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Iran, Russia Condemn US ‘Pre-Planned’ Syria Strike

Iran, Russia Condemn US 'Pre-Planned' Syria Strike

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri and his Russian counterpart, Valery Vasilevich Gerasimov, held a phone call on Saturday after US warships in the eastern Mediterranean launched a barrage of 59 Tomahawk missiles against Shayrat Airfield in Syria’s Homs Province early on Friday.

Baqeri and Gerasimov expressed their countries’ resolve to fight Takfiri terrorism and vowed to step up anti-terror operations in cooperation with the Syrian government until the complete defeat of terrorists and their allies.

 

Iran, Russia to Boost Fight against Terrorism: Shamkhani

Also on Saturday, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani warned about the destabilizing impacts of the US aggressive and illegal moves in the Middle East, saying Iran and Russia would continue to strongly fight terrorism in the region.

“The path of firmly countering terrorism will continue through further strategic cooperation among Iran, Syria, Russia and the resistance front,” Shamkhani said in a phone conversation with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Nikolai Patrushev.

 

He called for the formation of an independent international fact-finding committee to clarify various aspects of a gas attack in the Syrian town of Khan Shaykhun in Idlib Province which killed at least 86 people.

The SNSC secretary said Syria’s chemical weapons had been dismantled over the recent years under the supervision of the United Nations.

The chemical attack in Idlib has been definitely carried out by a “third party and with the purpose of creating a pretext to carry out a military attack on Syria,” Shamkhani said.

 

Anti-Damascus militants and Western countries rushed to blame Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the tragedy in Idlib, without providing any evidence to support their accusations.

Syria has categorically denied carrying out the gas attack, with Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem stressing that the Idlib airstrike had targeted a depot, where terrorists stored chemical weapons.

The senior Russian security official, for his part, condemned the US strikes against Syria as a blatant breach of international regulations and said the move would further help terrorists operating in the region.

Following Washington’s unprecedented offensive, a Russian Foreign Ministry statement said that Moscow was suspending the 2015 air safety agreement with Washington aimed at avoiding mid-air collisions during their military missions in the Syrian airspace.

Hours later, a US-led coalition spokesman confirmed that Russia had notified the alliance of its intent to halt the deal.

Russia has secured its Syrian bases in Hmeimim and Tartus with S-300 and S-400 missile defense systems.

Syria’s S-200 air defense systems have been restored with Russia’s help, TASS reported, adding that those complexes were also deployed to provide protection for the Russian military in eastern Syria.

Syria Chemical Incident Caused by Third Party: Iranian Official

shamkhani and Russian

Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani discussed the recent US military strike on Syria’s al-Shayrat airbase with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev.

The two sides conferred on the issue during a telephone conversation on Saturday, according to a Farsi report by ISNA.

During the phone call, Shamkhani underlined the need for the establishment of an independent international committee to investigate the suspicious chemical incident in Idlib.

Syria’s chemical weapons had been destroyed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in previous years, Shamkhani noted.

Therefore, he added, the Tuesday chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun was definitely launched by a third party in an attempt to create a pretext for a military attack on Syria.

He further blasted the US missile attack on the Syrian airbase on Friday, and stressed that the ‘aggressive and illegal’ move will only strengthen the terrorists and disrupt the ongoing fight against terrorism pursued by the governments of Russia, Syria, and Iran under the UN supervision.

Patrushev, for his part, strongly denounced the US military attack on Syria and described it as a blatant violation of international laws.

“The US move was a clear invasion of an independent country, and despite what the US government claims, served the interests of terrorists,” he noted.

The Russian official pointed to the US history of raising false allegations about Weapons of Mass Destruction [the claims about Iraq’s possession of WMDs], and said the recent political fuss on Syria is just aimed at disrupting the process of resolving the Syrian crisis and increasing pressures on the legitimate government of Bashar al-Assad.

Early Days of Spring in Iran’s Ardabil

Early Days of Spring in Iran’s Ardabil

Here are Tasnim’s photos of the early days of spring in Ardabil province in northwest of Iran:

Canadian Women Employees No Longer Forced to Wear High Heels

Canadian Women Employees No Longer Forced to Wear High Heels

The British Columbia government ruled that requiring women employees to wear high heels at work is a health and safety issue, putting workers at risk of slipping or falling as well as long-term injuries to the feet, legs and back.

Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver filed a private member’s bill on International Women’s Day in March which would have ended gender-specific dress codes.

The Government eventually adopted an amended version of Mr Weaver’s proposal.

British Columbia’s Workers’ Compensation Act will “ensure that workplace footwear is of a design, construction and material that allows the worker to safely perform their work and ensures that employers cannot require footwear contrary to this standard”.

“This change will let employers know that the most critical part of an employee’s footwear is that it is safe,” Labour Minister Shirley Bond said in a statement, The Independent reported.

“I expect employers to recognise this very clear signal that forcing someone to wear high heels at work is unacceptable.”

Mr Weaver also welcomed the new laws, saying women wearing heels at work faced “sexism, objectification, bleeding feet, sore knees, hips, backs and long-term damage.”

In the UK, MPs recently debated discriminatory dress codes, after a petition calling for a ban on women wearing high heels at work gathered more than 150,000 signatures.

Nicola Sharp, a receptionist, started the petition after she was sent home from work for refusing to wear high heels.

US Attack on Syria Sows Terrorism, as in Sweden: Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi made the remark on Saturday, a day after a truck plowed into a crowd in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, killing four people and injuring 15 others.

“We witnessed the criminal act by one of the disciples of ‘the ideology of ossification, madness, and massacre’ amid the ecstasy of certain Western and Arab countries over the US’s open aggression against Syria,” Qassemi said.

The US on Friday launched missiles at a Syrian airbase under the pretext that the facility had been used to launch a “chemical attack” against anti-Damascus militants.

Qassemi condemned the attack and sympathized with the Swedish government and people as well as the survivors of “the terrorist crime.”

The Iranian official denounced the deadly incident as “a flagrant attempt at resuscitating terrorism’s moribund body in the [Middle East] region.”

The terrorist attack in Stockholm, he said, showed that terrorism — which some countries openly or secretly support — knows no boundaries.

Qassemi concluded his remarks by urging international consensus, accompanied by “serious determination and an honest approach” toward the eradication of terrorism.

Terrorists Celebrating US Strike on Syria: Iran’s President

On US President Donald Trump’s order, the US military launched 59 missiles in the early hours of Friday targeting an airbase in the Syrian province of Homs. The attack came in response to an alleged chemical attack on Idlib, which the US blames on the Syrian government.

According to a Farsi report by IRNA, Iranian President Rouhani condemned the attack on Saturday, saying the US thinks of itself as the world’s police and leader and decides to take actions unilaterally.

“They attacked a Syrian airbase with their missiles overnight and martyred a number of innocent people. What was the occasion and reason for invading an independent state? The gentleman currently ruling the country used to claim that he intended to fight terrorists. Nevertheless, [currently] all the terrorists in Syria are happy and celebrating thanks to the move by the US.”

“If the US government was telling the truth [about its anti-terrorism plans and intentions], why did it support terrorists and become their sponsor in its first move?” he asked, speaking in a conference in the Iranian Ministry of Interior.

Addressing the US government, President Rouhani asked, “Why did you take action against the Syrian army which is fighting against terrorists? Why have you taken unilateral action against Syria and launched your missiles from the Mediterranean Sea? What permit did you have for such a move? Which law had authorized you to carry out the attack? You did not even obtain any permit from the UN and your own Congress, which both have many flaws, and invasively, flagrantly and cruelly invaded Syria irrespective of and against all the international principles.”

The Iranian president further called for the establishment of a fact finding committee to probe into the alleged use of chemicals in the Tuesday attack on Khan Shaykhun, which was used by the US as a pretext to attack the Syrian airbase on Friday.

Rouhani said, “Of course, biased people should not be appointed to the committee. In addition, the US should not preside over such a board. The commission is required to be chaired and served on by impartial countries and people to be able to examine the issue and determine the veracity of the claims about the use of chemical weapons by Syria: Where have these weapons come from? Who has supplied them? Have there been any chemical weapons at all?”

He noted that two years ago, the officials of the United Nations (UN) announced that they had collected all the chemical weapons from Syria.

Therefore, he added, it is required to be determined where the claims about the use of such weapons have come from.

He further urged the Iranian nation to be united and cognizant more than ever, as no one knows what the people who have come into power in the US are plotting to do to the region and the world.

“We are required to be consciously devising clever plans to be prepared for different possibilities.”

Attack on Syrian Airbase Proves Washington’s Support for Terrorists

While the political and military trends have been towards destruction of terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, the recent US missile attack on a Syrian government’s airbase near Homs reveals a “quite purposeful” act for boosting the moral and military capabilities of terrorists, Shamkhani said on Friday evening.

His comments came after the US launched a missile attack on the Syrian government’s Shayrat Airfield near Homs with 59 tomahawk missiles on Friday. Officially announcing the strike, US President Donald Trump claimed that the targeted airfield had launched a chemical attack on the rebel-held area in Idlib.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian general reminded the US government of the “bitter experiences” in Iraq and Afghanistan in the wake of military aggression “under bogus and suspicious pretexts.”

“We hope that the new US administration would not seek the past bitter experiences for the American military forces and people in Syria,” he added.

Condemning the US missile strike as a “criminal aggression” that violates the international regulations, Shamkhani said the move was a testimony to “US continued policy of employment of terrorism to achieve political purposes.”

“Undoubtedly, such measure that will complicate the political and security situation in Syria and create dangerous and unforeseeable processes, will not undermine the Syrian government and nation’s determination to decisively fight against terrorism backed by the Western-Hebrew-Arabic front,” Shamkhani noted.

The senior official finally underlined that Iran continues to monitor the situation in Syria closely, in cooperation with its partners, and regardless of the moves by certain Western states and their regional allies, and will press on with the battle against terrorism vigorously.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8

Almost all newspapers today highlighted the US missile attacks on a Syrian airbase near Homs, and the reactions it sparked throughout the world.

Another top story was the first edition of Tehran International Marathon, which was held on Friday and provoked controversy mostly because of its women’s section.

The candidacy of Ebrahim Raeesi in Iran’s May presidential election and the conservatives’ decision to support him also received great coverage.

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

 

Abrar:

1- US Fires Missiles at Syria’s Shayrat Airfield after Khan Sheikhoun Chemical Attacks

2- We Don’t Want Confrontation with Iran, Russia: French FM

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - abrar


 

Abrar-e Eqtesadi:

1- Iran’s Exports to US More than Its Imports

2- US Permits Iran, BP to Work in Rhum Gas Field

3- Oil Price Up by 2% Following US Attack on Syria

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - abrar egtesadi


 

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Putin’s Dangerous Move

  • Russia Recognises Western Jerusalem as Israeli Capital before Europe, US

2- Iran, Bolivia, Russia Condemn US Missile Attack on Syria

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - aftab yazd


 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Trump Finally Drags US Boots on Syria’s Ground

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - arman emruz


 

Besharat-e Now:

1- 40 Days to Iran Election: Raeesi’s Bid for Presidency, Rouhani’s Silence

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - besharat no


 

Ebtekar:

1- Rouhani: Security, Nationwide Peace, His Most Important Achievements

2- Trump’s First Shot

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - ebtekar


 

Emtiaz:

1- National Report on Plasco Incident Delivered to President Rouhani

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - emtiaz


 

Etemad:

1- Rouhani: For First Time since 1950s, Iran’s Non-Oil Exports Surpass Imports

2- Rich People’s Cost of Living 17 Times More than That of the Poor

3- Spread of Depression Is Worrying: Health Minister

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - etemad


 

Ettela’at:

1- Rouhani Opens 19 Projects in Semnan Province

2- Russia Warns US of Possibility of Aerial Confrontation

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - etelaat


 

Iran:

1- Trump Starts First War 82 Days after Taking Office

2- Western Allies, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Support US Aggression; Iran, Russia Condemn It

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - iran


 

Jame Jam:

1- US Trying to Give Terrorists Artificial Respiration by Invading Syria

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - jame jam


 

Javan:

1- Europe Terrified by ISIS Communism! 5 Swedish Citizens Killed in Truck Attack

2- Iran’s Soil Being Smuggled for Persian Gulf Arabs’ Revelry

3- US Fighting on Same Side as Al-Qaeda, ISIS: Zarif

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - javan


 

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Putin: US Missile Attack on Syria to Severely Harm Moscow-Washington Ties

2- Trump: Civilised Nations Should Join Us in Syria War

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - jomhori


 

Kayhan:

1- US Officially Stands by ISIS by Attacking Syrian Airbase in Homs; Takfiris Applaud Trump

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - keyhan


 

Mardom Salari:

1- Trump’s Thirst for World War

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - mordom salari


 

Rooyesh-e Mellat:

1- US Lying about Syria: Senior Iranian Cleric

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - royesh mellat


 

Shahrvand:

1- Trump’s Adventurism: EU Was Informed of US Attack on Syria

2- Chaotic Marathon: Persia Int’l Race Held in Tehran with Lots of Controversies

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - shahrvand


 

 Shargh:

1- Raeesi’s Shock to Iran Election: Conservatives Choose Him as Rouhani’s Main Rival

2- Truck of Death in Stockholm

3- Iran Election Is Internationally Decisive: First VP

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - shargh


 

Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:

1- Deputy FM: Iran-US Military Confrontation Is Unlikely

2- Attack on Shayrat Airfield and Trump’s Chaotic Cabinet [Editorial]

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on April 8 - vaghaye

Trump Can’t Speak of Syrian Babies While Closing US Doors to Them

Clinton and Trump

Speaking at a political event in Texas on Friday, Clinton said, “It is essential that the world does more to deter Assad from committing future murderous atrocities,” Clinton said. “But the action taken last night needs to be followed by a broader strategy to end Syria’s civil war.”

Referring to Trump’s administration, she added, “I also hope that they will recognize that we cannot in one breath speak of protecting Syrian babies and in the next close American doors to them.”

According to CNN, Clinton’s remarks came as she reemerges on the political scene months after losing the 2016 presidential election to Trump, who authorized airstrikes in Syria on Thursday after blaming Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for a chemical attack in a rebel-controlled town in the war-torn country.

Saudi King Appreciates Trump’s Order to Attack Syria

King salman and Trump

United States President Donald Trump has spoken to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud by phone on Saturday regarding the Washington’s latest direct military action in Syria.

During the telephone conversation, Trump briefed the Saudi King on the launch of 59 precision guided missiles that hit Shayrat Airfield in Syria, where Washington claims Tuesday’s alleged chemical attack was launched.

On his part, Saudi King Salman congratulated the US President on “this courageous decision which serves the regional and world interest,” a statement released by SPA read.

In one of the first international reactions to the developments in Syria, Saudi Arabia on Friday said it “fully supports” US strikes on military targets in the country, adding that it was a “courageous decision” by President Donald Trump in response to the use of chemical weapons against civilians.

“A responsible source at the foreign ministry expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s full support for the American military operations on military targets in Syria, which came as a response to the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians…,” a statement carried by state news agency SPA said.

The statement praised what it described as “the courageous decision” by Trump and said it holds the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad responsible for the military strikes.

The Saudi king’s remarks came as his country has been launching deadly airstrikes against the impoverished people of Yemen for the past two years. According to the UN, the Saudi military campaign has claimed the lives of more than 11,000 Yemenis and left 40,000 others wounded.

Local Yemeni sources have already put the death toll from the Saudi war at over 12,000, including many women and children.