Iran: Government Is Neglecting Important Environmental Issues in Favour of Terrorism

Iran Focus

London, 4 Mar – Lake Orumiyeh in north-western Iran – the largest salt-water lake to be found in the Middle East – was during the nineties twice the size as Luxembourg. The lake now, however, has drastically shrunk.

Masoud Tajrishi, the Director of planning and integration of the revival of the lake, criticised the Rouhani government for failing to meet its obligations. He said at the Sixteenth International Exhibition on Environment that the revival of Lake Orumiyeh will fail if the government does not provide funding.

Iran Plans to Purchase Large Volumes of Weapons When UN Sanctions Are Lifted

Iran Focus

London, 3 Mar – Intelligence reports from the United States point to the possibility of Iran planning a large purchase of weapons as soon as the United Nations ban which prohibits the country from purchasing sophisticated weapons is lifted in 2020.

A report from the US Office of Naval Intelligence states that Iran will purchase submarines, warships and anti-ship missiles. In other words, the country will be looking to make purchases that it has been unable to acquire since the sanctions were first put in place by the United Nations.

Iranian Film Director’s Missed Opportunity at the Oscars to Stand up for the People of Iran

Iran Focus

London, 3 Mar – Iranian film director Asghar Farhadi won an Oscar for his drama “The Salesman”. However, he did not attend the awards ceremony in the United States. Instead, Iranian-American astronaut Anoush Ansari read a statement on behalf of Farhadi. He said: “I’m sorry I’m not with you tonight. My absence is out of respect for the people of my country and those of other six nations who have been disrespected by the inhumane law that bans entry of immigrants to the U.S.” His award was accepted on his behalf by Dr. Firouz Naderi – a director of NASA’s Solar System Exploration program.

Balance of Power Shifting Away From Iran

Iran Focus

London, 3 Mar – Iran was a main topic of discussion at the Munich Security Conference this year. Many condemnations of Iran were heard and many agreed that it is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism. Iran was deemed the biggest problem with regards to security in the Middle East.

The criticisms of Iran were numerous and many took a strong position against the Islamic Republic, leaving many to think about a coalition. This event in Munich could be a major turning point for Iran and regime officials have been left shaken.

Why Did Iran’s Biggest Enemy Visit Its Strongest Ally?

Iran Focus

London, 3 Mar – Foreign policy in Saudi Arabia is advancing and its Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has been planning in the region and further afield.

Al-Jubeir made a surprise visit to Baghdad at the end of February – the first official visit to the country since 2003. The purpose of the visit was to mend relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

He said: “It’s the hope of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to build excellent relations between the two brotherly countries. There are also many shared interests, from fighting extremism and terrorism [to] opportunities for investment and trade between the two countries.”

Russia Tries to Save Syrian Peace Talks After Iran’s Disruption

0

Iran Focus

London, 2 Mar – Russia is trying to salvage Syrian peace talks but this is threatened by the Iranian Regime who could sabotage these peace talks, much like they have ruined previous attempts at peace.

In relation to the talks, President Vladimir Putin said: “Things aren’t going as smoothly as we would want.”

The main Syrian opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee, which is backed by many in the West, is demanding that Russia pressure Syria and Iran to observe the ceasefire.

The US Must Not Allow Themselves to Be Fooled Again on Iran

Iran Focus

London, 2 Mar – While the Trump administration is currently facing a series of challenges but none is more pressing than the threat posed by Iran.

One human rights expert and political analyst, who wrote an op-ed in The Hill, warned that the US should not be fooled again by the Iranian Regime.

6 Human Rights Organisations Issue Joint Statement on 1988 Iranian Massacre

Iran Focus

London, 1 Mar – Six human rights organisations have banded together to produce a joint statement condemning the 1988 Iranian massacre of 30,000 political prisoners and to call for the international community to hold those responsible for the massacre to account.

The statement, titled “The 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran constitutes a crime against humanity”, was signed by the Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty, Women’s Human Rights International Association, Edmund Rice International Limited, France Libertes: Fondation Danielle Mitterrand, and International Educational Development, Inc.

Iran’s Failure to Deal With Disaster Highlights Regime’s Misguided Priorities

Iran Focus

London, 1 Mar – The province of Khuzestan, western Iran has been literally covered in dust for days now, following major dust storms in the area.

Concessions to Syrian Regime Will Not Bring Peace

0

Iran Focus

London, 1 Mar – The American Government has tried three times to offer a balanced and neutral proposal to hold peace talks in the Syrian Civil War, but each time, the Syrian Regime and their allies, shot down the chance for peace.

As a result, many concessions have now been offered to the Regime in order to kick start the peace process but this will not work, according to acclaimed Middle East journalist, Abdulrahman al-Rashed.