Iran Reiterates Harsh Retaliation for Nuclear Scientist Assassination

A protester holds a picture of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist, during a demonstration against his killing in Tehran (File photo: Reuters)
A protester holds a picture of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist, during a demonstration against his killing in Tehran (File photo: Reuters)
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Iran Reiterates Harsh Retaliation for Nuclear Scientist Assassination

A protester holds a picture of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist, during a demonstration against his killing in Tehran (File photo: Reuters)
A protester holds a picture of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist, during a demonstration against his killing in Tehran (File photo: Reuters)

Iran renewed its pledge to avenge the death of its top nuclear and defense scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was assassinated last month.

Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, asserted that Fakhrizadeh’s death will be avenged, stressing that “the Great Satan represented by the US and the Zionist entity, will pay for this crime.”

Major General Bagheri visited the house of Fakhrizadeh, where he met the family of the scientist and presented the first-class Order of Nasr medal (Victory), which had been granted and signed by the Supreme Leader, according to Fars Agency.

The Order of Nasr is one of Iran’s highest military honors and is awarded to those who defend the Islamic revolution and the country’s territorial integrity and independence.

Bagheri pointed out that the enemies of the Iranian people live in fear and panic since the assassination of Fakhrizadeh.

He said that the revenge will take place in accordance with what the Islamic Revolution Front deems right, and in a suitable time and place.

"Terrorist groups and the leaders and the perpetrators of this cowardly attempt should know that severe revenge awaits them."

Bagheri pointed to the vast efforts and valuable services provided by Fakhrizadeh in various scientific and research fields.

He described him as a unique figure in the scientific field, considering his death a painful loss to the scientific society and the armed forces.

The colleagues and students of Fakhrizadeh will continue with the blessing of his sincere efforts, said Bagheri, asserting that they will follow his path with strong determination.

Fakhrizadeh was described as “a distinguished nuclear and defense scientist” by the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.



EU Commission Discusses Curbs on Israel Research Funding amid Gaza Pressure

 Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP)
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EU Commission Discusses Curbs on Israel Research Funding amid Gaza Pressure

 Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP)

European Commissioners will on Monday discuss a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Multiple EU countries said last week that Israel was not living up to its commitments under an agreement with the European Union on increasing aid supplies to Gaza and asked the Commission to put concrete options on the table.

The proposal was mentioned in a published agenda of Monday's meeting of the College of Commissioners, the top decision-making body of the European Union's executive. But the Commission has not explained it in detail.

EU and Israeli officials had no immediate comment on the proposal.

Israel has been participating in the EU's research programs since 1996, taking part in thousands of joint research projects over the past decades.

Earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Israel had agreed to expand humanitarian access to Gaza, including increasing the number of aid trucks, crossing points and routes to distribution hubs.

But in a tense meeting of European ambassadors in Brussels last week, countries including France, the Netherlands and Spain said not enough was being done, according to diplomats.

Earlier this month, EU officials presented a list of options that the bloc could pursue to put pressure on Israel, but the bloc has so far refrained from pursuing any of them.

Israel on Sunday announced a halt in military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza and new aid corridors, while Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have airdropped supplies into the enclave.

But officials and aid groups remain concerned and say much more needs to be done to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.