August
Iranian media on August 1 primarily centered on escalating rhetoric and new geopolitical developments. Morning reports detailed renewed U.S. pressure on Iran, including President Trump's critique of Iran's conduct and new sanctions targeting its drone program, which Tehran consistently refuted as baseless. By mid-day, Ayatollah Khatami's warnings that Tel Aviv would become a "ghost town" if the ceasefire was violated, alongside pledges of retaliation, dominated coverage, reinforcing the regional conflict narrative. In the afternoon, reports emerged on the aftermath of the "symbolic" Israeli attack on Evin Prison and alleged Mossad espionage executions, adding a domestic security dimension. Evening coverage expanded to include Yemeni missile attacks on occupied territories and Tel Aviv, alongside President Trump's directive for nuclear submarine deployment near Russia, indicating broader global tensions.
02.08.2025
Saturday

Nuclear Conditions Advanced

Nuclear diplomacy remained a dominant focus in Iranian media, as reports detailed Iran's specific conditions for potential talks with the United States, including guaranteed enrichment and compensation, building on previous days' demands. Concurrently, European positions hardened, with the United Kingdom explicitly rejecting Iran's rationale for 60% uranium enrichment and labeling it a "real threat." An Iranian official underscored the complexity of ongoing nuclear discussions with Europe, and Iran asserted no agreement would occur if zero enrichment was insisted upon. Separately, the return of IAEA inspectors in the coming weeks was announced. The ongoing US-Russia tensions regarding President Trump's nuclear submarine deployments also continued to receive prominent coverage. In regional news, Hamas conditioned disarmament on a Palestinian state, while the IRGC rejected a two-state solution as an "evil scheme," amidst discussions of a US peace plan. President Pezeshkian's visit to Pakistan, aimed at bolstering trade, gained attention, alongside persistent domestic reports on Tehran's severe water crisis.
03.08.2025
Sunday

The Defense Council Emerged

The media ecosystem prominently reported the official establishment of Iran's "Country Defense Council," chaired by the President. Initial reports in the late morning hinted at its formation, with several outlets confirming its approval by the Supreme National Security Council in the afternoon. This development followed prior discussions concerning its strategic implications. Concurrently, President Pezeshkian's state visit to Pakistan continued to dominate headlines, with emphasis on the formal reception, the signing of twelve cooperation documents, and his calls for Muslim unity and regional consensus against Israel. Earlier in the day, Iranian outlets also highlighted the resignation of Kazem Sedighi from Tehran's Friday Imamate, which Khamenei accepted amidst corruption allegations.
Iranian media on August 4 continued coverage of President Pezeshkian's Pakistan visit, emphasizing deepening ties and discussing an "Islamic NATO." By mid-morning, focus shifted significantly to the nuclear program, with Foreign Ministry officials stating no IAEA inspectors were present in Iran. Outlets warned against misuse of the 'trigger mechanism,' connecting it to potential global consensus and an attack, while reiterating Iran's "right to enrichment" and refusal of physical access to nuclear sites. Concurrently, the Gaza conflict gained prominence, particularly a new appeal by hundreds of former Israeli security officials to Donald Trump to end the war, arguing Hamas was no longer a strategic threat. Reports also noted Israeli public anger over hostage videos temporarily sidelined discussions of war with Iran, even as Netanyahu reiterated his intent to achieve war goals in Gaza. Domestically, Kazem Sedighi's formal farewell from the Tehran Friday prayer pulpit unfolded, raising questions about the policy council's silence on his high-profile departure.
05.08.2025
Tuesday

The Council's New Watchman

The reappointment of Ali Larijani as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council by President Pezeshkian emerged as the primary editorial focus in Iranian media during the afternoon of August 5. News outlets widely reported his return to this key national security position, a role he previously held. Earlier in the day, the Gaza conflict remained a significant external priority, with reports covering a Yemeni army claim of targeting Ben Gurion Airport and UN Security Council discussions regarding Israeli hostages. Concurrently, developments concerning Iran's nuclear program were highlighted, including a new "Minaret" plan for peaceful cooperation and officials linking US/Israeli aggression to negotiation collapse. Domestic economic challenges, such as rising inflation, widespread power cuts affecting industries, and a persistent water crisis leading to provincial closures, continued to receive consistent coverage throughout the day.
06.08.2025
Wednesday

The Scientist's Execution

The execution of an individual identified as a nuclear scientist accused of spying for Israel dominated Iranian media. Early reports detailed the execution of a Mossad spy, with later outlets highlighting the "nuclear scientist" designation and noting it as the tenth such execution since the recent conflict. Concurrently, discussions continued regarding Iran's economic vulnerability and legislative efforts against international sanctions, including a "Law Against Sanctions" debated in parliament and an economist's warning about the 'trigger mechanism'. Reactions to Ali Larijani's reappointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council persisted. In the afternoon, the Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a strong warning against national threats, promising a reaction stronger than "True Promise 3." Evening reports featured senior official Araqchi discussing new conditions for cooperation with the IAEA, indicating a need for a new framework and warning against snap-back mechanisms.
Iranian media in the morning continued its focus on the country's nuclear program, with reports highlighting US President Trump's warnings against restarting nuclear activities. Concurrently, senior military officials vowed a stronger response to perceived American hostilities, referencing "True Promise III." By early afternoon, editorial priority shifted significantly to domestic political changes. News outlets extensively covered the Supreme Leader's new high-level appointments, naming Ali Larijani, Ali Shamkhani, and Ali Akbar Ahmadian as his representatives to Iran's top security and defense councils, building on Larijani's earlier reappointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. This internal realignment was heavily emphasized across sources. In the evening, a new external development gained prominence: the US imposed fresh sanctions on 18 individuals and entities, citing their involvement in "shadow banking," sanctions circumvention, and political repression, marking an escalation in US-Iran tensions.
08.08.2025
Friday

The Day Gaza Occupation Was Set

Iranian media extensively covered the Israeli security cabinet's approval of a plan to occupy Gaza City throughout the day. Early reports detailed the decision and swift condemnations from Palestinian resistance groups. As the day progressed, focus shifted to international reactions, including Germany halting arms exports and Belgium recalling its ambassador, alongside internal Israeli warnings regarding the plan. Iranian official outlets consistently denounced the occupation plan as a genocidal policy. Concurrently, a significant domestic story emerged mid-afternoon concerning the alleged violent transfer of hundreds of political prisoners to Evin Prison. Discussions also continued on the strategic role of Ali Larijani and the legal review of nuclear policy, maintaining threads from previous days' editorial priorities.
09.08.2025
Saturday

The Caucasus Corridor Denied

Iranian media primarily focused on the nation's assertive stance against perceived US influence in the Caucasus. Throughout the afternoon, senior officials, including Velayati and a Khamenei advisor, explicitly declared Iran's intent to block any American-backed corridor in the region, particularly the Zangezur corridor, with or without Russian cooperation. This was framed as preventing "Trump's path" and described as a "graveyard for mercenaries." Concurrently, the passing of renowned artist Mahmoud Farshchian dominated domestic cultural news, with extensive coverage of his legacy. Official Pezeshkian's public statements emphasizing national unity and praising journalists continued across various outlets. Regional security remained a consistent concern, with ongoing speculation about a future Iran-Israel missile conflict and continued condemnations of Israel's Gaza City occupation plan. Domestically, economic challenges persisted, alongside reports of judiciary allegations against individuals accused of spying for Mossad.
10.08.2025
Sunday

The Zangazur Red Line

Iranian media on August 10 prioritized the geopolitical landscape in the Caucasus, particularly the Zangazur corridor. Early reports highlighted Iran's determination to block American-backed initiatives in the region, framing them as "Trump's path" that challenges Iran's interests. This concern intensified through the day, with officials like Baqeri Kani explicitly warning Iran would not easily accept the Zangazur issue. Kayhan newspaper even suggested closing the Strait of Hormuz in response. Later, President Pezeshkian stated Iran's demands regarding the corridor had been met. Concurrently, news outlets closely followed developments concerning Gaza, prominently featuring Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's outlined plan for controlling the territory, which drew international criticism from the UN Security Council. Domestically, discussions continued on the severe water crisis and the approval of a bill to remove four zeros from the national currency.
The day's editorial focus centered on Iran's proactive regional diplomacy and the ongoing nuclear discussions. Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani commenced significant visits to Iraq and Lebanon, culminating in the signing of a security agreement with Iraq, highlighting a push for "peripheral diplomacy". Concurrently, attention remained on the nuclear program, with an IAEA deputy visiting Tehran. Iranian officials reiterated that no physical inspections of atomic facilities were planned, even as discussions intensified around accepting nuclear limitations in exchange for sanctions relief, ahead of a European deadline. Internal reports also warned of economic consequences from a "trigger mechanism". The Caucasus corridor remained a consistent point of emphasis, with Iran stressing its role as a path for peace, not foreign hegemony. News outlets continued to cover the Gaza conflict, detailing the killing of Al Jazeera journalists and associated condemnations.
12.08.2025
Tuesday

The Conditional Dialogue Unfurled

Iranian media on August 12 prominently featured two interconnected narratives. Early reports continued to detail US President Trump's foreign policy, including his engagement with Russia on Ukraine and China tariffs, a consistent focus from previous days. Concurrently, Tehran issued a "strong protest" to the IAEA, maintaining the Foreign Ministry's oversight of the nuclear file. As the day progressed, warnings against Israeli and US aggression intensified, with media predicting Israeli failure in Gaza. A notable shift emerged in the afternoon: Iranian officials, including the First Vice President and Aref, signaled readiness for "trust-building" and direct negotiations with the United States under appropriate conditions. This overture came despite perceptions of US inaction, framing a complex diplomatic landscape alongside persistent reports of large-scale arrests during the recent Israel conflict and renewed Yemeni drone operations against Israeli targets in the evening.
Iranian media on August 13 heavily focused on European powers signaling readiness to activate the "trigger mechanism" for UN sanctions on Iran's nuclear program. This diplomatic pressure, a continuation of previous days' discussions, intensified with a senior Iranian official stating its activation could "threaten the existence of the Islamic Republic." Concurrently, Ali Larijani's Beirut visit remained a central theme. While state-affiliated outlets emphasized Iran's unwavering support for Lebanon and a warm reception, independent and Arab media highlighted reports of Lebanese President Aoun rejecting Tehran's interference in internal affairs. Later in the day, coverage broadened to include Donald Trump's statements, notably his claims of destroying Iran's nuclear capability and warnings to Russia over Ukraine, with some Iranian outlets critically labeling his approach as "flattery diplomacy."
14.08.2025
Thursday

The Kurdistan Target Emerged

The editorial focus on August 14 escalated significantly, centering on potential direct conflict with Israel. Morning reports continued detailing Trump's foreign policy stances, particularly on Ukraine, alongside domestic economic debates and condemnation of alleged Zionist expansionism. By midday, criticism of Israel intensified, with humanitarian groups alleging aid weaponization in Gaza and Human Rights Watch reiterating its "war crime" designation for the Evin Prison attack. A new and prominent development emerged in the afternoon: Iranian media, citing informed sources, repeatedly warned that Tehran might target Iraqi Kurdistan in retaliation for any renewed Israeli attacks on Iran. This threat underscored a heightened state of alert. Concurrently, Ali Larijani's ongoing regional tour, including a confirmed meeting with Hezbollah, remained a focus. As the day progressed into evening, rhetoric continued to escalate, with reports of Israeli military officials threatening operations in Iran, and Iranian figures, including Larijani, reiterating readiness for a strong response to any Israeli aggression. Economic discussions, like the FATF's role and domestic power rationing, were also noted amidst the predominant security concerns.
The day's editorial focus in Iranian media evolved, shifting towards two main narratives. Early reports continued to address regional war warnings and the "resistance" front, a consistent theme from previous days, alongside the anticipated Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. By midday, a significant regional development took prominence: Hezbollah's leadership issued escalating warnings about potential civil war in Lebanon over disarmament efforts, explicitly backed by Iran's continued support. This theme persisted into the afternoon. Concurrently, the Alaska summit gained increasing attention throughout the day, culminating in the evening with confirmed reports of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's arrival and the commencement of their discussions, with Trump emphasizing a ceasefire in Ukraine. Domestically, extensive coverage highlighted the unprecedented 16 million participation in the Arba'een pilgrimage.
Iranian media extensively covered the diplomatic fallout from the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Initial reports were mixed, some stating no agreement on Ukraine was reached, while others cited Trump on a "constructive" meeting or progress. Attention quickly shifted to Volodymyr Zelensky's confirmed trip to Washington for a meeting with Donald Trump, with reports detailing Trump's preference for a peace agreement over a ceasefire and his conditions for further engagement with Putin. Later, Putin himself described the Alaska summit as "very useful," even as details of a potential Russian peace proposal for Ukraine began to emerge. Concurrently, a significant national security theme re-emerged as Iran's Armed Forces General Staff issued stern warnings to the U.S. and Israel, threatening "new surprises" and a "fiercer, more crushing response" against any aggression, amplifying previous days' focus on regional deterrence and the "resistance front." Hezbollah's consistent stance against disarmament in Lebanon also received ongoing coverage.
17.08.2025
Sunday

The Tel Aviv Missile Claim

The day's editorial focus in Iran centered on escalating regional tensions and the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine conflict. In the morning, media highlighted "cautious optimism" regarding the Trump-Putin summit's aftermath and Iran's military warnings to the US and Israel. Concurrently, significant attention was given to the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps dismantling two terrorist cells in Sistan and Baluchestan. As the day progressed, the narrative intensified with a prominent report from the Yemeni army claiming a hypersonic missile strike on Tel Aviv airport. This was paired with extensive coverage of large-scale anti-Netanyahu protests across Israel and assertions that Israel was "crumbling from within." The diplomatic track for Ukraine remained a constant, with European leaders joining Zelensky for discussions with President Trump on security guarantees.
The day's editorial focus in Iranian media centered on President Trump's intensified diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war. Reports consistently detailed his White House meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, initially highlighting Trump's condition regarding Ukraine's NATO membership and later his calls for an immediate end to the conflict, evolving into discussions about Russian security guarantees and a potential trilateral peace summit. Concurrently, a significant, yet shifting, narrative emerged on Iran's internal security. Mid-day reports prominently featured claims of an alleged Mossad team house discovery in Tehran and exposed hidden meetings between the MKO and Mossad, including past contacts with a US official. These claims were later countered by a denial regarding the Mossad team house, while separate reports on Israeli espionage for Iran and IRGC officials' trip to Kabul seeking sensitive data also featured prominently. President Pezeshkian's diplomatic visits to Armenia and Belarus were also covered.
19.08.2025
Tuesday

The Diplomatic Weave

The day's editorial priorities in Iran centered on ongoing diplomatic efforts across two distinct fronts. Early reports heavily featured US President Trump's intensified efforts for Ukraine peace, detailing meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, and anticipating a direct Putin-Zelensky encounter. This narrative evolved throughout the day with news of a Trump-Putin phone call and White House claims of Putin's agreement to a meeting, though the Kremlin later expressed less enthusiasm, raising questions about immediate progress. Concurrently, President Pezeshkian's visit to Armenia gained significant editorial traction. Media extensively covered the signing of cooperation deals and Pezeshkian's strong emphasis on Iran's security concerns regarding "third forces" near Armenia's borders, explicitly linking to the Zangazur corridor. Iran's support for Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks, coupled with opposition to border changes, underscored a focused regional diplomatic posture.
The day's editorial priorities shifted notably towards escalating regional military action. Early reports focused on Iran's defense posture, with the Defense Minister declaring new missile capabilities against Israel if attacked again, and ongoing discussions about armed forces readiness and a forthcoming missile exercise. Concurrently, President Pezeshkian's diplomatic efforts continued, with initial coverage of his Armenia trip evolving into his significant visit to Belarus, emphasizing the rejection of Western unilateralism and an agreement to expand military cooperation. By early afternoon, the focus increasingly moved to the escalating situation in Gaza, with widespread reports of Israel calling up 60,000 reserve forces and approving a plan to fully occupy Gaza City. This culminated in evening reports confirming Israel's initiation of the first phase of its planned Gaza City occupation and control over its outskirts, marking a substantial development in the ongoing regional conflict. Discussions regarding the potential activation of the snapback mechanism on Iran's nuclear program also persisted throughout the day.
Iranian media on August 21 prominently covered the intensifying Gaza conflict, with early reports confirming Israel's military operation for Gaza City's occupation and UN calls for a halt. This narrative evolved through the day, detailing residents fleeing and Israeli forces entering the city's outskirts, building on the previous day's developments. Domestically, the recurring theme of Iran's energy crisis gained significant editorial attention. Following initial mentions of power outages, later reports highlighted President Pezeshkian's criticism of official indifference to energy consumption and mounting calls for fundamental reforms in state energy management. International pressure also escalated, with the UK sanctioning an Iranian official and the US imposing sanctions on additional companies and oil tankers, alongside concerns over nuclear inspections.
Editorial attention on August 22 centered on two critical, unfolding situations. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalated significantly as a UN-backed body confirmed famine, a development Israel disputed. Concurrently, Israeli threats of new attacks persisted alongside Netanyahu's conditions for ceasefire negotiations, emphasizing hostage release. In the afternoon, diplomatic efforts concerning Iran's nuclear program intensified. Iranian negotiator Iraqchi engaged with four European officials, including French and German foreign ministers, who warned that negotiation time was expiring. Reports indicated Iran rejected Europe's conditions, with Iraqchi cautioning against snapback consequences, as talks are slated for next week. Amidst these external pressures, domestic protests emerged in Tehran and Shiraz, with demonstrators voicing economic grievances and chanting "No Gaza, No Lebanon, Only Iranian People." An IRGC military exercise also closed western Iranian airspace earlier in the day.
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