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Bolton’s Dismissal Receives Mixed Reactions in Iran

September 11, 2019

In one of the first reactions, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted as saying that Tehran does not express any opinions about the United States’ internal affairs.

“Zarif’s response to an American reporter asking for a comment on John Bolton’s firing: We will not be issuing any statement on US internal affairs,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi wrote in a Tuesday tweet.

Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht -Ravanchi also described Bolton’s removal as a domestic issue of the US.

“The issue of changes and developments within governments is a domestic issue and exists in all governments,” he says.

“The replacement of Bolton is one such issue, and we take no position on countries’ internal affairs,” adds Takht-Ravanchi.

However, President Hassan Rouhani’s Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi has implicitly hailed the dismissal by describing Bolton as the “enemy of diplomacy.”

“Bolton’s hawkish, interventionist and destabilizing policies during the short period of time that he served as US national security advisor finally proved fruitless and failed and resulted in his expulsion from the White House,” says Vaezi.

Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei also reacted to Bolton being sacked.

“John Bolton promised months ago that Iran would no longer exist in three months’ time, but we still stand and he is gone, the same way that all anti-Iran elements left one by one,” says Rabiei.

“With the dismissal of the major supporter of economic terrorism and war, the White House will now face fewer impediments in realizing the realities of Iran,” Rabiei adds.

Talks with US Out of Question as Long as Sanctions in Effect: Iran

IFP Editorial Staff

September 11, 2019

Tehran Raps US for Pushing UN to Extend Arms Embargo on Iran

Majid Takht-Ravanchi made the comment in response to a question on US President Donald Trump expressing willingness recently to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

“We have announced time and again, and the respected Iranian president has also announced it loud and clear that there will be no room for talks as long as the US government’s unfair sanctions and economic terrorism against Iranian people continue,” said Iran’s top envoy in an interview with IRNA.

“We can discuss the issue only when they lift unfair sanctions. Then it will be possible to hold a dialogue within the framework of the 5+1 group and in keeping with the talks we held previously in the nuclear domain,” he said.

“Holding talks is out of the question as long as sanctions remain in place,” he reiterated.

Takht-Ravanchi further referred to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin reiterating that Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy will continue.

“So, our stance is crystal clear, and the Americans know, too, that we will not accept the maximum pressure policy, whatsoever, and we regard the sanctions imposed on Iranian people as unfair, and they should be lifted” he said.

He then touched upon some media speculation that Trump’s recent move to dismiss US National Security Advisor John Bolton might set the stage for Tehran-Washington talks.

Takht-Ravanchi said Bolton’s dismissal is a domestic issue of the United States.

“The issue of changes and developments within governments is a domestic matters and exists in all governments,”
“The replacement of Bolton is one such issue, and we do not take any stance on countries’ internal affairs,” he said.

Takht -Ravanchi then touched upon the impact of Bolton’s removal on reducing Washington’s hawkish and extreme stances.

“It is too early to make judgment in this regard.

Bolton was known for his hawkish approach, and this is something that Mr Trump had clearly said,” he noted.

He said whether or not the United States’ extremist policy will change depends on different factors which are influential in regulating the United States’ foreign policy.

Iranian, Chinese Geoparks Sign Cooperation Agreement

IFP Editorial Staff

September 11, 2019

The development came on the sidelines of the 6th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium recently held in Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia.

The agreement was signed by the directors of the two geoparks. The director of the Qeshm Global Geopark was the only Iranian on the team of official assessors of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network. He visited China in line with efforts to assess the condition of global geoparks as well as the condition of the Dunhuang geopark.

In the agreement, the two officials stressed the necessity of undertaking joint projects, working together to upgrade the quality of geoparks, and exchanging geotourists.

Accordingly, authorities of the Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark said they were ready to visit the Qeshm Global Geopark in early 2020 and draw on the experiences used in the development of that park.

Iranian, Chinese Geoparks Sign Cooperation Agreement — The Qeshm Global Geopark in southern Iran and the Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark in the City of Dunhuang in China’s Gansu Province sign a sisterhood and cooperation agreement.

In the meeting between the directors of the two parks, the Dunhuang governor touched upon the strong political and economic relations between Tehran and Beijing as well as the many similarities between the two geoparks. He said he would welcome Qeshm Global Geopark officials in Dunhuang, and expressed hope the two regions of Qeshm and Dunhuang will have fruitful cooperation in different areas.

The Qeshm Global Geopark and the Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark are similar in many ways, namely with regards to their geological and natural features as well as their potential to attract tourists and further promote the tourist industry. The conclusion of this agreement further paves the way for the transfer of know-how, experience and expertise between the two geoparks.

Iran Says US Forces Must Leave Afghanistan

IFP Editorial Staff

September 11, 2019

Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the security situation in Afghanistan remains unstable despite the US military presence in the country.

“After almost two decades of US invasion of Afghanistan, it is quite clear that the US has no choice, but to leave that country, and the sooner, the better,” he said at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York about the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security.

“As we have stated time and again, the time-bound and responsible withdrawal of all foreign forces is a strong national demand of the people of Afghanistan,” said Takht-Ravanchi.

He expressed concern over the security situation in the country, saying “the security situation in Afghanistan remains volatile” as there have been numerous attacks and incidents in the country as highlighted in UN reports.

“The increase in the attacks by Daesh (ISIS) is a source of grave concern and underlines the need for combating them seriously and resolutely,” he highlighted.

He said certain countries help transfer ISIS elements from Syria and Iraq to Afghanistan, which has significantly boosted the combat capability of the terror group.

“Therefore those countries are also responsible for the crimes committed by Daesh,” said the Iranian envoy.

“Afghanistan is passing through a critical juncture and there are alarming trends in its political and security domains,” said the top Iranian diplomat.

He called on all parties to contribute to efforts to secure a national reconciliation agreement and permanent ceasefire deal. He also called on them to “exercise maximum restraint” and avoid any actions that would deteriorate the security situation in the country.

Takht-Ravanchi further highlighted the importance of the upcoming presidential election in the country.

“Numerous efforts are being made to hold a successful presidential election on 28th of September this year. However, there are attempts to undermine this important event,” he noted.

Iran’s UN envoy called for the holding of a free and fair vote in Afghanistan.

“Holding a free and fair presidential election can further enhance the democratic institutions of this country,” said Takht-Ravanchi.

He urged the UN and the international community to support the elections process and help hold the vote as scheduled.

He further said all Afghan political groups should take part in the election.

“Iran also urges all Afghan parties and political groups as well as all Afghans eligible to vote to actively participate in the election as it is essential for the improvement of the security and socio-economic conditions of Afghanistan,” he said.

Iran Condoles with Iraq over Tragic Incident in Karbala

IFP Editorial Staff

September 10, 2019

In his Tuesday statement, Mousavi offered condolences to the Iraqi nation and government, and expressed the Islamic Republic’s sympathy with the families of the victims.
He also wished highest rewards for the martyrs and speedy recovery for the wounded.
At least 36 pilgrims were killed and over 100 more sustained injuries in a stampede during the Muslim religious rituals of Ashura in Karbala, the Iraqi Health Ministry says.
Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr announced the news in a statement on Tuesday, saying the toll could rise further, as another 100 pilgrims were injured, including 10 in critical condition.
No Iranian pilgrim has been killed, but seven Iranians are among the wounded.
Ashura is the 10th day of the lunar month of Muharram and is the day when the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Hussein (PBUH), and 72 of his companions were martyred in Karbala, in southern Iraq, in 680 AD by the army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I.
Ashura, which is the culmination of a 10-day annual mourning period in Muharram, is also commemorated by Shia Muslims in many countries across the world, including prominently in Iran.

Millions of Iranians Mourn Imam Hussein Martyrdom Anniv.

IFP Editorial Staff

September 10, 2019

Muharram Mourning Rituals Start in Iran amid Strict COVID-19 Measures

Muslims worldwide, dressed in black, hold mourning rituals during the month of Muharram on the lunar calendar in remembrance of the suffering imposed on the religious icon, his family and his companions, by the tyrant of the time Yazid I, an Umayyad caliph, back in the seventh century.
The events peak on the 10th day, traditionally known as Ashura, when the Imam and 72 of his companions were martyred at the hands of the despot, to whom they had refused to pledge allegiance.
This year’s Ashura fell on Thursday when, in line with centuries-old customs, benefactors distributed votive food, while others marched in massive mourning processions, lamenting the tragedy.
Muharram ceremonies represent the never-ending and unswerving stance of the truth against falsehood and the humanity’s struggle against tyranny, the cause for which Imam Hussein sacrificed his life.
What follows are photos of the rituals held in Iran this year, retrieved from various sources:

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‘Shah Hussein Gouyan’ Mourning Ritual Held in Tabriz

IFP Editorial Staff

September 10, 2019

In the alleys of all the neighbourhoods, you see people passionately participating in this nightly ritual, which starts before Muharram and is performed until the month’s ninth night, Tassu’a.

On the tenth day- Ashura- the mourning begins early in the morning and ends with the Adhan of noon.

What follows are IRNA’s photos from Shah Hussain Gouyan:

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US Policies in Gross Violation of NPT: Iran

IFP Media Wire

September 10, 2019

Making the remarks in the high-level plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day against Nuclear Tests on Sep. 9, Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that the latest Nuclear Proliferation Report (NPR) has found that the United States is disinclined to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and that it “will resume nuclear explosive testing, … including underground nuclear explosive testing.”

“This policy is in gross violation of its explicit legal obligations under the NPT and the unequivocal commitments it has assumed in Review Conferences of the Treaty,” he said.

Here is the full text of the Iranian envoy’s statement:

Madam President

I thank you for convening this meeting to commemorate the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

I would also like to commend the efforts of Kazakhstan in proposing and promoting this initiative.

Observance of this international day continuously reminds us of the need for a complete ban on any and all types of nuclear explosions.

This day’s commemoration will be incomplete if we do not recall the fact that most of the nuclear tests’ victims have not been the citizens of countries that have undertaken nuclear tests.

We should also recall the destructive environmental effects of such tests, most of which have been carried out outside the territory of countries conducting them.

Commemorating this day also provides us with an opportunity to review progress made in achieving a universal ban on nuclear explosions and the broader objective of nuclear disarmament.

While we made certain progress in the past, unfortunately, currently there are two alarming races: new nuclear arms race and nuclear arms modernization race.

At a time when certain nuclear-weapon States have plans to develop new easy-to-use nuclear weapons, ending nuclear weapon test explosions is of utmost importance.

However, while nuclear-weapon States have the primary responsibility to that end, regrettably, some of them are responsible for the current situation.

The living example is the US that, according to its latest NPR, not only, “will not seek ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty” but also “will resume nuclear explosive testing, … including underground nuclear explosive testing.”

This policy is in gross violation of its explicit legal obligations under the NPT and the unequivocal commitments it has assumed in Review Conferences of the Treaty.

Such irresponsible policies, the latest of which is the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty, are detrimental to all international efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and therefore must come to an end.

Current situation testifies that, no matter how important the voluntary moratoria on nuclear tests are, they cannot substitute for a comprehensive universal and verifiable legally-binding prohibition on all types of nuclear explosions, including in alternative ways.

Through observing this day, we should also redouble our efforts in pursuing the noble objective of the total elimination of nuclear weapons: the only absolute guarantee against the threat or use of these inhumane weapons.

This is essential for the maintenance of peace and security, in particular in such a volatile region as the Middle East where the Israeli nuclear weapons continue to threaten the peace and security of the region and beyond.

Total elimination of these inhumane weapons is what we owe to ourselves, to our children, to generations to come and to entire humanity.

This is a moral imperative and an explicit responsibility. Let’s remain united, resolute and steadfast and fulfill this responsibility collectively and responsibly.

Iran stands ready to play its role in pursuing this noble objective.

I thank you Madam President

Tourists Flock to Yazd to Attend Muharram Mourning Ritual

IFP Editorial Staff

September 10, 2019

People of Yazd have been performing the centuries-old ritual of mourning Imam Hussein’s martyrdom anniversary so impressively that foreign tourists have begun to arrange trips to the ancient city in the lunar calendar month of Muharram.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Yazd during Muharram has increased so sharply in recent years that local authorities have organized plans to introduce the religious rites and facilitate access to the sites where the mourning ceremonies take place.

An official with the secretariat of a forum called “Yazd: Iran’s Husseiniya” has told IRNA that more than 1,000 tourists are expected to take part in this year’s ritual ceremonies in Yazd.

Husseiniya is a congregation hall for religious ceremonies in commemoration of the Shiite Imams, particularly Imam Hussein.

According to Alireza Mirjalili, foreigners from around 30 countries have visited mosques, husseiniyas and other sites to observe the performance of rites since September 1, the beginning of Muharram.

He also noted that a number of Iranian clerics speaking foreign languages are available in major tourist attractions, such as the Amir Chakhmaq Mosque and the Grand Mosque, to deal with inquiries about the mourning ceremonies, the philosophy of Ashura, and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his companions in in 681 AD.

Located in the central Iranian plateau, Yazd is known for developing an underground water system centuries ago, its traditional Persian architecture, fascinating mosques, and Zoroastrian temples.

Also known as the world’s first adobe city, Yazd has given the UNESCO a commitment to promote construction of adobe buildings and structures both inside the city and in other parts of the world.

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