Thursday, December 25, 2025
type here...
Home Blog Page 446

American protesters demand release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

By
IFP Media Wire
-

Demonstrators later took to the streets, chanting: “We want justice, you say how. Free Mahmoud Khalil now!” and “Free all the students today.”

Many held banners that read: “Free Palestine”, “Release Mahmoud Khalil” and “ICE off our campuses.”

Protests were also held in New York City, where demonstrators rallied in Times Square before marching through to Columbus Circle. Organizers condemned Khalil’s detention, arguing that his right to protest is protected under the First Amendment.

“Attacks on Mahmoud Khalil are not attacks on one individual, they are an attack on everyone who dares to stand up and speak for justice,” one protester stated.

The Columbia University graduate was arrested by ICE agents on March 8 at his university-owned apartment. The arrest was carried out following an order by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke his student visa and green card. The Donald Trump administration has accused Khalil, who played a prominent role in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the school last year, of engaging in “activities aligned with Hamas” though no evidence has been provided. He is currently being held at an ICE detention center in the state of Louisiana.

President Trump has defended the detention, stating that Khalil’s case is “the first of many to come” as his administration moves to crack down on those who joined protests against Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 48,500 Palestinians since October 2023.

Rubio noted Friday that the US is expected to revoke visas for more students in the coming days.

A video released by Khalil’s attorneys on Friday showed the moment federal agents arrested him in the lobby of his apartment building. The footage captures Khalil calmly complying with officers as his wife, Noor Abdalla, pleads for information on his whereabouts. Abdalla, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, demanded that the agents identify themselves, to which one responded, “We don’t give our names.”

Khalil’s attorneys argue that his arrest for “exercising his First Amendment rights, speaking up in defense of Palestinians in Gaza” is politically motivated and part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Italy says does not plan to send peacekeepers to Ukraine

By
IFP Media Wire
-

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted an online summit of the “coalition of the willing”. Attendees discussed how each nation could contribute to securing Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia.

Meloni attended the U.K.-led virtual summit alongside 24 other nations at the multilateral event.

Italy does not have plans to participate in a peacekeeping force on the ground in Ukraine, a statement put out by Meloni’s office following the meeting read.

Italy will continue to work with European and Western allies to “define credible and effective security guarantees” for Ukraine, the statement added.

Following the summit, Ukraine’s allies reaffirmed their support for the embattled nation and condemned Russia for its war against Ukraine.

“Russia does not give the impression of a country that sincerely desires peace… It does not respond to the proposals of the United States and Ukraine. It intensifies hostilities. President Putin wants to get everything and then negotiate,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.

While the U.K. and France have been the most vocal in supporting troops on the ground in Ukraine, leaders of other nations have expressed reservations about a military force.

In the face of the U.S. repeatedly ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine, Meloni said on March 6 that NATO could extend Article 5 protections to Ukraine without granting membership in the alliance.

“We need to think about more durable solutions” than just sending European peacekeepers to Ukraine, Meloni said on the sidelines of an EU leaders meeting in Brussels in early March.

“It’s a different thing than entering NATO, but it implies extending the coverage that NATO countries have also to Ukraine,” she added.

Iran says will never back down from its share in global oil market

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Iran Oil

Mohajerani made the remark in a post on her X account on Saturday in reaction to the latest move by the US Treasury Department which imposed sanctions on Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and some vessels that are part of a fleet involved in the Iranian crude oil exports.

“If previous sanctions were effective, there would be no need for new sanctions and updating them,” Mohajerani said.

The export of Iran’s oil cannot be stopped, she added.

She stated several ministries are spearheading a campaign to counter the sanctions, with the Oil Ministry being one of the most important ones.

The fact that the US has hurriedly imposed sanctions on the Iranian oil minister reveals that Washington is concerned about the Oil Ministry’s activities, Mohajerani emphasized.

The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in a statement on Thursday that it is designating Paknejad.

Paknejad “oversees the export of tens of billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil and has allocated billions of dollars’ worth of oil to Iran’s armed forces for export,” the Treasury added.

OFAC is also designating several entities in multiple jurisdictions, including China and India, for their ownership or operation of vessels that have delivered Iranian oil to China, or lifted Iranian oil from storage in the Chinese city of Dalian.

The sanctions followed the delivery to Iran of a letter US President Donald Trump had written to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

During an interview with Fox News last week, Trump threatened military action against Tehran if it did not engage in talks on a new nuclear deal.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Friday strongly condemned new US sanctions against Paknejad as a testament to Washington’s “infringement of the law and hypocrisy.”

Baghaei stressed the new bans refute the repeated claims by American officials about their readiness for negotiations and show the US hostility to the development, progress, and prosperity of the Iranian people.

Armed attack in southeastern Iran kills IRGC guard, injures another

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Crime Scene

The victims, identified as brothers Musa Bamri and Houshang Bamri, were traveling in a private vehicle when they were targeted by gunfire in Taftan County.

Musa Bamri was killed on the spot, while his brother Houshang sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though Tasnim News Agency, citing the Sistan and Baluchestan Police, attributed the assault to “mercenaries linked to a terrorist group,” reportedly the so-called Jaish al-Adl, which is based in neighboring Pakistan.

The attack occurred on the Khash-Zahedan route, a region prone to militancy by several separatist and terrorist groups.

The IRGC has been actively securing the area, which borders Pakistan and faces cross-border security challenges.

At least 9 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza

By
IFP Media Wire
-

At least nine people, including three journalists, have been killed and several others wounded in an Israeli drone attack on Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, according to Palestinian media.

The attack on Saturday reportedly targeted a relief team that was accompanied by journalists and photographers.

The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center announced in a statement that “the journalists were documenting humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by Israel’s genocidal war” and called on Gaza ceasefire mediators to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward with implementing the agreed truce and prisoner exchange.

Israel has rejected opening talks on the second phase of the ceasefire between it and Hamas, which would require it to negotiate over a permanent end to the war, a key Hamas demand.

Hamas called the attack on Beit Lahiya a “horrific massacre” and “a continuation” of Israeli “war crimes against our people and a dangerous escalation that reflects its insistence on continuing its aggression and disregard for all international laws and conventions”.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported at least 48,543 Palestinians have been confirmed killed and 111,981 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza. Gaza’s Government Media Office has updated its death toll to more than 61,700, stressing thousands of Palestinian people missing under the rubble are presumed dead.

In addition to its ongoing drone attacks in Gaza, Israel halted the entry of all aid into the enclave on March 2, hours after the first phase of its fragile ceasefire with Hamas expired, raising fears of “deepening hunger” and more hardships for Gaza’s people.

Israel has also cut electricity to a crucial water desalination plant, threatening Gaza’s potable water supply.

Heavenly banquet: 270-meter Iftar spread lights up Tehran’s Tabiat bridge

By
IFP Editorial Staff
-

According to ISNA, Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hojazi, CEO of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Zone, stated that the simple Iftar spread was organized to honor of the second Shia imam, known as the most generous of the Ahl al-Bayt, the household of the Prophet.

Every year, around 2,000 to 2,500 fasting individuals and tourists gather on Tabiat Bridge to break their fast together.

More in pictures:

UK: ‘Troops on ground and planes in sky’ could secure Ukraine peace accord

By
IFP Media Wire
-

The coalition, which now includes more partners than were at the initial Lancaster House meeting two weeks ago, will also hold military talks on March 20 to develop “stronger and robust plans” for Ukrainian security guarantees, Starmer said in a press conference following the summit.

“We will now move to the operational phase,” Starmer told reporters, emphasizing that the upcoming military discussions will focus on concrete security guarantees that could include “troops on the ground and planes in the sky” if necessary.

“We know from history, recent history, that a deal without security arrangements is not something which (Russian President Vladimir) Putin respects,” Starmer said, warning that without proper security guarantees, “Putin will breach the line again.”

Starmer also added that participating nations are actively discussing the seizure of frozen Russian assets as part of intensified economic pressure on Moscow. While acknowledging the legal complexities involved, Starmer confirmed that the coalition agreed to implement additional sanctions against Russia immediately.

“We agree we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine, and keep tightening restrictions on Russia’s economy,” Starmer said, calling Russian Putin’s conditional response to peace overtures “not good enough.”

Starmer was, however, vague on specific measures he and allies would take to compel Putin to drop some of his more exorbitant demands in ceasefire negotiations.

Putin has stated that Moscow was ready to agree to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire but demanded that as part of any cessation of hostilities Kyiv would limit mobilization, training of troops and the West would halt military aid to Ukraine. Some have said Putin’s demands amount to Kyiv’s surrender.

The expanded coalition now includes members from Europe, Canada and Australia as well as backing from Japan.

Despite the U.S. under President Donald Trump disavowing much of his predecessor’s Ukraine support, Starmer was keen to highlight his national security advisor’s recent discussions in Washington.

“We are talking to the U.S. every day about what happens next,” Starmer continued, expressing confidence that President Trump is “absolutely committed” to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.

Top Diplomat: US has no right to dictate Iran foreign policy

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Abbas Araghchi

Araqchi wrote on his account on the social media platform X: “The US government has no right to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. That era ended in 1979,” in a reference to the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, more than 46 years ago.

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated: “Last year, they deceived (former US President) Biden into paying an unprecedented $23 billion to a genocidal regime. Over 60,000 Palestinians were killed, and the world holds the US fully responsible.”

Araghchi’s remarks refer to the extensive financial, military, and political support provided by the United States to the Zionist regime during the Gaza war.

The top Iranian diplomat noted: “End your support for Israel’s genocide and terrorism. Stop the massacre of the Yemeni people.”

The US and the UK carried out large-scale military strikes on Saturday against dozens of civilian targets in Yemen, killing at least 10 people and injuring many more.

The Houthis have stated that as long as Israel’s aggression against the Palestinians continues in Gaza, they will continue to attack Israel-bound vessels in the Red Sea.

Iran rejects Europe, US rights claims, citing their role in Saddam regime chemical weapons program

By
IFP Media Wire
-
chemical attack on Sardasht

Esmail Baqaei, in a post on X, referred to the 37th anniversary of the Saddam regime’s chemical attack on the people of Halabja, in Iraqi Kurdistan, saying those European states which contributed to the development of chemical weapons by Saddam, must accept their responsibility for the tragic incident.

Baqaei said, “37 years ago, the defenseless people of Halabja, were hit by chemical bombs which had been produced with the technical and technological assistance of the US and some European countries. Tens of thousands of innocents died or sustained permanent injuries in this heinous war crime.”

He added that Iranians, especially the people of Sardasht, who were attacked during the 8-year imposed war with chemical weapons by Saddam’s regime, deeply understand the pain and suffering of the people of Halabja.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “Truth and justice are the legitimate and permanent demands of the loved ones of those who fell victim to the former Iraqi regime’s chemical weapons. The passage of time cannot lessen the ugliness of this crime, nor can it diminish the demand for truth and justice.”

Iran spox rejects G7 Allegations as “baseless, repetitive”

By
IFP Media Wire
-
Esmael baghaei

Baqaei referenced the claims in the statement of the G7 foreign ministers in Charlevoix, France, accusing Iran of destructive behavior in the region, pointing out they are a clear distortion of truth and malicious projection by the authors of the statement.

He highlighted the illegal, irresponsible, and interventionist acts of G7 member states in West Asia, especially their military, financial, or political support for the genocidal Israeli regime.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stressed that Iran’s nuclear activities are in accordance with the country’s technical and industrial needs and its international rights and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Safeguards Agreement. He called G7 concerns on this matter “unfounded” and merely reflective of the “political approach” of certain G7 member states.

Baqaei highlighted Iran’s leading role in promoting a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, saying the Zionist regime is the sole obstacle to achieving this goal.

He noted that this regime, enjoying full support from G7 countries, pushes ahead with its crimes and gross violations of humanitarian and human rights laws in Gaza and the West Bank as well as acts of aggression against regional countries.

He reaffirmed Iran’s inalienable right to defend its people, territorial integrity, and sovereignty against any threats or aggression, underscoring that it is necessary that Iran develop its military-defense capabilities for this purpose.

Baqaei further rejected the repetitive and irresponsible claims made by the G7 concerning Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine war and pointed to Iran’s principled policy of opposing war and supporting the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomatic negotiations among the warring parties.

1...445446447...5,014Page 446 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