US media ‘mercenaries’ fail to unsettle Iranian youth, Iran speaker says

Mehdi Nemati, deputy for cultural and social affairs of the Law Enforcement Intelligence Organization (FARAJA), was killed in Israeli attacks, Iran’s police command announced Sunday.

Nemati had fought alongside Qassem Soleimani in Syria and Iraq, state media reported.

71 people died in the Israeli strike on Evin Prison, Asghar Jahangir, spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary said Sunday.

The victims included administrative staff, soldiers, inmates, prisoners’ family members visiting or handling legal matters, and neighbors living near the prison, according to Jahangir.

US President Donald Trump criticized the prosecution of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “war hero” and warning the trial could jeopardize ongoing negotiations with Iran and Hamas.

“This travesty of ‘Justice’ will interfere with both Iran and Hamas negotiations. In other words, it is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday.

Trump praised Netanyahu’s role in countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions and securing a hostage deal with Hamas.

He cautioned that the legal proceedings could disrupt critical diplomatic efforts and emphasized US support for Israel, saying, “LET BIBI GO, HE’S GOT A BIG JOB TO DO!”

The trial remains a divisive issue within Israel and continues to spark heated debate.

Iranian authorities arrested 10 Jewish citizens during a midnight raid, according to an eyewitness account reported by Israel’s Channel 12 on Saturday.

A woman identified as Miriam described armed men entering homes, threatening residents, and detaining six women and four men because of their Jewish identity.

The women were later released on bail, the report said.

The arrests are linked to unverified allegations of ties to Israel, reflecting a broader pattern of targeting religious minorities.

Some analysts have dismissed the charges as baseless, accusing Iran of politically motivated persecution.

Human rights groups have called for transparency as Iran’s Jewish community—now numbering fewer than 10,000—faces increasing pressure amid rising Iran-Israel tensions.

“Europeans have extremely powerful leverage,” Jean-Noël Barrot said on LCI Television Sunday.

Europe could reinstate the UN sanctions through the so-called snapback mechanism to press Iran for a diplomatic resolution, Barrot added.

“France, together with its European partners, can, with a simple letter, reimpose a global embargo on weapons, nuclear equipment, and banking and insurance sectors in Iran, which were lifted 10 years ago.”

Under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, any current party to the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) including France, Germany, the UK, Russia, and China can file a non-compliance complaint with the Security Council.

If no resolution is adopted within 30 days to maintain sanctions relief, all previous UN sanctions automatically snap back, including cargo inspections, arms embargoes, and restrictions on missile-related technologies.

To prevent snapback, the Council must pass a resolution during the 30-day review period; however, any permanent member can veto it. Therefore, if the US or E3 oppose, sanctions are reinstated by default.

US President Donald Trump said after military operations in Iran that Tehran "doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one.”

In response to Trump’s remarks, Barrot said: “We hold this power, which is why we will play an essential role in these negotiations. Ten days ago, at President Trump’s request, I was in Geneva with my German and British counterparts to begin face-to-face discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister.”

Barrot further said Iran’s continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is vital, calling the agency the most effective tool to implement and verify Non-Proliferation Treaty compliance.

Last week, Iran’s parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, just one day after a ceasefire with Israel ended 12 days of conflict. Subsequently, Iran’s Guardian Council ratified the bill, mandating the government to halt cooperation.