear sites during the Israel-Iran conflict, Tehran insists it will not abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country will not abandon its uranium enrichment program, even after severe damage to nuclear facilities during recent conflict with Israel. In an interview, he emphasized the program’s national importance. Talks with the U.S., mediated by Oman, failed to reach a deal on enrichment limits. A 12-day air conflict in June, involving the U.S., ended with a ceasefire. The UN nuclear watchdog found no proof Iran seeks nuclear weapons, though Israel claims otherwise.

Iran has warned it may withdraw from maintaining regional maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz, if European nations reinstate international sanctions through the UN. A senior Iranian lawmaker made the remarks ahead of E3-Iran talks in Istanbul. The EU trio—UK, France, and Germany—has threatened to activate the snapback mechanism if Iran fails to engage in meaningful nuclear negotiations. Tehran argues the E3 no longer has legal standing to trigger the process due to their stance on recent Israeli and U.S. attacks.

Iran has extended the deadline for Afghan migrants to leave the country until the 15th of Sunbula in the Solar Hijri calendar, citing extreme heat and inadequate infrastructure. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the extension but warned that those who fail to comply will face fines and legal action. In response, Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called for an end to forced deportations, urging that returnees be treated with dignity. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has also engaged in dialogue with Afghan officials regarding the situation.