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Iran: Outcome of talks with U.S. still uncertain

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Araghchi Witkoff

“Our position remains unchanged. Negotiations cannot proceed meaningfully while sanctions are still being imposed,” Esmaeil Baqaei stated. He emphasized that Tehran remains steadfast in its approach.

Baqaei noted that the Islamic Republic’s primary goal in the talks is twofold: “To safeguard our legitimate rights and to bring an end to unjustified sanctions.”

He also criticized Washington’s conflicting messaging, urging the U.S. side to “align its statements and avoid contradictory rhetoric.”

The fourth round of indirect negotiations was held on Sunday in Muscat, Oman. According to Iranian officials, both sides agreed to continue the dialogue in the near future.

Iran’s Ali Alipour wins gold at Asian weightlifting championships

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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In the snatch, Alireza Moeini lifted 180kg to take gold, while Alipour followed with 174kg, securing silver in that segment.

The decisive moment came in the clean and jerk, where the 22-year-old Alipour lifted 216kg, bringing his total to 390kg and earning him the Asian title in the overall standings.

Moeini lifted 203kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 383kg and capturing the bronze medal in the overall classification.

Iranian court overturns verdict in controversial case of singer Amir Tataloo

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Tatallo

According to defense attorney Majid Naqshi, the judiciary accepted the procedural review, effectively nullifying the previous ruling.

While official details remain limited, the development comes after weeks of public attention and mounting online campaigns demanding a reconsideration of Tataloo’s case.

Tataloo was previously sentenced to death on charges of “insulting the Prophet,” a serious offense under Iranian law. His case had been under review by Iran’s Supreme Court.

Efforts to secure his release on bail have so far been unsuccessful, and parts of the legal rulings against him remain contested. Despite reports suggesting repentance and remorse from Tataloo during court proceedings, the legal process continues.

A high-profile online petition seeking to overturn his death sentence was taken offline by Iran’s Committee for Determining Offensive Content, despite being among the most-signed campaigns on the Karzar platform.

Larijani: US seeks power, not legal dialogue; Iran must strengthen itself

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Ali Larijani

Speaking at an event honoring teachers and international students, he emphasized that the West does not seek dialogue but aims to pressure Iran by exploiting its economic weaknesses and diminishing its social capital.

Larijani noted that Western powers believe Iran is strategically weakened in the region and are pushing to intensify sanctions.
He admitted Iran faces economic challenges, partly due to sanctions and internal mismanagement, and called for better governance.

He asserted that Iran’s regional influence stems from local resistance movements, not from Iranian creation.
Supporting Palestine, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and resistance in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, stems from grassroots opposition to occupation, not Iranian engineering.

Highlighting global double standards, Larijani compared the West’s approach to Iran and China, stating the issue with Iran lies in its independent stance, not ideology.

He warned that external pressure and imposed behavior will only strengthen resistance across the region.

Addressing Iran’s nuclear case, Larijani questioned why Iran, as an IAEA member, is denied its rights despite US intelligence confirming it has no nuclear weapons.

He concluded that the only effective response to coercion is internal strength and resilience, “They are not seeking legal dialogue – only power. Our only option is to grow stronger.”

Sasanian architectural remains unearthed at Urmia’s Grand Mosque, northern Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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According to Morteza Safari, Director General of the provincial Cultural Heritage Department, the findings were part of broader archaeological efforts at the mosque and the ancient Qalaychi Mound in Bukan.

Safari noted that the Grand Mosque, one of the oldest in the Azarbaijan region of Iran, has undergone various restorations over different cultural periods. The latest dig, conducted under the supervision of Iran’s Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, revealed layers of historical architecture, culminating in the significant discovery of Sasanian elements.

In addition to these excavations, Safari reported progress on 30 restoration projects. The region, home to approximately 1,400 archaeological mounds and 1,835 nationally registered historical sites, currently has 200 additional heritage listings under review.

Safari also announced the successful reclamation and adaptive reuse of several historic buildings previously managed by other agencies.

He emphasized the importance of public involvement in protecting cultural heritage, citing limited protective staff for the vast number of heritage sites in the province.

Trump receives royal Saudi welcome from MbS in Riyadh

By
IFP Media Wire
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Trump has landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, kicking off his first major international trip of his second term. Air Force One was wheels down at 2:49 a.m. ET (9:49 a.m. local time).

Trump and the crown prince greeted each other warmly and walked the tarmac together, also briefly speaking to top Saudi officials before entering the airport, where they were seated in plush purple chairs with gold trim underneath portraits of Saudi royal family members.

They were joined by top US officials — Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright — as well as Saudi officials, who each sat in purple chairs alongside.

The pomp and circumstance of the official state visit are already on display: the streets of Riyadh on the route from the airport to downtown are decorated with American and Saudi flags commemorating the official state visit. And Saudi F-15 military jets escorted Air Force One in on approach, according to a social media post from Trump deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and reports from pool reporters traveling with the president.

Later Tuesday, Trump will attend a more formal arrival ceremony with the crown prince, an introduction of the delegations, a lunch with CEOs, bilateral meetings, and an agreement signing of the Royal Court.

He is expected to give remarks at a US-Saudi Investment Forum, and later tour Dir’iyah and At-Turaif UNESCO world heritage site before a dinner with the crown prince.

Bin Salman has emerged as a key Trump ally who has been involved in US efforts to mediate an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. He has worked to cultivate close ties to Trump, starting in the president’s first term, and was among the first world leaders to congratulate him after his swearing-in in January.

Choosing Riyadh as the first stop on his first major international trip of his second term underscores how Trump is seeking to prioritize and empower the Arab state from its isolation following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Iran’s deputy FM: US contradictions complicate negotiations

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Majid Takht-e Ravanchi

Speaking on the sidelines of the Tehran International Book Fair on Monday, Takht-Ravanchi stated, “We hear conflicting remarks from American officials – one says something, another says something else. That makes the negotiations more difficult.”
He emphasized that Iran has raised the issue during talks and called for greater clarity.

Iran and the US have so far held four rounds of indirect negotiations, with both sides expressing interest in progress. Although the timing of the next round is not yet finalized, both parties have agreed in principle to continue the dialogue.

Responding to questions about potential guarantor countries, Takht-Ravanchi confirmed that no such proposal has been formally discussed.
He also said no date has been set for the Iranian foreign minister’s planned visits to three European countries, namely the UK, France and Germany.

Addressing the broader economic context, Takht-Ravanchi acknowledged Iran’s current economic hardships due to “unjust sanctions,” and underlined that diplomacy is focused on lifting them. However, he noted that domestic economic reform is equally vital and cannot rely solely on sanctions relief.

Kremlin: Iran-Russia relations are win-win

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Kremlin

Speaking exclusively to IRNA, Peskov said the bilateral cooperation reflects mutual benefit, but added that current trade volume does not reflect the full potential of the two countries.

The commission, co-chaired by Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov, concluded with the signing of a final agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties.

Paknejad noted key agreements in upstream oil cooperation, joint development of oil and gas fields, and acceleration of partnerships with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
He also emphasized collaboration on nuclear energy, petrochemicals, and oil product swaps.

One major highlight was the commitment to activating the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), with a focus on completing I
the Rasht-Astara railway segment — a crucial link in the trade route.

Additional discussions included banking cooperation, harmonizing trade standards, expanding commercial centers, and boosting collaboration in agriculture, health, and customs.

Tsivilyov confirmed a 16.2% increase in trade volume in 2024, reaching $4.8 billion, and called Iran a “reliable partner.”

He also highlighted the strategic treaty, signed during Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Moscow in January 2025, calling it a milestone in bilateral ties.

Iran’s vice president: Gov’t committed to unblocking internet, empowering women and youth

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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“The path toward unblocking filtered platforms is being implemented gradually and with strategic oversight,” Aref said during a gathering of political, social, and cultural leaders in East Azarbaijan Province.

Aref emphasized that President Massoud Pezeshkian’s administration is committed to fulfilling its campaign promises, stressing a results-driven approach rather than symbolic rhetoric. He added that while the government avoids “shock therapy,” it remains focused on structural reform.

Addressing social policy, Aref noted revisions are underway to the Chastity and Hijab Bill to ensure alignment with constitutional values and public dignity. He also highlighted increasing representation of women in high-level roles and said the government is addressing gaps in leadership pipelines that have hindered female participation.

The vice president further stated that members of Iran’s Sunni community and youth from diverse backgrounds are being appointed to key posts, reflecting the administration’s inclusive governance model.

Regarding power shortages, Aref acknowledged challenges but said over 7,000 megawatts have been added to the national grid in recent months.

He concluded by welcoming even critical feedback, urging constructive proposals from the public.

White House notifies US Congress of $1.45bn in proposed arms sales to UAE

By
IFP Media Wire
-
White House

The first sale, worth $1.32 billion, includes six CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters and a wide range of support equipment such as engines, missile warning systems, machine guns and in-flight refueling capabilities, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The second proposed sale, valued at $130 million, involves F-16 sustainment and spare parts.

It builds on a prior case below the congressional notification threshold and includes munitions support equipment, night vision device support and spare equipment; software, and logistics support, according to the DSCA.

The DSCA said the deals would “support the foreign policy and national security of the United States” by bolstering the defense capabilities of the UAE, a key US partner in the Middle East.

The announcement came after Trump departed for the Middle East for the first major international trip of his second term, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.

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