Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned recent politically motivated attempts to rename the Persian Gulf, asserting that such actions reflect hostility toward Iran and provoke outrage among Iranians worldwide. He emphasized that the name is historically significant and respected, noting Iran’s acceptance of other regional names. Araqchi warned that any move to rename the Persian Gulf would provoke widespread anger among Iranians. His comments come amid reports that U.S. officials may announce a shift in terminology during President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, a decision that could complicate ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over nuclear issues.
President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) headquarters in Tehran to commemorate its 90th anniversary. Accompanied by key officials, including the Minister of Culture, he engaged with IRNA’s leadership and toured the newsroom to understand the news preparation process. The visit underscored the media’s role in public discourse. During the event, President Pezeshkian unveiled a special 90th anniversary stamp and a book documenting IRNA’s oral history, celebrating the agency’s legacy and its commitment to quality journalism. The occasion highlighted the significance of journalism in shaping narratives and informing the public.
During this year’s Nowruz celebrations in Iran, a surge of patriotic sentiment emerged, with many citizens advocating for the restoration of the pre-Islamic Revolution monarchy amidst economic hardships and political discontent. Gatherings at historical sites like Persepolis showcased national pride, with chants for Reza Shah and patriotic songs echoing through crowds. Despite government efforts to promote religious observances, many expressed dissatisfaction with current leadership, particularly during protests in major cities. The overlap of Nowruz and Ramadan heightened tensions, as citizens openly challenged the government, signaling a deep divide between state ideology and public sentiment while expressing hopes for change and a better future.
During an emergency UN Security Council session, Iran’s Ambassador Amir-Saeed Iravani was unable to deliver a statement due to time constraints, highlighting ongoing tensions between Qatar and Israel. The session primarily featured discussions from Qatar, Israel, Turkey, and the UAE, while several nations, including Iran, were sidelined. Iran condemns Israeli aggression against Qatar, emphasizing its support for Qatar’s right to self-defense. The statement criticizes the UN Security Council’s inaction regarding Israel’s actions across the region, arguing that failure to address these aggressions undermines international law and could embolden further violations. Iran calls for urgent accountability measures.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli regime, noting that despite severe violence against them, Israel has not achieved its goals. In a meeting with Ziyad al-Nakhaleh of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, he praised the resilience of Palestinians in their fight for self-determination and condemned Israeli actions in Gaza. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s unwavering support for Palestinian resistance and denounced an alleged Israeli-American plot to displace Palestinians. He also held discussions with Falih Al-Fayyadh on strengthening Iran-Iraq relations, highlighting the role of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces in enhancing regional stability.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, expressing concerns over U.S. officials’ inconsistent actions that undermine trust in diplomacy. In a call with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Araqchi emphasized Iran’s adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) while asserting its right to uranium enrichment. He criticized ongoing U.S. sanctions and urged all parties to honor their commitments to foster constructive dialogue. Guterres acknowledged the importance of these indirect negotiations, highlighting the need for cooperation to resolve differences and promote regional peace.