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Severe sandstorm hits Iran’s southeast, wind speed exceeds 100 km/h

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Dust Storm

According to Mohsen Heidari, Director General of the provincial Meteorological Organization, winds peaked at 101 km/h in Zabol, reducing horizontal visibility at the city’s airport to just 1,200 meters.

Heidari noted that the seasonal “120-day winds” have intensified across the northern areas of the province. In nearby Zahak, wind speeds reached 75 km/h, and visibility dropped to 1,500 meters.

The advancing dust front also impacted Zahedan, the provincial capital, where visibility at the airport was reduced to 2,000 meters.

Heidari warned that strong winds and dust storms are expected to persist in northern parts of the province through midweek. In some areas, the conditions may escalate into full dust storms.

Authorities advised vulnerable groups, including respiratory patients, the elderly, and children, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity. Caution was also urged for drivers, farmers, and construction workers, particularly in high-risk areas and during periods of reduced visibility.

Swiss Embassy reopens in Tehran after temporary closure

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The reopening was marked by the arrival of Swiss Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team who entered Iran via the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to a statement by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the decision to reopen came after a comprehensive risk assessment and consultations with both Iranian and US authorities. Switzerland continues to represent US interests in Iran as a protecting power.

While the embassy will gradually resume its functions, consular services such as visa issuance remain suspended for the time being. The FDFA emphasized that all Swiss missions abroad maintain emergency protocols that are regularly updated.

Switzerland expressed concern over regional tensions and reiterated its commitment to diplomacy. The reopening enables Switzerland to fully restore its intermediary role, including offering Geneva as a venue for dialogue.

The embassy had suspended operations following Israeli strikes on Tehran and other cities, including those with nuclear facilities.
Iran condemned the attacks as violations of international law and vowed to defend its sovereignty and people under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

400-year-old Nakhl-Gardani ritual held in Iran’s North Khorasan to mark Ashura

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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With a history spanning over 400 years, the ceremony is considered one of the region’s most significant and symbolic forms of Shia mourning.

Every year on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, large crowds from nearby cities and villages gather to participate in and witness the emotionally charged event.

The central feature of Nakhl-Gardani is the carrying of a large wooden structure, called the “Nakhl,” which symbolizes the coffin of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

The Nakhl is elaborately decorated with black cloth, mirrors, and religious symbols, and is lifted and carried by groups of mourners through the streets as a sign of reverence and collective mourning.

The ceremony is accompanied by recitations of elegies, chest-beating, and prayers, highlighting themes of sacrifice, resistance against oppression, and spiritual solidarity in memory of Ashura.

Britain resumes diplomatic ties with Syria during its 1st ministerial visit in 14 years

By
IFP Media Wire
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Saturday became the first UK minister to visit Damascus in 14 years, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani as part of a high-profile visit aimed at bolstering regional security.

“As the first UK minister to visit Syria since the fall of Assad’s brutal regime, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable progress Syrians have made in rebuilding their lives and their country,” Lammy said in a statement.

He added the UK will support the Syrian government’s efforts to deliver “a stable, more secure, and prosperous future for all Syrians,” noting that regional stability is in Britain’s national interest.

During the visit, Lammy also met with Syrian civil defense volunteers, known as the White Helmets, to learn about their work in clearing unexploded ordnance and providing emergency medical care.

He also met women-led businesses supported by the UK’s economic recovery program in Syria, in a move that underscores Britain’s commitment to sustainable development in the region.

The UK has announced a £94.5 million package of assistance, which includes humanitarian aid, education initiatives, and a livelihoods program, as well as assistance to countries hosting Syrian refugees.

“The fall of Assad presents an opportunity for the new Syrian government to fully declare and destroy Assad’s evil chemical weapons program,” Lammy stated.

He reiterated the UK’s support for an inclusive political transition in Syria, saying that re-engagement with Damascus would help prevent vulnerable Syrians from being exploited by people smugglers across Europe.

“A stable Syria is in the UK’s interests, reducing the risk of irregular migration, ensuring the destruction of chemical weapons, tackling the threat of terrorism, and delivering the Government’s Plan for Change,” he continued.

Iranian president hails Leader’s presence at Ashura ceremony: “The Hussainiya of Iran will endure forever”

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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In a message posted on his official X social media account, President Pezeshkian shared a photo of the Leader attending the Ashura gathering at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya and wrote: “The Hussainiya of Iran will endure and remain forever. You remain in my soul and spirit, O homeland… Sing, O Iran.”

The President’s post referred to a moment during the ceremony when Ayatollah Khamenei addressed eulogist Mahmoud Karimi and encouraged him to sing the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran,” a widely cherished song that resonates deeply with Iranian national identity.

Iran’s former FM Zarif: Leader’s public appearance discredits fabricated rumors

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Javad Zarif

In a post on the social media platform X, Zarif wrote, “The fearless presence of the Supreme Leader at a public mourning gathering permanently shattered the illusion-based lies propagated by mercenary experts.”

He urged Iranians to “wake up and recognize that this nation will never surrender.”

Zarif, who also served as Vice President in Massoud Pezeshkian’s administration, stressed the importance of standing “on the right side of history” and warned against making threats toward Iran.

Ayatollah Khamenei participated in a packed Ashura night eve mourning ceremony at the Imam Khomeini Hosseiniyah in Tehran, alongside people from various social backgrounds.

The event featured religious sermons and eulogies. At the end of the ceremony, Ayatollah Khamenei encouraged eulogist Mahmoud Karimi to perform the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran,” which was sung in the presence of the audience.

EU to propose sanctions on Israel: Report

By
IFP Media Wire
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European Parliament

The EU’s diplomatic service is expected to present a list of options to EU ambassadors on Wednesday. Among the options are reportedly a partial or full suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions on Israeli government ministers, military officials and extremist settlers, trade restrictions, an arms embargo, and the suspension of scientific cooperation.

While most of these measures have been discussed informally in the past, this is the first time they will be laid out formally in writing, Euractiv reported. EU foreign ministers are said to be scheduled to review the proposals on July 15.

Any move to impose sanctions on Israel would require the unanimous support of all 27 EU member states, which is widely seen as unlikely. Hungary, for instance, has been a consistent backer of Tel Aviv, blocking EU sanctions on Israeli settlers last year.

According to Euractiv, the document follows an internal EU review of the Association Agreement last month, which found “indications of a breach” of Israel’s human rights commitments. Israel has strongly dismissed the review.

In late June, the European Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while sounding the alarm about “the unacceptable number of civilian casualties and the levels of starvation.” The Council also urged Israel to fully lift its blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to flow in. Although Israel claimed to have done so, numerous media outlets reported little real change on the ground.

There are currently no EU sanctions imposed on Israel. However, the EU has in the past sanctioned certain Israeli individuals and organizations, mainly those it described as “extremist” settlers in the West Bank who were allegedly involved in violence against Palestinian residents.

After Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel in 2023, the latter retaliated with a military operation in Gaza, which led to unprecedented destruction. Around 60,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis were killed in the fighting, according to official figures.

Aide to Iranian parliament chief: IAEA chief Grossi not welcome in Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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IAEA Grossi

Amir Ebrahim Rasouli, in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV on Saturday, stated, “We will never allow the IAEA Director General to set foot in Iran.”

The comments comes a week after President Massoud Pezeshkian formally enacted legislation requiring the government to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA in response to recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites amid the nuclear agency’s “biased stance.”

Rasouli stated that Grossi had shared confidential information, including the names of Iranian nuclear scientists, with Israel.

He further accused that IAEA inspectors of “being engaged in espionage activities” at Iran’s nuclear facilities and “playing a role in the assassination of Iranian scientists.”

While asserting that diplomatic channels remain open, Rasouli emphasized that any future negotiations must address an “imposed war” by Israel last month against Iran and clearly assign responsibility.

He warned against threats directed at Tehran, stating, “We possess a range of weapons that could surprise attackers if any miscalculation is made.”

Iran Leader attends Ashura eve mourning ceremony in Tehran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The ceremony was attended by people from various walks of life.

A religious cleric delivered a speech, emphasizing the lessons of Imam Hussein’s uprising, particularly the call to resist injustice and oppression, drawing parallels with recent events and Iran’s conflict with the US and Israel.

He cited global Zionism as the core of the opposing front and reiterated that the Iranian people, inspired by the Ashura ethos, will never submit to tyranny.

Following the speech, renowned elegist Mahmoud Karimi recited elegies in memory of Imam Hussein and his companions over 1300 years ago.

In a notable moment, the Leader requested Karimi to perform the patriotic anthem “Ey Iran” (“O Iran”).

The event received widespread coverage in Western media, including outlets in the US, following the recent spat.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also reacted to the Leader’s presence by sharing an image from the ceremony, writing, “With you, one dares to sail into deep waters.”

Millions across Iran commemorate Imam Hussein’s Martyrdom on Ashura

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Ashura marks the climax of ten days of mourning in the Islamic month of Muharram. Across the country, mourners participate in solemn rituals, including reciting elegies, chest-beating ceremonies, and performing Ta’zieh, a traditional passion play that reenacts the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala.

Large crowds have gathered at major religious sites such as the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad and the Hazrat Fatemeh Masumeh Shrine in Qom, with pilgrims from across the nation paying their respects.

Imam Hussein, along with 72 of his companions, was martyred in 680 AD in Karbala, present-day Iraq, after standing against the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I. The event is remembered as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and injustice.

As part of the commemorations, Iranians also distribute free food and drinks, known as Nazri, to mourners and the underprivileged, keeping alive the spirit of sacrifice and solidarity Imam Hussein embodied.

Similar ceremonies are also held in many countries worldwide.

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