Iran’s ‘Noor’ Satellite to Undertake Strategic Reconnaissance Missions

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April 23, 2020

Brigadier General Ali Jafarzadeh made the remarks in a televised interview on Thursday, explaining the main task of the satellite.

“Our first local satellite is going to carry out reconnaissance operations. In the defence sector, we need to have positional and military awareness about our forces, and the sensors installed on the satellite will do this job for us.”

In the civilian and humanitarian field, especially at the time of natural disasters the IRGC plays a key role, and it needs support at these times, but sometimes the weather is so bad that choppers and drones cannot be dispatched, added the Iranian commander.

The satellites are placed in the orbit some hundred kilometres over the places in which disasters have happened. They can monitor all the region completely.

“For example, during Khuzestan province flooding, the scope was so broad that drones and helicopters could not reach the affected regions. So, there is a need for having satellite in these regions, and we will use the Noor in the IRGC’s humanitarian operations,” stressed Jafarabadi.

About the coordinates of “Noor”, he said this satellite is ranked among the types that are placed in s range of 430 kilometres.

“We launched it from Iran’s central desert towards the Oman Sea and the Indian Ocean. We received reports of its second turn from the Northeastern city of Tabriz, being assured that it has been placed in the intended orbit.”

So far, it has turned 10 times around the globe and the terrestrial stations have confirmed it, underlined Jafarabadi.

Based on the international trends, the countries first stabilise their satellites and then run its vital sensors. We will also follow this trend, and then run the operational sensors of Noor, he maintained.

He said the satellite will be put into operation within the next ten days, and its details will be announced to the Iranian people later on.

Iran Raps US, Germany’s Meddlesome Stances on IRGC Satellite Launch

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IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

Iran Condemns Expansion of EU, US Sanctions on Syria

In a Thursday statement, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi described the successful launch of the Noor satellite into orbit as a source of pride, saying scientific and technological advances, especially in the field of aerospace, are the Iranian nation’s right.

The spokesman said such interventions would certainly not disrupt the Iranian nation’s determination to achieve progress.

Mousavi also stressed that no UN Security Council resolution prohibits Iran from launching a satellite into space, and the US reference to Resolution 2231 is definitely irrelevant and contrary to the facts.

“Interestingly, the Resolution 2231 is a resolution that the US regime has violated by withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and continues to openly pressure other independent states to violate it,” added Mousavi.

He also rejected Germany’s position on the launch of the Iranian satellite, saying the German Foreign Ministry’s expression of concern over the launch of a satellite designed by Iranian engineers comes as the German defence minister has publicized his decision to buy a fighter jet capable of carrying a nuclear bomb.

“Such double-standard policies threaten the security of the region, Europe and the world,” underlined Mousavi.

At the end, the spokesman stated that the development of science and technology in the field of aerospace is Iran’s legal right, emphasising that “the Noor satellite is for peaceful purposes and has been launched in line with Iran’s defence policy.”

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 23

By

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

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April 23, 2020

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Iranian Newspapers

Abrar Newspaper:

1- Iran’s Leader Thanks IRGC

2- Putin, Bin Salman Shout at Each Other

• Saudi Crown Prince Threatens to Wage War

3- Silence of North Korean Media about Physical Condition of Kim

4- OPEC Cannot Resolve Crisis Alone: Iran Oil Minister

Arman-e Melli Newspaper:

1- Authority of IRGC in Space

• Iran Launches First Military Satellite

2- EU Agrees to Pay 5-Billion Euro Loan to Iran Conditionally

• It May Happen with Possible Deal on Payment Method

Ebtekar Newspaper:

1- IRGC’s “Noor” Satellite in Orbit

• IRGC Launches Iran’s First Military Satellite

2- EU Afraid of Beijing’s Corona Diplomacy

• How Does COVID-19 Outbreak Affect China-Europe Ties?

3- Leave Election Race for Next Year: Rouhani at Cabinet Meeting

4- Iran Armed Forces Spokesman Responds to Trump’s Threat after His Order to Warships to Hit IRGC Vessels

Etemad Newspaper:

1- Most Vulnerable Place in World against Corona

• Gaza in Emergency Situation after 13 Years of Siege

2- President Rouhani Says Uncertain When Corona Crisis Ends

• Government’s Job Very Tough; Ministers Working till Midnight

Ettela’at Newspaper:

1- All Countries Must Take Decisive Stance against US Pressures: Rouhani

2- Trump Issues Suspending Immigration for 60 Days

3- Corona Infection Rate Down by 53 Percent: Iran Health Minister

Jomhouri Eslami Newspaper:

1- Ayatollah Sistani Donates $1.5 Million to Corona Patients in Iran

2- Let’s Not Think Battle against Corona Is Over: Rouhani

Sazandegi Newspaper:

1- Iran Goes into Space

• Leader Thanks IRGC Efforts, Good Performance

2- Return of Biden-Obama Team

• Democrat Presidential Nominee Suggest Michelle Obama as VP

Kayhan Newspaper:

1- World under Iran’s Scrutiny

• Iran Launches First Military Satellite

2- Ayatollah Sistani Donates $1.5 Million to Help Treat Corona Patients in Qom

3- US Medical Staff’s Patience Over at Trump’s Mismanagement

• Latest Reports on Corona in the World

Iran’s Health Minister Strongly Rejects US Help Proposal to Combat COVID-19

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

Iran Successfully Tests COVID-19 Vaccine on Animals

Saeid Namaki said in a tweet that he has decisively rejected US Secretary of Health’s help proposal as Iran does not need Washington’s dishonest assistance.

در مقابله با کرونا امروز جمهوری اسلامی ایران با لطف پروردگار و همیاری مردم و مسئولان و مشارکت صمیمانه بین بخشی در اوج عزت و سربلندی در حال تسلط بر بیماری است.
ایران عزیز ماحاضر است به مردم گرفتار آمریکا برای نجات از درماندگی دولتشان برای برون رفت از شرایط سهمگین کنونی کمک کند.۲/

— سعید نمکی (@saeednamaki) April 23, 2020

“With God’s help and cooperation of people and officials, Iran is overcoming the disease. The Islamic Republic is ready to help poor Americans in the face of inability of their government in dealing with the current tough situation,” reads Namaki’s tweet.

Health ministers of World Health Organisation, including the Iranian and American officials, held a meeting on Thursday to look into latest situation of coronavirus outbreak.

Iran’s IRGC Orders Navy to Target US Vessels If Harassed

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IFP Media Wire

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April 23, 2020

Iran's IRGC Orders Navy to Target US Vessels If Harassed

“We (warn) the Americans that we are fully determined and serious in defending our national security, maritime borders, maritime interests, maritime security and security of our forces at sea and any (wrong) move (by enemies) will meet our decisive, effective and prompt response,” Major General Salami said on Thursday, in reaction to the US officials’ recent threats.

He added that the Americans have seen Iran’s responses in the past and should take them as lessons.

“We have also ordered our military units at sea that if a vessel or military unit of the navy of the US’ terrorist military seeks to threaten the security of our civilian ships or combat vessels, they should target that (enemy) vessel or military unit.”

The senior commander also stressed that the Americans’ unprofessional and hazardous behavior caused the IRGC Navy vessels’ confrontation with US vessels last week.

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump said he had instructed the US navy to destroy Iranian boats “if they harass” US ships in the Persian Gulf.

“I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea,” Trump said in a tweet on Wednesday morning.

On Sunday, the IRGC Navy released a video showing a recent confrontation between its forces and the US Navy in the Persian Gulf, refuting claims by the US that Iranian forces behaved in an dangerous manner when faced with US Navy vessels.

In its statement, the IRGC said the main source of mischief and insecurity in the region was the illegal presence of US terrorist forces in West Asia, reiterating the call for the full withdrawal of all American forces.

“They must be sure that the IRGC Navy and the powerful Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider the high-risk behavior of foreigners in the region as a threat to their national security and a red line, and will give a decisive response to any miscalculation on their part,” the IRGC statement said.

Iranian vessels belonging to the IRGC Navy commonly patrol the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to ensure the security of the vital global energy hub.

Iran Summons Swiss Envoy to Protest US Navy’s Provocative Acts

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said the Swiss ambassador received a note to relay to American officials, in which the Islamic Republic has expressed its strong protest at the threats posed by the Americans, including the US fleet’s illegal and destabilizing presence and actions in the vicinity of the Persian Gulf’s northern waters and the Iranian coasts.

“In the note of protest, the Islamic Republic has reminded the US administration of the necessity for all parties to observe international maritime safety and freedom of navigation regulations,” Mousavi said.

In this note, he added, Iran has also warned the US that while powerfully defending its maritime rights, the Islamic Republic of Iran would give a proper response to any threat or aggressive action in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman region illegal.

Mousavi also condemned the provocative and threatening remarks made by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, advising him to engage the US Navy in containing and handling the new COVID-19 pandemic inside America, where the virus has taken its biggest toll, rather than resorting to adventurism and blame game.”

In comments on Wednesday, Trump said he had told the Navy to “shoot down and destroy” Iranian gunboats that “harass” US ships.

Iran Confirms Over 1,000 New COVID-19 Infections

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

Iran’s COVID-19 Cases Hit 650,000: Health Ministry

Health Ministry spokesman, Kianoush Jahanpour, said on Thursday that 90 people have died in the past 24 hours, increasing the total number of fatalities to 5,481.

64,843 patients have so far recovered and been discharged from the hospital, he added.

However, the spokesman noted, 3,105 patients are in severe conditions of the disease.

Jahanpour said 389,507 COVID-19 tests have been taken in the country since the beginning of the outbreak.

Coronavirus online test — If you are worried that you may have contracted the Coronavirus, take this test right now.

President Rouhani Hails Launch of IRGC’s Military Satellite

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IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

President Rouhani Hails Launch of IRGC’s Military Satellite

Rouhani said on Thursday the launch of the Noor satellite is both a blessing for the country and a sign that all efforts in such conditions are worthwhile.

Speaking in a video conference to inaugurate several projects in the southern Fars province, the president added that Iran is proving to the world that despite difficulties it is going ahead with its activities.

Iran’s IRGC said on Wednesday it had successfully launched the country’s first military satellite into orbit.

The military craft, named Noor, flew into orbit on top of a multi-stage Qased rocket.
The satellite was deployed into orbit after the Qased rocket flew southeast from the Shahroud base.

The US Space Command has approved that the Islamic Republic successfully launched the military satellite into orbit.

Iran Says Concerted Global Effort Needed to Fight Coronavirus

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

Iran Says Concerted Global Effort Needed to Fight Coronavirus

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi made the comment in a Wednesday phone conversation with Thijs van der Plas, the director for political affairs at the Dutch Foreign Minsitry.

“The coronavirus has spread not only in Iran, but also in almost all countries, and it needs a serious and collective move,” said Araqchi.

“Today, in addition to this virus, Iran is facing the United States’ illegal and inhumane sanctions, which redouble the pressure on Iranian people,” he added.

“Iranian people are entitled to have access to their own financial resources to fight the disease and tackle its economic consequences,” he added.

“The United States’ unilateral and unfair sanctions against Iran are a gross breach of UN

Security Council Resolution 2231, and the US should be answerable for that,” he said.
The Dutch official, in turn, condoled with Iranian people over the coronavirus outbreak, saying it is an international responsibility to fight the pandemic.

He said his country remains committed to multilateralism in the world and helping international institutions to protect public health.

The diplomat also said the Netherlands continues to support the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and pertinent mechanisms.

In Pictures: Kebar Dam Full to Capacity

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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April 23, 2020

Kebar Dam is located 24 km from Qom, on a river of the same name beside the old route from the city to Kashan. It is a 700-year-old structure which dates back to pre-Safavid era.
Located in the middle of two mountains, the dam has a special architecture. It has been built using materials such as stone mortar and Sarooj, a traditional Iranian water resistant paste.

Kebar Dam has been full to its ultimate capacity- 450,000 m3 of water- in recent days thanks to the good rainfall and the consequent seasonal floods in Kahak section of Qom province.

The dam is now overflowing from the northern part to its surrounding plains, while it was in a critical situation two years ago, on the verge of drying up due to the drought.

What follows are Mehr News Agency’s photos of the full-of-water Kebar Dam during spring days:

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