Daily Archives: February 1, 2021

2021-02-01: News Headlines

WSWS (2021-02-01). Triple shock of US sanctions, oil price collapse and the pandemic decimates Iranian living standards. wsws.org The "hardline" faction around the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is attacking the faction around President Hassan Rouhani who negotiated the nuclear agreement with the Obama administration, amid indications that the Biden administration intends to continue enforcing the "maximum pressure" campaign of draconian sanctions and military provocations against Iran.

Karl Grossman, Harvey Wasserman (2021-02-01). Embrittlement in Nuclear Power Plants. counterpunch.org Of all the daunting tasks Joe Biden faces, especially vital is the inspection of dangerously embrittled atomic reactors still operating in the United States. A meltdown at any one of them would threaten the health and safety of millions of people while causing major impact to an already struggling economy. The COVID-19 pandemic would complicate

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). A US HR institute calls for lifting Iran sanctions. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — A US-based Human Rights Institute named "CODEPINK" called on the new US administration to lift sanctions imposed by US against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

MEE staff (2021-02-01). Iran's Zarif says time for US to return to nuclear deal is 'not unlimited'. middleeasteye.net Iran's Zarif says time for US to return to nuclear deal is 'not unlimited' | Commenting on 'who complies first' impasse, Iranian foreign minister says Tehran has shown that it fulfils its promises, and Washington has not | Mon, 02/01/2021 – 22: 14 | Zarif says Iran could have built a nuclear weapon if it were seeking one (AFP/file photo) | Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned the United Sta…

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Lawmakers renew allegiance with ideals of Imam Khomeini. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — Concurrent with the glorious victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Presidium members of the Iranian Parliament renewed their allegiance with the late founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini (RA) on Monday.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Iran urges Islamic centers in UK to ban a sacrilegious movie. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — Iran has condemned a divisive movie that was recently produced by a UK-based production house and is deemed harmful to Muslim unity, urging the Islamic centers in the UK to condemn it and block it from media platforms.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Police confiscate over 1 ton of narcotics in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — The Sistan and Baluchestan police commander announced the arrest of 4 smugglers and the confiscation of 1,403 kilograms of illicit drugs in an armed clash.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Shir Sangi, Median stone lion, in Hamedan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — Stone Lion in Hamadan is a tourist attraction in Iran. As the oldest stone lion in Iran, it is a relic of the Medes.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Iranian FM calls on citizens to avoid traveling Myanmar. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman urged all citizens to avoid traveling Myanmar after country's powerful military has taken the control of the country in a coup and declared a state of emergency.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Inauguration of projects at Mehrabad Airport. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — The ceremony to inaugurate a number of projects at Mehrabad Airport projects was held on Sunday morning in the presence of Iranian Road Minister Mohammad Eslami at Mehrabad Airport.

Mehr News Agency (2021-02-01). Iran launches satellite carrier with solid fuel engine. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — Iran has successfully launched the Zol-Jannah combined satellite carrier which is equipped with the most powerful solid-fuel engine in the country.

_____ (2021-02-01). VIDEO: New START Extension a Step in Right Direction. strategic-culture.org The balance of nuclear power probably saved humanity during the Cold War. But since the end of the Cold War, the Russians feel that Washington has rarely kept their word especially regarding NATO expansion and Russia's sovereignty. So should the Russians expect Washington to keep its end of the bargain and willingly disarm itself?>

Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2021-02-01). Biden should end US pretence over Israel's 'secret' nuclear weapons. zcomm.org The cover-up has to stop — and with it, the huge sums in aid for a country with oppressive policies towards Palestinians…

sputniknews (2021-02-01). Zarif Suggests EU High Representative Borrell 'Choreograph' US-Iran Joint Return to JCPOA. sputniknews.com Earlier on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed Iran would be just "a matter of weeks" away from building an atomic bomb if it further strayed from its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal. However, Tehran has dismissed the claims, saying it is sworn against producing such a weapon.

Manuel García, Jr. (2021-02-01). Why It Is The Way It Is. counterpunch.org Here are my reactions to three articles in the 28 January 2021 edition of Counter Punch. Why We Can't Give Up on the Idea of a World Free From Nuclear Weapons The "inability" to relinquish nuclear weapons is entirely a function of the "inability" of power elites to pry their cold dead hands off the

Pepe Escobar (2021-02-01). Why the US Deep State Won't Forgive Russia and Iran. globalresearch.ca All Global Research articles can be read in 27 languages by activating the "Translate Website" drop down menu on the top banner of our home page (Desktop version). | *** | In a stunning interview to the Beirut-based al Mayadeen network, Hezbollah's …

_____ (2021-01-31). '100 Seconds To Midnight'. popularresistance.org One hundred seconds to midnight. That's how close humanity is to the apocalypse, and it's as close as the world has ever been, according to Wednesday's annual announcement from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a group that has been running its "Doomsday Clock" since the early years of the nuclear age in 1947. | Although the scientists cite the Covid-19 pandemic, which has killed 1.7 million people around the world and has "revealed just how unprepared and unwilling countries and the international system are to handle global emergencies properly," they acknowledge that the coronavirus does not pose an existe…

yenisafak (2021-01-31). Iran's Zarif meets Taliban, calls for inclusive gov't. yenisafak.com Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Sunday called for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, during talks with a visiting Taliban delegation in Tehran.Speaking during the meeting, Zarif said the formation of an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan must see the participation of all ethnic and political groups in the war-ravaged country."Political decisions cannot be made in a vacuum, and the formation of an all-inclusive government must take place in a participatory process and by taking into account fundamental structures, institutions and laws, such as the Constitution (of Afghanistan),"

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-31). Italian Cefalù Film Fest to host 3 Iranian short films. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 31 (MNA) — Three Iranian short films "The Blackout", "My Father" and "Mostafa" will participate in the Italian Cefalù Film Festival.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-31). Iran reports to IAEA on Strategic Action Plan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 31 (MNA) — Iran's permanent ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna said that the reasons for adopting the "Strategic Action Plan" has been reported to the IAEA and member states.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-31). Iran to rebuild Al-Biruni tomb in Afghanistan. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Feb. 01 (MNA) — Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage ordered for necessary coordination with Afghanistan for the reconstruction of the tomb of Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni, an Iranian scientist and mathematician, in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-31). VP inaugurates Chlorine company in Khuzestan. en.mehrnews.com SHUSHTAR, Jan. 31 (MNA) — Iranian First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri inaugurated a Chlorine company in Shushtar County, southwestern Khuzestan Province.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-31). Islamic Revolution disrupted world's bipolar system. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 31 (MNA) — Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) said that Islamic Revolution disrupted the structure of bipolar system in the world.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-31). Iran-Iraq relations to be further developed. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 31 (MNA) — Adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution for International Affairs said that relations between Iran and Iraq will be further developed.

sputniknews (2021-01-31). Iranian Official Quashes Rumour That Israeli F-35s Set Off Air Raid Sirens in Tehran. sputniknews.com Air raid sirens were heard wailing in Tehran on Friday night, spooking local residents and prompting the spread of a number of theories online about what could have caused the incident. The last time sirens were activated was during the Iran-Iraq War, which saw Iraqi forces lobbing missiles, some armed with chemical munitions, into Iranian cities.

sputniknews (2021-01-31). Iran Slams Macron's Proposal to Revise Nuke Deal, Says Agreement, Parties Not Up for Renegotiation. sputniknews.com This week, the French president proposed including Riyadh in the nuclear deal, suggesting that negotiators had made a mistake by not including regional powers in the nuclear talks, and warning that time was running out to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Tehran maintains it has no ambitions in that direction.

RT (2021-01-30). US shows off nuclear-capable B-52 bombers on Iran's doorstep week after Biden's inauguration (VIDEO). rt.com The US Air Force has published footage of its B-52 Stratofortress nuclear-capable bombers flying over the Persian Gulf in what was described as a mission showcasing America's "global reach capability." | The mission that saw B-52s flying non-stop from the Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana was conducted on Wednesday, just a week after President Joe Biden's inauguration. During their flyover of the Gulf, the American bombers were accompanied by US Navy and US Marines' fighters as well as Saudi Air Force jets. | A video released by the US Army Central Command on Saturday shows at least two bombers in the s…

RT (2021-01-30). 'I need it to make money': Golf babe Spiranac hits back at critics telling her to cover up and admits her 'job is on social media'. rt.com Social media sensation Paige Spiranac has admitted that being online "crushes her confidence" at times, replying to messages that have accused her of being a cynical show-off with her routinely racy selfies across her platforms. | Self-described "Insta golf girl" Spiranac told her audience on Instagram, where she has almost three million followers, to "raise your hand if social media gets you down sometimes." | The 27-year-old contends with a torrent of responses online, many of which are from admirers of her glamorous photos and videos in tight and scantily-clad outfits. | "It's hard seeing people being more…

MEE staff (2021-01-30). Covid-19: Iran says locally produced vaccine effective against UK variant. middleeasteye.net Covid-19: Iran says locally produced vaccine effective against UK variant | Meanwhile, Tehran sets new rules requiring travellers from Europe to self-quarantine for two weeks after testing negative upon arrival | Sat, 01/30/2021 – 13: 45 | A health worker in Iran prepares an injection during the first trial phase of a locally made vaccine for the Covid-19 coronavirus disease in Tehran on 29 December 2020 (AFP)…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Iran COVID-19 update: 82 deaths, 6,317 cases in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — The Iranian Health Ministry has confirmed 6,317 COVID-19 infections and 82 deaths due to the disease in the past 24 hours.

yenisafak (2021-01-30). Iran authorizes use of Russian COVID-19 vaccine. yenisafak.com Iranian envoy to Moscow Kazem Jalali said Saturday that the second consignment of the Russian vaccine will reach Iran by the end of February.In the second phase, the vaccine will be jointly produced by the two countries, Jalali said, while emphasizing its safety and efficacy.The confirmation first came during Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's visit to Moscow this week, where he said the vaccine has been registered in Iran after approval from the country's health authorities.Produced by Russian Health Ministry's Gamaleya Center, Sputnik V has so far been approved for use in 14 countries even though discussions at the…

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Persepolis 2-1 Machine Sazi: IPL. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — In a match held on Saturday at Azadi Stadium, Persepolis defeated Machine Sazi 2-1 in the Thirteenth week of the Iran Professional League.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Officials in Chabahar to inaugurate Indian equipment on Sun. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — High-ranking Iranian and Indian officials are to inaugurate the received Indian strategic equipment in Chabahar Port on Sunday.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). 'The Feast of the Goat' to go on screen at French filmfest. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iranian short 'The Feast of the Goat' has made it into the competition program of the Meme Pas Peur Film Festival in France.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Tehran urges Macron to practice self-control. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — The spokesperson of the Iranian foreign ministry urged President Macron to have self-control and avoid taking hasty and ill-considered stances.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Iran happy with liberation of Karabakh occupied territories. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iranian FM Zarif said his country is satisfied with the liberation of the occupied territories of Karabakh.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Three US museums to host Iranian film 'Careless Crime'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iranian film, 'Careless Crime' directed by Shahram Mokri will go on screen in film festivals hosted by three American museums.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Big haul of illicit drugs seized in SE Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Commander of the Border Guards of Iran Police announced the success of the border guards of Sistan and Baluchestan province in confiscating a big haul of illicit drugs in southeastern borders of the country.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Iran's export vol. of agri. products up 22% in nine months. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iran exported 6.1 million tons of agricultural products in the first nine months of the current Iranian calendar year (from March 21 to Dec. 20), showing a 22 and 20 percent growth in terms of volume and value respectively.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Iran recent nuclear moves 'not a violation of JCPOA'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Ambassador to Spain Hassan Ghashghavi said that the recent move taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the nuclear field is its inalienable right not a violation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Iran, India confer on regional, intl. affairs. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — An official with the Indian foreign ministry met and held talks with Iranian Deputy FM Abbas Araghchi about regional and international issues.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Iran at forefront of fight against drug-trafficking. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iran's permanent ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna said that the Islamic Republic is at the forefront of the fight against drug-trafficking in the international arena.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Leader to receive eulogists on Hazrat Zahra birth anniv. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei will receive religious eulogists and panegyrists on Wednesday through an online video conference.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Find the Best Iranian Realtors in Toronto. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Are you looking for a real estate investment in Toronto? Fine! Toronto is one of the best places to do that.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). 16th intl. mining industries exhibition opens in Tehran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — The 16th edition of Iran's International Exhibition of Mine, Mining, Construction Machinery and Related Industries (Iran ConMin) opened in Tehran on Saturday.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). FM Zaif's visit to Azerbaijan has strategic importance: Envoy. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan said that visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the Republic of Azerbaijan is of strategic importance.

Mehr News Agency (2021-01-30). Bitter experience of war must not be repeated in Caucasus. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister said that the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic will be very vital for the future of the peaceful Caucasus, underlining that the bitter experience of war must not be repeated in the region.

Online News Editor (2021-01-30). China's first Hualong-1 nuclear reactor begins commercial operation. laprensalatina.com Shanghai, China, Jan 30 (efe-epa).- China's first nuclear power unit using a third-generation reactor named Hualong-1 began commercial operations Saturday at the Fuqing power plant, state media reported. Fuqing's No. 5 unit in Fujian province is now generating electricity for commercial use after a week's trial, and will pave "the way for mass production and …

sputniknews (2021-01-30). Turkish Plane Headed to Tehran Turns to Baku Amid Reports of Sirens Heard in Iranian Capital. sputniknews.com On Friday, reports emerged that planes were turning away from the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with reasons remaining unclear. Later, it was revealed that planes could again land in Riyadh.

sputniknews (2021-01-30). Police Hunting for Details About Iranians Arriving in New Delhi Day After Blast Near Israel Embassy. sputniknews.com On Friday evening, a low-intensity blast took place just several metres away from the Israeli embassy on the pavement in New Delhi. According to the Delhi Police, nobody was injured in the incident but windscreens of at least three cars were damaged.