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

By
IFP Media Wire
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Trump orders air attacks against Yemen’s Houthis, dozens killed

By
IFP Media Wire
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The US strikes, which began on Saturday and continued into the early hours of Sunday, on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, as well as areas in Saada, al-Bayda and Radaa, killed 31 people and wounded 101, “most of whom were children and women”, spokesperson for Yemen’s Ministry of Health, Anis al-Asbahi, posted on X.

The US raids on Yemen marked the most significant military action of Trump’s second term, to date.

“Your time is up, and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don’t, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before,” Trump said in a statement on Truth Social, his social media site.

“I have ordered the US military today to launch a decisive and powerful military operation against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” he continued, adding that Washington “will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective”.

In his Truth Social statement, Trump also told Tehran it needed to immediately stop supporting the Houthis. He stated if Iran threatens the US, “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”

The Houthi group warned that the assault “will not pass without response”. The Houthi website slammed what it called “US-British aggression” and Washington’s “criminal brutality”.

The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have yet to attack any ships despite threatening to do so last week over Israel’s blockade on all food, fuel and other supplies into the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Houthis accused the US of overstating the threat to shipping operations to influence public opinion.

“What the US president claims about a threat to international navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is false and misleading to international public opinion,” Mohammed Abdul-Salam said.

“The maritime embargo declared by Yemen in support of Gaza is limited only to Israeli navigation until humanitarian aid is delivered to the people of Gaza,  according to the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance and the enemy entity,” he added.

The Political Bureau of the Houthis also issued a separate statement, describing the attacks as a “war crime” and promised to respond.

“The aggression will not go unanswered,” it said, adding, “Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation.”

The Houthis have launched more than 100 attacks targeting shipping since November 2023, following Israel’s war on the besieged enclave, disrupting global commerce and setting the US military on a costly campaign to intercept missiles and drones that burned through stocks of US air defences.

The Houthis say the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.

Earlier this month, the US also designated the Houthi movement, known formally as Ansar Allah, as a “foreign terrorist” organisation.

UN chief urges global action against rising ‘anti-Muslim bigotry’

By
IFP Media Wire
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Guterres made the remarks on Saturday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia marked every year on March 15.

Rights groups around the world and the UN have noted a rise in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias and anti-Semitism since the start of Israel’s 17-month war on Gaza.

“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship,” the UN chief said in a video post on X.

“This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations.”

He called on governments, without specifying any one nation, to “foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom”.

“Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination,” he added.

Meanwhile, UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Angel Moratinos said Muslims were facing “institutional discrimination and socioeconomic restrictions”.

“Such biases are manifested in the stigmatisation and the unwarranted racial profiling of Muslims and are reinforced by biased media representations, and by the anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies of some political leaders,” he stated in a speech to the UN General Assembly.

Rights advocates have for years raised concerns about the stigma faced by Muslims and Arabs because of how some people conflate those communities with armed groups.

At present, many pro-Palestinian activists, including in Western nations such as the United States, have complained and say that their advocacy for Palestinian rights is wrongly labelled by their critics as support for Hamas in Gaza.

In recent weeks, rights watchdogs have published data noting record levels of anti-Muslim hate incidents and hate speeches in countries such as the United Kingdom, the US and India, among others.

A report released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on Tuesday said that the 8,658 complaints regarding anti-Muslim and anti-Arab incidents last year – representing a 7.4 percent rise year on year – was the highest number since the group began compiling data in 1996.

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