February 2017
South Korea Calls for Suspension of North Korea's Membership in the United Nations
South Korea has called for North Korea's suspension from the UN following the assassination of Kim Jong-nam using a banned chemical weapon. Malaysia is charging…
Human Rights Campaign: Arrest of Several Civil and Political Activists and a Journalist
Majid Asadi, a former political prisoner, has been arrested again, along with journalist Tahereh Riahi and activist Farzaneh Jalali. Their arrests highlight ongoing repression of…
International Monetary Fund: Stability of Poverty and Unemployment Rates Despite Iran's Economic Growth
The IMF's latest report indicates that despite Iran's projected economic growth of 6.6% this year, unemployment is expected to remain high at around 12.2%, and…
SpaceX to Take Two Space Tourists Around the Moon Next Year
SpaceX has announced plans to take two private tourists around the Moon in 2018, marking the first private lunar trip and the first human journey…
Iraqi Forces Capture Important Bridge Over Tigris River
Iraqi forces, supported by the U.S., have captured a crucial bridge over the Tigris River in their offensive against ISIS in Mosul. This advance is…
Exploitation of Vast Natural Heat Resources Underground in China
Sinopec is shifting focus to geothermal energy in China, drilling wells for heating despite initial oil exploration failures. This move aims to reduce coal dependency…
Head of the Welfare Committee: 11 Million Iranians Live Below the Poverty Line
Parviz Fattah, head of Iran's Welfare Committee, announced that 11 million Iranians are living below the poverty line based on the minimum wage of 812,000…
Continued Advance of Iraqi Forces in Western Mosul
Iraqi forces are advancing towards a strategic bridge in western Mosul, aiming to connect the western and eastern parts of the city. This operation is…
Long-term Effects of Social Issues on the Islamic Republic
The Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution has approved new regulations for addressing social issues in Iran, highlighting ongoing concerns from sociologists and Ayatollah Khamenei.…
Amnesty International Criticizes 'Widespread Human Rights Violations in Iran'
Amnesty International's annual report highlights ongoing human rights abuses in Iran, including suppression of free speech and harsh punishments. The report coincides with recent sentences…
Iran's Labor Market in the 'Monopoly' of Men
The article discusses the declining economic participation and increasing unemployment rates among women in Iran despite a rise in female university enrollment. This trend highlights…
Iraqi Prime Minister Orders Airstrikes on ISIS Positions in Syria
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered airstrikes on ISIS positions in Syria in response to recent bombings in Baghdad. The strikes were coordinated with…
Syrian Peace Talks Resume in Geneva After a 10-Month Break
Syrian peace talks have resumed in Geneva after a 10-month break, with Russia dismissing calls for Assad's resignation. The talks aim to address political transition,…
Iraqi Forces Retake Mosul Airport and a Military Base from ISIS
Iraqi forces, with U.S. support, have retaken Mosul airport and a nearby military base from ISIS, marking a significant advance in the ongoing battle against…
De Mistura: I Do Not Expect Quick Success in the New Round of Syrian Negotiations
Stefan de Mistura, the UN special envoy for Syria, expressed skepticism about achieving quick success in the upcoming peace talks in Geneva. The talks are…
Turkey Lifts Headscarf Ban in Military
Turkey has officially lifted the ban on headscarves in its military, allowing women to wear them under specific conditions. This change reflects the ongoing shift…
Iran: A Long Way to Go for a Free Economy
The Heritage Foundation's annual report has ranked Iran 155th in economic freedom, improving from 171st last year. Despite this improvement, Iran remains near the bottom…
Marine Le Pen Refuses to Meet Lebanon's Grand Mufti; 'I Will Not Wear a Headscarf'
Marine Le Pen canceled her meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti after refusing to wear a headscarf, citing her previous experiences with religious leaders. She also…
Issuance of Two New Immigration Orders; Intensification of Illegal Immigrant Deportations from the U.S.
The U.S. has issued two new immigration orders that intensify the deportation of illegal immigrants, affecting around 11 million individuals. This marks a shift from…
Israeli Soldier Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Killing Wounded Palestinian Attacker
An Israeli soldier, Elor Azaria, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for killing a wounded Palestinian attacker, Abdul Fattah al-Sharif. The lenient sentence has…
90 Percent of Imported Food Products in Iran Are Genetically Modified
The head of the Iranian Genetics Association revealed that 90% of imported food products in Iran are genetically modified, raising concerns about food safety and…
Iraqi Military Forces on the Verge of Attacking Mosul Airport
Iraqi military forces are intensifying their operations against ISIS in Mosul, preparing for a final assault on Mosul Airport while claiming no foreign troops are…
Turkish Prime Minister: A New Era of Relations with the New U.S. Government Has Begun
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım announced a new phase in U.S.-Turkey relations following a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence. The Turkish army plans to…
Famine in South Sudan; 'Nearly Five Million People Need Immediate Assistance'
South Sudan is facing a severe famine with nearly five million people in need of immediate assistance, exacerbated by civil war and economic collapse. International…
NASA Sends Explorer Robots to Antarctica
NASA is sending explorer robots to Antarctica to search for signs of extraterrestrial life, focusing on the Erebus volcano as a testing ground. This research…
General Mattis: The U.S. Will Not Control Iraq's Oil
General James Mattis visited Iraq to assess the situation in the ongoing war against ISIS, emphasizing that the U.S. military is not there to control…
Iraqi Army Reaches Five Kilometers from Mosul Airport
The Iraqi army has advanced to within five kilometers of Mosul airport, recapturing several villages from ISIS. This operation, supported by U.S. airstrikes, marks a…
Iraqi Forces Advance Towards Mosul Airport
Iraqi forces, with US support, are advancing towards Mosul Airport to reclaim the city from ISIS control. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the operation, emphasizing…
Iraqi Prime Minister Announces Operations in Western Mosul
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of operations to retake western Mosul from ISIS, marking a significant military campaign. The operation aims to…
Financial Conviction of the Sister of the King of Spain Due to 'Indirect Benefit from Her Husband's Illegal Activities'
Princess Cristina of Spain was acquitted of corruption charges related to her husband but was ordered to pay 265,000 euros for indirectly benefiting from his…
Trump: Media Spreading Fake News Are Enemies of the American People
Donald Trump condemned several American media outlets for spreading fake news, labeling them as enemies of the American people. This statement was made after his…
National Reconciliation - Intra-Governmental and Khamenei's 'No'
The article discusses the concept of 'National Reconciliation' in Iran, highlighting the rejection of the idea by Supreme Leader Khamenei, which indicates the limited influence…
Five Arrested Following Armed Attack on Passenger Bus
An armed attack on a passenger bus in Iran resulted in one death and the arrest of five suspects. The attack occurred after an Afghan…
Hand Amputation Sentences for Three Individuals Convicted of Theft in Tehran
Three individuals in Tehran have been sentenced to hand amputation for theft, sparking condemnation from human rights organizations. The sentences were issued by the Tehran…
U.S. President: I Inherited a Chaotic Situation
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he inherited a chaotic situation both domestically and internationally, attacking the media for spreading misinformation. He announced plans for a…
Trump's Labor Secretary Nominee Withdraws
Andrew Puzder, nominated by Trump for Secretary of Labor, has withdrawn his nomination amid allegations of past misconduct and lack of support from Senate Republicans.…
Trump Says He Accepts 'One State' Solution for Israel and Palestinians
Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to accept either a one-state or two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, diverging from traditional U.S. policy. This shift…
Iran Allows Women to Attend Kish Beach Volleyball Competitions After Threat from FIVB
Iran has allowed women to attend the Kish Beach Volleyball World Tour after a warning from the FIVB threatened to suspend the event due to…
U.S. Defense Secretary Calls for Increased NATO Defense Budget Contributions
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis urged NATO members to increase their defense budgets or face adjustments in U.S. commitments to the alliance. This call reflects…
Trump: One of the Worst Deals I've Seen is the Agreement with Iran
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump condemned the Iran nuclear deal as one of the worst agreements he has seen…
Mutual Accusations Between the US and Russia Regarding Violation of a Missile Treaty
The US has accused Russia of violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty by operationalizing a cruise missile, while Russia denies the accusation and counters that…
White House Official: Trump's Support for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, Even Without a 'Two-State Solution'
A White House official stated that Trump supports peace between Israel and Palestine, even without a two-state solution. This comes ahead of a meeting between…
The film 'The Salesman' to be screened in Trafalgar Square, London
The film 'The Salesman' will be screened for free in Trafalgar Square, London, on the day of the Oscars, as part of London's support for…
Lawyer of Mohammad Ali Taheri: Order to Drop Charges Against My Client Issued
The lawyer of Mohammad Ali Taheri, a founder of a controversial spiritual movement, announced that charges against him for serious offenses have been dropped, leaving…
Hundreds of Illegal Immigrants Arrested in the U.S. Over the Past Week
U.S. immigration officers arrested over 680 illegal immigrants in a week, raising concerns among human rights groups. Many of those arrested have criminal records, and…
Increase in Health Spending Share in Iranian Households' Expenditure
The share of health spending in Iranian households' budgets has increased significantly due to rising medical costs outpacing income growth. Despite government claims of support,…
The Goal of Canadian Prime Minister's Negotiations with Trump is 'Expanding Trade Relations'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss expanding trade relations while avoiding contentious issues like immigration. This meeting marks…
Police Spokesman: No Special Instructions for Valentine's Day, But Businesses Have Been Informed
The Iranian police have stated that there are no special instructions for Valentine's Day this year, despite previous prohibitions. Businesses have been informed, and celebrations…
Head of Iran Chamber of Commerce: Half of Non-Oil Export Statistics Are Oil Derivatives
The head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce highlighted that over half of Iran's non-oil exports are reliant on oil and gas derivatives, indicating a…
British Defense Minister Expresses Hope for Raqqa Operations to Begin After Its Siege by Spring
The British Defense Minister hopes for the completion of the siege of Raqqa by spring, leading to liberation operations against ISIS. This involves Western-backed rebels…
Australia Revokes Citizenship of ISIS Member for the First Time
Australia has revoked the citizenship of Khaled Sharouf, a dual Australian-Lebanese national and member of ISIS, marking the first such action against an ISIS member.…
Continued Arrests of Political Activists, Denial of Education for Some Baha'is
Iran continues to detain political and civil activists, including notable figures and journalists, without disclosing charges. Additionally, several Baha'i citizens have been denied education based…
Haider al-Abadi on US-Iran Tensions: We Will Not Engage in Conflicts
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi stated that Iraq will not participate in international or regional conflicts, emphasizing neutrality amid rising tensions between the US and…
Three Turkish Soldiers Killed in Russian Airstrike in Syria
Three Turkish soldiers were killed in a Russian airstrike during an operation against the Islamic State in Syria. The incident highlights the lack of coordination…
Only 300,000 of Iran's Disabled Receive Monthly Benefits
Only 340,000 out of 1.3 million disabled individuals in Iran receive monthly pensions, which are deemed insufficient. The Welfare Organization's budget only covers 10% of…
135 Billion Dollar Loss from Gas Injection Deficit in Iran's Oil Fields
A report from the Iranian Parliament's Research Center warns of a significant gas injection deficit in oil fields, potentially leading to a loss of up…
Abbas: New Law on Israeli Settlements is an Attack on Palestinians
Mahmoud Abbas condemned a new Israeli law that legalizes settlements on Palestinian land, calling it an attack on Palestinians. The law has sparked international criticism…
Trump and Erdogan's Phone Conversation; Emphasis on Combating All Forms of Terrorism
Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan had their first phone conversation since Trump's presidency, focusing on mutual support against terrorism. The call was described as…
Betsy DeVos Confirmed as U.S. Education Secretary by Vote of Vice President Pence
Betsy DeVos was confirmed as U.S. Education Secretary after a tie vote in the Senate was broken by Vice President Mike Pence. Despite strong opposition…
Esteghlal Advances to Group Stage of AFC Champions League with Victory over Al-Sadd of Qatar
Esteghlal football team of Iran secured a place in the group stage of the AFC Champions League by defeating Al-Sadd of Qatar in a penalty…
Amnesty International: Thousands Executed in a Syrian Prison
Amnesty International reported that the Syrian government has executed 13,000 people in mass executions since 2011, primarily in Sednaya prison. The report highlights systematic torture…
Romanian President Opposes Dismissal of Government
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis criticized the government's decree aimed at weakening anti-corruption efforts but opposed its dismissal, stating it was not the right time. Protests…
Fewer Homeowners, More Renters
Between 2004 and 2014, Iran saw a significant decrease in homeowners and an increase in renters, particularly in urban areas. The reliance on free housing…
Half a Million Demonstrations in Romania; Government to Release New Criminal Law
Romania is experiencing massive protests against new criminal laws proposed by the ruling Social Democratic Party, with over half a million people demonstrating. The government…
Civilian Casualties and Injuries in Afghanistan; 'Unprecedented in Recent Years'
The UN report reveals a dramatic increase in civilian casualties in Afghanistan, with nearly 11,500 affected in 2016, one-third of whom are children. The report…
Trump and Ukrainian President's Phone Conversation: 'We Will Help Establish Peace at the Borders'
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed peace efforts at the Ukraine-Russia borders and the potential for a future meeting. They emphasized…
Sharif University Professors Call for Easing Visa Issuance for American Citizens
Over 70 professors from Sharif University have called on the Iranian government to ease visa restrictions for American citizens in response to a U.S. travel…
Continuing Criticism of Sentencing Journalists to Flogging in Iran
Criticism of the Iranian government's sentencing of journalists to flogging continues, with international organizations like the International Federation of Journalists and Amnesty International calling for…
FIFA Bans Tractor Sazi from Transfers After Esteghlal
FIFA has banned Tractor Sazi from transfers due to unpaid debts, following a similar ban on Esteghlal. If Tractor Sazi fails to pay their coach's…
Two Prime Ministers at Shahrzad Aghdashloo's Women's Gathering
Shahrzad Aghdashloo hosted a gathering featuring influential women, including poets Forough Farrokhzad and Parvin E'tesami, and political leaders Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher. The event…
Vida Mehran-Nia: My husband, Ahmadreza Jalali, has been sentenced to death
Vida Mehran-Nia reports that her husband, Ahmadreza Jalali, has been sentenced to death by an Iranian judge. Jalali, a researcher from Sweden, has been on…
US Ambassador to the UN Condemns Russia's 'Violent Actions'
Nikki Haley, the new US Ambassador to the UN, condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and stated that sanctions will remain until Crimea is returned. This…
Leader of the Australian Opposition Party: Prime Minister Should Explain His Phone Call with Trump
The leader of the Australian Labor Party, Bill Shorten, demands transparency from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull regarding his controversial phone call with President Trump, which…
Zoroastrian Representative in Parliament Protests 'Divisive' Remarks Regarding Sadeh Festival
Esfandiar Ekhtiari, the Zoroastrian representative in Iran's Parliament, has protested against divisive remarks made about the Sadeh festival, highlighting attacks on Zoroastrians by some officials.…
Largest Anti-Government Protests in Romania Since the Fall of Communism
Romania is experiencing its largest anti-government protests since the fall of communism, with hundreds of thousands protesting against a new law proposed by the ruling…
British Parliament Votes to Begin Process of Leaving the European Union
The British Parliament has approved a bill allowing Prime Minister Theresa May to start formal negotiations for leaving the EU, with a significant majority voting…
Motahari Calls for Referral of Parliament's Resolution on Disqualified Candidates to the Expediency Council
Ali Motahari, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has called for the Parliament's resolution on disqualifying candidates after elections to be sent to the Expediency…
Arian Tahi, Iranian-Born Grandmaster of Chess in Norway
Arian Tahi, a 17-year-old Iranian-born chess grandmaster in Norway, is being hailed as a potential future world champion. He has a strong international rating and…
Rasmussen Reports Survey of American Citizens on Entry Ban
A recent Rasmussen Reports survey shows that a majority of American voters support Donald Trump's temporary ban on entry from seven predominantly Muslim countries, citing…