Thursday, April 30, 2026
Home Blog Page 286

Iran UN Envoy condemns Trump’s threat to use force against Tehran

Iravani said Trump’s reckless and inflammatory statements flagrantly violate international law and the UN Charter.

“Upon the instructions from my Government, I am writing to draw the Security Council’s attention to deeply alarming and irresponsible remarks made by the President of the United States, in which he openly threatened the use of force against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iravani stated.

Trump said he would prefer to make a deal with Iran rather than “bombing the hell out of it,” in a media interview published on Saturday.

“I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bomb the hell out of it,” Trump told the New York Post, adding, “They don’t want to die. Nobody wants to die.”

In yet another belligerent statement, during an interview with Fox News on Monday, Trump reiterated the same language of war.

“I would like to make a deal without bombing them.”

Iravani stated that Trump’s “reckless and inflammatory statements flagrantly violate international law and the UN Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits threats or use of force against sovereign states.”

The Iranian diplomat also slammed Trump’s so-called maximum pressure” policy against Iran as a blatant violation of fundamental principles and norms of international law.

“Such provocation is further compounded by the so-called ‘maximum pressure’ policy, outlined in the National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) of 4 February 2025. This policy reinforces unlawful, unilateral coercive measures and escalates hostility against Iran, blatantly violating fundamental principles and norms of international law,” he added.

Iravani called on the Security Council not to remain silent in the face of such brazen rhetoric and condemned it unequivocally.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran firmly rejects and condemns this reckless threat. The UN Security Council must not remain silent in the face of such brazen rhetoric, as normalizing the threat to use force sets a dangerous precedent and must be unequivocally condemned,” he said.

He warned that any act of aggression against Iran will have severe consequences, for which the US will bear full responsibility.

He emphasized that Iran will resolutely defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests against any hostile action.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran warns that any act of aggression will have severe consequences, for which the US will bear full responsibility. As a responsible member of the United Nations, committed to upholding peace, security, and international cooperation, Iran will resolutely defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests against any hostile action,” Iravani added.

Trump’s threats came a few days after he signed an order seeking to cut Iran’s oil exports to zero, while also claiming that he wanted to work towards a nuclear deal.

The directive is part of broader sanctions re-imposed after Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018.

Also responding to Trump’s threat, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that the country “does not seek war… but will not yield to foreign pressure.”

He further criticized the US president’s claim of willingness to hold talks with Iran while simultaneously restoring his so-called “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran.

“Trump says let’s have a dialogue, and then … he signs and announces all possible conspiracies to bring the [Islamic] Revolution to its knees,” Pezeshkian added.

Iranian journalists Elaheh Mohammadi, Niloofar Hamedi granted Leader’s amnesty

Journalists Nilufar Hamedi (l) and Elaheh Mohammadi (r)

According to the statement, their cases were reviewed and placed in the proposed list of pardons, which was subsequently approved by Iran’s Supreme Leader after being submitted by the head of the Judiciary.

The Judiciary also stated that Mohammadi and Hamedi had written a letter to the Chief of the Judiciary, expressing remorse for their past actions.

In the letter, they pledged not to engage in any unlawful activities and expressed regret for their previous conduct, which had led to their convictions.

Mohammadi had received a 6-year sentence for cooperating with the hostile government of the United States, 5 years for conspiracy against the security of the country, and 1 year for propagating activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Hamedi had been sentenced to 7 years for collaborating with the hostile government of the United States, 5 years for conspiracy against the country’s security, and 1 year for propagandizing against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran border guards rescue 250 stranded Afghan Nationals amid severe snowstorm

Iran Border Guard

Hojjat Sadeghi, the prosecutor of Taybad, bodering Afghanistan, confirmed the rescue operation, stating that the Afghan nationals were provided with medical and welfare services to stabilize their condition before being processed for legal repatriation to Afghanistan.

Sadeghi emphasized that the border areas remain unsafe for illegal crossings, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

He also noted that since the beginning of the current year, over 1,400 undocumented Afghan nationals have been intercepted and returned to Afghanistan through the Dogharoon international border crossing, located 18 kilometers from Taybad.

Sadeghi reiterated Iran’s firm stance on preventing illegal border crossings, warning that violators would face strict legal action.

Former diplomat criticizes misinterpretation of Trump’s Iran policy directive

Trump

In an article on Sharq, Kourosh Ahmadi emphasized that while the decision to engage in negotiations falls within the authority of high-ranking officials, such decisions must be based on accurate and precise information.

He pointed to recent remarks by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, as an example of misinformation.

Ghalibaf claimed that Trump’s directive aimed to “disarm Iran,” a statement Ahmadi refuted, clarifying that the document focuses on enforcing existing sanctions rather than introducing new ones.

The directive outlines four key policy objectives: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, countering regional destabilizing activities, disrupting the financial networks of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), and addressing Iran’s missile program.

Ahmadi highlighted that the directive does not call for Iran’s disarmament but rather seeks to counter specific military capabilities.

He also noted that the document lacks the legal weight of an executive order and is not enforceable in courts, relying solely on the president’s discretion.

Trump’s mixed signals, including his hope to avoid extensive use of the directive and his focus on reaching a nuclear agreement, further complicate its interpretation, he added.

Iranian president criticizes West for negative media portrayal, welcomes tourists to experience country’s true image

He expressed his dismay at the negative narratives about Iran, stating, “Some of the things said about Iran are so shameful that I cannot repeat them. Having traveled abroad, I can say that Iran and its people are entirely different. Iran is a land of hospitable people.”

Pezeshkian highlighted Iran’s rich cultural heritage and diversity, asserting that the country is a destination for people of all tastes, beliefs, and ethnicities.

He also stressed the importance of tourism as a means to foster global peace and understanding, referencing a Quranic verse that encourages travel for growth and development.

“Peace and security cannot be achieved through aggression, killing, or discrimination,” he said. “They come through communication, friendship, and kindness.”

The President also underscored Iran’s readiness to welcome international visitors across various fields, including politics, tourism, science, and commerce.

He expressed Iran’s commitment to removing barriers to tourism development and showcasing its true identity.

“We welcome those who come to Iran to see for themselves how different the reality is from the negative propaganda spread by some media outlets,” he added.

Lawyer: Detained Iranian journalist Niloufar Hamedi pardoned

Hamedi was initially detained on September 22, 2022, and faced charges including “collaboration with the hostile government of the US,” “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security,” and “propaganda activities against the system.”

After 13 months of provisional detention, she was tried and sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison: 7 years for collaboration with a foreign government, 5 years for assembly and collusion, and 1 year for propaganda activities.

On January 14, 2024, Hamedi was temporarily released on bail set at approximately $200,000 by the Tehran Appeals Court after spending 17 months in detention.

Following an appeal, the court acquitted her of the charge of “collaboration with a hostile foreign government.” The remaining charges were pardoned, and her case has been officially closed.

Tehran, Riyadh condemn Netanyahu’s remarks on ‘Palestinian state on Saudi territory’

Benjamin Netanyahu

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held talks on the phone with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan on Monday evening as he continued his consultations over regional developments.

Araghchi described the US-Israeli plot to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from Gaza and make them stranded in other countries as being meant to complete the colonial erasure of Palestine.

He called for decisive action by the international community to oppose and confront the conspiracy.

Araghchi referred to the brazen comments of the Zionist regime’s prime minister regarding the formation of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabian territory and condemned the remarks as a sign of the occupying regime’s unprecedented insolence and as a threat to regional peace and security.

Pointing to his consultations with the foreign ministers of Muslims countries and their support for serious action by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to counter the joint US-Israeli scheme to eliminate Palestine, he said the international community, especially regional countries and the Muslim world, must take immediate measures to prevent the normalization of genocide and law-breaking by Tel Aviv.

Accordingly, Araghchi added, it is necessary to hold an extraordinary meeting of the OIC foreign ministers to address this issue.

The Saudi foreign minister for his part underscored his country’s firm opposition to any plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza to other countries.

Bin Farhan supported Iran’s proposal to hold a meeting of OIC foreign ministers to declare a unified position against this conspiracy.

In this telephone conversation, the Iranian foreign minister also underscored the importance of expanding bilateral relations between Tehran and Riyadh and continuing consultations on regional issues, which was welcomed by the Saudi side.

Stars shine bright at the 43rd Fajr Film Festival’s grand finale, Iran’s major cinematic event

The event saw the film ‘Call Me Ziba’ directed by Rasoul Sadr Ameli and produced by Maziar Hashemi, winning the prestigious Best Film award.

Ebrahim Hatamikia’s ‘Prophet Moses’ dominated the festival, securing a record five Crystal Simorgh awards. The accolades included Best Supporting Actor, Costume Design, Art Direction, Makeup, and Visual Effects, showcasing the film’s excellence in multiple areas.

Other notable winners included ‘People’s Child’ directed by Mahmoud Karimi, and ‘North from Southwest,’ directed by Hamid Zargarnejad. Both films won three awards each, with ‘People’s Child’ receiving recognition for Best New Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing. ‘North from Southwest’ earned awards for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography.

Saeed Khani, the producer of ‘Raha’” was honored with the Best First Film Award.

In the short film category, the Honorary Diploma for Literary Adaptation went to Soheila Pourmohammadi for the film ‘Kuti,’ while the Crystal Simorgh for Best Short Film was awarded to Nadereh Sadat Seraki’s ‘Claimaint.’

In the documentary section, Nima Mahdian’s A Handful of Dust’ won Best Director, and Jafar Sadeghi’s ‘The Apprentice’ was named Best Documentary Film.

‘Dolphin Boy 2’ directed by Mohammad Amin Hamedani and Mohammad Kheirandish was picked as the Best Animation.

Iran calls on UN to take ‘firm’ stance against US displacement plot for Gaza

Gaza War

Araghchi and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres discussed regional developments, especially the situation in Gaza at noon on Monday.

Araghchi condemned the US-Zionist plot to displace the people of Gaza and force them to leave the region for other countries.

He stressed the need for the UN, particularly the UN Security Council, to push back against this dangerous scheme which threatens international peace and security.

The top Iranian diplomat added that the proposal to force the Palestinians to leave Gaza is against all international rules and regulations and against the UN Charter and is actually complement to the Zionist regime’s project of the genocide of Palestinians and erasure of Palestine.

He then referred to his intensive consultations with the foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim countries, saying the vehement condemnation by Islamic countries of the plan to displace the people of Gaza indicates the widespread concern of regional nations over the continued flagrant violation of the Palestinian people’s rights and the continuation of the genocide of Palestinians in another way.

Araghchi described the recent position of the prime minister of the Zionist regime on the transfer of Palestinians to Saudi Arabia as a clear example of this regime’s audacious and outrageous approach.

The foreign minister further condemned Tel Aviv and underscored that the international community must prevent the normalization of law-breaking and crime by this occupying regime.

The UN secretary general also explicitly declared the world body’s opposition to any plan that involves the forced displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, stressing the need to respect the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Guterres stated the forced displacement of the people of Gaza would be completely deplorable and unacceptable.

He added that the current priority of the UN is to accelerate the sending of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, as well as helping rebuild the war-torn region. Guterres said that he will spare no effort in this regard.

Trump says no right of return for Gazans under his proposal

Gaza War

In an interview with Fox News, partially aired on Monday, Trump also reiterated his push to “own” Gaza.

Asked whether Palestinians would be allowed to return to their territory under his plan, Trump said, “No, they wouldn’t.”

The US president’s plan to empty Gaza of its population has been forcefully rejected across the Middle East – including by Egypt and Jordan, the main countries that Trump says he wants to host displaced Palestinians.

Rights groups have also condemned the push, saying that it would amount to ethnic cleansing.

Trump’s assertion that he is seeking the permanent displacement of people in Gaza appears to contradict recent comments by his aides who said that the enclave’s residents would be able to return after the area is rebuilt.

Last week, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said people in Gaza would be “temporarily relocated”.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said that the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza would be in the “interim”, and residents would be able to “move back in” after reconstruction.

In His Fox News interview, Trump suggested that the US would leverage its aid to Jordan and Egypt to get the two countries to take in displaced Palestinians.

“I think I could make a deal with Jordan. I think I could make a deal with Egypt. You know, we give them billions and billions of dollars a year,” the US president stated.

He added that Palestinians would live in “beautiful communities” away from Gaza.

“In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future,” he continued.

The plan for the US to take over Gaza has raised eyebrows across the world. Washington has no legal claim to the territory, and the United Nations charter prohibits the acquisition of land by force.

According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, Israel’s US-backed war on the enclave has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians. The Gaza Government Media Office puts the death toll at more than 61,700, including thousands of missing people who are presumed dead.

The Israeli offensive has turned much of Gaza into rubble. But the territory’s residents have pledged to remain steadfast in their land.

Local authorities have been pleading for tents and mobile homes to shelter people until reconstruction begins, accusing Israel of hindering the aid in violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Last week, Amnesty International warned that systemic efforts to expel Palestinians in Gaza could constitute a crime against humanity.

“Amnesty International also warns against the misuse of desperately needed humanitarian aid and reconstruction as a bargaining chip or as a means to coerce Palestinians in Gaza into leaving,” the group’s chief Agnes Callamard said in a statement.

“No state is entitled to treat a protected population living under occupation as pawns in a geopolitical chess game.”

In 1994, UN experts defined ethnic cleansing as “a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas”.