
Five killed in courthouse attack in Iran's Sistan, Iranian media report
Three assailants were also killed in the ensuing clashes with security forces, a senior police official told the state news agency IRNA.
He said a mother and child were among those killed by the gunmen who threw a hand grenade into the building in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan.
In a statement posted on its Telegram account, Jaish al-Adl took responsibility for the attack and urged 'all civilians to immediately evacuate the area of clashes for their safety'.
Ahead of new talks, Iran blames Europeans for nuclear deal collapse
The human rights group HAALVSH, quoting eyewitnesses, said several judiciary staff members and security personnel were killed or wounded when the assailants stormed the judges' chambers.
The province frequently sees clashes between security forces and armed groups, including militants and separatists who say they are fighting for greater rights and autonomy. The Iranian government accuses some of them of ties to foreign powers and involvement in cross-border smuggling and insurgency.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Fortifying ties
Listen to article Tehran and Islamabad made some great headway as they reiterated to regional realities in the wake of diplomatic crests and troughs in the backdrop of the Iran-Israel war. The two-day debut visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan was widely seen as a fence-mending exercise meant to do away with any of the misgivings that would have incurred in the wake of a tight-rope diplomacy exercised by Islamabad as it catered to the security calculus of both Tehran and Washington. The words of praise from President Pezeshkian for Pakistan, its people and the parliament for standing fast with the Islamic republic, while it was under an aggression from the Jewish state, testifies to the strength of commonality of interests between the two sides. Likewise, the rubbing of shoulders at the highest echelons during the visit has opened new vistas of cooperation and a broader bilateral understanding. The focus of the visit, however, was economy in essence and that came as a great opportunity to bolster political and security parameters too. The eagerness on both sides to raise the bilateral trade volume from $3 billion to $10 billion needs to be backed up with institutional support and an unflinching political resolve. It is a challenging task owing to an uneasy peace at the 900 km long porous borders infected with insurgency. The signing of 12 agreements and MoUs amid an intention to go for a free trade agreement by 2027 needs walking the talk. Moreover, the desire to see connectivity flourish in wider regional interest, and to choreograph it through structured channels like the Joint Economic Commission (JEC), regular B2B exchanges, and sector-focused delegations was on the spot. Pakistan and Iran have been embedded in regional alliances and an unshakable political determination for decades to make strides, but they have fallen short of expectations. Pezeshkian's visit at a turning point of history when both the countries share common denominators of security and economic distress is a great feast, and must come to fortify ties to new heights, and that too without any prejudice to realpolitik.


Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Israeli threats persist, says Iran's military chief Hatami
Iranian Army commander-in-chief Amir Hatami attends a meeting in the Iranian Army's War Command Room at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on June 23, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article The commander-in-chief of Iran's military, Amir Hatami, said on Sunday that threats from Israel persist, according to state media. In June, Israel and the US launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the so-called 12-day war, in which Tehran retaliated against Israel with several barrages of missiles and drones. "A 1% threat must be perceived as a 100% threat. We should not underestimate the enemy and consider its threats as over," Hatami said, according to the official IRNA news agency, adding that the Islamic Republic's missile and drone power "remains standing and ready for operations". Read More: Iranian president reaches Islamabad after paying tribute at Iqbal mausoleum Last month, Israeli Minister of Defence Israel Katz warned that his country would strike Iran again if threatened. According to Iran International website, he said Tel Aviv's 'miscalculation' was exposed during the 12-day war, which saw Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation in June. Also Read: Red carpet rolled out for Iran's president 'We continued our attacks until the very last moment before the ceasefire,' Hatami said, hailing Iran's defense posture. Hatami warned that the country's adversaries should expect Iran to pursue its military and scientific development 'with more resolve than ever.' The comments come amid lingering regional tensions and follow the killing of senior Iranian military figures in Israeli strikes.


Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz backs Iran's right to peaceful nuclear power in joint presser with Pezeshkian
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Iran's right to acquire nuclear power for peaceful purposes. 'Pakistan stands by Iran for the acquisition of peaceful nuclear power,' the prime minister said during a joint press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on a two-day maiden visit to Pakistan. The statement comes amid renewed global scrutiny over Iran's nuclear programme, which recently became a flashpoint in its conflict with Israel. In response to rising tensions, the United States launched strikes on multiple nuclear-related sites in Iran earlier this year. The conflict has drawn international attention to Tehran's atomic ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran has resumed nuclear talks with European powers, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, following a proposed end-of-August deadline for a new agreement. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), these discussions have been described as 'frank' and may pave the way for renewed inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities. He welcomed President Pezeshkian and his high-level delegation to Pakistan and praised the Iranian leadership for 'wisely and bravely responding to aggression' in recent conflicts. 'Pakistan's 240 million people strongly condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Iran,' PM Shehbaz said, praising the courage of the Iranian people and armed forces. He offered prayers for the martyrs and speedy recovery of the injured, while calling the Iranian response a 'remarkable victory led with wisdom.' The reaffirmation of support comes at a time when Iran's nuclear programme remains under international spotlight, particularly following Israeli strikes on nuclear-linked sites and growing pressure from the United States and European allies to conclude a nuclear deal. Talks between Iran and European countries, France, Germany and the UK, have resumed, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressing cautious optimism about future inspections. While many global actors have raised concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions, Islamabad's stance has remained consistent, advocating for peaceful nuclear use under international law. PM Shehbaz noted that both countries had signed several key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit, which would soon be formalised as binding agreements. 'Our target is to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion, and we will achieve this soon,' he said, adding that Pakistan and Iran share a common vision on combating terrorism and ensuring regional peace and development. Both sides also discussed strengthening border security and accelerating joint development projects. President Pezeshkian said Tehran is actively working with Islamabad on plans to establish joint economic zones and boost cross-border trade. The Iranian president emphasised that relations between Iran and Pakistan go beyond geography and economics, anchored instead in shared culture, faith, and ideology. 'Allama Iqbal's poetry is not just Pakistan's legacy — it is a guiding light for the entire Muslim world,' he remarked, stating that Iqbal's message of Muslim unity lies at the heart of Iran's regional policy. President Pezeshkian added that cooperation with Pakistan was a central pillar of Iran's foreign policy. He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of meetings held with Pakistan's political and religious leadership, which he said contributed to enhanced trust and harmony between the two neighbours. Condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza Both leaders strongly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza. Prime Minister Shehbaz said: 'Innocent women and children are being killed every hour in Gaza, and even food is being weaponised against the Palestinian people. The world must speak up, and there is an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire.' He linked the suffering in Gaza to the long-running situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, stating that 'Kashmir has been soaked in the blood of innocent people' and urging the international community to view both crises through the lens of justice and human rights. President Pezeshkian warned that Israel's aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria was part of a broader agenda to destabilise the region. He urged the United Nations and especially the Security Council to take effective and immediate notice of Israeli actions. 'If the world wants peace, Muslim countries must unite under a common stance,' the Iranian president said, calling regional development and security deeply interlinked. Shared resolve and way forward President Pezeshkian concluded with a firm pledge to carry forward all MoUs and turn intentions into action without delay. 'This is a moment for urgent decisions. Delays will only increase complications,' he said. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer engagement at all levels, political, economic, cultural, and security, and underscored the need for unity within the Muslim world in the face of regional and global challenges. Earlier, PM Shehbaz received President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, at the Prime Minister's House. Upon his arrival, a guard of honour was presented by a contingent of the Pakistan armed forces, while the national anthems of both countries were played. The Iranian president was introduced to members of the federal cabinet, and Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a brief interaction with the accompanying Iranian delegation. As part of the ceremonial proceedings, President Pezeshkian planted a sapling in the lawn of the PM House. Iran seeks to boost trade to $10bn level Earlier, the Iranian president held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. Welcoming the Iranian President, the DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's deep commitment to its historic and brotherly ties with Iran, emphasising their strong foundations in shared history, common cultural heritage, faith, and mutual respect. President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's support and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas of shared interest. He also looked forward to meaningful discussions with Pakistani leaders to further reinforce the political and economic ties between the two friendly nations. The two sides exchanged 12 agreements and MoUs for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. The exchange ceremony was held in Islamabad on Sunday, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. The agreements and MoUs included cooperation for plant protection and plant quarantine, joint use of Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, collaboration in science, technology and innovation, cooperation in information and communications technology, exchange programs for culture, art, tourism, youth, mass media and exports, cooperation in meteorology, climatology and related hazards. MoUs were also signed on maritime safety and firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, a supplemental MoU to an MoU in 2013 related to air services agreement, MoU on recognition of products certification, inspection and testing, tourism cooperation for 2025-27 and a joint ministerial statement on the intent to finalise Free Trade Agreement. A luncheon in honour of the Iranian President was also arranged at the Prime Minister's House, which was attended by senior government officials and diplomats. Sources say that the Iranian president is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, in which the two sides will discuss promoting cooperation at the parliamentary level. Later this evening, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, where the two presidents will discuss expanding bilateral relations. President Zardari is also expected to host a state dinner in honour of Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. According to diplomatic sources, the Iranian president's visit is being seen as the beginning of a new chapter in Pak-Iran relations, aimed at further strengthening economic and diplomatic ties between the two neighbours.