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Rabat Qoli Caravanserai in northeastern Iran: A timeless crossroads of culture, commerce

Dating back to the Timurid and Safavid eras (15th–17th centuries), the architectural gem was inscribed on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1996 and granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2023.

Featuring a central courtyard, guest chambers, and service quarters, the caravanserai provided travelers with shelter, water, and provisions along ancient trade routes.

More than a rest stop, it served as a hub for cultural exchange and commerce, reflecting Persia’s role in transcontinental connectivity.

More in pictures…

Iran raps UN human rights resolution, warns about Israel’s crimes against humanity

During the presentation and adoption of the draft resolution titled “The Human Rights Situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Bahraini stated that while the most severe human rights violations are being systematically committed in Palestine—with their perpetrators enjoying the highest level of impunity—the sponsors of this anti-Iranian draft resolution are attempting to mislead the Council by presenting a distorted image of Iran’s human rights situation.

He strongly criticized the discriminatory and unjust monitoring mechanisms proposed in the resolution against Iran, warning that this move plunges the Human Rights Council into another quagmire of inefficiency and wasted resources, further eroding trust in the body’s work.

Bahraini added: “As a country with a rich history and civilization, Iran has always taken pride in its contributions to humanity. Our nation has endured numerous challenges and is no stranger to such pressures. Therefore, we warn the sponsors of this resolution and the main actors behind this political charade that they will be held accountable for the injustices committed against the Iranian people and humanity as a whole.”

Twin earthquakes rattle southern Iran, no major damage reported

Earthquake

The quake occurred at 7:14 am local time at a depth of 10 km, with its epicenter near Lake Maharloo in the Darian region, about 34 km northeast of Shiraz.

Local authorities reported no casualties or significant structural damage. Initial assessments revealed only minor cracks in some older homes. Emergency teams were dispatched to the area, but normalcy was quickly restored.

Separately, a 4.1-magnitude tremor hit Bord Khun in Bushehr Province at 3:37 am Friday, as recorded by Iran’s National Seismological Center.

The quake originated at a depth of 10 km. Its epicenter was 149 km from Bord Khun. No damage or injuries were reported.

Both regions lie in Iran’s seismically active zones. While moderate quakes are frequent, strict construction codes in recent years have mitigated potential damage.

President Pezeshkian: Iran does not seek war, is at highest level of defensive readiness

In a phone conversation with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, on Thursday night, Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared for engagement and dialogue to reduce certain tensions based on mutual interests and respect.

He added that the non-peaceful use of nuclear energy has no place in Iran’s security and defense doctrine, and that Iran’s nuclear activities, as in all previous years, can continue to be fully verified.

President Pezeshkian further noted that if Muslims unite, they can prevent oppression and crimes against Islamic countries, including Palestine and the people of Gaza. By relying on commonalities and strengthening unity and solidarity, Islamic nations can secure peace, security, and progress at the highest level for themselves and the region.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Crown Prince, in turn, provided an analysis of the regional situation and Islamic countries during the phone call, stressing that cooperation between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other regional countries could significantly contribute to stability and peace.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia is ready to play a role in helping resolve any tensions and insecurity in the region.

The Saudi Crown Prince expressed hope that the continued strengthening of bilateral cooperation would lead to further achievements in stability, security, and prosperity for the region.

Iran Urges Shanghai Cooperation Organization to Condemn Trump’s Threats

Speaking at a meeting of SCO deputy foreign ministers in Moscow, Takht-Ravanchi referred to US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to use force against Iran, describing such statements as dangerous and in violation of fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.

Noting Iran’s request for the UN Security Council to condemn these remarks, Takht-Ravanchi urged the SCO to adopt a similar stance in denouncing the US approach, in order to uphold international peace and security.

The senior Iranian diplomat also called for the establishment of a research center to examine the root causes of extremism and terrorism, stressing that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate with the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister added that the Islamic Republic, as one of the victims of terrorism, has played a leading role in countering threats posed by terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking in the region, having sacrificed many martyrs in this cause.

He highlighted the prominent role of martyr Brigadier General Qassem Soleimani in the fight against terrorist groups in the region, particularly Daesh (ISIS or ISIL).

Iran’s Nowruz holiday sees 796 road deaths, 17% fuel consumption spike

Colonel Assad Karami, head of Iran’s Traffic Police, confirmed the death toll on Thursday through the final days of Nowruz travels.

“Despite initial reductions, accident rates surged during the return wave,” he told ILNA news agency, attributing crashes mainly to driver fatigue and speeding.

New enforcement measures now mandate three-month license suspensions for any violation causing accidents. Drivers caught operating vehicles during suspension will face criminal charges.

Meanwhile, the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company reported 150.2 million liters of gasoline consumed on March 31 – a 21.4 million liter increase from last year. Average daily consumption during the first 12 Nowruz days reached 132.2 million liters, peaking at 141.6 million on March 29.

Heavy return traffic continues on major routes like Karaj-Chalus and Tehran-North Highway.

Provinces including Gilan, Mazandaran, and Isfahan experience severe congestion.

Authorities attribute both accidents and fuel spikes to unprecedented travel volumes during Persian New Year that started on March 21.

IRGC: American, Zionist Plots Cannot Stop the Israel Demise

In a statement marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of IRGC anti-terrorism advisors in the Zionist regime’s attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, the IRGC declared that, by divine grace, the Resistance Front—especially the brave and courageous Palestinian fighters, who now benefit from the widespread support and solidarity of nations across the world, including in Europe and America—will ultimately bring about the end of the disgraceful existence of the occupiers of Palestine.

Part of the statement reads after the historic Al-Aqsa Storm operation by Palestinian resistance groups and the strategic, irreparable defeat of the Zionist regime, the criminal Zionist gang and its supporters expanded the scope of their crimes beyond Gaza to Syria and Lebanon.

It adds, on April 1, 2024, in violation of international law, the Zionist regime’s warplanes targeted the consular building of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus with a missile attack, hoping in their deluded and sinister minds to weaken the Resistance Front. As a result, the commanders—Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, senior Iranian military advisors in Syria—along with five accompanying officers, were martyred.

The statement adds that contrary to the Zionists’ dreams, the events following this crime and other crimes of the Zionist regime failed to extinguish the shining truth of the Resistance’s victory and the end of the myth of the invincibility of the Zionist army and intelligence services. Nor could they repair the shaky security and political foundations of the fake regime.

Russia warns against military action on Iran’s nuclear program

The statement responded to recent US-Israeli threats against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing Moscow’s opposition to “external threats to bomb nuclear energy facilities.” It stressed that Iran’s enemies “should not use military force to resolve differences with Tehran.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry asserted that such military actions would lead to “widespread dangerous consequences” in the region and globally.

The statement accused Western countries of violating international resolutions and using the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for political purposes.

The ministry reaffirmed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The warning followed a meeting in Moscow between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and his Iranian counterpart Majid Takht-Ravanchi on Wednesday.

Takht-Ravanchi was in Moscow to attend political consultations among deputy foreign ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states and to conduct bilateral meetings.

The Russian statement did not name specific countries but came amid heightened tensions with the US over Iran’s nuclear program and stalled negotiations to revive the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal, which US unilaterally left in 2018.

Kuwaiti Emir assures Iran: No aggression from our soil

President Pezeshkian expressed hope that Ramadan and Eid celebrations would strengthen unity and solidarity among Islamic nations and emphasized Iran’s brotherly ties with all Islamic countries and stressed the importance of fostering friendly and cooperative relationships with neighboring states.

He stated Iran’s readiness to enhance bilateral relations in various fields with Kuwait and other neighbors to deepen bonds of fraternity.

On the matter of reducing tensions, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to fairness, ensuring actions remain within the bounds of justice and equity.

For his part, Emir Mishal reciprocated the Eid wishes and voiced his pleasure over the friendly relations between Kuwait and Iran.

He conveyed Kuwait’s intention to further strengthen ties and applauded Iran’s constructive approach towards neighbors.

Emphasizing peace and diplomacy, Emir Mishal affirmed Kuwait’s constitutional stance against allowing its soil to be used for any acts of aggression against other nations.

“The government and people of Kuwait will never accept any aggressive act from our soil against another country,” he stressed, adding that this stance “will never change under any circumstances.”

Former Iranian diplomat urges strategic dialogue with Europe amid rising sanctions

In an interview with ILNA news agency, the veteran diplomat warned that internal divisions within Iran’s political establishment could weaken its negotiating position on the international stage.

Sadatian emphasized the critical need for Iran to recognize the growing threat posed by Western sanctions, describing them as a “grave danger” to national interests.

He identified Europe as a potential partner in easing tensions, but stressed that Tehran must first address its own political fractures to present a unified front.

The remarks come at a sensitive juncture, with the US threatening Iran with war in case no consensus emerges out of talks between Tehran and Washington.

Sadatian elaborated on the challenges facing Iran’s foreign policy amidst evolving regional and global dynamics.

He pointed out that adversaries of Iran’s national interests are actively working to hinder improved relations between Iran, Europe, and the United States.

To counter these efforts, he stressed the need for balanced foreign relations that prioritize Iran’s national security and interests.