Following Trump's sanctions on the International Criminal Court and amid new restrictions on Iran-China oil networks, Khamenei delivered his most forceful rejection of negotiations with the US during a meeting with Air Force commanders. His morning speech explicitly cited the JCPOA experience as evidence of futility, while warning of reciprocal threats.
The White House responded by characterizing Iran's government as being at its "weakest position." Meanwhile, domestic attention shifted to severe weather conditions, with 28 provinces announcing office closures and nationwide schools moving to remote learning. The weather crisis overshadowed other developments, including UN calls to halt Pakhshan Azizi's execution and a fatal accident involving the women's water polo team.
Evening coverage returned to the diplomatic standoff, as Iranian officials condemned the US extension of unilateral sanctions to international institutions.
