Thursday, December 25, 2025
type here...
Home Blog Page 441

Iran marks 74th anniversary of oil industry nationalization

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Oil

The roots of nationalization trace back to exploitative concessions, such as the 1901 D’Arcy Agreement and the 1933 Oil Concession, which granted Britain extensive control over Iran’s oil resources.

In 1951, under Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, Iran’s parliament voted to nationalize the oil industry, ending decades of foreign dominance by the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) that plundered the country’s oil resources.

The historic decision was a bold step toward economic sovereignty, ensuring that Iran’s vast oil resources benefited its people rather than foreign entities.

The move, however, triggered Western backlash, including a British embargo and a CIA-backed coup in 1953 that temporarily reversed the nationalization.

Mossadegh’s government was overthrown in a 1953 CIA-MI6 coup, reinstating Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and reversing the gains. The 1954 Consortium Agreement returned control to Western companies until the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

However, the nationalization laid the groundwork for Iran’s control over its oil sector.

Today, the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) manages Iran’s oil and gas industries.

Chaos in Iran’s Chaharshanbe Suri: 15 dead, over 1,000 injured, air pollution spikes

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

The millennia-old festival, which involves lighting bonfires, setting off fireworks, and jumping over flames to symbolically ward off misfortune and welcome the New Year, has spiraled out of control in recent decades, often leading to accidents due to inclusion of explosives and flammable materials.

Ja’afar Mi’adfar reported 1,040 burn cases, 933 eye injuries, and 172 amputations, with the majority of incidents occurring in Tehran, West Azarbaijan, and East Azarbaijan provinces.

Tragically, nine deaths were recorded on the final day, bringing the total fatalities to 15. Additionally, six ambulances were damaged and taken out of service after being targeted by explosives.

Meanwhile, Tehran’s air quality plummeted to hazardous levels, reaching a “purple” status due to widespread use of fireworks and explosives.

The Air Quality Control Company reported an air quality index (AQI) of 208, classified as “very unhealthy,” a sharp rise from the previous day’s AQI of 89, which was considered acceptable.

This spike in pollution was directly linked to the festivities, which filled the air with smoke and harmful particles.

Macron confirms France to deploy nuclear-armed planes to German border

By
IFP Media Wire
-

The Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur base in eastern France hosted nuclear weapons until 2011, when the planes were relocated to a different site.

“The Luxeuil air base is about to be upgraded in an unprecedented way and regain its full role in France’s nuclear deterrent,” Macron said.

“By 2035, Luxeuil will be the first base to host the next version of the Rafale and its hypersonic nuclear missiles,” the president announced.

He added that the garrison will double in size to nearly 2,000 military and civilian personnel to accommodate two Rafale squadrons.

The government will spend €1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) to modernize the base and speed up Rafale orders.

Without mentioning Russia by name, Macron said that France has found itself in “an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world” since open hostilities broke out between Moscow and Kiev in 2022.

The announcement comes after Germany’s chancellor-designate, Friedrich Merz, suggested that France could extend its nuclear arsenal to protect his country and other EU members. Macron responded by saying that the matter would be discussed.

Russia has condemned the EU’s “militarization” programs as reckless and escalatory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters earlier this month that “confrontational rhetoric and confrontational plans that we are now seeing in Brussels and in European capitals could hamper finding a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Iran rejects UN human rights mechanisms, vows non-cooperation with fact-finding mission

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
United Nations

Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Bahreini criticized the draft anti-Iran resolution establishing the mission, stating that Iran would reconsider its engagement with UN human rights mechanisms if the resolution is adopted.

Bahreini condemned the initiative led by Germany and the UK, accusing them of hypocrisy given their own human rights records.

He highlighted their support for Israel amid the ongoing Palestinian crisis, stating, “These countries, with their dark human rights histories, lack the moral authority to lecture others.”

He also criticized the unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and supported by its allies, arguing that they have deprived Iranians of their economic, social, and cultural rights.

The Iranian envoy rejected the legitimacy of the fact-finding mission, calling its reports biased and based on information from anti-Iranian terrorist groups.

He emphasized that Iran does not recognize the mandate of the Special Rapporteur or the fact-finding mission, describing them as tools for political agendas rather than genuine human rights advocacy.

Bahreini reiterated Iran’s “commitment to multilateralism and human rights, rooted in its religious, historical, and cultural values.”

Iran parl’t speaker: Morality patrols completely removed

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iran Hijab

In a post on his social media account, Qalibaf wrote that the decision follows a formal meeting of the Supreme National Security Council, where members agreed to halt the law’s implementation pending government-led revisions.

The parliament speaker clarified that the hijab has long been regulated by law, and there is no legal vacuum in this regard.

He wrote, “The hijab had legal provisions even before the current law was passed, and there is no legal vacuum in this regard. The purpose was to introduce a law that considers both the positive and restrictive aspects.”

The speaker added, “In the current law, the guidance patrol (morality police) has been completely removed. However, the government has issues in some other areas, which are to be addressed after presenting them to the parliament for a decision on amending the law.”

The development marks a significant shift in Iran’s approach to enforcing hijab regulations, reflecting ongoing debates about the controversial Chastity and Hijab Law, which many have warned will set off new unrest in the country similar to the 2022 events following the death of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in a police station.

Iran’s daily gasoline use hits record of 144 million liters on eve of Persian New Year holidays

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Iran Petrol Station

The National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC), a subsidiary of the Iranian Oil Ministry, said in a statement on Tuesday that the daily gasoline usage in the country had reached 144.2 million liters a day earlier.

It said the usage was 13 million liters or 10% higher than the consumption reported on March 17, 2024.

The NIOPDC said that Monday’s gasoline consumption represented an increase of less than 12 million liters from the previous day.

It added that the gasoline consumption in Iran has averaged at 124 million liters per day in the year leading to late March 2024.

The figures come as Iranians prepare to celebrate Nowruz holidays which mark the start of the new calendar year in the country.

The occasion, which will start on March 21 this year and will see two weeks of closures of schools and businesses, marks a busy travel season in Iran with millions taking to the roads to visit various cities and towns across the country.

NIOPDC’s Tuesday figures about gasoline consumption exceeded its earlier forecasts suggesting that the usage would peak at 135 million liters per day in the days leading to Nowruz.

The company announced in mid-January that gasoline production in Iran had increased by nearly 10% in the three months before that, saying that total gasoline output from the country’s refineries had reached 107 million liters per day.

Iran has been importing limited amounts of gasoline to respond to a rising demand for fuel, a problem which has been exacerbated in recent years because of heavily subsidized prices that have encouraged smuggling across the borders.

Putin supports limited 30-day ceasefire deal in call with Trump

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Putin and Trump

While the White House gave no indication in a readout of the meeting that there was a tangible accord on a long-term ceasefire, there appeared to be consensus that any pause in fighting would begin with a halt in attacks on energy infrastructure.

Trump and Putin also discussed potential ceasefire agreements on matters of energy, infrastructure and maritime.

“The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace,” the White House said in a readout.

“These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.”

Trump has previously said he plans to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with Putin to further discuss the ceasefire, but the precise timing of that meeting is yet to be determined by the White House.

Russian state media reported that Trump proposed a 30-day pause on attacks on energy infrastructure, and that Putin “responded positively.”

Putin immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding command, the Kremlin said in a readout of the call, and committed to talks about halting fighting in the Black Sea.

But among Putin’s demands in the call included “the need to stop” Ukraine from mobilizing troops and rearming its army. The Russian leader laid out demands that working toward a resolution of the war should include “complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.”

Putin told Trump that a prisoner exchange with Ukraine will be carried out Wednesday, with the transfer of 175 people on each side. The Kremlin announced Russia will transfer 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers being treated in Russian hospitals.

Trump and Putin also notably spoke “broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts,” the White House added. And they discussed efforts to stop the spread of “strategic weapons”; Trump has previously spoken about a desire to end nuclear proliferation.

The White House readout of the call made no mention about territorial concessions, which had been a key point of contention ahead of peace talks. Ukraine’s backers have argued Kyiv should not have to relinquish its territory to Russia.

Tuesday’s call came as the White House has intensified its efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine. Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022 after amassing troops near the border. Russia in 2014 annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

Putin had held back endorsing the U.S.-led ceasefire following meetings in Moscow late last week with Trump’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, Steve Witkoff.

Ukraine accepted the terms of the ceasefire during high-stakes talks with Trump administration officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11.

President Sisi says Egypt loses $800 million monthly in Suez Canal revenue amid regional turmoil

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Suez Canal

Speaking at an annual military-hosted iftar attended by senior officials, Sisi acknowledged the “difficult circumstances” facing the world and the Middle East, according to a presidency statement.

Despite these challenges, he said Egypt has moved forward “with steady, well-planned steps” over the past 15 years, overcoming economic crises that have affected the global economy as well.

The president underscored the canal’s financial hit, saying, “The state incurs monthly losses of about $800 million from Suez Canal revenues due to the region’s situation.”

Yet he pointed to “positive indicators” in Egypt’s economy, including the International Monetary Fund’s recent approval of a new $1.2 billion tranche.

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk confirmed that the IMF’s executive board greenlit the fourth review of Egypt’s $8 billion loan program.

Egypt previously secured $347 million from the first review and $820 million each from the second and third, totaling $1.98 billion to date.

The IMF deal, initially a $3 billion loan tied to economic reforms in November 2022, expanded to $8 billion in March 2024 as the Gaza war strained Egypt’s finances.

In late December 2024, the presidency reported in a statement a $7 billion drop in Suez Canal revenue for the year, blaming Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait tensions that disrupted shipping and global trade, following a meeting with canal chief Osama Rabie.

Official data pegged 2023 earnings at $10.25 billion, though 2024 totals remain undisclosed.

Houthi attacks escalated in January 2024, targeting US and Israeli-linked ships “in solidarity with Gaza.”

After Israel breached a Gaza ceasefire and shut crossings in early March, blocking aid during Ramadan, the Houthis resumed strikes on Israeli vessels to pressure Tel Aviv. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump ordered a “major attack” on the Houthis in Yemen in response.

Iranians celebrate Chaharshanbeh Suri, an ancient festival of fire and renewal

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-
Iranian People Celebrate Persian Fire Festival (19)

Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions dating back over 3,000 years, the festival symbolizes the purification of the soul, the triumph of light over darkness, and the renewal of life.

As the sun sets, neighborhoods across Iran are illuminated by the glow of bonfires as a fiery prelude to Nowruz.

Families and friends gather in streets, parks, and open spaces to participate in the ritual of fire-jumping. Leaping over the flames, they chant the traditional phrase, “Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man” (My yellowness to you, your redness to me), a symbolic act meant to transfer sickness and misfortune to the fire and replace them with warmth, energy, and vitality for the year ahead.

In addition to fire-jumping, the celebration includes other cherished customs. Children and adults light sparklers and fireworks, filling the night sky with bursts of color and light. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the sharing of ajil, a mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and sweets, which symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

In some regions, people engage in qashoq-zani, a playful tradition where children knock on doors with spoons and receive treats from neighbors.

However, the joyous occasion is not without its challenges. In recent years, safety concerns have prompted authorities to issue warnings about the use of fireworks and fire-related activities, as accidents sometimes lead to injuries or property damage.

Municipalities have organized supervised public events to ensure safer celebrations, while encouraging citizens to preserve the cultural essence of the festival.

Chaharshanbeh Suri holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. It reflects Iran’s ancient connection to nature and the cycles of renewal, as well as the enduring resilience of its people. The festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together Iranians of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate their shared heritage and look forward to the fresh beginnings that Nowruz promises.

As the fires of Chaharshanbeh Suri fade, they leave behind a sense of hope and anticipation for the year ahead. For Iranians, the festival is not just a celebration of fire, but a powerful reminder of their rich history, cultural identity, and the enduring light of community and tradition.

Russian energy giant Gazprom suffered $13.1 billion loss last year: Report

By
IFP Media Wire
-

Gazprom’s losses averaged $251 million per week, $35 million per day, or $1.4 million per hour. While the company’s total revenue increased by 11% and its gas revenue by 14%, it still ended the year with a sales loss of 192 billion rubles ($2.3 billion).

The company’s financial troubles were compounded by falling share prices in its subsidiary Gazprom Neft and an increased income tax rate of 25%, which raised deferred tax liabilities.

In 2023, Gazprom posted a net loss under international accounting standards for the first time in 25 years, recording a historic deficit of 629 billion rubles ($7.6 billion).

Despite attempts to maintain its presence in Europe, Gazprom’s gas exports to the EU remained low. In 2023, the company delivered 32 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe, nearly six times less than its peak of over 180 billion cubic meters in 2018-2019.

The downturn has forced Gazprom to implement cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs. On Jan. 13, Russian media outlet 47News reported that the company was preparing to lay off 1,600 employees from its central office.

Gazprom’s financial woes stem largely from the EU’s decision to reduce reliance on Russian energy following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Compounding its troubles, Russia’s direct pipeline gas supplies to the EU have ceased completely after Ukraine refused to extend its transit agreement with Gazprom beyond Dec. 31, 2024.

1...440441442...5,014Page 441 of 5,014

© All Content by IFP News ( Iran Front Page ) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

About Us

Popular Articles

Editor Picks