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Deputy Foreign Minister: Contradictory US positions affect atmosphere of talks with Iran

By
IFP Media Wire
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Majid Takht Ravanchi

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in an exclusive interview with a Fars News Agency correspondent on the sidelines of the Tehran Dialogue Forum, referred to recent remarks by Steve Witkoff, the US senior negotiator, about uranium enrichment in Iran—specifically that even one percent enrichment is unacceptable.

Takht-Ravanchi added, “Witkoff once said that Iran does not need enrichment beyond 3.67 percent. Then he said that even one percent is unacceptable. It’s unclear what their actual position is.”

He stated: “Such contradictory or conflicting positions do have an impact on the negotiations.”

He further noted: “Enrichment is a very critical issue. The Americans are aware of our sensitivities, positions, and rights—so we’ll see what stance they take in practice.”

He also mentioned that the time and location of the fifth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US have not yet been determined.

Regarding talks between Iran and Europe, Takht-Ravanchi said: “In our discussions, the Europeans have expressed interest in maintaining contact with us at various levels. We are in contact at the deputy foreign minister level and in capitals, and at the ministerial level, a time still needs to be set.”

He emphasized: “Talks with Europe have always been ongoing and have not been cut off.”

On Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he stated: “We are working with the Agency. Our cooperation with the IAEA is good, and we hope it continues so that our interactions with the Agency remain on the right track.”

EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions over Ukraine war

By
IFP Media Wire
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EU Ukraine

“New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works,” Kallas said on X.

The step comes as the U.S. signals disinterest in imposing additional sanctions against Russia, even as Moscow refuses Western-backed ceasefire proposals.

The 17th package was supported by EU ambassadors last week, but has since then been criticized as weak and watered down.

The new sanctions target members of Russia’s military and political elite and foreign entities in China or the United Arab Emirates, accused of helping the Kremlin evade already-imposed measures.

The EU will also sanction more than 20 entities and individuals disseminating disinformation, and 20 judges and prosecutors involved in legal cases against Russian opposition, specifically Vladimir Kara-Murza and late Alexei Navalny.

The package also targets components vital to Russia’s defense industry, namely chemicals, materials, and dual-use goods.

The EU has threatened Russia with additional sanctions unless President Vladimir Putin commits to a ceasefire and agrees to seriously engage in peace efforts. President Volodymyr Zelensky also announced that a new “strong EU sanctions package” is underway.

While European leaders have proclaimed that additional sanctions are coordinated with Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump, who held a phone call with Putin on May 19, said he does not intend to impose new measures on Moscow to avoid disrupting peace efforts.

EU reaches initial deal to lift Syria’s economic sanctions: Report

By
IFP Media Wire
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Ahmed al-Sharaa

Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states struck a preliminary agreement for the move, which should be formally unveiled by foreign ministers meeting in Brussels later on Tuesday, diplomats said, noting that the final decision is up to ministers.

This follows an announcement by the United States last week that it is lifting sanctions on Damascus.

The country’s new leadership has urged the West to ease the restrictions to help Syria recover from years of despotic rule and civil war.

EU diplomats told the AFP news agency the agreement should see sanctions cutting Syrian banks off from the global system and freezing central bank assets lifted.

But diplomats said the bloc was intending to impose new individual sanctions on those responsible for stirring ethnic tensions, following deadly attacks targeting the Alawite minority.

Other measures targeting the al-Assad government and prohibiting the sale of weapons or equipment that could be used to repress civilians were set to remain in place.

The latest move from the EU comes after its first step in February, suspending some sanctions on key Syrian economic sectors.

Officials said those measures could be reimposed if Syria’s new leaders break promises to respect the rights of minorities and move towards democracy.

More than 20 countries urge Israel to allow full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza War

In a joint statement, foreign ministers of the countries including Australia, Canada, Japan and France, stressed that the population faces starvation and Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.

Recalling that Israel’s security cabinet is said to have approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support, the statement stressed that humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone.

” Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change,” the readout said.

“As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.”

The statement reiterated an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution, “the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.”

The joint statement was signed by EU officials and the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Israel, which abandoned the Jan. 19 ceasefire with Hamas, has kept all crossings into Gaza closed to food, medical, and humanitarian aid since March 2, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Sunday that Tel Aviv will permit the entry of “a basic quantity of food” for Gaza’s population “to prevent the emergence of a hunger crisis.”

He said a famine “could jeopardize the continuation of Operation Gideon’s Chariot,” referring to a new phase of Israel’s ground offensive in northern and southern Gaza.

The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing more than 53,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

3 more UNRWA staff killed in Gaza, total surpasses 300

By
IFP Media Wire
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UNRWA

“Tragically, three more UNRWA staff were killed today,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a press briefing.

UNRWA announced Sunday the death toll among its personnel had reached “the gruesome milestone of 300,” most of whom were killed by Israeli forces along with their children and loved ones.

“The vast majority of staff were killed by the Israeli Army with their children & loved ones: whole families wiped out,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement.

“Several were killed in the line of duty while serving their communities,” he added.

“Nothing justifies these killings,” Lazzarini said, adding, “Impunity will lead to more killing. Those responsible must be held accountable.”

Established in 1949, UNRWA has served as a critical lifeline for Palestinian refugees, supporting nearly 5.9 million people across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Since March 2, Israel has kept Gaza crossings closed to food, medical, and humanitarian aid, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave, according to government, human rights, and international reports.

Nearly 2.4 million people in Gaza live completely dependent on humanitarian aid.

The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 53,000 Palestinians so far, most of them women and children.

More Saudi airlines set to fly to Iran: Official

By
IFP Media Wire
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Jeddah Airport

The announcement came after a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority visited Imam Khomeini Airport City (IKAC) to finalize the details of the new flight routes, the airport complex reported on Monday.

Observers identified the visit, which had been coordinated by Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, as a crucial step in re-establishing air travel links between the two sides, which had been suspended for nearly a decade due to a diplomatic standoff.

Attending the meeting, Mahra bin Basin bin Mubarrad al-Mushri, a senior representative of the Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized that “arrangements are currently underway,” and flights by other airlines from Saudi Arabia would soon be operating to Tehran.

Saeid Chalandari, IKAC’s CEO, welcomed the Saudi delegation and highlighted the airport’s preparedness to handle the expected increase in flights.

Chalandari assured that Imam Khomeini International Airport, as part of the global air traffic network, prioritized aviation safety and security, and looked forward to enhancing cooperation with Saudi airlines to facilitate new flight routes.

The visit also included an inspection of passenger and cargo operations at the airport’s terminals 1 and Salam, where the delegation observed the facility’s operational readiness to accommodate the increasing flow of travelers.

On the evening of Saturday, May 17, Flynas, a private Saudi airline, operated a flight as part of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Flight XY8496 had arrived at IKAC from the Saudi port city of Jeddah, and after a brief stop, departed back to the kingdom.

The flight marked a landmark moment in restoration of operational ties between Tehran and Riyadh. It was part of an agreement between the countries to transport Iranian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Flynas is reportedly expected to operate 224 round-trip flights by July 1, 2025, with approximately 37,000 Iranian pilgrims to be transported to Saudi Arabia. It will handle flights from the holy city of Mashhad and some routes from Tehran, while Iran Air, the Islamic Republic’s flag carrier, will manage the remaining routes.

The resumption of direct flights between Iran and Saudi Arabia came after a seven-year diplomatic hiatus, which was officially ended in February 2023.

The breakthrough, facilitated by a China-brokered agreement, was followed by former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi’s accepting an invitation to visit the kingdom.airport

Majority of Americans believe Putin stalling peace talks, back sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate: Survey

By
IFP Media Wire
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Putin

Two-thirds of poll respondents said that they believe Putin is “playing games and stalling” in peace deal negotiations involving the United States, with only 34% of respondents believing Putin “genuinely wants to end the war.” In contrast, 62% of respondents believed President Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to end the war.

A further 62% of respondents also indicated that that the “Trump administration (should) continue to provide weaponry to Ukraine and impose further economic sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate” a peace deal, with 38% of respondents against additional weaponry and sanctions.

The survey, which was fielded May 14-15, pre-dates U.S. President Donald Trump’s phone call with Putin on May 19.

Following Trump’s two-hour phone call with the Russian president, Putin once again did not agree to a ceasefire, instead offering to negotiate a “memorandum regarding a potential future peace treaty” with Ukraine.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office following the phone call that he will not impose further sanctions against Russia “because there’s a chance” of progress towards a ceasefire

“Because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse,” Trump said.

In separate comments to reporters following the phone call, Trump responded that he trusts Putin and believes he wants peace.

Despite Trump’s efforts to broker a peace deal, 59% of respondents indicated that they believe Trump is “not tough enough” when dealing with Putin, while 31% believed Trump’s demeanor with Putin to be “about right.” A further 10% of respondents said Trump was “too tough” with Putin.

Respondents were also relatively split as to whether they believe Trump will successfully negotiate the end of the war, with 58% of respondents saying that Trump will “not solve” the war, while 42% of respondents believe Trump will help end the war.

Initially elected on the campaign promise to end the war within “24 hours,” Trump has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated at the pace of negotiations. On May 19, Trump reiterated he would abandon efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine if progress is not made.

“I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something’s going to happen. And if it doesn’t, I just back away, and they’re going to have to keep going,” Trump said.

The poll was conducted conducted online within the United States, surveying 1,903 registered voters. The poll is deemed accurate +/- 2.2 percentage point, 19 times out of 20.

Yemen’s Houthis announce naval blockade on Israeli Haifa port

By
IFP Media Wire
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Yemen Houthi

A statement by the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree warned commercial ships to keep away from the port.

“All companies with ships present in or heading to the mentioned port (of Haifa) should take into consideration the contents of this statement and that it became part of our bank of targets,” Saree said.

He, however, added that “all our measures and decisions related to the Israeli enemy will cease once the onslaught on Gaza stops and the blockade is lifted.”

The new development by the Houthi comes as flight travels are also disrupted at the Ben Gurion airport in central Israel amid an exchange of attacks between Israel and the Houthi group.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 53,500 people have been killed in the ongoing Israeli offensive.

Suspect arrested in theft of priceless manuscripts, artifacts from Iranian shrine

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Police

According to a statement released by the Kerman Police Information Center, Provincial Police Commander Brigadier General Jalil Moghufeh’i announced the arrest Monday night. The theft reportedly took place last Thursday night, prompting an immediate investigation.

The stolen items included several handwritten Qur’an volumes, ancient coins, and other historical artifacts, all linked to the cultural heritage of the shrine.

The police launched a detailed investigation of the crime scene and surrounding area, supported by intelligence agencies and under the supervision of the prosecutors in both Kerman and Mahan.

“Through diligent efforts and coordinated actions, investigators were able to identify the suspect,” General Moghufeh’i said. “He was apprehended in one of the neighborhoods of Kerman city.”

Authorities also recovered the stolen items from the suspect’s hideout. According to expert assessments, the recovered artifacts are valued at approximately $2 million, highlighting the cultural and financial significance of the theft.

Co-operative Group members vote to ban Israeli products from British supermarkets

By
IFP Media Wire
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Around 73 percent of the consumer co-op’s members supported the non-binding motion that called on the board to show “moral courage and leadership” by banning Israeli products.

The motion cited a previous motion passed following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to “boycott Russian products”.

“We urge the board to show moral courage and leadership, apply the same ethical principles and values it did to Russia, and take all Israeli products off the shelves,” read the motion.

While the board is not obliged to implement the demands of the motion, it said it would take it into consideration as it reviewed the Co-op’s sourcing policy.

“We expect our review on the sourcing policy to complete towards the end of the summer,” stated a spokesperson for the board.

Campaigners with the Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) movement have since 2005 called for consumers to boycott Israeli products until it complies with its obligations under international law.

Following the Hamas-led attack and Israel’s bombing and invasion of Gaza in late 2023, the BDS movement has stepped up its calls over what it says is a genocide currently taking place in the enclave.

The health ministry announced the number of people killed in Gaza since the war began had reached 53,500, with 121,500 others wounded. More than 10,000 Palestinians are also missing and presumed dead.

There have been boycotts in many parts of the world against US companies over the country’s support for Israel.

Pakistan’s interior ministry said on Saturday that around 160 people had been arrested after groups of Palestine supporters carried out 20 separate attacks on KFC restaurants, with one employee shot dead.

Calls for boycott intensified after Israeli franchises of international brands, such as McDonald’s and Pizza Hut, offered free meals to Israeli soldiers before the war on Gaza began.

Local franchises of such brands are usually operating on a licence basis, where a local company adopts the menu, uniforms, and branding of the company to sell to a local market.

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