In response to a question raised by reporters on Wednesday, Qassemi confirmed that American citizen Michael White has been arrested in Mashhad.
“An American citizen, named Michael White, was arrested recently in Mashhad and his arrest was immediately reported to the US government through the US Interests Section in Tehran,” he said.
Qassemi underlined that the US was informed on the arrest of White from the early hours of his detention.
The spokesman then dismissed the false reports by certain US media on suboptimal conditions of White’s detention and said over the past few days, the media have sought to spread [anti-Iran] propaganda, escalate the psychological war against Iran and disseminate targeted lies about Iran through unfounded reports on the allegedly poor well-being of the American citizen and his alleged harassment in detention.
“Such untrue and unfounded reports are categorically rejected,” he underlined.
The spokesman then underlined that the case of the American citizen is under investigation by the legal bodies and the Islamic Republic will release the results of the investigations in due time.
The New York Times first reported on Monday that US Navy veteran Michael White of California was arrested in July and imprisoned on a trip to Iran.
White’s mother told the New York Times that State Department officials had told her they were seeking access to her son via the Swiss consulate, as the US does not have formal diplomatic ties with Iran.
In another report on Tuesday, the CBS News claimed the 46-year-old had been in detention since last summer and “was suffering psychologically and was being held in a ward with dangerous criminals.”
Iran Denies Reports about US Citizen’s Well-Being in Jail
Inner Peace in Iran’s Abuzeid Abad Desert
It is part of a larger desert named Band-e Rig Desert in northern Abuzeid Abad and northeastern Kashan in Isfahan province.
Like any other part of Band-e Rig, the beauty of Abuzeid Abad Desert is deeply rooted in its wide perspective as well as deep silence echoing along the dunes with their hot, quick sands.
The tranquillity among the sandy hills stays with you for a long time.
What follows are Mehr News Agency’s photos of the desert:
Iran Sanctions to Bring US ‘Unprecedented’ Defeat: Leader
“The Americans are happily saying the current sanctions against the Iranian nation are unprecedented in history. However, God willing, the Iranian nation will deliver them a defeat that will be unprecedented in history,” he said, speaking in a meeting with thousands of people from the central province of Qom on Wednesday.
The current US administration, which has hardened the US line on Iran and pulled out of the 2015 nuclear pact, is working to cut Iran’s foreign trade and oil sale.
“Don’t back down in the face of ranting and raving by the US and Europe and hold your ground and know that their threats, promises and signatures have no credit,” the Leader said.
First-Degree Idiots
The Leader mocked US politicians for their misguided predictions about the existence of the Islamic Republic, calling them “first-degree idiots” who are proud of their foresight.
“Some US leaders pretend to be crazy. I don’t believe this but they are first-degree idiots,” he said.
“Recently, a US official told a gathering of terrorists and gangsters that he hopes he will celebrate the 2019 Christmas in Tehran. The 2019 celebrations were held a few days ago,” he said, referring to remarks by US National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “This is the US calculation system. Americans are proud of their analysis and foresight! There are some westernized here who brag about the US power.”
Bolton, who openly advocates for regime change in Tehran, had told a gathering held by MKO terrorists in Paris last year that they will celebrate Christmas 2019 in Tehran.
“I had said for over 10 years since coming to these events, that the declared policy of the United States of America should be the overthrow of the mullahs’ regime in Tehran … Before 2019, we here will celebrate in Tehran!” Bolton said.
Failure to Predict 1979 Revolution
Pointing to the US support for the rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Leader said his regime was toppled by the Islamic Revolution of 1979 at a time when US officials were confident that he will not lose the helm.
“In [early] 1978 … the US president [Jimmy Carter] came to Iran and delivered a powerful speech falsely admiring Mohammad Reza. In his speech, he said Iran is the island of peace; which means the US was confident [about the survival] of the [puppet] regime,” he said.
“However, less than 10 days later, the people of Qom rose against the dependent regime … Then the people of Tabriz made a stormy movement and next moves led to the elimination of the puppet regime,” he said, referring to the famous uprising in Qom on January 8, 1978.
The huge uprising came in protest against an article titled “Iran and Red and Black Colonization”, which had been published by the Ettela’at newspaper a day earlier.
The article, which was seen as an attempt to vilify Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who later founded the Islamic Republic, is recognized as the beginning of country-wide protests that brought down the Pahlavi regime.
Tehran Condemns EU’s Sanctions on Iranian Individuals
In a Wednesday statement, Qassemi slammed the EU for making the “illogical” and “surprising” decision to slap sanctions on a number of Iranian nationals based on unfounded allegations, saying that the move shows European countries are not honest in fighting terrorism.
“Instead of putting the names of such criminal and terrorists groups as the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) and al-Ahvaziya on its list of sanctions, the EU has given them a free hand to commit inhumane terrorist acts and is even supporting them.”
The EU levels such accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran while the country is the flag-bearer of fighting terrorism in the region, and Europe owes its security to, said Qassemi.
“Iran will adopt the necessary measures in response to this move and within the framework of reciprocation,” he said.
Qassemi’s comments followed EU sanctions on several Iranian individuals for allegedly planning to carry out attacks in Europe. On Tuesday, the European Union also froze the assets of an Iranian intelligence unit.
A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on January 9
Several papers today covered the Turkey-US raw over Syria and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s snubbing US National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Expansion of Iran-India trade ties and the visit of Iranian foreign minister’s visit to New Delhi is another important issue highlighted by the Iranian dailies. Zarif in India said that Iran will not wait for EU’s financial mechanism.
Saudi Arabian forces attack on Qatif and killing of several Shias is another topic discussed by dailies.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:
Abrar:
1- US State Department Claims Ex-US Military Man Arrested in Iran
2- Danish FM Announces EU’s Agreement with Sanctioning Iran
3- SPV Will Be Launched Shortly: Mogherini Spokesperson
4- US Secretary of State Explains Goals of Visit to Region
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Iranian First VP’s Attempts to Overcome Crisis
2- Jahangiri Promises to Stay in Office
Arman-e Emruz:
1- Consequences of National Currency Reform by Analysing Experiences of Other Countries
E’temad:
1- Erdogan Refuses to Meet John Bolton
2- US National Security Advisor’s Useless Trip to Turkey
3- We Will Not Wait for Europe: Zarif in India
Ettela’at:
1- Iran Wins War in Syria: Saudi Daily
2- We Will Not Wait for Europe; We Are after Close Coop with East: Zarif
3- US Withdrawal from Syria; A Tactic or Strategy?
Iran:
1- We Cooperate with Traditional Partners: Zarif
2- FM Zarif Holds Politico-economic Consultations in India
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- ‘Ditching Dollar in Bilateral Trade between Iran, India’
2- US on Verge of Chaos: Senator Sanders
3- French Government’s New Plans to Crack Down Yellow Jackets
4- Five Killed in Saudi Attack on Qatif
Kayhan:
1- Iran Must Learn Human Rights from Saudi Arabia: Pompeo
2- Washington Post Reports on Devastating Effect of Shutdown in Various US Cities
3- Iran Very Powerful to Be Defeated by Israel
Khorasan:
1- Instead of Implementing SPV EU Sanctions Iranian Body
Maromsalari:
1- US Leadership Needs to Be Refreshed: Obama
2- Erdogan Does Not Accept to Meet John Bolton
3- Turkey Rejects Washington’s Proposal on Syria’s Kurds
Resalat:
1- Iran Remains Reliable Supplier of Indian Oil: Zarif
Setareh-e Sobh:
1- Ankara-Washington Row Flames Up Again
Sobh-e No:
1- Sudan Leader Regretful over Getting Closer to Israel
2- Five Killed as Saudis Attack Shias in Qatif
16 Must-Have Medicines for Your Medicine Cabinet
- Disinfectant:
Antiseptic solutions are very important to clean out minor wounds and ensure that the site is clean. Immediate cleaning can reduce the risk of infection.
Disinfecting liquids include Dettol or Betadine.
- Antidiarrheal and Laxative treatment:
Anti-diarrheal medication helps in the case of an emergency and prevents one from losing too many fluids. Commonly available over the counter are tablets like Lomotil and Loperamide that slow down the activity in the gastrointestinal tract.
Laxatives are also important to have handy. Commonly used bulk-forming laxatives are Citrucel and Metamucil.
- Antibacterial powder:
Powders like Candid and Clocip aid in keeping bacterial infections and rashes at bay. Antiseptic talcum powder can also do the same job.
- Healing ointment:
Healing ointments like Boroline can help to prevent scarring and soothe wounds. Antibiotic ointments help to prevent bacterial infections in an open wound. Ointments include Fucidine and Bactroban. These can also be used to treat dry and damaged skin.
- Antihistamine:
Antihistamine tablets like Avil are essential to keep allergies at bay and reduce itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. It is better to stock up on those that make you drowsy and those that do not. Antihistamine ointments like Anthisan Cream are also available.
- Burn ointments:
Burn ointments help to reduce pain and speed up the healing of a minor burn site. These are available as ointments, sprays or gels. Commonly available in the market in Burnol.
- Painkiller:
For pain relief there some over the counter tablets that are available. Some of the common ones are Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. These are dual action. It is also important to stock up on child-friendly painkillers like Calpol or Panadol syrup.
Aspirin is a painkiller as well as tackles a fever. However, it must be avoided by those who take blood thinners as Aspirin interferes with blood clotting. Zerodol P Uses a commonly used tablet for pain management and to combat inflammation that accompanies conditions like Osteoarthritis and Spondylitis.
- Antacids:
Gelusil tablets or syrup help to aid heartburn and acid reflux when the need arises. Calcium Carbonate tablets like Maalox also relieve heartburn and helps to relieve symptoms that would irritate the oesophagus. They work by neutralising the stomach acid. It is important that people with kidney issues and heart problems consult their doctor before taking cialis.
- Antiemetic medicine:
To prevent vomiting, dizziness, motion sickness and nausea, antiemetic medicines come in handy. Common tablets are Zofran and Domstal.
These tablets block neurotransmitters in the body that trigger impulses of vomiting and motion sickness.
- Decongestants:
The two kinds of decongestants from colds are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
Commonly available ones are Afrin, Vicks and Sudafed PE.
- Cough medicines
Cough medication is available in two kinds- one for a dry cough and one for the mucus-producing kind. Medication for these is Benadryl and Mucinex respectively.
- Eye and ear drops:
Eye and ear drops like Ciplox and Gentamicinthat are antibiotic are used to treat infections like conjunctivitis or ulcers.
- Calamine lotion:
The Zinc based pink liquid can soothe rashes or itching that arises from bites upon topical application.
- Medicine for Urinary or Bladder infections:
A bladder infection may cause pelvic pain and an increased urge to urinate. If it is left untreated, it can cause a fever spike. Antibiotics like Amoxicillin can be used to treat this.
- Immunity Boosters:
Immune system boosters help one’s body ward off infections. Vitamin C tablets help stave off infections and colds if taken on a regular basis. Malano and Tildoxon are ascorbic acid tablets that act as immunity boosters. Honey is also used as an immunity booster. Raw honey has antibacterial and anti-viral properties.
- Tools like a pair of scissors and tweezers can come in handy in a medicine cabinet. Bandages and plasters are also essentials that need to be stocked up on for minor cuts and scrapes. A thermometer will read body temperature to indicate when it is time to get medical help.
An ice pack is indispensable in the case of sore ligaments and muscles.
Read More: Tips for Better Shut-Eye This Season
Most people end up self-medicating with various over the counter remedies. Overuse of tablets or combining these with certain other medications can lead to serious health complications that include stomach ulcers, increased blood pressure and liver or kidney damage. According to the Centre for Disease Control, more than 60,000 children end up in the emergency room every year due to accidental overdose.
To make sure that you are not doing more harm than good, it is important to keep in mind factors like:
- Dosage: The recommended dosage for one person is not the same as the same as it is for everyone else. Medicines should be used only for relief of minor symptoms and not on a regular basis.
- Ingredients: It is important not to double up on medication. There is an overlap when it comes to certain multi-symptom cold medication.
- Medical conditions: High blood pressure, heart conditions, and other pre-existing conditions can get aggravated upon taking unnecessary medication. Avoiding this is important.
- Interactions: Some prescribed medications may interact with over the counter medications. Checking with a doctor before taking medications is important.
- Antibiotics: Leftover antibiotics should not be used for the subsequent treatment of other illnesses. It could put one at risk for unnecessary side effects.
- Children: Many common medications for people above the age of 50 are quite harmful to children. Even a small dose can have a big effect on a child’s body.
Make sure the medicine cabinet is stocked and organised. It is important to throw out old and expired tablets and syrups. Medicines can lose potency over time and should be evaluated periodically.
FM Zarif Censures Europe for Harbouring Anti-Iran Terrorists
“Europeans, including Denmark, Holland & France, harbor MEK—who killed 12000 Iranians & abetted Saddam’s crimes against Iraqi Kurds—as well as other terrorists staging murder of innocent Iranians from Europe. Accusing Iran won’t absolve Europe of responsibility for harboring terrorists,” Zarif tweeted on Tuesday.
The Iranian foreign minister was referring to the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization, a terrorist outfit held responsible for numerous terrorist attacks against Iranian in recent decades, particularly 1980s.
Iran’s top diplomat made the remarks hours after the European Union froze the assets of an Iranian intelligence unit and two of its staff over terror charge, as the Netherlands accused Iran of two killings on its soil and joined France and Denmark in alleging Tehran plotted other attacks in Europe, Reuters reported.
It was the first time the EU placed sanctions on Iran since lifting embargoes following Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Artificial Lake in Tehran Attracts Migratory Birds
Building on the catchment areas of Chitgar Lake (Martyrs of Persian Gulf), Tehran officials have provided an appropriate environment to attract the migratory birds during autumn season who settle in large groups in the lake.
Chitgar Lake is an artificial and recreational in the north of Chitgar Park in western Tehran. The complex has a total area of around 250 hectares; 130 hectares across the lake and 120 hectares on its coastal zone and resorts.
Iran to Make Pars Satellite Operational by 2024
Ali Sadeghi Naeini added Iran and the region face various challenges in coping with the natural disasters and using space technologies to manage crises.
“Iranian Space Agency has designed new systems for remote sensing phenomena like drought, fire, sand storms through satellite images,” he said.
According to Sadeghi Naeini, to this end, the Space Agency uses Mahdasht satellite to receive the images.
“The user systems to boarded on Pars satellite by 2024 will highly facilitate management of crises and natural disasters,” he said.
Iran ranks 11th and 32nd by respectively natural disaster risk and drought risk. Now with the new technology, the country can remotely sense the crises and manage them.
The strengthening of disaster management capacity in Iran has always been among the main goals pursued by the UN.
Persian Gulf Island Attracts Growing Number of Tourists
Located in the Hormozgan province, Nabio island has a surface area of 5.1 kilometres with its highest point standing 36 metres above the sea level.
The remains of ruined buildings and water wells on this Persian Gulf island testify to the presence of some settlements in the past. Its earlier inhabitants were allegedly involved in fishing and diving. By the early days of the World War II, the island inhabitants met their ends through pearl hunting. They used to hunt for a special pearl locally called Najva.
The flora of the region is mainly made up of Xerophyte and Halophyte. Nabio Island and its shores are home to various types of local and migratory birds due to their unique climate and geography.
It is also ideal for fishing and as a tourist you can make your daily dishes by fishing. Nabio along with Hendurabi Island joined Kish Free Zone back in 2011.
The island is also considered to be one of the richest wildlife regions in Iran. A great number of wild birds inhabit in Nabio; to name eagles, parrots, white-eared bulbul, hoopoe, bee-eaters, laughing dove, and yellow wagtails . The government has established a protected area in this Persian Gulf island.
