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Collaborative Effort: Iran and UNICEF Launch Joint Drug Control Initiative
Hossein Zolfaghari, secretary general of Iran’s Drug Control Headquarters, emphasized the need for collaboration with UNICEF during a meeting with Monika Oledzka-Nielsen, UNICEF’s representative in Iran. This partnership aims to align efforts on initiatives including parenting education, addiction prevention in correctional facilities, mental health support for girls, and training for NGOs. Oledzka-Nielsen acknowledged Iran’s Drug Control Headquarters’ support and highlighted a key initiative focused on the health and empowerment of teenage girls. Improved coordination could turn this initiative into a successful regional model, reflecting a shared commitment to community well-being and addressing issues like mental health and addiction prevention.
Zarif Honors Legacy of Iraqi Commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis: A Tribute to a Fallen Hero
Vice-President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad-Javad Zarif visited Iraq to honor Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the late leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, who was assassinated alongside General Qassem Soleimani by the U.S. in January 2020. The visit, initiated by Ammar Hakim of the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement, aimed to participate in “The Lovers of Ahl al-Bayt Conference.” This diplomatic engagement emphasizes the enduring political and cultural ties between Iran and Iraq, reflecting their mutual interests in regional stability and security amidst a shared historical context.
Transforming Faith: How Khamenei Uses Friday Prayers as a Powerful Tool for Control
Friday prayers in Iran have shifted from vibrant community gatherings to political briefings, particularly affecting middle-aged and older generations who recall their revolutionary significance. Initially popular post-revolution and during the Iran-Iraq war, attendance has declined due to dissatisfaction with the Islamic Republic’s leadership and economic issues. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has restructured the Friday prayer system, appointing younger, military-aligned clerics. Currently, around 850 imams serve across Iran, primarily appointed after 2017. These imams not only lead prayers but also oversee local governance and enforce Islamic norms, reflecting Khamenei’s tighter control over religious and political life.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Set to Make Historic Visit to Afghanistan This Sunday
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Afghanistan this Sunday to discuss key issues with the Taliban’s interim government, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to strong regional relations. The trip aligns with Iran’s neighborliness policy, focusing on mutual interests, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. This marks Araghchi’s first visit to Afghanistan since taking office in July 2022, and he will be accompanied by representatives from various Iranian ministries and a trade delegation. Additionally, Araghchi recently appointed Alireza Bikdeli as Iran’s new ambassador to Kabul, further emphasizing Iran’s strategic diplomatic efforts in the region.
Chinese President Expresses Sympathy to Iran Following Tragic Port Explosion
A tragic explosion at Shaheed Rajaee Port in southern Iran has resulted in significant loss of life and injuries, with at least 70 confirmed dead and over 1,000 injured. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, and six individuals remain unaccounted for. In response, international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have expressed their condolences. Xi conveyed his shock and sympathy to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani also offered his condolences and prayers for the victims. China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized solidarity with Iran during this difficult time.