Monday, April 27, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 237

Iran: IAEA chief to visit Tehran for scheduled meetings this week

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Rafael Grossi

In his weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said the visit, which had been planned well in advance, is part of the ongoing framework of routine cooperation between Iran and the IAEA.

The trip is unrelated to the recent indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States held in Muscat, according to Baqaei.

He emphasized that Iran’s primary objective in the talks remains the complete removal of ‘unjust and illegal sanctions’ imposed on the Iranian people, as a central and non-negotiable demand.

The spokesperson also addressed speculation on the location of the next round of indirect talks with the US, hinting that it will take place outside of Oman. He assured that while the location may change, the format and framework of indirect negotiations through Oman’s mediation will remain consistent.

Baqaei further criticized contradictory statements from American officials regarding Tehran’s approach to the negotiations, accusing them of maintaining an inconsistent and counterproductive stance.

He stated that such contradictions must be resolved for meaningful progress to occur.

Houthis say six killed in US strikes on Yemen’s capital

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Israel Yemen Attack

Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah news reported on Sunday that two US raids also targeted the al-Yatmah area in Khab and al-Sha’af District in al-Jawf governate, northern Yemen.

In a separate statement on Sunday evening, the group announced a US MQ-9 drone was shot down in the airspace of Hajjah governorate by a locally made surface-to-air missile. The US has not commented on that so far.

Houthi-held areas of Yemen have seen near-daily deadly strikes blamed on the US since Washington launched an air campaign against the group on March 15 to force them to stop threatening vessels in key maritime routes.

Dozens of people in Yemen have been killed in the latest US strikes. Civilians have been targeted, families wiped out, military sites destroyed and soldiers killed.

The Houthis began targeting ships transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as Israeli territory, after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, pausing the attacks during a January ceasefire.

Israel cut off all supplies to Gaza at the start of March and resumed its offensive on the Palestinian territory on March 18, ending the short-lived truce. Since then, the Houthis have launched attacks targeting US military ships and Israel in solidarity with Palestinians.

The group on Sunday claimed responsibility for a missile launched towards a military base in the Israeli port city of Ashdod and Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military claimed it believed it was successful in intercepting the incoming missile.

The Houthis have backed the Gaza ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas and have repeatedly pledged to halt their military operations if a truce comes into force.

Trump says he was told Russia “made a mistake” with deadly attack on Ukrainian city

By
IFP Media Wire
-

”I think it was terrible. And I was told they made a mistake. But I think it’s a horrible thing. I think the whole war is a horrible thing. I think, for that war to have started, is an abuse of power. This country would have never allowed that war to have started if I were president. That war is a shame,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Asked to clarify what he meant by Russia making a “mistake,” Trump said, “They made a mistake. I believe it was — look, you’re gonna ask them.”

Punting to familiar criticisms of former President Joe Biden, Trump added: “Remember this: This is Biden’s war. I’m just trying to get it stopped so that we can save a lot of lives.”

Russian missiles hit residents gathering for Sunday church services in the northeastern city of Sumy, killing at least 34 people in the deadliest attack of the conflict this year. Two children were among the scores of people killed in the strikes, while 117 people were wounded, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.

Trump also stated he met Sunday with his special envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“He had good meetings having to do with Russia-Ukraine,” Trump stated.

The US special presidential envoy for Ukraine also said Russia’s deadliest attack on the country this year highlights “why President Trump is working hard to end this war.”

“Today’s Palm Sunday attack by Russian forces on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency,” Keith Kellogg wrote on X.

“As a former military leader, I understand targeting and this is wrong. It is why President Trump is working hard to end this war,” he added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also described the strikes as “horrifying” in a statement that echoed Kellogg’s comments about the US efforts to resolve the war.

In recent months, the relationship between the US and Ukraine has stood on wobbly footing as President Donald Trump has tried to broker a minerals deal and ceasefire agreement in the region.

Trump temporarily withheld military aid and paused intelligence sharing after a spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February over the minerals deal. But both were reinstated shortly after Ukraine agreed in principle to a US ceasefire proposal.

President Putin did not accept that US-proposed ceasefire deal, however, and Trump on Friday urged Moscow to “get moving” on ending the war.

“Too many people are DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war – A war that should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened, if I were President!!!” Trump wrote.

Historic runner-up finish for Iranian squash player in Japan

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Competing with a world ranking of 263, Eghtedari advanced to the final of the $6,000 PSA tournament after impressive victories over opponents from Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

In the final, she was defeated 3–0 by Malaysia’s Ainaa Amani Kumar but secured the silver medal and her first-ever finals appearance at this level of international competition.

Iranian documentary filmmaker, Arash Kordsali, laid to rest

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Kordsali passed away on April 9 at the age of 47 due to illness.

Widely recognized for his significant contributions to documentary cinema, Kordsali had earned both national and international accolades.

His independent documentaries, including Naft, Divar, Tehran 995, and Naft, Atash, Khak, brought him critical acclaim and awards such as Best Documentary at the Tehran Short Film Festival and Iran’s Cinema Verité Festival.

In separate statements, the Governor of Khuzestan and the province’s Director-General of Culture and Islamic Guidance extended condolences over his passing, acknowledging Kordsali’s lasting legacy in Iranian cinema.

The funeral and burial ceremony was attended by a large number of Khuzestan’s artistic community.

Iranian lawmakers condemn desecration of Quran in the Netherlands

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iranian Parliament

The lawmakers denounced the incident, which involved an extremist individual burning a copy of the Quran on April 2, 2025, outside Amsterdam’s city hall.

Describing the act as deeply offensive and a direct assault on the beliefs of over a billion Muslims worldwide, the statement said such actions not only violate the sanctity of a holy book but also threaten peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among societies.

The Iranian lawmakers emphasized that while everyone has the right to express their views, such expressions must not infringe on the dignity and spiritual values of others.

They warned that under the pretext of free speech, provocation and Islamophobia must not be tolerated.

The statement further called on the Dutch government to prevent such Islamophobic acts and to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible. It also cautioned the Netherlands government not to fall into alignment with supporters of the “inhuman crimes of the Zionist regime.”

Iranian MP praises professionalism of nuclear negotiation team

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Speaking during Sunday’s parliamentary session, Hassan Qashqavi highlighted the national consensus in support of the nuclear talks between Iran and the US in Muscat.

He stated, “The world acknowledges the professionalism of Iran’s negotiation team, and the Nuclear Committee fully supports the process.”

Addressing claims by MP Mehdi Koochakzadeh that the committee opposes the negotiations, Qashqavi clarified, “Members of the Nuclear Committee, including myself, (Mahmoud) Nabavian, and (Ali) Khezrian, are in favor of the talks.”

He dismissed allegations of internal disagreements, reaffirming the parliament’s supervisory role and adherence to the Leader’s directives regarding the talks.

Qashqavi also criticized media campaigns opposing the negotiations, particularly those driven by extremist pro-Israeli factions.

He reiterated the parliament’s alignment with the Leader, emphasizing unity and respect for expert opinions.

Separately, MP Salman Es’haqi lauded Iran’s negotiation team for upholding constitutional principles and coordinating with national authorities.

He assured that the team would not cross any red lines, adding, “Iran’s strength lies in its people, social capital in the Islamic world, and military capabilities, placing the nation in a position of pride.”

The Iranian delegation concluded the first round of talks with the US on Saturday, described by both parties as ‘constructive’. The second round is slated for Saturday.

Iran’s Leader emphasizes strengthening armed forces’ weaponry capabilities

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

In a meeting with commanders and officials of Iran’s armed forces, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed enhancing weaponry capabilities, organizational structure, and the welfare of the armed forces. He added that software readiness—faith in the goal and mission, and certainty in the righteousness of the path—is crucial, despite hostile efforts to undermine it.

He noted that what provokes enemies is not the name of the Islamic Republic, but the determination of a country to be Muslim, independent, and dignified, relying on itself for its honor.

The Leader pointed to the double standards of global powers, who consider their possession of the most destructive weapons permissible but deem defensive progress by others as impermissible.

Ayatollah Khamenei attributed the anger of adversaries and their media uproar to Iran’s ongoing progress, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic enjoys significant momentum and advancement, though some tangible economic challenges remain that must be addressed.

At the start of the meeting, Major General Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, referred to the events of 2024 in Iran and the region, highlighting the global awakening on the Palestinian issue and the historic resistance of the people of Gaza and Lebanon against the Zionist regime’s atrocities as proud peaks in the fight against oppression.

General Bagheri listed strengthening defensive and deterrent capabilities, producing advanced equipment and weaponry, conducting numerous high-quality military exercises, full coordination among the armed forces, contributing to national progress and construction, and synergy between field operations and diplomacy as key programs and actions of the armed forces.

He stated that Iran’s armed forces, backed by the people, are fully prepared and will leave the enemies’ sinister goals unfulfilled.

Iranian currency strengthens amid positive signals from indirect Iran-US nuclear talks

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Dollar

The dollar’s value in Iran’s unofficial market, which had peaked at 106,000 tomans, saw a sharp drop to approximately 85,000 tomans on Sunday following the first round of talks held in Muscat, Oman, on Saturday.

According to IRNA news agency, cryptocurrencies such as Tether also reflected similar downward trends, now trading at around 87,000 tomans.

Brokers in Tehran’s Ferdowsi Street and Istanbul Crossroads continue limited transactions amidst fears of further declines in currency values.

One broker reported that sellers primarily consist of individuals with small investments concerned about additional losses. Buyers, however, are mostly travelers or individuals transferring funds abroad.

Despite market uncertainty, activity persists for currencies including euros and Iraqi dinars.

Another broker noted reduced buyer presence, with most transactions driven by panic among sellers ahead of anticipated negotiations next Saturday.

Speculation remains high, with the prospect of further price drops if talks yield positive outcomes, or potential rebounds should negotiations falter.

Iran says next round of negotiations with US to be indirect, mediated by Oman

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Esmael baghaei

In a televised interview about the next round of Iran-US negotiations, Baqaei said, “The talks will continue to be indirect and hosted by Oman. Oman, as the intermediary and mediator, will continue to play this role.”

He added that the framework of the negotiations will remain as it has been. “Whether the location will be Oman or elsewhere is still under discussion,” he noted.

In response to a question about whether the talks could, for example, be held in the UAE with Oman still involved, Baqaei said, “Wherever they take place, Oman is responsible for arranging the logistics and facilitating the exchange of messages between the delegations. Oman will handle how the delegations communicate with each other.”

Baqaei emphasized that the location of the next talks is not particularly significant. “What matters is that the format and structure of the negotiations will continue as before—indirect and mediated by Oman.”

The first round of the Iran-US indirect nuclear talks were held on Saturday in Musqat.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, and the US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, attended the negotiations.

The two sides agreed to pursue the talks on Saturday.

1...236237238...4,079Page 237 of 4,079

© All Content by IFP News ( Iran Front Page ) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

About Us