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Parliament’s Secret Session Next Week: Key Discussion on FATF Review, Says Lawmaker
Tehran’s Parliament is set to hold a crucial closed session on February 2 to discuss Iran’s potential membership in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Vice-speaker Ali Nikzad highlighted that the meeting will address concerns about foreign interference and the impact on Iran’s financial sovereignty. The debate is polarized, with the Iranian administration supporting membership while significant factions in Parliament oppose it. The FATF, established in 1989, aims to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. Recently, President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that the Expediency Council would revisit related bills, underlining the issue’s importance in Iranian politics.
Iran Calls for Accountability of U.S. and Allies Over Gaza Genocide Complicity
Iran has condemned a recent Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school sheltering displaced Palestinians, which killed over 50 individuals. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the escalating Israeli aggression, labeling these attacks as war crimes aligned with a genocidal agenda against Palestinians. He urged the international community, particularly the U.S. and Western nations, to take immediate action to protect the Palestinian population and halt the violence. Baqaei accused these nations of obstructing justice and accountability, particularly regarding the International Criminal Court, emphasizing their complicity in the ongoing crisis and the need to hold Israeli officials accountable for their actions.
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.
Top European Leaders Unite in Kiev: UK, France, Germany, and Poland Strengthen Ties
European leaders recently visited Ukraine amid warnings from the US of a significant potential air attack. Key figures, including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz, met with President Zelenskyy to reaffirm their solidarity against Russia’s invasion. They called for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and discussed pathways to sustainable peace, despite ongoing combat and Russia’s tactical ceasefire announcement. The leaders also visited Kyiv’s Maidan memorial to honor lives lost in the conflict. Their visit symbolizes strong European support for Ukraine and a commitment to uphold international law while pushing for renewed dialogue towards peace amidst escalating tensions.