<p>UK-owned Rubymar cargo ship, which was damaged in an attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in February, has reportedly sunk in the Red Sea, Yemen's government said on Saturday (March 2).</p>

<p>The government further warned of an "environmental catastrophe" from the vessel's cargo of fertilizer.</p>

<p>"The MV Rubymar sank last night, coinciding with weather factors and strong winds at sea," said a crisis cell of Yemen's internationally recognised government in charge of the case.</p>

<p>Roy Khoury, chief executive of the ship's operator Blue Fleet, according to news agency AFP stated that he was unaware of the sinking.</p>

<p>"We have nobody on board to check if it's true or not," he said.</p>

<p>A Yemeni government team on Monday (Feb 26) had visited the Rubymar and said that the vessel was partially submerged. A government statement on Saturday also said that the ship had sunk in the southern Red Sea on Friday night.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-satellite-images-show-uk-ship-rubymar-abandoned-in-red-sea-after-houthi-missile-strike-693847">&nbsp;Middle East crisis: Satellite images show leaking UK ship Rubymar abandoned in Red Sea after Houthi attack</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Environmental catastrophe'</strong></h2>

<p>Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, foreign minister in Yemen's Aden-based government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, said in a post on X: "The sinking of the Rubymar is an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before.</p>

<p>"It is a new tragedy for our country and our people. Every day we pay the price for the adventures of the Houthi militia ..."</p>

<p>The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency on Saturday reported a ship sinking, however, did not identify it.</p>

<p>The ship was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis on Feb 18 and the crew onboard was immediately evacuated.</p>

<p>The US military had previously said that the Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tons of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, causing an 18-mile (29km) oil slick.</p>

<p>“The Houthis continue to demonstrate a disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, warning that the ship’s cargo “could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster.”</p>

<p>Earlier, the Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group had vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking ship until people in the war-torn Gaza Strip were provided with access to food, water, and medicine.</p>

<p>“The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


UK-owned Rubymar cargo ship, which was damaged in an attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in February, has reportedly sunk in the Red Sea, Yemen's government said on Saturday (March 2).

UK-owned Rubymar cargo ship, which was damaged in an attack by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in February, has reportedly sunk in the Red Sea, Yemen's government said on Saturday (March 2). The government further warned of an "environmental catastrophe" from the vessel's cargo of fertilizer. "The MV Rubymar sank last night, coinciding with weather factors and strong winds at sea," said a crisis cell of Yemen's internationally recognised government in charge of the case. Roy Khoury, chief executive of the ship's operator Blue Fleet, according to news agency AFP stated that he was unaware of the sinking. "We have nobody on board to check if it's true or not," he said. A Yemeni government team on Monday (Feb 26) had visited the Rubymar and said that the vessel was partially submerged. A government statement on Saturday also said that the ship had sunk in the southern Red Sea on Friday night. Also read: Middle East crisis: Satellite images show leaking UK ship Rubymar abandoned in Red Sea after Houthi attack 'Environmental catastrophe' Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, foreign minister in Yemen's Aden-based government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, said in a post on X: "The sinking of the Rubymar is an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before. "It is a new tragedy for our country and our people. Every day we pay the price for the adventures of the Houthi militia ..." The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency on Saturday reported a ship sinking, however, did not identify it. The ship was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis on Feb 18 and the crew onboard was immediately evacuated. The US military had previously said that the Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tons of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, causing an 18-mile (29km) oil slick. “The Houthis continue to demonstrate a disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, warning that the ship’s cargo “could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster.” Earlier, the Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group had vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking ship until people in the war-torn Gaza Strip were provided with access to food, water, and medicine. “The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Rubymar: UK cargo ship attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raising environmental concerns

<p>Rights groups on Tuesday (Mar 5) released a report on all executions that took place in Iran in 2023. The report reveals that the number was highest since 2015 as capital punishment surged in the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) released a report, stating that executions by hanging in Iran were up some 43 per cent in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2015, a total of 972 executions were carried out in Iran. The 800-mark was crossed again in 2013 with a staggering number of executions of at least 834 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-teenager-killed-as-israel-reportedly-conducts-biggest-west-bank-raid-in-years-696486">Palestinian teenager killed as Israel reportedly conducts biggest raid in West Bank’s Ramallah</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The report described the figure of 834 as a "staggering total", with IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam claiming in the report: "Instilling societal fear is the regime's only way to hold on to power, and the death penalty is its most important instrument."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The groups have also accused the Tehran government of using the death penalty to spread fear throughout society in the wake of the protests sparked by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her death in custody led to massive protests and some reports have even suggested that she was detained for wearing her headscarf in an "improper" way. After that protesters from all walks of life participated, with students and women playing a key role.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-opec-countries-announce-extension-of-oil-cuts-696258">Several OPEC+ countries announce extension of oil cuts</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;FBI hunting for suspected Iranian assassin, spy accused of targeting Trump-era officials&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The rights group said that Iran has executed nine men in cases linked to attacks on security forces during the 2022 protests, two in 2022, six in 2023 and one so far in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also noted that the rate of executions has been stepped up on other charges, notably in drug-related cases, which had until recent years seen a fall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said, "Of particular concern is the dramatic escalation in the number of drug-related executions in 2023, which rose to 471 people, more than 18 times higher than the figures recorded in 2020."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further mentioned that people belonging to ethnic minorities, notably the Sunni Baluch from the southeast of Iran, are "grossly overrepresented amongst those executed" on drug-related charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least 167 members of the Baluch minority were executed in total, accounting for 20 per cent of the total executions in 2023, even though the minority accounts for only around five per cent of Iran's population.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Rights groups on Tuesday (Mar 5) released a report on all executions that took place in Iran in 2023. The report reveals that the number was highest since 2015 as capital punishment surged in the Islamic Republic.

Rights groups on Tuesday (Mar 5) released a report on all executions that took place in Iran in 2023. The report reveals that the number was highest since 2015 as capital punishment surged in the Islamic Republic. Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) released a report, stating that executions by hanging in Iran were up some 43 per cent in 2022. In 2015, a total of 972 executions were carried out in Iran. The 800-mark was crossed again in 2013 with a staggering number of executions of at least 834 people. Also read: Palestinian teenager killed as Israel reportedly conducts biggest raid in West Bank’s Ramallah The report described the figure of 834 as a "staggering total", with IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam claiming in the report: "Instilling societal fear is the regime's only way to hold on to power, and the death penalty is its most important instrument." The groups have also accused the Tehran government of using the death penalty to spread fear throughout society in the wake of the protests sparked by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Her death in custody led to massive protests and some reports have even suggested that she was detained for wearing her headscarf in an "improper" way. After that protesters from all walks of life participated, with students and women playing a key role. Also read: Several OPEC+ countries announce extension of oil cuts Watch: FBI hunting for suspected Iranian assassin, spy accused of targeting Trump-era officials × The rights group said that Iran has executed nine men in cases linked to attacks on security forces during the 2022 protests, two in 2022, six in 2023 and one so far in 2024. It also noted that the rate of executions has been stepped up on other charges, notably in drug-related cases, which had until recent years seen a fall. The report said, "Of particular concern is the dramatic escalation in the number of drug-related executions in 2023, which rose to 471 people, more than 18 times higher than the figures recorded in 2020." It further mentioned that people belonging to ethnic minorities, notably the Sunni Baluch from the southeast of Iran, are "grossly overrepresented amongst those executed" on drug-related charges. At least 167 members of the Baluch minority were executed in total, accounting for 20 per cent of the total executions in 2023, even though the minority accounts for only around five per cent of Iran's population. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran executed at least 834 people in 2023, highest number since 2015: Report

Amid a dismal voter turnout, Iran's conservative Islamist leadership is set to make a comeback. What does this mean for a country scrambling under western sanctions?

Iran elections: Iran's voter turnout drops to 41%

<p>Unofficial reports on Saturday estimated turnout in&nbsp;Iran’s parliamentary election, seen as a test of the clerical establishment’s legitimacy, at about 40%, which would be the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic revolution.</p>

<p>With heavyweight moderates and conservatives staying out and reformists calling Friday's election unfree and unfair, the contest was essentially among hardliners and low-key conservatives who proclaim loyalty to Islamic revolutionary ideals.</p>

<p>The interior ministry may announce the official turnout later on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-cast-his-ballot-in-parliamentary-elections-695441">Iran elections underway as over 15,000 candidates vie for seats in 290-member parliament</a></p>

<p>Tehran's rulers needed a high turnout to repair their legitimacy, badly damaged by anti-government protests in 2022-23 that spiralled into some of the worst political turmoil since the revolution.</p>

<p>But official surveys suggested only about 41 per cent&nbsp;of eligible&nbsp;Iranians would vote. That appeared to be the case, as Hamshahri newspaper said more than 25 million people, or 41% of eligible voters, had turned out.</p>

<p>Iran's turnout hit a record low 42.5 per cent&nbsp;in 2020 parliamentary elections, while about 62 per cent&nbsp;of voters participated in 2016.</p>

<p>Hamshahri called Friday's turnout "a 25-million slap” to calls for an election boycott, in a front-page headline next to a depiction of a ballot paper smacking United States&nbsp;President Joe Biden in the face.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran: Array of political, social and economic problems</strong></p>

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<p>The election coincided with growing frustration over&nbsp;Iran's economic woes and restrictions on political and social freedoms.</p>

<p>It was twinned with a vote for the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, an influential body tasked with choosing the 84-year-old Khamenei's successor.</p>


Unofficial reports on Saturday estimated turnout in Iran’s parliamentary election, seen as a test of the clerical establishment’s legitimacy, at about 40%, which would be the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Unofficial reports on Saturday estimated turnout in Iran’s parliamentary election, seen as a test of the clerical establishment’s legitimacy, at about 40%, which would be the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic revolution. With heavyweight moderates and conservatives staying out and reformists calling Friday's election unfree and unfair, the contest was essentially among hardliners and low-key conservatives who proclaim loyalty to Islamic revolutionary ideals. The interior ministry may announce the official turnout later on Saturday. Also Read: Iran elections underway as over 15,000 candidates vie for seats in 290-member parliament Tehran's rulers needed a high turnout to repair their legitimacy, badly damaged by anti-government protests in 2022-23 that spiralled into some of the worst political turmoil since the revolution. But official surveys suggested only about 41 per cent of eligible Iranians would vote. That appeared to be the case, as Hamshahri newspaper said more than 25 million people, or 41% of eligible voters, had turned out. Iran's turnout hit a record low 42.5 per cent in 2020 parliamentary elections, while about 62 per cent of voters participated in 2016. Hamshahri called Friday's turnout "a 25-million slap” to calls for an election boycott, in a front-page headline next to a depiction of a ballot paper smacking United States President Joe Biden in the face. Watch: Iran: Array of political, social and economic problems The election coincided with growing frustration over Iran's economic woes and restrictions on political and social freedoms. It was twinned with a vote for the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, an influential body tasked with choosing the 84-year-old Khamenei's successor.

Iran election turnout around 40 per cent, say unofficial reports

Iran elections: Iranian Conservatives sweep polls amid record-low turnout

Iranian conservatives sweep elections

<p>Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Sunday (March 3) said that it will continue to strike British ships in the Gulf of Aden after UK-owned vessel Rubymar sunk in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"Yemen will continue to sink more British ships, and any repercussions or other damages will be added to Britain's bill," Hussein al-Ezzi, deputy foreign minister in the Houthi-led government, said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"It is a rogue state that attacks Yemen and partners with America in sponsoring ongoing crimes against civilians in Gaza."</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ar">اليمن ستواصل إغراق المزيد من السفن البريطانية وأي تداعيات أوأضرار أخرى سيتم إضافتها لفاتورةبريطانيا باعتبارها دولةمارقة تعتدي عل اليمن وتشارك امريكا في رعايةالجريمةالمستمرة بحق المدنيين في غزة<br />
(لايمكنك العبث في بلادي ثم الذهاب لقضاءسهرتك في الفابريك<br />
من يؤذي اليمن سنؤذيه<br />
too much)</p>
— حسين العزي (@hussinalezzi5) <a href="https://twitter.com/hussinalezzi5/status/1764241726967775651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military on Saturday confirmed that Rubymar had sunk after being hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Houthi militants in February.</p>

<p>After the attack by the Iran-backed militant group, the crew onboard was immediately evacuated.</p>

<p>Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tonnes of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, causing an 18-mile (29km) oil slick in the sea.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | British cargo Ship Rubymar Hit by Houthi Missile Sinks in Red Sea</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Environmental catastrophe’</strong></h2>

<p>Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, foreign minister in Yemen's Aden-based government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, said in a post on X: "The sinking of the Rubymar is an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before."</p>

<p>"It is a new tragedy for our country and our people. Every day we pay the price for the adventures of the Houthi militia ..."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaking-uk-cargo-ship-attacked-by-houthis-sinks-in-red-sea-raises-environmental-concerns-696019">Also read:&nbsp;UK cargo ship attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raises environmental concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group had vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking ship until people in the war-torn Gaza Strip were provided with access to food, water, and medicine.</p>

<p>“The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted international commercial shipping since November dubbing the attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians against Israel's military offensive in Gaza.</p>

<p>The Houthis' strikes are forcing ships to take a longer, more expensive route around Africa, disrupting the strategically important Suez Canal shortcut that accounts for nearly 12 per cent of global maritime traffic.</p>

<p>The United States and Britain began launching retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in January.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Sunday (March 3) said that it will continue to strike British ships in the Gulf of Aden after UK-owned vessel Rubymar sunk in the Red Sea.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group on Sunday (March 3) said that it will continue to strike British ships in the Gulf of Aden after UK-owned vessel Rubymar sunk in the Red Sea. "Yemen will continue to sink more British ships, and any repercussions or other damages will be added to Britain's bill," Hussein al-Ezzi, deputy foreign minister in the Houthi-led government, said in a post on X. "It is a rogue state that attacks Yemen and partners with America in sponsoring ongoing crimes against civilians in Gaza." اليمن ستواصل إغراق المزيد من السفن البريطانية وأي تداعيات أوأضرار أخرى سيتم إضافتها لفاتورةبريطانيا باعتبارها دولةمارقة تعتدي عل اليمن وتشارك امريكا في رعايةالجريمةالمستمرة بحق المدنيين في غزة (لايمكنك العبث في بلادي ثم الذهاب لقضاءسهرتك في الفابريك من يؤذي اليمن سنؤذيه too much) — حسين العزي (@hussinalezzi5) March 3, 2024 × The US military on Saturday confirmed that Rubymar had sunk after being hit by an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Houthi militants in February. After the attack by the Iran-backed militant group, the crew onboard was immediately evacuated. Rubymar was loaded with over 41,000 tonnes of fertiliser at the time it was attacked, causing an 18-mile (29km) oil slick in the sea. Watch | British cargo Ship Rubymar Hit by Houthi Missile Sinks in Red Sea × ‘Environmental catastrophe’ Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, foreign minister in Yemen's Aden-based government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, said in a post on X: "The sinking of the Rubymar is an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before." "It is a new tragedy for our country and our people. Every day we pay the price for the adventures of the Houthi militia ..." Also read: UK cargo ship attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raises environmental concerns Earlier, Yemen's Iran-backed rebel group had vowed to prevent the rescue of the leaking ship until people in the war-torn Gaza Strip were provided with access to food, water, and medicine. “The sinking British ship might be hauled in return for delivering aid vehicles to Gaza,” Al-Houthi said on X. Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted international commercial shipping since November dubbing the attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians against Israel's military offensive in Gaza. The Houthis' strikes are forcing ships to take a longer, more expensive route around Africa, disrupting the strategically important Suez Canal shortcut that accounts for nearly 12 per cent of global maritime traffic. The United States and Britain began launching retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in January. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebel group says it will continue attacking British ships after Rubymar sinks

An Iranian singer who won a Grammy presented by the American first lady Jill Biden has now been sentenced more than 3 years in prison and the singer's crime is that his Anthem reportedly supported the 2022 protest that took place in the aftermath of the death of Mahsa Amini. Watch to know more!

Mahsa Amini's protest anthem singer & Grammy winner, Shervin Hajipour sentenced in Iran

Iran held its first parliamentary elections since mass protests swept the Islamic Republic in 2022, triggered by the death of Jina Mahsa Amini while in custody.

Iran Elections 2024: Officials claim voter turnout was a record low of 40.6%

Iran goes to polls on Friday. Over 15,000 people are contesting in this parliamentary election. More than 61 million people are eligible to vote but authorities fear most of them might skip this election. People are frustrated with rising inflation, growing political mistrust and quashed protests.

Iran: Array of political, social and economic problems

<p>Iranian authorities&nbsp;barred Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Nobel Peace laureate from attending her father's funeral, her family disclosed on Thursday (Feb 29). Despite the family's assertion that Mohammadi had an unequivocal right to participate in the ceremony, she was unable to bid her final farewell to her father, Karim Mohammadi, who passed away at the age of 90 earlier in the week. The burial took place in Zanjan, northwest of Tehran, where Mohammadi had not seen her father for nearly two years.</p>

<h2><strong>Denial of rights and family separation</strong></h2>

<p>Narges Mohammadi, aged 51, has been a prominent advocate for human rights in Iran, which has led to her frequent imprisonment over the past two decades.</p>

<p>Her current incarceration, beginning in November 2021, has separated her from her husband and twin children in Paris for several years.</p>

<p>The Iranian authorities have intensified restrictions on Mohammadi, preventing her from making phone calls even to relatives within Iran.</p>

<p>Restrictions have resulted in her not seeing her father for 22 months and being unable to offer condolences on the day of his passing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-nobel-winner-narges-mohammadi-begins-hunger-strike-in-prison-family-655836">Also read |&nbsp;Iranian Nobel winner Narges Mohammadi begins hunger strike in prison: Family</a></p>

<p>Despite her imprisonment, Mohammadi has continued her activism. She has faced additional convictions while incarcerated, including a recent sentence for spreading propaganda against the Islamic republic.</p>

<p>Her cumulative sentences now total over 12 years of imprisonment, along with other punitive measures. Mohammadi has remained vocal about human rights violations in Iran, particularly concerning the surge of executions and the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Jailed Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi on hunger strike</strong></p>

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<p>Narges Mohammadi has remained resolute in her opposition to the Iranian regime, challenging enforced dress codes and other restrictions even within prison.</p>

<p>In an interview published shortly before Iran's parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections, she expressed optimism about the Iranian people's resilience and their potential for further protests against the regime. Despite her imprisonment and the challenges she faces, Mohammadi's determination to advocate for human rights in Iran remains unwavering.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs form agencies)</em></p>


Iranian authorities barred Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Nobel Peace laureate from attending her father's funeral, her family disclosed on Thursday (Feb 29). Despite the family's assertion that Mohammadi had an unequivocal right to participate in the ceremony, she was unable to bid her final farewell to her father, Karim Mohammadi, who passed away at the age of 90 earlier in the week.

Iranian authorities barred Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Nobel Peace laureate from attending her father's funeral, her family disclosed on Thursday (Feb 29). Despite the family's assertion that Mohammadi had an unequivocal right to participate in the ceremony, she was unable to bid her final farewell to her father, Karim Mohammadi, who passed away at the age of 90 earlier in the week. The burial took place in Zanjan, northwest of Tehran, where Mohammadi had not seen her father for nearly two years. Denial of rights and family separation Narges Mohammadi, aged 51, has been a prominent advocate for human rights in Iran, which has led to her frequent imprisonment over the past two decades. Her current incarceration, beginning in November 2021, has separated her from her husband and twin children in Paris for several years. The Iranian authorities have intensified restrictions on Mohammadi, preventing her from making phone calls even to relatives within Iran. Restrictions have resulted in her not seeing her father for 22 months and being unable to offer condolences on the day of his passing. Also read | Iranian Nobel winner Narges Mohammadi begins hunger strike in prison: Family Despite her imprisonment, Mohammadi has continued her activism. She has faced additional convictions while incarcerated, including a recent sentence for spreading propaganda against the Islamic republic. Her cumulative sentences now total over 12 years of imprisonment, along with other punitive measures. Mohammadi has remained vocal about human rights violations in Iran, particularly concerning the surge of executions and the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. Also watch | Jailed Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi on hunger strike Narges Mohammadi has remained resolute in her opposition to the Iranian regime, challenging enforced dress codes and other restrictions even within prison. In an interview published shortly before Iran's parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections, she expressed optimism about the Iranian people's resilience and their potential for further protests against the regime. Despite her imprisonment and the challenges she faces, Mohammadi's determination to advocate for human rights in Iran remains unwavering. (With inputs form agencies)

Iranian authorities bar Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi from attending father's funeral

Iran Election: Array of political, social and economic problems

Iran: First election since Mahsa Amini protests | People quietly consider skipping the vote

Iran on Friday held its first parliamentary election since mass 2022 protests over mandatory hijab laws after the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini.

Iranians cast their ballot in twin elections

Iran elections: Iranian authorities fear lower voter turnout | What are the voter concerns?

Iran elections: Array of social, political & religious problems

<p>In a major&nbsp;"leap" forward for its Starlink project, SpaceX launched a fresh set of 23 satellites into orbit from Florida's Space Coast on leap year day on Thursday (Feb 29), marking the company's 11th flight for this Falcon 9 first stage. The launched satellites were SpaceX's Starlink Version 2 Mini satellites. The rocket, carrying 23 Starlink satellites, took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On Thursday, February 29 at 10:30 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This was the 11th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, O3b mPOWER, Ovzon 3, and now six Starlink missions," SpaceX said in a statement following the launch.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch Falcon 9 launch 23 <a href="https://twitter.com/Starlink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Starlink</a> satellites to orbit <a href="https://t.co/HPRiGw5Eqm">https://t.co/HPRiGw5Eqm</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1763223758473707546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The mission, dubbed Starlink 6-40, followed the postponement of SpaceX's Crew-8 mission, which aimed to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/boeing-agrees-to-51-million-settlement-over-us-export-violations-including-breaches-in-china-695465">Boeing agrees to $51 million settlement over US export violations, including breaches in China</a></p>

<p>Rough offshore weather prompted the delay. Crew-8 was then rescheduled for Saturday (March 2) night.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Falcon 9 booster returns to Earth&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Falcon 9 rocket, powered by SpaceX's Merlin engines, has become the workhorse of the company's launch fleet, conducting numerous successful missions to deploy satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-irs-launches-crackdown-on-125000-unfiled-high-income-tax-returns-695453">US IRS launches crackdown on 125,000 unfiled high-income tax returns</a></p>

<p>The Falcon 9 booster, after this latest launch, successfully returned to Earth just over 8 minutes post-launch. It landed at sea on the drone ship Just Read The Instructions, paving the way for its eventual reuse.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/airlines-see-strong-travel-demand-recovery-695444">Airlines see strong travel demand recovery</a></strong></p>

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<p>Starlink satellites are part of SpaceX's ambitious project to create a global broadband network capable of delivering high-speed internet to users virtually anywhere on the planet, including rural and remote regions where traditional internet infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major "leap" forward for its Starlink project, SpaceX launched a fresh set of 23 satellites into orbit from Florida's Space Coast on leap year day on Thursday (Feb 29), marking the company's 11th flight for this Falcon 9 first stage.

In a major "leap" forward for its Starlink project, SpaceX launched a fresh set of 23 satellites into orbit from Florida's Space Coast on leap year day on Thursday (Feb 29), marking the company's 11th flight for this Falcon 9 first stage. The launched satellites were SpaceX's Starlink Version 2 Mini satellites. The rocket, carrying 23 Starlink satellites, took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. "On Thursday, February 29 at 10:30 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This was the 11th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, O3b mPOWER, Ovzon 3, and now six Starlink missions," SpaceX said in a statement following the launch. Watch Falcon 9 launch 23 @Starlink satellites to orbit https://t.co/HPRiGw5Eqm — SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 29, 2024 × The mission, dubbed Starlink 6-40, followed the postponement of SpaceX's Crew-8 mission, which aimed to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station. Also Read | Boeing agrees to $51 million settlement over US export violations, including breaches in China Rough offshore weather prompted the delay. Crew-8 was then rescheduled for Saturday (March 2) night. Falcon 9 booster returns to Earth The Falcon 9 rocket, powered by SpaceX's Merlin engines, has become the workhorse of the company's launch fleet, conducting numerous successful missions to deploy satellites. Also Read | US IRS launches crackdown on 125,000 unfiled high-income tax returns The Falcon 9 booster, after this latest launch, successfully returned to Earth just over 8 minutes post-launch. It landed at sea on the drone ship Just Read The Instructions, paving the way for its eventual reuse. Watch | Airlines see strong travel demand recovery × Starlink satellites are part of SpaceX's ambitious project to create a global broadband network capable of delivering high-speed internet to users virtually anywhere on the planet, including rural and remote regions where traditional internet infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit on leap day

Iran votes to elect Parliament, religious leaders | Array of social, political & religious problems

<p>Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei cast his ballot in Tehran on Friday (March 1) and urged the people to participate in the parliamentary elections as over 15,000 candidates compete for seats in the 290-member parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Pay attention to this, make friends happy and disappoint the evil-wishers,” he reportedly said as he cast his vote at the ballot box.&nbsp;The electoral process of the Islamic Consultative Assembly holds immense importance and is conducted every four years. Iranians partake in selecting politicians for the parliament, while the 88-seat&nbsp;Assembly of Experts, responsible for choosing the supreme leader, undergoes selection every eight years.</p>

<p>The parliamentary elections are the first since the 2022 protests sparked by mandatory hijab laws following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. There are uncertainties surrounding the voter turnout for this election after the massive protests which received worldwide condemnation, including from the United States.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-irs-launches-crackdown-on-125000-unfiled-high-income-tax-returns-695453">US IRS launches crackdown on 125,000 unfiled high-income tax returns</a></p>

<p>This election also includes selecting new members for Iran's Assembly of Experts. Media reports said that the initial results are anticipated as early as Saturday (March 2).</p>

<p>Notably, according to Iran's law, the parliament oversees the executive branch, however, the ultimate authority in Iran rests with its supreme leader, wielding absolute power in practice.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/live-long-and-prosper-star-trek-may-hold-the-key-to-effectively-communicating-with-ai-chatbots-695448">'Live long, and prosper': Star Trek may hold the key to effectively communicating with AI chatbots</a></p>

<h2><strong>Protests over Mahsa Amini's death&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Mahsa Amini was allegedly subjected to violence and abuse by the authorities. Her case symbolised the broader discontent with the oppressive enforcement of hijab laws and the treatment of women in Iranian society.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fresh-gang-violence-erupts-in-haiti-gang-leaderaims-to-capture-police-chief-ministers-695455">Fresh gang violence erupts in Haiti, gang leaderaims to capture Police Chief &amp; Ministers</a></strong></p>

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<p>Protesters took to the streets in various cities, demanding justice for Mahsa Amini and calling for an end to the mandatory hijab laws. The demonstrations gained momentum through social media and garnered international support, drawing attention to the plight of women in Iran and the need for reform.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei cast his ballot in Tehran on Friday (March 1) and urged the people to participate in the parliamentary elections as over 15,000 candidates compete for seats in the 290-member parliament.

Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei cast his ballot in Tehran on Friday (March 1) and urged the people to participate in the parliamentary elections as over 15,000 candidates compete for seats in the 290-member parliament. “Pay attention to this, make friends happy and disappoint the evil-wishers,” he reportedly said as he cast his vote at the ballot box. The electoral process of the Islamic Consultative Assembly holds immense importance and is conducted every four years. Iranians partake in selecting politicians for the parliament, while the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, responsible for choosing the supreme leader, undergoes selection every eight years. The parliamentary elections are the first since the 2022 protests sparked by mandatory hijab laws following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. There are uncertainties surrounding the voter turnout for this election after the massive protests which received worldwide condemnation, including from the United States. Also Read | US IRS launches crackdown on 125,000 unfiled high-income tax returns This election also includes selecting new members for Iran's Assembly of Experts. Media reports said that the initial results are anticipated as early as Saturday (March 2). Notably, according to Iran's law, the parliament oversees the executive branch, however, the ultimate authority in Iran rests with its supreme leader, wielding absolute power in practice. Also Read | 'Live long, and prosper': Star Trek may hold the key to effectively communicating with AI chatbots Protests over Mahsa Amini's death Mahsa Amini was allegedly subjected to violence and abuse by the authorities. Her case symbolised the broader discontent with the oppressive enforcement of hijab laws and the treatment of women in Iranian society. Watch | Fresh gang violence erupts in Haiti, gang leaderaims to capture Police Chief & Ministers × Protesters took to the streets in various cities, demanding justice for Mahsa Amini and calling for an end to the mandatory hijab laws. The demonstrations gained momentum through social media and garnered international support, drawing attention to the plight of women in Iran and the need for reform. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran elections underway as over 15,000 candidates vie for seats in 290-member parliament

Iran will hold parliamentary elections on Friday amid widespread discontent over the country’s failing economy, but it’s likely that few voters will turn out at the ballot. Watch in for more details!

Iranians prepare for parliamentary elections on March 1

Iran: 61 million Iranians eligible to vote in polls, Opposition parties call for boycotting polls

Iran set to hold elections against backdrop of economic crisis, Khomenei addresses first-time voters

A report by United Nations Nuclear Watchdog claims that Iran's stock of Uranium enriched to near weapons grade has shrunk and this reduces the threshold at which Iran could produce three nuclear bombs.

Iran slow down enrichment to 7 kg per month, no reason for decrease in stock

The UN nuclear watchdog issued a report on Monday alleging that Iran's stock of uranium has shrunk. The report purportedly said that the stockpile has dwindled below the theoretical threshold at which it could produce three atom bombs.

IAEA: Iran was enriching 9kg Uranium per month

Iran's uranium stock enriched to 60% shrinks but problems persist: IAEA

An interesting study is coming up from Iran, according to the study by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, there has been a significant decline in adherence to religious values.

Government study shows that Iranians now less religious

An interesting study is coming up from Iran, according to the study by Ministry of Culture and Islamic guidance, there has been a significant decline in adherance to religious values.

73% Iranians vote for secular government while 22.5% advocate for religious government, says study

Iranian social media comedian Iraj Maleki to run for parliamentary elections. Maleki was approved by the Guardian Council and is running in Iran's upcoming parliamentary election. Watch to know more!

Iran: Social media comedian Iraj Maleki to run for parliamentary polls

Iraj Maleki was approved by the Guardian Council and is running in Iran's upcoming parliamentary election.

Iranian social media comedian Iraj Maleki  to run for parliamentary elections

<p>Iranian military forces have reportedly claimed to have killed a prominent commander of the Jaish al-Adl militant group, Ismail Shahbakhsh, along with some of his associates, within the territory of Pakistan, as per Iran International English, referencing Iran's state-run media. However,&nbsp;there is no official confirmation from either Iran or Pakistan.</p>

<p>The reported development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Pakistan, marked by reciprocal airstrikes conducted by both nations.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, sources have confirmed to WION that an incident occurred two days ago on the Iranian side involving narcotics dealers and smugglers. This incident took place on the border within Iranian territory.</p>

<p>Jaish al-Adl, established in 2012, is recognised as a "terrorist" entity by Iran. Operating predominantly in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, it is a Sunni extremist organisation, as reported by Al Arabiya News.</p>

<p>The group has a history of launching attacks on Iranian security forces, including a recent assault on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan in December, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 police personnel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-eyes-6bn-imf-loan-programme-to-tackle-debt-burden-report-693033">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan eyes $6bn IMF loan programme to tackle debt burden: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>Diplomatic efforts amidst conflict</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the hostilities, diplomatic efforts were undertaken recently to alleviate tensions. Pakistan and Iran agreed to enhance security cooperation, following a series of mutual airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist elements within each other's territories.</p>

<p>The accord was unveiled during a joint press briefing by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian at the Pakistan Foreign Office.</p>

<p>Jilani stressed on the potential for swift resolution of misunderstandings between the two nations, expressing a commitment to combat terrorism and address mutual concerns.</p>

<p>However, the recent confrontation contradicts the diplomatic overtures. The conflict between Iran and Pakistan intensified after both countries conducted missile strikes targeting purported terrorist units.</p>

<p>Iran launched missile and drone strikes in Pakistan, targeting Jaish al-Adl's bases, leading to casualties, including civilian deaths, as claimed by Islamabad. In response, Pakistan withdrew its ambassador from Iran and barred the return of the Iranian envoy to protest the perceived infringement of its sovereignty.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: PPP Chairman announces coalition government with PML-N</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-ppp-chairman-announces-coalition-government-with-pml-n-692228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Pakistan also retaliated with strikes inside Iran, targeting hideouts used&nbsp;by militant organisations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).</p>

<p>Despite the escalation, efforts were made to de-escalate tensions. Both countries agreed to reinstate their ambassadors and committed to collaborative measures for de-escalation,&nbsp;reported by Geo News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian military forces have reportedly claimed to have killed a prominent commander of the Jaish al-Adl militant group, Ismail Shahbakhsh, along with some of his associates, within the territory of Pakistan, as per Iran International English, referencing Iran's state-run media.

Iranian military forces have reportedly claimed to have killed a prominent commander of the Jaish al-Adl militant group, Ismail Shahbakhsh, along with some of his associates, within the territory of Pakistan, as per Iran International English, referencing Iran's state-run media. However, there is no official confirmation from either Iran or Pakistan. The reported development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Pakistan, marked by reciprocal airstrikes conducted by both nations. Meanwhile, sources have confirmed to WION that an incident occurred two days ago on the Iranian side involving narcotics dealers and smugglers. This incident took place on the border within Iranian territory. Jaish al-Adl, established in 2012, is recognised as a "terrorist" entity by Iran. Operating predominantly in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, it is a Sunni extremist organisation, as reported by Al Arabiya News. The group has a history of launching attacks on Iranian security forces, including a recent assault on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan in December, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 police personnel. Also read | Pakistan eyes $6bn IMF loan programme to tackle debt burden: Report Diplomatic efforts amidst conflict Despite the hostilities, diplomatic efforts were undertaken recently to alleviate tensions. Pakistan and Iran agreed to enhance security cooperation, following a series of mutual airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist elements within each other's territories. The accord was unveiled during a joint press briefing by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian at the Pakistan Foreign Office. Jilani stressed on the potential for swift resolution of misunderstandings between the two nations, expressing a commitment to combat terrorism and address mutual concerns. However, the recent confrontation contradicts the diplomatic overtures. The conflict between Iran and Pakistan intensified after both countries conducted missile strikes targeting purported terrorist units. Iran launched missile and drone strikes in Pakistan, targeting Jaish al-Adl's bases, leading to casualties, including civilian deaths, as claimed by Islamabad. In response, Pakistan withdrew its ambassador from Iran and barred the return of the Iranian envoy to protest the perceived infringement of its sovereignty. Also watch | Pakistan: PPP Chairman announces coalition government with PML-N Pakistan also retaliated with strikes inside Iran, targeting hideouts used by militant organisations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). Despite the escalation, efforts were made to de-escalate tensions. Both countries agreed to reinstate their ambassadors and committed to collaborative measures for de-escalation, reported by Geo News. (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian forces kill Jaish al-Adl operatives deep inside Pakistani territory, says report

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