Monthly Archives: January 2021

2021-01-04: News Headlines

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). COVID-19 claims 55,650 lives across Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The coronavirus has infected 6,073 people and claimed 110 lives in Iran in the past 24 hours, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.

M.K. Bhadrakumar (2021-01-04). Perfect storm gathers in Persian Gulf. peoplesdispatch.org On the first anniversary of the killing of the leader of Iran's elite Quds Force, Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in a targeted drone strike on January 3, 2020 that was approved by President Donald Trump, something was bound to happen. Tehran has regularly insisted that the killing has not yet been avenged. | And US officials have been especially nervous lately. The US flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf twice in December, in a show of force meant to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East. | A senior US military official confirmed that the second flight last Wednesday by two Air Fo…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran, Russia preparing meeting on coronavirus vaccines: envoy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali said that Iran and Russia are preparing a personal meeting on cooperation in producing vaccines against the coronavirus.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Presser of Iran' Foreign Ministry spox. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The Spokesperson of the Iranian ministry of foreign affairs Saeed Khatibzadeh held a press conference on Monday morning, where he answered questions on a wide range of topics.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran, Russia & Turkey cooperating to push US aside. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — A Zionist newspaper wrote in a report that Iran, Turkey, and Russia are cooperating with one another against the influence and presence of the US in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran embassy in Japan to hold seminar on Gen. Soleimani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — On the occasion of the first martyrdom anniversary of Lt. Gen. Soleimani, the Cultural Counselor of the Iranian Embassy in Japan will hold a virtual seminar of "Introduction of the national hero of Iran, Gen. Qasem Soleimani".

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Martyrdom anniv. of martyrs of Resistance marked in Nigeria. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Supporters of Nigerian Muslim Leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky marked 1st martyrdom anniversary of Iran's top commander Gen. Soleimani and Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Nigeria on Mon.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). IAEA confirms start of enriching uranium up to 20%: Envoy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iran's permanent ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna said that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the start of enriching uranium up to 20%.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran missile program must be 'on the table' for JCPOA talks. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Jake Sullivan, Biden's incoming national security adviser, says Iran's missile program should be on the table when talking about probable US's return to the nuclear deal.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Front pages of Iran's English-language dailies on Jan. 04. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Here are the front pages of Iran's English-language dailies on Monday, January 4.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). 'Resistance stronger after Soleimani assassination'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The Iranian Judiciary chief says the assassination of top anti-terror commander, Lt. General Ghasem Soleimani, made the resistance movement stronger than ever.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran calls on Pakistan for increased anti-narcotics coop. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Head of Iran's Anti-Narcotics Police said further strengthening of cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad is on the agenda, while Iran emphasizes stronger actions of the Pakistani side to combat narcotics.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran produces 20% enriched uranium in 12 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said that the Islamic Republic has produced 20% enriched uranium in 12 hours.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). US reacts to seizure of S. Korean tanker by Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — A spokesman for the US Department of Defense reacted to the seizure of a South Korean tanker by Iranian forces and noted that Pentagon is aware of this issue.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran not to negotiate on missile, defense capabilities. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Stating that Iran will not negotiate on missile and defense capabilities, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that the US should bear the responsibility for any adventurism in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Gen. Soleimani flag-bearer of fight against terrorism: envoy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iranian Ambassador to Brazil pointed to sacrifice and braveries of Iran's top commander martyr Lt. Gen. Soleimani and said that he stood firmly in the face of a global threat against international peace and security.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). EU reacts to increase of uranium enrichment level in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The European Union (EU) has reacted to Iran's decision to increase its uranium enrichment level, which was recently reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). US seeks disintegration of regional countries. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iran's IRGC Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said the disintegration of regional countries is the main purpose of the US.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran's measures reversible upon compliance by JCPOA members. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister said that Iran's measures are fully reversible upon full compliance by all JCPOA participants.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Police confiscate over 1 ton of narcotics in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Police forces of the Sistan and Baluchestan province, southeastern Iran, have seized over one ton of illicit drugs in a single operation.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran starts 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow facility. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iran has started the process of producing uranium with 20% enrichment at Fordow facility, said the government spokesman.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). IAEA to report to Board of Governors on Iran's 20% enrichment. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — A spokesman for IAEA said that Rafael Grossi is expected to present a report on Iran's 20 percent uranium enrichment to members of the Board of Governors.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran seizes S. Korean-flagged tanker in Persian Gulf. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Iran has seized a South Korean flagged tanker in the Persian Gulf on Monday.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Netanyahu reacts to resumption of 20% enrichment by Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — In his latest baseless claim, Zionists' Netanyahu said Iran's resumption of 20 percent uranium enrichment is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Seizure of S. Korean tanker technical issue. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The spokesperson of the Iranian foreign ministry announced that the seizure of the South Korean tanker by Iran has only been based on technical issues.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Bushehr province exports near $2 billion in Q3. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — A total of 7.32 million tons of non-oil goods worth $1.9 billion were exported from the ports of southern Bushehr province during the third quarter of the current Iranian current year (Sept. 21 to Dec. 22).

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Tehran ready to negotiate with Riyadh. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — Stating that Iran welcomes any attempt to bridge the gap among regional neighbors, the Iranian envoy to Kuwait expressed Iran's readiness to discuss any disputes and crises with Riyadh via peaceful and formal negotiations.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). S. Korea demands immediate release of tanker seized by Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — South Korea's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that a South Korean chemical tanker had been seized by Iranian authorities in the waters off Oman, and demanded its immediate release.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iranian 'Am I a Wolf?' joins 2021 Oscar Academy Awards list. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The Iranian animation "Am I a Wolf? " directed by Amir Hoshang Moeen has managed to enter the final list of 2021 Oscar Academy Awards animated short films.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-04). Iran's nuclear program fully transparent, verifiable. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna noted that Iran's nuclear program is fully transparent and verifiable.

_____ (2021-01-04). This Book Turns Everything You Thought You Knew About North Korea Upside Down. popularresistance.org In the United States today, North Korea is the standard reference point for modern-day totalitarianism: a land of darkness that is considered a dangerous security threat because of the development of nuclear missiles capable of striking the U.S. | A.B. Abrams' new book, Immovable Object: North Korea's 70 Years at War with American Power (Clarity Press, 2020), shows that the common perceptions in the U.S. of North Korea are mostly wrong. | Though the Kim dynasty has ruled through autocratic methods, it has also adopted rational and at times intelligent policies, which have enabled North Korea to weather unpreceden…

Online News Editor (2021-01-04). Iran seizes South Korean-flagged oil tanker in Gulf. laprensalatina.com Tehran, Jan 4 (efe-epa).- The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Maritime Force seized a South Korean-flagged oil tanker in the Persian Gulf on Monday. The seizure comes amid tensions between Iran and South Korea surrounding $7 billion worth of Iranian funds that are blocked in a South Korean account because of United States sanctions relating to Tehran's …

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran registers 5,960 new COVID-19 cases, 102 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03( MNA) — Iran's Health Ministry registered 5,960 new coronavirus cases and 102 fatalities on Sunday, the ministry's spokeswoman said.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). VIDEO: Miankaleh wildlife sanctuary in northern Iran. en.mehrnews.com `Tehran, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Every winter, the Miankaleh wildlife sanctuary in northern Mazandaran province hosts a variety of immigrant birds and wild animals due to its suitable weather condition and vegetation.

teleSUR, CE (2021-01-03). Iran's General Soleimani Honored on Anniversary of Martyrdom. telesurenglish.net Thousands marched to Baghdad's Tahrir Square early Sunday to commemorate the first martyrdom anniversary of the late Commander of IRGC Quds Force Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani and Deputy Head of the Popular Mobilization Units Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis. | RELATED: | The United States assassinated Soleimani and Al-Muhandis in addition to their companions, at dawn on Friday, January 3, 2020, with an airstrike targeting their convoy ne…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). 2 terrorist bombers, an armed criminal executed in S Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Two terrorist bombers and an armed criminal were executed in Sistan and Baluchestan on Sunday morning.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran, Pakistan to discuss anti-narcotics cooperation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Iranian and Pakistani anti-narcotics police chiefs will discuss ways of boosting cooperation in a bid to counter the traffic of illegal drugs.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Martyrdom anniv. of Gen. Soleimani, al-Muhandis held in Syria. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Participated by some Iranian, Syrian, and Palestinian officials, the first anniversary of the martyrdom of General Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis was held in the holy shrine of Hazrat Zainab (S.A), Damascus.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran hard revenge definite: MP. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Stressing that Iran is determined to take revenge on the perpetrators of the assassination of Martyr General Soleimani, an Iranian lawmaker stressed that the US must be dealt with harshly, not on the negotiation table.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). 'Pars 1' satellite handed over to ISA: Official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — "Pars 1" satellite was handed over to the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) after successful completion of all relevant tests on Saturday.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Gen. Soleimani represented Iran's commitment to war on terror. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — A member of the Afghan parliament says figures like Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani represented Iran's efforts and commitment to fight against terrorism.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Sources reveal info. about UAE's secret contacts with Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Diplomatic sources from Cairo have revealed some information about the UAE's secret contacts with Iran over the assassination of Iranian top scientist Martyr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Exports via Hormozgan prov. ports top $7bn in 9 months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Iran exported a total of 24 million tons of commodities worth $7 billion via southern Hormozgan province during the nine months of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2020 to December. 20).

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Zionist minister reacts to Zarif's tweet on Israeli plots. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 04 (MNA) — The Israeli regime's so-called Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has reacted to recent remarks by the Iranian foreign minister about Tel Aviv's plots in Iraq.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Baghdad rally on 1st anniversary of General's assassination. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03( MNA) — Hundreds of thousands of people held a massive rally in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Sunday, on the first anniversary of the assassination of the Iranian and Iraqi anti-terror commanders.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Leader's note on Gen. Soleimani's autobiography released. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has penned a note on the newly-published autobiography book of the martyred Iranian commander Lt. General Ghasem Soleimani.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran to determine time, place of revenge for Soleimani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — IRGC Spokesman General Ramezan Sharif said it is Iran who will determine the time and place of revenge for Lt. Gen. Soleimani.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Sultan of Oman seeking to resolve Arab states, Iran disputes. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Arab sources reported that reconciliation of Qatar and the four Arab countries as well as resolving the dispute of Arab countries with Iran is a priority for the future policies of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Tehran says US expulsion from region becoming 'closer'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Iranian senior diplomat said that the reality of the region shows that the process of expelling the US is accelerating day by day and the status of the Americans among the peoples of the world has never been such bad before.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Coronavirus defeated by Iranian knowledge. en.mehrnews.com &nbsp…

2021-01-03: News Headlines

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran registers 5,960 new COVID-19 cases, 102 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03( MNA) — Iran's Health Ministry registered 5,960 new coronavirus cases and 102 fatalities on Sunday, the ministry's spokeswoman said.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). VIDEO: Miankaleh wildlife sanctuary in northern Iran. en.mehrnews.com `Tehran, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Every winter, the Miankaleh wildlife sanctuary in northern Mazandaran province hosts a variety of immigrant birds and wild animals due to its suitable weather condition and vegetation.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). A commander with ubiquitous influence on the ground. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Five years ago in the midst of the Syria war, when militants were only 400 meters away from the Syrian presidential palace, a top Iranian General held a long, unusual meeting with the Russian president for over 2 hours.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Martyrdom anniv. of Gen. Soleimani, al-Muhandis held in Syria. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Participated by some Iranian, Syrian, and Palestinian officials, the first anniversary of the martyrdom of General Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis was held in the holy shrine of Hazrat Zainab (S.A), Damascus.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran to determine time, place of revenge for Soleimani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — IRGC Spokesman General Ramezan Sharif said it is Iran who will determine the time and place of revenge for Lt. Gen. Soleimani.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Tehran says US expulsion from region becoming 'closer'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Iranian senior diplomat said that the reality of the region shows that the process of expelling the US is accelerating day by day and the status of the Americans among the peoples of the world has never been such bad before.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Leader's note on Gen. Soleimani's autobiography released. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has penned a note on the newly-published autobiography book of the martyred Iranian commander Lt. General Ghasem Soleimani.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Exports via Hormozgan prov. ports top $7bn in 9 months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Iran exported a total of 24 million tons of commodities worth $7 billion via southern Hormozgan province during the nine months of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2020 to December. 20).

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). 'Pars 1' satellite handed over to ISA: Official. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — "Pars 1" satellite was handed over to the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) after successful completion of all relevant tests on Saturday.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Only option left for Washington lifting anti-Iran sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Alli Shamkhani said that the complete lifting of all anti-Iran sanctions is the only option left for Washington to return back from Trump's failed strategy of maximum pressure.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran hard revenge definite: MP. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Stressing that Iran is determined to take revenge on the perpetrators of the assassination of Martyr General Soleimani, an Iranian lawmaker stressed that the US must be dealt with harshly, not on the negotiation table.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran, Pakistan to discuss anti-narcotics cooperation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Iranian and Pakistani anti-narcotics police chiefs will discuss ways of boosting cooperation in a bid to counter the traffic of illegal drugs.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). 2 terrorist bombers, an armed criminal executed in S Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Two terrorist bombers and an armed criminal were executed in Sistan and Baluchestan on Sunday morning.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Sultan of Oman seeking to resolve Arab states, Iran disputes. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Arab sources reported that reconciliation of Qatar and the four Arab countries as well as resolving the dispute of Arab countries with Iran is a priority for the future policies of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Ghalibaf pays tribute to martyr Lt. Gen. Soleimani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf paid tribute to martyr Lt. Gen. Soleimani by paying a visit to Kerman Martyrs Cemetery in Kerman Province.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Iran extends flights ban to UK over new strain. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Deputy Head of Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) said that the suspension of flights between Iran and the UK has been extended until January 19.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Artists showcase Gen. Soleimani pictures in Kish. en.mehrnews.com KISH, Jan. 03 (MNA) — A group of Iranian artists are showcasing the pictures of the martyred Iranian anti-terror commander, Lt. General Ghasem Soleimani, in an art exhibition in Kish Island. The gallery will be open till January 31.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Gen. Soleimani represented Iran's commitment to war on terror. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — A member of the Afghan parliament says figures like Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani represented Iran's efforts and commitment to fight against terrorism.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Sources reveal info. about UAE's secret contacts with Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Diplomatic sources from Cairo have revealed some information about the UAE's secret contacts with Iran over the assassination of Iranian top scientist Martyr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). 'Soldier' on stage in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — On the occasion of the first martyrdom anniversary of Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian play 'Soldier', written and directed by Hossein Parsaie went on stage at Vahdat Hall in Tehran.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Range limit to 2,000km for Iranian missiles not everlasting. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Stating that Iran's missile capability is non-negotiable, the Commander of IRGC Aerospace Force said that the range limit to 2,000 kilometers for Iranian missiles is not everlasting.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). Coronavirus defeated by Iranian knowledge. en.mehrnews.com &nbsp…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-03). IRIAF ready to respond to any threat, audacity of enemies. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) — Referring to some military moves in the region, the Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) said that his forces are always ready to respond to any threat and audacity of the enemies.

Online News Editor (2021-01-03). Thousands in Baghdad mark 1st anniversary of Soleimani's killing. laprensalatina.com By Nawar Alrikabi Baghdad, Jan 3 (efe-epa).- Thousands of supporters of the Iraqi militia group the Popular Mobilization Forces on Sunday took to the streets to mark the first anniversary of the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by US forces in Iraq. The rally, at central Baghdad's iconic Tahrir square, also called for the …

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran, Cuba to co-produce COVID-19 vaccine. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iran is cooperating with Cuba in producing a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a senior official at the Iranian Health Ministry.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran COVID-19 update: 6,045 new cases, 101 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 6,045 COVID-19 infections and 101 deaths due to respiratory disease in the past 24 hours.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Rouhani urges Iranians to be careful about UK Covid-19. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged Iranian people to be careful about UK Covid-19 variant.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran, Iraq seeking to expand academic cooperation. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The cultural advisor of the Iraqi Embassy in Iran said that the Iraqi Ministry of Science seeks to expand academic cooperation with Qom University.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Police seize over 2 tons of illicit drugs in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Police forces of the Sistan and Baluchestan province, southeastern Iran, have confiscated over two tons of narcotics in the province.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iranian 'Gabriel' to vie at Beirut Shorts Intl. Film fest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The short film "Gabriel" has managed to enter the international competition section of the 14th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival in Lebanon.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iranian President appoints new ambassador to UNESCO. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iranian president appointed Ahmad Pakatchi as the new ambassador and permanent representative of the Islamic Republic to UNESCO.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Goods transit via Bashmaq Border hits nearly $3bn in 9 months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Observer of Kordestan Customs Office said that $2,843,416,000 worth of goods was transited via Bashmaq Border Crossing in the first nine months of current Iranian calendar year (from Mar. 21 to Dec. 22).

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran to respond any of enemy's actions with reciprocal blow. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — IRGC Chief Commander Major general Hossein Salami warned that Iran will respond to any of the enemy's actions with a reciprocal blow.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Top Iranian, Omani medical universities sign MoU. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Tehran University of Medical Sciences and National University of Science and Technology of Oman have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in different academic fields.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran to support anyone confronting Zionist regime: Hajizadeh. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Commander of IRGC Aerospace Force said that Islamic Republic of Iran will throw its weight behind anyone and/or any country that confront the Zionist regime wholeheartedly.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Zionists plotting attack against Americans: Zarif to Trump. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — In a tweet on Sat. Iranian FM Zarif warned the outgoing US President that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran's plan to start 20% uranium enrichment predictable. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna said that Iran's decision to initiate 20% uranium enrichment was predictable.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Hezbollah offers condolence over demise of Ayat. Mesbah-Yazdi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Issuing a statement on Saturday, Lebanese Hezbollah expressed condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution over the demise of senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Funeral procession of Ayat. Mesbah-Yazdi in Rey. en.mehrnews.com REY, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The funeral procession of prominent Iranian cleric and jurist Ayatollah Mohammad-Taghi Mesbah-Yazdi was held on Saturday in Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Rey.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). US has crucial role in rise of terrorism in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — In a tweet on Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry named the US as one of the main reasons for the rise of terrorism in the region.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). VIDEO: Rouhani unveils commemorative stamp of Gen. Soleimani. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — On the occasion of the first martyrdom anniversary of the Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani unveiled the commemorative stamp of the Martyr.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). US withdrawal from region response to Soleimani assassination. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — President's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi said Iran considers the complete withdrawal of the US forces from the region as a response to martyr Soleimani's assassination.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Iran to start 20% uranium enrichment soon: Salehi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is planning to start 20% uranium enrichment in the near future, says the organization's chief.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Front pages of Iran's English-language dailies on Jan. 02. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Here are the front pages of Iran's English-language dailies on Saturday, January 02.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Armenia to import 2,250 goods from Iran instead of Turkey. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — An official from the Iranian Trade Promotion Organization announced that Armenia has announced that it is to replace 2,250 Turkish products with Iranian goods.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Trans-regional powers seeking to weaken Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iran's Minister of Defense said that trans-regional powers are seeking to weaken the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-02). Gen. Soleimani shattered all US calculations in region. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 02 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Defense in a note on the occasion of 1st martyrdom anniversary of former IRGC Quds Force Commander Lt. Gen. Soleimani wrote that martyr Soleimani was a hero who shattered all US calculations in region.

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). Iran says it will enrich uranium up to 20 percent. laprensalatina.com Vienna, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 percent purity, a level it reached before the historic 2015 nuclear agreement it signed with six world powers. "Iran has informed the agency that in order to comply with a legal act …

Online News Editor (2021-01-02). One year after Soleimani's assassination, Iraq remains in cross fire. laprensalatina.com By Nawar Alrikabi and Francesca Cicardi Baghdad/Cairo, Jan 2 (efe-epa).- A year after the assassination of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani by the United States in Baghdad, Iraq remains caught in crossfire between the US and Iran. Similar attacks could still play out, although the arrival of the more moderate Joe Biden in the White …

RT (2021-01-01). Pentagon sends aircraft carrier USS Nimitz home from Middle East as anniversary of Soleimani killing looms. rt.com The USS Nimitz, the US Navy's only aircraft carrier currently deployed near the Persian Gulf, has been sent home just a day after two B-52 bombers were sent to the area — despite supposed 'chatter' about a coming Iranian attack. | Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller announced the Nimitz would be heading back to its home port of Bremerton, Washington on Thursday, avoiding so much as a mention of Iran in his remarks — even as Washington and Tehran have traded threats and barbs for weeks ahead of the anniversary of Quds Force Major General Qassem Soleimani's killing by US airstrike. | Also on rt.com