The Director General of South Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Rasoul Mousavi, announced on his official account that Tehran will host a meeting of the regional contact group for Afghanistan on Saturday, June 8.

He further added that the consultation of the special representatives of Iran, Pakistan, China, and Russia is on the agenda.

Mousavi stated that the Tehran meeting aims to send a message of peace, stability, and development for Afghanistan and the region through enhanced regional cooperation and integration.

The first meeting of the regional contact group for Afghanistan took place in Kabul in February 2024. The meeting was initiated by the Islamic Republic of Iran and was attended by special representatives and ambassadors from the regional countries and Afghanistan’s neighbors.

Navy chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani told IRIB news agency in the capital Tehran on Tuesday that the Iranian naval forces along with naval units from a dozen countries will stage a military exercise by the end of the current Iranian calendar, which concludes on March 19.

Commenting on Iran’s missions in high seas, the commander noted that Iranian Navy units have been deployed in international waters since 2009 to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

The Iranian Navy has been conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea ever since, safeguarding the country’s interests in the strategic water bodies, Irani pointed out.

He further noted that Iranian naval units have been protecting naval routes and providing security for merchant vessels and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries, stating that Iran’s naval forces have on occasions responded to distress calls issued by foreign commercial ships.

Iran’s Navy has in recent years achieved self-sufficiency in manufacturing surface and sub-surface vessels. It has also increased its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

The Iranian naval forces have also staged military drills with different countries, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, over the past years with the aim of promoting their combat readiness.

They have also been involved in joint efforts aimed at countering piracy and maritime terrorism, exchanging information in naval rescue and relief operations as well as sharing operational and tactical experience to enhance the security and stability of international maritime trade.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the comments in a meeting with Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York on Sunday.

In the meeting, Amir-Abdollahian informed Guterres about the trends and good progress achieved in Iran’s relations with its neighbors and some Arab and Islamic countries.

Referring to the recent prisoner swap with the United States and the release of Iran’s frozen assets in South Korea, the Iranian foreign minister said, “We always have good consultations with you about the JCPOA. The exchange of messages with the US continues and the Sultan of Oman’s plan is still on the table, and if the other parties are ready, we are serious about returning to the JCPOA so that all parties return to their commitments in the JCPOA within the framework of the Oman initiative.”

The minister also said regarding cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that, “Whenever the agency operates within the technical framework, things are moving in the right direction. But things go awry when others prioritize their political views over the agency’s professional affairs.”

Amir-Abdollahian said that nuclear bomb has no place in Iran’s doctrine.

He further said in another part of his statement that, “Raeisi presented some initiatives in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. One of the important parts of his speech was related to the necessity of protecting the foundation of the family and it is necessary to have a mechanism in the framework of the United Nations in the field of protecting the basis of the family.”

Regarding the crisis in Ukraine, the top Iranian diplomat explained Iran’s principled positions and said that, “We are committed to preserving the territorial integrity of countries, including Ukraine, and we do not consider war as a solution.”

UN Secretary-General Guterres, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with this meeting and thanked the Iranian minister for sharing the information about Iranian foreign policy with him.

He said that he had a good meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi.

Guterres added, “I thank you for your diplomatic initiatives in resolving problems, removing obstacles and developing relations with other countries.”

Addressing a group of people from Sistan and Baluchestan, and South Khorasan provinces on Monday, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that the world is on the verge of an evolution.

This transformation includes several issues, including the weakening of the world’s arrogant powers, he said, adding that arrogant powers such as the US and some European countries have weakened and will become weaker.

The emergence of new regional and global powers is another part of this global transformation, he added.

The Leader went on to say that based on the received information, the American government has created a group, the mission of which is to create a crisis in countries, including Iran.

The American government has found out that there are several sensitive issues in Iran that can be turned into crises through provocation, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted, referring to the diversity of ethnic groups, religions, and the issue of gender and women.

According to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, such dreams will never come true.

“The enemies are serious in their enmity and plotting, and we are also very serious in confronting them,” the Leader noted.

“America interfered in various governments, but the condition is now declining. Today, America has to create a combined war in order to hit the governments that it wants to hit, which is very costly for it, and will not work out in the end.”

As for the decline of Europe, the situation is no better.

“You hear these days how the African countries that were under the influence of France are rising against France one after another,” the Leader said.

“The Western powers, which are headed by America and then Europe, do not have the former power today, they are weakening and this weakness is increasing. Day by day, new powers are rising; this is a great global change.”

Nevertheless, “When we say the enemy is becoming weak, it doesn’t mean that it cannot plot, be hostile, and strike, it can,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“They are busy planning, we should not sleep, we should not be negligent.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “We must be careful not to go astray, not to make mistakes, not to exchange right for wrong.”

“The Qur’an has given us a standard. The Qur’an says that ‘Muhammad is the Messenger of God and those who are with him.’ Are we with the Prophet or not? This is the way, it has a sign.

“’And those who are with Him are bitter against the infidels.’ If you see that the way we are going is a path that makes the infidels happy, know that you are not bitter against the infidels. So you are not with the Messenger of God, you are not with the Prophet.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said, “We must be focused. We must know what we are doing and saying. The words we utter should not play into the enemy’s plan and complete its puzzle. This is dangerous.”

“Care must be taken that this does not happen. If we are careful, the enemy cannot do a damn thing.”

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council meeting on “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)”, Zahra Ershadi said, “We hope that Western countries will soon reassess and rectify their policy towards Syria. By doing so, they can contribute to the restoration of stability, peace, and prosperity in the region.”

The full text of Ershadi’s statement is as follows:

Madam. President,

We thank the briefers for their updates and informative briefings.

Madam. President,

As highlighted in today’s briefings, despite the UN’s diligent efforts, the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to present challenges.

The current level of funding allocated for the Syrian humanitarian response falls far below what is needed. This severe shortage of funding severely hinders the UN’s ability to provide adequate assistance to those in need.

Furthermore, the persistent imposition of unilateral sanctions remains a significant impediment to the improvement of Syria’s humanitarian and economic situation. These unlawful measures have further exacerbated the challenges faced by the Syrian people and severely hampered the capacity of the Syrian government to deliver critical services to those in need, and even delaying the return of refugees and internally displaced people.

Madam. President,

To effectively address the humanitarian and economic crisis in Syria, a comprehensive approach is crucial. This approach should encompass several key elements, including securing sufficient funding, ensuring impartial distribution of aid, and removing unilateral sanctions.

Such an approach not only saves lives but also lays the foundation for the restoration of infrastructure, the rebuilding of communities, and the revitalization of the Syrian economy.

In addition, it is essential to prioritize early recovery projects that address the immediate needs of all Syrians affected by the ongoing crisis. These projects should aim to provide comprehensive support and assistance to those impacted, facilitating their path towards recovery and resilience.

Simultaneously, substantial efforts must be directed for enhancing the delivery of humanitarian aid across all regions of Syria. This includes a specific focus on improving cross-line aid delivery, as outlined in Resolution 2672(2023).

Madam. President,

We extend our appreciation to the Syrian government for its unwavering commitment to supporting the United Nations and other international organizations in facilitating the delivery of relief and support to crisis-affected areas.

We particularly commend the Syrian government for its decision to extend the permission to use the Bab Al Salam and Al Rai border crossings for an additional three months, until August 13, 2023. This extension enables the crucial delivery of humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians in need, particularly in Northwestern Syria.

Madam. President,

Terrorism remains a significant threat to Syria and the wider region and must be addressed decisively. We are concerned about terrorist activities in the areas under occupation. The illegal presence of military forces in Syria is the primary source of insecurity in the country and must be ended in order to create a conducive environment for crisis resolution.

The fight against terrorism must be carried out in full respect of Syria’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, and without using it as a pretext to violate these fundamental principles of international law.

Madam. President,

Regarding the political track, we continue to extend our support to the Special Envoy’s sincere efforts and commend his active engagement with all parties involved in the resolution of the Syrian crisis. We welcomed the Special Envoy’s visit to Tehran on 15 May, during which he held discussions on the latest humanitarian and political situation in Syria with Iran’s Foreign Minister and other Iranian relevant authorities.

Iran stands firmly behind the prompt resumption of the Constitutional Committee meetings. We are committed to supporting this process.

Moreover, Iran, in collaboration with its partners in the Astana format, Russia, and Turkiye, remains unwavering in its commitment to working towards long-term and sustainable normalization in Syria. In this context, we fully endorse and support the continuation of the Syrian-Turkish dialogue, recognizing it as a crucial component of such broader efforts.

It is noteworthy that on 10 May, the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Iran, Syria, and Turkiye convened in Moscow to engage in discussions regarding the re-establishment of interstate relations between Syria and Turkiye. The talks comprehensively addressed various aspects, with a firm emphasis on upholding Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the need to fight against terrorism.

We would like also to highlight the two-day official visit by Iran’s president to Syria, which marked the first visit by an Iranian president in over 13 years. During this visit, the two presidents signed a comprehensive agreement on long-term and strategic cooperation between our two countries in Damascus.

We are pleased to note the recent positive developments in Syria’s diplomatic relations, both within the region and internationally.

The return of Syria to the Arab League and the resumption of relations with our Arab brotherly countries mark significant strides in helping Syria’s security, stability, and prosperity.

This constructive approach reaffirms the effectiveness and legitimacy of Iran’s policy and its allies in the region in defending the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria as well as backing the legal government of Syria during 12 years of crisis in the country.

We hope that Western countries will soon reassess and rectify their policy towards Syria. By doing so, they can contribute to the restoration of stability, peace, and prosperity in the region.

And lastly, Madam. President, the international community’s failure to address the Israeli regime’s ongoing acts of aggression and terrorist attacks against Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is deeply concerning.

These reprehensible acts, like the recent terrorist attacks targeting Damascus and its surrounding areas on 28 May 2023, which deliberately aimed at civilian infrastructure, flagrantly violate international humanitarian law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability. We strongly condemn these heinous crimes and emphasize the urgent need for swift and decisive action to hold such a lawless regime accountable.

I thank you.

“While the Islamic Republic of Iran is seriously pursuing the issue and the specialized teams of the Ministry of Health are also continuing their field and scientific research, the issuance of a resolution by the European Parliament and the repetition of false and baseless accusations against our country is a surprise and a pity,” said Nasser Kan’ani on Friday.

In an interventionist resolution about Iran’s internal situation, the European Parliament called on the UN Human Rights Council to conduct an independent probe into the issue of schoolgirls poisoning.

Stating that the initial findings of the judicial authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran indicate the identification of some of the perpetrators of the crime, Kan’ani added, “In fact, it is Iran that should be the plaintiff and claimant in this suspicious and anti-human incidents.”

“It is shameful that some people have made the actions of self-proclaimed and affiliated agents in this crime a tool to destroy the image of the Islamic Republic of Iran and use it as a new subject to continuing their endless antagonisms with the Islamic Republic,” the Iranian diplomat noted. “Unfortunately, the European Parliament has also become a place for these suspicious and extremist figures to spread hatred against the Iranian nation and the Iranophobia project.”

Kan’ani went on to say, “The highest officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran have strongly condemned the inhumane act [carried out in some schools], and called for a full investigation, finding the perpetrators and severe punishment for them.”

“Regardless of any pressure and psychological operations, the Islamic Republic of Iran will do its best to follow up on the incidents and will not give up any efforts to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of these criminal incidents,” the spokesman stressed.

He added, “Considering the recent behavior of the European Parliament, it will not be surprising that if the criminals involved in this crime are identified and punished, the European Parliament will rise again in the name of human rights to defend the same criminals and ask for not punishing them.”

Since November 2022, some Iranian students have reported symptoms of poisoning while in school. The outbreak started in Qom before expanding to other cities.

In most cases, students suffered respiratory problems, nausea, fatigue and dizziness, while some were hospitalized.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called the suspected poisoning of students in Iran’s schools an “unforgivable and big” crime, calling on authorities to seriously pursue the issue.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that responsible bodies, including intelligence and law enforcement agencies, should find the origin of the crime, as well as the agents and the masterminds.

“This is a crime, as it is perpetrated against the most innocent members of society, the children. It also causes fear and psychological insecurity in society and worries families. These issues should be followed seriously, and if the perpetrators are convicted, there will be no amnesty for them. And they must be punished and their punishment should serve as a lesson,” the Leader said.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raeisi has also ordered the ministers of intelligence and interior to follow up on the poisoning cases.

“The enemy’s new conspiracy of creating fear in the hearts of students… and their parents is a crime and an inhumane act,” he said during a cabinet meeting.

Iran’s Minister of Defense Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani who heads the two-day 9th meeting of the Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Cooperation Commission which is underway in Tehran, said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran and Venezuela as two independent countries with close and common positions regarding many regional and international issues such as independence, the right to self-determination, multilateralism and the need to deal with oppressive sanctions, as well as the development and deepening of bilateral cooperation, have the necessary cooperation in all scientific, economic, industrial, agricultural, energy and cultural dimensions.”

“Iran is pleased to host this major economic event and considers it an opportunity to expand the strategic relations between the two countries as well as expand economic and commercial cooperation in various fields between the public and private sectors of the two countries,” he added.

The 9th meeting of the Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Cooperation Commission is trying to increase the process of trade relations between the two countries in the context of economic diplomacy, the strategic advantages and the interactions of the parties, especially in dealing with oppressive sanctions, Ashtiani said.

He went on to say, “Holding an exclusive exhibition of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of science, technology and industry in 2022 in the city of Caracas, signing numerous technological understandings between the two sides and commercial and economic exchanges between the two countries have been among the most important actions within the past year.”

Referring to the goals and priorities of the commission, Ashtiani said that in the new round of cooperation between the parties, actualizing existing capacities, defining new areas of cooperation, using the capacity of private and knowledge-based companies alongside state companies and organizations, as well as the presence of successful Iranian companies in Venezuela are among the goals of the joint commission.

The relations between Iran and Venezuela have grown in the framework of the 20-year development roadmap of the two countries in recent years under the leadership of the presidents of the two countries, he noted, adding that greater coordination and synergy between the different sectors of the two countries will remove existing obstacles and find solutions based on deepening relations.

“We are sure that with the effort, will, and expansion of cooperation, the commission will become a special and effective place in the relations between the two countries.”

Iran has always emphasized lifting the blockade, establishing a ceasefire, trying to solve the crisis through Yemeni-Yemeni dialogues and without foreign interference, and is ready to use its capacities to solve regional and world issues, Raeisi said in a telephone conversation with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday evening.

In response to the UN Chef’s appreciation for Iran’s goodwill and action in releasing two of the security prisoners in Iran, President Raeisi stated that this is proof of goodwill and that the interactive approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to solve issues and problems.

Regarding the extension and continuation of the ceasefire in Yemen, Raeisi also said that Iran has always emphasized lifting the blockade and establishing a ceasefire in Yemen and trying to resolve the crisis through Yemeni-Yemeni dialogues and understanding without foreign interference in this country, and your colleagues at the United Nations confirm this.
Addressing the Secretary General of the United Nations, Raeisi added, “I hope that with your efforts, Saudi Arabia will fulfill its commitments to stop the attacks on Yemen and will be persuaded to solve the problems of this country with the participation of the Yemenis themselves to let the people of Yemen determine their own future.”

Iranian president reemphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to use its diverse and effective capacities to solve regional and global issues.

UN Secretary-General, for his part, while appreciating the good opinion and humanitarian and interactive approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran in solving regional and global issues, pointed to his meeting with the President on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly and said, “It was a great honor for me to host you. In that meeting, we had important discussions, and I understood the concerns of the Islamic Republic regarding global issues very well.”

Antonio Guterres assured the Iranian President that he will use all his efforts to persuade Saudi Arabia to stop attacks on Yemen and to try to resolve the crisis through dialogue between different Yemeni groups.

Guterres stated, “I hope we can create a new political structure in a region that has a special and ancient place in human civilization with the participation of Iran, which has a history of several thousand years of civilization.”