The first anniversary commemoration of President Raisi's helicopter crash death became a platform for Supreme Leader Khamenei to make significant policy declarations. Speaking at the morning ceremony, Khamenei expressed pessimism about ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations with the US, stating "we don't think negotiations will yield results" and firmly rejected American limitations on uranium enrichment, asserting Iran "doesn't wait for anyone's permission."
These statements represent a marked escalation from previous days when Iranian officials maintained they would continue enrichment regardless of agreements. US Secretary of State Rubio responded that America wants Iran to have a civilian nuclear program without enrichment capabilities, warning that "alternatives to negotiations would be much worse."
The Yemeni blockade of Israel's Haifa port received coverage throughout the day, presented as part of the "resistance axis" against Israel. Five UN aid trucks entered Gaza after an 11-week blockade, described as "a drop in the ocean."