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Iranian MP warns: Water crisis hits 44 national dams, power supply at risk

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Somayeh Rafiei, also spokesperson for the Parliament’s Environment and Agriculture Committee, said water inflow into dam reservoirs since the beginning of the current water year has dropped by 37% compared to the same period last year. The volume of stored water is down 18% year-on-year and 15% below the five-year average.

In Tehran province, the fill rate of five major dams is just 24%, representing a 33% decline compared to the five-year average. Snow reserves feeding these dams have also fallen between 47% and 54%, aggravating water scarcity in the capital.

Rafiei highlighted broader issues including climate change, inefficient water usage, outdated irrigation practices, and poor water diplomacy as drivers of the crisis.

She noted that 30 provinces are facing land subsidence due to excessive groundwater extraction and that 66% of Iran’s wetlands have turned into dust storm sources.

She called for urgent nationwide monitoring of government energy use and stricter consumption controls to prevent further deterioration during the upcoming summer months.

Iranian table tennis prodigy rises to world No. 3 in U-17 rankings

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The latest ITTF rankings for the 19th week of 2025 placed Faraji third globally in his age group, after he secured two bronze medals in Thailand. With a total of 6,340 ranking points, the 16-year-old has established himself as one of the sport’s most promising young talents.

Faraji also made gains in the senior category, moving up two spots to rank 170th in the world. His recent achievements mark a significant milestone for Iranian table tennis.

Turkey’s Halkbank appeals Iran sanctions decision to US Supreme Court

By
IFP Media Wire
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The Supreme Court had given Halkbank until Monday to file a petition appealing the October 22, 2024, decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan allowing the prosecution.

In a letter to the appeals court, Halkbank’s lawyer Robert Cary said the bank has filed the petition. The petition was not available on the Supreme Court’s website.

Halkbank pleaded not guilty to fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges over its alleged use of money servicers and front companies in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to evade sanctions.

U.S. prosecutors said Halkbank helped Iran secretly transfer $20 billion of restricted funds, converted oil revenue into gold and cash to benefit Iranian interests, and documented fake food shipments to justify transfers of oil proceeds.

Brought in 2019, the case has been a thorn in U.S.-Turkey relations, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan calling it an “unlawful, ugly” step.

The countries’ ties have soured in the last decade, amid disagreements on Syria, Ankara’s ties with Moscow and other matters.

But on Monday, Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump each said they had a very productive phone call earlier in the day, and had invited each other to their respective countries.

Halkbank’s case is making a second trip to the Supreme Court.

In 2023, that court announced that Congress’ desire to shield foreign countries and their instrumentalities from civil liability under the federal Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 did not cover criminal cases.

But in a 7-2 decision, it added the 2nd Circuit should more fully review whether common law immunity shielded Halkbank, leading to last October’s ruling.

Trump says he had a productive phone call with Erdogan

By
IFP Media Wire
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In a social media post, Trump said the Turkish leader had invited him to Turkey “at a future date” and that he would also be coming to Washington, but did not say when. Erdogan, in a subsequent X post confirmed the mutual invite.

“The phone call that I had today with my friend Donald Trump was very productive, comprehensive and sincere,” Erdogan stated.

The bilateral ties between Turkey and the United States had gradually soured over the past decade over disagreements on key policy issues including Syria and Ankara’s closer ties with Moscow.

Under the administration of former President Joe Biden, who kept Erdogan at an arm’s length, the nature of U.S.-Turkey ties further evolved into a more transactional one from the values-based partnership that it traditionally had been since Ankara joined NATO decades ago.

With the arrival of Trump, Ankara is hoping for a friendlier Washington, even though it was the Republican president who imposed sanctions on Turkey in late 2020 over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense systems.

Trump, who described as “excellent” his relationship with Erdogan during his first tenure at the White House, said the two countries would cooperate on ending the war in Ukraine.

“I look forward to working with President Erdogan on getting the ridiculous but deadly, War between Russia and Ukraine ended — NOW!,” Trump added in his post.

Erdogan welcomed the U.S. efforts to end the war, Turkey’s presidency announced.

Neither side gave any details what specific role Ankara would play in the process, which has stalled even as the Republican president during his campaign pledged that he would end the war on day one of his tenure.

Since taking office in January, Trump has upended U.S. policy toward the war in Ukraine, pressing Kyiv to agree to a ceasefire while easing pressure on Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in 2022.

After repeatedly blaming Ukraine over the war even though Moscow invaded its smaller neighbor, Trump has turned some of his ire on Russian President Vladimir Putin recently, questioning his sincerity on making a deal to end the war.

Erdogan also expressed the need for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza in the phone call adding that Ankara is ready to provide support for the establishment of a ceasefire and lasting peace, according to the Turkish readout.

The Turkish leader also told Trump that Ankara was working to help preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and urged Trump to consider sanctions relief for Damascus.

Iranian FM: Agreement between Iran and US requires avoiding unrealistic and illogical positions

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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During their conversation, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments.

The Iranian foreign minister briefed the EU official on the latest progress in the indirect negotiations between Iran and the US.

Araghchi noted that if the US’s only concern is Iran’s potential Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, this concern is solvable, and an agreement in this regard is entirely within reach.

The top Iranian diplomat however added that the resolution of the issue requires avoiding unrealistic and illogical positions.

Pointing to several rounds of discussions held over the past year with the three European countries, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to continue engagement with the European side, whether within the framework of the European Union or the E3 format.

The EU foreign policy chief for her part announced Europe’s readiness for further exchanges on current concerns.

Ms. Kallas voiced hope that during upcoming contacts between deputy officials from both sides, the groundwork for initiating these talks would be laid and necessary preparations made.

Iranian Judiciary chief: Two arrested over port explosion

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Speaking at a press conference, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ezhei confirmed that investigations are ongoing and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for negligence or criminal involvement in the incident.

Mohseni Ezhei further expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised the swift response of emergency services, military units, and local authorities, which helped manage the aftermath and restore order.

Forensic teams have been working after the explosion to identify victims, and compensation has been provided to many affected families.

Meanwhile, over 2,600 damaged vehicles have either been compensated or are awaiting processing.

This comes as head of Iran’s Information Technology Organization Mohammad Mohsen Sadr estimates the damage caused by the port explosion to be between $3 and $5 billion.

Sadr noted that with the adoption of modern technologies and data systems, such incidents could be effectively prevented. “Why should there be 130,000 containers stored at the port, without clear identification of the goods inside?” Sadr asked, pointing to the lack of digital oversight and proper cargo documentation as a major vulnerability.

Seh Qaleh Desert in eastern Iran: A hidden gem for desert lovers

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The hidden jewel, with its golden sands and vast, serene landscapes, offers a unique blend of tranquility, thrill, and natural wonder.

In this photo report, you can take a closer look at the unspoiled charm of the desert expanse – a place where the stillness of the dunes meets the magnificence of Iran’s desert ecosystem, making it a must-visit spot for eco-tourists and desert explorers alike.

Iran reaffirms nuclear rights, signals readiness for talks amid US remarks

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program is rooted in a long-standing policy dating back to the 1970s.

He dismissed claims that Iran’s fossil fuel reserves negate the need for nuclear energy, calling such arguments “scientifically and factually baseless.”

The spokesperson reiterated that Iran’s nuclear policy is grounded in logic, international law, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), under which enrichment is a recognized right.

Baqaei underscored that the framework guiding indirect negotiations with the US remains unchanged and centered solely on nuclear issues and sanctions relief.

He criticized attempts by some Western countries, particularly France, to introduce unrelated issues into the talks, calling them counterproductive.

Addressing recent delays in negotiations, Baqaei said they were agreed upon with Omani mediation, and Iran awaits further coordination. He also reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to meet with European officials when mutually agreed.

Responding to Trump’s threat to block Iranian oil exports, Baqaei said contradictory US messaging undermines dialogue and that Iran remains resolute in defending its legitimate rights. He added that if the US genuinely opposes nuclear weapons, many disputes could be resolved.

The spokesperson concluded that Iran seeks constructive engagement but will not compromise on its sovereign rights or national interests.

Seven major Iranian dams hold less than 10% of capacity amid sharp drop in rainfall

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The Lar Dam in Tehran Province stands at just 6% capacity, while the Shamil and Niyan Dam in Hormozgan holds a mere 1%.

Other critically low dams include the Rudbal Dam in Fars Province (2%), the Doosti Dam in Razavi Khorasan (9%), the Saveh Dam in Markazi Province (9%), and the Tanguyeh Dam in Kerman Province (8%).

Since the beginning of the current water year in late September, the total inflow to the country’s reservoirs has reached 18.19 billion cubic meters – a 37% decline compared to the same period last year. Outflows have also dropped by 15% year-over-year.

As of mid-April, the total volume of water in Iran’s reservoirs stands at 27.19 billion cubic meters, down 17% from 32.9 billion cubic meters in the previous year. Nationwide, dam reservoirs are 52% full on average.

Rainfall across Iran has also dropped significantly, measuring 136.6 mm – 38% below the long-term average and 33% less than the same time last year.

Iran FM urges de-escalation amid rising tensions between India, Pakistan

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Abbas Araghchi

Speaking upon arrival in Islamabad on Monday, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.

“We are here to hold close consultations with our Pakistani counterparts and will meet with the president, prime minister, and foreign minister of Pakistan,” he told reporters. “We seek the reduction of tensions between India and Pakistan.”

Calling Pakistan a “very good neighbor” with deep bilateral ties, Araghchi noted that Iran values its relations with both Pakistan and India and intends to support efforts for de-escalation.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, Araghchi is also scheduled to visit New Delhi later this week – his first official trip to India since taking office.

Iran has previously offered its good offices to mediate between the two South Asian neighbors.

This visit marks Araghchi’s first official trip to Islamabad since assuming the role of Iran’s foreign minister.

In November last year, he was received in the Pakistani capital, where he met with top officials to discuss bilateral ties and regional and international developments.

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