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Iran Ready for More Prisoner Swaps with US: Spokesman

Iran Condemns US Oil Deal with Syrian Kurdish Group

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday that Iran has already announced that it stands ready to do all in its power to secure the release of Iranian hostages in US jails and bring them back home “within different frameworks.”

The Islamic Republic, he added, showed “goodwill” and made a “humanitarian” gesture in response to the proposals by some countries and figures, including Switzerland and its ambassador to Tehran, for the freedom of US security prisoners, whose wrongdoings are confirmed.

“If we find the conditions ripe again for such swaps or if we can prove the innocence of the Iranian citizens, who are facing baseless and delusional charges of circumventing unilateral, illegal and groundless US sanctions, we will definitely use all our diplomatic means to free our dear ones and reunite them with their families,” Mousavi said.

Last week, Iran freed US navy veteran Michael White as part of a prisoner swap, in which the US released Majid Taheri, an Iranian scientist who had been imprisoned in the US on false charges, after spending over a year in jail.

Iran’s Judiciary spokesman Gholam-Hossein Esmaeili said White was freed “on humanitarian grounds” while taking the country’s “general interests” into consideration.

The prisoners exchange came a day after Iranian scientist Sirous Asgari, a professor of material sciences at Iran’s Sharif University of Technology, returned home after spending about three years in detention in the US.

He was held behind bars in Louisiana despite having been exonerated in a sanctions trial.

Iran Calls on UN to Help with Extradition of Financial Criminals

Iran Calls on UN to Help with Extradition of Financial Criminals
File photo of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna

The Islamic Republic’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Kazem Gharibabadi says he has asked the new Executive Director of the UNODC to get involved in the issue and have the Iranian criminals arrested and extradited.

In a message on his Instagram page, Gharibabadi said some convicts have looted people’s property and now take refuge in the safe haven of some Western countries.

“Yesterday, I talked to new Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ms Ghada Waly. In this conversation, I called for the serious involvement of this office in the issue of the return of these lawbreakers, as well as the return of looted property.”

A major financial corruption case involving several judges and high-ranking officials at the Iranian Judiciary is being investigated at a court in Tehran.

It was said at the first session of the court that at least eight of around 20 suspects in this case have already left the country.

Iran President Inaugurates Several Industrial, Mineral Projects

Iran President Inaugurates Several Industrial, Mineral Projects

The projects, which were inaugurated in a ceremony held on Thursday via videoconference, simultaneously came on stream in the central province of Isfahan and the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi.

Among the projects inaugurated was an iron ore concentrate production unite with an annual output capacity of 5 million tonnes as well as an iron pellet production unit with a production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes a year.

On the sidelines of the industrial projects, other projects also went on line, including several projects to produce fridges, polymer products and houseware appliances.

Addressing the opening ceremony, President Rouhani said the nation’s ranking in terms of steel production has improved from the 10th spot to the 8th as the country’s steel output capacity stands at 55 million tonnes.

He said Iran is producing a whole range of steel products, including iron ore concentrate, pellets, sponge iron and iron ingots.

“Our steel production chain (range of products) is a regular and complete one,” he said.

His comments come as the World Steel Association’s latest report shows Iran’s global standing in steel production has declined from the previous eighth to become the world’s ninth biggest crude steel producer.

Iranian steel mills sold over 254.35 trillion rials ($1.6 billion) worth of steel products during the last fiscal year.

According to Reza Shahrestani, a member of the Board of Directors of Iran Steel Producers Association, sales volume shows a 93% rise compared to the year before.

‘Some 15 Million Iranians May Have Contracted Coronavirus’

Some 15 Million Iranians May Have Contracted Coronavirus

Ehsan Mostafavi, Director of the Research Centre for Emerging and Recurring Diseases of the Iranian Pasteur Institute, said if 15 million people are indeed infected with the virus, it means that the virus is far less deadly than is assumed, and the country is facing a more benign virus.

In a video conference with reporters about the spread of COVID-19 in Iran, the scientist noted that fortunately the mortality rate of the disease in Iran is significantly lower than some developed and Western countries, and this is due to various factors.

“One determining factor is the relatively young age of the country. The average age of Iran’s population is 31 years, while in a country like Spain this index is 45 and in Italy it is 47 years. Therefore, when the people are older, underlying diseases such as cardiovascular problem, cancer, diabetes, obesity and the like are more common,” he noted, describing such underlying problems as death risk factors.

Regarding the recent increase in Iran’s COVID-19 cases, he said, “In recent weeks, we see a relatively fast increasing trend in the reporting of new cases of the disease in the country, but that’s caused by various factors. First, in the last month, we have significantly increased the number of tests. Our tests have now reached more than 20,000 daily tests from 10,000 in the past.”

There have also been some reopenings, which may naturally lead to an epidemic peak and second or third waves of the disease, underlined Mostafavi.

Currently, the provinces of Khuzestan, East and West Azarbaijan, Kurdistan and Hormozgan are the provinces that are more affected by the disease, according to the researcher.

The disease is unknown, and as new aspects of it are unfolded, we hope to be able to better control it, he said.

“It seems that we have to get used to living with corona. In general, we expect that in autumn and winter, if we have a recurrence of the disease, it will not be as severe as March and April. It is also expected that more effective treatment and better prevention methods will be available by then. So we expect to be able to live a more normal life than in recent months.”

In general, it seems the disease is relatively contagious, but the mortality is more prevalent in the elderly and people with more underlying diseases, reiterated Mostafavi.

“Today, we are certainly not worried about testing at hospitals, and anyone who is suspected of having the disease will be tested. During the first days of the outbreak in the country, only four laboratories were doing the daily testing. However, today, more than 150 laboratories across the country are doing the tests, and about one-third of private sector laboratories are conducting corona testing,” he concluded.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 18

Iranian Newspapers

Abrar Newspaper:

1- Nationwide Protests in Lebanon against Poor Living Conditions
2- Hook: Iran Sanctions Have Yielded Perfect Results
3- Rouhani: We’re Hopeful about Future

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Afkar Newspaper:

1- IRGC Chief: US Has Collapsed
2- Energy Minister: We Have Difficult Year Ahead in Terms of Supplying Power

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Aftab-e Yazd Newspaper:

1- Three Failed Paths for US to Extend Iran Arms Embargo

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Arman-e Melli Newspaper:

1- China, Russia Shouldn’t Give in to US Demands: Rouhani
2- S Korea’s Debts to Iran Is to Blame for Forex Market Tension
3- Will Civil Riots Impact US Elections? [Editorial]

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Ebtekar Newspaper:

1- Corona Surging Again in Iran: Some 178,000 Infected in Iran
2- Russia, China Defend Iran against US Threats to Sanction

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Etemad Newspaper:

1- Seoul’s Horrible Game: Iran’s Top Banker Slams S Korea for Failure to Pay Its Oil Debts
2- Ryabkov: We’re Ready If US Wants
* Russia Says Prepared for Talks with US on Syria, Arms Control

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Ettela’at Newspaper:

1- Rouhani: Iran Has Lost $50 Billion of Its Annual Revenues
2- Fukuyama: Coronavirus Will Lead to US Decline
3- Energy Minister: Over 50 Dams to Be Inaugurated by 2021

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Iran Newspaper:

1- Foreign Ministry Focused on Promoting Exports
* Iran Exported Goods to 120 Countries in Past Year: Deputy FM

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Javan Newspaper:

1- IRGC Chief: Fuel Shipment to Venezuela Displayed Iran’s Might
2- Iraqis Worried that Talks with US May Turn into Another JCPOA for Them

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Jomhouri Eslami Newspaper:

1- Saudi Jet Fighters Bomb Sana’a with Cluster Bombs
2- Syrian People, Army Block Movement of US Military Convoy
3- Attack on Symbols of Colonialism, Racism in US, Europe

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Kayhan Newspaper:

1- Top Banker: Iran to Take Legal Action If Korean Banks Fail to Unblock Iran Assets
2- Baghdad-Washington Talks Begin amid Warnings

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Sazandegi Newspaper:

1- Battle in New York: Russia, China Support Iran against US Threats in Letter to UN

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11


Shargh Newspaper:

1- GOP Trying to Make It Impossible for US to Return to JCPOA

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 11

Essential Utility Systems Every Household Needs

Essential Utility Systems Every Household Needs

It can be difficult knowing what to choose considering there appears to be an abundance of smart utilities projected for release every single week of every single year, yet even so, if you give some due consideration, you will be able to find some great additions to your home that not only improve your efficiency for ordinary mundane tasks but seriously make your life that much easier. Here are some essential utility systems that your household needs!

Invest in a Water Filter

Water is fundamental to life. The quality of the water that we drink will often define our health and the longevity of our life – it can be difficult to know exactly what the quality of our water is, as it often will all taste the same. Even so, just because you cannot taste the impurities in your water, it does not detract from the potentially harmful effects it is having on your health – much of the tap water we drink is chlorinated and inundated with harmful chemicals and bacteria – much of the bottled water we drink is inundated with toxic chemicals and plastic. It is no surprise that you have decided to visit here searching for new utility systems when there are so many flaws in our pre-existing utilities that need to change. Our water is one of them.

Water filters are a great new way for you to seriously improve the quality of the water you drink from your tap – bringing it up to standard with many mineral waters marketed in health food stores. Water filters enable you to improve your water quality to such a degree that you could not discern it from a high-quality mountain spring water; the water filter works to rid your water of harmful chemicals and toxins, helps to defeat limescale build-up and improves the taste of your water. Occasionally, tap water can stink of chlorine, but with a water filter that will be no more and the water you drink will be nourishing and healthy, and far removed from the toxins we have all become used to drinking every day of our lives.

A Remote-Controlled Light

When remote-controlled lights and dimmer switches first hit the market, they were all the rage, but as the years have passed, they have lost their huge reputation and have fallen into obscurity; while they certainly still sell, they have lost their pop culture stardom and are just an ordinary thing. Still, notwithstanding, they can be a great addition to your home and a great way to make your life easier – after spending all day on your feet at work there is nothing you want to do more than sit down, unwind, and watch some television, but then you notice the light is hurting your eyes, but you haven’t got the energy to get up and turn off the switch – enter your remote-controlled light system.

With a raise of the hand and a press of a button, you can control the lights throughout your home, thereby making your life easier and requiring you to not even stand up to do so. This is a great addition and a fantastic way to improve your home’s efficiency. Seriously consider having one of these systems installed, as they can make your life ten times easier, and the life of your family, albeit slightly lazy.

Get a Smart Garden Water Controller

Garden water controllers have seen a huge peak in interest in recent years, enabling you to set your garden on a timer so that your plants are watered as per your input without you having to raise a hand. Water controllers can be left on and do not need to be charged, so you can trust that your plants will be watered twice daily, or as per your request, without you having to worry about it or risk forgetting and having all of your wife’s beloved plants die.

While this can feel slightly impersonal and can to a certain extent feel like it is defeating the point of gardening, it is still a great and fantastic way for you to improve efficiency in your own home and ensure your garden is well looked after even in your absence.

When purchasing gadgets and utilities be sure to purchase them strictly from vendors of high repute, preferably peer-reviewed, as there is no shortage of sharks in the market who are looking to take your cash and in return give you faulty goods. Always do your research before buying from new vendors.

Iran Urges OIC to Push for Referendum in Palestine

Iran Urges OIC to Push for Referendum in Palestine

Following Israel’s recent announcement of its plan to annex parts of the occupied territories, particularly the west bank of Jordan River, to the territories under occupation within the next month and the US government’s support for the plan, the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held a virtual extraordinary meeting at the level of Member States’ Foreign Ministers on Wednesday, June 10, to address the issue.

The meeting, held at the request of the Palestinian National Authority and at the invitation of OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, was attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other political officials from the OIC Member States. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Legal Affairs Mohsen Baharvand was representing the Islamic Republic of Iran in the meeting.

In his address to the virtual meeting, Baharvand reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s “unwavering stance on defending the cause of Palestine”, and expounded on Iran’s views on Israel’s current threats, its main sponsor, namely the US, and on the effective solution to such persistent crisis in the Islamic world.

The Iranian diplomat strongly condemned Tel Aviv’s measure to declare Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital, its announcement of plans to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories, and the US’ support for those measures.

He also highlighted the “definite ineffectiveness of the policy of negotiations with and appeasement towards Israelis”, saying it is absolutely necessary for Muslims to think seriously about devising new approaches to Palestine in order to guarantee the inalienable rights of Palestinians to restore their legitimate rights.

“Now that it has been definitely proven that the US government has no goodwill and the Zionist regime is viciously and hypocritically playing with Palestine and with the principle of formation of the Palestinian government, the Islamic world is currently in dire need of ratification and implementation of a true pragmatic policy far beyond the current futile policy.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister underscored the international recognition of the right to self-determination, denounced the fierce obstructionism and opposition from the US and its cohorts to the issue of restoration of such inalienable right of Palestinians, and said that is why the people of Palestine have now no option but to resort to resistance in order to fulfill the undeniable right to self-determination.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and its Leader have repeatedly proposed the idea of approving a plan to hold a countrywide referendum with the participation of all Palestinians inside and outside Palestine with every religious and political background, he added.

“Now it’s time for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States to pass a resolution to call on the United Nations – as the chief international organization responsible for protecting world peace and security – to resolve the most long-running predicament in the contemporary world by holding a referendum in Palestine.”

Apart from a number of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other political officials from the OIC Member States, OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen was also taking part in the virtual extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a draft resolution was approved with 15 executive articles revolving around the categorical condemnation of Israel for its “malignant scheme” to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The resolution has also condemned Israel for restricting and obstructing the Palestinian people’s access to the necessary facilities and equipment for treatment of and protection against the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Iran’s Beauties in Photos: Salt Mines of Garmsar

Salt Mines in Garmsar

Mainly located in the mountains or under the ground, the salt mines of Garmsar extend like a winding tunnel in the heart of the earth. As a result, their salt is extracted through the room-and-pillar system.

Currently there are 92 salt mines around the city, which create about 400 job opportunities.

The purity of the salt extracted from a large part of these mines is over 98 percent: a feature that makes the salt of Semnan province stand out.

What follows are IRNA’s photos of the salt mines of Garmsar:

Iran Says Local Tourism Industry Booming after Restrictions Ease

Iran Says Local Tourism Industry Booming after Restrictions Ease

Ali Asghar Mounesan said on Wednesday Iran has recorded over two million overnight stays since the beginning of June.

He said the number has been more than expected, but people need to observe health protocols and social distancing to enjoy their trips.

The minister further added that hopefully as of next month, Iran will be able to re-launch foreign tourism as in many other countries.

In response to a question about the impact of the coronavirus on the handicrafts and tourism industry, Mounesan said the government supported this industry amid the corona outbreak, and a package of nearly 2 billion dollars was considered for ten sectors, three of which were related to tourism and handicrafts.

COVID-19 has devastated the tourism industry, and it was estimated that by the end of the year, the industry would be in a state of complete stagnation, but I don’t think that would be the case,” he added.

“Some countries are once again focusing on tourism. Italy is one of the countries that has opened doors to tourists,” he added.

No One Can Stop Iran-Venezuela Trade Ties: Tehran

No One Can Stop Iran-Venezuela Trade Ties: Tehran

Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Gholam-Reza Ansari said on Wednesday Iran and Venezuela have had very successful trade ties for many years, so Iran has a good relationship with Venezuela in terms of exporting and importing goods as well as exporting technical engineering services.

His comments came in reaction to the latest sanctions imposed by the US against a number of Iranian tankers, following the Islamic Republic’s shipment of fuel to Venezuela.

“US sanctions are not a new issue, but they have been going on for 40 years and they are doing their best to increase the sanctions,” he noted on the sidelines of a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce officials.

Ansari added the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been successful in the face of pressures, and has been doing well in the field of export and import and market diversity during these few years.

He further underlined the sanctions are not a barrier and cannot stop Iran; however, what sanctions are imposing on Tehran is increasing the costs.

Regarding the latest situation of the borders amid COVID-19 threats, Ansari said “After the outbreak of the corona, the entire world was experiencing a similar situation and strict control was performed at the borders.”

“As the corona situation is eased, our borders are naturally reopened and reactivated, and we hope that in the future we will be able to create a strong health situation at the borders and even return to the pre-corona level of trade.”

Ansari also expressed hope that in the future, by activating trade agreements with different countries, especially neighbouring states, a more organised and secure trade with these countries can be carried out.