Pezeshkian to Pope Leo XIV: "We condemn insults to you – disrespect to Jesus is unacceptable" ✝️🇮🇷

🔹 "On behalf of Iran, I condemn the desecration of Christ, prophet of peace and brotherhood. I wish you glory from God."

Insult to Pope is an assault on the call for peace, justice, and humanity, says Iran FM Spox. ✊🕊️

🔹 Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei wrote on X in response to a message from the Vatican's communications office advisor reacting to the US president's insults to Pope Leo XIV, leader of the world's Catholics:

🔹 "In an era when the roar of bombs and the clamor of warmongers and aggressors weigh heavily on the world's conscience, the words of Pope Leo XIV echo the divine-human call of the Gospel: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'" 💣🕊️

🔹 "Insulting Pope Leo XIV is not only contrary to Christian teachings but also a clear assault on the call for peace, justice, and humanity." ⚖️🌍

Iran FM spox: 'Revenge' on global economy won't win illegal war 🇮🇷🚫

🔹 Esmaeil Baghaei to US 🇺🇸: "Can an illegal war be won through revenge against the global economy? Is it worthwhile to cut off your nose to spite your face? "

Alexander’s Prison: Where myth meets architecture in the heart of Yazd

Known locally as Zendaan-e Eskandar, this enigmatic monument in Yazd’s historic Fahadan quarter is a must-see.

Despite its name, it was never a prison. Built in the 13th century as the Zia’iya theological school, it reflects medieval Iran’s spiritual life.

Architecturally, it is a masterpiece of the Azeri style, featuring an 18-meter double-shell dome and a courtyard with arcades. Beneath the courtyard lies a subterranean space that fueled the legend: local lore claims Alexander the Great built a prison here during his conquest of Persia.

While historians dismiss the tale—echoed in poems by Hafez—the myth enriches the site’s aura. Today, it functions as a small museum displaying ancient tombstones.

A visit offers an immersive encounter where architecture, legend, and cultural memory converge in one of Iran’s atmospheric settings.

🔗 https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525404/Alexander-s-Prison-Where-myth-meets-architecture-in-the-heart

“Minab’s Angels” music album unveiled in tribute to martyred students

The music album “Minab’s Angels” was unveiled at Tehran’s City Theater during the "For Iran, the Source of Art" festival.

The album memorializes the young students of Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, who attained martyrdom in a U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28. The strike killed 168 people, mostly children aged 7 to 12.

The album features works by pop vocalists including Zanko, Ali Raha, and Hatef. At the ceremony, singer Zanko performed “Sleep Peacefully,” emphasizing the resilience of Iran’s domestic art scene.

The event also included a traditional Tazieh (passion play) and poetry recitals dedicated to the martyred students.

The album will be distributed to the public via QR-coded cards across the capital.

🔗 https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525400/Minab-s-Angels-music-album-unveiled-in-tribute-to-martyred

Spain calls for suspension of EU agreement with Zionist regime

🔹 Spain's Prime Minister:

🔹 "Tel Aviv has committed clear violations of international law and has breached the clauses of this agreement."

🔹 "I call on the European Union to suspend the cooperation agreement with Israel."

At least eleven media activists killed in Zionist strikes on Iran, Lebanon

Iran's Media Basij Organization has announced that at least eleven journalists and media activists have been martyred in Israeli strikes on Iran and Lebanon over the past few weeks.

MNA exclusive;

Islamabad Talks a good start although it didn't lead to deal

Although the Iran-US talks in Islamabad have not yet achieved any results for the time being, it is a good start, says Jianwei Han, Associate Professor of Middle East Studies Institute at Shanghai International Studies University, China.

🆔 @enmehrnews

🎻 "Iran Symphony" unveiled in Italy as a symbol of solidarity 🇮🇹🤝🇮🇷

At a ceremony in Italy, the musical work “Iran Symphony” by renowned Italian composer Antonio Pappalardo was unveiled. 🎼 The event was attended by Iran’s Ambassador to Italy, MohammadReza Sabouri.

The symphony is a tribute to the Iranian people’s steadfastness against recent U.S.-Israeli aggression. A piece from the final section was performed, accompanied by epic verses from Persian poet Ferdowsi and an Italian poem titled “Lions of Pars.”

The unveiling comes after 40 days of attacks on Iran that martyred nearly 3,000 people, including civilian and military figures. A ceasefire was reached on April 8, and Iran-U.S. negotiations are now underway in Pakistan.

🔗 Full story:
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525379/Iran-Symphony-unveiled-in-Italy

The White House has become a reporting branch for Netanyahu: Aref

🔹 Iran's First Vice President:

🔹 "Netanyahu said: 'Vance, on his way back from Islamabad, reported to me – as he does every day.'"

🔹 "For the first time in history, a senior US official provides 'daily reports' to the leader of another regime!"

🔹 "This isn't about us – it's about structural humiliation."

🔹 "Do the American people know that the White House has effectively become a 'reporting branch' for another regime?"

Iran, Pakistan maintain constant contact after Islamabad talks – no decision yet on next round

🔹 A diplomatic source told IRNA that the continuous exchange of messages between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan regarding the latest developments following the Islamabad talks is ongoing.

🔹 Reacting to claims by some Pakistani sources or Western media about holding another round of Islamabad talks, the source stated that there is no information yet about any agreement on holding talks in Islamabad or in other formats.

‼️ Exclusive:

Journalists targeted as Persian Gulf states tighten censorship during Iran war

Concerns over press freedom are mounting across the Persian Gulf region following the detention of an internationally recognized journalist and a broader wave of restrictions imposed since the February 28 U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation.

According to a regional media brief, several Persian Gulf and Arab states have tightened restrictions on freedom of speech, while thousands of activists, bloggers, and journalists have reportedly faced arrest or intimidation. The (Persian) Gulf Center for Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have both warned of growing repression in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Among those detained is award-winning journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has worked with PBS Frontline and The New York Times and appeared on BBC, CNN, NBC, and MSNBC. He has received multiple honors, including the British Journalism Award and Amnesty International Media Award, and was named one of the “100 Most Influential Young Arabs” by Arabian Business Magazine. Shihab-Eldin holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University, where he also served as an adjunct lecturer. He has now reportedly been detained for more than a month with limited access to legal counsel.

Former Advisor to the Middle East Peace Envoy Ashish Prashar warned that criminalizing journalism undermines democratic values. “Journalism is fundamentally about telling the truth… To arbitrarily imprison a journalist and label that work ‘terrorism’ or ‘endangering national security’ is a grave misstep,” he said, urging Western governments to demand the release of detained media workers.

Sara Qudah, Middle East and North Africa Regional Director at the Committee to Protect Journalists, echoed the concern, saying, “We are seeing escalating censorship of journalists… National security is being used as a pretext to crack down on freedom of speech. He must be freed immediately.”

Observers warn the growing crackdown risks further eroding press freedom across the region.

Pezeshkian to Macron: US excessive demands, lack of political will blocked deal

🔹 In a phone call with France's president, President Pezeshkian stated:

🔹 "Despite expert-level understandings, US excessive demands and lack of political will prevented finalizing an agreement."

🔹 "Iran is ready to continue talks within international law to protect Iranian rights. Europe can play a constructive role in urging US compliance."

🔹 "Threats, pressure, and military action only complicate matters. Iran considers diplomacy the proper path forward."

🔹 On the Strait of Hormuz: "Iran has always sought secure shipping. Any threat to this region will have global consequences. Iran is fully prepared for any scenario."

🔹 "Iran's ceasefire conditions were clear. Contrary to some claims, Iran insisted on precise implementation – a fact Pakistani officials acknowledge."

Qatar says Iran-US ceasefire must continue – Hormuz crisis solution is regional

🔹 Majed Al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, emphasized the need to continue and stabilize the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, adding: "The solution to the Strait of Hormuz crisis must be regional, with the participation of the concerned coastal countries."

🔹 Al-Ansari continued: "The language of threats is unacceptable. We will confront any threat to ensure the security of our country."

Italy suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel

🔹 Giorgia Meloni, Italy's Prime Minister, announced the suspension of the defense agreement with the Zionist regime on Tuesday.

🔹 Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of her visit to the Italian city of Verona, Meloni said: "Given the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel."

Se-Kuh-e Fortress: A Window into Iran’s Sistan Heritage 🏰

Located near Zabol, Se-Kuh-e fortress—“three mountains”—is the largest mud-brick stronghold in Sistan-Baluchestan. This national heritage site rises from ancient riverbed formations, showcasing traditional Sistani architecture with barrel vaults and domed roofs.

Under Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, it became a strategic bulwark against British expansionism. In 1852, Sardar Ali Khan Sarbandi raised the Iranian flag here, symbolizing loyalty and resistance.

Beyond bricks, the fortress echoes local legends of a bottomless well and minted coins. Se-Kuh-e stands as a living testament to Iran’s resilience, cultural memory, and architectural genius—a must-see for every heritage traveler. 🏰🇮🇷

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/525387/Se-Kuh-e-fortress-offers-window-into-Iran-s-Sistan-heritage 🔗

‼️Donald Trump claimed in an interview with the New York Post that negotiations with Iran could resume within the next two days in Pakistan. 🇵🇰

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on X that the positions of Spain, China, Russia, Turkey, Italy, and Egypt in opposing warmongering and the Zionist regime's crimes are rooted in their cultural and historical standing. 🌍🕊️🏛️

First direct Lebanon-Israel talks in decades held in Washington – US calls it 'historic opportunity'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio:

🔹 "We have a historic opportunity regarding Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Washington. Complexities will not be resolved in the next six hours, but we can begin moving forward and establishing a general framework."

🔹 This is the first direct negotiation between the Zionist regime and Lebanon in decades.

18 mostly European countries condemn Israeli attacks on Lebanon

🔹 The foreign ministers of 18 mostly European nations issued a joint statement condemning Zionist regime attacks on Lebanon and warning of the consequences of continued conflict.

🔹 They emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation and a move toward a political solution in Lebanon.

🔹 The statement welcomed the start of Lebanon-Zionist regime negotiations, stating: "We urge both sides to seize this opportunity. Direct talks can pave the way for lasting security for Lebanon, Israel, and the region."