IRAN INTERNATIONAL
Iran president-elect ready for 'constructive dialogue' with Europe
The 69-year-old has called for "constructive relations" with Western countries to "get Iran out of its isolation", and favours reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and global powers.
Iran's Pezeshkian rejects U.S. pressure, praises Russia, China
President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran emphasized that the United States needs to understand Iran's resistance to pressure tactics. In a statement published on Saturday, Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran's close relationships with China and Russia.
Oil tanker held by Iran for over a year heads toward international waters, tracking data shows
The Advantage Sweet, an oil tanker seized by Iran in April 2023 amid tensions with the U.S., is now heading toward international waters, according to tracking data. The vessel, carrying $50 million worth of oil for Chevron, was held by Iran without acknowledgment of its release. This move coincides with an Iranian court ordering the U.S. to pay $6.7 billion over sanctions-related medical supply issues. The tanker's seizure was linked to ongoing legal and geopolitical conflicts between Iran and the U.S., involving economic sanctions and military tensions.
Iran expands ballistic missile facilities, reveals new satellite images
Recent satellite imagery reveals Iran's significant expansion of ballistic missile facilities at the Modarres and Khojir sites near Tehran. Confirmed by Iranian officials and analyzed by experts, this development involves over 30 new buildings and increased drone manufacturing. The expansion follows Iran's agreement to supply missiles to Russia for its war against Ukraine, raising strategic concerns for the US and Israel. Iran's missile and drone supplies to allied groups further intensify regional tensions.
What changes are expected under Iran's new president?
Iranians elected reformist Masoud Pezeshkian as the next president after Ebrahim Raisi's death, winning over 54% of votes with promises of improved relations with the West and reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. Pezeshkian aims to ease internet restrictions, oppose mandatory headscarf enforcement, and include more women and ethnic minorities in government. However, facing conservative dominance in state institutions, he may struggle to implement reforms and navigate regional tensions.
View: Reform your 'reformist Iran' opinion
Pezeshkian is eligible for the job because he has demonstrated loyalty to Khamenei. The views of 'reformists' are often indistinguishable from those of 'hardliners'. The new president-elect has been an advocate of mandatory hijab, promoted gender segregation in education and healthcare, and is an enthusiastic supporter of extremist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
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Iran vote winner could ease, but won't end nuclear tensions: analysts
Masoud Pezeshkian's victory in Iran's presidential elections has brought hope for easing tensions over Tehran's nuclear program, defeating ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili with support from former president Hassan Rouhani. Despite not being the primary authority on foreign policy or nuclear issues, Pezeshkian aims for constructive relations with the West, contrasting Jalili's hardline stance. However, challenges remain as Iran's nuclear program has advanced significantly, impacting potential negotiations.
US and allies clash with Tehran and Moscow over Iranian nuclear programme at UN Security Council
The United States and key European allies clashed with Iran and Russia over Tehran's expanding nuclear program The US vowed to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran in a UN Security Council meeting. The US and its allies accused Iran of escalating nuclear activities beyond limits agreed upon in a 2015 deal. Iran and Russia defended Tehran's nuclear program oversight and blamed the US for sanctions.
France, Germany, UK condemn Iran's latest nuclear measures
France, Germany, and Britain criticised Iran's recent nuclear actions. The United Nations atomic watchdog reporting an expansion of Iran's nuclear capacities, undermining the 2015 nuclear deal. The three countries expressed concern over Iran's increased enriched uranium stockpile and capacity, surpassing deal limits. The nations denounced Iran's lack of cooperation with the IAEA and reiterated their commitment to a diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran further increases its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels
Iran has increased its uranium stockpile to near weapons-grade levels, according to a confidential report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. Iran now has 142.1 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 20.6 kilograms since the last report in February. The IAEA reported that Tehran has not reconsidered its September 2023 decision to bar experienced nuclear inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program.
Beyond the clutter: India-US ties transcend ongoing differences
India explained why oil imports from Moscow are necessary to preserve global oil market stability, similarly Chabahar deal is also for regional stability which is valued by the US.
Raisi death reshapes Iran succession, puts focus on Khamenei son
President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash has refocused attention on Mojtaba Khamenei as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. The succession process and the role of the Supreme Leader, appointed by the Assembly of Experts, are under scrutiny amidst the country's political landscape.
Iran's nuclear policy of pressure and talks likely to go on even after president's death
Iran's nuclear program is nearing weapons-grade uranium enrichment, prompting indirect talks with the U.S. and inviting the UN atomic watchdog for negotiations. This strategy aims to lift economic sanctions crippling Iran's economy. Following a major attack on Israel amid its Gaza conflict, Iran seeks to manage risks from the U.S. Despite the recent helicopter crash killing key Iranian leaders, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remains in control, continuing efforts to balance pressure and diplomacy. Indirect talks with the U.S. are ongoing, with uncertain outcomes.
In divided Iran, president's death met by muted mourning and furtive celebration
Iran declared five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi, who, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, died in a helicopter crash. While loyalists prayed in mosques, daily life continued with minimal disruption. Opposition groups quietly celebrated Raisi's death, reflecting his controversial legacy, particularly his role in cracking down on women's rights and executing dissidents. Many Iranians doubt his death will change the country's hardline governance. The subdued response contrasts with past public grief for figures like Qasem Soleimani, indicating Raisi's divisive impact.
Aggression or Caution: The choice facing Iran's next leaders
A decade ago, it was possible to imagine a very different future for the United States and Iran. Raisi's predecessor, Hassan Rouhani, and his urbane, Western-educated foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, seemed determined to dial back the decades of hostility, and sanctions, that had crippled Iran's economy. They talked about personal freedom and women's rights, and courted European leaders even while Iran's Revolutionary Guard kept funding terrorism.
Who will become Iran President? When is Presidential Election?
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi is dead and now the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds the key as a Presidential election has become imminent.
Chabahar pact important milestone; to provide connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia: PM
PM Narendra Modi highlighted India's milestone Chabahar port contract for Afghan connectivity, promoting regional trade via the International North-South Transport Corridor and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The agreement involved IPGL's investments and debt, and the INSTC offers an alternative trade route to Russia, bypassing the Suez Canal.
Who was Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's hardline president who died in a helicopter crash?
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, considered a hard-liner and a potential successor to the supreme leader, died in a helicopter crash in a mountainous northwestern region, Iranian media reported. Raisi, who previously ran Iran's judiciary and faced U.S. sanctions over his role in the 1988 mass executions, became president in 2021 in an election with historically low turnout. As president, he supported Iran's uranium enrichment and aggressive foreign policy, including attacks on Israel.
Reach Europe 20 days earlier and for 30% cheaper: How Chabahar port helps India expand its trade footprints globally
India’s pact with Iran to develop the Chabahar port will give a boost to the multimodal transportation network called the International North-South Transport Corridor, enabling exports from South Asia to reach Europe and Russia.
India, Russia to sign pact for visa-free tourism this year
"India is at the final stage of internal state coordination," Nikita Kondratyev, director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry's Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, said on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024" in Kazan.
View: Chabahar, port of a smart call
Investing in Chabahar presents its own set of obstacles. The progress in the region has been hindered by US sanctions over the years. Since 2018, India has refrained from importing significant amounts of heavy Iranian crude and faced challenges in providing financial aid for the construction of the Chabahar-Zahedan railway in 2020 due to sanctions. Energy trade has long been the cornerstone of India-Iran relations, and this shift has temporarily strained bilateral ties.
Chabahar brings to fore India's hidden infrastructural play
Modi government's infrastructure upgrade includes a vast network of roads, bridges, and high-speed trains. The transformation extends to invisible sectors like ports, with Chabahar Port key to India's geopolitical strategy. The International North-South Transport Corridor will boost trade with Europe and Russia, while ongoing port development supports Modi's vision of a manufacturing powerhouse.
Chabahar Port development to help India expand trade routes; need to ensure necessary infra: GTRI
India has signed a 10-year contract to operate the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar, which will help India enhance its logistical capabilities and expand its trade routes to Central Asia. The port, which is Iran's only ocean port, is strategically located about 170 km west of Pakistan's Gwadar Port and offers an alternative maritime route to the congested Strait of Hormuz. The port is an integral component of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200-km multi-modal transportation route connecting India with Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Arbitration matters related to Chabahar port to be referred to tribunal in Muscat: Official
"Major concerns, including lack of consensus on an arbitral framework, have been addressed. As per the agreement signed on Monday, matters requiring arbitration with regard to operation of the Chabahar port, will be referred to a three-member arbitration tribunal based in Muscat in accordance with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Chabahar, opening routes for India-plus
With Monday's agreement, India takes over management of Iran's Chabahar Port for an initial 10-year period. This will change the face of regional connectivity, trade with landlocked countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, and provide an alternative route that connects the region with Europe. For India and the region, economic benefits come with a strategic sweetener - an alternative that can bypass China and Pakistan's Gwadar Port.
India to ink 10-year Chabahar Port pact with Tehran today
This is the first time India will take over management of a port overseas. The port, which is seen as India's key connectivity link to Afghanistan, Central Asia and the larger Eurasian space, will help counterbalance Pakistan's Gwadar port as well as China's Belt and Road Initiative. There are plans to link Chabahar with the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that connects India with Russia via Iran. The port will enable India to bypass Pakistan to access Afghanistan, and ultimately Central Asia.
India’s counter to Pakistan’s Gwadar port: New Delhi signs 10-year Chabahar Port pact with Iran
India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran on Monday to manage Chabahar Port, marking its first overseas port management venture. The move, amidst a bustling election season, is viewed as a significant geopolitical gesture towards Iran, with potential regional ramifications. This agreement underscores India's strategic interest in Chabahar, which serves as a vital link to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the larger Eurasian region, offering an alternative to Pakistan's Gwadar port and China's Belt and Road Initiative.
India signs deal with Iran to run Chabahar port
At the end of the 10-year period, both sides will extend their cooperation in Chabahar. IPGL will invest about $120 million in equipping the port, officials said. India has also offered a rupee credit window equivalent to $250 million for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure, they said.
Watch fish rain in Iran caught on camera? Was it a biblical incident? Know science behind fish rain
Did fish rain from the sky in the Yasuj region of Iran? Videos show fish falling on the street with cars passing by. Iranian authorities detained five people for fabricating lies. Is it possible to rain fish? Know in detail.
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