قرقاش: دیدار با عراقچی در تهران مثبت بود
به گزارش خبرگزاری مهر، قرقاش روز جمعه و در صفحه شخصی خود در شبکه اجتماعی اینستاگرام، تصویری از خود و «سیف الذعابی» سفیر امارات در تهران در باغ وزارت خارجه ایران را منتشر کرد.
دیپلمات ارشد اماراتی در ادامه نوشت: «ما گفت‌وگوی سازنده و همکاری مشترک را ارج می‌نهیم».
قرقاش علاوه بر گفت‌وگو با عراقچی درباره مسائل دوجانبه و منطقه‌ای، حامل نامه «دونالد ترامپ» رئیس‌جمهور آمریکا برای ایران بود.
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China, Russia affirm Iran”s peaceful nuclear program
On Friday morning, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu chaired a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
In a joint statement following the meeting, the three countries stressed the importance of removing U.S. sanctions on Iran.
“China, Russia and Iran engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest state of play with regard to the nuclear issue and sanctions lifting. The three countries emphasized the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions,” the statement said.
It also urged diplomacy over pressure, threats and sanctions.
China and Russia welcomed Iran”s reiteration that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. Besides, they hailed Iran”s commitment to full compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement. Furthermore, Moscow and Beijing stressed the need to fully respect Iran”s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as a State Party to the NPT.
Later on Friday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a separate meeting with the Iranian and Russian deputy foreign ministers. The top Chinese diplomat proposed his points on the proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
He said Beijing remains committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means, and opposes the use of force and illegal sanctions.
Wang added that his country is committed to balancing rights and responsibilities, and takes a holistic approach to the goals of nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The Chinese foreign minister further stated that the East Asian nation remains dedicated to the framework of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as the foundation for establishing a new consensus. He also expressed opposition to intervention by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Since returning to the White House on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump has restored his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. He has demanded that the U.S. Treasury impose sanctions on Tehran and ramp up their enforcement.
Last week, Trump intensified his anti-Iran rhetoric saying, “there are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal. I would prefer to make a deal, because I’m not looking to hurt Iran.”
Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign was launched in 2018 after he withdrew from the JCPOA during his first term in office.
The subsequent campaign included the re-imposition and intensification of anti-Iran sanctions that had been lifted under the JCPOA in exchange for limits on the country’s nuclear activities.
Washington’s unilateral pullout from the JCPOA and the reinstatement of sanctions have been described as a failed policy even by officials in the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Trump downplayed the tripartite talks in Beijing.
“Well, maybe they”re going to talk about non-nuclear problems. Maybe they”re going to be talking about the de-escalation of nuclear weapons,” Trump told reporters.
Iran has stressed that it will not hold talks with the U.S. under pressure and threats.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning to the U.S.on Wednesday saying Iran “was not seeking war, but if someone takes action, our response will be decisive and certain”.
Iran has also condemned the recent closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council on its nuclear program that was held at the U.S. request.
“We strongly object to this provocative and unwarranted meeting. This is not a legitimate discussion on non-proliferation—it is a blatant political maneuver and a misuse of the Security Council to advance narrow agendas,” Amir SaeidIravani, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, said in response to the Wednesday meeting.
Presently, as the U.S. is attempting to impose the law of jungle, China”s diplomatic engagement, exemplified by the Friday talks in Beijing, demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and international stability. Furthermore, China has consistently contributed to peace and stability efforts, particularly in West Asia.
In 2023, China played a key role in brokering a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
In July last year, Hamas and Fatah signed a Chinese-brokered deal in Beijing in line with efforts to settle their differences. Officials from these Palestinian groups met with the Chinese foreign minister following reconciliation talks that also involved a dozen other Palestinian factions.
For now, China”s position as a global mediator has come to the fore amid the diminishing influence of the United States on the international stage.
First published by Tehran Times
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Memoirs of Mohamed ElBaradei: “The Age of Deception”
The book “The Age of Deception: Nuclear Diplomacy in Treacherous Times” which includes the memoirs of Mohamed ElBaradei from his three terms as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has been translated by Firouzeh Doroshti and is now available in bookstores across the country.
This book takes a scrutinizing approach to nuclear diplomacy in a tumultuous phase of modern history.
The book “The Age of Deception” is viewed as a crucial resource for gaining insight into the complicated nature of nuclear diplomacy.
In the 432-page book, ElBaradei focuses on his efforts for nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy by all member countries of the agency.
Specifically, in 4 of the 13 chapters, he addresses the issue of Iran, pointing out the problems that the West created for Iran”s entry into the club of countries with nuclear technology and revealing the pressures, interventions, and political maneuvering of the United States in this process.
Mohammad ElBaradei, an Egyptian-born Lawyer, was the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1997 to 2009.
A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the longest-serving Director General, who got the honour of becoming Director General Emeritus of the agency towards the end of his service.
The book is a compelling account of chronological events and challenges faced by the IAEA during his tenure.
The book covers three decades of his work on cases including Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Iran, and Pakistan, and exposes double standards adopted by the U.S. and other Western nations.
It sheds light on the behind-the-scenes workings of international organizations and the challenges of maintaining neutrality in a politically charged environment.
The book shows how ElBaradei felt that different standards were being applied to different countries” nuclear programs.
Arguments in his book revolve around the three underlying principles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
These essential facets of the treaty include the pledge by the (non–nuclear) members not to try and obtain or develop nuclear weapons, a sincere effort on the part of all members to lead the world towards complete disarmament, and thirdly to facilitate the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in all member countries with particular consideration for the needs of developing countries.
Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour
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Islamophobia a tool to justify Israeli regime occupation
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran”s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has condemned the increasing trend of spreading hatred against Muslims on Friday at the UN high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day against Islamophobia, and stated that “the Zionist regime” uses Islamophobia as a tool to justify its occupation and crimes against the Palestinian people.
Referring to the Zionist regime”s occupation and the continuous oppression of the Palestinian people, the senior Iranian diplomat at the United Nations emphasized that every day, the world witnesses brutal aggression against the Palestinians who are living under occupation in their homeland.
“The occupying regime in cooperation with its allies, is trying to justify its war crimes, apartheid policies, and systematic oppression by creating a false connection between Islam and terrorism,” he said
The full text of Iravani”s speech at the UN is as follows:
by His Excellency
Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of
the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the International Day to Combat Islamophobia
March 14, 2025 – New York
In the Name of God, the Compassionate the Merciful
At the outset, let me begin by appreciating you, Mr. President, for convening this important informal plenary meeting.
Mr. President,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Three years ago, the adoption of the General Assembly resolution 76/254 clearly reflected a shared commitment to addressing Islamophobia as one of the most alarming manifestations of intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, and incitement to violence against people based on their religion.
Subsequently, the adoption of the resolution on “measures to combat Islamophobia” last year, reiterated this unified dedication by requesting effective measures to eradicate Islamophobia in all its forms.
It has also underscored the critical need for increased efforts to raise awareness and combat the spread of hate speech, which includes, inter alia, urging the implementation of all necessary measures, such as legislative and policy actions, to combat Islamophobia.
Distinguished colleagues,
The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its profound concern regarding the extensive network of anti-Muslim campaigns, which includes the utilization of media outlets and social media platforms. These practices and policies, regardless of their location, have detrimental effects on Muslims globally, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as under foreign occupation or in minority communities.
In this regard, the world continues to witness daily aggressions against Palestinians whose homeland is under occupation. Israel, as an occupying regime, in cooperation with its allies, maintains a futile attempt to excuse its atrocities, crimes, and apartheid practices by fabricating a direct link between Islam and terrorism.
In addition, the Muslim Ummah has been subjected to violence, defamation, and desecration of their values, shrines, and the holy book in several Western countries under the guise of freedom of expression. We firmly call upon all those countries to continue criminalizing and prohibiting violence and hatred against religious symbols and holy books in their national laws and to actively engage in collective efforts to address Islamophobia.
In conclusion, my country is firmly determined to continue its support of all efforts to combat Islamophobia and religion-based extremism.
Accordingly, Iran welcomes the nomination of H.E. Mr. Moratinos as the Secretary-General Special Envoy to combat Islamophobia. Iran also expresses its readiness to actively engage in the work of the Special Envoy and closely collaborate with him in this regard.
I thank you
Source: Marzieh Rahmani
Putin meets with Trump’s envoy, delivers message: Kremlin
Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to inform the Russian president of a joint statement signed between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
In this agreement, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, while the US announced the resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing with Kiev.
The document did not mention sanctions on Russia or security guarantees for Ukraine, but it did state that Ukraine’s European allies would be “involved in the peace process.”
On Friday, the Russian spokesman briefed journalists, stating that the Russian head of state gave Witkoff “information and additional signals for President Trump.”
Putin expressed his “absolute support” for the idea of resolving the conflict with Ukraine peacefully, citing his willingness to discuss Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
The Russian president suggested that dialogue could include a personal conversation with the US leader.
“There are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to talk about them with our American colleagues and partners, and, perhaps, have a call with President Trump to discuss them,” Putin said.
In addition to emphasizing the need to clarify all ceasefire details, Putin stressed that Moscow is not interested in a short-term solution but rather desires a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Russian president cited the need for a system of “control and verification” to monitor any peace deal.
“We believe that this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis,” he stated.
“Who will give orders to stop hostilities? … Who will determine where and who has violated a possible ceasefire agreement across 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles)?”
Furthermore, he suggested the fact that a 30-day ceasefire could be used by Ukraine for rearmament.
“Russian troops are advancing in almost all areas of the front… So how will these 30 days be used? For forced mobilization to continue in Ukraine, for weapons to be delivered there, for the newly mobilized units to be trained? … How can we, and how will we, be guaranteed that nothing like that will happen? How will control be organized?” he asked.
Witkoff had traveled to Russia last month to negotiate a prisoner exchange.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that Putin had released “a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete.”
Also on Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Trump is “willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides,” including sanctions on Russia.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022, the US and its allies have imposed at least 21,692 sanctions on Russia, targeting individuals, media organizations, the military sector, energy sector, aviation, shipbuilding, telecommunications, and other industries.
Source: Marzieh Rahmani
UNSC condemns Julani government”s attacks on Syria
The statement, the result of joint efforts by Russia and the United States, specifically condemns the mass killings of Alawites and Christians by the Syrian authorities.
In the statement, the UN Security Council strongly condemns the widespread violence, including the killing of civilians, in the Syrian provinces of Latakia and Tartus.
The UN Security Council stated that the interim Syrian authorities must protect all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Alawites, or Alawis are an Arab ethnoreligious group who live primarily in the Levant region in West Asia and follow Alawism.
Source: Marzieh Rahmani
US, Israel seeking to displace Palestinians from Gaza to East Africa: AP
Friday’s report said officials from Sudan claimed to have rejected overtures from the US, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland told AP they were unaware of any contacts.
Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a secret diplomatic initiative, US and Israeli officials confirmed the contacts with Somalia and Somaliland, while the US officials confirmed Sudan as well. They added it was unclear how much progress the efforts made or at what level the discussions took place.
The development comes more than a month after US President Donald Trump floated the idea of forcibly displacing Palestinians and “taking over” the Gaza Strip. It was roundly rejected by Palestinians and countries in the Middle East, with many describing it as ethnic cleansing.
Separate outreach from the US and Israel to the three potential destinations began last month, days after Trump floated the Gaza plan alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the US officials, who said Israel was taking the lead in the discussions.
There was no immediate reaction to the report from the US or Israel.
But Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a longtime advocate of what he calls “voluntary” emigration of Palestinians, stated this week that Israel is working to identify countries to take them in. He also added Israel is preparing a “very large emigration department” within its Ministry of Defense.
In exchange for accepting resettled Palestinians, it is thought that a variety of incentives – financial, diplomatic and security – would be offered to the East African governments.
A US official involved in the efforts confirmed to AP that the US was “having a quiet conversation with Somaliland about a range of areas where they can be helpful to the US in exchange for recognition”.
The US could offer the breakaway region of more than 3 million people international recognition, which is a priority for Somaliland’s new President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Abdirahman Dahir Adan, Somaliland’s Foreign Minister, told the Reuters news agency denied the breakaway region’s authorities having received a proposal.
“I haven’t received such a proposal, and there are no talks with anyone regarding Palestinians,” he added.
It is difficult to understand why Somalia would want to host Palestinians given the country’s strong support for Palestinian self-rule, Sambu Chepkorir, a lawyer and conflict researcher in Nairobi, told AP.
“The realignments keep changing, and so maybe there is a hidden agenda in why Somalia,” Chepkorir said.
Two Sudanese officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive diplomatic matter, confirmed the Trump administration has approached the military-led government about accepting Palestinians.
One said the contacts began even before Trump’s inauguration, with offers of military assistance against the RSF paramilitary group, assistance with postwar reconstruction and other incentives.
Both officials stated the Sudanese government rejected the idea.
“This suggestion was immediately rebuffed,” one official noted, adding, “No one opened this matter again.”
Source: Ifp Media Wire
Trump says US had productive discussions with Putin
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that he had requested that Putin spare the lives of “completely surrounded” Ukrainian troops.
US envoy Steve Witkoff had a long meeting with Putin in Moscow on Thursday night, a source briefed on the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
The Truth Social post did not say whether Trump and Putin had spoken to each other.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had used the meeting to convey “signals” to Trump through Witkoff. He said Russia and the U.S. would work out the timing of a phone call between their presidents once Witkoff had briefed Trump.
The US president has said he wants Moscow and Kyiv to agree a swift ceasefire to pause fighting in a conflict which he has warned has the potential to spiral into World War Three and has already cost many lives on both sides.
Source: Marzieh Rahmani