COMPETITION IN SPACE, NECESSITY OF STRATEGIC ACTION

Strategic Council Online – Interview: The former head of the Aerospace Research Institute, referring to the possibility of cooperation between Russia and China in the space industry and emphasizing the importance of Iran’s cooperation with them to share research, said: Given the nature of Iran-Russia relations, in a situation where the two countries are under sanctions, this is an opportunity for cooperation; as in the past, this cooperation existed, through which great successes have been achieved.

Speaking in an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Fathollah Ommi stated that space technology is a symbol of power and that any country that has succeeded in sending humans to the space station has become a member of the club of the superpowers, adding: Currently, only three countries – Russia, the United States and China – have succeeded in this regard. Japan and India are also trying, but have not yet finalized it.

Saying that Europe is paying more attention to sending satellites and taking advantage of  satellite facilities is more important for them, he added: Most of the countries that have a commercial view of space are looking to send satellites and countries that want to become a space power, have put sending humans on their agenda.

The professor of Tarbiat Modarres University said: Of course, in the fifth chapter and paragraph 3 of the aerospace document that was approved by the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution in 2013, the issue of sending humans to space has also been considered and it has been emphasized that Iran could achieve such a technology by 2025; but achieving this technology, which is a symbol of the advanced technology of countries which send humans, is not easy. In Iran, the project was followed by the dispatch of several living creatures that eventually reached the rhesus monkeys, which have a bearing capacity of 9g (9 times the gravity of the earth) and two out of three launches were successful.

Saying that after those projects, there has been a long pause in the dispatch of living beings and has been stopped so far, Ommi added: We ranked second in space launch and in positioning area, and third in space exploration among the 24 countries in the region, and we were able to achieve third place by launching eight reconnaissance rockets in the past and launching the ninth space probe.

Iran’s former scientific adviser to Russia referred to the news about the final stages of completing China’s Tiangong space station and the possibility of Russia leaving the International Space Station and joining the Chinese space station, which will intensify space competition among the powers, and said: The sanctions imposed and the strategy of Moscow and Beijing to expand cooperation in creating space for spatial cooperation between them are important. The basis of China’s space technology is Russian, and its technology has been transferred from Russia to that country; therefore, their space technology is close to each other. If the two countries make joint investments in space technologies in the future, they will definitely achieve great successes.

Saying that after the Ukraine war, Russia announced that it would continue to fulfill all its obligations to the International Space Station, regardless of political issues and international events, the university professor added: The speed and variety of China-Russia space activities has grown significantly since 2019. A US military official had stated that Russia and China, as the US main strategic rivals, are taking steps to weaken the United States and its space allies to win modern-day war by dominating over space.

Referring to China-Russia space cooperation, its consequences in the competition of powers and challenges to stability and security in space, Ommi stated: Russia ranks first in the world in terms of space technology, and its cooperation with China could be a major step in the development of space research. Certainly, this cooperation will also have military purposes, and China’s space projects are managed by the Chinese military. Spy satellites are now closely monitoring the activities of countries and other satellites and update information of countries. Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly increasing their capabilities in space and missile weapons and electronic warfare management.

Iran’s former scientific adviser to Russia said that if Iran intends to develop this technology, it can cooperate with China and Russia, adding: We are now witnessing the very high importance of space technology in the world and we have to invest in this field. We should consider the major strategies outlined in the adopted documents.

Saying that Europe and the United States do not want Iran to have access to space technology at all, he said: Given the importance of communications, as well as the great need that our country has for it, we must get to the point where we can put satellites in orbit independently and not pay a lot of rent for the use of satellites. In one example, the IRIB spends about 250 million dollars a year renting a satellite.

Stressing the need to pay attention to advancing the research conducted in the field of sending satellite and humans, he said: Iran has a very high capability in terms of technical knowledge and specialized manpower. If you invest in this path, great success would be achieved. Due to the nature of Iran-Russia relations, in a situation where the two countries are under sanctions, this opportunity has been provided for cooperation with this country, as it has been in the past, and through which great successes have been achieved.

Saying that one of the ways to develop the space industry is to reach an agreement with developed countries and cooperate in various activities to exchange knowledge and technology, he noted: For example, Brazil, in cooperation with the Russian space industry, produced various launchers, including gamma, alpha, and beta rockets, as part of a joint venture, and signed a contract with China to build two earth-shooting satellites for activities in the field of agriculture, geology and hydrology.

Explaining the strategies that Iran should consider for the development of its space industry, the former head of the Aerospace Research Institute continued: Iran should pay more attention to the educated and specialized personnel who have graduated from the very good universities of our country. Governments should follow the implementation of the document approved by the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution; unfortunately, due to sanctions and financial problems, lack of sufficient knowledge of space technology and ignoring its importance for the future of the country, its implementation has been delayed for a long time.

Security Council periodic meeting kicks off

New York, IRNA - A periodic meeting of the Security Council to review the 13th report by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the implementation of Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA kicked off on Thursday.

Earlier, Guterres in his report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231 called upon the United States to lift sanctions against Iran.

In the report which resembles the previous versions to a large extent, Guterres deemed the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), “the best available option to achieve non-proliferation and regional security.”

The UN chief also warned against further delays and the lack of progress in diplomatic engagements to put the JCPOA back on track, urging the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States to demonstrate more flexibility to reach a compromise on outstanding issues.

“I again call upon the United States to also lift or waive its sanctions as outlined in the Plan and to extend the waivers with regard to the trade-in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Guterres said, calling also on Iran to return to full implementation of the JCPOA.

Dozens injured after Zionists raided Prophet Joseph tomb

TEHRAN, (MNA)– 64 Palestinians, including several children, were injured in an attack by Zionist Israeli regime's security forces and extremist settlers on Palestinians at the tomb of Prophet Joseph in Nablus.

Zionist Israeli regime's security forces attacked the Palestinians using tear gas and bullets, the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency reported on Thursday.

Fierce clashes broke out between the Palestinian people and the Israeli regime aggressor forces following the attack.

3 Zionist settlers were also injured during the clashes, according to Hebrew sources.

Israel's targeted assassinations should become part of mainstream exposure of its violence

Ramona Wadi

Family and friends of Al-Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh attend a candle vigil outside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on 16 May 2022 [HAZEM BADER/AFP/Getty Images]

Israel's public relations and diplomacy may be running into a few pitfalls, as US mainstream media outlet CNN explicitly called out Israel's responsibility in the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. During a recent phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid raised objections to the "biased investigation of her [Abu Akleh's] death by the Palestinian Authority as well as the so-called 'investigation' by CNN."

CNN's recently published detailed report about Abu Akleh is particularly incriminating. "New evidence suggests Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in targeted attack by Israeli forces," the article's heading partly reads. A British army veteran and security consultant who was one of the analysts contacted by CNN explicitly stated: "The relatively tight grouping of the rounds indicate Shireen was intentionally targeted with aimed shots and not the victim of random or stray fire."

In April, only two weeks prior to Abu Akleh's killing, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate (PJS) and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) submitted a formal complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over Israel's targeting of Palestinian journalists, as well as the bombing of media premises.

"Any claim that the IDF intentionally targets journalists or those uninvolved [in terror] is a crude and blatant lie," Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz stated with regard to Abu Akleh's murder.

Israel's publicised targeted killings have been mostly related to Palestinian leaders of resistance organisations. Earlier this month, Israeli media reported that targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders were once again on the agenda. The only cautiousness exhibited was to avoid targeting Hamas leaders living in Gaza or the Occupied West Bank, with the focus being on resistance leaders living abroad.

However, while the targeted killings of Palestinian resistance leaders have garnered more prominence in mainstream media, also due to such killings taking place globally, Israel's policy encompasses more than Palestinians involved in anti-colonial resistance. All Palestinians are targets for Israeli forces. The intent to kill Palestinians, as has been seen on countless occasions and most prominently during the Great Return March, not to mention the deliberate targeting of civilian homes in Gaza, wiping out entire families including children, is less discussed in terms of targeted killing and generalised into collateral damage.

CNN's direct reference to Israel's targeted killing should become a mainstream reference. Israel has normalised the deliberate targeting of Palestinian civilians, yet mainstream media has for the most part, adopted Israel's security narrative in disseminating the news. There are no repercussions for Israel if targeted killings are merely referred to as deaths.

A deliberate strategy to call Israel's violations by the proper terminology makes all the difference. It counters Israeli officials' denials of targeted killings while exposing the Israeli government's shoot to kill policy towards Palestinians. Increased reference to Israeli war crimes is a beginning, yet the mention of Israel's murderous policy within the historical and current colonial context are equally necessary to portray the violence inherent in Israel's alleged security narrative.

Iran Tourism: A Guide to the City of Khansar

ByIFP Editorial Staff

Khansar is a small city with a population of just over 20,000 people that is a two-hour drive away from the central Iranian city of Esfahan. The area has much to offer in terms of tourism. Here is a look at a few highlights on Khansar.

History of Khansar

The presence of fire temples and other places of worship, especially Heikal Temple, as well as a grave stone bearing an inscription in Pahlavi Language – Middle Persian language – all indicate how old this central Iranian city is. It is said that the history of Khansar goes back to the pre-Islamic period.

Khansar county, just as other Iranian areas and cities, did not escape looting during the Mongol invasion of the country and suffered massive damage. But, almost 300 years later, during the Safavid era, the city was redeveloped and witnessed great cultural, artistic and industrial progress.

The construction of carpet-weaving workshops and the revival of vase pottery and other arts and crafts date to this era.

Khansar’s Nature and Climate

Khansar is 2250 meters above the seal level and has a pleasant climate. It enjoys a diverse vegetation and is home to different fruit trees including walnut, almond, plums and apples. Khansar’s honey is also highly popular.

These are besides its fascinating fields and groves located in Cheshmeh Saar and Golsaar areas as well as its farmlands and Golestankouh plain, where the local inverted tulips are world-renowned.

Khansar’s Attractions

Khansar is a small city located near the central Iranian city of Isfahan. Khansar’s sights are very unique and striking. This is a city with rare beauties that have earned it the title of a paradise in desert.

Khansar is well-known for its high-quality honey, bewitching mountains and plains, covered with inverted tulips. However, the city’s sights are not limited to its nature. Every visitor should know that Khansar’s marvels go well beyond what was said and one can spend several days enjoying them.

Here we would like to introduce you to some of the attraction of Khansar

Golestankouh Tourist Village

Golestankouh is an area with a nice weather in Khansar that, thanks to its numerous natural springs, has an exceptional appeal. The area is a lush plain located in a valley close to Golestankouh, which is home to inverted tulips. The best time to visit this area is during the spring.

The area has a local vegetation of almost 70 different plants, some of them herbs.

Roads Passing Through Khansar’s Gardens

Khansar is a perfect example of a garden city in Iran. Trees form green domes in different parts of the city. The water is largely supplied by some 450 natural springs flowing in the city and this attracts many tourists every year.

If you are into ecotourism, another item on the list of Khansar’s sights that would catch your eyes would be the roads passing through the city’s old garden walls. Adobe garden walls are still there in some parts of the city.

Sarcheshmeh National Park

One of the most attractive locations to visit in Khansar is its Sarcheshmeh Forest Park. The park boasts many ponds that are fed by streams flowing from the local Kouh Seil Mountain. The water is extremely clear and is potable.

Khansar’s Mill

Khansar’s mill is located within Sarcheshmeh Park. The sound of a little bell attached to the millstone is still heard as it revolves.

The mill is the sole ancient mill in Isfahan Province. It is renovated and now, in addition to grinding wheat, attracts visitors, who want to take a look at the structure.

Heikal Mountain and Cave

Caves are common in Khansar, which is located in a mountainous area. One of the most famous caves of the city is called Eshkaf, which has a 10-meter high mouth. Nearby, there is another cave where corrosion has cut a stone column into a body very similar to a human’s.

Jameh Mosque

The structure is one of the unique mosques in Iran. It has no dome and has a single minaret. The mosque was registered as a national heritage in 1975. Masjid Jameh, as the mosque is known in Persian, is located in the southeast of Khansar.

It features exceptional plasterwork and fretwork and was built during the Safavid era. The mosque’s very unique and serene architecture adds to its historical appeal. The ceiling of the mosque is constructed using wood posts.

Only two structures with this designs are to be found in Isfahan, which is itself known for hosting some of Iran’s most unique and magnificent architectural designs.

Marym Beig Safavi – wife of Shah Tahmasb – School

This school is one of the oldest seminaries in Khansar and was built next to the river that passes through the city, during the rule of Shah Soleiman Safavi in 1695 AD (Safavid area- Britannica).

Abhariha Historical House

If you want to visit a historical site in Khansar, you should make sure to visit the House of Abhariha – Abharis’ House. This is a gorgeous residence located in Ayatollah Khansari Street in the city’s Ra’eisan neighborhood.

The house dates to the Qajar era — 1789 to 1925 – and features stunning plasterwork and paintings. This house is more than 220 years old and is one of the most attractive places to visit in Khansar.

Souvenirs and Palatable Mementos from Khansar

Honey and Gaz – Persian Nougat – are the most famous souvenirs of Khansar County. Khansar is also known for its local cookies and confections including Halva Sohan.

Khansar’s souvenirs, however, are not limited to foodstuff. Sarough Rugs, otherwise known as Visti Carpets, which are woven in the village of Vist, are also among the key industries of Khansar and one of the city’s souvenirs.

More Information on Khansar

1. Which season is best for a visit to Khansar?

• • Khansar has a cold mountainous climate. Therefore, it would best to visit during the spring or the summer.

2. What are some of the attractions of Khansar?

• • Jameh Mosque, Heikal Fire Temple, the Mausoluem of Baba Pir, Abhari House, the mill, Shahzadeh Ahmad, Emamzadeh Seyed Mahmoud, Emamzadeh Seyed Saleh, Sarcheshmeh National Park, etc.

3. Where to stay in Khansar?

• • The city has several ecotourism residences as well as suites and motels and some of these also serve meals.

Raeisi stresses necessity of drawing baselines in Caspian Sea

TEHRAN, (MNA) – The Iranian President said after attending the Caspian Summit in Turkmenistan that the Convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea will come into force when the baselines are drawn.

After visiting Turkmenistan and attending the 6th Caspian Sea littoral countries summit in Turkmenistan, President Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim Raeisi spoke about the achievements of the trip.

"The trip was aimed at attending the Caspian littoral summit and for bilateral meetings with the presidents participating in the summit in Turkmenistan," Raeisi said.

The Iranian president added that "The Caspian Sea belongs to this region's nations and its management will be based on the joint management of the littoral countries of the sea."

"All the littoral states must cooperate with each other, because the Caspian Sea is a sea of friendship and cooperation between the countries and nations that surround it. Cooperation can take place among the Caspian littoral states in different economic, cultural and environmental fields, as well as shipping, tourism, fisheries and various other fields."

Referring to the Convention and the legal regime of the sea, he said that the implementation of this legal regime is based on drawing the baselines and stressed, "This convention and the understanding of the Caspian littoral states should be based on the drawing of the baselines, which will be emphasized by the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The president said, "The "baselines" can lay ground fair exploitation of the Caspian Sea for the littoral countries, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has problems in the coastal area. To achieve a fair legal system, the baselines must be drawn, and that was the point I emphasized."

Highlighting that the absence of foreigners in the Caspian Sea was emphasized by all littoral countries, he said, "the resources and capacities of the Caspian Sea should be protected."

Referring to his meetings with the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Russia, the President noted that "In all three meetings the necessity of implementing bilateral agreements was emphasized. The focus of these meetings was the development of trade and economic relations."

Emphasizing the beginning of a new path in relations with some neighboring countries and the increase of trade relations and development of relations, the President said that "،he gas swap between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, which is implemented from the territory of Iran, is to be developed."

Iran, Iraq discuss bilateral ties in Baku

Tehran, IRNA – The parliamentary delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq reviewed bilateral relations in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Iraq’s parliamentary delegation headed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Shakhwan Abdullah met and held talks with the second vice speaker of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s parliament Abdolreza Mesri on Thursday in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The meeting of the Iranian and Iraqi delegations took place on the sidelines of the Baku Conference and the meetings of the parliamentary network of non-aligned movement member states.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the bilateral cooperation aspects and issues related to Iran-Iraq relations and ways to strengthen them in economic, commercial, security, and cultural fields.

The conference is set to commence its activities on Thursday, Jun. 30, 2022, in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Iran assessment of Doha talks positive: FM

TEHRAN, (MNA)– Appreciating Qatar's goodwill in hosting the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told his Qatari counterpart that Iran's assessment of the talks on reviving JCPOA which were held in Doha is positive.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Wednesday evening held a phone talk with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

"We are serious about reaching a good, strong, and lasting agreement, and if the United States is realistic, an agreement can be reached," the Iranian top diplomat stated.

" Iran is determined to continue the negotiation until a realistic agreement is reached," he added.

The Qatari Foreign Minister, as the host of this round of indirect trilateral talks (Iran-EU-US), described the negotiation process as constructive and positive.

Referring to his separate meetings with the negotiating delegations, Al Thani stressed that Qatar attaches great importance to this stage of the talks, adding that Doha will spare no effort in continuing to host the talks until the desired results of the Islamic Republic of Iran are achieved and all parties have returned to their commitments.

When will the UN Security Council stop being unfair?

Motasem A Dalloul

Most Palestinian, regional and international bodies have marked the 15th anniversary of the stifling Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip – assuming that the blockade started in the middle of June 2007 -, when the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, started ruling the coastal enclave.

However, the Israeli blockade actually started when the Central Elections Commission released the final results of the Palestinian parliamentary elections on Sunday, 29 January 2006, and announced that Hamas' Change and Reform had achieved an overwhelming majority of the parliamentary seats.

Following this announcement, most Palestinian factions, including Fatah, Hamas' rival, Israel, Arab States and the international community immediately decided to boycott Hamas, which was freely elected to take up control of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

All the countries stopped paying their shares of the donations to the PA budget, Israel suspended transfers of taxes that it collects on behalf of the PA, to the PA budget and Fatah evacuated the PA ministries and other institutions, including hospitals and schools, leaving very few public servants to offer services to the public.

Under a strict Israel and Egyptian, internationally-backed ground, sea and air blockade, Gaza became the largest open-air prison for two million people in the world. Israel controls Gaza's airspace and territorial waters, as well as two of the three border crossing points; the third is controlled by Egypt.

Israel has restricted the movement of goods and people in and out of the Gaza Strip, causing very severe humanitarian conditions, denying youth of education opportunities abroad and preventing patients from receiving proper healthcare in the well-equipped Palestinian hospitals in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as in Israel and Egypt. Later on, the blockade was slightly eased, but the restrictions have remained in place.

Under the tight Israeli-Egyptian siege, about 56 per cent of Gaza residents began suffering from poverty, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics said in 2020, and youth unemployment stood at 63 per cent.

Local, regional and international human rights groups, as well as official international bodies, including all the UN institutions, have said the Israeli blockade contravenes Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits collective punishment that prevents the realisation of a broad range of human rights.

While under the blockade, the Gaza Strip has come under several Israeli military offensives and heavy bombardments that paralysed most of the institutions which offer basic services to the people, including hospitals and schools. During these military campaigns, Israel has killed about 4,000 Palestinians and wounded over 20,000 others, including children, women and the elderly.

Tens of whole families were wiped out of the civil record when the Israeli occupation bombed their homes without pre-warning, leaving all  family members smashed under the rubble of their homes.

No human rights in Gaza – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

On 8 January 2009, in the middle of heavy Israeli bombardment of the blockaded Gaza Strip, the UN Security Council held a meeting, issued and adopted its resolution number 1,860 which expressed "grave concern" at the situation in Gaza and "heavy civilian casualties".

It also expressed "grave concern at the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising the need to ensure sustained and regular flow of goods and people through the Gaza crossings … calling for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire." It also called for "unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including food, fuel and medical treatment."

The UN Security Council resolution also called for ensuring "the sustained re-opening of the crossing points" and called for "renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace with secure and recognised borders."

Early this week, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson of UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for the complete removal of the Israeli blockade of Gaza, recalling 2009 UNSC resolution 1,860. "Today is the 15th anniversary of the beginning of the blockade in the Gaza Strip," Dujarric said, adding: "Due to poverty, high unemployment and other factors caused by the blockade, about 80 per cent of Gaza's population depends on humanitarian aid."

Dujarric pointed out to the lack of international support for the besieged Gaza Strip, stating that this has resulted in severe shortages of basic needs for Gaza residents living under the harsh blockade. "This year, $510 million is needed to provide food, water, sanitation and health care for 1.6 million people, and we now have only 25 per cent of that," Dujarric said.

It has been now 13 years since the UNSC adopted the resolution on stopping the Israeli offensive on Gaza, and ending the siege to ensure sustained and regular flow of goods and people through the Gaza crossings; however, nothing has changed. Even the international, along with the UNRWA's, support for Gaza has dramatically decreased despite what was stipulated by the resolution – that the humanitarian support for Gaza should increase.

The question is why has the UNSC not used its power, enshrined in its Charter, to implement the resolution? According to the UN Charter, "by signing and ratifying the Charter, countries agreed to be legally bound by resolutions passed by UN bodies such as the General Assembly and the Security Council. Thus, UN resolutions are legally binding on UN Member States."

Meanwhile, the UNSC, under Chapter VII, "can take measures to enforce its decisions and ensure that mandates are fulfilled." It can use several tools to carry out its mission. "It can impose economic sanctions or order an arms embargo." The UNSC might authorise the UN member states "to use 'all necessary means,' including collective military action, to see that its decisions are carried out."

Yet, the UNSC has not used any of its tools to ensure its resolution related to ending the Israeli siege imposed on Gaza has been implemented. It is easy to impose sanctions on Israel, order arms embargo or take military action against it.

Unfortunately, such measures have been taken against states and entities not far from Israel. Instead of this, many of the UNSC member states have doubled their support for Israel, despite maintaining its blockade on Gaza and pounding Gaza with heavy bombardment campaigns. At the same time, they increased their support for Israel and obliged neighbouring countries to forge ties with it.

This was not the first or the last resolution the UNSC adopted in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some of the resolution demanded immediate action against Israel, but Israel continues its flagrant violations against the Palestinians due to feeling safe and receiving support from most UNSC member states.

In light of such a biased and unfair international community, the Palestinians will continue enduring more suffering and pain. When the UNSC starts respecting itself and its resolutions, and when it becomes fair, the suffering and pain of the Palestinians will end.