State media reported an unprecedented 350 million cubic meter gas deficit, forcing nationwide closures of schools, offices, and large stores. Seventeen power plants shut down across Iran, while officials urged a "two degrees less" conservation campaign.
Assad's first statement since leaving Damascus dominated afternoon coverage, acknowledging Russian pressure forced his departure - a narrative shift from previous days' reporting about "planned relocations." Iranian media carefully reframed Tehran's diminishing Syrian influence, while covering Israel's intensified strikes on Tartus.
By evening, coverage shifted to Yemen's claimed hypersonic missile strike on Tel Aviv, while domestic focus remained on tomorrow's closures across 20 provinces. The dollar reached 76,000 tomans, prompting discussions of new "economic surgery" plans.