The Takfiri [extremist] terrorist group Tahrir al-Sham said in a social media post that five suicide bombers had carried out the attack, which it celebrated with the words “thanks be to God”, Reuters reported.
Although the government of President Bashar al-Assad has controlled most of Homs since 2014, militants and extremists still control its al-Waer district, which warplanes bombed on Saturday.
“The entire world admits that the IRGC has rendered the utmost support to [Iran’s] neighboring countries in the face of terrorism,” Zarif said on Saturday on the sidelines of a ceremony held to pay tribute to the Foreign Ministry’s martyred officials.
He pointed to the United States’ efforts to impose sanctions on the Corps and said such attempts have never benefited Washington.
The IRGC has been successfully advising Iraqi and Syrian militaries in their operations against the Daesh terrorist group and other such outfits.
However, the administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering designating the IRGC as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.” Senior security officials in the US administration, however, have warned against such a designation, drawing attention to its adverse consequences.
The US has already imposed sanctions on some Iranian individuals and entities that it claims to be linked to the IRGC.
Zarif emphasized that all countries in the region had to cooperate to fight terrorism and that fanning the flames of sectarianism benefited no one.
Iran has been under the pressure of the US sanctions for more than 30 years and Washington’s policies on the Islamic Republic are not going to change under recently inaugurated President Donald Trump, Qazizadeh Hashemi told reporters on Saturday.
Making assurances that the country will face no problem now that a new president in office in the US, the Iranian minister emphasized that the Islamic Republic is no longer reliant on the US in the fields of medication and medical equipment.
There is nothing to worry about since Iran has gained the state-of-the-art technology to produce medical drugs and equipment.
Trump took office as the 45th president of the United States on January 20. Recently, the US Treasury Department expanded a list of medical equipment that needs clearance to be sold to Iranian customers.
The Obama administration eased sanctions on the Islamic Republic as part of a landmark nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers in July 2015, including a ban on the sale of many medical devices.
According to a Farsi report by Fars News, Iran Wrestling Federation announced that Jordan Burroughs, the American freestyle wrestling champion, and his family can travel to Iran as the guests of the federation.
They are invited to make a 10-day visit to different Iranian cities and monuments.
Burroughs had shown his interest in visiting Iran again in an Instagram post after the Kermanshah Freestyle World Cup 2017.
“The deal [between Tehran and Astana] is supposed to be implemented in three years. It is expected that nearly 650 tons of the yellow cake shipment will arrive in Tehran directly in two batches during two years. The remaining 300 tons of this shipment will arrive in Tehran over the third year and will be converted to UF6 gas. It will be again delivered to Kazakhstan and the cost will be paid to Iran,” the head of AEOI, Ali Akbar Salehi, said.
“The five members of the P5+1 group had declared their written consent to the joint commission but the UK changed its mind in last minutes because of US elections. We are still waiting for the final and written consent of London,” he added, as reported by ISNA.
In response to Donald Trump’s hastily slapped-together executive order last month that blocked entry for citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Iran, the Iranian government barred visa entry for all US citizens. The move had a direct effect on the wrestling World Cup, an international competition that was set to take place in the country, where wrestling is pretty much the national sport.
The United States, of course, has some of the world’s best wrestlers; a wrestling World Cup in Iran without the Americans would be kind of like an NBA finals in the ’80s without the Celtics or Lakers. But after Iranian officials witnessed Americans protesting the president’s executive order, and after the US judicial system struck the ban down, officials reconsidered and eventually granted visas to Team USA. Maybe Iran was inspired by what it saw, or maybe it just wanted to see the world’s best wrestler compete: New Jersey native Jordan Burroughs.
In Iran, Burroughs received a superstar’s welcome, and the 28-year-old was swarmed by fans seeking selfies and autographs. GQ spoke with Burroughs this week about his experience there, what he hopes Americans can learn from his trip, and if he would ever go back to a country many Americans see as a sworn enemy of the state.
GQ: Congrats on a hell of a performance in this past World Cup. How long were you in Iran, and when did you get back?
Thank you, I appreciate it. We were in Iran for a total of eight days, and I got back home to Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sunday night.
Iran ended up winning this year’s wrestling World Cup. They consistently have some of the best wrestlers on the planet. What makes them so good?
It’s interesting, because on a personal level, after seven years on the international stage, I’ve never lost to an Iranian wrestler. But don’t get me wrong: As a team, they are always the best. This was my fifth World Cup, and in each of those competitions, we were beat by the Iranians. It just shows how high of a level those guys are consistently wrestling. Above all else, they are extremely athletic, disciplined, and know how to maintain great positioning throughout a match.
Do you think this type of dominance must have something to do with Iran’s cultural pride?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Other than the US, they’re the only other country that I’ve felt their love for sports is interwoven with their national identity. For Americans, of course, it’s football, basketball, and baseball. We live for it. In many ways, it sums up who we are. In Iran, it’s all about wrestling. The patriotism toward their country comes out in the way they wrestle, so it makes sense why they’re the best.
How difficult was it for you, as an American, to visit Iran after decades of hostile relations? And, most recently, President Trump’s travel ban?
I don’t describe myself as a nationalist, but I do love my country. What I tried to focus on, and what I wanted the Iranian people to understand, is that, listen, America is a democracy. And what that means is we vote for our public officials, and sometimes they don’t win. That means I can still love my country, while wholeheartedly being against certain policies. Donald Trump and I have very different views on Iranians. I am confident that if he ever visited the country, he’d learn a lot about the people and come back to the States with a newfound appreciation for the Persians.
That’s a bold statement. Do you fear for any repercussions it may produce here at home?
I’ve been to Iran twice now, and I can honestly say they are some of the kindest, most hospitable people in the world. It’s such an old culture, and I feel like I’m just starting to learn more about it. So, to answer your question, I’m extremely confident in making that statement and feel comfortable with whatever potential backlash may come with it.
You are considered the best 74 kg wrestler on the planet in a country that’s obsessed with the sport. Did you feel like a celebrity while you were there?
Honestly, it was insane. It seemed like the entire nation was tuned in to the tournament. Their version of ESPN was talking about the event all day long, streaming throughout millions of homes. There were fans lining the airport when we landed, and fans bidding us farewell after the competition was done. I’ve never gotten that type of reception here in the US in the stadium during the tournament, it was something else. They were cheering our names. It’s crazy, right? Here we were in the middle of Iran, and it felt like home.
Are you friends with anyone on the Iranian team?
I’ve become close with Masoud Esmaeilpour and consider him a friend. We send each other messages from time to time on Instagram, checking in to see how the other is doing. Whenever I see him, he’s always a gentleman, giving me tips about my next opponent. There is a tremendous amount of respect in our friendship.
What would you say to those Americans out there who simply don’t trust Iranians, and who believe the Muslim travel ban is smart policy?
I’d say that the way the Iranian people are portrayed in the media, and in movies, is simply false. It’s not representative of who they are as individuals. And that level of awareness is not possible unless you travel there and experience it for yourself. If you do that, if you see for yourself what it means to be Iranian, I promise you your mind will be changed.
Did you run into any issues at any point while you were there?
No, quite the opposite. At times, the love and support we received was overwhelming. We’d be preparing for a match, and the Iranians would have already formed lines of people waiting to get their picture with us, asking for our autographs. Even after the World Cup was over, there were ordinary Iranian citizens sending me and my family gifts such as traditional Kurdish clothing, a book of Persian poetry, dolls for my young children, saffron, an Iranian toffee called sohan.
If I said there was a flight waiting for you to head back to Iran right now, what would you say?
[laughs] I’d say I’m already out the front door on my way to the airport.
According to a draft document obtained by Associated Press, analysts at the US Department of Homeland Security’s intelligence unit concluded that citizenship in the targeted countries is an “unlikely indicator” of a person’s potential to conduct a terror attack.
It added that few people from those countries have carried out attacks or been involved in terrorism-related activities in the United States unlike what Trump claims.
The countries listed in the temporary travel ban were Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
“Despite being brutally oppressed and tortured by Zionists, the Palestinian nation is still showing resistance in its own country,” senior Palestine cleric Sheikh Hossein Mohammad Qassem said on February 21, during the sixth International Conference on Palestinian Intifada in Tehran.
According to a Farsi report by ICANA, he went on to say that Palestine leaders have taught this nation never to retreat from its land.
“A unique, coherent ideology is prominent all over Palestine: we teach our children to resist the enemies.”
“The Zionist regime of Israel sought to occupy not only Palestine, but the whole region as its main target,” he pointed out. “The Israeli Prime Minister stated in 1952 that this regime intended to divide the Middle East.”
He further noted that Muslim nations should point their arms at the Tel Aviv regime.
“Quds is not just Palestine’s issue; it is for the entire Muslim world.”
The Saudi FM met his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a foreign ministry official told AFP.
Another government official said it was the first visit to Baghdad by a Saudi foreign minister since 2003, marking a key step in efforts to mend frosty bilateral relations.
“This visit is to reestablish relations in a more stable way than previously,” a senior government official said. “It’s the first visit of its kind.”
The remarks made by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with a number of poets were widely covered by Iranian newspapers. Ayatollah Khamenei’s comments about the West’s effort to change the lifestyle of non-Western countries were the top story in many front pages today.
Another top story was President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Iran’s southwestern province Khuzestan and his promise to resolve the crisis-hit province’s problems.
Newspaper also covered the ongoing Environment Exhibition in Tehran and the remarks made by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at its opening ceremony about the incorrect policies of Middle Eastern countries that have led to current pollution crisis and water shortage.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:
19 Dey:
1- President Rouhani Underlines National Resolve to Settle Dust Pollution Issue
2- Zarif: Environment Is National and Regional Security Issue
3- Iran’s Nuclear Chief Warns against Penetration of Trumpism into Iran’s Domestic Politics
Abrar:
1- Ayatollah Khamenei: There Are Centres in West to Change Lifestyle in Iran
2- Mosul Airport Liberated: Iraqi Forces Enter First District in Western Mosul
3- Deputy FM: JCPOA Legitimised Iran’s Nuclear Energy Program
Abrar-e Eqtesadi:
1- Expansion of Iran-Malaysia Trade Ties Using Local Currencies
2- Goodbye to Oil-for-Goods Deals: No More Use of Barter System in Iran’s Oil Sale
3- Russia Offers to Manufacture Plane in Iran
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Hopes Returns to Khuzestan: Iranian president and cabinet members visited southwestern crisis-hit province
2- Saudi Minister: Iranian Pilgrims to Attend Upcoming Hajj Pilgrimage
Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Sword Not Only Weapon Used in Struggles: Iran’s Leader highlights role of propaganda in today’s world
Ebtekar:
1- $324m Injected to Ahvaz’s Air: How Much Can AMAK Plan Help Khuzestan?
Etemad:
1- Living Where Oil Is Smelled: President vows to counter environmental problems in Khuzestan
2- Iran’s Ambassador to Kuwait: Formation of Regional Coalition against Iran Unlikely
Ettela’at:
1- Iran’s Leader: Europe, US Trying to Change Non-Western Countries’ Lifestyles
2- Islamic Jihad Appreciates Iran’s Leader for Supporting Resistance Cause
Haft-e Sobh:
1- Hollywood-Style Robbery in Tehran: Armoured cash transport car carrying over $250,000 in cash was stolen in daylight
Iran:
1- First Female Space Tourist and NASA Executive to Represent Iran at Oscars
2- Seven Planets Similar to Earth Discovered by NASA: One of them might be warm enough to be liveable
Javan:
1- 82% Dissatisfaction with Shutdown of Aerospace Projects
2- One More Step towards Confrontation with Moscow
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- Iran’s President: Government Standing by People of Khuzestan
2- Deputy FM: In JCPOA, Some Parties Preferred Partisan Interests to National Ones
3- ISIS Gives City of Al-Bab to Turkey-Backed Armed Forces!
Kayhan:
1- Iran’s Leader Urges Poets to Explain Islamic Lifestyle in Reaction to West’s Cultural Plots
2- Mosul Airport Liberated: ISIS’ Key Communications Line Cut
3- Amano: Iran’s Uranium Reserves Much Lower than What Agreed
Khorasan:
1- Hot Electoral Weekend: Conservatives gather votes of 3,000 figures to name final 10 candidates; 4 reformist parties making plans for May elections
Shahrvand:
1- World to Get Thirsty: A Report on Global Water Crisis
2- Zarif: Security Means Nothing without Water
3- Tension: Iran’s Water Resources beyond Critical Conditions
Shargh:
1- IAEA Once Again Confirms Iran’s Commitment to JCPOA
2- Trade Minister: I’m Accountable for Secret Deals
Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:
1- Reformist and conservative parties holding their national congress ahead of May presidential votes
2- ‘Lobatak’, Symbol of Fighting Deprivation
Girls in several villages in Iran’s deprived province Sistan and Baluchestan make handmade cloth dolls in protest at being deprived of education
3- We Just Have One Earth Planet
All-out efforts to realise green economy were emphasised in this year’s Environment Exhibition in Tehran
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