The satellite was launched by a two-phased carrier in central Iran earlier on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. It was put into orbit at an altitude of 425 kilometers from the earth’s surface. This is a major accomplishment in Iran’s space domain. The newly-launched military satellite is named “Noor” that means “light” in Persian. Iran has already made considerable progress in the field of aerospace and the development of non-military satellites.
President: Iran Ready to Share Experience in Coronavirus Battle with Qatar
In a telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Tuesday, President Rouhani lauded the friendly and brotherly ties between Tehran and Doha, saying, “As a friend and neighbour, Qatar has always had significance for Iran in the bilateral, regional and international relations.”
The Iranian president also stressed the need for collective action and joint cooperation among all countries in the battle with the novel coronavirus.
Highlighting Iran’s careful planning and its measures to contain the spread of coronavirus, treat the patients and implement the policies on the economic, administrative and educational activities amid the outbreak, President Rouhani said the Islamic Republic is prepared to share its experiences in handling the coronavirus with all countries, particularly with the friendly and brotherly nation of Qatar.
He further called for efforts to proceed with the economic and trade interaction between Iran and Qatar in conformity with the health protocols, urging that the officials of the two countries should make efforts in the economic cooperation joint commission to that end.
The president then denounced the US sanctions on Iran, stating, “Not only are the US’ pressures and cruel sanctions against Iran a violation of the international regulations, but they (Americans) are also trampling on the humanitarian principles by exacerbating their behaviour under such difficult conditions, including by preventing the International Monetary Fund from giving Iran a loan.”
“We believe that in such special situation, all countries in the world should stand with each other in the battle with the coronavirus and should explicitly express their stances on the US’ hostile measures,” President Rouhani noted.
He also strongly deplored the continuation of the Saudi-led military coalition’s devastating attacks on Yemen, adding, “Sadly, they are not still ready to end their inhumane measures, but we have no doubt that they will realize sooner or later that they have to change their path.”
“We believe that the only way to ensure sustainable security and stability in the region is cooperation and friendship among the regional countries,” President Rouhani underlined.
For his part, the Emir of Qatar wished the Iranian government and nation and all Muslims in the world health, and stressed the need for joint action and cooperation to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani also called for efforts by the Iranian and Qatari officials to enhance the relation and economic cooperation between the two Muslim countries.
He also slammed the US’ cruel sanctions against Iran, noting, “Today, the world is in special conditions, and we believe that under such circumstances, the US must lift the sanctions and the whole countries should also move towards the new situation.”
Deploring the continued problems in the region, the Qatari Emir expressed hope for ceasefire in Syria and Yemen and for the settlement of the regional problems through collective cooperation.
Tehran, Moscow Must Boost Ties Amid US Provocative Moves in Region: President Rouhani
In a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said fortunately, there have been close and strategic relations between Iran and Russia in recent years, but it is necessary to expand the bilateral relations and promote cooperation in trade, economy, science and medicine.
President Rouhani referred to the US’ move to impose “cruel and illegal sanctions” on Iran in the current difficult conditions and put pressure on the International Monetary Fund for blocking a loan for Iran, and noted, “Today, all countries of the world are facing tough times, and the friendly countries should further cooperate.”
Highlighting the need to exchange experiences between Iran and Russia in the fight against the coronavirus, the President said officials in the two countries must work to conduct trade in accordance with the health protocols.
Iran’s president also expressed hope that all states would be able to work together to get rid of the virus in the near future.
Elsewhere in the conversation, President Rouhani touched upon the need to promote cooperation on regional issues and problems, and to continue consultations between Iran, Russia and Turkey within the framework of the Astana process on Syria.
The presidents of Iran and Russia also stressed that the ties between the two sides are strategic, adding that Tehran and Moscow need to work for the development, strengthening and consolidation of relations in all fields as well as accelerating the implementation of the previous agreements.
In turn, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the outbreak of coronavirus in most countries of the world, and stressed the importance of joint efforts, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences between the two countries to overcome the disease. He also highlighted the need to speed up the implementation of Tehran-Moscow agreements.
“Fortunately, good projects are underway, and the officials of the two countries are working to expedite the implementation of the agreements,” he added.
Speaking about the US sanctions against Iran, President Putin called them a “violation of human rights”, saying, “Unfortunately, they talk a lot about human rights in the West, but in practice they behave differently.”
The Russian president also touched upon the importance of continuation of Iran-Russia consultations on the regional and international issues, including the Astana process and holding trilateral talks with Turkey in this regard.
* The article has been updated by adding quotation marks to the sentences where the officials had been directly quoted.
Int’l Scientific, Medical Cooperation Must Be Promoted to Deal with Coronavirus: Rouhani
Speaking with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez by telephone on Tuesday, President Rouhani said in the current situation, the relations between the countries should be based on human principles and hostile policies should be countered, but unfortunately in these very difficult conditions, the United States continues to intensify its sanctions against Iran and even applies them to medicinal products.
The President also referred to Iran’s loan request from the International Monetary Fund to fight against the coronavirus, saying the United States also opposes the payment of this loan, but the Islamic Republic expects the European Union and Spain to adopt a stance against such illegal act.
President Rouhani welcomed the Spanish Prime Minister’s proposal to resume talks between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries to exchange views on important bilateral and international issues, including the implementation of the JCPOA.
“If the other countries fulfil all their obligations, we will meet our commitments,” he reiterated.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Iran’s president touched upon the need for the implementation of the bilateral agreements, and expressed hope that the relations between Iran and Spain will grow in all fields.
Rouhani further expressed sympathy with the Spanish people, noting that Tehran is ready to share its experiences in dealing with the coronavirus.
For his part, the Prime Minister of Spain offered his condolences to the people of Iran over the coronavirus deaths, and gave a report on the situation in his country in the fight against the virus as well as the imposition of urban restrictions on citizens.
“In addition to concerns about the health of the people, we have deep concerns about the economic crisis that our country will face in future,” Sánchez underlined.
On the US sanctions against Iran, the Spanish premier said “We believe that the US sanctions have had a profound effect on the Iranian economy and the health of people, especially in this difficult time when you are struggling with COVID-19. Spain and the European Union do not agree with such sanctions.”
The Prime Minister of Spain also expressed his support for the activation of the European Union’s financial mechanism (INSTEX), saying, “Spain has put plans to join the INSTEX on the agenda as well.”
Pedro Sanchez further hailed the relations between Iran and Spain, asserting that it is very important that the two countries resume trade relations in the current situation.
Iran’s Largest Hydro Power Plant to Be Built in Yazd with Foreign Investment
The permit to finance the project by a foreign investor has been issued by the state Organization for Investment and Economic-Technical Assistance.
The investor is currently making the preliminary arrangements and finding a suitable location to build the power station.
As announced, the plant will be able to generate 300 megawatts of electricity. Moreover, the investor has the necessary permits to directly export that electricity to Iran’s neighbouring countries.
The project comes with a price tag of €300 million. The permission to implement the project was issued after several expert meetings were held to give the green light to foreign investment for the plan, offer guidelines and incentives for investment, and accredit the investor.
Surveys show Yazd is a desert area and catches much sun, and that is why it called Iran’s “Paradise of Solar Power.”
Some 61,000 Recover from COVID-19 in Iran
In his daily briefing on Tuesday, Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said 1,297 new cases of COVID-19 infection have been confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall number of cases to 84,802.
He said 88 people have died of the virus in the past 24 hours, increasing the death toll to 5,297.
Jahanpour said 3,357 patients are currently in severe conditions. He also noted that 365,723 coronavirus tests have been taken so far across the country.
Sanctions Kept Iran Fit for Oil Price Drop, VP Says
In a meeting with the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development officials on Tuesday, Jahangiri said Iran was suitably prepared to weather the impact of an unprecedented collapse in the oil prices, because the US sanctions had already forced the Islamic Republic to devise oil-free economic solutions.
The arrangements made beforehand have enabled Iran to get ready for the elimination of oil incomes from the national budget, he noted.
“The crises and the sanctions imposed by the United States of America have prepared us for running the country under the current circumstances,” the vice president stated.
Jahangiri then noted that many oil-producers, such as Saudi Arabia, will definitely encounter serious problems with crude traded at below $70 a barrel, saying even a recent decision from the OPEC+ to cut output by 10 million barrels could not prevent the collapse in oil prices.
The vice president also warned that the other businesses dependent on oil, such as the petrochemical and metal industries, will suffer the economic consequences of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
He finally called on the Iranian universities and academic centers to formulate scientific plans to deal with the situation and urged the administrative organizations to develop new plans for the current circumstances.
The Persian Gulf stock markets fell on Tuesday, and the Saudi riyal dropped in the forwards market after US crude oil futures collapsed below $0 on a coronavirus-induced supply glut.
Global benchmark Brent crude has fallen sharply in response to the collapse of demand following reduced economic activity.
IRGC Praised for Efforts to Safeguard National Security, Independence
Major General Mohammad Baqeri said the IRGC is helping meet the needs of the Iranian nation on all fronts.
“The IRGC is shining in defense, security and cultural arenas as well as in eliminating poverty and assisting people, said general Baqeri, the chairman of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, in a message on April 21, marking the anniversary of the ratification of the Statute of the IRGC.
The message was addressed to IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami.
General Baqeri congratulated all military and state officials on the anniversary, saying the IRGC has raised the flag of awakening and the campaign against hegemony.
“Devoted and brave IRGC personnel have given their lives to safeguard the Revolution, religion, the Islamic Establishment and lofty ideals of Islam as well as Iran’s independence, power and national security” to protect the country against enemy plots
A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 21
Iranian Newspapers
Aftab-e Yazd Newspaper:
1- Why Does US Have Highest Number of COVID-19 Infections?
2- Bidenophobia: Trump Warns Americans Biden Will Help Iran Take Over US
Donya-ye Eqtesad Newspaper:
1- Black Monday of Oil Market
2- Three Purposes of Zarif’s Visit to Syria
Ebtekar Newspaper:
1- Kim’s Sister Increasing Her Influence, Poised to Replace Him
Etemad Newspaper:
1- US Oil Traded at Less Than $1
* 160 Million Barrels of Oil Left on Water without Any Customer
2- Black Monday: Oil Price Plunges to $4
Javan Newspaper:
1- Iran’s Downward Trend of COVID-19 Infection Getting Upward Again after Lifting of Restrictions
2- Resistance Forces Will Expel US from Iraq: Iran
Kayhan Newspaper:
1- No Change in Iran’s Support for Syria after Gen. Soleimani’s Martyrdom: Zarif
2- Rumours of Civil War in US: 60 Million on Verge of Unemployment
3- US’ Hostile Moves in Iraq and Syria Aimed at Reviving ISIS
Khorasan Newspaper:
1- US Oil Price Plunges to Below $10
2- 24 Hours of Massacre in Canada: Gunman Kills 16 in Deadliest Shooting of Canada’s History
Resalat Newspaper:
1- Coronavirus Impacts US Presidential Campaigns
* Poor Handling of COVID-19 Outbreak to Influence US Elections 2020
2- Regional Security at Iran’s Hands
* Consequence of Iran-US Confrontation in Persian Gulf
Shahrvand Newspaper:
1- Situation Not Normal, We Should Remain Cautious: Gov’t Spokesman
Shargh Newspaper:
1- Ahmadinejad’s Ally Runs for Speaker of Parliament
2- Trump Gambling with Quarantine by Echoing Protesters’ Call for Lifting of Bans
Bedridden Iranian Teacher Hailed for Teaching Students Online
In a phone conversation, Mohsen Hajimirzaee appreciated efforts by Ms. Jafari, and English Language teacher, for continuing to educate her students while being ill.
A photo showing the bedridden teacher running online courses has gone viral on social media.
“This photo deserved so much honour as it showed a committed and responsible school teacher being so much caring about her students,” said the minister in the phone conversation.
He wished the Jafari a rapid recovery, and added, “I thank you on behalf of all teachers whose efforts have made a difference.”
