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Rouhani Urges US to Drop ‘Maximum Pressure’ Policy

September 11, 2019

President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday the US will not benefit from adopting an aggressive policy, and “should realize that bellicosity and bellicose elements are not in their interest.”

“Washington should put aside hawkish elements as well as the warmongering and maximum pressure policy,” said the president in a Cabinet meeting.

His comments came after US President Donald Trump dismissed his national security advisor John Bolton, a hawkish element who advocated for harshest anti-Iran policies and even a military invasion.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the president said Iran will further scale back its commitments under the 2015 international nuclear deal if need be.

Rouhani said Iran would make good on its obligations under the agreement, if other signatories keep their side of the bargain.

However, he added, Iran would reciprocate if other parties fail to fully comply with their commitments.

The president said Iran’s logic is to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Rouhani said Iran has never initiated a conflict and never been the first party to renege on its promises.

He concluded by saying the Iranians will disappoint the enemy through resistance.

Bolton’s Dismissal Receives Mixed Reactions in Iran

IFP Editorial Staff

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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