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Security chief: Iran, Pakistan not to let regional peace be disrupted

Ali Akbar Ahmadian

Ahmadian underlined that neither of the two countries will allow regional peace to be disrupted by enemies.

He noted that cooperation between Iran and Pakistan will be beneficial to regional security and will serve the interests of both sides as well.

Ahmadian added that Iran and Pakistan will continue their cooperation.

He also congratulated Malek on his appointment as Pakistan’s new national security advisor.

The Pakistani official for his part appreciated Iran’s positive role in the region. Malek declared Pakistan’s readiness to expand security and social ties with Iran.

Reverse brain drain expected in Iran’s medical sector, says health ministry official

Iran Surgery

In a statement on Monday, Hosseini announced reforms in faculty recruitment and improved working conditions aimed at retaining and attracting academic talent.

“The recruitment process for faculty members at medical universities has been revised,” he said, adding that existing pressures on faculty across medical schools have been reduced. New incentives are also being planned for both basic sciences and clinical professors.

To prevent the outflow of academic talent, the ministry is working to enhance the professional environment in medical universities.

“We’ve encouraged university presidents and educational deputies to hold regular meetings with faculty to foster motivation,” Hosseini noted.

The deputy minister expressed optimism about early signs of change, revealing that some expatriate professors have shown interest in returning. “Although the numbers are still small, we are confident that migration trends will reverse in the coming years,” he said.

Hosseini emphasized that with ongoing policy changes and a shifting academic atmosphere, Iran is on track to retain and even regain its top medical scholars. “I am quite hopeful we’ll soon see a return of elites and professors to the country,” he concluded.

Ancient human skeletons dating back 4,000 years unearthed in northern Iran

According to Mehran Fallah, head of Babol’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, the find coincides with activities held in honor of International Museum Day and Iran’s National Heritage Week.

Professor Hassan Fazeli Nashli, head of the archaeological team and a faculty member at the University of Tehran, said the excavation revealed multiple historical layers at the site, including remnants from the Iron and Bronze Ages. Artifacts such as clay ovens, rooms, and plant remains were found at depths of up to three meters.

Fazeli highlighted the damage caused to the site’s upper layers by unauthorized digging and looting. He also announced plans for a wider excavation this fall and the construction of a museum in Khorshroodpey.

Among notable discoveries is what may be the oldest necklace found in Iran, crafted from fox and badger teeth, unearthed alongside a child’s remains.

Deal with US within reach if Washington shifts away from bullying approach: Iran’s president

During a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, on the sidelines of the Tehran Dialogue Forum 2025 on Sunday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that the Islamic Republic will never yield to pressure.

The Iranian president also expressed hope that agreements between Tehran and Doha will be implemented swiftly, benefiting both nations.

He further noted that the execution of joint projects and the enhancement of bilateral cooperation would undoubtedly lead to positive developments in the region.

The Qatari official, in turn, conveyed warm greetings from Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to President Pezeshkian, expressing optimism that the president’s wise approach would foster security and stability in the region.

The prime minister affirmed Qatar’s longstanding support for Iran’s rights, rooted in their shared religious bonds. He also highlighted that, based on past experiences, pressure and coercion have proven ineffective in dealing with Iran, while dialogue and mutual understanding have been successful. The Foreign Minister wished for Iran’s success in the political arena.

Iran on the verge of falling into ‘demographic black hole’

In an interview with ISNA news agency, Dr. Mehrzad Naseri, Deputy for Health Affairs at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, emphasized the urgency of leveraging Iran’s current “demographic window,” a period marked by a high proportion of the population aged 15 to 65, to prevent long-term population decline.

Speaking during National Population Week, Naseri stressed that if this window closes without significant policy intervention, Iran could face a “demographic black hole” that would be difficult to reverse. The number of births in the past year fell by 7%, totaling fewer than 980,000.

He called for short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to reverse declining fertility, citing lifestyle changes, delayed marriages, economic pressures, and increased rates of cesarean deliveries as contributing factors.

Naseri underscored the vital role of media and public cooperation in ensuring a youthful future for Iran, warning that continued inaction may lead to irreversible aging of the population.

Iran, Russia sign agreement on geospatial and mapping cooperation

Iran and Russia Flags

The agreement was formalized between Iran’s National Cartographic Center and Russia’s Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre, and Cartography (Rosreestr) on the sidelines of the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World” in Kazan, Russia.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Eskandar Seidayi, head of Iran’s National Cartographic Center, and Tatyana Gromova, Deputy Head of Rosreestr.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in mapping technologies, spatial data infrastructure development, and joint geomatics projects.

Speaking to Iranian media, Seidayi highlighted that the two countries will expand cooperation in scientific research, spatial data exchange, technical exhibitions, and joint technological forums.

He emphasized that both nations possess extensive experience in cadastral systems and geospatial data management, making them well-positioned to collaborate regionally and globally.

Gromova echoed the sentiment, noting that Iran and Russia hold advanced capabilities in mapping and geospatial technologies. She said the agreement will streamline the exchange of expertise and enhance mutual cooperation.

Tehran summons UK chargé d’affaires over ‘unlawful detention’ of Iranian nationals

Iranian Foreign Ministry

In response to the suspicious and unjustified detention of several Iranian nationals in the United Kingdom, the baseless charges brought against them, and the unfounded allegations leveled against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the UK Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran (in the absence of the ambassador) was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday afternoon by Shahram Ghazizadeh, Director of the Third Western Europe Department of the Foreign Ministry.

During the summoning, Ghazizadeh formally conveyed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s strong protest against the aforementioned arrests and the baseless accusations directed at the Iranian government, while also requesting an explanation from the British government regarding the legal basis and justification for the arrests of Iranian nationals.

Underscoring the principled and responsible conduct of the Islamic Republic of Iran in observing local laws and regulations, Ghazizadeh stated that the detention of Iranian nationals and the attribution of charges to them in the absence of any evidence or substantiating proof—coupled with the deliberate withholding of timely notification to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the obstruction of consular access and assistance—constitute a flagrant violation of established norms of international law and human rights.

He called upon the British government to observe its obligations under relevant international treaties, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The Director of the Third Western Europe Department further stressed that responsibility for the adverse consequences of such conduct—which appears politically motivated and aimed at exerting pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran—lies with the British government.

Iran to launch major oil, petrochemical projects monthly through year-end

petrochemical factory in the southern Iranian port city of Mahshahr

The statement was made during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, chaired by President Massoud Pezeshkian.

According to the government’s official news outlet, the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to boost Iran’s energy infrastructure and production capacity amid continued sanctions and regional challenges.

Several executive regulations under the 7th Development Plan were also approved during the meeting, setting new frameworks for national development and reform in the coming years.

Iran asserts enrichment rights as tensions with US persist over nuclear talks

Abbas Araghchi

“Enrichment is a non-negotiable scientific achievement of the Iranian people,” Araghchi said, adding that the country has paid a heavy price, including the loss of nuclear scientists, to secure this capability.

In response to recent remarks by US envoy Steve Witkoff, who said any deal must include an agreement not to enrich uranium, Araghchi emphasized that any meaningful dialogue must begin with the recognition of this “self-evident principle.”

In similar remarks, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran must ‘walk away’ from all uranium enrichment.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s nuclear doctrine excludes the development of nuclear weapons, noting that even a fatwa, or religious decree, has been issued against such arms.

Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that failure to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue diplomatically could escalate instability in the Middle East.

Speaking to DemocraciaTV, Grossi cautioned that adding nuclear weapons to existing regional crises like the conflict in Gaza would be disastrous.

He noted that the IAEA is closely monitoring Iran’s program to ensure it remains peaceful.

Funeral held for veteran Iranian sports photographer Hamidreza Darajati

The event was attended by the late photographer’s family, Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali, and members of the national media and press community.

Darajati tragically lost his life following an accident at a motorsport racetrack on Friday in Tehran. He was widely respected for his years of dedication to capturing the spirit of sports through his lens.

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