Friday, December 26, 2025
Home Blog Page 3142

Upgraded Air Defence Radar System Unveiled in Iran

“This system has high capabilities and can identify all types of cruise missiles, stealth planes, drone systems and ballistic missiles for a range of 400 kilometers,” commander of the Iranian Army’s Air Defence Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard said on Saturday.

The Falaq is a phased-array radar system which can be incorporated into the country’s larger integrated air defence, further improving the radar coverage of existing systems, specifically that of the S-300.

The system was developed in order to counter sanctions restricting access to spare parts of a previously foreign-developed system.

Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defence sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing military equipment and hardware despite facing sanctions and Western economic pressure.

Withstanding various international sanctions and embargoes since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has striven to develop its own military hardware as part of a general doctrine of self-reliance

Iran has consequently managed to indigenously produce a wide array of hardware, including its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fighter planes.

‘Making strides into twenty-first century technology’

Earlier this week, the National Interest magazine published a report examining Iran’s military industry.

“Whereas [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council states spend lavishly on high-end, off-the-shelf, US-built platforms, decades of sanctions and post-revolutionary strategic decisions to be militarily self-sufficient has led Islamic Republic to focus more on its own indigenous industries” it wrote.

The report examined ongoing research and advances in Iran’s nuclear energy program, satellite program, nanotechnology research and drone systems, concluding that “Iranian engineers and scientists are adept at developing cutting edge military technologies.”

The report also highlighted Iran’s long-term research initiatives, stating that Iran has historically been a regional pioneer in adapting modern technologies.

The article also added that “Iranian military tacticians” were increasingly “incorporating artificial intelligence if not fully autonomous systems into their platforms”, to be used in military maneuvers, missile defence capabilities and drones.

The report added that based on Iran’s current ongoing military hardware improvements, Iran may soon manage to greatly reduce the gap between its military technological capabilities and that of established military technological powers.

Iran is “making strides into twenty-first century technology”, it wrote.

Iran Home to Wide Variety of Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs are plants containing substances which are used in producing products related to health and treatment of humans. In a more comprehensive sense, medicinal herbs are plants part of which are used in raw or processed forms in different industries. Medicinal herbs are used in industries such as the pharmaceutical industry, food, cosmetics, perfume production, natural dyes, etc. However, the most significant use of medicinal herbs is that they are used in the production of medicines and supplementary drugs. Today, some known medicinal herbs are widely used in different forms in the domain of human health.

Medicinal herbs are grown in different parts of the world. Iran is one of the countries with suitable climate for growing medicinal herbs and producing herbal medicines.

 

High Climatic Variety

Iran has rather unique climate in the world. Out of the 13 known types of climate, eleven exist in Iran. That means 90% of the medicinal herbs which exist in the world can be grown in Iran.

 

Wide Variety of Flora Species

Reports suggests there are some 8,000 species of plants in Iran, on which 1,700 are native to the country. Of that 8,000 species, 2,300 are medicinal herbs. The figure is twice the number of the species of flora in the whole European continent.

Iran Home to Wide Variety of Medicinal Herbs

 

Suitable Climate for Farming

Iran is a four-season country. Moreover, Iran’s climatic features such as the length of the day, the quality of sunlight, environmental and ecological features, etc., make the country ideal for producing high-quality produce.

 

Long History of Herbal Medicine

Iran is known as one of the most experienced countries in the field of herbal medicine due to its age-old history in traditional medicine and producing medicinal herbs. In the past, Iran was home to great scholars and physicians such as Avicenna were well familiar with medicinal herbs and their properties.

 

Invaluable Plants Native to Iran

The climatic and genetic variety in Iran has turned the country into the origin of many species of plants across the world. Key species of plants such as saffron and roses are native to Iran and a major part of the global production of such plants takes place in Iran.

 

Recommendations on Where to Get Best PsyD Programs in Clinical Psychology

While research is not the focus of PsyD, the program is highly valued when it comes to the context of how to apply research clinically. But, the programs that are under the Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. focus mainly on research as a central aspect of the program. So, if you are someone who is strongly drawn to research and you are interested to pursue a research-focused degree and career, then you may want to check out available Ph.D. programs that can be best suited for you.

When it comes to PsyD programs in clinical psychology, they offer students extensive clinical training in the classroom and the community through practicum placements including internships. There will also be a collaboration with the faculty and the students in the PsyD programs wherein they will learn to generate, design, conduct, evaluate, publish and present psychological research together with how they will apply this scientific knowledge to the improvement of psychological functioning including the delivery of empirically-supported psychological services.

If you are a graduate of the PsyD program you have the chance to go on and pursue careers such as professional clinical psychologists in a clinical setting like community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, university counseling centers, veterans administration clinics, and of course, they may choose to do private practice.

Below is the list of universities that offer PsyD programs wherein some of the programs on this list are able to provide some funding to students who are accepted into their program. Most of the funding that is identified is in the form of partial scholarships or assistantships wherein they offer partial tuition fee waivers. Applicants, on the other hand, should remember that even though a program is not going to be able to provide funding, the universities may offer graduate studies funding through scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

  • Baylor University located in Waco, Texas

Baylor is one of the world’s Baptist University and they aim to integrate academic experience along with Christian values. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor offers a PsyD in Clinical Psychology wherein students will be able to develop clinical competencies in the classroom and the community.

Students enrolled in this program are also going to benefit from the small sizes as well as extensive experience in a wide-array of practicum placement with 3,000 hours at the maximum and clinical research at 1,000 hours with faculty. Each of the students will be able to work in different clinical practicum placement for each of the first three years and then this will be followed by the fourth year in a faculty member’s lab enriching research experience. The program has a strong record of students who are receiving APA accredited internships.

The Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology or EPPP passing rate at Baylor is 100% while the students who obtained APA/CPA accredited internship is 90.43%, with licensure rate of 100%. The tuition fee in Baylor is at $40,905 but Baylor offers to fund of financial support to students in the PsyD program. The funding is said to be available in the form of practicum salaries, tuition remission, and a stipend.

  • Meridian University located in Petaluma, California

Meridian University was founded in 1993. They offer degree programs that educate students to engage the professions of Psychology, Business, and Transformative Leadership in creative and transformative ways.

Meridian’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology program offers four years of coursework in Psychology. Their curriculum includes core, clinical and research courses. The core curriculum of Meridian University’s PsyD program is emphasized in the first two years which provides a foundation for the clinical and research course thereby supporting the student’s evolving relationship to professional practice.

  • Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey located in Piscataway, New Jersey

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program at Rutgers is following the scholar-practitioner model of training. The students in this program will be able to receive training and education in diversity in areas that encompass ethnicity, race, gender, and sexual orientation. Students are going to be encouraged to focus on and develop their areas of interest and they will be able to determine the focus in collaboration with a faculty member. Their courses include but are not limited to analytic foundations, learning theory, and cognitive behavioral foundations, adult psychopathology, clinical interviewing and assessments.

  • Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana

The Clinical Psychology Doctoral program of Indiana State University prepares its graduates to become professional psychologists and at the same time contribute to the science of psychology through a strong education in clinical and research training. Students are going to be encouraged to participate in faculty research from the beginning of their time in the program in the preparation for the development of a dissertation research project. Another good thing in this program is that their graduates are going to be committed to social justice through the value of individual and cultural diversity.  Over the last years, there have been about 96% of the students participated were matched to APA-approved internship sites. Currently, Indiana State University has seven clinical and four experimental faculty members that teach in the PsyD program.

  • Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, California

The faculty in PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium’s academic originated from Palo Alto University and the Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The majority of the faculty who teach clinical courses are also clinicians who are bringing current and relevant perspectives to the classroom. Furthermore, their faculties are known as international experts in areas like psychopharmacology and the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders. Their program incorporates coursework, clinical training and research experience throughout the course of the program. Given all of these, their graduates are going to be prepared in integrating evidence-based practices in their careers as clinical psychologists.

  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Pennsylvania

Founded in 1875, Indiana University of Pennsylvania also offers a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. The University has a total of 12 doctoral degree programs with over 2,000 graduate students. Their students can complete this program in four calendar years of full-time internship. And even though faculty members have specific areas of interest, their program emphasizes a strong foundation in the scientific understanding of psychology in parallel to the application of this understanding professionally.

The University’s EPPP pass rate is 92.42% and has a licensure rate of 98%. The tuition fee costs $24,934.

  • Loyola University Maryland located in Baltimore, Maryland

Loyola University is a Jesuit Catholic university that also offers a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Their PsyD program is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. The completion of their program which includes completion of the dissertation and internship totals seven years of enrollment in the program. With that, Loyola University’s graduates are expected to be competent in professional standards, intervention, assessment, supervision, consultation and research in clinical psychology.

Loyola University’s latest internship sites have included among others the Madigan Army Medical Center; Tulane University School of Medicine; University of Delaware Counseling Center; Mount Washington; Pediatric Hospital; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology; VA Medical Center-Miami; and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Counseling Center.

  • La Salle University located in Philadelphia, PA

The PysD Program in Clinical Psychology of La Salle University offers three areas of concentration and these are general practice, child clinical, and clinical health. The students will be able to have opportunities to train in specific areas of their interests like behavioral medicine, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, suicide prevention, mindfulness, child psychology, and autism. The Psychology Department of La Salle University holds an annual Diversity Forum on La Salle’s Main Campus that highlights the students’ research on topics that are related to diversity. The graduates of La Salle University’s PsyD Program have a 98% employment rate.

  • Xavier University located in Cincinnati, Ohio

Xavier University, which was founded in 1831, is a Jesuit Catholic university that offers a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. In line with the Jesuit tradition of serving those in need, the students who are under this program will be able to have the opportunity to choose an under-served population as their focus studies like the children, the elderly, or the severely mentally disabled. Graduates of Xavier University’s PsyD Program have been able to pursue careers in community mental health centers, forensic or correctional agencies, medical centers, college counseling centers, and also private practice. Xavier University also has an excellent EPPP pass rate of 90.91% and a licensure rate of 97%.

Xavier University’s faculty research interests include psychological testing; neuropsychology; attention and memory process; women’s issues; aging issues; issues that are related to sports; trauma-integrated treatment; culturally-tailored interventions; school-based mental health; personality characteristics of juvenile delinquents; addiction; licensure issues; pediatric psychology; emotion regulation; and psychological oncology.

A list of American Psychological Association or APA-accredited Counseling Psychology programs has been gathered from the APA website and the programs which were listed as “Accredited-on probation” or “Accredited-inactive” are not in the list.

Sending Real Estate Christmas Cards to Maximize Company Growth

This event, though, could become a problem because if you are going to buy some stuff in the stores there will be a lot of people going also to do their shopping. It is highly suggested that you do your Christmas gift shopping as early as now. Or you can also opt to make your personal gifts if you do not want to wait for such a long time because of long lines. And if you have a Real Estate company, being the head, you may choose to give your clients and employees Real Estate Christmas cards. You have the option to simply buy these cards from retail shops or, to make it more personalize, make it all on your own.

Real Estate Christmas Cards

There are a lot of various types of Christmas card, and Real Estate Christmas cards are one of it. Most real estate company send such cards to their clients and even to their employees during the holiday seasons. Real Estate Christmas cards usually refer to real estate events or activities. It can usually involve designs like different type of houses, interior designs, and even open property locations. It makes the card appropriate for being sent out during the holiday season from the real estate company. Due to their distinctive or unique designs, they are really appreciated by their clients and employees.

You can also opt to make a customized or more personalized Real Estate Christmas cards. The customization or personalization of the cards plays such a significant part when you are sending your Christmas cards. This could make large real estate companies to establish strong rapport with both their employees and customers a- former, new and even prospective ones alike – through the personal message which is written inside the card.

The Effect of Giving Personalized Real Estate Christmas Cards to Clients and Employees

It should always be put in mind that the customization or personalization of your Real Estate Christmas card has the capability to guarantee that it has a positive and beneficial effect on whoever will be the receiver of the card. It typically allows the real estate company to provide their customers and staff with a personal, unique and distinctive messages. The designs to be included in Real Estate Christmas cards should also be considered since it very relevant for the recipient of the card. Listed below are positive effects when there is customization and personalization of Real Estate Christmas cards.

  1. Real Estate Christmas cards from a real estate companies can most likely attract potential clients. Christmas cards can be tailored with styles that are existing in any real estate industry. Prospective clients may be interested in doing business with the company once they can see that you are making such an effort in personalizing each of the Christmas cards that you are sending out.
  2. Christmas cards can also be a way for the business to show its clients and staff their gratitude. It is one of the way on how to motivate and inspire them to do their best to have their contribution to the company. A company that appreciates its clients should as well appreciate their staff. Your employees ‘ great performance can result in higher revenue for the company. If the company will send Christmas cards to their staff, then it is a wonderful way to improve the connection of the company with their staff. It will reinforce the connection between workers and employers. This has a beneficial impact on the company’s growth.

Customizing Real Estate Christmas Cards

When you want to customize your Christmas cards, there are several factors you need to put in mind. Real Estate Christmas cards should showcase the different aspects of real estate. It must contain more real estate-related designs and not just like those ordinary designs that is typical of a Christmas card. This way, it will make them stand out from the usual Christmas cards you normally find in the shops.

There are some certain steps that you should consider if you are going to create your own Christmas card. First, when making your own customized or personalized architecture Christmas cards, you need at least three real estate-related designs or styles. If you are only going to settle for single design, then it will just make your card very plain and not eye-catching.

The biggest challenge here could be on how to integrate the Christmas theme with real estate designs. You need to be really imaginative for you to create an incredible real estate design for your card.

If you have already come up and decided what designs to use, the next step is for you to visualize what will be the concept of your Real Estate Christmas card and what the outcome should be. This way, it will not be hard for you to begin designing your Christmas card. It would be best that your Real Estate Christmas cards will not just contain a lot of designs of details about Christmas. The main purpose of the card is to highlight your real estate business or company that is why the designs should lean more on the real estate side rather than it being so “Christmas-y”.

Adding a personal touch to your Christmas card will give let you reap amazing results. Personalization should be the main priority when making your Real Estate Christmas cards. When they received the card, the recipient should feel the appreciation that you would like to express to him or her.

To make your personalized Christmas cards, a paper with high-quality should be used. You should not settle for those cheap quality papers because it would reflect negatively to your business. There are a lot of types of high-quality papers that you can choose from when you make your Real Estate Christmas cards.

You should also add a personalized message so that your card will be more appreciated by the receiver of the card. The recipient of your card would value it more than the usual “Happy Holidays” greeting which is very generic. Adding a personalized message will let the recipient know that the card is specifically intended for him or her. It will give them a feeling of appreciation when the message is specially written for them.

It is very important that you card have eye-catching real estate-related designs so that receivers of the cards will be inclined to read it. Former clients and prospective clients will then be keen to do business with you once they have read your card, especially if you include a personalized message. Your services should also be included in the card because the recipient of the card must know what services your business can deliver.

You also need to add the business logo of your company. Typically, the logo should have the company’s name and its visual imagery. This will provide a visual that can symbolize your business. This is also a powerful symbolic link that could retain to the memory of the recipient.

Nevertheless, there is no need to worry if you do not have the time to make your own Christmas cards. There are a lot of stores which offers ready-made Christmas cards. Although quite generic, you can add a personal touch by including a handwritten message.

Nowadays, there are a lot of online sites where they offer to customize your card just the way you want it. Although a little bit costlier than doing it your own, this will take a lot of workloads out of your hectic schedule but can still give the same beneficial effect of sending out Christmas cards to clients and employees.

The Perfect Time to send your Christmas card

When you are going to send out your Real Estate Christmas cards, you must bear in mind that if they receive a postdated Christmas card, then it can insult your clients. They might believe that the company does not give their customers or clients due respect and value. Once you have disappointed your clients, it would be very tough for you to recover their trust in your business. It is best to send out your Christmas cards in the second week of December. This is to assure that the recipient will receive it at just the right time for the festive season.

Final Thought

Some people may think that it is not anymore necessary to make and give Christmas cards and that it is just a waste of money, time and effort. But, truth be told, this is really a great investment opportunity because clients will most probably prefer to do business with companies that appreciate and give them importance. Giving Real Estate Christmas cards is one of the best ways to keep your clients and continue doing business with them. Giving your customer a Christmas card is not just a friendly gesture, it also means that you value the significance of your working or business relationship. It is strongly recommended that you consider making a customized or personalized Real Estate Christmas card for you to maintain good business relationship both with the customers and your staff.

Muslim People Perform Annual Hajj Pilgrimage in Millions

Saudi Arabia Dragging Feet on Hajj Issue: Iran

It is one of the largest gatherings of humans in the world with more than two million people expected to take part this year from around 188 countries. Hajj season for 2019 falls between 9 and 14 August.

The pilgrimage rituals take place over a period of several days and culminates in Eid al-Adha, a day of celebration enjoyed by Muslims around the globe whether or not they took part in the Hajj itself. Eid al-Adha falls on Sunday 11 August in 2019. Some countries, including Iran will celeberate the occassion on Monday.

 

Hajj Great Opportunity to Combat ‘Deal of Century’: Iran Leader

“The ploy of Deal of the Century prepared by the oppressive US, and its treasonous cohorts, is a crime against human society, and not just the Palestinian nation,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a message to Hajj pilgrims released on Saturday.

“We are inviting everyone to active participation in overcoming this deception by the enemy, and with the power and help of God, we consider this and every other ruse by the arrogant front doomed to failure against the efforts, and faith of the Resistance front,” he added.

What follows is the full text of the message:

 

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace be upon his exalted, trustworthy messenger, Muhammad the last of the prophets, and his pure progeny, especially the one remaining with Allah on earth, and on his chosen companions and those who faithfully followed them, until the day of judgment.

Every year, the time of Hajj is the resort for the Islamic Ummah where they receive the Lord’s mercy. Quran’s call of “And proclaim Hajj among men” [Quran 22:27] is a call to everyone throughout history to come to this distribution of mercy, so that their God-seeking hearts and souls, and their thoughts and views benefit from its advantages; and every year, the lessons and teachings of Hajj propagate throughout Muslim world by congregations of people.

The Hajj presents a miniature scale of a set of fundamental pillars of the Islamic society by placing the elixir of Dhikr and servitude—which is the main element for the cultivation, progress, and growth of individuals and the society— next to congregation and unity, which are the symbols of the unified Ummah; the movement around a unique center, and on the path towards a common goal—which are the keys to the endeavor and livelihood of the Ummah based on monotheism—;and through harmony among every Hajj pilgrim, where there is no distinction—which is the sign of removing discrimination and providing everyone with the same opportunity. Every one of the rituals of Hajj including Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, wuquf, ramy, movement and repose, is a symbolic reminder of a part of the picture presented by Islam of its ideal society.

Exchange of knowledge and assets between people of different countries and places far apart, and spreading awareness and experience, asking for the news of one another, removing barriers of misunderstanding, bringing the hearts closer, and storing strength to confront common enemies are the vital and magnificent outcomes of Hajj, which otherwise would not be achieved through hundreds of the usual and typical gatherings.

The ritual of Bara’ah which means refusing every instance of mercilessness, cruelty, wrongdoing and corruption of the tyrants of any time, and rising against intimidation and unjust levy by the arrogant throughout history, is one of the great advantages of Hajj, and an opportunity for oppressed Muslim nations. Today, repudiating the front of shirk [polytheism] and kufr [disbelief] made up of the arrogant powers—the foremost of them being the US—equals refusing the killing of the oppressed, and waging wars. It equals condemning the sources of terrorism, including ISIS and the American Black Water. It is the Islamic Ummah’s shout at the child killers of the Zionist regime, and their backers and cohorts. It is a condemnation of The United States and their associates’ warmongering, in the sensitive regions of West Asia and North Africa, who have pushed the nations’ pain and suffering beyond limits and who bring them new catastrophes every day. It means refusing racism, and discrimination based on geography, race, and color of skin. It means refusing the arrogant and vicious behaviour of aggressive and seditious powers against dignified, noble and just behaviour recommended to everyone by Islam.

These are some of the benedictions of the Abrahamic Hajj that the pure Islam calls us to. And this is the incarnation of an important part of the ideals of the Islamic society that every year, through every one of the participating Muslims, and directed by Hajj, puts on a grand and rich spectacle, calling everyone through a clear language, to try to create such a society.

The elite of the Muslim world, some of whom are now present at Hajj from different countries, have a crucial and important duty. These lessons must be transferred to all nations and the public through their efforts and ingenuity, and moral exchange of ideas, motivations, experience, and knowledge must be realized by them.

Today, one of the most important issues of the Muslim world is Palestine, which is at the top of Muslims’ political issues, regardless of their school of thought, race, and language. The greatest injustice in recent history has happened in Palestine. In this painful affair, all that a nation had—their land, homes, farms, belongings, dignity, and identity—was confiscated. With God’s assistance, this nation has not surrendered to defeat, and has not given up, and today, they are on the battlefields more enthusiastic, and braver than yesterday. But the ultimate outcome requires assistance from all Muslims. The ploy of Deal of the Century prepared by the oppressive US, and its treasonous cohorts, is a crime against human society, and not just the Palestinian nation. We are inviting everyone to active participation in overcoming this deception by the enemy, and with the power and help of God, we consider this and every other ruse by the arrogant front doomed to failure against the efforts, and faith of the Resistance front.

Almighty Allah said: “Or do they intend a plot? But those who defy Allah are themselves involved in a Plot!” [Quran 52:42]. True is what Almighty Allah said. I supplicate Almighty God for success, blessing, comfort, and acceptance of prayers for every one of you respected pilgrims.

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

August 6th, 2019 (Dhu’l-Hijjah 3rd, 1440)

Extra-Regional Presence to Make Persian Gulf Insecure: Zarif

US Aircraft Carrier

“Persian Gulf is vital lifeline and thus national security priority for Iran, which has long ensured maritime security,” Zarif said in a Friday tweet.

“Mindful of this reality, any extra-regional presence is by definition [a] source of insecurity – despite propaganda,” he added.

He also vowed that “Iran won’t hesitate to safeguard its security.”

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi warned that the possible Israeli presence in a self-proclaimed US-led military coalition in the Persian Gulf is a clear threat to Iran’s national security, and the country reserves the right to counter it.

Mousavi made the remarks in reaction to reports of the Zionist regime’s declaration of its preparedness to join a US-led military coalition to “protect the safety of navigation” in the Persian Gulf.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes the coalition is tension-provoking in nature,” the spokesman said.

Mousavi referred to the occupying regime’s “illegitimate existence in the Middle East” as the “basis of insecurity and instability”, and said Iran considers any Israeli presence in this coalition as “a clear threat to its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and a crisis-provoking and destabilizing element in the Persian Gulf Region.”

Referring to the US’ attempts to form a military coalition or hold a maritime security conference in the future on the pretext of ensuring the safety of navigation in the Persian Gulf, Mousavi said, “Iran as one of the Persian Gulf littoral states has 1,500 miles of coastline in this region, considers the Persian Gulf as part of its territory, and feels committed to ensure its security and the safety of the navigation of ships in this region based on its historical responsibility.”

“The Sound of Music” Musical Drama on Stage in Iran

“The Sound of Music” musical is based on a 1959 American stage musical of the same name, composed by Richard Rodgers. It was later made into a musical drama film in 1965 produced and directed by Robert Wise, and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, with Richard Haydn and Eleanor Parker.

It is the story of a nun. In Salzburg, Austria in 1938, Maria is a free-spirited young postulant at Nonnberg Abbey. Her love of music and the mountains, her youthful enthusiasm and imagination, and her lack of discipline cause some concern among the nuns. The Mother Abbess, believing Maria would be happier outside the abbey, sends her to the villa of retired naval officer Captain Georg von Trapp to be governess to his seven children. The Captain has been raising his children using strict military discipline following the death of his wife. Although the children misbehave at first, Maria responds with kindness and patience, and soon the children come to trust and respect her.

The Iranian version of the musical drama went on the stage in Iran for the first time in 2013 and was warmly received by the audience. This time, the show is on the stage with a different performance.

The musical will be on the stage until August 22, 2019.

Iranian Women to Get More Involved in Environment Start-ups

The idea came up in a meeting attended by Zeinab Hamidzadeh, an advisor on women’s affairs at the Iranian Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology, as well as expediting teams from the Centre for Innovation and Technology on Water, Environment and Energy (CITWE).

She said the centre specializes in the areas of water, energy and the environment in a bid to lay the groundwork for launching start-ups and knowledge-based companies.

She then mentioned another initiative called the Science and Technology Exchange Program (STEP) put forward in order to exchange science and technology among women in the Muslim world and reinforce the presence of expert Iranian women on the international stage.

The successes pulled off by knowledge-based firms in various technological fields mainly run by women as well a review of the progress made by these companies show women’s involvement in the launch and management of knowledge-based and emerging companies has been a successful experience and needs to be promoted.

Also in the meeting, women attending the Expediting Course held by the CITWE presented their start-up plans.

Israeli Presence in US-Led Coalition ‘Clear Threat’ to Iran’s Security

Mousavi made the remarks on Friday in reaction to reports of the Zionist regime’s declaration of its preparedness to join a US-led military coalition to “protect the safety of navigation” in the Persian Gulf.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes the coalition is tension-provoking in nature,” the spokesman said.

Mousavi referred to the occupying regime’s “illegitimate existence in the Middle East” as the “basis of insecurity and instability”, and said Iran considers any Israeli presence in this coalition as “a clear threat to its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and a crisis-provoking and destabilizing element in the Persian Gulf Region.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to counter this threat and defend its territory within the framework of the country’s deterrence and defensive policy, and will show no hesitation in translating it into action as part of its defensive policies,” he noted.

“The US regime and the illegitimate Zionist regime are responsible for all the consequences of this dangerous move,” the spokesman warned.

Referring to the US’ attempts to form a military coalition or hold a maritime security conference in the future on the pretext of ensuring the safety of navigation in the Persian Gulf, Mousavi said, “Iran as one of the Persian Gulf littoral states has 1,500 miles of coastline in this region, considers the Persian Gulf as part of its territory, and feels committed to ensure its security and the safety of the navigation of ships in this region based on its historical responsibility.”

“Iran believes the presence of ultra-regional forces in the Persian Gulf under any name and title will not only fail to help reinforce the region’s security, but will more than ever prepare the grounds for tension and crisis in the sensitive Persian Gulf region,” he added

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its opposition to the formation of such coalitions, and considers it as a tension-provoking and deceitful measure.”

He also noted that the organizers, founders, and members of such coalitions will be regarded as the main culprits behind possible tensions and crises that would emanate from such moves.

Mousavi’s comments came after Israel announced it will join the US effort to “boost navigation security” in the Persian Gulf as tensions grow in the strategic region of Persian Gulf.

According to Israel-based Y-Net news, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday August 7 that the Israeli regime is part of the US-led coalition to protect the security of the Persian Gulf.

Katz further said that Israel is determined to stop what he called Iranian entrenchment in the Middle East region and strengthen Israel’s relationship with Persian Gulf countries, Y-Net reported.

The US has announced plans to form a Washington-led force amid its attempts to trouble Iran’s foreign oil sales as part of its sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic.

On June 30, the US officially asked Germany to participate — alongside Britain and France — in the coalition, a request that was declined by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas a day later.

Japan has likewise refused to join the force, and France has expressed reservations. Earlier in August, Bloomberg also reported that the US efforts to build the coalition “continue to bear little fruit,” noting that major ally Australia was still undecided whether to join.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf flared up after a series of suspicious attacks on oil tankers, following the US deployment of a new naval group and B-52 bombers to the region amid claims of unspecified Iranian threats.