After Iran's uranium enrichment report, concerns have grown in the U.S. about Tehran's advancement of nuclear program.

The West Asia Post: U.S. Sounds alarm over Iran's uranium enrichment

The International Atomic Energy Agency is holding talks with Iranian officials regarding investigations into the traces of uranium particles that were found at certain undeclared sites. Now, what is being said is that the IAEA claims that these nuclear particles were weapons grade but the head of the IAEA Rafael Grossi has said that there needs to be a joint cooperation with Iran to bring about credible assurances on the nuclear program.

IAEA: We need joint cooperation with Iran for nuclear programme

Iran said it has discovered huge deposits of Lithium, a key component for batteries of electric vehicles and modern electronic devices, state media of the Islamic Republic reported.

"For the first time in Iran, a lithium reserve has been discovered in Hamedan," Iran's state television quoted Mohammad Hadi, a ministry of industry official, while referring to the discovery of the rare element in the west of the country.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-what-does-the-discovery-of-lithium-in-jk-mean-for-india-561632">Explained: What does the discovery of lithium in J&amp;K mean for India?</a>

The development comes less than a month after a similar discovery was reported in India's Jammu and Kashmir, boosting electric mobility potential of the world's fifth largest economy.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran Lithium reserve discovery: How much is it?</h2>

The&nbsp;reserve is believed to hold "8.5 million tonnes" of lithium, according to the director-general of the ministry's operating department cited by news agency AFP.

According to a United States Geological Survey (USGS) report published in 2022, a total of 89 million tons of lithium have been identified worldwide. Australia, Chile, Argentina and China are the main producers.

<h2>Iran Lithium discovery: Why is it significant?</h2>

Lithium is an essential element for the manufacturing of batteries of electric vehicles. Given the scale of the threat posed by Climate Change, it crucially allows the functioning of the cars without the emission of Carbon dioxide. It is also dubbed as the "oil of the 21st century".

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: New Lithium reserve in J&amp;K | What does it mean for India?

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This white metal is also an essential component of rechargeable batteries used in cell phones and other electronic devices.

The discovery of Lithium adds to a plethora of reserves of natural resources that Iran hosts, such as gas, oil, copper and iron. Tehran's economy is particularly battered by United States-led international sanctions against its reported&nbsp;nuclear proliferation activities.

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Iran said it has discovered huge deposits of Lithium, a key component for batteries of electric vehicles and modern electronic devices, state media of the Islamic Republic reported.

Iran said it has discovered huge deposits of Lithium, a key component for batteries of electric vehicles and modern electronic devices, state media of the Islamic Republic reported. "For the first time in Iran, a lithium reserve has been discovered in Hamedan," Iran's state television quoted Mohammad Hadi, a ministry of industry official, while referring to the discovery of the rare element in the west of the country. ALSO READ | Explained: What does the discovery of lithium in J&K mean for India? The development comes less than a month after a similar discovery was reported in India's Jammu and Kashmir, boosting electric mobility potential of the world's fifth largest economy. Iran Lithium reserve discovery: How much is it? The reserve is believed to hold "8.5 million tonnes" of lithium, according to the director-general of the ministry's operating department cited by news agency AFP. According to a United States Geological Survey (USGS) report published in 2022, a total of 89 million tons of lithium have been identified worldwide. Australia, Chile, Argentina and China are the main producers. Iran Lithium discovery: Why is it significant? Lithium is an essential element for the manufacturing of batteries of electric vehicles. Given the scale of the threat posed by Climate Change, it crucially allows the functioning of the cars without the emission of Carbon dioxide. It is also dubbed as the "oil of the 21st century". ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: New Lithium reserve in J&K | What does it mean for India? × This white metal is also an essential component of rechargeable batteries used in cell phones and other electronic devices. The discovery of Lithium adds to a plethora of reserves of natural resources that Iran hosts, such as gas, oil, copper and iron. Tehran's economy is particularly battered by United States-led international sanctions against its reported nuclear proliferation activities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran says it has discovered huge deposits of Lithium critical for electric mobility

Dozens of schoolgirls across five provinces of Iran — Hamedan, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan, Fars and Alborz — were hospitalised on Saturday (March 4) for poisoning. According to local media, the schoolgirls were transferred to local hospitals for treatment and they are in generally good condition. Iran has been seeing a series of poisoning attacks which come over five months into nationwide protests following the death in custody of 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for incorrectly wearing her hijab.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-schoolgirls-being-deliberately-poisoned-claims-senior-minister-heres-why-566280">Iran schoolgirls being deliberately poisoned, claims senior minister. Here's why</a>

On Wednesday, at least 10 girls' schools were targetted with poisoning attacks&nbsp;— seven in Ardabil and three in the capital city of Tehran, the reports said.&nbsp;

Ardabil forced the hospitalisation of 108 students, all of whom were in stable condition. According to a report by Fars, parents said that students at one high school in Tehran's western neighbourhood of Tehransar had been exposed to a toxic spray. But there are no more details available on this yet.&nbsp;

On Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that he asked the ministers of intelligence and interior to follow up on poisoning cases, dubbing them the enemy's conspiracy to create fear and despair in the people.&nbsp;

This comes after the country's Deputy Health Minister Younes Panahi said the poisonings were aimed at shutting down education for girls, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Naseer Kanani said that an investigation into the poisonings was one of the immediate priorities of the government, to alleviate the concerns of the families and to hold perpetrators accountable. &nbsp;

Hundreds of cases of respiratory distress have been reported over the last three months among schoolgirls mainly in Qom, south of Tehran, with some needing hospitalisation. The poisonings have provoked a wave of anger across Iran, with critics denouncing official silence in the face of the growing number of schools reportedly being targeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Dozens of schoolgirls across five provinces of Iran — Hamedan, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan, Fars and Alborz — were hospitalised on Saturday (March 4) for poisoning. According to local media, the schoolgirls were transferred to local hospitals for treatment and they are in generally good condition.

Dozens of schoolgirls across five provinces of Iran — Hamedan, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan, Fars and Alborz — were hospitalised on Saturday (March 4) for poisoning. According to local media, the schoolgirls were transferred to local hospitals for treatment and they are in generally good condition. Iran has been seeing a series of poisoning attacks which come over five months into nationwide protests following the death in custody of 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for incorrectly wearing her hijab. ALSO READ | Iran schoolgirls being deliberately poisoned, claims senior minister. Here's why On Wednesday, at least 10 girls' schools were targetted with poisoning attacks — seven in Ardabil and three in the capital city of Tehran, the reports said. Ardabil forced the hospitalisation of 108 students, all of whom were in stable condition. According to a report by Fars, parents said that students at one high school in Tehran's western neighbourhood of Tehransar had been exposed to a toxic spray. But there are no more details available on this yet. On Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that he asked the ministers of intelligence and interior to follow up on poisoning cases, dubbing them the enemy's conspiracy to create fear and despair in the people. This comes after the country's Deputy Health Minister Younes Panahi said the poisonings were aimed at shutting down education for girls, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Naseer Kanani said that an investigation into the poisonings was one of the immediate priorities of the government, to alleviate the concerns of the families and to hold perpetrators accountable. Hundreds of cases of respiratory distress have been reported over the last three months among schoolgirls mainly in Qom, south of Tehran, with some needing hospitalisation. The poisonings have provoked a wave of anger across Iran, with critics denouncing official silence in the face of the growing number of schools reportedly being targeted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran: Schoolgirls across five provinces hospitalised in new wave of poisoning attacks

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: UN Nuclear watchdog chief in Iran

The British Navy has seized anti-tank missiles and fins for ballistic missile assemblies during a raid on a small boat most likely heading from Iran to Yemen. The Iranian media has not immediately acknowledged the seizure.&nbsp;

According to the British defence ministry, the raid took place on February 23 after an American aircraft detected a small motorboat with cargo covered by a grey taro heading from Iran, with a helicopter from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster chasing the vessel as it ignored being hailed by video, the news agency AP reported on Thursday (March 2).&nbsp;

Inside the motorboat, British troops found Russian 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, the US Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet and the British Navy said. The boat also had small fins which the US Navy identified as jet vanes for medium-range ballistic missiles, and impact sensor covers which go on the tip of those missiles.&nbsp;

While the British did not identify where they suspected the weapons to go, the US Navy described the seizure as happening “along a route historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to Yemen.”

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the seizure supported the country's "commitment to uphold international law and tackle an activity that threatens peace and security around the world.” On the other hand, the commander of the American 5th Fleet Vice Admiral Cooper said in a statement that this was the “seventh illegal weapon or drug interdiction in the last three months and yet another example of Iran’s increasing malign maritime activity across the region.”

A resolution from the United Nations bans arms transfer to Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Iran for long has denied arming the rebels, despite numerous seizures and experts tying the weapons back to Tehran, the AP report added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The British Navy has seized anti-tank missiles and fins for ballistic missile assemblies during a raid on a small boat most likely heading from Iran to Yemen. The Iranian media has not immediately acknowledged the seizure.

The British Navy has seized anti-tank missiles and fins for ballistic missile assemblies during a raid on a small boat most likely heading from Iran to Yemen. The Iranian media has not immediately acknowledged the seizure. According to the British defence ministry, the raid took place on February 23 after an American aircraft detected a small motorboat with cargo covered by a grey taro heading from Iran, with a helicopter from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster chasing the vessel as it ignored being hailed by video, the news agency AP reported on Thursday (March 2). Inside the motorboat, British troops found Russian 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, the US Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet and the British Navy said. The boat also had small fins which the US Navy identified as jet vanes for medium-range ballistic missiles, and impact sensor covers which go on the tip of those missiles. While the British did not identify where they suspected the weapons to go, the US Navy described the seizure as happening “along a route historically used to traffic weapons unlawfully to Yemen.” British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the seizure supported the country's "commitment to uphold international law and tackle an activity that threatens peace and security around the world.” On the other hand, the commander of the American 5th Fleet Vice Admiral Cooper said in a statement that this was the “seventh illegal weapon or drug interdiction in the last three months and yet another example of Iran’s increasing malign maritime activity across the region.” A resolution from the United Nations bans arms transfer to Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Iran for long has denied arming the rebels, despite numerous seizures and experts tying the weapons back to Tehran, the AP report added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

British Navy seizes boat caught ferrying Iranian missiles on arms trafficking route to Yemen

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Iranian capital Tehran on Friday (March 3) for discussions with officials. Visit by the UN nuclear watchdog chief comes after discovery of uranium particles in Iran just under weapons-grade level. The Vienna-based international organisation is seeking to get Iranian co-operation over its nuclear activities.

Grossi was greeted at the airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and is due to meet its head, Mohammad Eslami, as well as other Iranian officials during his two-day visit.

AFP reported that a confidential IAEA report has said that uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent have been detected at Iran's underground Fordo plant. A 90 per cent enrichment is required to make an atomic bomb. The plant is just 100 kilometres south of Tehran.

Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons, and last week said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60 percent purity, noting that "unintended fluctuations... may have occurred" during the enrichment process.

The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA.

The IAEA tweeted on Thursday that Grossi would "travel to Tehran for high-level meetings at the invitation of Iran's government".

A diplomatic source told AFP that Grossi would also meet President Ebrahim Raisi to "relaunch the dialogue" on Iran's atomic work and to "reset the relationship at the highest level".

During the visit, the IAEA director general will try to find out more and obtain "strengthened access to the (Fordo) site and an increase in the number of inspections", the sources added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Iranian capital Tehran on Friday (March 3) for discussions with officials. Visit by the UN nuclear watchdog chief comes after discovery of uranium particles in Iran just under weapons-grade level.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Iranian capital Tehran on Friday (March 3) for discussions with officials. Visit by the UN nuclear watchdog chief comes after discovery of uranium particles in Iran just under weapons-grade level. The Vienna-based international organisation is seeking to get Iranian co-operation over its nuclear activities. Grossi was greeted at the airport by Behrouz Kamalvandi, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and is due to meet its head, Mohammad Eslami, as well as other Iranian officials during his two-day visit. AFP reported that a confidential IAEA report has said that uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent have been detected at Iran's underground Fordo plant. A 90 per cent enrichment is required to make an atomic bomb. The plant is just 100 kilometres south of Tehran. Tehran denies wanting to acquire atomic weapons, and last week said it had not made any attempt to enrich uranium beyond 60 percent purity, noting that "unintended fluctuations... may have occurred" during the enrichment process. The discovery came after Iran had substantially modified an interconnection between two centrifuge clusters enriching uranium, without declaring it to the IAEA. The IAEA tweeted on Thursday that Grossi would "travel to Tehran for high-level meetings at the invitation of Iran's government". A diplomatic source told AFP that Grossi would also meet President Ebrahim Raisi to "relaunch the dialogue" on Iran's atomic work and to "reset the relationship at the highest level". During the visit, the IAEA director general will try to find out more and obtain "strengthened access to the (Fordo) site and an increase in the number of inspections", the sources added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

IAEA chief reaches Iran after discovery of near weapons-grade uranium

Iran is one of the most populous countries in West Asia. There are 100 females for every 101.89 males. Women are seen as second class citizens in this country.

Women in Iran seen as second class citizens?

Gravitas Global Headlines | Iran: Schoolgirls being 'poisoned'

There are protests outside schools in Tehran. People are protesting against their supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the reports of 'Poisoning' in multiple girls school.

Parents protest against supreme leader in Iran over reports of 'Poisoning'

The United Nations nuclear watchdog discovered uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in the underground Fordo nuclear site of Iran, The Associated Press reported.

International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential quarterly report distributed to member states is likely to escalate tensions between the West and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme.

The report comes at a time when Tehran is dealing with internal unrest after months of protests and anger from Western countries over providing bomb-carrying drones to Russia in the war against Ukraine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-for-no-use-of-nuclear-weapons-in-russia-ukraine-war-565298">China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war</a>

The IAEA report only mentions the “particles”, suggesting that no stockpile of uranium enriched above 69 per cent is being built by Iran – the level which is being enriched by it for some time.

According to the IAEA report, on January 21, the inspectors discovered that two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordo facility in Iran were configured in a way “substantially different” to what was declared previously.

The following day, samples were taken by the IAEA, which showed up to 83.7 per cent purity in particles, stated the report.

“Iran informed the agency that ‘unintended fluctuations’ in enrichment levels may have occurred during the transition period. Discussions between the agency and Iran to clarify the matter are ongoing,” the IAEA report stated.

The IAEA report also added that the agency would “further increase the frequency and intensity of agency verification activities” at Fordo after the uranium's discovery.

WATCH | Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterates nuclear threat

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Speaking to the AP, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that IAEA official Massimo Aparo visited the Islamic Republic last week “and checked the alleged enrichment rate”.

“Based on Iran’s assessment, the alleged enrichment percentage between Iran and the IAEA is resolved. Due to the IAEA report being prepared before his trip, his trip’s results aren’t in it and hopefully the IAEA director-general will mention it in his oral report to the board of governors in March,” the mission stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations nuclear watchdog discovered uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in the underground Fordo nuclear site of Iran, The Associated Press reported.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog discovered uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in the underground Fordo nuclear site of Iran, The Associated Press reported. International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential quarterly report distributed to member states is likely to escalate tensions between the West and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. The report comes at a time when Tehran is dealing with internal unrest after months of protests and anger from Western countries over providing bomb-carrying drones to Russia in the war against Ukraine. ALSO READ | China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war The IAEA report only mentions the “particles”, suggesting that no stockpile of uranium enriched above 69 per cent is being built by Iran – the level which is being enriched by it for some time. According to the IAEA report, on January 21, the inspectors discovered that two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordo facility in Iran were configured in a way “substantially different” to what was declared previously. The following day, samples were taken by the IAEA, which showed up to 83.7 per cent purity in particles, stated the report. “Iran informed the agency that ‘unintended fluctuations’ in enrichment levels may have occurred during the transition period. Discussions between the agency and Iran to clarify the matter are ongoing,” the IAEA report stated. The IAEA report also added that the agency would “further increase the frequency and intensity of agency verification activities” at Fordo after the uranium's discovery. WATCH | Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterates nuclear threat Speaking to the AP, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that IAEA official Massimo Aparo visited the Islamic Republic last week “and checked the alleged enrichment rate”. “Based on Iran’s assessment, the alleged enrichment percentage between Iran and the IAEA is resolved. Due to the IAEA report being prepared before his trip, his trip’s results aren’t in it and hopefully the IAEA director-general will mention it in his oral report to the board of governors in March,” the mission stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UN discovers uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in Iran

Iran could make enough fissile for one nuclear bomb in "about 12 days," a top U.S. Defense Department official said on Tuesday, down from the estimated one year it would have taken while the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was in effect.

U.S. official : Iran can make N-bomb in 12 days

Hundreds of Iranian schoolgirls complained of respiratory distress in what has emerged as another episode of "mysterious poisoning" in Iran. The&nbsp;mysterious poisoning, suspected to be a case of a pre-mediated poisoning, has been reported in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran. Many schoolgirls needed hospitalisation, local media reported.

Last week, a government official cited by local media, claimed that the attacks were suspected to be a deliberate attempt to force the closure of girls' schools.

"Today (Tuesday) at noon, a number of students were poisoned at the Khayyam Girls' School in the city of Pardis, Tehran province," Tasnim news agency reported.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Iran: Girls 'poisoned' to stop them from going to school

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The report said that 35 girls were taken to hospital so far. It added that hundreds of cases of poisoning have been reported in at least two other Iranian cities since November last year.

On Sunday, students at a girls' school in Borujerd were rushed to hospital after a poisoning incident, the fourth in the western city within the past week.

<h2>Iran schoolgirl 'poisonings' and Mahsa al-Amini protests</h2>

The poisonings targeting schoolgirls came over five months into protests that rocked the Islamic Republic after custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa al-Amini,&nbsp;following her arrest for an alleged violation of the country's strict dress code for women. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands have been arrested in connection to the protests. Officially, the state of Iran describes the protests as "riots".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-schoolgirls-being-deliberately-poisoned-claims-senior-minister-heres-why-566280">Iran schoolgirls being deliberately poisoned, claims senior minister. Here's why</a>

In Tehran, a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday admitted that the country was&nbsp;"dealing with student poisonings".

The suspected poisonings were being investigated, Iran's police chief told Tasnim news agency on Tuesday.

"Our priority is to find the origin of this case, and until then we will not judge whether it was intentional or not," it quoted &nbsp;Ahmad-Reza Radan as saying.

"We have not yet arrested anyone in this case and we are identifying possible suspects," the police chief added.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran's deputy health minister Younes Panahi said that some people had been poisoned at a girls' school in Qom, in a bid to shut down education for girls.

"After the poisoning of several students in Qom schools, it was found that some people wanted all schools, especially girls' schools, to be closed," a state news agency&nbsp;quoted him as saying at the time.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hundreds of Iranian schoolgirls complained of respiratory distress in what has emerged as another episode of "mysterious poisoning" in Iran. The mysterious poisoning, suspected to be a case of a pre-mediated poisoning, has been reported in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran.

Hundreds of Iranian schoolgirls complained of respiratory distress in what has emerged as another episode of "mysterious poisoning" in Iran. The mysterious poisoning, suspected to be a case of a pre-mediated poisoning, has been reported in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran. Many schoolgirls needed hospitalisation, local media reported. Last week, a government official cited by local media, claimed that the attacks were suspected to be a deliberate attempt to force the closure of girls' schools. "Today (Tuesday) at noon, a number of students were poisoned at the Khayyam Girls' School in the city of Pardis, Tehran province," Tasnim news agency reported. ALSO WATCH | Iran: Girls 'poisoned' to stop them from going to school × The report said that 35 girls were taken to hospital so far. It added that hundreds of cases of poisoning have been reported in at least two other Iranian cities since November last year. On Sunday, students at a girls' school in Borujerd were rushed to hospital after a poisoning incident, the fourth in the western city within the past week. Iran schoolgirl 'poisonings' and Mahsa al-Amini protests The poisonings targeting schoolgirls came over five months into protests that rocked the Islamic Republic after custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa al-Amini, following her arrest for an alleged violation of the country's strict dress code for women. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands have been arrested in connection to the protests. Officially, the state of Iran describes the protests as "riots". ALSO READ | Iran schoolgirls being deliberately poisoned, claims senior minister. Here's why In Tehran, a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday admitted that the country was "dealing with student poisonings". The suspected poisonings were being investigated, Iran's police chief told Tasnim news agency on Tuesday. "Our priority is to find the origin of this case, and until then we will not judge whether it was intentional or not," it quoted Ahmad-Reza Radan as saying. "We have not yet arrested anyone in this case and we are identifying possible suspects," the police chief added. Earlier on Sunday, Iran's deputy health minister Younes Panahi said that some people had been poisoned at a girls' school in Qom, in a bid to shut down education for girls. "After the poisoning of several students in Qom schools, it was found that some people wanted all schools, especially girls' schools, to be closed," a state news agency quoted him as saying at the time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Young girls 'poisoned' in Iran in a spate of attacks to force closure of schools

The deputy health minister of Ian has said that schoolgirls are being poisoned in the country. Why is this happening? Who is behind the poisonings? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Iranian schoolgirls 'poisoned'

Iran’s rare Asiatic Cheetah cub died on Tuesday due to kidney failure. It was one of the last survivors of three endangered Asiatic cheetah cubs who were born in captivity in Iran. The state media reported that the cub died at the Central Veterinary Hospital. The 10-month-old cheetah cub, named Pirouz was admitted to the hospital last Thursday and was undergoing dialysis.&nbsp;

“The loss of Pirouz and ineffectiveness of all the efforts made by the treatment team in the past few days to save the animal saddens me and all my colleagues, and we apologize to everyone that we could not keep this animal alive,” the hospital director Omid Moradi told IRNA.

Pirouz and his littermates were the first Asiatic cheetahs born in captivity in Iran. They were born in the Touran wildlife refuge in Semnan province under close monitoring by Iran’s environmental agency.

Pirouz is a Persian name, which means “victorious”. Pirouz had become a source of national pride since its birth in May last year at a wildlife refuge in northeastern Iran. The two other cubs that were born with him the same month died at a time when only a dozen members of the species were left in the wild.&nbsp;

<h2>Cheetah: Endangered species</h2>

According to the data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Asiatic cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, is threatened with “dangerous ongoing decline”.Cheetahs have faced extinction at least two times in the past after their populations were reduced, leading to inbreeding. Once again, cheetahs face extinction in the current times due to poor farming and their own poor ability to live in natural reserves.&nbsp;

According to a 2017 study referenced by IUCN, the sub-species is confined only to Iran where there were “less than 50 mature individuals.”

The world’s fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of 120 kilometres (74 miles) per hour, cheetahs once stalked habitats from the eastern reaches of India to the Atlantic coast of Senegal. They are still found in parts of southern Africa but have practically disappeared from North Africa and Asia.

Iran began a United Nations-supported cheetah protection program in 2001. In January 2022, deputy environment minister Hassan Akbari said Iran was home to only a dozen Asiatic cheetahs, down from an estimated 100 in 2010. Iran’s environment department had hoped the birth of the cubs in captivity would help increase the cheetah population.

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Iran’s rare Asiatic Cheetah cub died on Tuesday due to kidney failure. It was one of the last survivors of three endangered Asiatic cheetah cubs who were born in captivity in Iran.

Iran’s rare Asiatic Cheetah cub died on Tuesday due to kidney failure. It was one of the last survivors of three endangered Asiatic cheetah cubs who were born in captivity in Iran. The state media reported that the cub died at the Central Veterinary Hospital. The 10-month-old cheetah cub, named Pirouz was admitted to the hospital last Thursday and was undergoing dialysis. “The loss of Pirouz and ineffectiveness of all the efforts made by the treatment team in the past few days to save the animal saddens me and all my colleagues, and we apologize to everyone that we could not keep this animal alive,” the hospital director Omid Moradi told IRNA. Pirouz and his littermates were the first Asiatic cheetahs born in captivity in Iran. They were born in the Touran wildlife refuge in Semnan province under close monitoring by Iran’s environmental agency. Pirouz is a Persian name, which means “victorious”. Pirouz had become a source of national pride since its birth in May last year at a wildlife refuge in northeastern Iran. The two other cubs that were born with him the same month died at a time when only a dozen members of the species were left in the wild. Cheetah: Endangered species According to the data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Asiatic cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, is threatened with “dangerous ongoing decline”.Cheetahs have faced extinction at least two times in the past after their populations were reduced, leading to inbreeding. Once again, cheetahs face extinction in the current times due to poor farming and their own poor ability to live in natural reserves. According to a 2017 study referenced by IUCN, the sub-species is confined only to Iran where there were “less than 50 mature individuals.” The world’s fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of 120 kilometres (74 miles) per hour, cheetahs once stalked habitats from the eastern reaches of India to the Atlantic coast of Senegal. They are still found in parts of southern Africa but have practically disappeared from North Africa and Asia. Iran began a United Nations-supported cheetah protection program in 2001. In January 2022, deputy environment minister Hassan Akbari said Iran was home to only a dozen Asiatic cheetahs, down from an estimated 100 in 2010. Iran’s environment department had hoped the birth of the cubs in captivity would help increase the cheetah population. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran's rare Asiatic cheetah cub, Pirouz dies due to kidney failure

Younes Panahi, Iran's deputy health minister, told reporters that “certain individuals sought the closure of all schools, especially girls' schools” and had deliberately poisoned pupils with “chemical compounds”, the Fars news agency reported.

Iran: Girls 'poisoned' to stop them from going to school

A senior Iranian minister has claimed that schoolgirls in the country are being deliberately poisoned. Here's why.

Schoolgirls in Iran are being deliberately poisoned, says Iran minister

Iran has released a Spanish woman named Ana Baneira who had been in detention since November, last year after she was arrested during the nationwide anti-government protests, said the Spanish foreign ministry, on Sunday (February 26). The 24-year-old was released on Saturday and is on her way to Spain. Meanwhile, another Spanish citizen, Santiago Sanchez Cogedor is also currently in Iranian custody after he decided to walk to the World Cup in Qatar but was detained last year in October.&nbsp;

“She was freed yesterday but we didn't want to announce it publicly before her plane had taken off from Iran”, said the Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters, on Sunday. He went on to assure that the 24-year-old “is well” and on her way home to Galicia, in northwestern Spain.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-two-executed-for-killing-security-personnel-during-anti-hijab-protests-550248">Iran: Two executed for killing security official during anti-hijab protests</a>

At the time of her arrest, Baneira was 24 years old, said the United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The rights group worker took part in nationwide protests which followed the death of Mahsa Amini after she was detained by authorities for her alleged breach of the dress code. The 22-year-old had passed away in a hospital three days later and her death sparked outrage.&nbsp;

Notably, neither her arrest nor her release has been confirmed by the Iranian authorities. Baneira's family said that they are delighted that she is finally free after weeks of waiting and urged the media to give them privacy, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-irans-anti-hijab-protests-cross-the-100-days-mark-lets-take-a-look-at-some-of-the-key-moments-546653">As Iran's anti-hijab protests cross the 100 days mark, let's take a look at some of the key moments</a>

Another Spanish citizen, a 41-year-old who is said to be a football fan and decided to walk to the World Cup in Qatar was arrested on October 2 and has since been detained and accused of espionage. The Spanish foreign minister also spoke about the case and said he would not stop trying to secure Cogedor’s release.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Iran has released a Spanish woman named Ana Baneira who had been in detention since November, last year after she was arrested during the nationwide anti-government protests, said the Spanish foreign ministry, on Sunday (February 26).

Iran has released a Spanish woman named Ana Baneira who had been in detention since November, last year after she was arrested during the nationwide anti-government protests, said the Spanish foreign ministry, on Sunday (February 26). The 24-year-old was released on Saturday and is on her way to Spain. Meanwhile, another Spanish citizen, Santiago Sanchez Cogedor is also currently in Iranian custody after he decided to walk to the World Cup in Qatar but was detained last year in October. “She was freed yesterday but we didn't want to announce it publicly before her plane had taken off from Iran”, said the Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters, on Sunday. He went on to assure that the 24-year-old “is well” and on her way home to Galicia, in northwestern Spain. ALSO READ | Iran: Two executed for killing security official during anti-hijab protests At the time of her arrest, Baneira was 24 years old, said the United States-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The rights group worker took part in nationwide protests which followed the death of Mahsa Amini after she was detained by authorities for her alleged breach of the dress code. The 22-year-old had passed away in a hospital three days later and her death sparked outrage. Notably, neither her arrest nor her release has been confirmed by the Iranian authorities. Baneira's family said that they are delighted that she is finally free after weeks of waiting and urged the media to give them privacy, reported AFP. ALSO READ | As Iran's anti-hijab protests cross the 100 days mark, let's take a look at some of the key moments Another Spanish citizen, a 41-year-old who is said to be a football fan and decided to walk to the World Cup in Qatar was arrested on October 2 and has since been detained and accused of espionage. The Spanish foreign minister also spoke about the case and said he would not stop trying to secure Cogedor’s release. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran releases Spanish woman detained three months ago during nationwide anti-hijab protests

The Iranian currency, the rial, hit a new record low against the United States dollar, on Sunday (February 26) with nearly 600,000 rials to the dollar on the unofficial market. This comes as the country is reportedly in the midst of witnessing anti-government protests and for the first time is facing the impact of the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal. Furthermore, reports have also attributed this drop to the country’s increasing international isolation over its human rights violations and reportedly supplying drones to Russia.&nbsp;

On the unofficial market, a US dollar was worth as much as 601,500 rials when compared to the day prior when it was able to fetch at least 575,000, as per Reuters. The dire economic conditions have forced Iranians to form long lines outside exchange offices in recent days hoping to receive increasingly scarce dollars as the local currency has deteriorated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-close-on-restoration-of-bilateral-ties-after-latest-talks-552401">Iran-Saudi Arabia close on restoration of bilateral ties after latest talks</a>

According to Tehran’s statistics centre, inflation soared to 53.4 per cent in January which is up from 41.4 per cent in 2021. Amid the rise in prices and economic hardship, Iranians have turned to the US dollar or gold to protect their savings. Additionally, in a bid to calm the market and ease demand for the US currency, on Saturday, the central bank also lifted a ban on private exchange shops selling hard currencies in Iran.&nbsp;

To put this amount into perspective, the Iranian rial was trading at 32,000 rials to the dollar when the 2015 nuclear accord was signed, reported the Associated Press, which had eased the sanctions on Tehran for limiting its nuclear activities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-has-developed-long-range-cruise-missile-565701">Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West</a>

However, when former US President Donald Trump had withdrawn from the agreement and the sanctions on Iran were restored it affected the country’s economy. The move has since led to an increase in Iran’s production of Uranium, as per the United Nations nuclear watchdog.&nbsp;

Iran’s economic conditions have also contributed to widespread anger among its citizens, as per reports, while the country’s officials have blamed it on “the enemies’ plot” to destabilise the Islamic Republic. The claim was made in the context of the months of nationwide protests after the death of&nbsp;Mahsa Amini after she was detained by authorities for her alleged breach of the dress code.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-second-protester-in-less-than-a-week-rights-group-claim-450-killed-in-protests-542169">Iran executes second protester in less than a week; rights group claims 450 killed in protests</a>

According to reports, protests have continued in parts of Iran despite the government’s harsh crackdown. Meanwhile, Tehran has also recently faced pressure from the West after accusations of supplying drones to Russia for using it amid its conflict with Ukraine, a claim that Iran has denied.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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The Iranian currency, the rial, hit a new record low against the United States dollar, on Sunday (February 26) with nearly 600,000 rials to the dollar on the unofficial market.

The Iranian currency, the rial, hit a new record low against the United States dollar, on Sunday (February 26) with nearly 600,000 rials to the dollar on the unofficial market. This comes as the country is reportedly in the midst of witnessing anti-government protests and for the first time is facing the impact of the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal. Furthermore, reports have also attributed this drop to the country’s increasing international isolation over its human rights violations and reportedly supplying drones to Russia. On the unofficial market, a US dollar was worth as much as 601,500 rials when compared to the day prior when it was able to fetch at least 575,000, as per Reuters. The dire economic conditions have forced Iranians to form long lines outside exchange offices in recent days hoping to receive increasingly scarce dollars as the local currency has deteriorated. ALSO READ | Iran-Saudi Arabia close on restoration of bilateral ties after latest talks According to Tehran’s statistics centre, inflation soared to 53.4 per cent in January which is up from 41.4 per cent in 2021. Amid the rise in prices and economic hardship, Iranians have turned to the US dollar or gold to protect their savings. Additionally, in a bid to calm the market and ease demand for the US currency, on Saturday, the central bank also lifted a ban on private exchange shops selling hard currencies in Iran. To put this amount into perspective, the Iranian rial was trading at 32,000 rials to the dollar when the 2015 nuclear accord was signed, reported the Associated Press, which had eased the sanctions on Tehran for limiting its nuclear activities. ALSO READ | Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West However, when former US President Donald Trump had withdrawn from the agreement and the sanctions on Iran were restored it affected the country’s economy. The move has since led to an increase in Iran’s production of Uranium, as per the United Nations nuclear watchdog. Iran’s economic conditions have also contributed to widespread anger among its citizens, as per reports, while the country’s officials have blamed it on “the enemies’ plot” to destabilise the Islamic Republic. The claim was made in the context of the months of nationwide protests after the death of Mahsa Amini after she was detained by authorities for her alleged breach of the dress code. ALSO READ | Iran executes second protester in less than a week; rights group claims 450 killed in protests According to reports, protests have continued in parts of Iran despite the government’s harsh crackdown. Meanwhile, Tehran has also recently faced pressure from the West after accusations of supplying drones to Russia for using it amid its conflict with Ukraine, a claim that Iran has denied. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian rial plunges to record low amid anti-government protests, international isolation

The White House announced on Friday that Russia is considering supplying fighter jets to Iran as part of an expanded military partnership that has seen Tehran deliver increasing numbers of weapons to Moscow for use in the invasion of Ukraine.

Iran seeking billion dollar military support, claims U.S.

A senior Iranian general said on Friday that Tehran has developed a cruise missile with a range of 1,650km as he unveiled the missile, which could potentially reach Israel.&nbsp;

In an interview with state television, he also reiterated Iran's desire to kill former United States president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Amirali Hajizadeh, who is the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps aerospace force, said: Our cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km has been added to the missile arsenal of the Islamic Republic of Iran."&nbsp;

He also said that this is the first footage of the missile that has been televised. He said that it has been called the "Paveh" cruise missile, which is in honour of Kurdistan's martyrs. Hajizadeh gave no further details of the missile apart from the range.&nbsp;

In the television broadcast, the missile launch was seen, which then flew low over terrain before hitting a target.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: WION reports from Kherson, Dnieper river still not safe to visit&nbsp;

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While mentioning the Ayn al Asad airbase attack in January 2020, Hajizadeh said that "some say there were too few or too many kills [during the attack]."&nbsp;

He said, "We could've killed 1000 of them [American soldiers] that night if we wanted to, but they were just a bunch of poor soldiers who we weren't looking to kill."&nbsp;

"God willing, we are looking to kill Trump, Pompeo, or [General Kenneth F] McKenzie, the military generals who ordered this [the assassination of Soleimani]," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A senior Iranian general said on Friday that Tehran has developed a cruise missile with a range of 1,650km as he unveiled the missile, which could potentially reach Israel.

A senior Iranian general said on Friday that Tehran has developed a cruise missile with a range of 1,650km as he unveiled the missile, which could potentially reach Israel. In an interview with state television, he also reiterated Iran's desire to kill former United States president Donald Trump. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Amirali Hajizadeh, who is the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps aerospace force, said: Our cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km has been added to the missile arsenal of the Islamic Republic of Iran." He also said that this is the first footage of the missile that has been televised. He said that it has been called the "Paveh" cruise missile, which is in honour of Kurdistan's martyrs. Hajizadeh gave no further details of the missile apart from the range. In the television broadcast, the missile launch was seen, which then flew low over terrain before hitting a target. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: WION reports from Kherson, Dnieper river still not safe to visit × While mentioning the Ayn al Asad airbase attack in January 2020, Hajizadeh said that "some say there were too few or too many kills [during the attack]." He said, "We could've killed 1000 of them [American soldiers] that night if we wanted to, but they were just a bunch of poor soldiers who we weren't looking to kill." "God willing, we are looking to kill Trump, Pompeo, or [General Kenneth F] McKenzie, the military generals who ordered this [the assassination of Soleimani]," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran unveils new 'Paveh' cruise missile that can reach Israel

Iran has developed a cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km (1,025 miles), a top Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday, in a move likely to raise Western concerns after Russia's use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war.

Separately, Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace force, also spoke of Iran's often repeated threat to avenge the US&nbsp;killing of a top Iranian commander, saying, "We are looking to kill (former US&nbsp;President Donald) Trump."

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Iranian foundation praises Salman Rushdie's attacker, gives 1,000 square metres land

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"Our cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km has been added to the missile arsenal of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Hajizadeh, told state TV.

The television broadcast what it said was the first footage showing the new Paveh cruise missile.

Hajizadeh said Iran did not intend to kill "poor soldiers" when it launched a ballistic missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq days after Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US&nbsp;drone strike in Baghdad in 2020.

"God willing, we are looking to kill Trump. (Former Secretary of State Mike) Pompeo...and military commanders who issued the order (to kill Soleimani) should be killed," Hajizadeh said in the television interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-german-sentenced-to-death-by-tehran-court-berlin-condemns-it-564452">Also read |&nbsp;Iranian-German sentenced to death by Tehran court, Berlin condemns it</a>

Iranian leaders have often vowed to avenge Soleimani in strong terms.

Iran has expanded its missile programme, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the programme is purely defensive and of a deterrent nature.

Iran had said that it had supplied Moscow with drones before the war in Ukraine. Russia has used the drones to target power stations and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.

In November, the Pentagon said the United States was sceptical of reports quoting Hajizadeh as saying Iran had developed a hypersonic ballistic missile.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran has developed a cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km (1,025 miles), a top Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday, in a move likely to raise Western concerns after Russia's use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war.

Iran has developed a cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km (1,025 miles), a top Revolutionary Guards commander said on Friday, in a move likely to raise Western concerns after Russia's use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war. Separately, Amirali Hajizadeh, the head of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace force, also spoke of Iran's often repeated threat to avenge the US killing of a top Iranian commander, saying, "We are looking to kill (former US President Donald) Trump." Watch | Iranian foundation praises Salman Rushdie's attacker, gives 1,000 square metres land "Our cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km has been added to the missile arsenal of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Hajizadeh, told state TV. The television broadcast what it said was the first footage showing the new Paveh cruise missile. Hajizadeh said Iran did not intend to kill "poor soldiers" when it launched a ballistic missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq days after Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020. "God willing, we are looking to kill Trump. (Former Secretary of State Mike) Pompeo...and military commanders who issued the order (to kill Soleimani) should be killed," Hajizadeh said in the television interview. Also read | Iranian-German sentenced to death by Tehran court, Berlin condemns it Iranian leaders have often vowed to avenge Soleimani in strong terms. Iran has expanded its missile programme, particularly its ballistic missiles, in defiance of opposition from the United States and expressions of concern by European countries. Tehran says the programme is purely defensive and of a deterrent nature. Iran had said that it had supplied Moscow with drones before the war in Ukraine. Russia has used the drones to target power stations and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. In November, the Pentagon said the United States was sceptical of reports quoting Hajizadeh as saying Iran had developed a hypersonic ballistic missile. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iran says it has developed long-range cruise missile, triggers concerns in West

Tehran, Iran – There is a lot of talk about Tehran allegedly enriching uranium particles to near weapons-grade levels and simultaneous calls to lift sanctions amid attempts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Iran to revive 2015 Nuclear Deal?

According to the reports, Iranian foundation has praised Hadi Matar who attacked the author Salman Rushdie last year. The foundation has also promised him 1,000 square metres of agricultural land. Matar was accused of severely injuring Rushdie and has pleaded not guilty.

Iranian foundation praises Salman Rushdie's attacker, gets 1,000 square metres land

An Iranian court on Tuesday sentenced death to an Iranian-German dual national who is accused of being the leader of a “terrorist” group behind a deadly 2008 mosque bombing.

“The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Jamshid Sharmahd, the leader of the Tondar terrorist group, to death on the charge of corruption on earth through planning and directing terrorist acts,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online news agency reports.

According to reports, Sharmahd can appeal against his death sentence before the supreme court.

The 67-year-old, an Iranian-born German national and a US resident, was arrested in August 2020.&nbsp; The pro-monarchist terrorist group, Tondar, he is accused of leading has been conspiring to overthrow the Islamic Republic.

It was alleged that Tondar and Sharmahd "planned 23 terror attacks", of which "five were successful", including the 2008 bombing of a mosque in Shiraz that killed 14 people.

Tondar - which means "thunder" in Persian - is another name of the Kingdom Assembly of Iran (KAI), a little-known US-based opposition group that seeks to restore the monarchy overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

At that time, the Iranian authorities had described his arrest as a "complex operation" without specifying how, where or when he was caught.

His family, however, claims that he was abducted by the Iranian security services in Dubai and then brought under duress to Iran.

"They kidnapped Jamshid Sharmahd and now they've sentenced him to death after a sham trial," said the head of the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group Mahmood Amiry Moghaddam, reports AFP news agency.

Germany’s response

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock deplored the sentence handed out by the Tehran court, calling it "absolutely unacceptable".

"We call on Iran to remedy these shortcomings in the appeals process, correct the verdict accordingly and refrain from the death penalty," a statement said.

"Imposing the death penalty on Mr Sharmahd will provoke a strong reaction."

Tuesday’s sentence comes a month after Iran executed British-Iranian dual national Alireza Akbari, a former deputy Iranian defence minister who was convicted of spying for the UK.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Iranian court on Tuesday sentenced death to an Iranian-German dual national who is accused of being the leader of a “terrorist” group behind a deadly 2008 mosque bombing.

An Iranian court on Tuesday sentenced death to an Iranian-German dual national who is accused of being the leader of a “terrorist” group behind a deadly 2008 mosque bombing. “The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Jamshid Sharmahd, the leader of the Tondar terrorist group, to death on the charge of corruption on earth through planning and directing terrorist acts,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online news agency reports. According to reports, Sharmahd can appeal against his death sentence before the supreme court. The 67-year-old, an Iranian-born German national and a US resident, was arrested in August 2020. The pro-monarchist terrorist group, Tondar, he is accused of leading has been conspiring to overthrow the Islamic Republic. It was alleged that Tondar and Sharmahd "planned 23 terror attacks", of which "five were successful", including the 2008 bombing of a mosque in Shiraz that killed 14 people. Tondar - which means "thunder" in Persian - is another name of the Kingdom Assembly of Iran (KAI), a little-known US-based opposition group that seeks to restore the monarchy overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. At that time, the Iranian authorities had described his arrest as a "complex operation" without specifying how, where or when he was caught. His family, however, claims that he was abducted by the Iranian security services in Dubai and then brought under duress to Iran. "They kidnapped Jamshid Sharmahd and now they've sentenced him to death after a sham trial," said the head of the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group Mahmood Amiry Moghaddam, reports AFP news agency. Germany’s response Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock deplored the sentence handed out by the Tehran court, calling it "absolutely unacceptable". "We call on Iran to remedy these shortcomings in the appeals process, correct the verdict accordingly and refrain from the death penalty," a statement said. "Imposing the death penalty on Mr Sharmahd will provoke a strong reaction." Tuesday’s sentence comes a month after Iran executed British-Iranian dual national Alireza Akbari, a former deputy Iranian defence minister who was convicted of spying for the UK. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iranian-German sentenced to death by Tehran court, Berlin condemns it

An Iranian foundation has lauded the man who attacked writer Salman Rushdie last year, seriously injuring him, and announced that it will reward him with 1,000 square metres of agricultural land, according to state TV on Tuesday through its Telegram channel.&nbsp;After being attacked by a Shi'ite Muslim American from New Jersey, 24, on the stage of a literary event&nbsp;in western New York in August near Lake Erie, Rushdie, 75, lost an eye and the use of one hand, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

"We sincerely thank the brave action of the young American who made Muslims happy by blinding one of Rushdie's eyes and disabling one of his hands," said Mohammad Esmail Zarei, secretary of the Foundation to Implement Imam Khomeini's Fatwas.

"Rushdie is now no more than living dead and to honour this brave action, about 1,000 square metres of agricultural land will be donated to the person or any of his legal representatives," Zarei added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roald-dahl-classics-modified-to-remove-stereotypical-language-move-sparks-criticism-563994/amp">Roald Dahl classics modified to remove stereotypical language, move sparks criticism</a>

The attack occurred 33 years to the day after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran at the time, called on Muslims to assassinate Rushdie a few months after the publication of "The Satanic Verses" in a religious decree known as a fatwa. For some Muslims, the novel's references to the Prophet Muhammad were blasphemous.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Salman Rushdie's first interview since 2022 stabbing

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/salman-rushdies-first-interview-since-2022-stabbing-559527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With a bounty on his head, Rushdie spent nine years in hiding under the protection of the British police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

An Iranian foundation has lauded the man who attacked writer Salman Rushdie last year, seriously injuring him, and announced that it will reward him with 1,000 square metres of agricultural land, according to state TV on Tuesday through its Telegram channel.

An Iranian foundation has lauded the man who attacked writer Salman Rushdie last year, seriously injuring him, and announced that it will reward him with 1,000 square metres of agricultural land, according to state TV on Tuesday through its Telegram channel. After being attacked by a Shi'ite Muslim American from New Jersey, 24, on the stage of a literary event in western New York in August near Lake Erie, Rushdie, 75, lost an eye and the use of one hand, as reported by AFP. "We sincerely thank the brave action of the young American who made Muslims happy by blinding one of Rushdie's eyes and disabling one of his hands," said Mohammad Esmail Zarei, secretary of the Foundation to Implement Imam Khomeini's Fatwas. "Rushdie is now no more than living dead and to honour this brave action, about 1,000 square metres of agricultural land will be donated to the person or any of his legal representatives," Zarei added. ALSO READ | Roald Dahl classics modified to remove stereotypical language, move sparks criticism The attack occurred 33 years to the day after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran at the time, called on Muslims to assassinate Rushdie a few months after the publication of "The Satanic Verses" in a religious decree known as a fatwa. For some Muslims, the novel's references to the Prophet Muhammad were blasphemous. ALSO WATCH | Salman Rushdie's first interview since 2022 stabbing With a bounty on his head, Rushdie spent nine years in hiding under the protection of the British police. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Salman Rushdie now no more than living dead': Iran to reward attacker with 1,000 square metres land

As America's global empire of influence crumbles, a new alliance is looking to replace it. It consists of Russia, Iran & China. Will this alliance create a new World Order? Priyanka Sharma explains on #GravitasPlus.

Gravitas Plus: China, Iran & Russia to create a new World Order?

Gravitas Plus: China, Iran & Russia to create a new World Order

As per reports, Inspectors from the UN atomic agency discovered uranium enriched to 84-percent purity in Iran last week, closer than ever to weapons-grade levels, citing two unnamed senior diplomats.

Iran on the cusp of producing nukes?

'My enemy's enemy is friend', you must have heard this idiom but it is playing out in geopolitics today. The only difference is that the United States is uniting all of its foes - China, Russia and Iran. The US Secretary of State has hinted that Beijing might be thinking of sending material support to Moscow i.e arms and ammunition.

China and its growing alliances: Is China uniting all of US' foes?

The Iranian judiciary is looking to prosecute a woman for 'disrespecting' her headscarf at a public meeting in Tehran. In a video that went viral on multiple social media sites. The woman was seen walking away from stage as she flings her headscarf on the ground.

Iran to prosecute woman for 'insulting' hijab, video of act goes viral

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