Saturday, April 11, 2026
Home Blog Page 2535

Zarif’s Leaked Audio Tape ‘Stolen’, Says Gov’t Spokesman

Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei added the TV network has always worked against the Iranian nation.

“This audio file was released by the spiteful [Iran International] television run by petro-dollars, and since the day it was established, this television [network] wanted Iranian people to suffer and be under sanctions,” he said on Tuesday.

“This shows the move to steal and selectively broadcast the interview was a plot,” added the spokesman.

“[Iranian] President [Hassan Rouhani] instructed the Intelligence Ministry to identify those behind this conspiracy,” said Rabiei.

“We believe the stealing of these documents is a plot against the government, Establishment, national unity, our efficient institutions on the ground, and our national interests,” he added.

“Of course, we will be waiting for Dr. Zarif to return to Iran and give the necessary explanation on the misinterpretations,” he noted.

Rabiei reiterated that the TV network had “selectively aired parts of a very lengthy interview with wicked intentions.”

He said the interview is, in fact, a program about the performance and achievements of, and challenges faced by the Rouhani administration recorded under the supervision of the President’s Office.

Tehran, Baghdad Stress Implementation of Previous Agreements

During the Monday talks, Zarif described Baghdad’s role in regional issues as effective and important.

He also expounded on Tehran’s viewpoint on the necessity of the existence of a security system in the region with the presence of all Persian Gulf countries which has already been proposed by Iran within the framework of the Hormuz Peace Endeavoir (HOPE).

Zarif touched upon Tehran-Baghdad agreements on different issues, and highlighted the need to make the necessary arrangements to implement those agreements without any bureaucratic barrier.

The Iraqi president, in turn, described mutual relations as important and expounded on his viewpoints with regards to the immediate implementation of the agreements reached by both sides.

Among other topics discussed in the meeting were issues related to terrorism and extremism in the region, financial issues, mutual cooperation at the regional level as well as cooperation with other countries.

Iran Urges Implementation of Iraq Legislation on Withdrawal of US Forces  

During the Monday talks, the top Iranian diplomat highlighted Tehran’s emphasis on regional convergence, and welcomed Iraq’s constructive role in that regard.

Zarif said the implementation of the Iraqi parliament’s legislation on the withdrawal of foreign troops amounts to respect for Iraq’s sovereignty.

“The Americans killed Hajj Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi (al-Muhandis) on the Iraqi soil,” said Zarif.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif said the upcoming elections in Iran and Iraq symbolise democracy in both countries, and wished Iraq luck in holding a calm election.

The top Iraqi parliamentarian, in turn, highlighted the Iraqi government and parliament’s role in helping shape a tranquil atmosphere in the region, and expressed hope the ground will be prepared to boost trade between Iran and Iraq.

Iran Urges Implementation of Iraq Legislation on Withdrawal of US Forces  

Iran Respects Diversity of Religious, Ethnic Groups in Iraq: FM Zarif

In the Monday meeting, which was part of Zarif’s meetings with Iraqi political and religious figures, the top Iranian diplomat touched upon Tehran’s opposition to sectarianism as well as the necessity of unity in the Islamic community and among different groups.

Zarif also referred to the status of holy Quds in Iran’s foreign policy, saying Tehran will continue to stand by world Muslims of different faiths despite all existing pressure.

He said Iran’s behaviour is defined based on partnership with its friends.

He underscored the need for a logical and rational relationship between Iraqi groups, saying Tehran respects the diversity of religious, ethnic and political groups in Iraq.

In addition to Khamis al-Khanjar, some other top members of the Legitimate Arabic Centre were also present at the meeting where they discussed, in detail, their viewpoints about Iraqi issues.

PM Kadhimi Calls Iran ‘Strategic Partner’ of Iraq

PM Kadhimi Calls Iran ‘Strategic Partner’ of Iraq

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is in Baghdad to discuss issues of mutual interest with Iraqi officials, attended an Iftar banquet hosted by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Monday evening.

In this meeting, Foreign Minister Zarif praised the Iraqi prime minister’s special efforts to pursue the existing cases in bilateral and regional relations related to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and elaborated on the latest developments in Iran’s negotiations with the P4+1.

He also expressed gratitude for Baghdad’s support for the JCPOA and the removal of the United States’ cruel and unilateral sanctions.

Zarif also referred to certain problems with the relations of Iranian companies and economic groups working in the fields of commerce, transport, and technical-engineering services as well as financial issues, and called for Iraq’s assistance in resolving them.

The Iraqi prime minister, in turn, stressed that Baghdad’s view of Iran does not just fall within the framework of neighbourliness, but Iran is a strategic partner of Iraq.

He pointed to Iran’s support for Iraq in the fight against ISIS, and said the history will never forget the stance adopted by Iran.

Iranian, Iraqi Foreign Ministers Meet in Baghdad

At the beginning of the Monday meeting, the Iranian foreign minister extended the Iranian nation and government’s condolences to the Iraqi nation and government, especially the families of the victims of the recent tragic incident at Ibn Khatib Hospital of Baghdad, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of Iraqi citizens.

Foreign Minister Zarif then welcomed Iraq’s regional role in strengthening regional relations and the cooperation of the countries of the region with each other, and expressed Iran’s support for Baghdad’s constructive role.

The Iranian foreign minister further expressed concern over the ISIS terrorist group’s recent activities in Iraq, and said a serious fight against these efforts requires that Iran and Iraq cooperate with each other once again.

He also stressed the significance of pursuing the case of the martyrdom of Lt. General Qassem Soleimani, Abu Mehdi Al-Muhandis and their comrades, and praised the Iraqi government’s efforts in this regard as well as the country’s judicial cooperation during the Iranian Judiciary chief’s trip to Baghdad.

Emphasising respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Foreign Minister Zarif reiterated Tehran’s opposition to certain military actions in Iraq, including the ones against diplomatic missions, and announced the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to assist Iraq in preventing such actions.

In turn, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed satisfaction with the trend of Iran’s talks with the P4+1 group of countries and elaborated on Iraq’s regional policy of bringing the viewpoints of regional countries closer together.

The Iraqi foreign minister also stressed the need to resolve certain trivial issues in the implementation of the agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.

Following up the agreements reached during the Iranian president’s visit to Iraq, settlement of Iraq’s debts to Iran, transportation and railway issues, visa problems of Iranian businessmen, certain problems hindering the activity of Iranian technical-engineering companies in Iraq, and financial issues were among other issues discussed by the two ministers.

Iran Condoles with Indonesia over Deadly Submarine Incident

Speaking to reporters in his weekly press conference on Monday, Khatibzadeh wished divine mercy for the victims, and condoled with the brotherly nation and government of Indonesia and the families of the victims over the tragic incident.

The wreckage of the Indonesian Navy submarine missing since Wednesday was found on the sea floor and all its 53 crew are confirmed dead, Indonesia military commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said Sunday.

The news came a day after debris believed to be from the KRI Nanggala-402 submarine was found floating about two miles from the submarine’s last known location in the Bali Strait, leading military officials to change the vessel’s status from missing to sunk.

Indonesia’s Rigel warship scanned the area with sonar, which uses sound waves to locate objects, and a magnetometer, Tjahjanto told a news conference. The MV Swift Rescue ship from Singapore then sent a remote operated vehicle (ROV) to get clearer underwater visual imagery, he said.

“We found and confirmed an image of Nanggala submarine parts, like horizontal steering, anchor, exterior body, vertical steering, and other submarine parts like safety suits for crew,” he said.
“Based on that authentic proof I declare here that the Nanggala submarine sank and all of the crew died.”

Iran Sentences Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe to Another Year in Jail

“Nazanin Zaghari was sentenced to one year in prison and one-year ban from leaving the country on charges of propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” Kermani told the Emtedad News website.

He at the same time noted that he will file an appeal against the sentence.

The Iranian-British national is accused of “involvement in propaganda activity against Islamic Republic” by attending a protest gathering in front of the Iranian embassy in London in 2009 and speaking to BBC Persian.

Back in March, Zaghari was released and her ankle tag was removed after the end of her five-year sentence.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been pardoned by Iran’s Leader last year, but she spent the final year of her term on leave with electronic ankle tag tied to her feet.

Iran Congratulates Tanzania on Union Day Anniversary

In his Monday message to his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan, President Rouhani offered his “sincerest congratulations” to her and the people of her country on the Union Day of the United Republic of Tanzania.

“I hope that through the efforts of the senior officials of the two countries, as well as the long-standing relations based on mutual respect, we will see more and more development and strengthening of relations and cooperation between the two countries in all fields to serve the interests of the two nations,” Rouhani said.

He also wished health and success for President Hassan, and prosperity and felicity for the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.

On 26 April 1964, Tanganyika united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania later that year. The name Tanzania is a blend of Tanganyika and Zanzibar and previously had no significance.

The Tanzanian nation celebrates the Union Day on April 26 every year as their national day.

Iran FM Arrives in Baghdad, Pays Homage to Soleimani, Abu Mahdi

No The Iranian foreign minister’s move came less than a day after his controversial remarks about General Soleimani’s role in Iran’s foreign policy were published as part of a “leaked” interview.

After paying homage to the two anti-terror commanders, Zarif held talks with his Iraqi counterpart.