Twenty-nine people were killed and 38 others remain unaccounted for after a 10-storey commercial building collapsed in Iran’s Abadan city, a top official said…reports Asian Lite News
While visiting the collapse site, Sadeq Khalilian, Governor of Khuzestan province where Abadan is located, confirmed the death toll to reporters and added that victims were yet to be identified, reports Xinhua news agency.
He said search and rescue work was continuing to find the missing people, assuring that the operations will continue until every person is accounted for.
Authorities fear that the remaining parts of the building and adjacent structures may also collapse.
Iran announced a day of national mourning on Sunday to honour the victims.
The Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary reported that 10 people were arrested for the incident, in which the building’s owner and contractor were killed.
The under-construction building, known as Metropol, was on a crowded street in downtown Abadan, surrounded by commercial and medical complexes and offices.
Parts of the building collapsed suddenly, trapping dozens of people beneath the rubble.
Iran’s senior foreign ministry official said President Raisi’s February visit to Qatar, during which 15 MoUs were signed, and the president’s trip to Oman on Monday are also signs of improvement of Iran’s relations with Gulf Arab states, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The relations between Iran and Gulf Arab states have seen a “breakthrough” since President Ebrahim Raisi assumed office in 2021, a top official said in Tehran.
Iran and Saudi Arabia have taken “positive and constructive steps” toward resolving their differences, the Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs Ali Reza Enayati told the local media.
He also mentioned the earlier dispatch of Iranian representatives to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) headquartered in Saudi Arabia where their cooperation with the OIC was facilitated by Saudi officials, reports Xinhua news agency.
The official hoped that further negotiations between the two major regional Muslim states would pave the way for the participation of Iranian pilgrims in the annual Haj in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in protest against the attacks on its diplomatic missions in Iran following the kingdom’s execution of a Shia cleric.
The relations further soured during the Yemeni civil war between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the internationally-recognised government supported by the Saudi-led coalition.
Enayati said Raisi’s February visit to Qatar, during which 15 memoranda of understanding were signed, and the president’s trip to Oman on Monday are also signs of improvement of Iran’s relations with Gulf Arab states.
Raisi’s Oman visit
In Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Raisi have reaffirmed the positive role of the private sector in augmenting the volume of investments and commercial exchange. They also laid emphasis on the significance of exerting more efforts to establish security and stability in the region and the world at large.
According to the official communiqué issued on the occasion, the visit bolsters the already strong bilateral relations and reiterates mutual appreciation and respect between the leaderships of the two countries and their peoples, based on tenets of religion and ties of fraternity and good neighbourliness.
A session of official talks held by Sultan Haitham and Raisi explored vistas of cooperation, bilateral relations and means of developing them in various spheres, notably commercial exchange and investment. They touched on coordination about areas of interest to the two countries. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the level of existing cooperation, and they decided to open up channels for new economic partnership.
The two leaders also expressed their delight over the high level of concord among the joint cooperation committees, and they issued directives for the committees to convene on a regular basis.
Both leaders have underscored the positive role of the private sector in both countries to enhance joint activities, hoping that these activities will augment the rate of investment and trade exchange. They also welcomed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding to streamline cooperation in the fields of investment, sports, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, maritime transport, ports, logistics, oil and gas.
The two leaders called for exerting more efforts to maintain regional and international security and stability in the region and the world at large. They recommended coordination between the two sides—at regional and international events about issues of relevance to security and stability in the region and the world.
Sultan valued the policy of expanded, interactive and constructive interaction that stems from fundamentals of Iranian policy credited to the Iranian President and his government, as well as the policy of openness towards all countries, notably neighbouring states.
He said that this approach leads to the establishment of positive relations based on mutual respect and cooperation that bring about an exchange of economic, commercial and cultural benefits, while at the same time contributing to the consolidation of pillars of security and stability in the region.
The two sides underlined the need to curb all forms of terrorism and extremism.
During the visit, twelve cooperation documents were signed between senior officials of Iran and Oman in the fields of energy, politics, transportation, diplomatic cooperation, trade and economic relations, science, environment and sports.
These documents were signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry, Mines and Trade, Oil, Roads and Urban Development and the Head of Trade Development Organisation of Iran and their Omani counterparts, the Iranian President’s office said in a press release.
Meanwhile, President Raisi also extended an invitation to Sultan Haitham to visit Iran, which was ardently welcomed by the latter.
One of the former members of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) was assassinated by gunmen in the capital Tehran, state TV reported…reports Asian Lite News
The incident took place around on Sunday in the downtown street in the capital.
The deceased Colonel Sayyad Khodaei was attacked in his car by two motorcyclists who shot him three times in the head and two times in the hand, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the state TV.
The IRGC said in a statement that Khodaei was assassinated “in a terrorist attack by counterrevolutionary elements,” adding that necessary measures have been taken to identify the assailants.
Iranian Foreign Minister said his country is serious about reaching a strong and lasting agreement in the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal…reports Asian Lite News
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said his country is serious about reaching a strong and lasting agreement in the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, noting that Tehran has the goodwill and required determination to this end.
Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a phone conversation with the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Xinhua news agency quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying.
Commenting on an earlier visit to Tehran by Borrell’s deputy, Enrique Mora, the Iranian Foreign Minister said during the trip some initiatives were discussed between the two sides.
Amir-Abdollahian also praised the constructive efforts by Borrell and Mora to resolve the nuclear issue.
Highlighting Iran’s proposed initiatives during the diplomatic process in Vienna, Borrell said: “We are currently on the new path of continuing the negotiations and focusing on the solutions.”
Borrell expressed optimism about reaching a good result.
Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the world powers in July 2015 accepting to put some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of the sanctions on Tehran.
However, former US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to reduce some of its nuclear commitments under the agreement in retaliation.
Since April 2021, several rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties to revive the deal.
Iran insists on obtaining guarantees that the succeeding US governments would not drop the deal again and calls for lifting the sanctions in a verifiable manner.
At the invitation of Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will visit Muscat on Monday to discuss bilateral economic, political and cultural relations…reports Asian Lite News
Raisi is scheduled to meet the sultan of Oman, sign cooperation documents, and meet Iranians residing in the Arab state as well as Omani traders and businessmen during the one-day visit, Xinhua news agency quoted an official statement as saying.
The visit will be Raisi’s first trip to Oman after taking office in August 2021 as Iran’s President.]
Before the visit, a delegation comprising 50 Iranian traders and businessmen visited Oman to lay the groundwork for the strengthening of bilateral economic and trade relations.
Since taking office, Raisi has constantly highlighted the need for enhancing trade and economic cooperation with Arab neighbours.
Iran explores alternative banking mechanism to promote trade with India
If the United States acts “logically,” an agreement in the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal will be within reach, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said…reports Asian Lite News
Amir Abdollahian made the remarks on Thursday in a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, calling on the other sides in the Vienna talks to put forward their initiatives to this end, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website.
He said Tehran is willing to reach a “good,” “strong,” and “lasting” agreement while observing the Islamic Republic’s red lines, Xinhua news agency reported.
The senior diplomat also praised Russia for its positive stance and support for the achievement of an agreement that is acceptable to Iran.
Describing ties with Tehran as important, the Russian foreign minister, for his part, stressed that Moscow will continue its support and efforts to make sure that a fair agreement would be reached in Vienna that safeguards Iran’s demands.
In 2015, Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers, including the United States. However, former US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the pact in May 2018 and re-imposed sanctions on Iran, which prompted the latter to drop some of its nuclear commitments.
Since April 2021, Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties have held several rounds of talks in Vienna to revive the deal.
“If the United States responds to these proposals, we will be in a position where all parties will return to Vienna to reach an agreement,” the Iranian spokesman noted….reports Asian Lite News
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh has called for a US political decision on the Vienna nuclear talks, saying Iran has already made its own proposals.
“If the United States announces its political decision, we can take an important step in this regard,” Khatibzadeh said on Monday during his weekly press conference, reaffirming Iran’s demands that its legal rights should be respected and all pressures exerted by former US President Donald Trump removed.
Referring to the recent visit by Enrique Mora, EU Chief Coordinator for the Iran nuclear talks, he added that “definite initiatives” and “some solutions” were proposed during Mora’s visit and his “long talks” with Ali Bagheri, Iran’s Chief nuclear negotiator in the Vienna talks.
“If the United States responds to these proposals, we will be in a position where all parties will return to Vienna to reach an agreement,” the Iranian spokesman noted.
Khatibzadeh also praised Russia’s “constructive” role in the Vienna talks, but said the current Russia-Ukraine crisis may reduce its intermediary role in the talks, Xinhua news agency reported.
On Friday, EU’s foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell said Mora’s recent talks in Tehran had gone “better than expected”.
Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the world powers in July 2015, agreeing to curb its nuclear program in return for the removal of the US-led sanctions.
However, Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to drop some of its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA.
Since April 2021, eight rounds of talks have been held in Vienna between Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties, including China, Britain, France, Russia and Germany, with the US indirectly involved, to revive the landmark pact.
Earlier, Blinken also met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Berlin and discussed security and economic assistance for Kyiv…reports Asian Lite News
On the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministerial meet, US State Secretary Antony Blinken on Sunday met with his counterparts from Germany, UK and France in Berlin where they discussed the Ukraine situation and the ongoing negotiation with Iran over the nuclear deal revival.
Blinken met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss, and French Director-General for Political and Security Affairs Philippe Errera.
“They discussed the continued response among allies and partners against Russia’s brutal war of aggression with Ukraine. The leaders also discussed the ongoing negotiations with Iran and efforts to reach a deal on a mutual return to full Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) implementation,” read the State Department statement.
Taking to Twitter, Blinken wrote, “Discussed with my counterparts from Germany, the UK, and France today our plans to continue supporting Ukraine while holding Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin) and his enablers accountable. We also discussed our efforts to achieve a mutual return to full JCPOA implementation with Iran.”
Earlier, Blinken also met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Berlin and discussed security and economic assistance for Kyiv.
“Met with FM @DmytroKuleba before today’s @NATO Foreign Ministerial to discuss the security and economic assistance Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked war. Our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains steadfast and enduring,” Blinken tweeted.
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, in a statement, said the two discussed this week’s G7 and NATO Foreign Ministerial meetings and the Secretary emphasized the strong support for Ukraine from Allies and partners during these meetings.
Blinken conveyed details regarding the latest tranche of US security assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defences, Price said. “The Secretary and Foreign Minister Kuleba also discussed the impact of Russia’s brutal war, including on global food security, and committed to seeking a solution to export Ukraine’s grain to international markets. The Secretary underscored the United States enduring commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s unprovoked war,” the State Department spokesperson said.
NATO Foreign Ministers met in Berlin on Sunday to discuss the possible membership application of Finland and Sweden as well as to reaffirm NATO’s support for Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion.
Addressing media via video link alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Stoltenberg said that Sweden and Finland are NATO’s closest partners and if they decide to apply for membership, it would be “historic”.
“Their membership in NATO would increase our shared security, demonstrate that NATO’s door is open and that aggression does not pay,” Stoltenberg said, reiterating that all sovereign nations have the right to choose their own path.
Wrapping up the two-day meeting of Ministers, Stoltenberg said the Allies also discussed support for Ukraine, further strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence as well as the longer-term implications of “Russia’s war” against Ukraine.
Iran’s Chief nuclear negotiator has stressed that although the Islamic republic is serious concerning the Vienna talks, it is determined not to trust “the enemy”, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry…reports Asian Lite News
Ali Bagheri Kani, who is also Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, made the remarks on the sidelines of the 26th International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, titled Iran Oil Show, in Tehran on Sunday.
“Iran is serious in the process of the Vienna talks and fulfillment of its international commitments, including those pertaining to the removal of the sanctions, to the same extent that it is determined to refrain from trusting the enemy and relying on foreigners for protection from the coercive measures,” he said.
The diplomat added that “revolutionary wisdom” says that Iran must use all its diplomatic capacities to safeguard its national interests, Xinhua news agency reported.
He gave the assurance that the Iranian Foreign Ministry will use all international capacities for “neutralising the sanctions” in addition to making all-out diplomatic efforts aimed at the “maximum removal” of the US sanctions.
Bagheri Kani emphasised that the strategic policy of “neutralising the sanctions”, coupled with the smart initiative of lifting the embargoes, has foiled enemy’s plots to stop Iran’s development.
Iran has turned “the art of bypassing the sanctions” into “the knowledge of neutralising the sanctions,” he said, adding at present, other sanctioned countries seek to use the Islamic republic’s knowledge and experience.
Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the world powers in July 2015, accepting to put some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of the sanctions on Tehran.
However, former US President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed Washington’s unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to reduce some of its nuclear commitments under the agreement in retaliation.
Since April 2021, several rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties to revive the deal.
Iran insists on obtaining guarantees that the succeeding US governments would not drop the deal again and calls for lifting the sanctions in a verifiable manner.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said a “good” and “reliable” outcome is within reach in the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal if the US makes its political decision and adheres to its commitments…reports Asian Lite News
Amir Abdollahian said that the visit of Enrique Mora, the EU chief coordinator for the Iran nuclear talks, and his talks with Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani “were another opportunity to focus on initiatives to resolve the remaining issues”, reports Xinhua news agency.
Henstressed the contacts among these sides are continuing.
Also on Friday, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he believed there have been “enough progress” in the talks between Mora and Iranian officials in Tehran to relaunch nuclear negotiations after two months of deadlock.
In 2015, Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers including the US.
However, former US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, including freezing some of Tehran’s assets abroad, prompting the latter to drop some of its nuclear commitments under the agreement.
Since April 2021, eight rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties to revive the deal.
Iran insists on obtaining guarantees that the US government would not drop the deal again and the sanctions would be lifted in a verifiable manner.
