Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed to defeat enemies in the cultural and economic frontiers, following its military victories. In a written message on the occasion of Teachers’ Day and Workers’ Day, Ayatollah Khamenei stated that Iran has shown its military prowess over the past 47 years and now it’s essential to achieve success in the economic and cultural jihad. He emphasized that teachers play a crucial role in the cultural field, while workers are the backbone of economic growth, and both classes are the fundamental pillars of culture and economy.
Ayatollah Khamenei cautioned the government that mere verbal appreciation is not enough; instead, practical support is necessary for teachers and workers. He urged the public to prefer local products to strengthen the national economy and appealed to businesspeople to refrain from laying off employees whenever possible. The Supreme Leader expressed hope that by strengthening Iranian Islamic identity and promoting local industry, the country will reach new heights of progress.
In a related development, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has announced a daily oil production adjustment of 1.78 million barrels, following the UAE’s exit from the organization. The US has also announced that it will begin the “Project Freedom” initiative in the Middle East at the same time as scheduled. US Treasury Secretary Scott Mnuchin stated that the US is a major winner in the energy market.
Meanwhile, a US naval ship, the USS Millie, was reportedly attacked in the Persian Gulf, with all crew members safe. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the US has responded to Iran’s 14-point proposal, submitted through Pakistan. US President Donald Trump was reportedly swatted by a fly during an interview with reporters.
In another incident, a Spanish Foreign Ministry spokesperson called on Israel to release Palestinian-Spanish activist Saif Abu Khishik, who was detained without trial. The incident occurred during a training exercise in Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa.
New details have emerged about Iran’s proposed peace plan, sent to the US. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stated that Iran should completely give up its nuclear program. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said that China, Russia, and Europe are changing their tone against the US, and Washington’s ability to make decisions is now limited. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a plan to promote power grids and electricity trade in the region, with a $7 trillion investment in energy and digital projects by 2035.
In a shocking incident, a passenger on a plane from Sharjah to Dubai panicked and jumped out of the aircraft through an emergency door before it landed. Two people were killed in a blast in a house in Bristol, England. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has concluded with Peshawar Zalmi emerging as the champions, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. Zalmi won the title for the second time, after a gap of eight years. The league’s best all-rounder award was given to Islamabad United’s captain, Shaheen Afridi, while the best bowler award went to Multan Sultans’ Sufiyan Majeed.
