(2020-04-20). Reviving small mines not enough, a change of approach is in order: official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — Holding nearly 70 different types of minerals, Iran is ranked among the world's top 15 mineral-rich countries, however, the country's mining sector is still underdeveloped and small mines which can be considered the major drivers of the industry are lagging behind a few big companies which enjoy the government's full support.
(2020-04-19). Iran releases VIDEO of its ships intercepting 'unprofessionally' acting US Navy vessels in Persian Gulf. rt.com 
Tehran has shared footage of a recent incident between Iranian and US vessels to back up its earlier statement that Washington's claims of its warships being harassed in the Persian Gulf were "fake stories." | The video by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shows the events of last Wednesday when the American vessels were intercepted by several Iranian boats with machine guns aboard, and with gunners looking set to put them to use if necessary. | The tense moment didn't escalate into an armed confrontation, but caused a heated exchange in accusations between the two archrivals. Washington was firs…
(2020-04-19). 'We don't take advice from ANY American politician': Iran's Zarif rejects Trump's ventilator offer. rt.com 
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has rebuffed an offer by US President Donald Trump to send ventilators to Iran, claiming that the Islamic Republic will be exporting its own devices "in a few months." | Trump offered a number of the US' "excess ventilators" to Iran during a press briefing on Saturday. "If they need ventilators, which they do, I would send them ventilators," Trump said. | Though the offer was a humanitarian one on its surface, Trump followed it up with a characteristic flex on Iran. "Right now they just want to survive," he said, adding "they're loaded up with the plague." | Also on rt.com…
(2020-04-19). Decision on Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's temporary release delayed again. thecanary.co 
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe faces another "deeply unsettling" couple of days as the wait continues to find out if her temporary release from a prison in Iran has been extended.The British-Iranian mother was temporarily freed from Evin prison in Tehran in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.Zaghari-Ratcliffe's furlough was extended by two weeks in late March, and she was scheduled to return to prison on Saturday 18 April.When her family had not received a decision by Saturday on whether or not her furlough is to be extended, they were told to return to the prosecutors office in Iran on 19 April — but have now bee…
(2020-04-19). Iranian FM heads to Syria to talk security & terrorism. rt.com 
Though trips abroad became a rare occurrence nowadays due to the coronavirus pandemic, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is set to discuss the fight against terrorism and other pressing issues with Syrian officials. | Zarif will leave for Damascus this Monday,
(2020-04-19). 'Only interested in Hollywood scenarios': Iranian military brands Washington's 'harassment' accusations in Persian Gulf as 'fake'. rt.com 
Tehran has brushed off American claims that its vessels buzzed US warships in the Persian Gulf by saying the US Navy itself acted "unprofessionally." It also vowed a "decisive response" to any such "adventurism" by foreign powers. | "We advise the Americans to follow international regulations and maritime protocols in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and to refrain from any adventurism and false and fake stories," Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a statement. The IGRC then particularly said that the US Navy's latest report about the supposed "harassement" of its vessels by Iran's patrol bo…
(2020-04-19). Police seize 116 kg of narcotics in Yazd. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — The police forces of Yazd province in Iran have busted 116 kilograms of narcotics in the province.
(2020-04-19). Drone undeniable necessity in airpower: official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Second Brigadier General Afshin Khajeh Fard, head of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) said that the drone issue is an undeniable necessity in airpower.
(2020-04-19). Iran's Navy cmdr. visits Pasabandar naval base. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian Army's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi on Sun. visited different parts of Pasabandar Naval Base, 3rd District of the Navy, located in Iran-Pakistan zero border point.
(2020-04-19). 'US trying to distract attentions from its continued economic terrorism'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi reacted to the US' nervous claims against Iran's arms activities, saying such moves are only meant to divert attention from Washington's economic terrorism against the Iranian nation.
(2020-04-19). Rouhani thanks people, businesses for help in fighting coronavirus. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that people and businesses have helped a lot for fighting coronavirus by observing health protocols alongside the relentless efforts of the country's medical staff and health sector.
(2020-04-19). Wrestler Alireza Karimi undergoes successful knee surgery. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian freestyle wrestler who was suffering a torn-ACL injury undergone a successful surgery this morning in a hospital in Tehran.
(2020-04-19). Iran makes preparation for producing corona antibody: official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Preparations were made for producing coronavirus, COVID-19, antibody in the country.
(2020-04-19). Iran has stopped 17.5 million liters of fuel before being smuggled. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian forces have managed to seize a great amount of fuels before being smuggled to neighboring countries in the previous year, according to a high-ranking commander.
(2020-04-19). Iran among top five combat drone powers: Air Force chief. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian Armed Forces are among the world's top five powers capable of building combat drones, says the commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF).
(2020-04-19). 82,211 infected by, 57,023 recover from coronavirus in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iran's Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Sunday that the number of coronavirus cases has 82,211 in Iran, while 57,023 have recovered from the disease.
(2020-04-19). Iranian photog takes tour of Asia to cover Islamic sites on Silk Road. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian photographer Hamid Soltanabadian embarked on a cycling adventure in 2011 covering 11 Asian countries on the Silk Road to prepare a collection that represents the influence of Iranian and Islamic architecture on the monuments built along the ancient route.
(2020-04-19). Police arrests major drug lord of E Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — A major drug lord who headed a drug trafficking gang in East Iran has been arrested by the cooperation of police forces from two provinces.
(2020-04-19). Army ready to repel any threat against Iran with high deterrence: top cmdr. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Commander of Army Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard said that Army Air Defense Force is ready to repel any threat against the country with high deterrence.
(2020-04-19). Short film script vying in American festival. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The short film script "Like A Secret" written by Iranian screenwriter Saeed Zamanian is taking part in the Hollywood Screenings Film Festival in the US, April 17-18.
(2020-04-19). TEDPIX jumps 20,000 points on Sun. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — TEDPIX, the main index of Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), registered a big jump on Sunday, the last day of the first Iranian calendar month, Farvardin (March 20-April 19).
(2020-04-19). Iran Will Allow Low-Risk Businesses to Resume Work. telesurenglish.net Iran's capital Tehran was allowed to resume low-risk businesses on Saturday, a week after kindred deregulations were adopted in other parts of the country amid the COVID-19 epidemic. | RELATED: | The move came as per the smart distancing plan, whereby Iran loosened quarantine regulations and allowed the re-opening of businesses with lower risk indices. | According to Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, high-r…
(2020-04-19). Russia reacts to US' call to extend arms embargo on Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — A Russian envoy has reacted to a tweet by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who had called on the UN Security Council to illegally extend arms embargo on Iran.
(2020-04-19). 'Malakout' to go on screen at DaVinci Intl. Filmfest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian short animated piece 'Malakout', directed by Farnoosh Abedi, will take part at DaVinci International Film Festival (DIFF) in the US.
(2020-04-19). Gen. Mousavi hails Army passive defense's rapid development. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Commander of Iran's Army Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi said the Islamic Republic Army's passive defense has been developing rapidly, thanks to the efforts of the domestic experts and scientists.
(2020-04-19). Iran Army unveils two radar systems. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The two radar systems will boost the Iranian air defense ability to guard the sky against enemies' threats.
(2020-04-19). 'Inhale' goes to Huesca Intl. Filmfest. in Spain. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian short film 'Inhale' by Nasser Zamiri, has been accepted into the competition program of the Huesca International Film Festival in Spain.
(2020-04-19). Transit ban on Iran-Azerbaijan border 'extended' amid COVID-19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The transit ban on Iran-Azerbaijan Republic border was extended by May 4 amid the outbreak of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
(2020-04-19). Pres. Rouhani urges economy min. to provide employment plan, compatible with corona. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in today's Cabinet meeting called on the minister of Economic Affairs and Finance (MEAF) to provide an employment plan, proportionate to the corona situation.
(2020-04-19). 2nd group of Iranian students arrive in Tehran from Italy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The second group of Iranian students, stranded in Italy due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, arrived in Tehran on Sunday morning.
(2020-04-19). Iran getting prepared to commence exports of anti-coronavirus medical equipment: VP. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Vice President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari announced on Sunday that Iran has now the the ability to export medical equipment required in fight against the coronavirus and will start exports of such products in near future.
(2020-04-19). US should stop interfering in affairs of other nations: Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — In reaction to Donald Trump's remark, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that the US should stop interfering in the affairs of other nations, especially Iran.
(2020-04-19). Unveiling ceremony of 2 Iranian radar systems. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The ceremony to unveil 'Khalij Fars' [Persian Gulf] and 'Moragheb' [Watchful] radars were held on Sunday morning with Army's Chief Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi and Army Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard in attendance.
(2020-04-19). Zarif to embark for Damascus to hold talks with Bashar al-Assad. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif will leave Tehran fro Damascus on Monday to meet and hold talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Muallem.
(2020-04-19). Iran Judiciary may free more prisoners amid outbreak: spox. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — A spokesman with Iran's Judiciary said that special committees will be established across the country to study the prisoners' cases that may lead to freedom of more inmates.
(2020-04-19). Iran's FM representative discusses political developments, COVID-19 with Afghan officials. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The representative of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Mohammad Ebrahim Taherianfard met and held talks with Afghan high-ranking officials in Kabul on Sun. and exchanged views on the latest political developments of the country.
(2020-04-19). 'Untiemly' wins award at 2020 KC Intl. Fimfest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 20 (MNA) — Iranian feature 'Untimely', directed by Pouya Eshtehardi, has won the 'Best World Cinema Feature' at the 2020 edition of the International Kansas City File Festival in the US.
(2020-04-19). Focusing on non-oil export, govt.'s top priority in current year: Veep. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — First Vice President Es'hagh Jahangiri said that Iran needs export of non-oil commodities in the current year [started March 21, 2020] more than any other time and non-oil export is the main and top priority of the government.
(2020-04-19). Iranian dailies' Sunday headlines. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Mehr news takes a look at some of the Iranian dailies' Sunday headlines.
(2020-04-19). IRGC calls US claims fake, Hollywood scenario. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — Following the US accusation against IRGC for provocative actions in international waters in the Persian Gulf, IRGC Navy issued a statement, saying, "The documents are contrary to the US claims and we will give a definite response to any computational error."
(2020-04-19). Iran says will give a decisive response to any 'mistake' by the US in the Gulf. yenisafak.com Iran will give a decisive response to any mistake by the United States in the Gulf, the Revolutionary Guards navy said in a statement published on the Guards' news site Sepah News.The U.S. military said on Wednesday that 11 vessels from the Revolutionary Guards navy had come dangerously close to U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Gulf, calling the moves "dangerous and provocative"."We advise the Americans to follow international regulations and maritime protocols in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and to refrain from any adventurism and false and fake stories," Sunday's statement from the Guards navy sa…
(2020-04-19). Iran extends prisoner furloughs, closure of holy sites amid coronavirus. yenisafak.com Iran has extended furloughs for prisoners for another month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, as the Islamic Republic endeavours to stem the spread of the new coronavirus in its crowded jails. Iran's reported temporary release of 100,000 prisoners since February – including prisoners of conscience and dual and foreign nationals – was welcomed by the United Nations on Friday as a good step, but one that must be expanded."Furloughs of those prisoners, who pose no threat to the society, have been extended until May 20," Rouhani said in a televised cabinet meeting.However, a letter by U.N. human right…
(2020-04-19). Iran's new coronavirus death toll rises by 87 to 5,118: health official. yenisafak.com Iran's death toll from the new coronavirus has risen by 87 to 5,118, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said in a statement on state TV on Sunday.The total number of infected cases in Iran, the Middle Eastern country hardest hit by the outbreak, has reached 82,211, he said.
(2020-04-19). Iran's Zarif to Visit Damascus on Monday to Discuss Situation in Syria Amid Pandemic. sputniknews.com TEHRAN (Sputnik) – Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will visit Damascus on Monday, where he will meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad to discuss the situation in the Arab country.
(2020-04-19). IRGC Warns Iran Will Respond 'Decisively' to Any US Provocation – Reports. sputniknews.com Earlier this week, the US said that 11 vessels from the IRGC Navy had been spotted at a dangerously close distance to US ships in the Gulf.
(2020-04-19). How is the UAE Changing Its Geo-Political Game? iranian.com Whereas the leaders of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, popularly known as MBS and MBZ respectively, have a number of reasons to stay united and support each other, inter-state relations are never static, with critical differences between them emerging at every turn even when state interests converge deeply. When the UAE decided in 2019 to withdraw …
(2020-04-19). Risks and Realities of Extending the UN Arms Embargo on Iran. iranian.com More than a decade ago, the United States and its partners secured UN Security Council support for a series of resolutions imposing increasingly tough sanctions on Iran as part of an effort to pressure Tehran into multilateral talks to curb its nuclear program and block its pathways to nuclear weapons. The United States along with …
(2020-04-18). Watch: Failed Israeli Drone Strike On Top Hezbollah Official Caught In Rare Video. iranian.com Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have once again ramped up operations along the southern Lebanese border at a moment Hezbollah leadership has declared it is "fully prepared for war with Israel". The latest escalation came Wednesday when an Israeli drone targeted a car full of Hezbollah operatives just inside Syria near the border with Lebanon. The Shia resistance organization said all …
(2020-04-18). Drug-trafficking band dismantled in S Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) — The Commander of Maritime Guards in Hormozgan province said on Saturday that a drug-trafficking band has been dismantled in Hengam Island.
(2020-04-18). Ukrainian capital Kiev engulfed in smog from wildfires near Chernobyl. wsws.org The fires expose the fact that the world's worst nuclear catastrophe remains unresolved and continues to threaten the health of the population.