Brief Notes

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Still Alive: Despite speculation regarding his death following an explosion west of Tehran, the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi is alive and was seen in public at a memorial today. IRGC Media Slams Reuters: IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency has sharply criticized Reuters for what it calls a "deceptive media game" aimed at tricking the regime into nuclear negotiations by allegedly exaggerating divisions between Trump and Netanyahu in a July 8 article. Damages Reported in Al Udeid: For the first time since the regime’s attack, the Pentagon confirmed that one ballistic missile fired by the Islamic Republic struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23, damaging a U.S. radar dome. All other missiles were intercepted or did not hit their targets, and no injuries were reported. The attack on Al Udeid was a response to U.S. strikes on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities.

Tehran Signals Openness to Talks, Demands Guarantees

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi today said Tehran remains open to nuclear talks with the U.S., but only if Washington offers “guarantees against future attacks,” shows “mutual respect,” and acknowledges past “mistakes.” Araghchi ruled out any negotiations over the regime’s ballistic missile program and dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim that the regime’s nuclear program was destroyed. Araghchi further noted that U.S. strikes damaged IAEA-supervised facilities, for which the Islamic Republic may seek compensation. Separately, Majles (Parliament) Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf blamed the U.S. for the recent 12-day conflict. Qalibaf said Israel, with full U.S. coordination, sought to dismantle the Islamic Republic’s political system, nuclear program, and missile capabilities but failed on all fronts. However, echoing Araghchi, he signaled openness to diplomatic efforts. Qalibaf claimed the war exposed the fragility of Israel’s security doctrine and shifted regional and international public opinion in Tehran’s favor. Elsewhere, Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader, told Al Jazeera that Tehran has received messages from the U.S. about resuming negotiations and is reviewing them. He added that after facing “imposed” war, Tehran no longer trusts Washington.

Tehran Charges Ex-MP Over Claims About Journalist

The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has filed criminal charges against former MP Mostafa Kavakebian over claims he made during a televised interview, alleging that French-Jewish journalist Catherine Shakdam had “sex with more than 120 senior officials” during her visits to Iran in the late 2010s. Shakdam had frequently traveled to Iran and was a regular contributor to prominent media outlets, including Mashregh News, Tasnim News, Mehr News, and the Supreme Leader's official website, Khamenei.ir. In blog posts and interviews since her time in Iran, Shakdam has detailed her past experiences within the clerical establishment, even meeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

German Aid Worker Prevented from Leaving Iran

The Islamic Republic, on June 28, barred Serkan Eren, founder of the German aid group STELP, from leaving Iran after he reportedly traveled to the country on a humanitarian mission. Eren allegedly entered Iran on foot from Turkey to deliver donations from Germany. In an Instagram post, STELP yesterday confirmed they have lost direct contact with Eren, further saying they have contacted Turkish authorities and urging the public against speculation. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified its warnings against traveling to Iran. The State Department’s Iran Travel Advisory urges those who still plan to visit Iran to leave DNA samples with their medical provider, draft a will, designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries, and establish a “proof of life protocol” with loved ones. Additionally, the Office of the Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs yesterday released a video emphasizing the heightened risk of arbitrary arrest and detention for dual nationals.

On the Radar

Tehran's Friday Prayer Imam Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari, during his sermon today, warned Tel Aviv and Washington that any further aggression would be met with unprecedented retaliation. Highlighting Yemen’s “resistance,” he called for broader Islamic solidarity, particularly in support of Palestine.
From house arrest in Tehran, former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi (1981–89) today characterized the 12-day conflict as “crimes committed by the U.S. and Israel” triggered by “a chain of major mistakes” committed by the clerical establishment. He argued that “putting aside grievances, the nation displayed foresight and dashed sinister plans of invaders.” The 83-year-old politician then called on the clerical establishment in Iran to hold a “referendum for the establishment of the constitutional constituent assembly.” Mousavi was one of the leaders of the 2009 Green Movement, which was triggered by his heavily disputed presidential election loss to incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Islamic Republic Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for supporting Israel’s actions against the regime, accusing Merz of complicity in war crimes.
The Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs criticized the Islamic Republic for its mistreatment of Afghan migrants.
Iraq has finalized a deal to import gas from Turkmenistan to replace reduced supplies from Iran, signaling a shift away from Tehran amid ongoing power shortages. For the Islamic Republic, this move threatens its role as a key energy supplier to Iraq.
Over the past 40 days, Iran has faced severe environmental crises caused by the Islamic Republic’s mismanagement and neglect, including 300 recorded incidents of illegal poaching, widespread wildfires across over 70 regions, deadly air pollution in over 80 cities, and escalating water scarcity.
The Ministry of Intelligence today summoned a Baha’i father and daughter for interrogation in Isfahan. The move comes amid an intensified crackdown against the marginalized and persecuted community.
Security forces in Mahabad, West Azerbaijan Province, arrested three residents without presenting any charges.
Three police officers were reportedly killed in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, during a clash with “armed assailants.”