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At the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, Masoud Pezeshkian from Iran stressed the need for enhanced financial cooperation among member nations to counteract illegal sanctions. He proposed strengthening the ‘Special Accounts and Settlements’ initiative, focusing on three pillars: expanding settlements in national currencies, launching joint digital infrastructures using central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and creating a multilateral currency swap fund. Pezeshkian also emphasized the establishment of a peacebuilding committee to address regional crises. He expressed Iran’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster economic resilience and collective security within the SCO framework.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his heartfelt wishes for Pope Francis’s speedy recovery as the Pope deals with health issues, specifically pneumonia in both lungs. In a message shared on his X account, Pezeshkian conveyed his prayers for the Pope, who is currently hospitalized for treatment. The Vatican reported that the Pope’s clinical condition remains complex, prompting further therapy. At 88 years old, Pope Francis’s health has raised global concern, leading to an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from around the world as updates on his condition are awaited.
The funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, long-time leader of Hezbollah, in Beirut featured a significant message from Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, highlighting Nasrallah’s enduring legacy and the ongoing struggle for resistance. Khamenei’s message celebrated Nasrallah’s honor and impact, emphasizing that the fight against oppression will persist. He also honored Nasrallah’s successor, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, who was killed shortly after taking over. A delegation representing Khamenei attended the ceremony, which reflected on the sacrifices of these leaders and the courageous fighters of Islam. Nasrallah was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2022.
Over the weekend, protests erupted in Tehran as retired teachers and medical students voiced their frustrations with the Iranian government. Retired teachers demanded overdue entitlements outside Parliament, highlighting the devaluation of the national currency, which has lost 99.99% of its value since 1979. Medical students protested against nearly 200% tuition hikes at Azad University, arguing the increases were unmanageable. Additionally, dismissed professors called for reinstatement, claiming they were removed for advocating academic freedom. These demonstrations reflect widespread dissatisfaction with economic pressures and unfulfilled government promises, emphasizing the need for accountability and change in Iran.
Russia and Iran are set to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, notably excluding a mutual defense clause, unlike similar pacts with North Korea and Belarus. Iran’s ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, emphasized the agreement’s distinct focus on Iran’s independence and security, confirming that Iran aims to ensure its own safety without relying on military alliances. A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on January 17 will discuss this long-awaited partnership, building on a previously extended 2001 treaty. Despite potential hurdles in finalizing the agreement, both nations remain committed to their evolving relationship.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Latin American nations, particularly during a phone call with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and unity among independent nations, especially in light of challenges posed by US policies. He praised Colombia’s stance on the Gaza situation and the need for peace. In response, Petro expressed enthusiasm for enhancing collaboration with Iran and reiterated Colombia’s support for the Palestinian cause. This exchange reflects a significant step in Iran’s foreign policy aimed at fostering partnerships in Latin America amidst shifting global dynamics.