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Iran to Continue Boosting Its Missile Capabilities: Shamkhani

Signs of US Decline Clearer Than Ever: Iran Official

In an interview with Aljazeera on Wednesday, Shamkhani said along with its missile program, Iran will also keep supporting resistance groups in the region.

“We will continue our support for Hamas, Islamic Jihad Movement, Hezbollah and the axis of resistance in the region,” he said, according to a report by Fars News Agency.

Touching on the situation in Yemen and Saudi Arabia’s acts of sabotage, he said while Yemen’s Ansarullah Movement welcomed Europe’s call for a ceasefire in the Arab country during the holy month of Ramadan, Saudi Arabia rejected it.

Thousands of Yemenis including women and children have been killed and many others injured in Saudi airstrikes on Yemen since March 2015. The UN has warned against the worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen over the past decades.

Shamkhani also referred to the currently severed ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia and said Tehran is ready for constructive and reasonable talks with Saudi Arabia without any preconditions.

He also dismissed the latest threats by the US officials against Iran and said the US doesn’t have the guts to wage a military war on Iran and its efforts to slap further economic sanctions on Iran will end up in failure.

In his first major foreign policy address, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday that Washington would increase its financial pressure on Iran by imposing the “strongest sanctions in history” on the Islamic Republic if Tehran refused to change the course of its foreign and domestic policy.

Shamkhani also reacted to the statements by some Russian official calling for the withdrawal of Iranian and Hezbollah forces from Syria and said the Islamic Republic will never leave Syria because its presence is at the request of the Syrian government.

On the possible adventurism of the US in the region, Shamkhani said Iran will give a direct and immediate crushing response to any violence by the US.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he also referred to the latest violence by the Zionist regime against Syria and the Arab country’s response to the military violation and said the Zionist regime has received a clear message that any act of violence would be faced with direct and crushing response.

Medicinal Herbs Used to Make Dolls for Visually Challenged Kids

Visually challenged kid smelling the special doll made by medicinal herbs

It has been five years that Mojdeh Daneshpajooh has been making dolls.

“We had a lot of roses, and we decided to give them to our friends as gift. So, we made bags with cloth and filled them with flowers. Later on, they turned into Baji dolls,” she told the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA).

“By making Baji dolls, we intended to introduce traditional and herbal medicines to children, but later on, we thought the dolls could be made in such a way that visually challenged children can use them.”

“We made some alterations in them (the doll), so that they would be able to use the dolls as well. Therefore, we designed their faces in relief, so that those unable to see would be able to touch the faces of the dolls. We also attached bells to them, so that they could be heard as well. Of course, the idea was mostly inspired by the Iran Museum of Dolls and Culture,” she added.

The doll maker and designer says she and her team also made “Southern” and “Kurdish” dolls with medicinal herbs native to the two regions.

“The Southern Baji Doll received an award at the Novel Ideas Festival organized by the Centre for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults,” she said.

Medicinal Herbs Used to Make Dolls for Visually Challenged Kids
Chellezari doll used in Yalda Night ceremony

She has studied Fabric and Clothes Design and is familiar with the costumes of ethnic groups in different regions across Iran.

“For example, the Southern Baji has a veil, with clothes made with samite. The Kurdish Bajis also have headscarves similar to the ones worn by Kurdish women,” she said.

She further noted that Baji dolls are simple.

“We would be happy to see children becoming interested in making such dolls. In the Iran Museum of Dolls and Culture, different doll making workshops are organized for children and young adults, and I think that section is very attractive. If we can encourage children to spend part of their time on making crafts during the day, we have done something positive.

She says “we spent part of our childhood in crowded families with grandfathers and grandmothers.”

“We got familiar with medicinal herbs in such an atmosphere, but the kids of the present generation are strangers to that atmosphere. It is important for us to see children are familiar with different smells and can tell the difference between the aroma of different types of herbs,” she noted.

The three-strong team, comprising Mojdeh Daneshpajooh, Hengameh Hakimian and Nargess Teimoorifard, have made other dolls, including “Chaharshanbe Khatun” (Wednesday’s Lady) and “Chellezari,” and now are working on the folklore of different regions and make dolls based on that folklore.

She also explained about stories narrated with dolls.

“We very much would like to have books along with the dolls,” she said.

The team has already registered “Baji,” and “Chaharshanbe Khatun,” but no longer produce them these days. Instead, they are focusing on their stories.

Medicinal Herbs Used to Make Dolls for Visually Challenged Kids
Wednesday’s Lady (Chaharshanbe Khatun) doll

Attempt to Hijack Passenger Plane Flying over Iran Fails

The attempt happened in skies near Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province, when a person carrying a knife tried to enter the plane’s cockpit.

But the pilot locked the door and then crew of the plane managed to disarm the perpetrator and lock him up in the toilet.

No casualties were reported in the incident, according to a report by Azad News Agency (ANA).

State-Run Saudi Outlet Publishes Photos of Bin Salman in Bid to Dispel Rumours

The photos were published early Wednesday by Saudi Press Agency, which claimed they were taken in a Cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday.

While the Crown Prince’s fans might be delighted to find him alive, the date of the photos could not be verified.

The SPA also reported on Tuesday that bin Salman had a phone conversation with Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas.

State-Run Saudi Outlet Publishes Photos of Bin Salman in Bid to Dispel Rumours
Photo of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman apparently attending a Tuesday cabinet meeting

Also on Tuesday, the crown prince held phone talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the latest developments in the region, particularly the Yemen crisis, according to a statement by the French government.

This is while bin Salman has largely retreated from public view since prolonged heavy gunfire was heard at the royal palace in Riyadh on April 21.

He was allegedly photographed at the opening of the Qiddiya project, Saudi Arabia’s biggest cultural, sports and entertainment site, on April 28, but he has been absent from several major state meetings and ceremonies held in recent weeks.

Interestingly, when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Saudi Arabia in late April, no photos or video footage of the crown prince meeting with him were released.

Speculations fuelled by his public withdrawal went as far as claiming bin Salman had been shot twice in the April 21 incident and could be dead.

Perhaps to head off talk of assassination, a palace courtier last week released a photo of bin Salman along with King Hamad of Bahrain, President Sisi of Egypt and Abu Dhabi ruler Mohammed bin Zayed, which was allegedly taken recently. But it was impossible to verify when the photo of the four men standing by a swimming pool was taken.

It seems only a live television appearance could silence rumors about bin Salman’s conditions.

Bin Salman Absent from another Major Ceremony in Saudi Arabia

Iran Fierce Rival for Spain in 2018 FIFA World Cup: Lopetegui

Lopetegui says he and his assistants have gained a good knowledge of the Iranian national team and its head coach.

Speaking to IRNA’s correspondent in Madrid, Lopetegui s`aid Iran’s head coach Carlos Queiroz has been working with Team Melli for many years, and during these years, Queiroz has launched an interesting plan for the country’s football which has led to significant growth of the team in technical areas.

He went on to say that the Iranian national football team has a great sense of belonging which prompts its players to work within a regular plan. “This has led to a competing sense among them and this will put us in trouble during our competition.”

Head coach of Spain went on to say that Iran also has the experience of attending world cups in the past and performed well during those competitions. “Iran has made great progress in football over the past years and will emerge as a fierce rival for Spain.”

Iran’s national football team is in Istanbul to hold a training camp in the country. The team will face Turkey football team on May 29 in a friendly match as part of its preparation for the 2018 World Cup.

The Team Melli has been drawn in Group B of the 2018 World Cup along with Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

It will open the campaign with a match against Morocco at Saint Petersburg on June 15. Team Melli will later face Spain in Kazan on 20 June before meeting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Saransk five days later.

The matches of the 2018 World Cup will be held between June 14 and July 15 at 12 stadiums.

“US Sanctions on Iran’s Bank Chief Break Int’l Rules”

Valiollah Seif, Governor of Central Bank of Iran, waits to start a meeting with Britain's Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in Tehran on August 23, 2015 / File Photo by Reuters

“The last week move by US Department of the Treasury to include the name of the governor of the Central Bank of Iran and one of its directors on the sanctions list is a sign of the US’ blatant defiance of well-established international norms and rules including immunity of governments and central banks,” the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Central banks play a role in shaping and implementing monetary policies and bringing monetary stability inside the countries and in the international system, so imposing sanctions on central bank officials is against customary and treaty obligations of governments to maintain international monetary policy,” it added.

“The US move, which indicates this government gives no weight to its international obligations, has prompted international observers to see the US government as an oath-breaker who pays no respect to international obligations.”

“The Foreign Ministry seriously condemns the US’ unconventional and illegal move, and announces that the Iranian government and Central Bank reserve the right to adopt all legal and political solutions to counter the US Treasury Department’s move,” the statement added.

“The Foreign Ministry believes a continuation of such destructive and unilateral moves by the US could have unpleasant consequences for international ties in the monetary and financial sectors,” it concluded.

Last Tuesday, the US imposed sanctions on Iran’s Central Bank Governor Valiollah Seif and an Iraq-based bank for what it claimed to be “moving millions of dollars” for IRGC.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin accused Seif of covertly funneling money on behalf of the IRGC’s external arm, Quds Force, through Al-Bilad Islamic Bank.

Pompeo’s Comments Reveal Bankruptcy of US Foreign Policy: Iran’s Zarif

“Pompeo’s remarks (against Iran) signify bankruptcy of the United States,” Zarif told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet session on Wednesday.

Washington has in fact put its foreign policy up for rent, meaning that any lobby that offers more money will be able to steer the US foreign policy towards its own demands, he added.

“Mr. Pompeo and the other officials of the incumbent US administration are imprisoned not only by their wrong imaginations and delusions, but also by the past and, even worse, by corrupt lobbies” whose scandals are uncovered before the world’s public opinion every day, Zarif deplored.

He also said that Pompeo’s false comments have been based upon the US old and failed policies that were expressed only more brazenly and harshly this time.

His comments came after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo set out 12 tough demands for inclusion in a new treaty with Iran during a speech announcing the US new strategy towards Tehran.

The US diplomat has urged Iran to permanently shut down any nuclear-related program and give up its regional policy, to halt missile development, withdraw forces from Syria, release all US citizens, and end support for what he called Middle East “terrorist” groups.

Tehran Giants Persepolis, Esteghlal to Face Qatari Rivals in ACL Quarters

Two-time champion Esteghlal set to face off against Qatar’s Al Sadd in the Asia West Zone.

The Iranian giant will host Al Sadd on Aug. 27 in Tehran and play the Qatari team in return leg in Doha on Sept. 17.

Persepolis also plays Al Duhail – who has won all eight of its matches in the ACL this year – on Aug. 28 in Doha and hosts the Qatari giant on Sept. 18 in Tehran.

Kashima Antlers from Japan, who has not gone beyond the quarter-final stage, will welcome China PR’s Tianjin Quanjian.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, champion in 2006 and 2016, will lock horns with fellow Korea Republic side Suwon Samsung Bluewings, who has also won the title twice – in the 2000/01 and 2001/02 seasons.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Newspapers today continued to cover the Iranian officials’ reactions to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s anti-Tehran comments.

Also a top story today was the ongoing tension between North Korea and the US, particularly the recent threatening rhetoric by US Vice-President Mike Pence against Pyongyang.

The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:

 

19 Dey:

1- Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi Urges Political Factions to Be Reconciled

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Abrar:

1- Palestine Officially Reports Israeli Atrocities to The Hague

2- UK Foreign Secretary: Pompeo Has Failed in Starting All-Out Talks with Iran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Afkar:

1- Iran Nuclear Chief: We’re Fully Prepared to Increase Level of Our Uranium Enrichment

2- Senior MP: Talks with Europe Aimed at Giving Them Final Ultimatum

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Europe’s Trick against Sanctions: EU to Pay Iran’s Oil Money through European Central Banks

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Asrar:

1- Araqchi Warns: It’s Not Possible to Link JCPOA to Other Issues

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Ebtekar:

1- Top Security Official: Iran’s Presence in Iraq, Syria at Their Request

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Etemad:

1- Mike Pence Threatens North Korea: Either Deal or Turning into Libya

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Ettela’at:

1- Iran’s Shamkhani: Closed Case of Nuclear Talks Will Never Be Opened Again

2- Labour Minister: 63% of Iranian People Interested Domestic Products in Case of High Quality

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Iran:

1- Rouhani in Friendly Meeting with Athletes: We Should Promote Women’s Sports

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Javan:

1- US Allies Say No to Threat of “Either Everything or Nothing”

  • US Accusations against Iran Not Heard Even by Europeans

2- Colonialist Bill Not Approved in Parliament Thanks to Lawmakers’ Pressure on Speaker

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Global Reactions to US Secretary of State’s Anti-Iran Comments

2- Civil Servants in France Go on Strike

3- Seven Italian Energy Firms to Arrive in Iran in July

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Kayhan:

1- CNN: Pompeo’s Comments Proved Iran Leader’s Stances towards US

2- Baghdad University Professor: Muqtada al-Sadr Has Deep Ties with Iran, Leader

3- 138 MPs Vote for Postponement of Bill that Was against National Security

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Khorasan:

1- Turkey Stealing Iranian Celebrities: Turks Claim Avicenna Was Turkish Scientist

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Rah-e Mardom:

1- Mogherini: No Alternative to Iran Nuclear Deal

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Resalat:

1- Mohammad Javad Larijani: JCPOA Dead, EU Eating the Corpse

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Rooyesh-e Mellat:

1- Iran Parliament Speaker: Pompeo Didn’t Deserve a Response

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Shahrvand:

1- Plan to Dispatch Certain MPs, Executives to FIFA World Cup Sparks Controversy

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Shargh:

1- Zarif: US Diplomacy Sham Merely Regression to Old Habits

 A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Sobh-e Now:

1- Parliament to Probe into Government’s Secret Talks with Telegram

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23


 

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- Europe’s Diplomatic Trap

  • Will Europeans Give Iran Guarantees against US Sanctions?

2- Rouhani to US Top Diplomat: Who Are YOU to Make Decision for Iran, World?

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on May 23

Iranian Wunderkind Aspiring to Become World’s Best Footballer One Day

Arat Hosseini, the son of Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, was born in the northern Iranian city of Babol on October 10, 2013. Coached by his father, the child prodigy has been practicing gymnastics and acrobatics since he was only 6 months old.

Arat’s talent was spotted when he was 7 months old, and now, only 4 years of age, he can do difficult and complicated acrobatics such as somersaults, jumping from great heights, and maintaining his equilibrium in hard situations.

Arat put on display one of his performances in a sports event in China a few weeks ago. His father hopes Arat will one day come out on top in a sport which he is talented in, and bring honour upon his family and the country.

Iranian Wunderkind Aspiring to Become World’s Best Footballer One DayArat along with his father had an interview with Varzesh3 website at its office where they talked about their dreams.

Dear Arat, what do you like to be in the future?

An Olympic champ, he said.

Arat’s father went on to say, “He tells me he wants to be the best footballer in the world. We’ve just started, and Arat has shown that he has what it takes to reach his goals.”

Arat’s father also talked about how he discovered his son’s talent.

“Arat has a series of capabilities which we nurtured. He got started when he was three or four months old. He began doing somersaults when he was six months old, which was interesting for everyone around the world.

 Dear Arat, what football team or footballer do you like?

Messi, Ronaldo, he said.

Arat’s father also told us about the title his son was given in international contests.

“In each four matches that Arat attended, he was regarded as one of the top ten wunderkinds in the contests. The Chinese called him a prodigy,” said his father.

Iranian Wunderkind Aspiring to Become World’s Best Footballer One DayDear Arat, what animation character do you like?

Messi and Hercules, he noted.

Arat did not know much about the names of cartoon programs!

His father told us about it.

“The time he spends on watching TV is near zero. He only has one or two hours a week to watch television,” says his father, adding, “I think he’d better play other games.”

Arat’s father also said interesting things about when his son started his pre-school classes.

“Basically, he must attend pre-school classes for two more years. (In the meantime, Arat said he did not want to attend classes for another two years.) But we have decided that he should either not go to school or study with private tutors,” said Arat’s father.

His father also told us about the prospects of his son’s future career.

“Arat’s sports path has completely changed. If football is included in the Olympics, Arat, as he himself has said, should be able to become an Olympic champion.”

Arat’s father said he will consult football clubs for that, “but at the moment, I’m taking care of it myself.”

“He should be at least 7 or 8 years old in order to join a club, and I think if we continue this way, he will be able to join one of the world’s best [football] clubs at that age,” Arat’s father noted.