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Tehran, IRNA – Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed deep condolences following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88. Qalibaf praised the Pope’s legacy as an advocate for peace and humanitarian reforms, emphasizing his commitment to promoting interreligious dialogue and condemning violence, particularly regarding Israeli actions in Gaza. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi also extended condolences, recognizing the Pope’s influence on global peace and coexistence. The Vatican announced Pope Francis’s death on Monday; he had been struggling with respiratory issues in recent years. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became pope in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
In a recent meeting in Baghdad, Iranian diplomat Majid Takht Ravanchi and Iraqi Council Speaker Mandalawi emphasized strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in trade, amid rising global tensions. They advocated for the exchange of official delegations to activate the Iran-Iraq Joint Friendship Committee and condemned Israeli violations against Palestinians and Lebanese. Mandalawi opposed a controversial US-Israeli plan to displace Gazans, urging Arab nations to act decisively. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called for a united Muslim response to support Palestinian rights. The discussions highlighted the need for enhanced security cooperation between Iran and Iraq to ensure regional stability amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei highlighted Russia’s significant role in Iran’s nuclear negotiations, expressing appreciation for its constructive contributions. He noted that negotiations with the U.S. are in early stages, with no detailed discussions yet taking place. Baqaei dismissed rumors of Saudi Arabia mediating in indirect talks, stating they misrepresent the situation. So far, Iran and the U.S. have engaged in two rounds of indirect negotiations facilitated by Oman, with a third round planned in Muscat. Overall, Iran views Russia as a key ally in addressing the complexities of its nuclear program discussions.
Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, has denied allegations of Iran supporting the Yemeni Houthis, responding to a UN report suggesting external backing for the group. The report claimed the Houthis have strengthened militarily due to assistance from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah, and Iraqi specialists, asserting they lack the capacity to develop complex weapon systems independently. The Houthis have aligned with Hamas during the ongoing Gaza conflict, launching UAVs towards Israel. This collaboration and Iran’s denial reflect the intricate geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for international attention to the evolving situation in Yemen.
During a meeting with the Pugwash International Conference delegation, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s legal rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its commitment to a peaceful nuclear program. He highlighted ongoing indirect talks with the U.S., asserting that Iran will not compromise on its rights to peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment. Araghchi acknowledged the sacrifices made by Iranians in advancing nuclear technology despite sanctions and loss of life. He criticized U.S. officials for contradictory statements that complicate negotiations, reaffirming Iran’s readiness for dialogue while upholding its principled positions and aspirations for peaceful nuclear development.