Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, one of the contenders for the extraordinary presidential election in Iran, to be held on June 28, withdrew his candidacy today. Watch to know more.

Iranian Presidential Elections 2024: Iranian VP drops out of presidential race

<p>The death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has set the cat among pigeons in Iranian politics, with at least 20 names emerging to fill the void. The battle of succession will start once the Iranian Guardian Council clears the names of the candidates. The council&nbsp;consists of&nbsp;12 elite members, closely linked to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It remains to&nbsp;be seen&nbsp;whether the&nbsp;council&nbsp;sticks to its hardline approach or makes way for a more democratic election by allowing an open competition.</p>

<p>As the battle&nbsp;goes on, the Iranian establishment will try its best not to expose internal political fault lines as Khamenei searches for a candidate that could bring predictability and stability to the turmoil-hit nation.</p>

<h2><strong>Big names in the fray</strong></h2>

<p>One of the biggest names in the fray is Saeed Jalili, who announced on Sunday that he would&nbsp;be participating&nbsp;in the presidential contest. He&nbsp;is believed&nbsp;to be a master in Iranian foreign policy, having played&nbsp;key&nbsp;roles in foreign ministry and nuclear negotiations between 2007 and 2013.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwip0dH6gayGAxWYwjgGHWTDDeEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-releases-first-report-on-president-raisis-death-reveals-minutes-before-crash-pilot-contacted-724766" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-releases-first-report-on-president-raisis-death-reveals-minutes-before-crash-pilot-contacted-724766&amp;ved=2ahUKEwip0dH6gayGAxWYwjgGHWTDDeEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Iran releases first report on President Raisi`s death, reveals pilot `contacted...`</a></strong></p>

<p>The Mayor of Tehran, Alireza Zakani, is also understood to have prepared a campaign team&nbsp;but&nbsp;he has not made his decision&nbsp;yet.</p>

<p>The traditional conservative candidates&nbsp;are seen&nbsp;as either Parviz Fattah, the former head of the Mostazafan Foundation, a massive business conglomerate, or Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliament speaker between 2020 and 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>Registration for candidates starts&nbsp;Thursday</strong></h2>

<p>Registration for the candidates for the presidential elections will begin next Thursday and last&nbsp;for&nbsp;four days. Historically, up to 10 candidates could throw their hats into the ring for the initial round, though in 2021, only four did so.</p>

<p>There are also rumours among some Iranian media outlets that if the race ends in chaos and unpredictability, the vice president and current interim president, Muhammad Mokhber, may be asked to take on the role for five years. Despite concerns about corruption and his administration's rollout of less effective COVID-19 vaccines, Mokhber's extensive experience, particularly in managing the supreme leader's affairs, positions him as a trusted figure.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has set the cat among pigeons in Iranian politics, with at least 20 names emerging to fill the void. The battle of succession will start once the Iranian Guardian Council clears the names of the candidates.

The death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has set the cat among pigeons in Iranian politics, with at least 20 names emerging to fill the void. The battle of succession will start once the Iranian Guardian Council clears the names of the candidates. The council consists of 12 elite members, closely linked to the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It remains to be seen whether the council sticks to its hardline approach or makes way for a more democratic election by allowing an open competition. As the battle goes on, the Iranian establishment will try its best not to expose internal political fault lines as Khamenei searches for a candidate that could bring predictability and stability to the turmoil-hit nation. Big names in the fray One of the biggest names in the fray is Saeed Jalili, who announced on Sunday that he would be participating in the presidential contest. He is believed to be a master in Iranian foreign policy, having played key roles in foreign ministry and nuclear negotiations between 2007 and 2013. Also read: Iran releases first report on President Raisi`s death, reveals pilot `contacted...` The Mayor of Tehran, Alireza Zakani, is also understood to have prepared a campaign team but he has not made his decision yet. The traditional conservative candidates are seen as either Parviz Fattah, the former head of the Mostazafan Foundation, a massive business conglomerate, or Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliament speaker between 2020 and 2024. Registration for candidates starts Thursday Registration for the candidates for the presidential elections will begin next Thursday and last for four days. Historically, up to 10 candidates could throw their hats into the ring for the initial round, though in 2021, only four did so. There are also rumours among some Iranian media outlets that if the race ends in chaos and unpredictability, the vice president and current interim president, Muhammad Mokhber, may be asked to take on the role for five years. Despite concerns about corruption and his administration's rollout of less effective COVID-19 vaccines, Mokhber's extensive experience, particularly in managing the supreme leader's affairs, positions him as a trusted figure. (With inputs from agencies)

Raisi's death heats up Iranian politics as 20 leaders likely to fight succession battle

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash that took place on Sunday (May 19).</p>

<p>Taking to his official X account, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well-being of the President and his entourage."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1792242768468758626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) as it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iranian state television earlier reported that rescuers are trying to reach the area where the incident occurred, but fog and bad weather are hampering the rescue efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state TV had also reported that the helicopter suffered a "hard landing".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raisi was returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, reported Tasnim news agency</p>

<p>Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first statement since the news broke out, said, "We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation.</p>
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1792247260920566015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Waiting with great anxiety for good news,' says Pakistan PM</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to his official X handle and wrote, “Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyed Ibrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation.</p>
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1792228265379377470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari shared a post on social media which said, "Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian &amp; others. My heartfelt prayers &amp; good wishes for the well-being &amp; safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve &nbsp;the Iranian nation."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian &amp; others. My heartfelt prayers &amp; good wishes for the well-being &amp; safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation.</p>
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1792228177106133047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/helicopter-accompanying-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-involved-in-incident-723114">Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crashes, fog hampers rescue efforts</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Profoundly troubled by news,' says President of Azerbaijan</strong></h2>

<p>The President of Azerbaijan in a posting on X said, “Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation. As a neighbour, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and…</p>
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/presidentaz/status/1792228739494850637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Iraq offers help in search efforts</strong></h2>

<p>Iraq offered help to its neighbouring country Iran in the search for Raisi's helicopter.</p>

<p>Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani "instructed the interior ministry, the Iraqi Red Crescent and other relevant authorities to offer the Islamic Republic of Iran the available resources to aid in the search for the Iranian president's aircraft," government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey offers Iran 'all necessary support'</strong></h2>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacting to the incident said that he was "profoundly saddened" by the news of Raisi's helicopter "accident". He further affirmed that his country will provide all the "necessary support" in rescue efforts.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">İran Cumhurbaşkanı, kardeşim Sayın İbrahim Reisi ve heyetinin bir helikopter kazası geçirmiş olması bizleri derinden üzmüştür.…</p>
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1792252450927251931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are following the incident closely, are in contact and in coordination with the Iranian authorities and we are ready to provide all necessary support," Erdogan posted on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Saudi expresses readiness to provide any assistance needed&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"We affirm that the Kingdom stands by the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran in these difficult circumstances and its readiness to provide any assistance that the Iranian agencies need," the foreign ministry of the Gulf kingdom said in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash that took place on Sunday (May 19). Taking to his official X account, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash that took place on Sunday (May 19). Taking to his official X account, PM Modi wrote, "Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well-being of the President and his entourage." Deeply concerned by reports regarding President Raisi’s helicopter flight today. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in this hour of distress, and pray for well being of the President and his entourage. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 19, 2024 × A helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed on Sunday (May 19) as it was crossing a mountainous terrain, an Iranian official told the news agency Reuters. Iranian state television earlier reported that rescuers are trying to reach the area where the incident occurred, but fog and bad weather are hampering the rescue efforts. The state TV had also reported that the helicopter suffered a "hard landing". Raisi was returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, reported Tasnim news agency Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first statement since the news broke out, said, "We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation." We hope Almighty God will return the respected, esteemed President and his entourage to the arms of the nation. — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 19, 2024 × 'Waiting with great anxiety for good news,' says Pakistan PM Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to his official X handle and wrote, “Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyed Ibrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation." Heard the distressing news from Iran regarding Hon. President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter. Waiting with great anxiety for good news that all is well. Our prayers and best wishes are with Hon.President Raisi and the entire Iranian nation. — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 19, 2024 × Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari shared a post on social media which said, "Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian & others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation." Deeply concerned to hear news about the helicopter incident carrying the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdullahian & others. My heartfelt prayers & good wishes for the well-being & safety of President Raisi so that he may continue to serve the Iranian nation. — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 19, 2024 × Also read: Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crashes, fog hampers rescue efforts 'Profoundly troubled by news,' says President of Azerbaijan The President of Azerbaijan in a posting on X said, “Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and the accompanying delegation. As a neighbour, friend, and brotherly country, the Republic of Azerbaijan stands ready to offer any assistance needed.” Today, after bidding a friendly farewell to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, we were profoundly troubled by the news of a helicopter carrying the top delegation crash-landing in Iran. Our prayers to Allah Almighty are with President Ebrahim Raisi and… — Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) May 19, 2024 × Iraq offers help in search efforts Iraq offered help to its neighbouring country Iran in the search for Raisi's helicopter. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani "instructed the interior ministry, the Iraqi Red Crescent and other relevant authorities to offer the Islamic Republic of Iran the available resources to aid in the search for the Iranian president's aircraft," government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement. Turkey offers Iran 'all necessary support' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reacting to the incident said that he was "profoundly saddened" by the news of Raisi's helicopter "accident". He further affirmed that his country will provide all the "necessary support" in rescue efforts. İran Cumhurbaşkanı, kardeşim Sayın İbrahim Reisi ve heyetinin bir helikopter kazası geçirmiş olması bizleri derinden üzmüştür.… — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) May 19, 2024 × "We are following the incident closely, are in contact and in coordination with the Iranian authorities and we are ready to provide all necessary support," Erdogan posted on X. Saudi expresses readiness to provide any assistance needed "We affirm that the Kingdom stands by the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran in these difficult circumstances and its readiness to provide any assistance that the Iranian agencies need," the foreign ministry of the Gulf kingdom said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies

PM Modi, world leaders express deep concern over Iranian President Raisi’s helicopter crash

A wave of shock passed through Iran. The nation lost its President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Raisi was accompanied by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. Now that the President passed away, Iran's first vice president will serve as interim Iranian President. Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's first vice president, is expected to become interim president.

Who is Mohammad Mokhber, the man set to become Iran's interim president?

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will start his three-day visit to Pakistan starting Monday (Apr 22), as the two nations seek to mend ties following cross-border strikes last year. Raisi will land in Islamabad and meet his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari. Iranian foreign ministry said Sunday that Raisi will be accompanied by "a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister... as well as a large business delegation.”</p>

<p>In January this year, tit-for-tat missile strikes across the porous border region of Balochistan ratcheted up tensions between Pakistan and Iran. Iran said it conducted strikes against an anti-Iran group based in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Then, Pakistan retaliated and conducted raids against "militant targets" in the Sistan-Balochistan province of the Shi’ite nation. This is one of the few Sunni Muslim regions in the country.</p>

<p>The attacks came as both nations traded allegations of harbouring terrorists on their soil.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister had visited Islamabad to diffuse tensions.</p>

<p>In the Monday to Wednesday visit, Raisi will also pay a visit to Lahore and Karachi to meet provincial leaders. The countries will further strengthen ties and enhance cooperation in "trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts", a statement by the Iranian foreign ministry added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjp-Z6E3tOFAxUgS2cHHUqVBMIQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ali-khamenei-thanks-iranian-forces-for-attacking-israel-urges-them-to-learn-enemy-tactics-713597" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ali-khamenei-thanks-iranian-forces-for-attacking-israel-urges-them-to-learn-enemy-tactics-713597&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp-Z6E3tOFAxUgS2cHHUqVBMIQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Ali Khamenei thanks Iranian forces for attacking Israel, urges them to learn 'enemy tactics'</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan is hoping to secure a joint gas project with Iran, in order to get rid of its long-running power crisis that has sapped its economic growth.</p>

<p>In March 2013, a $7.5-billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline was indeed signed but the project fell prey to international sanctions imposed on Tehran.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran vs Israel attacks: Test for Biden | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>Iran has built its own portion of the 1,800-kilometre (1,100-mile) pipeline, which was supposed to link its South Pars gas fields to the Pakistani city of Nawabshah, near Karachi.</p>

<p>In February, Pakistan’s outgoing caretaker government approved the construction of an 80km portion of the pipeline.</p>

<p>The visit comes in the wake of increased Israel-Iran tensions as Tehran counts on its allies to lend its diplomatic support against the common enemy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will start his three-day visit to Pakistan starting Monday (Apr 22), as the two nations seek to mend ties following cross-border strikes last year.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will start his three-day visit to Pakistan starting Monday (Apr 22), as the two nations seek to mend ties following cross-border strikes last year. Raisi will land in Islamabad and meet his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari. Iranian foreign ministry said Sunday that Raisi will be accompanied by "a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister... as well as a large business delegation.” In January this year, tit-for-tat missile strikes across the porous border region of Balochistan ratcheted up tensions between Pakistan and Iran. Iran said it conducted strikes against an anti-Iran group based in Pakistan. Then, Pakistan retaliated and conducted raids against "militant targets" in the Sistan-Balochistan province of the Shi’ite nation. This is one of the few Sunni Muslim regions in the country. The attacks came as both nations traded allegations of harbouring terrorists on their soil. Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister had visited Islamabad to diffuse tensions. In the Monday to Wednesday visit, Raisi will also pay a visit to Lahore and Karachi to meet provincial leaders. The countries will further strengthen ties and enhance cooperation in "trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts", a statement by the Iranian foreign ministry added. Also read: Ali Khamenei thanks Iranian forces for attacking Israel, urges them to learn 'enemy tactics' Pakistan is hoping to secure a joint gas project with Iran, in order to get rid of its long-running power crisis that has sapped its economic growth. In March 2013, a $7.5-billion Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline was indeed signed but the project fell prey to international sanctions imposed on Tehran. Watch: Iran vs Israel attacks: Test for Biden | WION Wideangle × Iran has built its own portion of the 1,800-kilometre (1,100-mile) pipeline, which was supposed to link its South Pars gas fields to the Pakistani city of Nawabshah, near Karachi. In February, Pakistan’s outgoing caretaker government approved the construction of an 80km portion of the pipeline. The visit comes in the wake of increased Israel-Iran tensions as Tehran counts on its allies to lend its diplomatic support against the common enemy. (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian President Raisi to visit Pakistan for mending ties following cross-border strikes

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi received red-carpet welcomes from his counterparts in Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe on his three-country tour of Africa. Tehran has touted the trip as a "new beginning" in relations with the continent. Raisi's trip to Africa is the first by an Iranian president in more than a decade and represents a bid to diversify Iran's trade relations in the face of crippling U.S. sanctions. Iran stepped up diplomatic outreach to developing world countries after then-U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from Tehran's nuclear accord with world powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.

Iranian president tours Africa after 11 years| Iran seeking new allies as isolation grows

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday Tehran would not give up its right to develop its nuclear industry for peaceful purposes, and all parties involved in talks to revive the 2015 nuclear accord should respect this.</p>

<p>Eleven months of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Vienna have stalled as both sides say political decisions are required by Tehran and Washington to settle the remaining issues.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/knife-assault-on-iran-clerics-leads-to-the-death-of-one-injures-two-others-468634">Knife assault on Iran clerics leads to the death of one, injures two others</a></strong></p>

<p>"For more than the one-hundredth time, our message from Tehran to Vienna is that we will not back off from the Iranian people's nuclear rights... not even an iota," state media quoted Raisi as saying in a speech marking Iran's Nuclear Technology Day.</p>

<p>Raisi reiterated Iran’s stand that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-12-iranian-missiles-land-in-iraq-462331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The United States is considering removing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from its foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) blacklist in return for Iranian assurances about reining in the elite force, Iranian and Western sources had told Reuters.</p>

<p>One Iranian diplomat told Reuters that Tehran had rejected a U.S. proposal to overcome the sticking point by keeping the IRGC’s overseas arm, the Quds Force, under FTO sanctions, while delisting the IRGC as an entity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-will-return-to-vienna-only-to-finalise-nuclear-deal-468300">Iran says will return to Vienna only to finalise nuclear deal</a></strong></p>

<p>The IRGC is a powerful faction in Iran that controls a business empire as well as elite armed and intelligence forces that Washington accuses of carrying out a global terrorist campaign.</p>


Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday Tehran would not give up its right to develop its nuclear industry for peaceful purposes, and all parties involved in talks to revive the 2015 nuclear accord should respect this.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday Tehran would not give up its right to develop its nuclear industry for peaceful purposes, and all parties involved in talks to revive the 2015 nuclear accord should respect this. Eleven months of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Vienna have stalled as both sides say political decisions are required by Tehran and Washington to settle the remaining issues. Also read | Knife assault on Iran clerics leads to the death of one, injures two others "For more than the one-hundredth time, our message from Tehran to Vienna is that we will not back off from the Iranian people's nuclear rights... not even an iota," state media quoted Raisi as saying in a speech marking Iran's Nuclear Technology Day. Raisi reiterated Iran’s stand that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes. Watch | Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq The United States is considering removing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from its foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) blacklist in return for Iranian assurances about reining in the elite force, Iranian and Western sources had told Reuters. One Iranian diplomat told Reuters that Tehran had rejected a U.S. proposal to overcome the sticking point by keeping the IRGC’s overseas arm, the Quds Force, under FTO sanctions, while delisting the IRGC as an entity. Also read | Iran says will return to Vienna only to finalise nuclear deal The IRGC is a powerful faction in Iran that controls a business empire as well as elite armed and intelligence forces that Washington accuses of carrying out a global terrorist campaign.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says will not retreat from 'nuclear rights'

<p>Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Saturday of “savagery” for inflicting $150 billion of damage on Iran due to sanctions, and said Iranians should direct their anger at the White House.</p>

<p>“With their illegal and inhuman sanctions, and terrorist actions, the Americans have inflicted 150 billion dollars of damage on the people of Iran,” Rouhani said in televised remarks, his voice shaking with anger.</p>

<p>“We haven’t seen such an extent of savagery ... The address for Iranian people’s curses and hatred is the White House.”</p>

<p>Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord.</p>

<p>Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium.</p>

<p>Washington imposed new sanctions on Monday on Iran’s defence ministry and others involved in its nuclear and weapons programme.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Washington blacklisted several Iranian officials and entities over alleged gross violations of human rights, including imposing sanctions on a judge it said was involved in the case of an Iranian wrestler sentenced to death.</p>

<p>Rouhani gave no details on the breakdown of the economic damage he said had been incurred due to the sanctions.</p>


Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Saturday of “savagery” for inflicting $150 billion of damage on Iran due to sanctions, and said Iranians should direct their anger at the White House.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Saturday of “savagery” for inflicting $150 billion of damage on Iran due to sanctions, and said Iranians should direct their anger at the White House. “With their illegal and inhuman sanctions, and terrorist actions, the Americans have inflicted 150 billion dollars of damage on the people of Iran,” Rouhani said in televised remarks, his voice shaking with anger. “We haven’t seen such an extent of savagery ... The address for Iranian people’s curses and hatred is the White House.” Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord. Iran, in turn, has gradually breached the central limits in that deal, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including on the size of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium as well as the level of purity to which it was allowed to enrich uranium. Washington imposed new sanctions on Monday on Iran’s defence ministry and others involved in its nuclear and weapons programme. On Thursday, Washington blacklisted several Iranian officials and entities over alleged gross violations of human rights, including imposing sanctions on a judge it said was involved in the case of an Iranian wrestler sentenced to death. Rouhani gave no details on the breakdown of the economic damage he said had been incurred due to the sanctions.

Iranian president accuses US of savagery after new sanctions

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Sunday amid Iran's high regional tensions, claiming that it had shot down a Ukrainian aircraft with which 176 passengers were killed. #UkranianAircraft #Iran #Tehran #HassanRouhani

Tehran: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh, Iranian President meet amid regional tensions

Iran has discovered a new oilfield in the southwest of the country that has the potential to boost its reserves by about a third, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday.

Iran claims: ''Found new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of crude''

Iran is ready to hold talks with the United States if Washington lifts sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal it quit last year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration says it is open to negotiations with Iran on a more far-reaching agreement on nuclear and security issues. But Iran has made any talks conditional on first being able to export as much oil as it did before the United States withdrew from the nuclear pact with world powers in May 2018.

Rouhani: Iran ready to talk to US if sanctions lifted

Tehran has reacted sharply to the Donald Trump administration's decision to impose fresh sanctions against top Iranian leaders, including its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has called said it means a 'permanent closure' of diplomacy.

Iran hits back after fresh US sanctions, calls it 'permanent closure' of diplomacy

Watch this video to know what Hassan Rouhani's nuke deal means.

What is the Iran nuke deal?

<p>Iran says it has plans to respond to any move by US President Donald Trump on the 2015 nuclear agreement and the US would regret a decision to exit the accord, as France’s president warned such a move could lead to war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hassan Rouhani repeated his refusal to negotiate a new deal in place of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he would pull out of on May 12, Efe reported.</p>

<p>"If the US exits the JCPOA, it will soon regret it," Rouhani said during a speech in northeast Iran.</p>

<p>"We don't favour war and tension, but will strongly defend our rights," he asserted.</p>

<p>"We have lived up to our obligations in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," he said, stressing that Iran's "commitment" to the deal had been recognized by the international community, with the exception of the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia.</p>

<p>Trump is seeking to add additional conditions to the agreement as a pretext to withdraw, such as limits on Iran`s military capabilities, especially its ballistic missile system, as well as Tehran`s support for the Syrian regime and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, among others.</p>

<p>"We tell the world explicitly that we will not negotiate our defensive weapons with anyone," Rouhani said, adding "We will combat terrorism anywhere in the region and we won`t let another ISIS be formed."</p>

<p>The JCPOA, signed between Iran and the US, Russia, China, France, the UK and Germany, limits Tehran`s atomic program in exchange for lifting international sanctions but does not include any reference to conventional weapons or the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic.</p>


Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned that the US will face “historic regret” if Donald Trump scraps a nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Iran says it has plans to respond to any move by US President Donald Trump on the 2015 nuclear agreement and the US would regret a decision to exit the accord, as France’s president warned such a move could lead to war. Hassan Rouhani repeated his refusal to negotiate a new deal in place of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he would pull out of on May 12, Efe reported. "If the US exits the JCPOA, it will soon regret it," Rouhani said during a speech in northeast Iran. "We don't favour war and tension, but will strongly defend our rights," he asserted. "We have lived up to our obligations in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," he said, stressing that Iran's "commitment" to the deal had been recognized by the international community, with the exception of the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Trump is seeking to add additional conditions to the agreement as a pretext to withdraw, such as limits on Iran`s military capabilities, especially its ballistic missile system, as well as Tehran`s support for the Syrian regime and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, among others. "We tell the world explicitly that we will not negotiate our defensive weapons with anyone," Rouhani said, adding "We will combat terrorism anywhere in the region and we won`t let another ISIS be formed." The JCPOA, signed between Iran and the US, Russia, China, France, the UK and Germany, limits Tehran`s atomic program in exchange for lifting international sanctions but does not include any reference to conventional weapons or the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic.

Iran’s Hassan Rouhani warns Donald Trump of ‘historic regret’ over nuclear deal

<p>President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers", as the military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day.</p>

<p>Fighter jets and bombers flew overhead as Rouhani told the Tehran crowd and a live TV audience on Wednesday that Iran's forces posed no threat to its neighbours.</p>

<p>"We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval ... We tell our neighbouring countries that our weapons are not against you, it's for deterrence," Rouhani said.</p>

<p>"We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without UN&nbsp;permission," Rouhani added.</p>

<p>US, British and French forces pounded Iran's ally Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected April 7 chemical weapons attack, which they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.</p>

<p>Britain, France and Germany have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syria’s war, in a bid to persuade US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.</p>

<p>Trump has delivered an ultimatum to the European signatories to fix what he saw as the "terrible flaws" of the deal, threatening to refuse to extend US&nbsp;sanctions relief on Iran.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh “waivers” to suspend them on May 12.</p>


We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us, said Rouhani

President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers", as the military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day. Fighter jets and bombers flew overhead as Rouhani told the Tehran crowd and a live TV audience on Wednesday that Iran's forces posed no threat to its neighbours. "We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval ... We tell our neighbouring countries that our weapons are not against you, it's for deterrence," Rouhani said. "We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without UN permission," Rouhani added. US, British and French forces pounded Iran's ally Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected April 7 chemical weapons attack, which they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Britain, France and Germany have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syria’s war, in a bid to persuade US President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Trump has delivered an ultimatum to the European signatories to fix what he saw as the "terrible flaws" of the deal, threatening to refuse to extend US sanctions relief on Iran. US sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh “waivers” to suspend them on May 12.

Iran will make or buy any weapons it needs: Rouhani

<p>The recently concluded visit by Iranian President Rouhani to India was full of optics: his visit to the Qutub Shahi mosque at Hyderabad, then his address at the ORF (Delhi based think tank) hit all the right notes but if we look at the joint communique released at the end of the &ldquo;substantive&rdquo; talks we find that the visit accomplished less than what was being promised from both the sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint statement has laid stress on &ldquo;connectivity&rdquo;. It seems that the bilateral relations revolve around the port project and the subsequent advantages it will have not only for Afghanistan but to larger Central Asian Region. India has invested a lot of capital and now wants to benefit from the project, not only in terms of trade but also strategically. But if we closely follow the developments w.r.t. Chabahar, we find that the pace of development is sluggish. The port is only partially operational. India has been trying to develop the port as its answer to Gwadar and China&rsquo;s Belt and Road initiative in the region by providing an alternate route for trade and commerce with Central Asia and Afghanistan. India&rsquo;s biggest weakness lies not in striking of agreements and deals, but in follow-up and execution of those deals and projects. There are a large number of irritants which have repeatedly stalled the project.</p>

<p>The biggest irritant has been funding as well as the role international sanctions have played throughout this whole process. Despite our commitment to the project and its eventual realisation, India has been apprehensive about the US and its response to JCPOA; and its eventual impact on our investments in Iran. We have ignored the fact that French and German firms have made large investments and have been trying to court maximum areas for their benefit as Iran opens up its economy for international investment. The whole purpose of the visit was to enhance bilateral trade ties and the visit appears to have come short on the promise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has also not yet allowed Iranian banks to open their branches in India. However, in a welcome move, investment in Iran in Rupee terms has been allowed. The Indian investments in Rupees will get converted into Iranian Rial through banking mechanism allowing investments from here, including in the Chabahar Port complex.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The visit further failed to address the pending issue of ensuring Indian investments in the Farzad-B gas field. It was announced that India and Iran need to move away from the traditional buyer-seller relationship when it comes to the energy sector but no measure to finish decade-old negotiations on Farzad gas field has been announced. Instead, we hear that the pace of negotiations needs to be increased for enhanced energy cooperation. The delay in completion of Chabahar project, the roadblock over Farzad-B gas block should not be allowed to act as hindrances in the development of bilateral ties.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Although, the visit did achieve few things; the finalisation of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is welcomed as a step that would promote business environment but both sides need to work on lowering bilateral trade tariffs: negotiations on Preferential Trade Agreement as well as conclusion of Bilateral Investment Treaty in a fixed time frame need to be accomplished.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unanimity of thought on the security front was also witnessed. Both the countries have a common stance on confronting terrorism and extremism, and are determined to confront terrorism and extremism through cultural interaction and the exchange of information and experience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outcome from the visit is debatable but it cannot be denied that progress in the right direction has been made, however, the journey is far from over and we have a long way to go to accomplish our strategic goals in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


The whole purpose of the visit was to enhance bilateral trade ties but President Rouhani's visit appears to have come short on the promise.

The recently concluded visit by Iranian President Rouhani to India was full of optics: his visit to the Qutub Shahi mosque at Hyderabad, then his address at the ORF (Delhi based think tank) hit all the right notes but if we look at the joint communique released at the end of the “substantive” talks we find that the visit accomplished less than what was being promised from both the sides. The joint statement has laid stress on “connectivity”. It seems that the bilateral relations revolve around the port project and the subsequent advantages it will have not only for Afghanistan but to larger Central Asian Region. India has invested a lot of capital and now wants to benefit from the project, not only in terms of trade but also strategically. But if we closely follow the developments w.r.t. Chabahar, we find that the pace of development is sluggish. The port is only partially operational. India has been trying to develop the port as its answer to Gwadar and China’s Belt and Road initiative in the region by providing an alternate route for trade and commerce with Central Asia and Afghanistan. India’s biggest weakness lies not in striking of agreements and deals, but in follow-up and execution of those deals and projects. There are a large number of irritants which have repeatedly stalled the project. The biggest irritant has been funding as well as the role international sanctions have played throughout this whole process. Despite our commitment to the project and its eventual realisation, India has been apprehensive about the US and its response to JCPOA; and its eventual impact on our investments in Iran. We have ignored the fact that French and German firms have made large investments and have been trying to court maximum areas for their benefit as Iran opens up its economy for international investment. The whole purpose of the visit was to enhance bilateral trade ties and the visit appears to have come short on the promise. India has also not yet allowed Iranian banks to open their branches in India. However, in a welcome move, investment in Iran in Rupee terms has been allowed. The Indian investments in Rupees will get converted into Iranian Rial through banking mechanism allowing investments from here, including in the Chabahar Port complex. The visit further failed to address the pending issue of ensuring Indian investments in the Farzad-B gas field. It was announced that India and Iran need to move away from the traditional buyer-seller relationship when it comes to the energy sector but no measure to finish decade-old negotiations on Farzad gas field has been announced. Instead, we hear that the pace of negotiations needs to be increased for enhanced energy cooperation. The delay in completion of Chabahar project, the roadblock over Farzad-B gas block should not be allowed to act as hindrances in the development of bilateral ties. Although, the visit did achieve few things; the finalisation of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is welcomed as a step that would promote business environment but both sides need to work on lowering bilateral trade tariffs: negotiations on Preferential Trade Agreement as well as conclusion of Bilateral Investment Treaty in a fixed time frame need to be accomplished. The unanimity of thought on the security front was also witnessed. Both the countries have a common stance on confronting terrorism and extremism, and are determined to confront terrorism and extremism through cultural interaction and the exchange of information and experience. The outcome from the visit is debatable but it cannot be denied that progress in the right direction has been made, however, the journey is far from over and we have a long way to go to accomplish our strategic goals in the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Iranian President Rouhani came but offered little to India

<p>With a message to walk the path together, President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said India and Iran should join hands &quot;firmly and decisively&quot; to defeat the menace of terrorism and ensure peace, stability and security in the region.</p>

<p>In his speech at the banquet hosted in honour of visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Kovind expressed happiness over the deepening of relationship between the two countries.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;Our bilateral trade has expanded. Our energy partnership is growing. Iran&rsquo;s abundant hydrocarbon resources and India&rsquo;s rapidly growing energy demand provide new opportunities.&quot;</p>

<p>As developing nations facing similar challenges, India and Iran have much to share and gain from each other, Kovind said.</p>

<p>&quot;Our young people are our biggest strength. They are brimming with ideas, energy and entrepreneurship. We need to bring them together,&quot; the president said.</p>

<p>He said both the countries have shared interest in peace, stability and security in the region.</p>

<p>&quot;Terrorism poses a constant and daily challenge to our peace-loving society. Our people have been suffering its violent and inhuman brutality. Let us join hands, firmly and decisively, to defeat these forces.&quot;</p>

<p>He assured India&#39;s complete support to Iran and said the two countries have expressed strong willingness to lift bilateral relations to a higher level.</p>

<p>&quot;We have stood by Iran during difficult times, and we will continue to support and stand by you in the future. There is strong willingness in our two countries to lift our relations to a higher level,&quot; the president said and recited a couplet in Urdu which meant &quot;where there is a will, there is a way. Let us walk the path together&quot;.</p>

<p>He said Iran has played an important role in connecting people, cultures and civilizations for centuries and added the Chabahar Port, the Ashgabat Agreement and the International North-South Transport Corridor together would open immense opportunities for development and prosperity, not just in Iran, India and Afghanistan, but way beyond in the larger region.</p>

<p>&quot;These would directly impact the welfare of common people as we have recently seen with the wheat shipment sent to Afghanistan,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The president said in Persian that Iran and India are very old friends and &quot;we wish to remain so ever&quot;.</p>

<p>Kovind started his speech with Rabindranath Tagore&#39;s views about Iran who had described Persia as an everlasting inspiration. The thought and wisdom of great Persian luminaries deeply moved him.</p>

<p>He quoted Tagore&#39;s letter to a friend in which he had said: &quot;Culturally speaking, Persia comes nearer to us than most Asian countries. In language, religion, literature and arts, we have very real affinity and all through the course of past history, communication of the mind has been constant.&quot;</p>

<p>The president said Tagore described Indo-Iranian people as &#39;one&#39; who like a giant river got divided into two streams, one finding its destination to the west of Hindukush and other pouring into the plains of India.</p>

<p>The president said on these strong and deep-rooted cultural links, both the countries have built a modern partnership.</p>


India and Iran should join hands 'firmly and decisively' to defeat the menace of terrorism and ensure peace, stability and security in the region

With a message to walk the path together, President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday said India and Iran should join hands "firmly and decisively" to defeat the menace of terrorism and ensure peace, stability and security in the region. In his speech at the banquet hosted in honour of visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Kovind expressed happiness over the deepening of relationship between the two countries. He said, "Our bilateral trade has expanded. Our energy partnership is growing. Iran’s abundant hydrocarbon resources and India’s rapidly growing energy demand provide new opportunities." As developing nations facing similar challenges, India and Iran have much to share and gain from each other, Kovind said. "Our young people are our biggest strength. They are brimming with ideas, energy and entrepreneurship. We need to bring them together," the president said. He said both the countries have shared interest in peace, stability and security in the region. "Terrorism poses a constant and daily challenge to our peace-loving society. Our people have been suffering its violent and inhuman brutality. Let us join hands, firmly and decisively, to defeat these forces." He assured India's complete support to Iran and said the two countries have expressed strong willingness to lift bilateral relations to a higher level. "We have stood by Iran during difficult times, and we will continue to support and stand by you in the future. There is strong willingness in our two countries to lift our relations to a higher level," the president said and recited a couplet in Urdu which meant "where there is a will, there is a way. Let us walk the path together". He said Iran has played an important role in connecting people, cultures and civilizations for centuries and added the Chabahar Port, the Ashgabat Agreement and the International North-South Transport Corridor together would open immense opportunities for development and prosperity, not just in Iran, India and Afghanistan, but way beyond in the larger region. "These would directly impact the welfare of common people as we have recently seen with the wheat shipment sent to Afghanistan," he said. The president said in Persian that Iran and India are very old friends and "we wish to remain so ever". Kovind started his speech with Rabindranath Tagore's views about Iran who had described Persia as an everlasting inspiration. The thought and wisdom of great Persian luminaries deeply moved him. He quoted Tagore's letter to a friend in which he had said: "Culturally speaking, Persia comes nearer to us than most Asian countries. In language, religion, literature and arts, we have very real affinity and all through the course of past history, communication of the mind has been constant." The president said Tagore described Indo-Iranian people as 'one' who like a giant river got divided into two streams, one finding its destination to the west of Hindukush and other pouring into the plains of India. The president said on these strong and deep-rooted cultural links, both the countries have built a modern partnership.

India and Iran should join hands firmly, President Kovind tells Iranian counterpart

<p>Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday lauded India&#39;s cultural diversity, saying multiple faiths and schools of thought co-exist peacefully in the county.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a meeting with Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in Hyderabad on Thursday night, Rouhani, who arrived on a three-day India visit, said Islam is not a religion of violence, but one of moderation.</p>

<p>&quot;India is a living museum of different ethnicities and religions peacefully co-existing. This process is going on for centuries. Shia, Sunnis, Sufis, Hindus, Sikhs and others are living together. They together built their country and built their civilization,&quot; he said in his speech in Persian.</p>

<p>&quot;We see a lot of temples, other places of worship, and they are living in peace. They are having peaceful co-existence,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Iran Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif also spoke at the event.</p>


Rouhani, who arrived on a three-day India visit, said Islam is not a religion of violence, but one of moderation

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday lauded India's cultural diversity, saying multiple faiths and schools of thought co-exist peacefully in the county. Speaking at a meeting with Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in Hyderabad on Thursday night, Rouhani, who arrived on a three-day India visit, said Islam is not a religion of violence, but one of moderation. "India is a living museum of different ethnicities and religions peacefully co-existing. This process is going on for centuries. Shia, Sunnis, Sufis, Hindus, Sikhs and others are living together. They together built their country and built their civilization," he said in his speech in Persian. "We see a lot of temples, other places of worship, and they are living in peace. They are having peaceful co-existence," he said. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif also spoke at the event.

Muslims, non-Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs are coexisting in peace in India: Iranian President

<p>Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday evening reached New Delhi after a two-day visit to southern city Hyderabad.</p>

<p>In Delhi, Rouhani will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi on Saturday. He will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind.</p>

<p>Both Iranian and Indian sides would review the progress achieved in bilateral relations and also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, The Iranian leader addressed the Muslim congregation at Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad, after performing the Friday prayers at the historic mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Religious scholars from different schools of thoughts will also participate in the session.</p>

<p>This is the second time that President Rouhani is visiting Hyderabad, and the first visit after assuming charge as the President of Iran in 2013.</p>


In Delhi, Rouhani will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday evening reached New Delhi after a two-day visit to southern city Hyderabad. In Delhi, Rouhani will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi on Saturday. He will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind. Both Iranian and Indian sides would review the progress achieved in bilateral relations and also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Earlier in the day, The Iranian leader addressed the Muslim congregation at Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad, after performing the Friday prayers at the historic mosque. Religious scholars from different schools of thoughts will also participate in the session. This is the second time that President Rouhani is visiting Hyderabad, and the first visit after assuming charge as the President of Iran in 2013.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reaches Delhi

<p>Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrived in Hyderabad on a three-day state visit to India on Thursday evening. The two countries will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest during the visit.</p>

<p>Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan received him at the Begumpet airport.</p>

<p>&quot;He is scheduled to address Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in the city at 6.30 pm today,&quot; an official said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrives in Telangana&#39;s Hyderabad. He will offer Friday prayers at Makkah Masjid tomorrow. He will also visit Golconda Fort and Salar Jung Museum. <a href="https://t.co/gYBZibYbYu">pic.twitter.com/gYBZibYbYu</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964099708716240896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>During his two-day visit to the city, President Rouhani, who is accompanied by a 21-member delegation, will also meet people of Iranian-origin living in Hyderabad.</p>

<p>He will address a congregation at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad tomorrow after offering Friday prayers, the official said, adding that religious scholars will also participate in the session.</p>

<p>Rouhani is also expected to visit historic sites, including the Qutub Shahi tombs at Golconda here.</p>

<p>This is Rouhani&#39;s second visit to Hyderabad and the first after becoming president.</p>

<p>He would stay at the Taj Krishna hotel tonight and leave for New Delhi tomorrow evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Locals say Iranians are very fond of India and Hyderabad in particular.</p>

<p>The Iranian president will leave for New Delhi tomorrow evening.&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan received him at the Begumpet airport.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrived in Hyderabad on a three-day state visit to India on Thursday evening. The two countries will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest during the visit. Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan received him at the Begumpet airport. "He is scheduled to address Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in the city at 6.30 pm today," an official said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrives in Telangana's Hyderabad. He will offer Friday prayers at Makkah Masjid tomorrow. He will also visit Golconda Fort and Salar Jung Museum. pic.twitter.com/gYBZibYbYu — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2018 × During his two-day visit to the city, President Rouhani, who is accompanied by a 21-member delegation, will also meet people of Iranian-origin living in Hyderabad. He will address a congregation at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad tomorrow after offering Friday prayers, the official said, adding that religious scholars will also participate in the session. Rouhani is also expected to visit historic sites, including the Qutub Shahi tombs at Golconda here. This is Rouhani's second visit to Hyderabad and the first after becoming president. He would stay at the Taj Krishna hotel tonight and leave for New Delhi tomorrow evening. Locals say Iranians are very fond of India and Hyderabad in particular. The Iranian president will leave for New Delhi tomorrow evening.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani arrives in Hyderabad on three-day India visit

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