https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:27:27 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-iranian-foreign-minister-meets-with-japanese-premier-kishida-in-tokyo/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:09:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658358 Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Monday and discussed bilateral cooperation as well as the Iran nuclear deal, reports Anadolu Agency. Amirabdollahian arrived in the Japanese capital on Sunday evening and is also scheduled to meet with senior government officials to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues. "As a supporter of the Iran nuclear deal, Japan is seriously concerned about the expansion of Iran's nuclear-related activities and requested full and unconditional cooperation in the joint statement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," Kishida said in a statement released by the Japanese Foreign Ministry. He also urged Iran to respond in a "constructive" way. Earlier, the Iranian […]]]> 658358 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-pakistan-abandons-gas-pipeline-project-with-iran-due-to-us-sanctions-threat/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:06:57 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658340 Pakistan has cancelled the building of its major gas pipeline with Iran due to the threat of economic sanctions imposed by the United States. The decision seemingly concludes around a decade of expectations for the project. According to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, the country's Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Musadik Malik, said in written testimony to the National Assembly that, "Pakistan has issued a Force Majeure and Excusing Event notice to Iran under the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA), which resultantly suspends Pakistan's obligations under the GSPA." He confirmed that the pipeline – which aimed to supply 750 million cubic feet of gas per day to Pakistan from its western neighbour – "is stalled due to international sanctions on […]]]> 658340 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-uk-government-divided-over-labelling-irans-revolutionary-guards-terrorist-group/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:09:53 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658326 The UK government is divided over designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, the Financial Times has reported. Disagreement between Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on labelling Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group is said to be causing tension within the government. Braverman is increasingly alarmed by alleged plans of Iranian agents to target British citizens. However, Cleverly and officials at the Foreign Office are hesitant to classify the Revolutionary Guards as terrorists, fearing that such a move could be counterproductive. READ: UK security minister labels Iran-funded mosque a 'vile threat' to the country Labelling the armed force of another nation as terrorists is quite unusual for the UK, officials in the Foreign Office have argued. There are […]]]> 658326 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230807-khamenei-accuses-us-of-encouraging-smugglers-in-gulf-region/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:01:49 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658282 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused the US of encouraging smuggling by sea in the Gulf region, in the latest sign of rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. "Today, the Americans are targeting oil tankers while helping the maritime smuggling networks in our region," said Khamenei on state television yesterday, Bloomberg News has reported. "This is a major violation on their part." Media reports said on 3 August that the US might seek to station military personnel on board civilian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to counter "Iranian aggression". The state-run Nour News agency in Iran responded by saying that the US "cannot use maritime protection as an excuse to expand its military […]]]> 658282 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-iranian-sri-lankan-foreign-ministers-dissuss-relations-regional-international-issues-in-tehran/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:17:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658181 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ali Sabry, discussed relations and regional and international issues Saturday in Tehran, according to a statement, Anadolu reports. Amirabdollahian said Iran is prepared to increase collaboration with Sri Lanka across various domains, encompassing the establishment of the Iran-Sri Lanka joint economic commission and the joint consular and tourism committee, according to his Foreign Ministry. "Amirabdollahian further enumerated the possibilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the field of new technologies and the capabilities of Iranian knowledge-based companies, saying Iran is ready to export technical and engineering services, technologies and medical equipment," it said. READ: Wildfire sets off landmines around Tehran's Evin Prison, Iran judiciary says He noted implementation of previously […]]]> 658181 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230804-wildfire-sets-off-landmines-around-tehrans-evin-prison-iran-judiciary-says/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:48:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658065 A wildfire caused by hot weather briefly flared in grassland around Evin Prison in north Tehran, detonating landmines in a security zone around the facility on Friday, Iran's judiciary said. The judiciary's Mizan news agency said the fire that lasted only "a few minutes" was "immediately brought under control" and there was no damage to the prison facilities, Anadolu Agency reports. "The fire spread to the protected area of ​​the hills around Evin Prison and caused the explosion of a number of mines," Mizan said. It did not report any casualties or elaborate on the kind of mines involved. The Prison, which is also surrounded by electrified barbed-wire, has long been the main site for holding prominent Iranian political prisoners, […]]]> 658065 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230804-iran-born-swedish-woman-burns-quran-in-stockholm/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:25:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657996 An Iranian-born woman has burnt a copy of the Quran in the Swedish capital Stockholm under police protection. The woman, Bayrami Marjan, 47, set fire to the Quran at the Angbybadet beach in Bromma on the shore of Lake Malaren. ??☪️ Another Quran burner pops up-Iranian immigrant sets holy book on fire on the beach in the suburbs of Stockholm,Sweden. Burning of Muslim's holy book intensifies again with Iran claiming pic.twitter.com/V9ptdO5vgt — MARIA (@its_maria012) August 3, 2023 Sweden and Denmark have recently witnessed a series of incidents involving the desecration of the Muslim holy book by extreme right-wing activists in front of embassies of Islamic countries which has sparked anger across the Arab and Muslim world. On 26 July, the […]]]> 657996 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-kuwait-foreign-minister-invited-to-iran-amid-tensions-over-gas-field/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 19:13:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657957 Iran's Foreign Minister has invited his Kuwaiti counterpart to Tehran, Kuwait said on Thursday, as tensions simmer over the offshore Durra gas field, Reuters reports. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait claim exclusive joint rights to the field, while Iran also claims a stake and says a Saudi-Kuwaiti agreement to develop it, signed last year, is illegal. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reaffirmed, on Thursday, that they jointly own rights to natural resources in the field, renewing calls for Iran to negotiate on the demarcation of the eastern border of the Gulf's maritime "Divided Area". They say they want to negotiate with Iran together, as one party. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was given the invitation when he received Iran's […]]]> 657957 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-saudi-arabia-and-kuwait-reaffirm-their-sovereignty-over-disputed-gas-field/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:54:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657874 Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reaffirmed that they have joint sovereignty over the disputed Dorra gas field in the Gulf, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. The claim was made in a statement by the foreign ministry in Riyadh. The agency quoted the ministry as saying that the two countries renewed their calls for Iran to "engage in negotiations concerning the eastern border of the gas field." It has proposed that negotiations should involve Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as one party and Iran as the other, "adhering to international law and principles of good neighbourliness." Iran has said previously that it has a right to the Dorra field. It described an agreement to develop the field concluded by Saudi Arabia […]]]> 657874 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-iran-executes-11-from-baluch-within-48-hours-on-drug-charges/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:55:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657854 Iranian authorities executed 11 people from the Baluch minority on drug charges within 48 hours, according to a non-governmental organisation, raising concerns that this group has been disproportionately targeted in a wave of executions. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) said nine Iranian Baluchis and two Baluch citizens of neighbouring Afghanistan were executed between Sunday and Tuesday morning. The organisation added that it documented a total of 61 executions across Iran in July, at a time when Tehran is intensifying the issuance of this punishment, with 423 executions carried out this year. Activists accuse Iran of using the death penalty as a tool to spread fear among the population, in the wake of a protest movement that erupted last September […]]]> 657854 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-brazil-president-supports-accession-of-saudi-arabia-uae-to-brics/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:41:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657845 Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed his support for more countries joining the BRICS group. Lula said in the capital, Brasilia, yesterday that he supports countries such as Argentina, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining the group. BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is due to hold a summit in Johannesburg from 22-24 August. He also described the seven leading industrialised countries as a "club" that should not exist, considering that its form in terms of geopolitical affairs is outdated. The UK, US, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and Germany make up the group of Western industrialised countries, known as the G7. Some 22 countries have "formally" asked to join the BRICS group, while […]]]> 657845 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230803-iran-president-invites-uae-counterpart-to-visit-tehran/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:42:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657810 The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received an official invitation from his Iranian counterpart, Ibrahim Raisi, to visit Tehran. This came during a meeting between the UAE Minister of State, Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar, yesterday evening, and the Iranian Ambassador to the Emirates, Reza Ameri, at the General Court of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi. And the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) said that Al-Marar "received a letter of invitation addressed to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, from the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to visit Iran." She added: "This came during Al-Marar's reception of Reza Amiri, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UAE, at the […]]]> 657810 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-iran-navy-reveals-new-vessels-with-missiles-reaching-600-km/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:31:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657561 Iran's Navy has unveiled new vessels equipped with missiles possessing a range of 600 kilometres, amid increasing tensions in the waters of the Gulf. According to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency today, the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Naval Forces announced the new vessels during a military exercise off the coast of Abu Musa island, one of three Gulf islands under Iranian control but disputed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Navy Commander, Alireza Tangsiri, stressed Tehran's ownership of the islands during the unveiling, stating that "the islands of the Persian Gulf are part of Iran's honour and we will defend them". READ: US deploying F-16 jets to Strait of Hormuz to deter Iran navy He also struck a […]]]> 657561 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-iran-kicks-off-drill-on-disputed-islands-as-us-military-presence-in-region-grows/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 17:11:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657540 Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a surprise military drill Wednesday on disputed islands in the Persian Gulf as the US military increased its presence in the region, AP reports. According to the report, the elite force ran the drills mainly off the coast of Abu Musa which, along with Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, are islands in the Gulf that Iran controls but have recently been increasingly the subject of political tensions. Iran did not provide a reason for launching the drill, though such snap exercises have happened in the past, the report said. "We always try for security and tranquility; it is our way," the Guard's chief, General Hossein Salami, said in a televised address during the drill. "Our nation […]]]> 657540 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-geopolitical-realities-in-the-middle-east-and-the-political-mandate-of-the-iaea/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:45:44 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657382 Geopolitical events in the Middle East, as well as the recent visit of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, to Iran for nuclear programme talks, contribute to how quickly the world is changing. With rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China, undermining US influence, new geopolitical realities are being created in the region. Having received funding from the UN, the IAEA has decided to take on a political mandate. Although Iran has never been charged with breaking the law, there is a widespread assumption in the West that this may be the case. Uncertainties result from this deficit of trust. During discussions between 2002 and 2018, Iran committed to stick to several […]]]> 657382 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-saudi-arabia-to-grant-yemen-1-2bn-in-economic-aid/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 14:41:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657115 Saudi Arabia has approved a $1.2 billion grant to Yemen's internationally-recognised government, led by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), as part of efforts to prop up the war-torn country's flagging economy, AFP reported citing two officials. According to the sources, Yemen's finance minister and central bank governor as well as the Saudi ambassador are expected to disclose details of the grant at a signing ceremony in Riyadh at 5pm (1400 GMT). News of the grant was reported by Reuters earlier today citing a Saudi source who disclosed that the support will contribute to strengthening security and preventing a return of military clashes. The substantial funds would encourage dialogue on all sides to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, the source added. […]]]> 657115 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-un-food-agency-decides-to-suspend-malnutrition-prevention-program-in-yemen/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:22:17 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657094 The UN World Food Program (WFP) has decided to suspend its malnutrition prevention program in Yemen in August, citing "critical funding shortfalls" as a major reason, Anadolu Agency reports. In its latest report on the situation in Yemen, the UN food agency stated that critical funding shortfalls, combined with ongoing supply disruptions, force it to "fully suspend malnutrition prevention activity" as of August. "This will allow WFP to utilise the scarce resources available to cover the requirements of the life-saving moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) treatment programme", it said in its report released in late July. In order to navigate the critical situation in Yemen, according to the report, the limited available funds would be allocated to life-saving treatment programs for […]]]> 657094 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230801-iran-announces-2-day-public-holiday-due-to-severe-heat/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 09:55:57 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656946 Iranian authorities today announced a two-day public holiday due to the extreme heatwave in the country. "In order to protect the health of citizens due to the unprecedented heat these days, the proposal of the Ministry of Health to hold a holiday on Wednesday and Thursday throughout the country was accepted by the Council of Ministers," government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The temperature is expected to reach 51C (123.8F) in some cities in southern Iran. Health Minister Bahram Einollahi suggested declaring a public holiday in areas where air temperature exceeds 40C (104F) degrees. READ: Iraqis take a dip in the Euphrates River to cool down amid heatwave]]> 656946 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-iran-threatens-to-exploit-contested-gulf-gas-field/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:44:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656673 Iran is to pursue what it believes are its rights over the disputed Durra/Arash offshore gas field in the Gulf if the other parties fail to cooperate, the country's Oil Minister Javad Owji said yesterday. "If there is no willingness to cooperate, Iran will pursue its rights and benefits, including the exploitation and exploration of the Arash gas field, and will not tolerate any violation of its rights," the minister added. However, he reiterated that Tehran is open to diplomacy regarding an amicable settlement over border and maritime issues with neighbours Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, which also claim the field. Owji's comments come after his Kuwaiti counterpart, Saad Al-Barrak said on Thursday that the Gulf state plans to commence drilling […]]]> 656673 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-iran-agents-attempted-to-lure-israelis-to-obtain-intelligence/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:58:17 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656661 Israeli intelligence has uncovered an Iranian cell that ran a phishing campaign targeting state employees and researchers to get intelligence about the occupation state, Israeli media reported yesterday. According to Shin Bet, Iranians would contact Israeli targets on LinkedIn claiming they were their acquaintances and the conversations would move to email. Then, Shin Bet said, the operatives would either invite them to a conference by sending them a document with further details, or share a research paper. Once opened, the document would allow complete access to the targets' computers. None of the attempts succeeded, the intelligence agency said. The Times of Israel reported Shin Bet saying the initial messages with the Israelis were carefully written based on research the Iranian operatives […]]]> 656661 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-flight-instructor-aviation-student-killed-in-plane-crash-in-iran/ Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:39:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656644 A flight instructor and an aviation student were killed when their plane crashed on the outskirts of the Iranian capital Tehran today, state media reported. The Tecnam plane crashed in Karaj, the capital of northwestern Alborz province, 48 kilometres west of Tehran. The instructor was identified as Navid Arabi Moghadam and the student as Amirhossein Mahmoudi. The incident occurred around 5:45am local time (02:15 GMT) at Payam International Airport, which serves as a cargo airport and technical training centre. The airport authorities said an investigation into the incident has been ordered, though preliminary reports attributed it to a technical glitch. Iran has seen many plane crashes in recent years, including military jets, due to an aging fleet. READ: Spain grants […]]]> 656644 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-iraq-banks-hit-with-dollar-ban-say-they-are-ready-to-challenge-measures/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:27:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656130 Fourteen Iraqi private banks hit with curbs by the United States over allegedly helping siphon US dollars to Iran said on Wednesday they were ready to challenge the measures and face audits and called on Iraqi authorities to provide assistance, Reuters reports. US financial authorities last week barred 14 Iraqi banks from conducting dollar transactions as part of a wider crackdown on dollar smuggling to Iran via the Iraqi banking system, Iraqi Central Bank officials have said. US State Department deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said the measures were not sanctions, as they have been referred to by Iraq's Central Bank Governor. Patel said the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Bank of New York, earlier this month, removed the banks' access […]]]> 656130 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-the-pros-and-cons-of-israel-recognising-moroccos-sovereignty-over-the-western-sahara/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:32 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656042 Following the Israeli recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Israeli voices are still raising more questions about the feasibility of this step, and whether it will be beneficial, or if it will be followed by greater harm, especially since such a step may face criticism on the international scene. This may be added to the criticisms the Occupation State is already facing regarding its behaviour in the Palestinian arena. While this step is consistent with Israel's stances towards the Palestinians, it contradicts international resolutions issued by the UN and EU, which may raise many questions related to annexation and occupation. The first Israeli benefit from this step is that it will gain broader control in Africa. There is […]]]> 656042 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230727-spain-grants-nationality-to-runaway-iran-chess-player/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 18:59:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655974 Spain has granted citizenship to a self-exiled Iranian chess player, after she fled to the country following her refusal to wear the headscarf. In December last year, 26-year-old Iranian chess grandmaster, Sara Khadem, participated in the international chess World Cup in which she refused to wear the hijab mandated by Iran's sports authorities. She later confirmed, in an interview with the AFP news agency, two months later, that her refusal to don the headscarf was an expression of solidarity with the protests sweeping across Iran at the time, after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini under police custody in September last year. Following her stance, a relative warned Khadem that she would be arrested if she returned to Iran, leading […]]]> 655974 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230727-uk-foreign-secretary-discusses-palestine-iran-syria-with-qatar/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:11:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655585 British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly discussed issues related to Palestine, Iran and Syria on Wednesday with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani, who is also his country's Prime Minister, news agencies have reported. Cooperation between the two countries was on the agenda, especially the preparations for the upcoming strategic dialogue. The senior officials also discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in Palestine and Syria; the Iranian nuclear agreement; and the situation in Afghanistan. The importance of international support for the people of Afghanistan was stressed. Both ministers expressed their deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank and the absence of prospects for peace, especially in light of the internal crisis in […]]]> 655585 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-israel-enemies-see-opportunity-in-its-crisis/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:28:27 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655103 The crisis sweeping Israel has become a focal point for its enemies across the Middle East, who have convened top-level meetings to weigh the turmoil and how they might capitalise on it, sources familiar with the discussions say, Reuters reports. Foes, including Lebanon's Iran-backed, Hezbollah, have been crowing at the sight of Israel fractured by the crisis ignited by government moves to overhaul the judiciary, especially threats by reservists to stop showing up for military service. Away from the propaganda being broadcast by groups eager to see Israel's demise, these factions have also been devoting special attention to the crisis at closed-door meetings, perceiving this as a potential  turning point for Israel. The subject was discussed at a three-hour meeting last week […]]]> 655103 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-iran-unveils-new-cruise-missile-after-us-deploys-warships-to-persian-gulf/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:45:36 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655096 Iran, on Tuesday, unveiled a new cruise missile named after a slain Iraqi military commander after the US announced the deployment of additional warships to the Persian Gulf, Anadolu Agency reports. The indigenously-built "Abu Mahdi" missile was formally delivered to the Iranian Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the presence of Defence Minister, Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, and senior military officials. The long-range missile with a range of 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) that uses artificial intelligence has been built by experts at the Aerospace Industries Organisation (AIO), a division of Iran's Defence Ministry. Iran's state media, citing military officials, said the missile that carries a highly explosive warhead is capable of passing through air defence systems and striking targets. […]]]> 655096 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-iran-uncovers-israel-spy-cell-planning-mass-sabotage-operations/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:54:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654956 The Iranian Ministry of Security said yesterday it had disbanded a major network allegedly sponsored by Israel's Mossad spy agency that planned to carry out several acts of sabotage in the country. Iranian TV quoted the ministry as saying that all the cell members had been arrested with 43 bombs in their possession. "The terrorists were planning to carry out sabotage operations on the eve of the Muharram ceremony, including bombing the tomb of the late General Qassem Soleimani," the ministry said, pointing out that the network's leaders reside in Denmark and the Netherlands. On Sunday, the Iranian security forces said they disbanded another cell, and arrested all four members who planned to carry out "terrorist acts inside the country", […]]]> 654956 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230725-uk-judge-rules-that-home-secretary-acted-unlawfully-over-asylum-seekers/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:51:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654945 A judge in the UK has ruled that the home secretary acted unlawfully in not providing basic support to asylum seekers including young children and pregnant women. Mr Justice Swift found that Suella Braverman broke the law by withholding £3 ($3.8) a week for healthy food for children up to three years old and pregnant women after lawyers representing five asylum seekers challenged the home secretary in the high court. Hotel food for the asylum seekers was pasta, rice, chips, mashed potato and dry sandwiches which meant they had no access to healthy food when relying only on the hotel food, reports the Guardian. One of the asylum seekers begged in shops for leftover food for their child. Asylum seekers are […]]]> 654945 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-the-clergy-and-the-modern-middle-east-shii-political-activism-in-iran-iraq-and-lebanon/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:30:59 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654896 It is often stated that within the world of Shia Muslim seminaries, the cities of Najaf in Iraq and Qom in Iran represent two contrasting camps in Shia scholarly stances on politics: one of quietism and the other of activism, respectively. This simplistic narrative has not only been perpetuated by Western media and academia, but also embraced by some within the Shia community. However, Mohammad Kalantari, in his book, The Clergy and the Modern Middle East: Shi'i Activism in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, sheds light on the complexity of the situation. He argues that this oversimplification obscures the reality, which requires a deeper contextualisation of the political realities faced by the influential Shia clerical elites in the Middle East, particularly […]]]> 654896 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-attacks-on-quran-continue-in-denmark/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:19:13 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654885 Attacks against the Holy Quran persist in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, as members of the marginalised group, Danish Patriots, known for their anti-Islamic and ultra-nationalist stance, burned two copies of the Quran on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports. The incidents took place in front of the Iranian Embassy and, later, in front of the Iraqi Embassy in Copenhagen. The group's members chanted slogans insulting Islam and showed disrespect by stepping on the Iranian flag and the Quran, which they threw on the ground before setting them on fire. They live-streamed the offensive moments on their social media accounts. The Danish Patriots claimed that their actions were a response to Iran's announcement of arresting and prosecuting members of their group and supporters. The […]]]> 654885 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230723-iran-summons-danish-envoy-over-desecration-of-muslim-holy-book-in-copenhagen/ Sun, 23 Jul 2023 12:40:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654642 Iran on Saturday summoned Denmark's ambassador to Tehran over the most recent Quran burning in the country, local media reported, Anadolu reports. The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Jesper Vahr and conveyed Tehran's objections to the desecration of the Muslim holy book in Danish capital of Copenhagen. A ministry official emphasized that the act of burning sacred texts "can never be justified under the pretext of freedom of expression." It called for accountability for both the perpetrators and governments allowing such actions to take place.​​​​​​​ "We believe that if the Danish government had acted responsibly and effectively in the face of insults to Islamic sanctities, we would not have witnessed such an offensive act today," the official said. Vahr expressed regret […]]]> 654642 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-iran-denies-oil-on-tanker-seized-by-indonesia-belongs-to-tehran/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:46:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654374 Iran's Oil Ministry said the oil cargo of an Iranian-flagged super-tanker seized by Indonesia last week does not belong to Tehran, Iranian state media reported on Friday, Reuters reports. An Oil Ministry statement, reported by the country's state media, did not identify the owner of the cargo of "MT Arman 114", an Iranian-flagged super-tanker suspected of involvement in the illegal trans-shipment of crude oil, which Indonesia's coast guard said on 11 July it had seized. "Published news linking the cargo of this ship to … Iran have no validity and this is done with the aim of creating a negative atmosphere against our country," the Oil Ministry statement said, without elaborating. READ: Iran says Oman presented some initiatives for revival of […]]]> 654374 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230721-south-africa-22-countries-officially-requested-to-join-brics-group/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:06:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654338 Some 22 countries have "formally" asked to join the BRICS group, while an equal number has informally expressed interest in joining the bloc, South Africa announced yesterday. BRICS, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is due to hold a summit from 22-24 August in South Africa and has previously hinted that it was open to expansion. South Africa's top diplomat in charge of relations with the bloc, Anil Sooklal,  told reporters in Johannesburg that 22 countries have officially asked to join the BRICS group while there was "an equal number of countries have informally expressed interest in becoming BRICS members … [including] all the major global south countries." READ: BRICS summit issues special resolution in favour of […]]]> 654338 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-iran-says-oman-presented-some-initiatives-for-revival-of-nuclear-pact/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:23:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654214 Iran's Foreign Minister claims there are 'initiatives' being discussed in the nuclear negotiations following discussions with his Omani counterpart in Tehran, Iran International reports. According to the report, the primary objective of Omani Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi's visit was to deliberate the JCPOA and further explore the 'initiatives' put forth by the Omani side, in pursuit of resolving the nuclear agreement's impasse, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian revealed in a statement on Wednesday. The unanticipated visit of Oman's senior diplomat sparked media speculation regarding the fate of the JCPOA revival talks, the report added. Since 2016, Oman has played a crucial role as a mediator between Iran and the United States in the nuclear negotiations, exemplified by the recent indirect talks reported between Tehran […]]]> 654214 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-iran-loses-bid-to-host-shipping-event-after-vote-at-un-agency-meeting/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:05:29 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654212 Iran's offer to host a maritime event in October has been rejected after a proposal led by the United States to rescind the bid was approved in a vote at the UN shipping agency's Council, an agency spokesperson said on Thursday, Reuters reports. The move is likely to further raise tensions between Washington and Iran, after Tehran tried to seize the "Richmond Voyager" tanker, which was managed by US oil major, Chevron, earlier in July in international Gulf waters. Iran had proposed to host a shipping event in Tehran in late October this year in conjunction with an annual maritime day hosted by the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which was accepted in 2015 by the IMO's executive Council. The United States, […]]]> 654212 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-iran-warns-against-unloading-iranian-oil-from-seized-tanker/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:23:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654190 Iran would retaliate against any oil company unloading Iranian oil from a seized tanker, a senior Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Navy said on Thursday, amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, Reuters reports. In April, the US confiscated Iranian oil on a tanker at sea in a sanctions enforcement operation, three sources told Reuters. The tanker was anchored outside the port of Houston, according to ship tracking data on Thursday. State media cited the Guards' Navy Commander, Alireza Tangsiri, as saying that Tehran would hold Washington responsible for allowing the unloading of the tanker's content, without giving further details. Sources familiar with the matter, which declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue, had said Washington took […]]]> 654190 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-iran-shares-common-interests-with-egypt-says-abdollahian/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:27:53 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654140 Iran's foreign minister has said that his country shares a lot of "common denominators" with Egypt, Russia Today has reported. Egypt now has an Iranian affairs office and Tehran has a similar office for Egyptian affairs; both envoys hold the rank of ambassador. "The Egyptian and Iranian people are interested in each other, regardless of the challenges," explained Hossein Amir Abdollahian. "Syria was the first point of cooperation between us. [President Abdel Fattah] Al-Sisi's approach towards Syria has been to fight terrorism and extremism. We have now started security talks." READ: Iran rejects Russia's intervention in the Gulf islands issue The Iranian minister pointed out that the Sultan of Oman held discussions with Al-Sisi in Cairo regarding Iran-Egypt relations. During his […]]]> 654140 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230719-iranians-seek-refuge-from-heat-in-gol-e-ramian-spring-in-golestan-province/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:34:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653844 Nestled within the verdant forests of Ramyan City in Iran's Golestan province, Gol-e-Ramian Spring captivates and locals alike and offers solace from sweltering temperatures and a respite in the embrace of nature, Anadolu Agency reports. This 50-meter-wide and 50-meter-deep natural wonder is a resting and refreshing stop for travellers and environmentalists. The Gol-e-Ramian Spring attracts visitors from all over the globe. The spring's allure lies in its untouched beauty and the chance to cool off in its crystalline, ice-cold waters. Adventurous spirits embrace the thrill of leaping into the lake from a hanging rope tied to sturdy tree branches, creating an exhilarating experience amid breathtaking natural surroundings. Despite its ethereal beauty, the lake becomes a pressing concern for environmental activists and local […]]]> 653844 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230719-us-issues-new-120-day-waiver-letting-iraq-pay-iran-for-electricity/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:28:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653800 US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Tuesday signed a new national security waiver letting Iraq pay Iran for electricity that, for the first time, allows such payments to go to accounts at non-Iraqi banks, a US official told Reuters. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US hoped the 120-day national security waiver would help stop Iran pressuring Iraq for access to the money, which previously could only be deposited into restricted accounts in Iraq. Tehran has pushed Baghdad to secure US permission to release the funds by cutting Iranian natural gas exports to Iraq, limiting Iraq's ability to generate power and forcing unpopular electricity cuts during Iraq's sweltering summer. READ: Iraq officials decry demolition of 300-year-old […]]]> 653800 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230719-jordan-pet-owners-warned-of-deadly-disease/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 09:41:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653419 Dog and cat owners in Jordan have been advised to take precautions amid a reported outbreak of cystic echinococcosis, a tapeworm disease that if left untreated may lead to death. The disease can be transmitted to humans from the animals. According to a Senior Consultant of Thoracic Surgery, Dr Nayef Fariwan, the disease is common in the Arab region in general, as well as East Asia, Iran and other countries. It is transmitted by dogs and cats through their faeces. Dr Fariwan pointed out that when a person eats contaminated food including vegetables or uncooked meat, the worm enters the human body and a cyst develops. He stressed that the liver infection rate is 70 per cent and the lungs […]]]> 653419 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230719-us-reinforces-defences-in-syria-after-russia-jet-flies-dangerously/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:03:23 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653393 The United States is taking defensive measures to confront the challenges resulting from the unsafe behaviour of Russian aircraft in Syria, the State Department said yesterday. "We have noticed problems related to the unprofessional and unsafe behaviour of Russian aviation in Syria," a press statement explained. It called on Russia to return to non-conflict protocols in order to avoid any unintended error that might be caused by the Russian fighter jet's behaviour which it described as both "unprofessional and irresponsible". The United States has already threatened to take military action against Russian forces in Syria, after the increased air friction between the two sides. READ: Syria struggles to contain wildfires as temperatures rise Al Jazeera quoted an unnamed senior Pentagon official as […]]]> 653393 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230718-iran-rejects-russias-intervention-in-the-gulf-islands-issue/ Tue, 18 Jul 2023 08:37:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653236 Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has expressed Tehran's rejection of any Russian or international interference in Iran's territorial integrity and the issue of the three islands which are in dispute between the UAE and Iran. Abdollahian said that Tehran "will never tolerate the repetition of such a procedure in the statements and interference be it on the part of Russia or any other party in issues related to the territorial integrity of Iran." Russia and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a joint statement in which the foreign ministers of the countries expressed their support for "all peaceful efforts, including the initiative of the UAE and its endeavours to reach a peaceful solution" to the issue of the three […]]]> 653236 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-iran-un-officials-discuss-afghanistan-as-taliban-invited-to-moscow/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:37:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=653210 Iran's Foreign Minister discussed the situation in Afghanistan with the UN's point man on the war-torn nation, as Russia has invited ruling Taliban officials to a meeting in Moscow, Anadolu Agency reports. Tehran's top diplomat, Hossein Amirabdollahian, met on Sunday with Feridun Sinirlioglu, the special coordinator of the US Secretary-General for the independent assessment of Afghanistan affairs, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday. Tehran is "ready" to advance regional initiatives on Afghanistan, Amirabdollahian told Sinirlioglu, emphasising the "central role" of the UN on the issue. The meeting came a day after Moscow invited Afghanistan's de facto Taliban rulers for a meeting on Afghanistan. Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, on Saturday extended an invitation to the […]]]> 653210 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-irans-irgc-to-work-with-pakistan-army-on-border-security/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:26:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652876 Iran and Pakistan have agreed to enhance defence cooperation and coordinate on border security following a meeting on Saturday in Tehran between the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), General Hossein Salami, and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir. Munir, who was on a two-day visit, also met with his Iranian counterpart, General Mohammad Baqeri to discuss increasing bilateral relations in the fields of defence, security, military and training. Salami was quoted as saying: "The IRGC is prepared to work in cooperation with the Pakistani Army to change the security conditions at the border between the two countries and turn them into economic borders." "We consider the security of Pakistan as our security and we will end the […]]]> 652876 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230717-irans-morality-police-return-to-the-streets/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 08:56:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652589 The Iranian authorities announced yesterday a new campaign to force women to respect the country's strict "dress code" in public places with the so-called morality police returning to the streets. The morality police had significantly withdrawn after widespread protests erupted following the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini in September. Protests have now largely died down, but many women chose to flout the dress code, especially in the capital, Tehran. Police spokesman General Saeed Muntazer Al-Mahdi said yesterdsy that the morality police will resume notifying women who do not wear headscarves in public places and then detain them if they do not comply. READ: Iran chess player who competed without hijab meets with Spanish PM]]> 652589 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230716-iraqi-pm-visits-syria-in-first-trip-since-syrian-war/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 12:32:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652538 Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani began an official visit to Syria on Sunday, the first by an Iraqi premier since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, in a trip aimed at securing their shared border and bolstering economic ties, reports Reuters. Iraq and Syria, which have close economic, military and political ties to regional heavyweight Iran, maintained relations throughout Syria's civil war even as other Arab states withdrew their ambassadors and closed their embassies in Syria. Baghdad and Damascus, along with Shi'ite armed groups backed by Iran, cooperated in the fight against militant group Islamic State, which spread from Iraq into Syria and at one point controlled more than a third of both countries. Farhad Alaaldin, foreign affairs […]]]> 652538 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230716-us-deploying-f-16-jets-to-strait-of-hormuz-to-deter-iran-navy/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 08:01:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652510 The United States is sending F-16 fighter jets to the Gulf this weekend to reinforce its presence in the region amid an increase in Iranian harassment of oil tankers. According to the Associated Press, an anonymous official told Pentagon reporters yesterday that Washington will deploy an unspecified number of F-16 jets to the Gulf region in an effort to give support to the A-10 attack aircraft that have patrolled the area over the past week and a half. The F-16s will reportedly provide air cover to ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz and will increase the US military's visibility in the area. The move is directly intended to serve as a deterrent to Iran and its naval forces in […]]]> 652510 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230714-iraq-iran-gas-for-oil-barter-would-likely-violate-us-sanctions/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 19:12:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652387 A barter of Iranian natural gas for Iraqi oil as described by the Iraqi Prime Minister this week would likely violate US sanctions on Tehran unless the US issued a waiver permitting it, three former US officials said on Thursday, Reuters reports. Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, on Tuesday, said Iraq would begin trading crude oil for Iranian gas to end recurring payment delays to Tehran due to required US approval for such transactions. Sudani said Iran had cut gas exports to Iraq by more than half as of 1 July after Baghdad failed to secure US approval to disburse owed funds, but Tehran had now agreed to resume gas exports in exchange for crude oil. There are few details available about the potential barter, which could help defuse […]]]> 652387 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230714-jenin-palestine-an-ongoing-catastrophe/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:30:21 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=652310 Once again, the world has witnessed the escalation of violence, bombing, destruction and deaths perpetrated by the terrorist state of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. This time it was against Jenin, one of the oldest Palestinian cities and one which is mentioned in the Old Testament. One of the largest Palestinian refugee camps is in Jenin, established by the UN in 1953 to house Palestinians expelled during the Nakba by Zionist militias. More than 24,000 expropriated Palestinians live in the camp, surviving and resisting the Israeli siege. Under the frayed pretext of "disarming terrorists", Israel directed an extensive military offensive into the Jenin refugee camp, mobilising more than 1,000 troops. This operation included a ground incursion that began on […]]]> 652310