Politics

Parliament Speaker Expresses Heartfelt Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025

Tehran, IRNA – In a heartfelt message, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed his condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, the revered leader of the Catholic Church, who died on Monday at the age of 88. The loss of such a significant spiritual figure resonates deeply within the global community.

Qalibaf’s message highlighted the profound impact Pope Francis had during his lifetime. He stated, “The passing of the esteemed spiritual figure and the leader of Catholic Christians, His Holiness Pope Francis, is deeply regrettable.”

In his tribute, Qalibaf emphasized several key aspects of Pope Francis’s legacy:

Advocate of Peace: He dedicated his life to promoting peace and compassion among all worshippers of God.
Humanitarian Reforms: His initiatives aimed at fostering monotheism and interreligious dialogue.
Global Peace: Pope Francis was vocal in condemning violence, particularly the Israeli actions in Gaza, and he called for an end to the genocide of Palestinian civilians.

These efforts will not be forgotten, Qalibaf added. In a similar sentiment, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, the head of Iran’s Islamic Seminary, also offered condolences to both Vatican officials and the Christian community during this sorrowful time. He remarked, “Pope Francis was a prominent and influential figure in the field of interreligious dialogue and promoting peace and coexistence between nations.”

Earlier on Monday, the Vatican officially announced the death of Pope Francis at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican. He had been battling respiratory illnesses in recent years, which led to the cancellation of his planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to health concerns.

Pope Francis, born on December 17, 1963, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was known by his birth name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He was elected as the pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, and remained a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church until his passing.

International

FM Araghchi Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis: A Tribute to a Global Spiritual Leader

April 21, 2025April 22, 2025

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi extended heartfelt condolences to the global community and Pope Francis’s followers following the pontiff’s passing at age 88. Confirmed by the Vatican, his death marks the end of an era characterized by his commitment to peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue. Elected in 2013, Pope Francis championed social issues, climate change, and the plight of refugees, advocating for a more inclusive Church. His influence transcended Catholicism, promoting compassion and justice for marginalized groups. As the world mourns, his legacy of love and understanding continues to inspire efforts toward a harmonious future.

Politics

Iran’s Oil Nationalization: A Triumph Over Western Imperialism

March 19, 2025March 19, 2025

Seventy-two years ago, Iran’s Parliament enacted a landmark oil nationalization law, driven by Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and Ayatollah Kashani, in response to foreign exploitation, primarily by British interests. This legislation aimed to reclaim Iran’s sovereignty over its oil wealth, previously controlled by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. Following the law’s ratification in March 1951, Western powers retaliated with sanctions and orchestrated a coup in June 1953, leading to Mosaddegh’s removal. The event symbolizes Iran’s struggle against imperialism and has lasting effects on its oil industry, shaping the nation’s quest for autonomy and control over its resources.

Politics

Iran’s FM Araghchi: Strengthening Strategic Relations with Armenia is a Top Priority

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized President Masoud Pezeshkian’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Armenia during a meeting in Tehran. He highlighted the existing strong ties and extensive cooperation between the two nations across various sectors. The discussion included Armenia’s commitment to peace and security in the South Caucasus, as well as a focus on fostering good neighborly relations. The Armenian deputy foreign minister appreciated Iran’s supportive stance on regional developments, indicating a mutual interest in continuing and expanding the partnership between Iran and Armenia. This meeting underscores the ongoing collaboration and shared goals of both countries.

Politics

Iran and Lebanon’s Parliamentary Leaders Praise Hezbollah’s Crucial Role in Regional Stability

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, emphasizing solidarity between Iran and Lebanon regarding regional stability. Ghalibaf praised the turnout at a recent funeral for resistance martyrs and reaffirmed Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s national security. He criticized the Lebanese government’s suspension of flights to Iran, attributing it to U.S. pressure, and warned about extremist threats from Syria. Berri expressed gratitude for Iranian support and highlighted the strong bond between the Lebanese people and the resistance. Both leaders underscored the importance of unity and resistance in achieving national security and cohesion.

Politics

Iran Sounds Alarm: Human Rights Shouldn’t Be Weaponized for Political Gain

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

In an address at the UN Human Rights Council, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the manipulation of human rights by certain nations to exert political and economic pressure. He emphasized that human rights should be pursued with mutual respect and non-interference, calling for fairness and impartiality in protecting these rights. Araghchi condemned unilateral sanctions, stating they harm ordinary citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. He highlighted Iran’s suffering from such measures and demanded their immediate lifting. Additionally, he condemned Israeli actions against Palestinians, calling for accountability and a unified international response to these injustices.

Demanding Justice: Holding Israel Accountable for Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis

Politics

Iranian Women Forge Ahead: Empowering Change for a Just Future

March 15, 2025March 15, 2025

At the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Iran’s Ambassador Zahra Ershadi emphasized Iranian women’s commitment to achieving equity despite challenges like unilateral sanctions and geopolitical tensions. She highlighted their significant roles in social and economic progress, noting that women comprise 33% of university faculty and 40% of medical professionals in Iran. Ershadi condemned the violence in Gaza, linking it to violations of women’s rights and calling for international accountability. She also detailed recent strides in women’s leadership in Iran’s government, advocating for global support of women’s rights initiatives to foster a more equitable society.