IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

About Us
IFP Editorial Staff
Contact Us

Thursday, December 25, 2025

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

type here...

Iran News
Politics
Business
Society
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human Rights
- Incidents
- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
- Art
- Architecture
- Books
- Cinema
- Cultural Heritage
- Food
- Handicrafts
- Media
- Religion
World
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Middle East
- Persian Gulf

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

Iran News
Politics
Business
Society
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human Rights
- Incidents
- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
- Art
- Architecture
- Books
- Cinema
- Cultural Heritage
- Food
- Handicrafts
- Media
- Religion
World
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Middle East
- Persian Gulf

Home Blog Page 4626

Each and every Iranian pilgrim corpse must return home: Deputy FM

Golrokh Askarieh

October 1, 2015

Tehran has called for the immediate return of the bodies of Iranian pilgrims who were killed in a Hajj crush in Saudi Arabia, a senior Iranian diplomat says.

Official talks are currently underway between Iranian Health Minister Hassan Hashemi and Saudi officials about how the pilgrims’ remains will be transported to Iran, Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Wednesday.

Determining the fate of the missing people and the transportation of “every single body” is a priority for Iran, he added.

“Communications are being carried out between the two countries to speed up things and Dr. Hashemi’s trip as the representative of the government has been very effective,” he noted.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hashemi — who is in Saudi Arabia along with a special delegation — said Iran would be the first country to receive the remains and transport them home.

He noted that his team had been granted access to the morgues in Mecca, where the victims’ bodies were being held.

Hashemi stressed that he had gained confirmation that none of the Iranian bodies would be buried in Saudi Arabia without permission from family members or the Iranian government.

On September 24, two large crowds of pilgrims, who were on their way to participate in the symbolic stoning of Satan, a Hajj ritual, collided in Mina, resulting in a fatal crush.

According to the head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, Saeed Ohadi, 239 Iranian pilgrims have so far been confirmed dead in the incident. Twenty-seven Iranian pilgrims have also been wounded and 241 others remain unaccounted for.

Iran calls for ‘collective response’ toward global terrorism

Golrokh Askarieh

October 1, 2015

Iran has called for a “collective response” toward extremism, terrorism, and Takfiri ideology, which are all threatening the whole world.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif made the appeal during a UN Security Council meeting in New Yorkon Wednesday.

Zarif said the global community as a whole must be given the chance to battle terrorism. He added that Iran is fully aware that it must not “live in the past” and that serious talks over regional problems must be given a chance

Tehran views its “neighbors’ security” as its own, he said

He also warned that if the crisis in the region is left unchecked, none of the members of the global community will be left unscathed, adding since the threat is global it requires the whole world’s attention.

The Iranian foreign minister also voiced regret over the fact that “one or two neighboring countries have not been able to realize this common threat,” and over their “irresponsible” actions with regard to regional matters, especially the victims of the recent Hajj tragedy.

Earlier, in a meeting with Luxemburg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, Zarif called on the European Union to play a more active role with regard to the Hajj tragedy and the situation in Yemen, where thousands of people have killed as a result of Saudi military aggression against the impoverished Arab country since March.

Iran’s possible reaction vis-à-vis Mina tragedy tough: Leader

Golrokh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Saudi Arabia has not made good on its obligations regarding the recent deadly Hajj incident, saying Iran’s possible response will be “tough and harsh”.

“Should we decide to show any reaction, our reaction will be tough and harsh,” said the Leader at a commencement ceremony for the graduates of the Iranian Army’s military academies in the city of Noshahr in northern Mazandaran Province on Wednesday.

Ayatollah Khamenei blasted Saudi officials for failing to live up to their commitments regarding the crush in Mina, near the Saudi city of Mecca, on September 24.

“Saudi Arabia failed to fulfill its duties concerning the desperate wounded [pilgrims],” said the Leader.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted, “Saudi authorities do not discharge their responsibilities and in some cases act slyly and contrary to their duties.”

Ayatollah Khamenei also lashed out at Riyadh for failing to ensure the safety of Hajj pilgrims.

“Our nation is grief-stricken; Hajj should be a place of security; is it [called] security when the lives of people are jeopardized during the [Hajj] rituals?” the Leader asked.

Ayatollah Khamenei further said representatives from Iran and other Muslim nations should probe the Mina tragedy.

The Saudi government has confirmed that the overall death toll from the Mina incident has reached 4,173 so far.

Meanwhile, head of Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Saeed Ohadi has announced that 239 Iranian pilgrims have so far been confirmed dead. Twenty-seven Iranian pilgrims have been wounded and 241 others remain unaccounted for.

A sailor who has sailed into unchartered waters

Emad Askarieh

September 30, 2015

When the topic of sea and navigation comes up, the very first thing that crosses your mind is the image of men with muscular builds huffing and puffing when weighing the anchor on a ship. Female naval officers piloting a ship or taking care of things on the deck are the last thing you may think of.

In Iran, female sailors are among those a reporter can create a newsworthy and eye-catching story on. Raheleh Tahmasebi Sarvestani, 31, is one of those outstanding women. Raheleh, who lives in Sarvestan in Fars Province, has chosen software engineering as her major.

Prior to entering the realm of the binary digits [ones and zeros of the binary code] of computer, she tested the waters for a sailing job in 2010 and took maritime courses. Now she is working as second officer on vessels of less than 3,000 gross tonnages.

To mark World Maritime Day (September 29), SMT – an Iranian daily – has conducted an interview with Raheleh Tahmasebi Sarvestani about her career and its bitter and sweet moments. This female sailor says that she loves the sea and has chosen it as her home. She hopes she can one day become a captain. The following is the translation of part of what she said in the interview:

[…]

Q: In the eyes of people, maritime careers are more masculine than feminine. How has your family come to terms with your job?

A: The first time I talked about sailing, my family was surprised. They asked me to do a thorough research and test the waters before making up my mind. My father and sister bought into my decision. My dad was one of my supporters and assured me that I can make it even if what I had chosen was masculine in nature. That’s why he showed no opposition to my decision.

[…]

Q: How are you treated in your workplace? How do you come to terms with your work conditions?

A: The treatment I am given at work is appropriate. For those involved in maritime activities [in Iran], the presence of a woman sailor is a whole new thing and is – to some extent – odd. One cannot say that for a woman to get involved in maritime activities is as easy as working with other women.

I have overcome the challenges this gig has thrown my way because I love this job. I think you can find no traditionally male jobs in which women cannot prove themselves. I should say that female sailors can work with their male colleagues. […]

How a simple handshake stirs so much controversy

Golrokh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

An open session of the Islamic Consultative Assembly got off to a noisy start Wednesday when Bahram Biranvand, an MP representing Borujerd in the chamber, mouthed off about the handshake between Foreign Minister Zarif and President Obama. It ended in pretty much the same fashion.

The following is the translation of two separate reports filed by Khabaronline.ir on what happened in parliament and how other MPs, including Ali Motahari, reacted to Biranvand’s comments inside and outside the chamber:

“Who has allowed Zarif to shake hands with Obama?” Biranvand shouted. “Right at a time when death has embraced thousands of Hajj pilgrims in Mina, Zarif embraces Obama and the US secretary of state. Damn! Zarif has made a fatal mistake by shaking the hand of Obama as the Iranian foreign minister.”

At this point, Hassan Abutorabi-Fard, the vice-speaker of the chamber who was presiding over the open session, interrupted the MP and killed the microphone, urging him to respect the dignity of the foreign minister.

Loud shouts by deputies, who liked Biranvand to carry on, promoted the vice-speaker to allow him to continue.

Biranvand went on to say, “As an ordinary citizen, if Zarif hungers for an Obama embrace, he can resign and go take up residence in their house [a reference to the White House].”

The MP drew a harsh reaction from the vice-speaker again when he used foul language against the top diplomat.

“The religious zeal of people like Mr. Zarif in defending the revolution and the blood of martyrs is no less than mine. He may have done something, but that is no reason to use foul language in criticizing someone who has proven to be serving the late Imam and the Leader,” Abutorabi-Fard said.

Later, Ali Motahari, a principlist MP, told reporters disrespect for a servant of the Islamic establishment and individuals who have the support of the Leader is wrong.

“Too much sensitivity about a trivial issue is not right. That an Iranian official has shaken hands with Obama is not important. What is important is that we won’t renounce our causes such as support for the Palestinians,” Motahari said.

“The MP who showed disrespect should be asked why he hurls insults at an individual who is deemed reliable and pious by the Leader. Besides, a handshake with Obama won’t pave the way for US infiltration,” he said.

Motahari went on to say, “Most of such reactions are politically motivated. One cannot stop infiltration through sloganeering and shouts. As the Leader has said the door should be slammed shut to attempts at infiltration in the right place. These individuals seek to undermine the government. Why didn’t they react similarly when similar things happened during the tenure of the previous government?”

[Meanwhile, Ali Bigdeli, a university professor, said, “In light of the fact that the Iranian and US delegations had repeatedly said that they had no plans for the two presidents to meet, the encounter has definitely been unplanned.

“Mr. Zarif is a master diplomat well versed in diplomatic and consular protocols. When he bumped into President Obama in a corridor, he could not have made a U-turn to avoid an encounter. The protocol required the two to shake hands.”]

School year officially starts for Afghan students in Iran (PHOTOS)

Fatemeh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

Following a decree by the Supreme Leader that no Afghan child, including those who are undocumented, should be denied education in Iran, the bell marking the official reopening of school for Afghan students was sounded on Tuesday.

Director of the Environment Protection Organization Masoumeh Ebtekar and the Afghan ambassador to Iran were on hand for the school reopening ceremony which was held in a facility in Tehran.

The following images of the ceremony have been released online by the Iranian Students’ News Agency:

Iran protests Saudi mismanagement to transfer Mina victims’ bodies

Golrokh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

Iran Summons Swiss Envoy over US Accusations — Iran foreign ministry

The Foreign Ministry summoned Saudi Arabia’s charge d’affaires in Tehran on Wednesday to protest at Riyadh’s mismanagement of the transfer of the Mina victims’ bodies.

The ministry summoned the Saudi official to express strong objection to Riyadh’s indifference to identification of missing pilgrims and sending the bodies of the victims to their countries.

Director General of the Consular Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry Ali Chegini recalled the legal responsibilities of Saudi Arabia and held Riyadh accountable for the deadly crush in Mina.

Chegini said that Saudi Arabia needs to take steps toward locating the missing people and treating the injured pilgrims.

He also called for Saudi authorities’ apology to the Iranian nation.

The Iranian official also warned about any delay in transferring the bodies of Iranian pilgrims.

None of Iranian families have agreed that the bodies of their loved ones be buried on Saudi soil and they have all called for the transfer of the bodies to Iran in a respectful way.

The Saudi official said that he would inform his country’s officials of Iran’s objection.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on September 30

Golrokh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

The “controversial”, “historic” encounter between US President Barack Obama and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the fallout of the Mina tragedy dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Wednesday.

Ettela’at: “The present good international atmosphere should be seized to develop the country,” President Rouhani said upon return home from New York, where he attended a UN General Assembly session.

The president also said Saudi Arabia should honor its international obligations toward foreign nationals.

Everyone knows that regional security and stability would be a nonstarter in the absence of Iran or without Iran’s cooperation, the president added.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on September 30

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on September 30

Abrar: The spokesman of parliament’s JCPOA Review Committee has said that the report of the committee on the Iran nuclear deal will be finalized on Sunday.

Abrar: A source close to the Iranian delegation that visited the UN has said that Zarif and Obama have exchanged brief pleasantries and shaken hands.

Afarinesh: “We have not been successful enough in locating the overseas assets of Babak Zanjani [a young billionaire who is expected to go on trial shortly for corruption],” said the justice minister.

Afkar: Obama shook hands with Zarif to improve ties between the US and Iran.

Afkar: Monetary compensations won’t make up for the Mina tragedy, said President Rouhani.

Arman-e Emrooz: A chance encounter that was historical

Foreign Minister Zarif and President Obama shook hands at the UN.

Arman-e Emrooz: The government spokesman has said that Iran will file a complaint against Saudi Arabia over the Mina tragedy.

“The Saudi foreign minister is hiding from Foreign Minister Zarif,” said Mohammad Bagher Nobakht.

Asr-e Rasaneh: Wintertime shutdown of petrochemical complexes has been ruled out.

Bahar: An honorable encounter

The Iranian foreign minister returned President Obama’s greetings.

Ebtekar: Obama and Zarif have shaken hands

Ebtekar takes a look at the controversy the handshake has stirred.

Eghtesad-e Pooya: India pays out $700 million in its oil debts to Iran.

Emtiaz: The deputy energy minister has said that Iran is likely to import water from Tajikistan.

Etemad: A handshake in 60 seconds

Foreign Minister has bumped into President Obama while leaving the UN General Assembly.

Ghanoon: A controversial handshake

Zarif and Obama have exchanged pleasantries in a UN corridor.

Hemayat: Political activists have described the handshake between Zarif and Obama as running counter to principles of wisdom, glory and expedience.

Iran: The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council has predicted that the Islamic Consultative Assembly will allow the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to go ahead.

Jamejam: Dethronement of the Saudi king is in progress

Divisions among Saudi princes have come to surface following the Mina tragedy.

Javan: The “inappropriate measure” was repeated in New York.

The Foreign Ministry has described the encounter between Obama and Zarif as “pure happenstance”.

Jomhouri Islami: The Qatari Emir has proposed to host a meeting between Iran and Arab countries on the Persian Gulf.

Kar va Kargar: A spokesman for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has said that the number of Iranian pilgrims killed in Mina is more than 400.

Kayhan: Advance information about a chance encounter! [The daily has criticized the reformist dailies for their prediction of an encounter between Iranian and US presidents in New York to suggest that the brief encounter before Zarif and Obama was not all that unexpected.]

Khorasan: Censoring an admission

The Saudi government has removed from its website a news story by its own Health Ministry suggesting that 4,173 were killed in the Mina crush.

Mardomsalari: The White House has confirmed the encounter between President Obama and Foreign Minister Zarif.

Resalat: “After IS, Saudi Arabia deals the worst blows to Islam,” said the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Roozan: The chance diplomacy on the sidelines of a major conference

Saheb Ghalam: The Sixth Development Plan envisions $15 billion in foreign investment in the mining sector.

Setareh Sobh: The reactions a handshake between Obama and Zarif have drawn

The daily has an analytical report on the issue.

Shahrvand: The health minister has said that the Iranian medical team has saved the lives of more than 500 Iranian pilgrims [in Saudi Arabia].

Sharq: Zarif shook President Obama’s hand.

The first encounter between an Iranian minister and a US president since the revolution

Vatan Emrooz: A chance mistake

The passive diplomacy of Zarif over Mina has been coupled with his handshake with Obama!

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on September 30

Golrokh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

♦ “The present good international atmosphere should be seized to develop the country,” President Rouhani said upon return home from New York, where he attended a UN General Assembly session.

The president also said Saudi Arabia should honor its international obligations toward foreign nationals.

Everyone knows that regional security and stability would be a nonstarter in the absence of Iran or without Iran’s cooperation, the president added.

♦ Health Minister [Hassan Hashemi] has paid bedside visits in Mecca to those injured in the Hajj tragedy.

♦ Introduction of the Social Emergency Service has seen social harms decline by 30 percent.

The director of the Welfare Organization has said that the bill on the Rights of the Disabled has been approved by the Cabinet and sent to parliament for a final go-ahead.

♦ The UN envoy in Iran has praised Iran’s achievement as far as the Millennium Development Goals are concerned.

UN Resident Coordinator in Iran Gary Lewis further said that the comments of President Rouhani at the UN Sustainable Development Summit were based on wisdom and farsightedness.

♦ EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has said that [P5+1] is awaiting the decision of the Iranian parliament before implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

She further said on the same day the deal secures the blessing of the Iranian parliament, a joint commission to oversee and implement the deal will be launched.

♦ The minister of science has said that benefactors across the nation are building educational facilities on expanses of land totaling 2 million square meters in area.

♦ “The stupid behavior of Saudi officials gave a criminal tinge to the Mecca tragedy,” said the Iranian intelligence minister.

He further said the world of Islam won’t forgive the behavior of the Saudi officials.

♦ “The Sacred Defense should not be monopolized by one single group,” said Brigadier General Kargar, who leads the Foundation for the Preservation and Promotion of the Sacred Defense Values.

Illogical preconditions prolong Syrian crisis: Zarif

Golrokh Askarieh

September 30, 2015

Illogical preconditions to end the Syrian crisis will prolong it, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a meeting with his Croatian counterpart Vensa Pusic Tuesday.

Zarif elaborated on Iran’s political solution to the Syrian crisis and said an end to the conflict, securing a fair solution and sustainable peace in Syria can be gained by the formation of an inclusive transitional government. He added that illogical preconditions which will prolong the crisis should be avoided.

At the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Pusic welcomed the nuclear deal that was clinched between Iran and P5+1.

As for the flow of Syrian refugees and its impact on the European countries including Croatia, she said the crisis can influence the seriousness of the European states for the settlement of Syrian crisis through political and peaceful means.

Both sides supported expansion of bilateral ties in economic, cultural, tourism, medical, and transport fields and stressed mutual support in international forums.

They also welcomed an exchange of diplomatic and trade delegations.