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Sardar Azmoun: The Man on a Mission

Many people would have no idea who you were talking about if you mentioned the name Sardar Azmoun, yet the Iranian player who has been compared to Leo Messi, and you can bet that he has been on the radar of some massive clubs for a long time now.

The 25-year-old was born in Iran, and started his club football career at the age of 9 in Turkmenistan. He played for a few clubs in and around Iran, and during the 2012-13 season, he started to pique the interest of a few European clubs.

January 2103 saw Azmoun move to Rubin Kazan. He had a relatively uneventful first season with the club. He made 8 appearances for the reserve team, and was picked in the matchday squad a number of times, but never made his senior debut.

The 2013-14 season saw Azmoun make his first team debut, in a Europa League game against Jagodina. He scored his first goal in a Europa League match against Molde, and made his league debut and got his first league goal on October 6th against Anzhi Makhachkala.

On the 27th March 2014, Arsenal approached Kazan and made a £2 million offer for the youngster. This offer obviously did not go through, but it did garner the attention of other big clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona.

On the 26th of February 2015, Azmoun was loaned to strugglers FC Rostov for three-and-a-half months, until the end of the season. On the 16th of March he came on as a substitute and scored the winner against Kuban Krasnodar.

At the end of the 2014-15 season, Azmoun decided to extend his stay at Rostov until the end of the 2015-16 season. He continued to play well throughout his time at Rostov, and even though he went through a goal drought, he was able to turn it around and be regarded as one of the most valuable players in the league.

The 2016-2017 season saw some drama come Azmoun’s way. It was thought that Azmoun would return to Kazan, but Rostov triggered his buyout clause. Kazan denied this and continued to claim Azmoun as their player.

Kazan then lodged a complaint with FIFA and Rostov lodged a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It was decided in Azmoun’s favor and the player was included in Rostov’s Champions League squad.

Sardar Azmoun The Man on a Mission 1Azmoun’s 2016 season is where he began to really shine. He was scoring consistently, starting consistently, and providing assists for his teammates. This was also the season he garnered the interest of big clubs again, such as Marseille, Liverpool, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

February 1st 2019 saw Azmoun move to Zenit St. Petersburg with a 3 and half year deal. On his debut for the club, he scored twice and assisted with another goal in a game against Fenerbache in the Europa League.

Azmoun still has the interest of many big clubs, notably, Liverpool. Liverpool scouts have attended some of his games and the club has definitely been one of the most vocal about signing the Iranian superstar.

Liverpool aren’t the only Premier League team showing interest in him. Both Leicester City and West Ham put the player near the top of their transfer list, not bad for an Iranian player in the less popular Russian Premier League.

 

Both teams are looking to spend about £15 million on the player, but Zenit reportedly don’t want anything less than £30 million for their starlett. Not surprising considering they could definitely get that money if his form continues like it has.

 

This is also not the first time Leicester have shown interest in the player. Back in 2018, the Foxes were keeping a very close eye on him and were in the process of making a deal but obviously Azmoun stayed at Kazan.

 

West Ham are another club with a keen interest in Azmoun. Their two frontmen, Sebastian Haller and Albian Ajeti have both disappointed and underperformed, and a solid striker is exactly what they need.

 

However, they are going to struggle to meet the £30 million price tag considering the current global health crisis and the loss of revenue that many clubs are facing. This could open the door to a team like Liverpool who have been interested in the player since 2016.

 

All of that does bring us back to the obvious choice of team if Azmoun was to move to the Premier League. Liverpool can afford him, and considering there are talks of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane making a move away from Anfield, they will need a front man replacement.

 

All of this will most likely be delayed due to the pandemic and if a transfer was to happen, it would almost definitely be during the next transfer window or at the beginning of next season.

Either way, Sardar Azmoun is definitely a player you should keep your eye on. He has been making waves in Russia, and has been getting the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. If he continues to play the way he is playing, it won’t be long before he is pulling on the jersey of a huge club.

Iran Congratulates Leaders of Muslim States on Arrival of Ramadan

Iran Congratulates Leaders of Muslim States on Arrival of Ramadan

In separate letters to leaders of Islamic countries, Rouhani offered congratulations on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the month of the revelation of the Qur’an and divine mercy and forgiveness.

“I hope in this blessed month we will be able to strengthen relations between Islamic countries as much as possible, and also accelerate the process of combatting COVID-19 through joint efforts and exchange of experiences.”

President Rouhani added in his message, “Ramadan has once again come to touch the souls of the pious with its fragrance hidden in its worship and spirituality, so that the righteous servants can cultivate and purify their souls and purify themselves through this valuable opportunity.”

At the end of the message, Rouhani beseeched Almighty God to accept the obedience and worship of the leaders of Islamic countries during the holy month of Ramadan and wished happiness and pride for Muslims.

Rouhani Hails Successful Launch of IRGC’s Military Satellite

Rouhani Hails Successful Launch of IRGC's Military Satellite

In a phone call with Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Hassan Rouhani asked the top general to convey his gratitude to the IRGC’s aerospace experts.

The president also thanked the IRGC as well as Basiji forces for their effective contribution to the campaign against the coronavirus outbreak, including their medical services and participation in the screening plan and providing medical equipment and personnel to help treat patients.

“Fortunately, good solidarity and unity has been created in the country in the fight against the coronavirus, and medical personnel have been able to tackle the disease effectively,’ said the president.

He said the unity and coordination of all personnel and manpower in fighting the coronavirus is the source of calm for people in these tough times, and added efforts should be made to incorporate success in his arena into other domains as well.

“Coordinated and tension-free concerted efforts by all forces who are working in tandem indicates the Establishment’s capability and efficiency in fighting a virus that has gripped world countries,” he said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the president touched upon provocative moves by foreign forces in the region stressed the need to remain vigilant in the face of such moves.
The president said the country’s Armed Forces, especially the IRGC, have always sought to maintain stability and security and fight terrorism in the region.

During the phone conversation, general Salami, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the president for hailing the IRGC’s successful military satellite launch. He expressed hope this trend will continue to achieve more accomplishments in the country’s defense sector.

The top general also presented a report on the IRGC’s attempts in the fight against the coronavirus.

“From the outset, the IRGC mobilized all its potential to fight the coronavirus epidemic in the country, and will continue to stand by people and all sectors offering services to people until this disease is fully eliminated,” said General Salami.

He said the country needs unity more than ever, today.

“The IRGC is always fully prepared to counter the enemy’s excessive demands, fight terrorism and help ensure lasting security and stability in the region,” the IRGC commander noted.

Armed Forces Instrumental in Fighting COVID-19: Iran President

Armed Forces Instrumental in Fighting COVID-19: Iranian President

President Hassan Rouhani said their contribution to the production of hygienic and medical items such as COVID-19 diagnosis kits, face masks and disinfectants is important. He also thanked the military for tapping into all its resources in this regard, and urged it to keep up its efforts and work closely with other sectors until the epidemic is tackled.

The president also touched upon the successful launch of the country’s first military satellite into orbit.

“This accomplishment shows the enforcement of the aerospace sector in the country and the Armed Forces has been a precise and effective step, and we should redouble efforts to further develop that sector,” said the president in a phone conversation with Defence Minister Brigadier Amir Hatami.

Presidetn Rouhani also referred to some movements by foreign forces in the region.
“We should maintain our vigilance and strong presence in the region while carefully pursuing strategies that would help ensure and boost stability and lasting security in the region,” President Rouhani noted.

General Hatami, in turn, appreciated the president’s support for, and attention to experts involved in the development of defence achievements in the country, and underscored attempts to further boost defence capabilities should be pursued seriously.

The defence chief also presented a report on the activities of the Armed Forces and their cooperation with other sectors in the fight against the coronavirus in the country and providing the necessary medical supplies.

“The Ministry of Defence and Logistics of the Armed Forces will stand by the government and people with full power until this disease is completely eliminated,” the defence minister said.

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Iran Dismisses UK, French Stances on Satellite Launch

Iran Condemns Expansion of EU, US Sanctions on Syria

In a statement on Friday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi slammed as unacceptable the French and British stances on the launch of Iran’s Noor (light) satellite, saying, “Employing the space technology with peaceful purposes is part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s defence program and scientific development, and none of the international treaties prohibit Iran from achieving and developing such technology which has been gained through the efforts of the Iranian experts and elites.”

The spokesman strongly dismissed the one-sided interpretation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 offered by France and the UK, stressing, “Under the fatwa (religious ruling) from the Supreme Leader and according to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s reports, Iran’s nuclear program pursues exclusively peaceful purposes; thus Iran’s space program which has defence objectives has not been designed for any other purposes.”

“While the US has been violating each and every clause of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 every day and every moment by withdrawing from the JCPOA and imposing illegal sanctions against Iran, it is surprising that the European countries are not taking action against the US and refuse to condemn that country, and it reveals double standards and surrender to the US’ bullying behaviour in the international arena,” Mousavi deplored.

“France and the UK are expressing concern about regional security while they themselves have a long record in creating tensions in the region and their destabilizing policies are a major obstacle to the return of security and stability to the region,” the Iranian spokesperson added.

Over 88,000 Iranians Infected with COVID-19: Health Ministry

US Regime Complicit in Iran's COVID-19 Deaths: Foreign Ministry

Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour on Friday said 93 people have died in the past 24 hours from the novel coronavirus, raising the death toll to 5,574.

He further noted that 66,596 patients have so far recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

Jahanpour also said that 3,121 patients are in severe conditions of the disease.
So far, 399,927 tests for the novel virus have been taken in the country.

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Iran Launches Its Largest Aluminum Factory

Reza Rahmani said 50 domestic and foreign companies cooperated in the construction of this unit.

He said the area of the complex is 200 hectares, which has 257 industrial halls and 240,000 square metres of constructions.

He pointed out the facilities of this complex are a complete package in the field of aluminum production with a private dock, warehouse and many services predicted for building a downstream aluminum town in the future.

“We are also following up the development of upstream industries which we had problems with,” continued Rahmani.

He called the opening of this unit a great work in this situation, reiterating that this was an unprecedented project run with the efforts and cooperation of domestic firms like IMIDRO and Ghadir.

A consortium of banks provide capital for this unit, stated Rahmani, mentioning, a series of good measures have been taken in the water, electricity and gas sectors and the treatment plant.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday inaugurated this mega aluminum factory in Fars province via video conference.

The project has an output capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year and was launched with an investment of around $1.2 billion.

Iran Distributing Millions of Aid Packages amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Iran Distributing Millions of Aid Packages amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani said the aid program will continue until the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which is to start on Saturday in Iran.

3.5 million food and hygiene aid packages have been prepared for the first phase, and the second phase will be implemented in the second half of the holy month, he noted.

He said the “Exercise of Relief” has started since mid-Sha’ban, and will continue until the end of the holy month of Ramadan to help the needy families amid the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Speaking at an exercise in Shahr-e Rey in southern Tehran on Thursday, he said the coronavirus was a test for all nations of the world to test their solidarity.

Referring to the efficiency of the Islamic Republic establishment and the country’s healthcare system, Soleimani noted Iran’s actions in the field of treatment are admirable.

He also claimed that Iran is doing much better than Western countries like Germany in terms of equipment.

Iran Develops Its Space Program While Keeping Low Profile: IRGC

Iran Develops Its Space Program While Keeping Low Profile: IRGC

Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh says the launch of the “Noor” satellite was a super project because sending satellites into space is a tough job, but the essence of the work was to remove many barriers in this technology.

In a televised speech on Thursday, he said without being present in space, you are deprived of many large-scale military and civilian facilities, stressing, “The fifth dimension of military affairs, after land, sea, air, and cyber, is space.”

Moreover, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force emphasised, “The limitations we have in the land and air for intelligence dominance are much less in the space. When we launched the satellite, we controlled it from Tehran, Zahedan and Chabahar stations. After 90 minutes, the satellite turned once around the earth, and then we received the signal in the northwest of the country. In the next 3 to 10 days, some of its commands will be defined and its settings will be completed to be used fully.”

Regarding the necessity of the IRGC’s entry into space, Hajizadeh said in 2009, with the approval of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the IRGC Air Force changed its name into Aerospace Force.

“Since that day, we have established a command post as a space command, and extensive measures have been taken over the past eleven years.”

Naturally, we are looking to develop this command. As our missile command began in 1984 with two pads and today it has become a military power, God willing, the day will come when our space command will find a special status in the country, both in the defence and non-defence sectors, added Hajizadeh.

The commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force said the focus is on using solid fuel satellites and Iran will perform all the steps using solid fuel in the future.

“In the Noor satellite, the engine of the first stage burnt liquid fuel because we wanted it to be inexpensive. Now that our job is performed, we will use solid fuel for the first stage engine. We did this launch with a mobile launch pad, which means we don’t need a fixed launch pad, and all of this makes the costs lower.”

He further underlined any country that reaches this stage in the space technology is considered a superpower.

Regarding the impact of this project on the country’s defence power, he said, “The Americans are angry, so it shows the importance of this project. They know we have a new ability, and they are upset.”

Elsewhere in his statements, Hajizadeh talked about Ain al-Assad attack, stressing that when the IRGC was firing missiles at the base, it assumed the Americans will respond; therefore, 400 spot were determined to hit.

In the end, he expressed hope that the next satellite be placed in a higher orbit, of course using the expertise of Iranian youths and knowledge-based companies.

‘More Surprises to Come’, Iran Vows after Satellite Launch

shamkhani

Referring to the recent launch of the IRGC’s military satellite, Ali Shamkhani said in a tweet on Thursday that “the continuous production of power and the use of up-to-date knowledge for the security and well-being of the Iranian people will continue from the hospital to the space.”

“New surprises are on the way,” Shamkhani added.

The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council earlier congratulated the IRGC on launching the satellite in a tweet on Wednesday, stating the IRGC once again became a messenger of light (referring to the name of the satellite) on the anniversary of its establishment.

The Noor satellite, as the first military satellite of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was successfully launched by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) from the central desert of the country Wednesday morning.