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Iran’s former Central Bank officials cleared of currency manipulation charges

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Valiollah Seif

The decision, announced by Hessamoddin Ashna on Sunday on X social media platform, a former advisor to ex-president Hassan Rouhani, marks the end of a years-long legal battle.

Ashna criticized those who tarnished their reputations, emphasizing the importance of accountability.

The case, which began in 2018, accused Seif and Araghchi of disrupting Iran’s currency market and facilitating illegal foreign exchange transactions worth $159.8 million and €20.5 million during their tenure.

Both officials were initially sentenced to 10 and 8 years in prison. However, the Supreme Court later overturned the verdict in 2023, citing insufficient evidence and noting that their actions were authorized by higher authorities, including the president and the Supreme National Security Council, to stabilize the currency market.

The controversy stemmed from the Central Bank’s intervention in the “futures currency market” during a period of economic instability in 2017.

Critics argued that the actions lacked legal authority, accusing the officials of mismanagement and corruption, while supporters argued that their actions were necessary to control market volatility during a period of intense economic pressure from US sanctions.

Iran’s Expediency Council considers conditional approval of CFT, Palermo conventions

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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FATF

During a meeting with media representatives on Sunday, Sadeq Amoli Larijani, however, emphasized that the FATF is not under discussion in the council, as the parliament has not referred any FATF-related legislation to the body.

Larijani clarified that the council is only reviewing the two conventions, which were previously approved by the parliament but faced objections from the Guardian Council, that ensures the compatibility of parliamentary legislation with Islamic law and the Iranian Constitution.

The chairman of the Expediency Council, tasked with resolving disputes between the parliament and the Guardian Council, emphasized that the CFT and Palermo conventions, distinct from FATF, involve significant legal and military considerations.

He noted that while some members of the council have reservations about the conventions, they could be accepted conditionally, as over 50 countries have ratified them with similar reservations.

Approving the CFT and Palermo Conventions is part of Iran’s efforts to join the international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards, which many in the country argue could open a new window of economic opportunities despite hurdles.

Many also believe that Iran’s accession to these conventions could pave the way for information leaks against the country.

Feast held at Iran’s Imam Reza Shrine during Ramadan

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The grand communal feast, held in the sacred precincts of the holy shrine, served as an expression of devotion and reverence, bringing together worshippers in a spirit of unity and generosity.

More in pictures:

Omani top diplomat: Talks with Iran FM Araghchi ‘productive’

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Badr al-Busaidi reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to fostering dialogue aimed at ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

“Today in Muscat, I met with Mr. Araghchi. We held fruitful discussions on bilateral issues as well as regional developments,” al-Busaidi stated on his personal account on X social media.

He emphasized that Oman remains steadfast in its support for dialogue and initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the nations in the region.

The visit by Iran’s foreign minister follows a letter sent by the U.S. President to the Iranian officials about the possibility of talks between Washington and Tehran. It also underscores Oman’s enduring role as a mediator in regional affairs.

Araghchi arrived in the Omani capital on Sunday, heading a high-ranking delegation.

Nowruz Joy Carnival brightens Tehran with festive parade

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The Nowruz Joy Carnival, featuring festive Nowruz-themed displays and floats, made its way from Haft-e Tir Square to Laleh Park in Tehran, captivating onlookers and spreading the spirit of the season.

The parade showcased traditional symbols of renewal and rebirth.

Nowruz, celebrated by millions worldwide, marks the first day of the Persian calendar and symbolizes new beginnings.

More in pictures:

Iranian woman sets record by making 137 types of jam

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Her achievement was announced during a New Year’s special program on Iran’s Channel 3.

Mrs. Mahmoudzadeh, a seasoned cook, has spent years perfecting her craft, experimenting with both traditional and unconventional ingredients.

Beyond common fruits like apples and carrots, she has crafted unique jams using black sesame, kiwi, peanuts, cranberries, olives, rhubarb, and green pumpkin.

Her creativity and dedication have not only showcased her culinary skills but also highlighted the diversity of Iranian cuisine.

The record has drawn widespread admiration, with many praising her innovation and passion for cooking.

Road accidents: Third leading cause of death in Iran, costing $200k per fatality

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Roads

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Dr. Mohammad Esmail Gheidari emphasized the significant economic and social impact of traffic-related fatalities, estimating that each death costs the nation approximately 200 thousand dollars.

Gheidari highlighted that road accidents predominantly affect the working-age population, exacerbating their societal and economic consequences.

He noted that while prevention is crucial in addressing diseases like cancer and heart conditions, it is even more critical in reducing traffic fatalities, which are largely preventable.

Iran records around 20,000 traffic-related deaths annually, a figure that spiked in 2021 after a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gheidari attributed the majority of accidents to human error, stressing the need for improved driver behavior, road safety measures, and vehicle maintenance.

To combat the issue, the national campaign “No to Accidents” aims to reduce traffic fatalities by at least 8%. The campaign focuses on public education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and enhancing emergency response systems.

Iranian company develops affordable brain surgery navigation system

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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According to the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Parsis Intelligent Surgical Systems, which has produced the Neuronavigation system at one-fourth the cost of its foreign counterparts, has been active in surgical navigation systems since 2006.

Neuronavigation utilizes advanced tracking technologies and imaging methods, such as CT, MRI, fMRI, and DTI, to provide real-time guidance during surgeries.

The innovation not only enhances surgical precision but also reduces the risk of tumor recurrence and the need for repeat surgeries.

Alireza Ahmadian, CEO of Parsis, highlighted the system’s technical parity with leading international brands like Brailab, Medtronic, and Stryker. He noted that the domestically-produced system offers a user-friendly interface and superior software performance in some cases.

The Neuronavigation system has been deployed in over 95 specialized hospitals across Iran, used by more than 190 surgeons in thousands of procedures.

It has also been exported to countries such as Ecuador, Russia, and Germany, generating significant foreign exchange savings for Iran.

Tehran faces severe water crisis as reservoir levels plummet

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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According to official reports, the Karaj Dam, one of Tehran’s primary water sources, is currently at only 7% of its capacity.

Similarly, the Latyan Dam holds just 11% of its capacity, while the Mamloo and Lar Dams are at 12% and 1%, respectively.

These alarming figures highlight a worsening water shortage that experts have warned about for years. Poor management, prolonged drought, and insufficient rainfall have exacerbated the crisis, with national rainfall levels at just 82.9% of the annual average.

As Tehran braces for potential water rationing, officials are under pressure to balance immediate crisis management with long-term solutions.

Iran’s Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi described the situation as “critical” during a visit to Isfahan to address water-related issues.

He emphasized the urgency of implementing vital water projects, including the controversial Koohrang Dam, to mitigate the crisis.

Aliabadi also announced plans to cut water allocations to industries, urging them to rely on non-conventional water sources instead.

The water shortage has sparked calls for equitable water distribution and stricter enforcement of water usage laws.

American protesters demand release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

By
IFP Media Wire
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Demonstrators later took to the streets, chanting: “We want justice, you say how. Free Mahmoud Khalil now!” and “Free all the students today.”

Many held banners that read: “Free Palestine”, “Release Mahmoud Khalil” and “ICE off our campuses.”

Protests were also held in New York City, where demonstrators rallied in Times Square before marching through to Columbus Circle. Organizers condemned Khalil’s detention, arguing that his right to protest is protected under the First Amendment.

“Attacks on Mahmoud Khalil are not attacks on one individual, they are an attack on everyone who dares to stand up and speak for justice,” one protester stated.

The Columbia University graduate was arrested by ICE agents on March 8 at his university-owned apartment. The arrest was carried out following an order by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke his student visa and green card. The Donald Trump administration has accused Khalil, who played a prominent role in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the school last year, of engaging in “activities aligned with Hamas” though no evidence has been provided. He is currently being held at an ICE detention center in the state of Louisiana.

President Trump has defended the detention, stating that Khalil’s case is “the first of many to come” as his administration moves to crack down on those who joined protests against Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 48,500 Palestinians since October 2023.

Rubio noted Friday that the US is expected to revoke visas for more students in the coming days.

A video released by Khalil’s attorneys on Friday showed the moment federal agents arrested him in the lobby of his apartment building. The footage captures Khalil calmly complying with officers as his wife, Noor Abdalla, pleads for information on his whereabouts. Abdalla, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, demanded that the agents identify themselves, to which one responded, “We don’t give our names.”

Khalil’s attorneys argue that his arrest for “exercising his First Amendment rights, speaking up in defense of Palestinians in Gaza” is politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

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