Tis Mosque is located in a beautiful namesake village, 9 km from Chabahar.
The mosque was first built 1,000 years ago. Thanks to the single-minaret mosque’s proximity to Pakistan and India, its architecture and interior design are similar to the Muslim worship places in those countries.
The following images have been released by different websites:
The meeting held on May 20, 2020 was themed “accelerating action for and delivery of the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific.”
The meeting where Iran’s statement was also read out was a preamble to the 2020 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
Present at the meeting was Nargess Saffar as the head of the seven-strong Iranian delegation. She is in charge of a centre tasked with handling international issues as well as conventions of the Iranian Department of the Environment.
In her speech, she touched upon emerging diseases such as the novel coronavirus and drew attention to the destruction as well as mismanagement of biodiversity. She underscored that the health of human beings and that of the earth go hand in hand.
“Given the consequences of this disease which get in the way of sustainable development as well as a change in countries’ priorities due to the economic harm they have suffered as a result of the disease, it is suggested that a strategic plan be drawn up in order to make up for the losses following the coronavirus outbreak and that efforts be made to create green jobs and also green financial and tax packages be defined,” she said.
She noted that a shortage of financial resources and a lack of required technology and knowhow will affect efforts to achieve the desired objectives. She called for reports to be drawn up and presented at the regional level.
Saffar also expounded on the measures adopted by Iran in the domains of welfare, health, education and agriculture despite economic challenges caused by sanctions. She also enumerated Iran’s environmental problems as well as unstable situation in the region has affected decision-making by the Department of the Environment.
She further referred to the problems caused by sanctions in the way of pursuing sustainable development objectives.
The Iranian official called on all countries to move toward sustainable development regardless of certain countries’ move to capitalize on their political power to put pressure on others.
Iran’s former ambassador to Azerbaijan Republic says the tactics the US will use this time will remain at verbal level to save face for the election.
In an interview with Khabar Online, Afshar Soleimani said, however, any move against Iranian tankers by Washington will be in contradiction with international regulations.
Since a few days ago, five Iranian tankers carrying gasoline have been heading to Venezuelan waters, and two of them have reached their destination so far.
This is not the first time Iran has displayed its loyalty to its allies. After helping the countries of the region, including Iraq and Syria, Iran has now taken a strategic decision and rushed to the aid of its gasoline-starved ally Venezuela regardless of ideological affairs.
The Iranian-flagged tankers cross the Atlantic Ocean and US warships to tell the world that Tehran and Caracas will continue to cooperate and trade legally, despite harsh and illegal sanctions. This is an issue that has angered American officials and posed a serious challenge to them.
What follows is Khabar Online’s interview with Afshar Soleimani:
Q: As the Islamic Republic of Iran’s oil tankers move toward Venezuelan waters, will the United States take any action?
A: There are a few things to keep in mind. First, any US action against Iranian tankers is against international law. Iran is no longer subject to UN sanctions, and the United States cannot cite the six resolutions that have been revoked. Tehran and Caracas have both been sanctioned by Washington, but international sanctions should not be taken into account. The only problem was the issue of financial exchanges, which was resolved through barters. Another important point is that these tankers are owned and flagged by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the United States cannot do anything. One of the steps that could be expected to be taken by Washington in this regard would be to level accusations based on unfounded allegations. For example, the country recently called the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps a terrorist organisation and imposed sanctions. Therefore, it is possible they allege the members of the Quds Force were on these tankers. Of course, this will be a unilateral action by Washington. They may say that in addition to gasoline, weapons were also transported in these tankers. They may use Juan Guido, the leader of the opposition, who is a puppet, and claim that the weapons were supposed to be used to suppress the opposition.
At the same time, US warships have been moving toward Iranian tankers in the Caribbean, and the Venezuelan government has announced it will welcome and escort Iranian tankers. It goes without saying, however, that Venezuela is not powerful enough to react well in the event of a possible conflict.
Q: What are the possible consequences of any wrong action by the United States?
A: The analyses show as the US presidential election approaches, the United States will not take any ill-considered action because it is not worth it. Due to the recent developments, we have witnessed that an Iranian ship was seized in the waters of Gibraltar, and subsequently the Islamic Republic of Iran took reciprocal action and seized the British ship “Stena Impro”. The Americans do not seem to take such a risk. Events in Fujairah, the attack on Aramco, the downing of the US drone Global Hawk, the ill-considered action of the United States against General Qassem Soleimani, and Iran’s decisive response by attacking Ain al-Assad base have all made Washington be aware of the serious consequences of its possible action. Advisers and experts will certainly warn Trump, because in the event of any incident, tensions will increase, especially in the Persian Gulf. That will seriously jeopardise US bases and interests. Especially as the election is approaching and according to the latest polls, Donald Trump has fallen behind his rival, Joe Biden. As a result, any move could endanger Trump’s position, and he will block any action.
Q: Can we say not taking action against Iran is a signal or a green light by Washington to reduce tensions between the two countries?
A: Although verbal tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States have recently escalated, the United States has only resorted to accusations and avoided practical action by examining developments such as the assassination of General Soleimani and Iran’s missile attack on Ain al-Assad. Recently, there seems to be a kind of intangible de-escalation between Iran and the United States. As for Iraq, we see the new government has come to power and the cabinet of Mustafa al-Kadhimi has received a vote of confidence from the parliament. In this regard, it seems that Tehran and Washington have had a kind of agreement. Given that some Shiite groups in Iraq opposed Kadhimi’s presence in power, it seems Tehran and Washington have had indirect contacts and cooperation to support him, which in a way reflects the understanding between the two countries.
In Afghanistan, we have recently witnessed the US representative in this country, Zalmai Khalilzad, has held a videoconference with Afghan groups and some countries in the region, to which the Iranian representative attended. This can also be considered as a new green light. Iran supports inter-Afghan talks and is in touch with the Taliban. The same is true of the United States, and there is a consensus. Of course, the issues in Iraq and Afghanistan are not that simple, and the process of solving the problems will take a long time. However, such cooperation between Iran and the United States could lead to other regional cooperation, including in Syria, Lebanon or Yemen.
Another recent development that did not appear to be related to Iran was the withdrawal of US anti-missile systems called Patriot from Saudi Arabia, which could also be seen as a positive step towards de-escalation between Tehran and Washington.
The non-fulfillment of US oil demands in Saudi Arabia was the main reason for the exit of these systems, but overall, Washington has come to the conclusion that it should not interfere so much in regional issues. Considering its position in oil production, the Persian Gulf region is not as important to the United States as it used to be, even with lower energy prices.
Q: How can the issue of tankers shipment become an opportunity to defuse tensions?
A: It can be said that behind the scenes, there is a series of indirect cooperation between Tehran and Washington, and it is likely that the United States does not take action against Iranian tankers. At the same time, the arrival of these tankers in Venezuela could provide another opportunity to continue de-escalation. Given Trump‘s declining popularity, he may defuse tensions with Iran and even give Iran concessions. On the other hand, Iran seeks to secure its own national interests, and Trump or Biden make no difference. Although Democrats and Republicans are tactically different, they are not strategically so different.
Another point to keep in mind is that Iran has sent its tankers to Venezuela in these special circumstances. The ships have traveled over 10,000 kilometres; therefore, it’s not a cost-effective. Therefore, it is more like a symbolic move. On the other hand, Iran is not supposed to supply gas or gasoline to Venezuela forever. With this move, the Islamic Republic of Iran intended to test the United States more.
The Silk Road Science Fund has issued a call for joint projects from the Iranian and Chinese researchers and technological experts that will receive support from Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) -a department of the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science and Technology- and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The fifth round of the program is going to sponsor the joint research and development projects and to hold joint workshops between the Iranian and Chinese researchers.
A maximum of six joint research projects will receive approval to benefit from the fund’s supports in the fields of cognitive sciences and nanotechnology within the framework of research and development projects.
The call for projects will be open until July 19, as the Iranian researchers can submit their joint proposals in the Silk Road Science Fund’s online system.
Another section of the program will be sponsoring three joint workshops that cover scientific works relating to nanotechnology, cognitive sciences, advanced materials, water sciences, and medical engineering.
The final results on the projects qualified to receive support from the fund will be announced on October 15, and the joint research projects will officially kick off as of December.
More information is available on Iran National Science Foundation’s website.
1- Iranian Tankers Arriving in Venezuela One by One
2- Preparing Grounds for Full Removal of Ali Larijani from Politics
* Conservatives Targeting Ali Larijani after Defaming Amoli Larijani at End of His Term as Judiciary Chief
1- Failure of Sanctions; Long-Term Friendships
* Maduro: Thank You Iran
2- Economic Analyst: IMF Not after Reinforcing Nations
3- Top Religious Authorities Praise Ali Larijani’s 12-Year Services
1- China Starts Threatening US
2- Fortune Docks at Venezuela’s El Palito Port
1- Bypassing US Sanctions at Washington’s Backyard
2- China Threatens to Retaliate US Measures
* Washington, Beijing Continue War of Words over Hong Kong Developments
1- Five Iranian Tankers Sail into Venezuelan Waters Before Eyes of US Navy
1- Second Iranian Tanker in Venezuelan Waters
2- Rouhani to Emir of Qatar: We Hope Americans Wouldn’t Make Mistake on Iran
1- Why Iranian Tankers Safely Arrive in Venezuela [Editorial]
2- Failure of Sanctions at Caribbean Sea
3- Rouhani: We Already Extend Our Hand of Friendship to Parliament
1- Iran Tankers Show Off Their Power to US
2- Anchor of Power in Remote Seas [Editorial]
1- Humiliating US in Caribbean: Iranian Tankers Safely Arrive Venezuela
2- Time Has Come for End of US Presence in Region
3- IRGC Aerospace Chief: We’re at Highest Defensive Level
4- Glorious Eid al-Fitr Prayers Held Across Iran
5- Holy Shrines Opened to Believers
1- Humiliating US in El Palito
* What Analysts Say about Arrival of Iran Tankers in Venezuela Despite US Threat
1- Bypassing Sanctions Using Train of Tankers
1- Years of Thirst in Iran’s Khuzestan
* Water Crisis Sparks Protest
* Rouhani Orders Energy Minister, Provincial Governor to Immediately Provide Drinking Water
1- Will Zarif Run for 2021 Presidential Elections?
2- Why COVID-19 Fatalities Are Decreasing While Infections Are Growing?
In his Tuesday press briefing, Kianoush Jahanpour confirmed 1,787 new cases of COVID-19 infection, raising the total number of cases to 139,511.
He said 109,437 patients have so far recovered from the disease, and been discharged from hospitals across the country.
2,567 patients are also in severe conditions of the disease, he added.
So far, Jahanpour noted, 837,090 COVID-19 tests have been taken in Iran.
In a telephone conversation with President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga on Tuesday, President Rouhani highlighted Switzerland’s major and critical role in the international relations, adding, “We expect Switzerland in such delicate conditions to play a more influential role as we are witnessing an escalation of the unlawful and inhumane American sanctions against Iran.”
“Under the current tough and critical conditions when all countries are dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, the illegal American sanctions and the mounting economic pressures have aggravated the situation for people of Iran,” the president noted.
He also highlighted the respect that Iranian people have always had for the Swiss nation, welcomed Switzerland’s initiative to set up a financial mechanism for humanitarian transactions with Iran, and stressed the need for the channel to become more operational.
“The formation of the mechanism could be effective under such difficult conditions, and we expect that further activation of this financial mechanism would let part of Iran’s financial resources in certain counties become operational via this channel,” President Rouhani added.
The president then stressed the need to save the JCPOA as an international agreement, emphasizing, “It is necessary for the European Union, particularly for the three European parties (to the JCPOA), to take the necessary measures to create a balance in the fulfillment of the JCPOA commitments for saving the JCPOA.”
“Switzerland can also help strengthen the pillars of the JCPOA,” President Rouhani told his Swiss counterpart.
He further called for the expansion of relations between Tehran and Bern in the economic, scientific and health sectors, saying the two nations can share experiences in the fight against COVID-19.
“We are fully prepared to broaden and deepen the economic, scientific and health relations with Switzerland, and I hope that the efforts from the two countries in the path to peace, stability and humanitarianism would continue,” the Iranian president underlined.
For her part, the Swiss president congratulated the Iranian government and nation on the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, and called for the expansion of relations with the Islamic Republic.
President Sommaruga also welcomed the idea of sharing experiences in the battle with the novel coronavirus, stressing the need for the health ministries of the two countries to promote cooperation.
She also pledged that Switzerland will keep up efforts to operate the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA) for trade with Iran, saying an emergency International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan that Iran has applied for to fight the coronavirus epidemic could be disbursed through this Swiss financial mechanism.
Sommaruga finally deplored the US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, stressing the need to salvage the international agreement.
“We will do our utmost to maintain the JCPOA and will also encourage the other European parties to do so and to honor the commitments,” she concluded.
In a Tuesday message to Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, Jahangiri highlighted the political determination of the two countries’ top officials and the history of mutual cooperation.
He also expressed hope that the activation of current capacities would further develop and expand all-out ties between the two states, especially in the economic and business fields.
Georgia annually celebrates its national day on May 26, marking the anniversary of the 1918 adoption of the Act of Independence, which established the Democratic Republic of Georgia in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917.
Independence Day is associated with military parades, fireworks, concerts, fairs, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history and culture of Georgia.
The vast natural exhibition is underway in an area of about 3.5 hectares, and attracts a huge number of visitors despite the Coronavirus pandemic.
For the first time in Iran, 2,100,000 tulip bulbs in 30 different models have been planted in this natural field.
What follows are ISNA’s photos of the Tulip farms:
The video released by the Venezuelan Navy shows the Latin American country’s fighter jets and patrol boats escorting the Iranian tanker upon its entry into the country’s territorial waters.Venezuelan Armed Forces Escort Second Iranian Tanker.
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