UN tourism chief underlines Iran’s role in developing tourism industry

Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili emphasizes Iran’s "important role" in development of tourism industry.

Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili has emphasized the need for enhancing cooperation between his organization and Iran on the sustainable development of tourism industry.

Pololikashvili sent a letter to Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri, in which he emphasized the country’s role in the world tourism system, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts said in a press release on Monday.  

Pololikashvili, in his letter, also highlighted the importance of maintaining structural cooperation between Iran and the World Tourism Organization.

He lauded the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition (TITE), which was held on February 11-14, describing it as a great platform to foster modern international tourism interactions.

Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam sent a letter to Salehi-Amiri as well, according to the same press release by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.

Abdulqadir stressed the importance of continuous interactions and using capacities in the field of tourism.

He referred to the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, saying that the event was indicative of Iran’s excellent position in “tourism diplomacy.”

He proposed that a joint meeting is held between private sector representatives and deputy culture ministers of D-8 member countries in a bid to draw a roadmap for joint ventures in tourism industry.

Iran is developing 20 indigenous satellites, head of space agency says

Hossein Salariyeh, the head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), said that the country has made significant advancements in its space industry over the past three years.

Head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Hossein Salariyeh

Tehran, IRNA – Head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA) Hossein Salariyeh says approximately 20 satellites are currently under development through a consortium of state and private companies.

During a visit to the INOTEX 2025 exhibition at Iran’s International Innovation Zone on Wednesday, Salariyeh emphasized the critical role of knowledge-based companies in achieving Iran’s space objectives.

He said the country’s 10-year space program, due to its technical and operational complexity, cannot be realized without private sector involvement.

He said knowledge-based companies have increasingly been involved in space projects over the past three years, adding that private sector engagement is not only strategic but a national necessity to enhance Iran’s competitive position globally.

The 14th International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INOTEX 2025) opened at Tehran’s Pardis Technology Park on Tuesday and will run for four days.

This edition of the exhibition will feature more than 500 innovative companies from Iran and other countries. It includes sections such as “INOTEX Pitch” (startup competition), “Main Stage” (inspirational speeches), specialized sessions, mentoring sessions, and an exhibition of technological products.

Fourth round of Iran-U.S. talks set for Rome after E3meeting: Araghchi

TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the fourth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program will take place in Rome this Saturday, with Oman once again mediating the negotiations.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Iranian cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Araghchi said that, as confirmed by Oman, the new round of discussions is scheduled to be held in the Italian capital, continuing a format aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and facilitating the lifting of U.S.-led sanctions.

The Rome meeting will be preceded by a separate round of consultations between Iran and the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear accord — the UK, France, and Germany — on Friday. Araghchi acknowledged that the influence of the E3 has waned due to their alignment with Washington's pressure policies, but emphasized Tehran’s willingness to keep the European parties engaged.

“Despite the Europeans’ declining role in these negotiations because of their flawed strategies, we are not ready to exclude them,” Araghchi said. “That’s why we’ve agreed to meet with them again in Rome.”

The foreign minister reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution through a “global understanding,” noting that while indirect U.S.-Iran talks remain central, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will play a key role if a new agreement is reached.

Responding to questions on Iran’s frozen assets abroad, Araghchi reiterated that the release of blocked Iranian funds remains a critical demand. “These funds are part of the sanctions regime that must be lifted,” he stated.

He criticized the latest round of U.S. sanctions imposed during the negotiation process, warning that such moves cast doubt on Washington’s sincerity. “Actions like this send a negative signal. Of course, we’re aware of the internal divisions in the U.S. and the influence of different lobbying groups,” he said.

When asked whether Iran had communicated specific red lines — such as enrichment limits — to the American side, Araghchi said, “Our red lines are clear and have been fully conveyed to the United States.”

He also dismissed the idea of an open-ended process, noting, “While we haven’t set a formal deadline, we’re not interested in dragging out negotiations. We sense that the other side shares this view.”

Since the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, efforts to restore the deal have stalled. Although the European signatories initially vowed to preserve the accord and persuade Washington to rejoin, they ultimately followed the U.S. lead in reimposing sanctions.

In recent months, however, Oman has facilitated three rounds of quiet diplomacy — two in Muscat and one in Rome — on April 12, 19, and 26, aimed at breaking the impasse. Both Iranian and American officials have characterized the talks so far as “positive” and “progressing.”

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• Iran
 
• Abbas Araghchi
 
• Negotiations with U.S.

High-profile Mossad agent linked to terrorist operations in Iran executed: Judiciary

TEHRAN – Iran’s Judiciary has announced the execution of Mohsen Langarneshin, a Mossad-linked agent who had an important role in orchestrating terrorist operations on Iranian soil.

According to a statement from the Iranian Judiciary’s media center on Wednesday, Langarneshin played a role in providing logistical support for several attacks, including the 2022 assassination of Martyr Hassan Sayyad-Khodaei, a member of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC).

Further investigation revealed that Langarneshin collaborated with the Tel Aviv’s Mossad—an intelligence agency notorious for its covert operations, targeted killings, and espionage, and frequently accused of violating international law.

In rare admissions to Hebrew and English media, the Israeli regime’s officials tacitly acknowledged Mossad’s responsibility for Khodaei’s assassination—a development widely attributed to Israel and consistent with its campaign targeting Iranian scientists and security personnel, such as the 2020 murder of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

“He was arrested, tried, and sentenced for Moharebeh (enmity against God) and Efsad-Fil-Arz (corruption on Earth) after irrefutable evidence proved his direct involvement in Mossad-linked sabotage, espionage, and terrorism,” the Judiciary’s statement noted.

It emphasized that his sentence was carried out "following the full completion of legal procedures and confirmation by the Supreme Court."

Langarneshin, recruited by Mossad in September 2020, underwent extensive training before conducting his first mission for the spy agency in December 2020.

Over two years, he engaged in "close operational cooperation with senior Zionist intelligence officers," the Judiciary stated, facilitating terrorist attacks, procuring communication tools, and renting safe houses across multiple provinces.  

One of his most egregious crimes, per the Judiciary, was his role in the May 2022 assassination of Martyr Khodaei, who was gunned down outside his Tehran home by Mossad-linked terrorists.

Langarneshin "purchased a motorcycle under Mossad’s orders to surveil Martyr Khodaei, provided real-time updates on his location to the assassins, and fled the scene immediately after the attack."

The Judiciary revealed that Langarneshin’s crimes included logistical support for a Mossad-backed attack on a Defense Ministry-affiliated industrial site in Isfahan, equipping operational teams with vehicles and secure communication devices, and transferring funds from Mossad officers to agents inside Iran.

His use of the “Red Windows” secure communication system—a tool reportedly reserved for Mossad's clandestine operations—further confirmed his active collaboration with the notorious intelligence agency.

Langarneshin confessed "explicitly" during interrogations and court proceedings, admitting to meetings with senior Mossad officers in Georgia and Nepal to receive operational directives, the Iranian Judiciary said.

He also acquired anonymous SIM cards, mobile phones, and internet modems to connect Mossad agents within Iran.

"The criminal’s high-level operational training made him a professional in executing missions, but he was ultimately identified and apprehended by Iran’s vigilant security forces," the Judiciary’s statement concluded.

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• Iran
 
• Mossad
 
• Israel
 
• assassinations
 
• execution

Iranian female inventor wins top prize at WIPO competition in Switzerland

Hasti Hosseini, an Iranian female inventor, won the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) prize for her stem cell-based treatment of HPV and cervical wounds.

Tehran, IRNA – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has awarded its prize at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland, to Iranian female inventor Hasti Hosseini.

Hosseini successfully utilized stem cells to control Human papillomavirus (HPV) and promote cervical wound healing.

The invention also earned the Grade A Standard and Innovation Certificate from the Secretary-General of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), as well as the Gold Plus Medal from the Swiss judging panel in Geneva.

The WIPO National Award for Inventors was launched in 1979 to encourage inventive and innovative activity around the world and recognize inventors’ contributions to national wealth and development. National organizations offer the award to outstanding inventors.

Baraghan eyes label of World Best Tourism Villages, holds culinary festivals

TEHRAN--Following measures for completing the dossier of Baraghan village in Alborz province as a nominee to be on the World Best Tourism Villages list, the villagers held a cuisine tourism festival with a focus on Baraghan plum and hosted tourists and culture lovers.

The festival was organized by Alborz Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department, local people, Baraghan Rural District, Baraghan Islamic Council, and Parseh Tourism Training Company, CHTN wrote.

Pointing to the impressive enthusiasm for the cuisine tourism festival, the caretaker of Alborz Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, called it an important measure to introduce this village to the world. 

Holding a local cuisine and traditional dessert festival with a focus on Baraghan plum indicates high potential of this village in cuisine tourism and handicrafts sector, Nader Zeinali pointed out. 

These events boost economic and cultural prosperity in the region and prepare the ground for introducing Baraghan as a rural tourism destination at national and international levels, he added.

A cultural heritage expert for pursuing the dossier of Baraghan to be nominated on the World Best Tourism Villages list said Baraghan Village is on verge of globalization registration. 

Tahereh Shahi added that holding cuisine tourism festival is considered an effective measure to introduce the capacities and customs of the village. 

She also said that Baraghan with three national intangible heritages including plum processing method, Goleh Ice-cream processing method and Baraghan Samanoo (a traditional Iranian sweet paste made entirely from mashed germinated wheat) boasts huge potentials in cuisine tourism.  

Meanwhile, Manager of Pars Cooking and Pastry School Hossein Rahimi said the first cuisine tourism festival with focus on Baraghan plum was held in the village with 40 participants from various villages of Alborz province. Rahimi, who was also organizer of the event, said locals accounted for the highest number of participants in the festival.

Close to 40 tables including various foods and desserts in which plum had been used were prepared for the event, he said.

In addition, 15 handicrafts pavilions were launched, run by local artists, he mentioned.

He expressed the hope that the festival would be a turning point for holding larger events and promoting Baraghan’s food culture and handicrafts.

At end, 35 were praised and cash prizes were awarded to first to third winners. 

Baraghan and Salehieh, situated in Iran’s Alborz province, were included in the national list of top tourist villages in 2024.

Alborz, located just 10 kilometers west of Tehran, has undertaken initiatives to promote rural tourism.

Among these efforts was the selection of 50 villages as potential destinations for rural tourism development.

From this list, Baraghan and Salehieh have emerged as the standout choices for their unique charm and cultural significance.

Baraghan, with its picturesque landscapes and rich historical heritage, has long been admired by locals and now stands ready to welcome tourists from across the country and beyond. Salehieh, with its traditional architecture and warm hospitality, promises visitors an authentic rural experience like no other.

This selection not only highlights the natural beauty and cultural richness of Alborz province but also signifies the growing importance of rural tourism in Iran. By showcasing these hidden gems, authorities aim to diversify the tourism offerings of the country and spread economic benefits to rural communities.

Over the past few years, increasing numbers of visitors have sought something different, such as spending a day in the quiet countryside, picking fresh fruit, watching rice grow, fishing by the river, eating traditional food or even staying with the locals.

UN Tourism considers rural tourism to be a type of activity in which the visitor's experience is linked to a wide range of products typically associated with activities related to nature, agriculture, rural lifestyle, culture, fishing, and tourism. This type of tourism also has characteristics such as low population density, mainly agricultural and forestry landscape, social structure, and traditional way of life.

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• Baraghan
 
• Alborz Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department
 
• cuisine tourism

Briefly Detained Iranian-French Journalist Pledges Support for Palestine

ALWAGHT- An Iranian-French journalist and pro-Palestine activist, recently briefly detained by French police, has vowed to persist in his advocacy for Palestinian rights despite the ordeal he faced.

Iranian-French journalist Shahin Hazamy, a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, has stated that French authorities have imposed a travel ban on him and confiscated all his journalistic equipment, including his phone, computer, and even his children’s tablets. He is now required to report weekly to a police station or court, making it nearly impossible for him to continue his journalistic work. Hazamy said he is being falsely accused of terrorism and anti-Semitism — charges he believes are being used to silence pro-Palestinian voices.

Hazamy described a violent police raid on his home, during which he was arrested in front of his wife and two young children. He recounted how officers assaulted him and his pregnant wife, traumatizing their children, who now suffer from fear and anxiety. The journalist emphasized that such intimidation tactics would not stop him from advocating for justice in Palestine, Gaza, and Lebanon, and declared his determination to continue the fight for freedom and human rights.

Human rights activists have condemned Hazamy’s arrest as part of a growing pattern of repression against pro-Palestinian voices across Western countries. They argue that these actions — including raids, arrests, and deportations — aim to suppress dissent and silence those speaking out against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Activists warn that such crackdowns on free expression in the West only serve to shield and perpetuate Israel’s military operations and alleged crimes against Palestinians.