In her Wednesday press briefing, Sima-Sadat Lari also confirmed 2,011 new cases of infection with the virus, raising the total number of cases to 177,938.
The spokeswoman said 140,590 patients have so far recovered from the disease, and been discharged from hospital.
Lari noted that 1,151,032 COVID-19 tests have been taken across the country.
According to Lari, Khuzestan province is still considered a red zone, and six other provinces are also at yellow zone status.
Official from Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan took part in a video conference on Tuesday, June 9, to weigh plans for the protection of the Caspian Sea environment.
In an address to the meeting, head of Iran’s Department of Environment Issa Kalantari pointed to the “bitter experience” of protection of environment in the Persian Gulf south of Iran, saying, “Since the Persian Gulf littoral states lack the sufficient political will to protect it, we are facing hundreds of environmental problems today.”
The Iranian vice president also expressed hope that the Caspian Sea states would have the will to preserve the marine environment, adding, “Iran is located in the southern side of the Caspian Sea, thus pollution from the other countries enters our coasts.”
If the secretariat of Tehran Convention had pursued the environmental issues on a daily basis, the Caspian Sea problems would have not accumulated, Kalantari added, calling for efforts to protect the sea for the future generations.
“A bilateral agreement would not settle the Caspian Sea problems. I hope an active secretariat would be established immediately, and that we could reach an agreement in the sixth conference, which will be held in Baku,” he noted.
The Iranian official also said the United Nations Environment Programme can greatly help devise plans for the protection of the Caspian environment with 50 years of experience, adding, “All countries must work in cooperation to address the Caspian Sea problems, including various types of pollution and biodiversity.”
The Iranian vice president then proposed the formulation of a 10-year program to address the environmental and genetic issues relating to the Caspian Sea pollution.
“We should not waste the time. I suggest that we should ratify a 10-year plan on Caspian environment in the Baku conference and settle the Caspian Sea problems through collective monitoring, so that we could turn the sea into an exemplary sea in the world from the environmental aspect,” Kalantari stated.
He further expressed hope that the secretariat of Caspian Sea conference would learn lesson from the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, and not end up as an ineffectual organization.
“I insist that the sixth meeting should be immediately held in Baku to make final decisions about protection of the Caspian Sea,” head of Iran’s Department of Environment concluded.
In comments at a military gathering in Tehran on Wednesday, Major General Salami said the greatest exhibition of Iran’s power took place recently when the country “imposed its will” on the adversaries and its oil tankers sailed international waters from the Persian Gulf to Venezuela.
The Islamic Revolution is breaking the back of the enemies, the commander said, adding, “By God’s grace, today we are witnessing the early and rapid decline of our archenemies, particularly the US.”
He said the criminal nature of the US government has become so obvious that even the American people are setting fire to the US flag.
“All of the symbols with which the US was presenting itself and was displaying an untrue image to the world are falling, and the US is tearing apart the image it had created about itself,” the general added.
The IRGC commander went on to say that Iran has overcome the sanctions, while the US is drowning. “Unable to contain the coronavirus, the US is today in the worst economic conditions.”
In remarks in May, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei highlighted the defeat that the West has suffered in handling the COVID-19 outbreak, stressing that such a failure must be made public to enable nations to make important decisions about their fate.
The Leader also noted that even the “Western social philosophy” has ended in failure in the face of the novel coronavirus, saying the nature of social philosophy in the West is based upon materialism, which is why the elderly, the sick, the poor and the underprivileged people in the West were ignored after the pandemic and a large number of people in the retirement homes died of the disease.
Addressing a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Ardakanian said the country also ranks 14th globally with an installed power generation capacity of 83,000 megawatts.
He further noted that 100 percent of Iranian cities and 97 percent of the rural areas are currently connected to the national power grid.
“One million new users are annually added to the network,” he noted.
He further noted that the country’s power industry needs 1.2 billion a year, half of which is supplied through power exports to neighbouring countries.
His comments came a few days after he signed an agreement with Iraq to extend exports of electricity to the neighbouring state for two more years.
The new agreement covers 2020 and 2021, while the previous deals had lasted for one-year periods, Ardakanian said during his visit to Baghdad.
He said Baghdad paid Tehran about $400 million — half of Iraq’s due debts to Iran for electricity supply — thanks to the Iranian Embassy’s follow-up efforts in the Iraqi capital.
The minister also noted that he discussed with Iraqi officials a three-year cooperation plan earlier signed between the countries’ private sectors to reconstruct Iraq’s electricity industry.
Heading a delegation of electricity experts, Ardakanian visited Iraq last Wednesday and held meetings with senior officials, including Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, President Barham Salih and Electricity Minister Majid Mahdi Hantoush.
Addressing a weekly cabinet session on Wednesday, President Rouhani lashed out at the US for its attempts to maintain an arms embargo on Iran which is going to terminate in October according to the 2015 nuclear deal.
“In the coming weeks, as Iran will reach a stage in the month of Mehr (October) when, according to the Resolution 2231, all arms embargoes against Iran will be terminated, the Americans are angry and irritated about such important and major day for the history of defense in Iran from now. They are drafting a resolution, they want to propose it in the (UN) Security Council,” the president said.
“We expect the four permanent members (of the UNSC) to stand against such plot for the sake of the world’s interests, for the sake of world stability, for the sake of the interests that the region and the world have taken into account in the nuclear deal,” President Rouhani stressed.
“As all various plots that the US has hatched against us until now have ended in failure, we are confident that it will not achieve success in this plot either. And we will do our utmost to boost our defense capability. The Americans must realize that Iran’s defense capabilities will increase under all circumstances, be it under difficult conditions or under sanctions, whether or not they propose a resolution, they do something or not, or they harm the resolution 2231,” the president stated.
President Rouhani also denounced the US for its bully-style policies, noting, “We have known since the past that the policy of the US is the policy of ‘kneeling on neck’. They (Americans) have been always like this throughout history. They have pressed their knee on the neck of every oppressed person they have found in order to kill him. This is their policy, not the policy of a single cop in a single city. This is basically the US policy.”
“But the great Iranian nation broke that knee. They (Americans) wanted to do the same in 2018. They brought the knee close to the throat of the (Iranian) nation. But our dear nation smashed their knee with the giant sledgehammer of national unity and solidarity. Now they (Americans) have no knee anymore to put pressure on the Iranian nation. This is their policy, they are again after conspiracy,” he stated.
“In the recent years when we were under difficult conditions caused by sanctions, we designed the best air defense systems, and hit a US drone with the very same system. We shot down the US drone with the Iranian system,” the president emphasized.
“Therefore, we will be enhancing our defense power. On economy, our people should know that we will be doing our utmost to reduce pressures on people,” he concluded.
What follows is the full text of Kazem Gharibabadi’s Tuesday letter to Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
H.E. Dr Rafael Mariano Grossi
Director General
International Atomic Energy Agency
08 June 2020
Distinguished Director General,
Upon instructions and on behalf of my Government, I would like to bring to your attention the persistent United States’ irresponsible conduct with respect to its multilateral obligations and international law, to hamper international nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes, which is source of serious concern.
The unlawful actions by the United States in contradiction with the Agency’s Statute and the commitments made in the General Conference (GC) Resolutions, as well as against the nuclear cooperation and activities in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and UNSCR 2231 (2015) are not only in violation of the UN Charter, but also could greatly impede the full implementation of the JCPOA.
I would like to recall that as stated in Article II of the IAEA Statute, the objectives of the Agency are “to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world”, and one of the statutory functions of the Agency, as stated in Article ITI of the Statute, is to “encourage and assist research on, and development and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses throughout the world”. Also, as stipulated in its article IV, which constitutes one of the fundamental objectives and pillars of the NPT, the central role of the Agency is to promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy for the realization of “the inalienable right of all the parties to the Treaty (NPT) to develop research, production and useof nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with articles I and II of the Treaty.”
Such rights, Objectives and roles of the IAEA were also highlighted and reaffirmed in the Agency’s annual General Conference (GC) Resolutions; the annual GC Resolution on “Strengthening of the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Activities” requests the Secretariat to “continue to facilitate and to enhance the development of nuclear technology and know-how and its transfer to and among Member States for peaceful uses”, and “encourages Member States to contribute in sharing knowledge and technology in the field of peacefuluses of nuclear energy”;
Furthermore, the annual GC Resolution on “Strengthening the Agency’s Activities related to Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications” recognizes “the importance of assisting Member States interested in uranium production to develop and maintain sustainable activities through appropriate technology, infrastructure and stakeholder involvement and the development of skilled human resources.”
Promotion and protection of peaceful nuclear activities enjoys such an importance that even measures adopted under nuclear security should not hamper it. In this regard, the GC Resolution on “Nuclear Security” “calls upon all States to ensure that measures to strengthen nuclear security do not hamper international cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities, the production, transfer and use of nuclear and other radioactive material, the exchange of nuclear material for peaceful purposes and the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and do not undermine the established priorities of the Agency ‘s technical cooperation programme.”
Against this backdrop, on 27 May 2020, the United States announced that it would unilaterally sanction “all remaining JCPOA-originating nuclear projects in Iran — the Arak reactor conversion, the provision of enriched uranium for the Tehran Research Reactor, and the export of Iran’s research reactor fuel.” This action together with the previous malign policies and conducts of the United States against the nuclear cooperation and activities in accordance with the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231 (2015) – in particular designation of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and its Head Dr Ali Akbar Salehi (31 January 2020) as well as sanctioning the cooperation and activities between Iran and other countries regarding transfer of enriched uranium out of Iran in exchange for natural uranium and providing the storage for Iran of heavy water (3 May 2019) and also Fordow facility (18 November 2019) is intended to substantially prevent Iran, other participant and the international community from implementing their commitments under the JCPOA.
It is noteworthy that the malign policies of the US are not limited to its recent acts. In fact, the US is accustomed to such internationally abhorred policies. The US actions even Contradict with the Resolution GOV/2015/72 adopted by the Board of Governors on 15 December 2015 which, among others, while “recognizing the long-term nature of the provisions of the JCPOA and their implications for the Agency”, and “being guided by, inter-alia, the affirmation by the United Nations Security Council in its resolution 2231 (2015)” that “conclusion of the JCPOA marks a fundamental shift in its consideration of this issue”, emphasizes “the importance of faithfully honouring the undertakings and commitments under the JCPOA.”
Excellency,
The Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) encourages Member States to cooperate with Iran in the framework of the JCPOA in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to engage in mutually determined civil nuclear cooperation. According to this resolution, States are authorized to supply, sale, or transfer of items, materials, equipment, goods and technology, and the provision of any related technical assistance, training, financial assistance, investment, brokering or other services, that is directly related to the modification of two cascades at the Fordow facility for stable isotope production; the export of Iran’s enriched uranium in excess of 300 kilograms in return for natural uranium; and the modernization of the Arak reactor. The resolution also endorses that these activities Continue to be in effect even if the provisions of previous resolutions are applied. Moreover, the Supply of a quantity of 19.75% enriched uranium oxide (U3O8) exclusively for the purpose of fabrication in Iran of fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor and enriched uranium targets for the lifetime of the reactor is guaranteed in UNSCR 2231 (2015).
These unlawful actions adversely affect the international civil nuclear cooperation and activities as specified in Annex I and Annex Ill to the JCPOA by technically and practically impeding the full implementation of the by the remaining participants and the rest of international community. These are not necessarily restricted to above-mentioned areas, but also extended to the humanitarian applications of the nuclear science and technology by imposing sanctions on radiopharmaceutical production company (Pars Isotopes Co.) and Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (INRA), and even intimidating and threatening the Iranian nuclear experts in clear contradiction with the letters and spirit of the IAEA Statutes. Such irresponsible and inhuman behaviour by the US is not only endangering the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients in dire need of those radiopharmaceuticals, but also posing a serious threat to the nuclear scientists, which the US would be held accountable for any event in this regard.
These acts by the United States not only constitute a significant material breach of the Security Council resolution 2231, but also are in clear violation of its obligations under the relevant IAEA instruments. The United States sanctions and policies have also prevented the implementation of relevant nuclear-related provisions of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) by Member States, including the Islamic Republic of Iran.
While the Islamic Republic of Iran is entitled to take remedial measures, which the Agency will be duly informed at any stage of its development, the United States shall bear full responsibility for the consequences of its wrongful acts. It must immediately remove these restrictions and limitations on the international cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy which are in contradiction to the objective of the Statute of the Agency, principles of the Non-proliferation Treaty and the provisions of the Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).
The Members of the Agency should uphold their responsibilities and consider and react proportionately to the unlawful conduct of the United States that is endangering international cooperation in the field of nuclear energy and technology.
It is crucial that the United States violations of its relevant obligations and unilateral actions should not have any negative impact on the work of the Agency in pursuing its mandate in the fields of peaceful nuclear uses in accordance with its Statute and other relevant documents. The Director General is requested to duly reflect such violations by the US in his reports on the implementation of the relevant instruments of the Agency.
I would be grateful for the Circulation of this letter as an official document of the IAEA.
Please, accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
In a post on his Twitter account on Tuesday, Mahmoud Vaezi took a swipe at the US Republicans for working on a bill that would purportedly include the largest punitive measures introduced against Iran in the Congress’ history.
“Instead of introducing a comprehensive plan for sanctions against the Iranian nation, Republicans in the US Congress had better think of preparing a bill to address the structural injustice and racism in the US and ensure calm and security for that country’s nation,” he said.
He wrote the message in reaction to a report that Republicans in Congress are set to introduce an unprecedented sanctions bill against Iran on Wednesday.
The office of Congressman Joe Wilson, one of the proposal’s sponsors, confirmed to The National that it will include 140 initiatives against Iran, as well as tightening the pressure on Russia and China to ramp up their action against Tehran.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, it would target an estimated $70 million of annual security aid to Lebanon and sanctions waivers granted to Iraq that allow it to sell electricity to Iran.
The Republican Study Committee (RSC) is behind the proposal, which has 147 members in the House on board, including RSC chair Mike Johnson.
So far, no Democrats have come in support of the bill, and their party controls the majority in the US House of Representatives.
In Iran, more than three million artisans, craftsmen and craftswomen are engaged in some 300 fields of traditional art and handicrafts making. Last year, Iran generated $281 million in revenue from the handicrafts industry, which accounted for a considerable share of the country’s non-oil exports.
The handicrafts industry has been receiving growing attention in many countries in recent years.
Following the Second World War, many developed and industrial countries began to grow fond of the handicrafts and traditional art of the nations with ancient civilizations. The first edition of an international conference on handicrafts was held in New York on June 10, 1964, attended by government officials, university professors, artisans and craftspersons from over 40 countries.
There are a large number of artisans working on handicrafts in Iran, particularly in the city of Shiraz. Improvement of the handicrafts industry requires bigger investment. A good and wise investment in the handicrafts industry could resolve many economic problems of the country. The major traditional arts in Iran include carpet weaving, vitreous enamel, toreutics, Khatam art (Persian technique of inlaying), interior decoration with mirrors, kilim (Persian rug) weaving, ceramic tile art, woodturning, and ornament making.
Following are the photos of famous Iranian handicrafts industries, such as Khatam art, kilim weaving, toreutics and tapestry rugs, taken by ISNA from ‘Saraye Moshir’, a traditional bazaar in Shiraz.
Saraye Moshir is located in Vakil complex, an old traditional bazaar in Shiraz. A broad range of Iranian handicrafts are put up for sale in the popular tourist attraction.
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A Khatam artist with a collection of items created by woodcarving, carpentry, engraving, and painting. Khatam artists create handicrafts out of wood, bone, and metal.
Khatam art
Khatam art
Toreutics includes various styles of artistic metalworking. Toreutics artists of Shiraz hammer metals using the oldest method.
Sa’adat House, a Khatam art workshop in Sang-e Siah (black stone) neighborhood of Shiraz
Female handbag made up of kilim is a fashionable accessory these days. Many Iranian and foreign tourists have become interested in this type of Iranian handicrafts and purchase the kilim-made items for everyday use.
Khatam art
Khatam art
Hand-woven tapestry rugs are sold in the ‘carpet-sellers’ plaza of Vakil bazaar in Shiraz. The shopping site is known as an old center for the sale of various kinds of carpets, rugs, and tapestry rugs in Shiraz.
The earthquake hit an area located 22 km from the city of Beyram at 21:48 (local time) on Tuesday, according to the Seismological Centre of the Institute of Geophysics of Tehran University.
The epicentre, with a depth of 10 km, was determined to be at 27.63 degrees of north latitude and 53.46 degrees of east longitude.
The location of the quake has been reported to be 42 km from the city of Lamard and 239 km from Shiraz, data from the seismological centre showed.
Iran is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major fault lines that cover at least 90% of the country. As a result, earthquakes in Iran occur often and are destructive.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Tehran Sergei Burdyliak held a meeting with the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Legal Affairs Mohsen Baharvand on Tuesday.
In the meeting, the two diplomats discussed the January downing of a Ukrainian jetliner near Tehran and the latest developments relating to the incident from various aspects.
In the gathering, the Iranian deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that he is prepared to hold talks with the Ukrainian officials at any time and any place to be determined by Ukrainians at the earliest possible moment in order to immediately resolve the issues about the black boxes of the plane, paying families of the victims compensation, and the other issues relating to the tragic incident.
In turn, the Ambassador of Ukraine welcomed the proposal from the Iranian diplomat, saying he will immediately relay the idea to the relevant Ukrainian authorities and will later inform the Iranian side about the results.
Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752) was a scheduled international passenger flight from Tehran to Kiev operated by Ukraine International Airlines (UIA). On 8 January 2020, the Boeing 737-800 operating the route was shot down shortly after take-off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport. All the 176 passengers and crew were killed.
According to Iranian officials, 146 passengers used an Iranian passport to leave the country, 10 used an Afghan passport, five used a Canadian one, four a Swedish one, and two used Ukrainian passports.
The Ukrainian government, however, says there were 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians (mostly Iranian-Canadian dual nationals), 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, 7 Afghans, and 3 Britons on the plane, which was accidentally shot down by Iran’s Air Defence.
