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☆ Fact Check: Video of Hamas military wing spokesperson thanking Iran dates to 2014
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A 2014 video of a spokesperson for the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, acknowledging Iranian support has been misrepresented online as being recent, following Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. “Breaking News Israel: Spokesperson of Izzuddin Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obaidah: “We thank the Islamic Republic of Iran who provided us with weapons, money and other equipment! A report by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the time includes a transcript of the spokesperson’s comments. Hamas is backed by Iran and is politically aligned with Iran, Syria and the Shi'ite Islamist group Hezbollah in Lebanon. A video showing an Al-Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson thanking Iran, was filmed in 2014, not after the October 2023 attacks on Israel.

Persons: Deen al, Izzuddin Al, Abu Obaidah, Al Jazeera, “ Al, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Read Organizations: Brigades, Breaking, Israel, Facebook, Al, YouTube, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hamas, United Nations, Hezbollah, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Palestinian, Israel, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iran, Syria, Lebanon

☆ Iran's Raisi says Israeli 'normalization' deals will fail
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during a press conference concluding his appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said in a U.S. television interview on Sunday that U.S.-sponsored efforts to normalize Israeli relations with Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, "will see no success". In an interview with CNN, Raisi also said Iran had not said it does not want nuclear inspectors from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog in the country. Raisi has said Iran has no issue with the U.N. nuclear watchdog's inspection of its nuclear sites, days after Tehran barred multiple inspectors assigned to the country. Commenting on Iran's nuclear programme, Raisi said:"We have announced time and time again that the use of nuclear weapons, the use of weapons of mass destruction in general, do not have a place.

Persons: Ebrahim Raisi, Shannon Stapleton, Raisi, Islamic Republic of Iran hasn't, Rami Ayyub, Peter Graff, David Holmes Organizations: United Nations General Assembly, REUTERS, Rights, CNN, United Nations, United Arab, Israel, Islamic, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Tehran, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, Islamic Republic of Iran

☆ Iran’s president defends uranium enrichment after Europeans ‘trampled on their commitments’
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

They (European states) trampled upon their commitments,” Raisi told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week. Nuclear power, which Iran says is the purpose of its nuclear program, requires uranium to be enriched to 3% to 5%. There is also concern that if Iran’s nuclear program is not kept in check, it could lead to further nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. The agreement capped Iranian uranium enrichment at 3.67% in exchange for sanctions relief. “Now, you see that the Iranians and the Americans have reached an understanding that has toned down Iran’s nuclear program, in which Europe played no role,” Vaez said.

Persons: Ebrahim Raisi, ” Raisi, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Donald Trump, Ali Vaez, ” Vaez, Iran hasn’t, “, ” Organizations: CNN, “, UN, Assembly, International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Reuters, Saudi Arabia’s Crown, European Union, US, Group, Tehran, ”, Iran’s, Agency, Crisis Locations: New York, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iran, Natanz, Tehran, Israel, East, United States, Washington, …, “, Islamic Republic, ” Tehran, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Europe, Qatar

☆ Iran's Raisi Says Israeli 'Normalization' Deals Will Fail
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said in a U.S. television interview on Sunday that U.S.-sponsored efforts to normalize Israeli relations with Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, "will see no success". In an interview with CNN, Raisi also said Iran had not said it does not want nuclear inspectors from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog in the country. Raisi has said Iran has no issue with the U.N. nuclear watchdog's inspection of its nuclear sites, days after Tehran barred multiple inspectors assigned to the country. Israel has moved closer to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco following a U.S.-driven diplomatic initiative in 2020 which pushed for normalization of relations. Commenting on Iran's nuclear programme, Raisi said:"We have announced time and time again that the use of nuclear weapons, the use of weapons of mass destruction in general, do not have a place.

Persons: Ebrahim Raisi, Raisi, Islamic Republic of Iran hasn't, Rami Ayyub, Peter Graff, David Holmes Organizations: WASHINGTON, CNN, United Nations, United Arab, Israel, Islamic Locations: U.S, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Tehran, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, Islamic Republic of Iran

However, Iran faces a new challenge from within as the one-year anniversary of the nationwide protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody approaches this Saturday. Today, Iran faces Western sanctions after the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal. These are Iranian money.”From the Iranian side, claiming victory has been as important as freeing the cash. “This money belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran," Raisi said through a government translator about the swap. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian suggested resuming negotiations over a roadmap that could see Tehran return to aspects of the nuclear deal, which the Islamic Republic walked away from last year.

Persons: Carter, ”, Walter Mondale, Matthew Miller, Behzad Nabavi, Ebrahim Raisi, Raisi, —, Ronald Reagan, Hossein Amirabdollahian, “, Matthew Lee, Jon Gambrell Organizations: United Arab Emirates, Embassy, . State Department, ”, NBC News, United Nations, U.S, Pentagon, Iranian, Islamic, Associated Press, The Associated Press, Gulf Cooperation, AP Locations: DUBAI, United Arab, Washington, Tehran, Iran, United States, Islamic Republic, South Korea, Qatar, U.S, Algier Accords, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Today, U.S ., Strait, Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Russia, Ukraine, Gulf

Iran's Presidency/Mohammad Javad Ostad/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Five U.S. citizens detained in Iran who are expected to be swapped for five Iranians imprisoned in the United States as early as next week are "in full health," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday. The United States said it will have "oversight" on how and when the funds will be spent. IRNA, citing Iran's mission to the United Nations, said "some of the freed Iranians will remain in the United States while others will return ... "The arrangements have been done and the final action of swapping the prisoners should be finalized in the due time," Raisi told NBC, according to excerpts released by the network. "This money belongs to the Iranian people, the Iranian government, so the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide what to do with this money," Raisi said in the interview, speaking through an Iranian government translator.

Persons: Ebrahim Raisi, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mohammad Javad Ostad, Matthew Miller, Raisi, Lester Holt, Siamak, Morad Tahbaz, Mehrdad Moin, Ansari, Kambiz Attar, Kashani, Reza Sarhangpour, Amin Hassanzadeh, Kaveh, IRNA, John Kirby, Arshad Mohammed, Rami Ayyub, Daphne Psaledakis, Parisa Hafezi, Timothy Gardner, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: State House, Iran's, West Asia News Agency, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, U.S, United, Department, NBC Nightly, U.S ., British, U.S . State Department, United Nations, White House, MSNBC, NBC, Thomson Locations: Harare, Zimbabwe, Iran, United States, South Korean, Washington, Tehran, U.S, Emad Sharqi, Qatar, Islamic Republic of Iran, Dubai

☆ Iran's Raisi: five US citizens detained in Iran 'in full health'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi meets with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (not pictured) during his official visit at the State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, on July 13, 2023. Iran's Presidency/Mohammad Javad Ostad/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Five U.S. citizens detained in Iran, who are expected to be swapped for five Iranians imprisoned in the United States as early as next week, are "in full health," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a television interview on Tuesday. One source familiar with the talks has previously said the Swiss embassy, which represents U.S. interests in Iran, had visited the five Americans and said they were in good health. While Raisi appeared to acknowledge the $6 billion may only be used for humanitarian purposes, he said Iran would decide how the money would be spent. "This money belongs to the Iranian people, the Iranian government, so the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide what to do with this money," Raisi said in the interview, speaking through an Iranian government translator.

Persons: Ebrahim Raisi, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mohammad Javad Ostad, Raisi, Lester Holt, Morad Tahbaz, Arshad Mohammed, Samia Nakhoul, Timothy Gardner Organizations: State House, Iran's, West Asia News Agency, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, U.S, NBC Nightly, U.S ., British, NBC, U.S . State Department, Thomson Locations: Harare, Zimbabwe, Iran, United States, Tehran, U.S, Emad Sharqi, South Korean, Washington, Qatar, Swiss, Islamic Republic of Iran, South Korea, Dubai

"Iran initially wanted direct access to the funds but in the end agreed to having access via Qatar," said a senior diplomat. Reuters pieced together this account of previously unreported details about the extent of Qatari mediation of the secret talks, how the deal unfolded and the expediency that motivated both parties to clinch the prisoner swap deal. Ties between the U.S. and Iran have been at boiling point since Donald Trump quit a nuclear deal with Iran as U.S. president in 2018. Reaching another nuclear deal has gained little traction since then, as President Joe Biden prepares for the 2024 U.S. election. Then president Trump in 2018 reimposed the sanctions when he pulled Washington out of a deal under which Iran had restricted its nuclear program.

Persons: Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Iran Dr, Ali Bagheri, Antony Blinken, Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, hasn’t, Jin, Washington, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Biden, Blinken, Iran’s, Trump, Iran Robert Malley, Abram Paley, Ali Bagheri Kani, Mehdi Safari, Foreign Ministry Mohammed Al, Khulaifi, Malley, Paley, Kani, Al Khulaifi, Laila Bassam, Samia Nakhoul, William Maclean Organizations: Regional Affairs, Political Affairs, Qatar News Agency, Handout, REUTERS Acquire, Qatar, Qatar DUBAI, U.S, Reuters, British, Islamic, Washington, Doha, Iranian, State Department, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The State Department, Democrat, Qatari, TRANSIT QATAR, Iran, The Central Bank of, U.S ., State, Foreign Ministry, Thomson Locations: Islamic Republic, Iran, Tehran, Qatar Gulf, DOHA, Qatar, U.S, Tehran’s, Emad Sharqi, Western, Gulf, South Korea, Washington, Switzerland, Seoul, Doha, Iranian, The Central Bank of Iran, Beirut

☆ Saudi soccer clubs to play in Iran for the first time in seven years
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Mostafa Salem | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Iranian and Saudi soccer clubs will be facing off on a home-and-away basis for the first time since 2016, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement Monday. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is set to play Iranian giant Persepolis FC in Tehran on September 19. Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in the Iranian capital following the execution of a Shi’ite cleric in Saudi Arabia. But both countries agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties in March after seven years of hostility, in a landmark deal mediated by China. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in sport in recent times, with teams in the Saudi Pro League – the professional men’s league in the country – signing a slew of global stars.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s, Benzema’s Al, Neymar’s Al, Hilal, It’s Organizations: CNN, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Asian Champions League, Persepolis FC, Sepahan SC, football, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Football Federation Islamic, Saudi, Saudi Pro League Locations: Saudi, Iran, Tehran, Ittihad, Isfahan, Mazandaran, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Asia, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Riyadh, China

☆ Iran says unblocked S.Korea funds to be used for 'non-sanctioned goods'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The sign of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran is seen in Tehran, Iran January 25, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File PhotoAug 12 (Reuters) - Iran's central bank chief said on Saturday that all of Iran's frozen funds in South Korea had been unblocked and would be used for "non-sanctioned goods". White House spokesperson John Kirby said Iran could only access the funds "to buy food, medicine, medical equipment that would not have a dual military use." The five Americans will be allowed to leave Iran once the funds are unfrozen, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. He added that the costs of converting the funds from South Korea's won currency to euros would be accepted by the "third country" where the money would be deposited to buy "non-sanctioned goods".

Persons: Majid Asgaripour, Mohammad Reza Farzin's, John Kirby, Farzin, Helen Popper Our Organizations: Central Bank of, West Asia News Agency, REUTERS, Reuters, South Korea's, Dubai, Thomson Locations: Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Iran, South Korea, Washington, Tehran ., Qatar

☆ Iran at odds with allied Russia after Moscow backs UAE in island dispute
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Tehran summoned Russia's ambassador on Wednesday over a Moscow-endorsed statement on three Gulf islands disputed by Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE joins fellow economic Middle East heavyweights Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Following a ministerial meeting in Moscow on Monday, Russia and the GCC released a joint statement that urged a diplomatic solution to the territorial dispute. Iranian officials called on Russia to correct its position on the territorial row, according to the state-owned Islamic Republic News Agency. Moscow is not Iran's only key partner to wade into hot waters over the three Gulf islands dispute.

Persons: Russia's, Reem, Abu Musa, Tehran's, Nasser Kanaani Organizations: United, United Arab Emirates, UAE, State, International Co, General Assembly, International Court of Justice, Gulf Cooperation, GCC, United Nations Charter, Saudi Press Agency, of Justice, Islamic, Islamic Republic News Agency, CNBC, Kyiv — Locations: Tehran, Moscow, Iran, United Arab, Abu Musa, Tunb, UAE, Britain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Gulf, Russia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian, Ukraine, Russian, Syria, China, Beijing, United Arab Emirates

☆ Opinion: A button, a love story, and an Iranian couple who will not be silenced
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Opinion Jeff Kaufman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

We were also moved by the continued defiance represented by the “I Oppose the Mandatory Hijab” button that Nasrin wore on her jacket. Iranian couple Nasrin Sotoudeh and Reza Khandan, with their friend and fellow activist Farhad Meysami (center) after being released from prison earlier this year following a lengthy hunger strike. Nasrin: When Reza and I first met, we were working at a magazine that presented a dialogue on social issues. Kaufman: Nasrin, you have one of the last “I Oppose the Mandatory Hijab” buttons in Iran (the government destroyed the rest). Reza KhandanFor example, when I was arrested, Reza and Farhad made the ‘I Oppose the Mandatory Hijab’ buttons in the hope that people would wear them.

March 22 (Reuters) - A federal judge in New York ordered Iran's central bank and a European intermediary on Wednesday to pay out $1.68 billion to family members of troops killed in the 1983 car bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Lebanon. Victims and their families won a $2.65 billion judgment against Iran in federal court in 2007 over the attack. Six years later, they sought to seize bond proceeds allegedly owned by Bank Markazi and processed by Clearstream to partially satisfy the court judgment. Bank Markazi has argued that the lawsuit was not allowed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), which generally shields foreign governments from liability in U.S. courts. A Luxembourg court in 2021 ordered Clearstream not to move the funds until a court in that country recognizes the U.S. ruling.

☆ Iraq and Iran sign deal to tighten border security
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Ahmed Rasheed | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani looks on as Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji and Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani sign the security agreement that includes coordination in protecting the common borders between the two countries, in Baghdad, Iraq, March 19, 2023. The joint security agreement includes coordination in "protecting the common borders between the two countries and consolidating cooperation in several security fields", a statement from the Iraqi prime minister's office said. Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani signed the deal with Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji, in the presence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, the prime minister office said. "Under the signed security deal, Iraq pledges it would not allow armed groups to use its territory in the Iraqi Kurdish region to launch any border-crossing attacks on neighbour Iran," said an Iraqi security official who attended the signing. Iran has also accused Kurdish militants of working with its arch-enemy Israel and has often voices concern over the alleged presence of the Israeli spy agency Mossad in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdish region.

☆ Arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to revive ties, reopen embassies in China-brokered deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"As a result of the talks, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies ...within two months," Iran's news agency IRNA reported Friday. Saudi Arabia's state Saudi Press Agency confirmed the announcement in its own statement. The Saudi statement profusely thanked Beijing for its leadership in the talks. The Saudi statement also expressed thanks to Riyadh's neighbors Iraq and Oman, which it said had hosted "rounds of dialogue that took place between both sides during the years 2021-2022." Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016, after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran in response to Saudi authorities executing 47 dissidents, including a leading Shia cleric.

☆ Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"Our cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km has been added to the missile arsenal of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force, told state TV. The television broadcast what it said was the first footage showing the new Paveh cruise missile. Iran has expanded its missile programme, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Iran has said it had supplied Moscow with drones before the war in Ukraine. In November, the Pentagon said the United States was skeptical of reports quoting Hajizadeh as saying Iran had developed a hypersonic ballistic missile.

☆ Iran unveils underground base meant to protect its aging US-made fighter jets
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Stefano D'Urso | The Aviationist | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Iran unveiled an underground air force base called "Eagle 44" for the 44th anniversary of the Iranian revolution. The underground base is said to be the first large enough to host fighter jets and one of several being built. During the visit of the officers, the aging F-4 Phantoms jets of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force were shown starting up and taxiing through the tunnels to reach the runway outside of the underground base. Iranian military officials at underground air force base "Eagle 44" on February 7. According to Tasnim, the new missile was put on display in the new underground base, but Su-24s and the "Asef" missile were nowhere to be seen in the photos and videos shared by the news agencies.

☆ South Korea envoy in Iran summoned over Yoon's 'enemy' remarks -media
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Hyonhee Shin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Yoon, speaking with South Korean troops stationed in Abu Dhabi early this week, said South Korea and the UAE are under "very similar" circumstances, each facing North Korea and Iran as "the enemy, biggest threat." His remarks prompted a rare spat between Seoul and Tehran, at a time when relations have already been testy over frozen Iranian funds in South Korea and suspected arms dealings between Iran and North Korea. Iran's deputy foreign minister on legal affairs, Reza Najafi, summoned Yun Kang-hyeon, the South Korean ambassador on Wednesday to protest against Yoon's "interventionist remarks," the official IRNA news agency said. Najafi also accused South Korea of pursuing an "unfriendly approach" toward Iran, singling out its frozen funds. Iran has repeatedly demanded the release of some $7 billion of its funds frozen in South Korean banks under U.S. sanctions.

☆ Iran Restricts Supply of Cheap Oil to Syria, Leaving Ally in Crisis
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( Benoit Faucon | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Iran’s ambitions to position itself as a leading power broker in the Middle East have been dealt a fresh blow—this time by its own struggling economy and how it is crimping Tehran’s ability to supply cheap oil to allies such as Syria. The Islamic Republic of Iran has used cash and discounted oil in a hearts-and-minds campaign to expand its influence in Syria and challenge regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iran and Russia are the main military sponsors of the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad , helping him to suppress an armed rebellion that began during the pro-democracy Arab Spring uprisings of 2011.

☆ The F-14 Tomcat first flew 52 years ago. Here's why the US destroyed them rather than let anyone else buy them.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Blake Stilwell | We Are The Mighty | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The US Navy's famed F-14 Tomcat fighter jet first flew on December 21, 1970. There was only one foreign customer for the advanced F-14 Tomcat fighter during its heyday: Iran. Rob Tabor/USAFThe Iranian air force was so skilled in the Iran-Iraq War that a lone Tomcat could clear the skies of enemy aircraft without firing a shot. The idea of selling Iran rare F-14 parts so it didn't have to cannibalize its own F-14 inventory was preposterous. It was this concern that led the Pentagon to shred every leftover F-14 Tomcat.

CNN —United Nations member states have removed Iran from a key UN women’s rights group just months after it joined. The Commission is the premier UN body for promoting gender equality and empowering women. Iran condemned the US resolution, calling it an “illegal request” and said it weakens the rule of law in the United Nations. Iran had only just begun its four-year term on the 45-member Commission on the Status of Women – which was created to advocate for gender equality globally – after being elected to the body in April. Reacting to news of Iran’s removal from the body, Louis Charbonneau, UN director at Human Rights Watch said it was a “welcome step,” but remained a “far cry” from true accountability.

☆ Iran ousted from U.N. women's group after U.S. campaign
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Michelle Nichols | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Iran was ousted from a United Nations women's group on Wednesday for policies contrary to the rights of women and girls, a move proposed by the United States after Tehran's crackdown on protests over the death of a young woman in custody. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said removing Iran was the right thing to do. "It's hugely important for the women of Iran," Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters after the vote. IRAN REJECTS EXPULSIONSpeaking before the vote, Iran's U.N. Tehran accused Western states of using the council to target Iran in an "appalling and disgraceful" move.

☆ Iran morality police: Is this the end for the regime's notorious force?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —An Iranian official’s comment signaling that the country’s notorious morality police had been shut down has raised more questions than answers. The attorney general was quoted by an Iranian state media outlet as saying: “Morality police have nothing to do with the judiciary. It was abolished from the same place it was launched.”It is possible the comment was misinterpreted, and the tone from state media quickly changed. On Sunday, state media was keen to downplay Montazeri’s comments, saying that the morality police does not fall under the authority of the judiciary. Notorious for terrorizing citizens as they enforce the country’s conservative rules, the morality police have been the main coercive tool implementing Iran’s hijab law.

☆ Iran's state media denies abolition of 'morality police' as three-day strike begins
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Atta Kenare | Afp | Getty ImagesSome Western media outlets are facing backlash from Iranian activists over headlines printed Sunday saying that Iran was abolishing its "morality police." Many Iranian anti-government activists now feat it will distract from three days of major strikes around the country. What's more, the higher branches of Iran's government have not confirmed it, and Iranian state media has denied any abolition of the morality police. "In reality morality police have been inactive since protests started, but there is no substantive news on their future." "This disinfo was propagated today to distract media attention from the 3 days of major protests in Iran which begin tomo.

CNN —A top Iranian official has said that the nation’s mandatory hijab law is being reviewed, as state media played down the same official’s claim that the country’s much-feared morality police force had been “abolished” amid ongoing protests. Montazeri was also quoted as saying on Saturday that Iran’s morality police had been “abolished,” but Iranian state media strongly pushed back on those comments, saying the interior ministry oversees the force, not the judiciary. The wearing of a hijab in public is currently mandatory for women in Iran under strict Islamic law that is enforced by the country’s so-called morality police. Her death on September 16 touched a nerve in the Islamic Republic, with prominent public figures coming out in support of the movement, including top Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti. “But no official of the Islamic Republic of Iran has said that the Guidance Patrol has been shut,” Al-Alam said Sunday afternoon.

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