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Pakistan decries India’s ‘act of war’

By
IFP Media Wire
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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided on Wednesday over a National Security Committee meeting, whose participants condemned the “illegal acts” of India, describing them as “blatant violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which manifestly constituted acts of war under international law”.

“The deliberate targeting of civilians, including innocent women and children, by the Indian military constitutes a heinous and shameful crime, that is in violation of all norms of human behaviour and the provisions of international law,” a committee statement read.

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also declared that Islamabad “won’t take long to settle the score” and stated that military operations were already under way.

India launched a massive military bombardment overnight called “Operation Sindoor”, striking nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing at least 26 people. In response, Pakistan said it struck Indian military targets and claimed to have shot down several warplanes, resulting in at least 10 deaths.

Residents of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said they fled their homes and ran into surrounding hills as India launched air attacks on part of the city.

“The whole house moved. Everyone got scared, we all evacuated, took our kids and went up [into the hills],” Muhammad Shair Mir, 46, told Reuters news agency.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stressed on Wednesday that New Delhi carried out the strikes after its intelligence monitoring showed that “further attacks against India were impending”.

“Therefore, it was necessary to take preemptive and precautionary strikes,” he noted during a joint news conference with top Indian military commanders.

The military added that it targeted “terrorist camps” that served as recruitment centres, launchpads, and indoctrination centres, and sites housing weapons and training facilities.

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution,” it stated.

The strikes followed an attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir in March, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-backed armed groups.

In New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the latest deadly exchange.

Modi had cancelled his trip to Europe after the fighting broke out. He has yet to respond to allegations by Pakistan that he carried out the attacks to “shore up” domestic support.

While India insisted that the attacks only targeted armed groups, Pakistan claimed that many of those who were killed and wounded were civilians, including four children.

In Punjab, the Pakistani military also claimed that Indian missiles hit a mosque in the city of Bahawalpur, killing a child and wounding two other people.

Al Jazeera’s reporter from Islamabad said that in response to the Indian strikes, Pakistan’s air force has launched retaliatory operations and claimed to have downed Indian military aircraft, including a Sukhoi and MiG jets.

“The Pakistani air force said that its jet fighters have not crossed into Indian airspace during the operation, and they said that all its aircraft have returned to base unharmed.”

There was no immediate response from the Indian military about the strikes, Hyder added.

Funeral rites are set to begin for those killed in the Indian attacks, which targeted cities Muzaffarabad and Kotli, both in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Earlier, Hyder also reported that heavy shelling had resumed on the Line of Control that separates Pakistan-administered Kashmir from Indian-administered Kashmir.

“The escalation is something that everyone is watching to see … what Pakistan’s next reaction would be,” he added.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, former Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar blamed India for the “unprovoked and unsubstantiated” attack against her country, adding that New Delhi is “playing with fire”.

Khar said that Islamabad has been “warning the world” about India’s “lack of adherence to international law” regarding the situation in Kashmir.

“Now it has upped the ante of being the aggressor and operating with impunity,” she added.

Diplomats have piled pressure on leaders of both countries to step back.

“The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement.

Iraqi culture minister impressed by Tehran International Book Fair’s scale, diversity

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Speaking after visiting Iraq’s national pavilion – the guest of honor at this year’s fair – Fakak praised the number of participating publishers and the wide variety of titles on display.

“I’ve just visited the Iraqi booth, but I’m already impressed by the immense scale of the Tehran Book Fair. I hope I’ll have time to see all it has to offer,” he said.

The event was inaugurated earlier in the day with the participation of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Minister of Culture Seyyed Abbas Salehi.

More than 30 Iraqi publishers and cultural figures, both public and private, are participating in this year’s edition.

Minister Salehi emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy between Iran and Iraq, highlighting shared historical and cultural ties.

He expressed hope that Iraq’s prominent presence would mark a new chapter in bilateral cultural cooperation, particularly in publishing.

Fakak’s visit is expected to conclude by the end of the day, following further discussions with his Iranian counterpart on expanding cultural collaboration.

Iran denounces reported US plan to rename Persian Gulf as ‘hostile political move’

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Abbas Araghchi

In a statement posted Wednesday on X social media platform, formerly Twitter, Araghchi said, “The name Persian Gulf, like many geographical designations, is deeply rooted in human history. Iran has never objected to the use of names such as the Sea of Oman, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, or Red Sea. The use of these names does not imply ownership by any particular nation, but rather reflects a shared respect for the collective heritage of humanity.”

He added, “In contrast, politically motivated attempts to alter the historically established name of the Persian Gulf are indicative of hostile intent toward Iran and its people, and are firmly condemned. Such biased actions are an affront to all Iranians, regardless of their background or place of residence.”

Calling the rumors “absurd,” Araghchi expressed hope that the claims were no more than a disinformation campaign by “forever warriors” to anger Iranians all over the world and agitate them.

He further noted that even regional leaders used the name “Persian Gulf” in official documents until the late 1960s and published a historical US Library of Congress map that uses the same name.

“While any short-sighted step in this connection will have no validity or legal or geographical effect, it will only bring the wrath of all Iranians from all walks of life and political persuasion in Iran, the U.S. and across the world,” he stated.

The reaction came following media reports that Trump intends to declare the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” during his upcoming visit to the region.

Almost half of Gazans willing to leave enclave: Poll

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza War

The survey by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research was based on polling of people across the Gaza Strip and in the occupied West Bank between May 1-4, some six weeks after Israeli forces resumed operations in Gaza following the breakdown of a brief ceasefire.

The Center, a think tank based in Ramallah and funded by Western donors, said in the report that 49% of those surveyed declared that they would be willing to apply to Israel to help them emigrate via Israeli ports and airports, against 50% who said they would not be willing to do so.

Israeli officials have stated that Israel will help Gazans who wish to leave the enclave but it has made little headway persuading other countries to accept them.

Although Israel’s 19-month campaign has reduced most of Gaza to rubble and a blockade on aid since March has left the 2.3 million population increasingly short of food, many Palestinians believe that leaving would mean effectively surrendering their home to Israel.

Hardline Israeli ministers have made little secret of their wish to see the whole Gaza population moved out of the enclave, in line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to redevelop Gaza as a coastal resort under American control.

The survey also found that 48% of Palestinians in Gaza supported the series of anti-Hamas demonstrations that sprang up in various places around the enclave, a much higher level than among Palestinians in the West Bank, where only 14% backed the protests, a rare public show of opposition to the militant group.

At the same time, 54% of Gazans also thought the protests, which Hamas said were set up by Israeli intelligence services, were steered by outside hands and only 20% said they expressed the real opinion of the population.

The Center said the survey’s sample was 1,270 with a margin of error of +/-3.5%.

Ancient Zahhak Castle stands as timeless sentinel in northwestern Iran

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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With origins dating back over 2,000 years, the fortress is believed to have been constructed during the Parthian and Sasanian eras.

Built with distinctive red brickwork, Zahhak Castle sits majestically among the Surmeli Mountains, flanked by the Qaranqoo and Shurchai rivers. Its strategic position and architectural design suggest it once served both defensive and religious purposes.

According to some researchers, the castle may have functioned as a sanctuary dedicated to Anahita, the ancient Persian goddess of water and fertility.

The site spans approximately 10 kilometers in length and 2 kilometers in width, making it one of the more expansive archaeological remains in the region.

One of its most prominent surviving features is a well-preserved chahartaqi, a domed structure commonly found in Zoroastrian architecture.

Spring, especially the months of April and May, is considered the best time to visit Zahhak Castle, when the surrounding nature is in full bloom and the weather is ideal for exploration.

Legal expert warns: Using ‘Arabian Gulf’ could spark global backlash from Iranians

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Nasri wrote in a post on his X media platform account on Wednesday, “If Donald Trump were to announce that the US will now refer to the Persian Gulf as Arabian Gulf, it would provoke widespread protests.”

Nasri stated that millions of Iranian expatriates across the U.S. and around the world are likely to react strongly outside American embassies.

He emphasized that Iranians of all political backgrounds will unite to defend the historical name “Persian Gulf,” which is recognized by the United Nations and most international bodies.

“Nothing would more effectively unite Iranians of all political stripes against the US than calling the Persian Gulf by a sake name,” he reiterated.

The reaction came after reports emerged that Trump plans to announce while on his trip to Saudi Arabia next week that the US will now refer to the Persian Gulf as the “Arabian Gulf” or the “Gulf of Arabia.”

The naming of the body of water has long been a sensitive and symbolic issue for Iranians, who see the use of “Arabian Gulf” as a deliberate and provocative distortion of history.

Israeli plan to expand Gaza war means ‘sacrificing’ captives: Hamas

By
IFP Media Wire
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Israel Hostages

On Sunday, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to expand its ongoing war on Gaza and occupy territory inside the Palestinian enclave.

“The approval of the (Israeli) occupation cabinet of plans to expand its ground offensive in Gaza represents an explicit decision to sacrifice the Israeli hostages in the enclave,” Hamas said in a statement.

It called the Israeli decision “a reproduction of the cycle of failure” over the past 20 months without “achieving its declared goals.”

Hamas added Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments about expanding the war on Gaza “reflect his insistence on committing more crimes against civilians under a cover provided by the US administration.”

It appealed to the Arab and Islamic nations, the UN, and the international community “to take immediate action to curb the fascist occupation government, and bring its leaders to international justice.”

Israeli estimates suggest that 59 captives remain in Gaza, with 24 believed alive. In contrast, more than 9,500 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israel under harsh conditions, including reports of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights organizations.

More than 52,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Tehran launches 36th International Book Fair with over 2,300 publishers

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

Held at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla complex, this year’s fair spans nearly 75,000 square meters of indoor space and will run for 11 days, welcoming over 2,300 publishers from Iran and abroad.

Key officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Culture Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi, attended the opening ceremony.

The exhibition is divided into several thematic sections, including educational publishers, the children and young adult section, university-level publishers, and Arabic and Latin books.

The main hall hosts general publishers, and the international and media section.

Iraq is the official guest of honor this year.

A key highlight is the launch of the first Tehran Literary Fellowship Program, set to open on May 12 with participation from domestic and international publishers and cultural figures.

Special subsidies for book purchases are available to students, scholars, and seminary members, with individual allowances co-funded by the Ministry of Culture and the participants.

Taremi makes history as first Iranian to register goal contribution in UCL semi-final

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The forward delivered a crucial assist for Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi during their dramatic 4-3 win over FC Barcelona at San Siro.

The match, officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, was the second leg of the semi-final, and saw Inter Milan edge past the Spanish giants in a thrilling contest.

Taremi was introduced midway through the second half and made an immediate impact with his intelligent movement and decisive passing.

Beyond the assist, Taremi impressed with his overall performance – winning 7 duels, recording 3 clearances, and making 5 ball recoveries.

His technical composure and tactical awareness significantly influenced Inter’s tempo and control in the latter stages of the game.

Rated 7.46 by football analytics platform WhoScored, Taremi earned a place among Inter Milan’s top performers of the night, underlining his importance to the squad during one of the club’s most pivotal matches in recent years.

Trump plans to announce name change for ‘Persian Gulf’: AP

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Persian Gulf

The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

The Persian Gulf has been widely known by that name since the 16th century, although usage of “Gulf of Arabia” and “Arabian Gulf” is dominant in many countries in the Middle East.

The government of Iran threatened to sue Google in 2012 over the company’s decision not to label the body of water at all on its maps.

On Google Maps in the U.S., the body of water appears as Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf). Apple Maps only says the Persian Gulf.

The U.S. military for years has unilaterally referred to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf in statements and images it releases.

The name of the body of water has become an emotive issue for Iranians who embrace their country’s long history as the Persian Empire. A spat developed in 2017 during Trump’s first term when he used the name Arabian Gulf for the waterway.

Iran’s president at the time, Hassan Rouhani, suggested Trump needed to “study geography.”

“Everyone knew Trump’s friendship was for sale to the highest bidder. We now know that his geography is, too,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote online at the time.

Trump can change the name for official U.S. purposes, but he can’t dictate what the rest of the world calls it.

The International Hydrographic Organization — of which the United States is a member — works to ensure all the world’s seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted uniformly, and also names some of them. There are instances where countries refer to the same body of water or landmark by different names in their own documentation.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Trump is also set to visit Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which also lie on the body of water. Originally planned as Trump’s first trip overseas since he took office on Jan. 20, it comes as Trump has tried to draw closer to the Persian Gulf countries as he seeks their financial investment in the U.S. and support in regional conflicts, including resolving the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and limiting Iran’s nuclear program.

The U.S. president also has significant financial ties to the countries through his personal businesses, over which he has retained ownership from the Oval Office.

The move comes several months after Trump stated the U.S. would refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

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