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Iran Parliament Chief: Palestine Litmus Test for West’s Double Standards

Speaking on Friday at a ceremony commemorating International Quds Day, ahead of Tehran’s Friday Prayers sermon, Qalibaf described the Palestinian issue as “a tragic tale not just for the Islamic Ummah but for all humanity over the past decades.

He added the Zionist regime, by usurping the rights of the Palestinian people and through genocide, assassination, torture, and the slaughter of women and children, has oppressed this nation. These crimes are incompatible even with the proclaimed values of Western civilization—revealing the gap between their rhetoric and actions.

Qalibaf called Palestine the litmus test for the West’s double standards, emphasizing that Palestine is the awakened conscience of the global community against the oppressive world order—a system sustained by injustice, where the Zionist regime serves as the killing machine of criminal America.

Addressing US claims of seeking dialogue with Iran, Qalibaf said Negotiation under threat means imposing their demands on us. What they really want is the disarmament of the Islamic Republic.

He further criticized US President Donald Trump’s recent letter to Iran, stating Trump said nothing about lifting sanctions—he only spoke in the language of bullying.

Qalibaf warned If the enemies dare to threaten Islamic Iran, America’s regional allies and military bases will be as vulnerable as a powder keg.

He also said the US is backing the vile and despicable Zionist regime through military, intelligence, and political support, while adding: “Other actors, particularly the British, play a key role in this. Once again, the Islamic world has been stabbed in the back by treacherous Britain.”

Iranians rally on Quds Day in solidarity with Palestine

The annual event, held on the last Friday of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, saw demonstrators chanting slogans against Israel and the US.

Protesters gathered at multiple points across Tehran, converging at the University of Tehran, where Friday prayers are held.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, delivered a speech denouncing “Zionist crimes” and calling for Muslim unity.

Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), described the nationwide mobilization as a rejection of Israel’s “genocidal campaign” in Gaza.

Imam Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, designated the last Friday of Ramadan as the International Quds Day, describing it as a global Muslim mobilization against oppression. He framed it not just as a pro-Palestinian event but as a symbol of Islamic resistance against Western dominance.

This year’s rallies carried the slogan “We Keep the Promise, O Quds,” reaffirming Iran’s stance against Israel. State media reported nationwide participation, with similar demonstrations in major cities.

Quds Day is observed in several countries, though Iran’s events are among the largest.

Iran FM: Response to Trump Letter Sent Through Oman, No Direct Talks Under Pressure

Speaking to IRNA on Thursday, Araqchi stated that Iran’s position on the current situation and Trump’s message had been clearly outlined in the reply and transmitted via diplomatic channels.

Trump’s letter was initially conveyed to Iran on March 12 through an envoy from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although its exact contents remain undisclosed, Trump has publicly expressed his desire for new negotiations with Iran. This comes after the US unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, JCPOA, in 2018.

Araqchi emphasized that Iran’s current policy is to avoid direct talks with the US as long as Washington maintains its “maximum pressure” campaign and military threats. However, he noted that indirect negotiations—such as those conducted through European intermediaries—could continue, as they have in the past.

Last week, Araqchi clarified that Iran’s refusal to engage directly with the US is a tactical decision.

“No rational country would agree to direct negotiations under maximum pressure,” Araqchi argued. “The format of diplomacy matters—for now, our approach is to communicate indirectly.”

Despite Trump’s claims of openness to diplomacy, he reinstated a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran in February.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has firmly rejected any negotiations with the US, citing Washington’s untrustworthiness in upholding agreements.

The Leader: Quds Day Rally Demonstration of Iranian Nation Unity

On the eve of the International Quds Day, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, Ayatollah Khamenei delivered a message that reads:

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The Quds Day rally is always a demonstration of the unity and strength of the Iranian nation.
It also demonstrates that the Iranian nation is committed and steadfast in pursuing their important, political, fundamental goals.

That isn’t the case that the nation would shout slogans of support for Palestine and then give up on the issue of Palestine after a year or two.

It’s over 40 years now that the Iranian nation has been participating in the rally for Quds Day in cold weather, in warm weather, while fasting, throughout the country, and not just in cities. People participate in big cities, in small cities, and in villages. Thus, the Quds Day rally is a source of honor for the Iranian nation.

In my opinion, this rally is even more important this year. The nations of the world are on our side. Those nations that know us are on the side of the Iranian nation. However, the countries and political platforms that are against us spread propaganda against the Iranian nation. They try to say that conflicts exist.

They try to say that there are weak points. Your rallies on Quds Day will counteract all their schemes and false statements. I am hopeful that God will help you, God willing, and this year’s rally on Quds Day will be one of the best, most glorious, most honorable rallies of all these past years.

Iran says US, UK, Germany complicit in Israel’s crimes against Palestinians

The ministry issued a statement on the occasion of the International Quds Day, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, saying the designation by the late Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini, meant to ensure that the usurpation of the historical land of Palestine—under a colonial conspiracy and the establishment of a racist, belligerent, and oppressive entity in the heart of the Islamic world—would not be normalized.

The ministry said, it has now been eight decades since the occupation of Palestine and the deprivation of its people from their inherent and fundamental human rights, including the inalienable right to self-determination. During this time, the colonial project of erasing the Palestinian nation has persisted through the most horrific forms of mass killing and genocide.

The Foreign Ministry pointed to the anti-Israeli Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, describing it as an eruption of the long-suppressed rage of the oppressed Palestinian nation and a testament to the enduring vitality of the spirit of resistance against the oppression and rebellion of the occupiers.

It added that over the last two years the Zionist regime, emboldened by the full political, military, financial, and media support of the United States, has pursued the project of erasing Palestine with unprecedented intensity in the form of full-scale genocide.

It said the massacre of over 50,000 innocent Palestinians, the vast majority of them women and children; the transformation of the entire Gaza Strip into rubble; the imposition of starvation and thirst on those who survived the bombardments; the total destruction of hospitals and medical centers; and the mass killing and detention of thousands in the West Bank have turned occupied Palestine into the very embodiment of unparalleled violations of all international legal norms.

The Islamic Republic of Iran called for immediate and effective regional and international measures to halt the crimes and aggression of the occupying regime; end impunity; prosecute and punish the political and military leaders of the Zionist regime; ensure urgent humanitarian aid to the oppressed population of Gaza; and categorically reject any plan that involves the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank.

Tehran’s historic car museum unveils rare vehicles for Nowruz

To mark the occasion, the museum has brought out 70 vintage cars. In total, the museum now features 150 classic automobiles alongside a range of historical carriages, motorcycles, jet skis, and snowmobiles.

More in pictures:

Iran crushes Bahrain to reach beach soccer Asian Cup semifinals

The match took place in Thailand on Thursday. Iran, under the guidance of head coach Ali Naderi, delivered yet another dominant performance in the tournament.

Goals came from Mohammad Masoumi Zadeh (2), Ali Mirshekari (3), Mohammadali Mokhtari, Ali Nazem (2), Abbas Rezaei, Saeed Piramoon, and Ali Nazarzadeh, sealing a comprehensive win for the defending champions.

Iran will face Saudi Arabia in the semifinal on Saturday, March 29. The Saudis booked their spot by narrowly defeating host nation Thailand 4-3.

On the other side of the bracket, Japan secured their semifinal place after an 8-3 win over Lebanon.

Iran, aiming to defend their continental title, has scored 37 goals in just four matches, solidifying their position as tournament favorites.

Iran Police: 419 killed in Nowruz road accidents

Iran Chalus Road

Speaking on the latest situation of road traffic and accident statistics, he noted that semi-heavy traffic was reported on major northern routes, including Chalous, Haraz, and the Karaj–Qazvin highway.

He said the three main causes of accidents—accounting for over 83 percent—were failure to pay attention to the road, inability to control the vehicle, and veering left.

Momeni also revealed that 45 percent of drivers responsible for fatal accidents were travelers, while 55 percent were locals.

The provinces with the highest number of fatal crashes were said to be Kerman, Khorasan Razavi, Fars, Khuzestan, and Markazi.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain cautious, especially as holiday traffic peaks.

46 Iranian inmates transferred from Iraq’s Kurdistan region to Iran

Iran Prison

The transfer follows the approval of the Prime Minister and the Presidency of the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

The prisoners, held in various detention centers across the region, are being returned via the Tamarchin and Bashmaq border crossings.

According to officials, several of the individuals have been pardoned by the Kurdish authorities and will be released upon their return to Iran.

Others, who were serving sentences for various offenses including serious financial penalties, have had their fines waived but will continue to serve the remainder of their sentences within Iran’s judicial jurisdiction.

Zelensky says US should not let Putin out of global isolation

Putin and Zelensky

His comments come a day after Russia and Ukraine agreed to implement a U.S.-brokered partial ceasefire on energy infrastructure attacks and hostilities in the Black Sea. In exchange, the U.S. agreed to expand Russia’s access to global markets.

“It is very important that America does not help Putin to get out of this global isolation now,” Zelensky said during a visit to Paris.

“I believe that this is dangerous. This is one of the most dangerous moments.”

Putin hopes to “remain in power until his death,” Zelensky stated, and his ambitions are not limited to Ukraine, but could lead to “a direct confrontation with the West.”

Zelensky urged the U.S. and Europe to remain united in pressuring Putin. The Russian leader fears the European-American alliance and hopes to divide it, Zelensky continued.

Putin also fears his own mortality, he added.

“He will die soon, that is a fact, and everything will be over,” Zelensky said.

In a statement issued following the latest round of talks with Russian delegates in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. promised to ease certain economic restrictions on Russia as part of a deal for a limited ceasefire.

The U.S. “will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions,” the statement read.

No concessions appear to have been extracted from Russia during the negotiations.

Ukraine had already on March 11 accepted Washington’s proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire — provided Russia abided by the same terms — but Moscow refused.

Zelensky added the limited Black Sea ceasefire “is definitely a step towards ending the war” but emphasized Ukraine’s committment to an unlimited cessation of hostilities.

“In general, we were ready for a complete ceasefire.”