Airplane previously used by Israeli Mossad lands in Riyadh

Amid Blinken's S. Arabia visit

TEHRAN, (MNA) – An Israeli plane, having Mossad’s officials on board, has landed in Riyadh, a move likely in line with the normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and the Zionist regime.

A private Israeli plane landed Saturday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which was recently used for travel by senior Israeli Mossad officials, Al Mayadeen has reported.

The move came a day before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is slated to visit Saudi Arabia.

Senior Israeli officials will likely be on board the plane to hold talks on normalization with Saudi Arabia, added the source.

Shehab News Agency also tweeted on Saturday that the Mossad chief’s plane landed in Saudi Arabia before Blinken visited the kingdom.

A research and policy institute in the Israeli regime known as the Center for Internal Security Studies in its recent report suggests that the majority of people in Saudi Arabia prefer the immediate termination of Arab countries’ relations with the Israeli regime.

Zionist regime faces more protests, internal criticism

TEHRAN, (MNA) – Thousands of Israelis have gathered in Tel Aviv to protest against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right cabinet and they criticized the government's failed policies and fruitless war on the Gaza Strip.

According to the Palestinian news agency, Sama, protesters demanded early elections and the immediate assignment of a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas to bring home the Zionist captives held in Gaza.

Demonstrators also gathered in front of the Ministry of War of the Zionist regime, demanding the release of the captives.

Since the start of the Al-Aqsa Storm operation on October 7th last year and Israel's war on Gaza, anti-regime demonstrations have been held almost daily.

The leader of the opposition and the former prime minister of the Zionist regime, Yair Lapid, criticized the political, military, and security officials of Israel for their policies after the Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, demanding the resignation of all officials involved in the defeat.

Lapid stated that if the only way to release the captives is to stop the war, then Tel Aviv should do it, even if it means not invading Rafah.

He criticized the performance of the far-right cabinet led by Netanyahu as well as the regime’s army for their failure to defeat the resistance. He believes that both the cabinet and the army should tender their resignations.

He has repeatedly called for Netanyahu's resignation and the dissolution of the far-right cabinet during his speeches to the demonstrators.

Moreover, the head of the Israeli opposition party stated that Netanyahu had not learned from his defeat in the Gaza war and therefore cannot remain at the top of the power pyramid.

Iran's agenda at SCO: peace, stability, and security

TEHRAN- The Iranian Defense Minister has delivered a resounding message of "peace, stability, and security" during the 21st meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

Emphasizing these core principles as integral to Iran's defense and security doctrine, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani underscored the nation's commitment to fostering a climate of tranquility both within the region and globally.

In his address, General Ashtiani firmly stated Iran's stance against the pursuit of "war and tension" in the region, affirming a dedication to peaceful coexistence among neighboring countries and beyond. 

He highlighted the imperative of combating terrorism within the SCO's geographical scope, emphasizing the necessity of upholding trust, fostering friendship, and promoting good neighborliness among member states.

The Iranian Defense Minister's remarks encapsulated Iran's proactive role in advocating for collective security measures within the SCO framework, signaling a commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding regional stability and enhancing global security.

Islamic Republic’s firm stance: no appetite for war or regional tension

In the condemnation of the Zionist regime's actions, General Ashtiani affirmed the Palestinian nation's right to legitimate defense while decrying the egregious acts of violence and state terrorism perpetrated by the regime and its supporters. 

Highlighting recent provocations aimed at escalating regional tensions and diverting attention from the Zionist regime's atrocities in Gaza, the Iranian defense minister denounced the brazen attack on Iran's consulate in Syria as a clear violation of international law, specifically Article 31 of the Vienna Convention. 

General Ashtiani lamented the tragic loss of Iranian military advisers in the attack, emphasizing that their presence in Damascus was at the invitation of the Syrian government. 

He underscored Iran's response, characterized as a measured warning intended to deter further aggression while minimizing the risk of escalation. 

Stressing Iran's commitment to peace and stability in the region, he reiterated that the Islamic Republic has no desire for war or heightened tensions, citing the nation's adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 51 regarding the right to legitimate defense.

Iran's resounding call: peace, stability, friendship, and security

General Ashtiani highlighted the significance of joint naval exercises between Iran, Russia, China, and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), envisioning the establishment of a maritime security belt to safeguard the Indian Ocean as a crucial global trade route. 

General Ashtiani's remarks underscored the strategic importance of leveraging SCO resources to bolster defense and military cooperation among member states, fostering confidence and stability in the region.

General Ashtiani commended the principled stance of SCO member states in condemning terrorist attacks, particularly the recent assault on Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria by the Israeli regime. 

He lauded the support of Russia and China during a Security Council meeting on April 14, where they affirmed Iran's right to legitimate defense.

The Defense Minister's remarks came during his two-day visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, for the SCO defense ministers' meeting. 

This gathering saw unanimous denouncement of recent terrorist acts in Russia, Syria, Pakistan, and the Zionist regime's assault on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. 

The defense ministers expressed solidarity with the victims' families and voiced concern over the escalating threat of international terrorism, emphasizing the need for enhanced defense cooperation among SCO member states.

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the meeting, General Ashtiani engaged in discussions with defense ministers from China, Russia, and Belarus, fostering diplomatic relations and addressing pressing regional issues.

In a notable exchange with Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu, General Ashtiani underscored Iran's right to legitimate defense in response to actions by the Zionist regime. 

The meeting between the defense ministers of Iran and Kazakhstan saw General Ruslan Zhaksylykov extend congratulations to his Iranian counterpart on Iran's full membership in the organization. He expressed optimism that Iran's participation would bolster the organization's plans and objectives.

In a separate meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, General Ashtiani acknowledged China's supportive stance on regional developments, particularly condemning the Zionist regime's attack on Iran's consulate. He attributed recent tensions in the region and the dire situation in Gaza to destabilizing actions by the United States and support for the Zionist regime's atrocities.

The Chinese defense minister echoed these sentiments, condemning the Israeli regime's terrorist attack on Iran's diplomatic premises in Damascus as a violation of international law.

General Ashtiani's discussions extended to Belarus, where he emphasized the significance of Belarus in Iran's foreign policy. He highlighted the alignment of their stances on key regional and global issues, emphasizing mutual support. 

The Belarusian defense minister, in turn, expressed readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, despite facing sanctions.

In a meeting with Indian Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane, General Ashtiani stressed the importance of ongoing consultations between the two nations on bilateral, regional, and international matters. He underscored the shared civilization, historical ties, and cultural bonds between Iran and India, emphasizing the potential for cooperation to promote peace and security in West Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

General Ashtiani also emphasized the necessity of joint efforts to counter the threat of terrorist groups like ISIS, recognizing the strategic imperative for cooperation between Iran and India in this regard. 

TAGS

• Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani
 
• shanghai cooperation organization
 
• Iran

'American students have been betrayed'

 By Mona Hojat Ansari

USC professor condemns universities' decision to call police on students protesting Gaza war

TEHRAN - In recent days, American universities have witnessed a disturbing escalation in the suppression of student activism.

Students who have established encampments to demand a ceasefire in Gaza have faced a barrage of negative consequences, including being disparaged, expelled, suspended, physically assaulted, and arrested. Furthermore, some professors who have attempted to shield students from police violence on campuses have also been subjected to similar treatment.

To gain a deeper understanding of this situation, the Tehran Times reached out to Dr. Jody Armour, a distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Southern California. Below is the transcript of an interview with Dr. Armour:

Q: Politicians and school administrators have been accusing the students protesting for the rights of Palestinians of antisemitism. Do you agree with that notion?

A: Absolutely not. That is an untrue and unjust claim being made against the students. I have been there and talked to the students multiple times. Many of them are Jewish, and there are other students from all sorts of religious backgrounds. I myself am Catholic. There is no correlation between being against the slaughter of children and being anti-Semitic. We should not conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. These students are simply against war, and the antisemitism accusations are made as an attempt to crack down on them. I think this will only increase student activism and motivate these students to stand for peace.

“No correlation between being against the slaughter of children and being anti-Semitic.”We spend a lot of time teaching these students to think freely and independently, and then we crack down on them when they put our teachings into practice. There were other lies made as well to justify the repression of the students, such as "people were assaulted" or "critical academic buildings were blocked." Individuals present at the protests can easily refute these fabrications. As a witness, I can attest to the peaceful and respectful conduct of the students throughout the demonstrations.

Q: The university has responded heavy-handedly to students' protests by calling in police and taking additional measures like suspension or expulsion. Are professors also being pressured into silence?

A: As a tenured professor, I am protected from administrative pressure when they don't like something I say. However, I'd say there is a subtle form of pressure that encourages faculty members to align with the administration's stance.

The primary threat we face does not emanate directly from the central administration but rather from their decision to deploy police on campus.

Columbia University’s President initiated the practice of inviting police onto university grounds, which was subsequently adopted by other institutions. Notably, universities such as UCLA have resisted this trend, with their presidents and administrators opting not to summon these forces. Security personnel can never enter university premises without explicit authorization from the president.

This decision constitutes a betrayal not only of faculty members but, more importantly, of the students. Administrators frequently emphasize the university's familial atmosphere and the notion that it is the students' home, yet they employ violent agents to mistreat their own family members. The university purports to be "student-centered." However, when students peacefully protest the unjust killing of civilians, they are met with riot police armed with guns, batons, handcuffs, and pepper spray.

Under such circumstances, can we genuinely claim to be providing these students with an education?

Q: Mainstream media has consistently presented a pro-Israel narrative since the commencement of the Gaza conflict. Similarly, universities across the United States have adopted this stance. Given these circumstances, how have students managed to grasp the reality of the situation in Palestine?

A: Many American universities receive funding from pro-Israel donors who perceive any criticism of Israel as unacceptable. This influences the governance of these institutions. That's really the reality of how our schools are run and we need to acknowledge that.

“We should not conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism.”But despite being exposed solely to pro-Zionist perspectives within educational institutions, students at American universities have developed independent thinking through social media platforms, particularly TikTok and, to a lesser extent, Twitter. These platforms have enabled younger generations to bypass the official narrative. That's why U.S. officials are now attempting to ban TikTok. They seek to restrict young people's access to alternative sources of information.

Q: As a renowned advocate for racial justice, do you observe any parallels between the ongoing protests on American university campuses and previous movements to uphold the rights of African Americans?

A: Many of the students participating in these pro-Palestine protests were between the ages of 10 and 13 when the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum. These young individuals witnessed firsthand the importance of challenging authorities in the face of systematic oppression and violence against marginalized groups. During the BLM movement, African Americans were the marginalized group, while in this instance, it is the Palestinians. Once again, protesters seeking justice are met with a harsh police response.

Historically, advocates for racial justice have also endeavored to extend their perjuangan to address war. Martin Luther King publicly spoke of the Vietnam War and advocated for its cessation.

TAGS

• United States
 
• Israel
 
• Gaza

Expanding ties with African countries Iran's strategy: Veep

TEHRAN, (MNA) – The Iranian first vice president has said that developing relations with African countries has been Iran's strategy since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Mohammad Mokhber made the remarks in a meeting with  Constantino Chiwenga, the Zimbabwean vice president in Tehran on Saturday, who has traveled to Tehran to participate at the 2nd Iran-Africa trade summit.

"The economic and political interactions of the Islamic Republic of Iran with friendly countries and the world are based on a win-win strategy," the Iranian vice-president said.

He urged Zimbabwe to use local currencies in bilateral trade. He also called for stepped-up implementation of bilateral agreements.

Chiwenga, for his part, said that, "Iran and Zimbabwe are moving in the same direction and despite being far away and long geographical distance, they have many common goals against the hegemonist system."

He also condemned the attack of the Zionist regime on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and condoled the martyrdom of the IRGC commanders in the attack, emphasizing that "the widespread sanctions imposed by Western countries were aimed at destroying the independence of Iran and Zimbabwe, but the two countries can overcome the sanctions of the enemies of the two nations by deepening their relations."

He also emphasized the implementation of 12 memorandums of understanding signed between Iran and Zimbabwe since the 13th government in Iran under President Raeisi assumed office in 2021 and stated that, "The progress of knowledge-based companies and the private sector in the Islamic Republic of iran has been very fascinating."

He said that his country seeks to solidify bilateral cooperation based on a win-win strategy. "We are taking advantage of Iran's potentials in the fields of mining, energy, health, medicine, agriculture, modern irrigation and food security," the Zimbabwean vice president said.

Iran, Africa explore a sea of economic opportunities

 By Alireza Akbari

TEHRAN- In a remarkable gathering of diplomatic and economic significance, Tehran, the bustling capital of Iran, plays host to a congregation of economy ministers representing over 40 African nations at the esteemed second Iran-Africa International Summit, slated from April 26th to 29th.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the dignified presence of senior Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi and Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade Abbas Aliabadi. 

In his address at the opening ceremony, President Raisi expressed Iran's unwavering commitment to fortifying economic ties with the African continent.

"This assembly epitomizes the collective determination of African nations and Iran to expand our economic bonds," declared President Raisi, underscoring the symbolic significance of this gathering. 

He highlighted the historical resonance of cooperation with Africa, tracing its roots back to the visionary ethos of the Late Founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini, and further reiterated by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

Reflecting on Africa's history, President Raisi articulated Iran's empathetic stance. "The narrative of Africa's past is stained by the exploitation of its resources by Western powers," he lamented, emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial economic collaboration.

President Raisi envisaged a future where the fruits of Iranian productivity in agriculture, industry, medicine, and healthcare could find resonance in African markets. "Our agricultural produce, industrial output, and medical advancements stand poised for export to Africa," he affirmed, echoing Iran's proactive engagement on the global economic stage.

Despite enduring decades of geopolitical tensions, economic sanctions, and external pressures, the Islamic Republic of Iran has steadfastly upheld its principled stance towards Africa, rooted in shared political and cultural affinities. "Even amidst the tempest of Western sanctions and disruptions, Iran has stood in solidarity with the peoples and nations of Africa," President Raisi asserted, highlighting Iran's enduring commitment to fostering constructive partnerships.

Echoing President Raisi's optimism, Mohammad Sadeq Ghanadzadeh, the director general of the Africa Department at the TPO, envisioned a promising trajectory for bilateral trade. While acknowledging the stagnant trade volumes of the past, he expressed confidence in a revitalized economic landscape, buoyed by concerted efforts to streamline trade routes. "The current initiatives to facilitate trade channels with Africa herald a new era of economic collaboration," said Minister Ghanadzadeh, forecasting a tenfold increase in trade figures, soaring from $1.2 billion to a promising $10 billion within the next three years.

As Tehran resonates with the vibrant discourse of economic diplomacy, the second Iran-Africa International Summit emerges as a beacon of hope, charting a course towards a future marked by equitable partnerships and shared prosperity between Iran and the nations of Africa.

Iran-Africa summit: exploring shared history and economic futures 

The historical affinities shared between Iran and Africa stand poised to catalyze a new chapter in their economic relationship, a narrative unfolding against the backdrop of the Tehran summit. This summit, a crucible of diplomatic engagement, serves as a platform to explore the vast potential for trade and economic collaboration between the two regions.

At the heart of Iran's approach lies a stark departure from the exploitative tendencies of Western powers in their dealings with Africa. 

Tehran's vision transcends mere economic gain; it aspires toward a cooperative framework that mutually enriches both parties. This ethos of mutual benefit distinguishes Iran's stance compared with the West's. 

A cursory glance at the annals of history reveals a shared experience of colonial subjugation endured by both African nations and Iran. In the ruthless pursuit of their interests, Western colonizers exploited Africa's abundant natural resources, heedless of the consequences for indigenous populations. Similarly, Iran has grappled with the encroachments of colonial powers, bearing witness to a legacy of exploitation and marginalization.

Yet, amidst the shadows of colonialism, glimmers of solidarity emerge from the shared struggles of Iran and Africa. The Tehran summit symbolizes a convergence of destinies, where the echoes of past injustices resonate with a shared determination to forge a brighter future. Beneath the surface of economic exchange lies a tapestry of cultural and historical threads binding the two regions together.

Beyond the tangible gains in trade and commerce, the Tehran summit heralds the dawn of a multifaceted partnership, underpinned by these deep-rooted commonalities. 

As Iran and Africa navigate the complexities of globalization, the summit offers a platform for collaboration across diverse fields. 

In embracing their shared heritage, Iran and Africa stand poised to chart a course toward mutual prosperity and progress.

TAGS

• president Raisi
 
• Iran
 
• Africa
 
• the second Iran-Africa International Summit

Sympathizing with grieving Gazans is synonymous with anti-Semitism!

 By Parviz Rashidi

TEHRAN - Police crackdown and arrest of students at American universities are an open violation of the right to protest and freedom of opinion.

The United States is fully manifesting a double standard approach regarding the students who are sympathizing with the grieving Palestinians who have been subjected to death, bombardment, displacement, starvation, etc. for nearly seven months.

Police in Germany have also resorted to force to clear a protest camp outside the Chancellery building in Berlin. The only sin of the protestors is that they have been demanding an end to German arms shipments to the Israeli military.

Regarding the approach of police against students and other protestors, the United States and other self-proclaimed defenders of democracy can no longer lecture other countries about the right to peaceful protest, human rights, and freedom of opinion in other countries.

The brutality of Israel in Gaza has shocked the students and other classes of society alike. However, students are showing more sensitivity and anger to this savagery. Comparatively, Israel has so far killed about 30 people in Gaza in response to every person killed in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. 

However, the protestors are accused of “anti-Semitism” while a considerable number of the protestors are Jews. The Western decision-makers, who are subservient to Israel, are using charges of anti-Semitism against anybody who opposes Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian lands let alone those who are chanting slogans, carrying placards, and launching encampment protests at campuses condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Contrary to claims of anti-Semitism, students are calling for a ceasefire, asking their universities and colleges to stop doing business with Israel or any companies that support Israel in its ongoing war in the coastal enclave, cease funding the regime’s war machine, and avoid complicity in this genocide.

However, it is a scandal for the Western liberal democracy that such demands lead to the arrest, suspension, and threats against students.

Even some hawkish Congress persons have signed a letter calling on the administration to carry out criminal prosecutions and deportations for participants in the protests.  House Speaker Mike Johnson has also accused protesters of intimidating and threatening Jewish students and suggested withholding funding to universities that allow pro-Palestinian protests.

If these lawmakers had held posts in Israel, they would have acted like Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich and made statements like Amichai Eliyahu, who proposed dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip. 

Feeling badly annoyed, disappointed, and isolated by the spreading student protests in leading universities in the West, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has likened the protests to those that preceded the Nazi Germany.

Finding no justification for his regime’s horrific crimes in Gaza, Netanyahu resorts to the slander of anti-Semitism and the Holocaust event. Such remarks are deceitful, disgusting, and at the same time laughable.

It is Netanyahu and his extreme-right cabinet that have created a Holocaust for 2.3 million citizens in the concentration camp of Gaza.

Now, the pro-Israel leaders in the West feel embarrassed and confused and the war criminals in Israel tremble in fear as student protests have spread to Sorbonne University, the Paris Institute of Political Studies, and the University of Sydney.

TAGS

• anti-Semitism
 
• grieving Gazans
 
• crackdown
 
• universities
 
• freedom of opinion
 
• right to protest
 
• Smotrich 
 
• Amichai Eliyahu
 
• House Speaker Mike Johnson
 
• Itamar Ben-Gvir
 
• Nazi Germany
 
• criminals
 
• tremble
 
• Netanyahu
 
• Holocaust