Stage Set for Collapse of Israel: IRGC Chief
Major General Hossein Salami added once the situation is prepared for Tel Aviv’s mistake, any future war will lead to the regime’s annihilation.
The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) made the comment in a meeting with Sheikh Naim Qassem, the deputy secretary-general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, in Tehran.
In the meeting, General Salami lauded Hezbollah’s prudence and might, describing the movement as a power which brings dignity to, and ensures the security of Lebanese people.
“At a time when we are seeing the growing power of the resistance front, on the other hand we are seeing the enemies of the resistance front declining, though on social media they are launching psychological warfare to create the impression that the reverse is true,” General Salami noted.
“Hezbollah’s recent epic move to stop the Israeli military showed the new prime minister of this fabricated regime that equations are determined somewhere else and that nothing has changed,” he explained.
“Zionists have a deep understanding of the reality that if Hezbollah’s engine is revved up, they should definitely leave occupied territories,” the top commander said.
He underlined if Hezbollah power of “waging war on the ground” is set in motion, it will lead to “a domino of escape” for the Israeli regime.
Iran: Hiroshima Bombing Anniv. Reminder of US’ Grave Crimes against Humanity
“The Hiroshima incident demonstrates that this country [the US] is ready to put in every effort and take every inhuman action to achieve its illegitimate and insensible objectives,” Saeed Khatibzadeh said.
“The memory of the victims of this incident is a reminder to the world of the necessity of pursuing and seriously realising the exalted ambition of a world free from nuclear weapons and underlines that the dark shadow and the permanent threat of such weapons are putting the international peace and security at risk.”
The spokesman also slammed the double standards the US and other nuclear powers apply to the issue of nuclear weapons.
“Nuclear powers, including the US, have declared their clear commitment for permanent nuclear disarmament, within the framework of international agreements, especially the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In spite of that, not only no practical and serious step has been taken in this regard, so far, but also these countries, led by the US, are increasingly modernising their arsenal, on the one hand, and increasingly focusing on nuclear arms in their military-security doctrines, on the other,” Khatibzadeh said.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, unswervingly, within its fundamental policy on international disarmament for all, and while reiterating equal and peaceful use of nuclear energy, has always considered keeping, using and threatening to use such unconventional weapons to be against all human criteria and international legal obligations and declares its strong determination to advance and realise the ambition of a world free from nuclear weapons and is always ready for constructive cooperation with the international community.”
The spokesman also called for steps by other countries in this regard.
“Accordingly, it is necessary that all countries take practical and legal steps to cooperate on full nuclear disarmament, which has been clearly stated in article 6 of NPT, away from biased political approaches of some countries, which are in possession of nuclear arms,” he stressed.
Iran Marks Anniversary of Taliban Terror Attack against Its Diplomats
What follows is the full text of the statement:
August 8 marks one of the most bitter days for the diplomatic arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
23 years ago, on such a day, Iranian diplomats and an Iranian reporter were martyred at the country’s consulate general in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif, in an act of cowardice and in violation of commitments made to Tehran as well as international regulations and treaties and the human and Islamic common sense.
International condolence and empathy with the people and government of Iran, following the terrorist incident, and specially the message of condolence from the oppressed people of Afghanistan, who were themselves victims to blind terror, was a fresh dazzling show of deep ties between the peoples of the two countries of Iran and Afghanistan.
These are the ties, which in the midst of unjust wars and suffering of the oppressed people of Afghanistan, led to the reciprocal support of the people of Iran for their subjugated Afghan brothers and sisters.
Deep and true ties between the Iranian and Afghan nations leave the two sides with no better choice than taking up constructive approaches with an eye on ensuring the interests of both countries.
The people and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, just as in the past, are standing alongside their brothers and sisters in Afghanistan and support any solution that helps end more than four decades of baleful and devastating war and protects the achievements of the people of Afghanistan, which are the fruit of the bloods of thousands of martyrs.
The Islamic Republic of Iran honours the memory of the martyrs of this incident and, once more, strongly condemns the executed act of terrorism.
Tehran also pledges to pursue the issue as an obvious demand of the Iranian government and nation until the hidden aspects of the incident come to light.
In the end, Iran invites all parties to the war in Afghanistan to end their conflict and fratricide and look for a settlement through negotiations and expresses its readiness to continue to facilitate and host these talks.
Iran Rejects G7’s ‘Baseless’ Accusations over Israel Ship Attack
“We categorically condemn the unfounded statement by G7 foreign ministers and the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security in which baseless accusations have been levelled against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeid Khatibzadeh.
“It is noteworthy that the scenario of this incident played out only a few days before the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president, which is a manifestation of the democratic transition of power in Iran,” he explained.
“Such baseless scenarios, which are usually developed by the Israeli regime, are aimed at stirring up tension, and are unfortunately believed by those who are ready to draw unreal and unwise conclusions,” said Khatibzadeh.
“In fact, those who are familiar with the history of this region are no strangers to such conspiracies by the Israeli regime at different points in time,” he noted.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has been fully committed to ensuring the security of the strategic Persian Gulf waterway and the Strait of Hormuz, and regards it as part of its own security and remains ready to work with the regional countries to establish and ensure a lasting collective security system in the region,” he noted.
Meanwhile, he added, Iran will not hesitate one iota to defend its sovereign rights in that domain.
Raisi’s Inauguration Ceremony Grabs Headlines in Iran
Afkar Newspaper:
1- Raisi: Iran Supports Any Diplomatic Initiative to Lift Sanctions
Aftab-e Yazd Newspaper:
1- Iran President Supports Removal of Sanctions
Arman-e Melli Newspaper:
1- Goofs of Inauguration Ceremony
* Weak Speeches by Parliament Speaker, Judiciary Chief
* Ali Larijani, Hassan Khomeini, Amoli Larijani, Shamkhani Absent from Ceremony
Ebtekar Newspaper:
1- Raisi Sworn in at Iran Parliament
* Trivia of Inauguration Ceremony: From Absence of Larijanis to Rouhani’s Different Handshake with Qalibaf
Etemad Newspaper:
1- Rise of Raisi Administration
Ettela’at Newspaper:
1- Raisi at Inauguration Ceremony: Iran’s Success Needs National Cooperation, Collective Wisdom
Farhikhtegan Newspaper:
1- First Day Treaty
* Raisi Talks of His Administration’s Idea of Reconstructing Iran’s Social Capacity
Hemayat Newspaper:
1- Big Opportunity for Serving People
2- Raisi: Iran’s Power Creates Security in Region
Iran Newspaper:
1- Rouhani Sworn in at Iranian People’s House
* Charter of a Popular Government
2- Foreign Officials Meet Iran President
Javan Newspaper:
1- Raisi Says His Promises Are Honest
Kayhan Newspaper:
1- We’ll Move Forward Tirelessly to Serve People’s Interests, Administer Justice
Khorasan Newspaper:
1- Raisi Vows to Serve Entire Republic
Mardom Salari Newspaper:
1- First Message for Continuation of JCPOA Talks
* Raisi’s Inauguration Speech Makes Headlines in Int’l Media
Quds Newspaper:
1- Government of National Unity Begins Work in Iran
Resalat Newspaper:
1- Vow of Serving People at Inauguration of Iran’s Eighth President
Setareh Sobh Newspaper:
1- Raisi’s Promises to People of Iran and World
* Administering Justice and Causing Major Change
* Constructive and Smart Interaction with World
* Expanding Relations with Regional States
Shahrvand Newspaper:
1- 13th Government to Move on Tirelessly
Shargh Newspaper:
1- Ebrahim in Pasteur: Raisi’s Inauguration Held at Parliament
Vatan-e Emrooz Newspaper:
1- Vow of Evolution
Iranian, Nicaraguan Foreign Ministers Discuss Closer Cooperation
In the Saturday meeting, they also exchanged views on both countries’ resistance against unilateralism and interference by some countries in the internal affairs of independent states.
Zarif expressed his gratitude to his counterpart and his accompanying delegation for attending the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Zarif also described as important Tehran-Managua relations on different fronts, calling for the exploration of appropriate avenues to maintain mutual cooperation.
The top Iranian diplomat also touched upon the similarities of the two countries when it comes to withstanding the United States’ economic pressure, highlighting that Iranian and Nicaraguan people have emerged victorious in this arena.
Moncada, in turn, said he was pleased to have been invited to President Raisi’s inauguration ceremony.
He underlined the historical relations between the two countries, and thanked Zarif’s efforts to expand mutual cooperation over the past eight years.
Iran Says Raising Kurdistan Flag at Tehran Airport Was Mistake
Khatibzadeh stressed that Iran has always respected the territorial unity and integrity of Iraq, and has an unchangeable policy in this regard.
KRG President Nechirvan Barzani led a Kurdistan Region delegation to Tehran on Thursday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi. The two met on Friday morning and only the flags of Iran and Iraq were on display.
When Kurdistan Region officials visit foreign countries, especially neighbouring Turkey and Iran, all eyes are on how the Kurdistan flag will be treated. Raising the flag at Tehran airport in the absence of the Iraqi banner was significant, and was noted by the president’s office.
The presence of the flag during visits to Turkey is very significant as Ankara has not only banned the flag but also the word “Kurdistan” at home.
Seeing the Kurdistan flag flying in Iran without the Iraqi one sparked some concern in Iraq and Iran.
Iran’s Talks with US Never Been Taboo: Diplomat
“Talks with the US has never been a taboo. Dozens of meetings were held between the foreign ministers of the two countries at [the time when] the JCPOA [was being discussed] as well as during three rounds of talks in Baghdad where I was also present,” tweeted Amir-Abdollahian, who is currently the Parliament Speaker’s special aide for international affairs.
“The problem is not negotiations,” he explained.
“Rather, it is the United States’ bullying behaviour, major crimes and repeated breaches of promises,” he added.
“Savoir faire and might are two pillars of any diplomatic dialogue,” he said.
Iran Urges UN to Deal with Israel’s ‘Adventurism’
In a tweet, Majid Takht Ravanchi noted Tel Aviv tried, in vain, to point the finger at Iran for an attack on an Israeli-managed ship off the coast of Oman.
“Israel and its supporters presented fabricated information on the recent incidents in the regional waters to convince the UN Security Council to condemn Iran, but they failed to,” he said.
“We categorically deny these allegations. The UN Security Council should deal with Israel’s adventurism in the region and reject its deceptions and fabrications,” he added.
Ravanchi’s comments came as Iran’s deputy ambassador to the UN Zahra Ershadi had also already warned Israel against threatening Iran.
She has also warned Tel Aviv against any adventurism and calculation errors.
“The Israeli regime brazenly threatens to use force against the regional countries while this regime has, for more than seven decades, been the main source of threats, instability and insecurity in the region,” Ershadi said.
She touched upon Israel blaming Iran for the attack on the Mercer Street ship, saying “this is the Israeli regime’s modus operandi,” she noted.
She said victim playing, lying and deception are part of the tools the Israeli regime uses.
