Recent developments in the ongoing tensions between United States, Israel, and Iran have raised concerns about the broader impact of conflict beyond military targets. Reports suggest that cultural institutions, educational infrastructure, and digital learning systems in Iran have been affected during the ongoing hostilities.

While military operations are primarily aimed at strategic and defense-related targets, critics argue that the consequences have also disrupted schools, universities, cultural centers, and communication systems, impacting daily life and access to education.

🎓 Impact on Education Systems

School and University Disruptions

During the conflict, several educational institutions across Iran have reportedly faced disruptions due to:

Damage to nearby infrastructure

Power outages affecting online education

Internet shutdowns limiting remote learning

Temporary closures of universities and schools

These disruptions have created challenges for millions of students relying on digital platforms and traditional classroom learning.

Key Concerns:

Interrupted academic calendars

Limited access to examinations

Reduced communication between teachers and students

Increased stress among students and families

🏛️ Cultural Heritage and Institutions

Iran is known for its rich cultural heritage, including museums, libraries, and historic sites. Cultural observers have raised concerns that:

Some cultural institutions have been forced to close temporarily

Public events, exhibitions, and festivals have been postponed

Digital archives and cultural databases have faced accessibility issues

Although direct targeting of cultural heritage sites is widely prohibited under international law, indirect impacts from nearby military operations can still affect cultural preservation.

🌐 Digital and Internet Restrictions

Another major concern has been nationwide internet disruptions in Iran during the conflict.

Effects of Internet Shutdowns:

Students unable to attend online classes

Researchers losing access to international academic resources

Universities unable to conduct virtual programs

Cultural organizations unable to share digital content

Digital connectivity plays a vital role in modern education, and prolonged disruptions can significantly slow academic progress.

⚖️ International Law and Cultural Protection

Under international conventions such as UNESCO agreements, cultural and educational institutions are considered protected entities during wartime.

Key legal principles include:

Avoiding attacks on cultural heritage

Protecting educational institutions

Preserving libraries, museums, and archives

Maintaining access to education where possible

Violations of these protections may be investigated by international bodies.

🌍 Global Reactions

International organizations and educational groups have expressed concern about the broader humanitarian consequences of the conflict.

Common concerns raised globally:

Loss of educational continuity

Risk to cultural preservation

Psychological effects on youth

Long-term impact on academic development

Humanitarian agencies continue to call for measures that protect civilians and safeguard access to education.

🧾 Conclusion

The ongoing tensions between United States, Israel, and Iran highlight how modern conflicts extend beyond traditional battlefields. Educational disruption, cultural interruptions, and digital restrictions have become significant concerns alongside military developments.

Understanding these impacts is essential for evaluating the full humanitarian and societal consequences of the conflict, especially for students, educators, and cultural institutions.

TEHRAN (Iran News) The call was made during the 17th Joint Economic Cooperation Commission meeting held in Baku, where representatives of the private sector and trade promotion institutions from both countries discussed practical mechanisms to enhance economic engagement. The meeting was attended by Niloufar Asadi, Director General for Asia-Pacific Affairs and representative of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, and Gunel Sheikhmammadov, Director of International Affairs at the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO).

The discussions focused on identifying operational solutions to expand private sector cooperation, evaluating trade and investment opportunities, and addressing existing commercial challenges between the two neighboring countries. Participants agreed that strengthening business-to-business communication would play a key role in improving mutual market understanding.

As part of the dialogue, Asadi highlighted the institutional role of the Iran Chamber of Commerce as a representative and advisory body for the private sector. She noted that the chamber currently supports approximately 80,000 member companies, along with 34 provincial chambers, 40 joint chambers, and 280 trade associations. According to her, the chamber is actively working to help Iranian businesses enter global markets, with special emphasis on opportunities in Azerbaijan, including participation in international exhibitions and commercial events.

The Iranian side proposed the establishment of practical communication mechanisms between economic actors of the two countries. Suggestions included organizing specialized webinars and bilateral B2B meetings in strategic sectors such as agriculture, construction, and energy. Officials believe such direct interactions would help businesses from both countries better understand market requirements, investment conditions, and partnership opportunities.

The proposal was welcomed by Sheikhmammadov, who agreed that joint planning for these events could help remove informational barriers and facilitate market entry for companies on both sides. Both parties stressed the importance of continuous dialogue to support long-term economic cooperation.

Iranian representatives also emphasized the need to accelerate legal and governmental procedures related to trade facilitation and transit development. The completion and signing of the preferential trade agreement was identified as a top priority. Asadi stated that the private sector requires governmental support through such agreements to improve market access conditions.

She further called for coordinated pressure from commercial institutions on respective governments to finalize ongoing negotiations. She argued that lowering tariff barriers would significantly increase bilateral trade volume and improve economic interaction.

In response, Sheikhmammadov confirmed that efforts are underway to accelerate negotiation processes and finalize the strategic agreement. He said that reducing customs tariffs is expected to contribute to expanding the flow of goods between the two countries.

Another key topic discussed was investment cooperation. The Iranian representative announced that the Iran Chamber of Commerce is prepared to distribute information regarding Azerbaijani investment projects among Iranian member companies. This would allow Iranian firms to conduct feasibility studies and explore participation in project management and investment opportunities.

Sheikhmammadov welcomed the proposal and encouraged the introduction of Iranian companies interested in joint investment projects. He added that Azerbaijani partners are ready to provide detailed information about project requirements and investment conditions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed that official correspondence and follow-up communications should be conducted through the international affairs department of the Iran Chamber of Commerce and the relevant Azerbaijani institutions. This arrangement is expected to streamline administrative procedures and accelerate implementation of agreed initiatives.

Officials from both countries reaffirmed that strong political and economic will exists to expand bilateral relations. They emphasized that prioritizing the preferential trade agreement and joint investment cooperation could open a new chapter in economic relations between Tehran and Baku, supporting regional trade integration and long-term development partnerships.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to reporters on Tuesday local time, after the briefing session for senior Congress members with Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jeffries referred to Trump’s previous claim that last year’s strikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“Clearly he was lying to the American people, or he’s lying right now,” he added.

“I plan to press them on the claim that Donald Trump himself made about the Iranian nuclear program and what the great urgency is right now,” he added.

Rubio held a meeting on Tuesday evening local time, before Trump’s annual speech to Congress, with the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate, along with the chairs and senior members of the intelligence committees of both chambers also known as the “Gang of Eight”.

The “Gang of Eight” refers to the eight senior US Congress officials who, by law, are briefed on the latest and most sensitive security and intelligence information.

Following the 12-day war involving the US and Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities, indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington have resumed, despite US’ contradictory statements and threats.

The first round of indirect Tehran-Washington talks after the 12-day war was held on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Muscat.

The Iranian and American negotiating teams exchanged a set of views through Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the Omani Foreign Minister.

The second round of nuclear talks took place in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17, 2026, concluding after approximately three hours and thirty minutes of intensive diplomatic consultations.

These talks, like previous rounds, were held indirectly with the mediation of the Sultanate of Oman. A new round of talks is scheduled to be held on Thursday in Geneva.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to IRNA on Tuesday, Mehrdad Ali-Qardashi pointed to Iran’s ranking in the coaching by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), saying that with a total of 1,105 coaches, the country could manage to achieve the first place in the world.

He said that Iran currently has 1,001 active coaches at level-one, 86 coaches at level-two, and 18 coaches at level-three, whose details are available on the website of the ITTF.

Iran’s exact share of the world’s total registered coaches is calculated as 15.36 percent, meaning that approximately every 6 to 7 international coaches registered on this list is an Iranian coach.

According to him, Egypt and India are in the second and third places in the world’s table tennis coaching after Iran, contrary to a popular belief that China, Japan, and South Korea are among the top three.

Ali-Qardashi attributed the Iran’s ranking to the improved scientific level of coaches, which resulted in Iranian teenagers and young adults to defeat the Paris Olympic title-holders.

He reminded the words of the ITTF chief, a member of the International Olympic Committee and himself a world champion from Sweden, who during the meeting with the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee praised Benyamin Faraji for defeating World and Olympics champion and world No. 1 Wang Chuqin at the 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships.

The head of Iran’s Table Tennis Federation underscored that such praises for a teenager from West Asia, who defeated the first and second world players from China, shows the importance of Iranian coaches.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Brigadier General Mohammad Zohraei made the remarks on Tuesday night during the 12th Jihadi Memory Night ceremony held at the Sheikh Saduq Hall in the shrine of Abdolazim Hosseini Shrine.

Referring to what he described as the “civilization-building battle between truth and falsehood,” Zohraei said the role of the jihadi movement must be properly defined during this historical period. He described the movement as one of the spiritual achievements of the Islamic Revolution and emphasized its role in civilization-building efforts.

He called the jihadi movement a modern technological innovation of the revolution and one of the spiritual outcomes of the “Second Step” of the revolution. Zohraei added that this capacity must be firmly rooted in its historical position, strengthening not only service delivery but also ideological discourse and public mobilization in favor of the Islamic Republic.

The official described jihadi volunteers as the intermediary link between government efficiency and the public, stating that responsible and non-neutral positioning by jihadi groups in areas where they operate could help strengthen social cohesion and neutralize enemy efforts.

Zohraei also called for expanding cultural activities among jihadi groups, saying that organizing “Memory Night” ceremonies serves as a spiritual covenant among volunteers while facilitating experience transfer and strengthening collective morale.

He noted that jihadi groups have built a strong record in past years, particularly in poverty alleviation efforts, disaster response including floods and earthquakes, and during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when volunteer forces were among the first responders and among the last to leave affected areas after recovery operations.

He recalled the role of volunteer forces during the coronavirus outbreak, saying that when the unknown virus spread across the world, thousands of volunteers were trained and deployed in various fields, including the preparation, washing, and burial of deceased victims, shouldering heavy responsibilities.

Praising the late Ismail Ahmadi as the founder of the program, Zohraei said the deceased had served as a model of mobilization and popularity among jihadi groups through his cultural, media, and field activities. He added that continuing this path would deepen the country’s jihadi culture.

Providing an overview of jihadi groups in Iran, Zohraei said about 62,000 jihadi groups are currently active nationwide, operating at different levels. Approximately half of these groups are mosque-based or locally focused and mainly serve their immediate communities without migration.

He added that some groups are geographically mobile and operate by attracting public and institutional support, maintaining permanent manpower and specialized expertise in areas such as construction, culture, agriculture, and resistance economy in targeted regions. About 16 percent of the country’s jihadi groups—nearly 1,200 teams—maintain long-term presence in specific areas.

Specialized groups are also active in fields such as medicine, veterinary services, education, and resistance economy, while more than 30,000 local groups provide public services under the “Faith-Based Service Movement.”

Zohraei announced that eight underdeveloped provinces had been selected as targets for Nowruz holiday service programs from mid-Ramadan to April 4. Service areas have been identified in advance, and coordination with executive agencies has been conducted to secure materials and initial funding.

He said jihadi volunteers can choose their preferred province and service field based on their capacity and willingness to ensure more targeted and effective operations during the holiday period.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, Zohraei said about 60,000 jihadi groups have registered and are active on the “Jihadi Atlas” platform.

These groups operate in construction, cultural, medical, agricultural, educational, and energy projects in deprived regions and are increasingly moving toward specialized activities requiring professional certification.

He said various development projects have been designed for jihadi teams. In agriculture, water supply projects for farmers have been implemented and have received positive public response. In poverty reduction programs, agreements have been signed with multiple institutions to support housing construction for disadvantaged populations.

In the employment sector, jihadi groups have worked on establishing small family workshops and small-scale industries in urban and rural areas.

Zohraei also noted the entry of volunteer groups into the energy sector, particularly solar power projects. After receiving specialized training, jihadi teams have constructed solar power plants in areas where solar energy could contribute to electricity generation.

He emphasized that the movement toward specialized professional activities is strengthening, adding that volunteers are obtaining necessary certifications to take more solid steps in promoting the national jihadi service movement.

Zohraei also noted that Iran’s 60,000 active jihadi groups provided significant assistance to the government during disasters such as floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting executive agencies in various operations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei responded to statements by U.S. officials and Western media outlets on his official account on the social media platform X (social media platform).

Baghaei wrote that professional liars specialize in creating “false realities,” adding that repeating a lie often enough can make it appear like the truth. He referenced the historical propaganda principle attributed to Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi-era German Minister of Information and advisor to Adolf Hitler, stating that the slogan “repeat a lie until it appears true” was widely used in propaganda.

He further stated that this principle is now systematically employed by the U.S. government and its “war-mongering circles,” particularly the “genocidal regime of Israel,” to promote what he described as a malicious campaign of spreading false information against the Iranian nation.

The spokesman emphasized that claims concerning Iran’s nuclear program, alleged intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during the January unrest were nothing but repeated major falsehoods. He urged the public not to be deceived by such allegations.

The remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first official address titled “State of the Union” during his second presidential term, reiterated criticism of Iran.

Trump claimed that Iran had developed missiles that could threaten Europe and eventually the United States. He also said that following what he called the “Midnight Hammer Operation,” Iran allegedly received warnings not to develop nuclear weapons or missiles, though he claimed Tehran continued such activities.

The U.S. president further alleged that Iran was seeking to rebuild its nuclear program and pursuing “sinister goals.” Iran has consistently rejected such accusations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Aref made the remarks during the 64th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization. Highlighting the organization’s achievements in agricultural research, he stated that ensuring the country’s food security is not merely a slogan, but the result of measures taken in recent years in the agricultural sector—an approach that now serves as a key strategy of the current government.

Reviewing the challenges of the 1980s in agriculture, Aref recalled that at the time, the country’s strategy focused on increasing production and achieving self-sufficiency, particularly in essential commodities. He pointed to the wheat self-sufficiency celebration held in 2004 as an example. Today, he stressed, agricultural production must be planned with a realistic understanding of the country’s conditions and constraints.

Aref underlined the key role of the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization in achieving food security, noting that while the organization has made valuable contributions, the government expects more given the country’s academic and expert capacity. “Future agriculture must be smart, data-driven, and knowledge-based, while also making proper use of indigenous knowledge,” he said.

Referring to the government’s regional production strategy—particularly in agriculture—Aref noted that Iran’s free trade agreement with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union presents a significant opportunity for agricultural exports. However, he said, realizing this potential requires higher productivity and improved quality of domestic products.

He stressed the necessity of utilizing modern technologies, saying there is no alternative but to adopt and localize the latest advancements. “The country benefits from strong scientific capacity and a young workforce capable of producing the technologies needed in the agricultural sector,” he added. In this context, he called for reforming cultivation patterns with the cooperation and consent of farmers, emphasizing that water-intensive crops such as rice and watermelon should not be grown in water-scarce regions.

Addressing climate change and declining water resources, Aref noted that such conditions had been predictable for years and that international warnings had long been issued. He urged the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization to adopt a problem-oriented approach and, in cooperation with universities and research centers, provide practical solutions to adapt Iran’s agriculture to environmental conditions.

During the meeting, a report was presented on the organization’s activities, including seed production, cultivation pattern reform, applied research, adoption of modern technologies, private sector partnerships, and training programs for farmers.

Board members also approved several measures, including the audit report for the year 1403 (2024–2025), the appointment of an auditor for the 1404 (2025–2026) fiscal year, the organization’s detailed budget, implementation of a comprehensive wastewater transfer project and construction of a treatment plant at the Isfahan Provincial Research Station, the establishment of solar power plants at research centers, the implementation of an agrivoltaic project in pistachio orchards, and revisions to national standards for nursery plant and mother garden health.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Viewing governance strictly through three branches, conventionalizing the coercive power, failing to regard culture as an integrated power in itself, decentralizing education outside a unified power-based structure, and adopting a livelihood-centered and state-centered approach to the economy have all contributed to state-centric movements. Every few years, these movements have been directed along partisan and factional lines.

Of course, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a synthesis of a monotheistic ontology (God-centered) and a people-based methodology symbolized by republicanism. For this reason, one can observe a certain alignment—within both the written and unwritten lines of the text—with Western liberalism (which is founded upon humanism and anthropocentrism).

Thus, in some principles and concepts, similarities and overlaps with the values of Western liberal democracy can be observed. These commonalities appear mainly in the realm of “methods” and “citizens’ rights.” Entrusting cultural development entirely to the government without consistent supervision over its content and direction, or assigning education to the executive branch without aligning it with the necessities of the Revolution and national governance, as well as adopting a partisan and ideologically tinted approach to the economy—alongside pure capitalism without a focus on justice—have over the years led to the politicization of culture along factional lines, fragmentation of non-aligned educational content, and the emergence of a wealthy elite class immersed in affluence. This economic model has consistently created challenges across all sectors.

We remain committed to principles within this Constitution; yet instead of giving primacy to these principles in overarching content and expecting governments to pave the way for substantive implementation, we have made the executive administrator the very foundation of content itself.

Let us consider the following principles:

A – Popular Sovereignty and Republicanism

(Similar to Democracy)

Western liberalism emphasizes popular sovereignty and the social contract. In the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this concept is embodied in the republican nature of the system:

Article 6:

“In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the affairs of the country must be administered by reliance on public opinion, through elections: the election of the President, representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, members of councils, and the like.”

Article 56:

“Absolute sovereignty over the world and humanity belongs to God, and it is He who has made man master of his own social destiny. No one can deprive man of this divine right…”

Although these principles are defined within a religious framework, in terms of their popular character and recourse to public opinion, they correspond with the democratic mechanisms of Western liberalism.

B – Fundamental Freedoms

(Similar to Liberalism)

Freedom is the core of liberalism. In Chapter Three (Rights of the Nation), the Constitution refers to a wide range of freedoms similar to those set forth in international charters (influenced by liberalism):

Article 23:

The investigation of beliefs is forbidden, and “no one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.”

Article 24:

Freedom of the press is guaranteed, “unless it is detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam or the rights of the public.”

Article 27:

Freedom of assembly and marches is permitted, “provided that arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.”

Article 22:

The dignity, life, property, rights, residence, and occupation of individuals are inviolable.

C – Human Rights and Human Dignity

(Shared Concepts)

Research indicates that in certain respects, the Constitution aligns with human rights positions (which have roots in liberalism):

Articles 19–21:

Equality of individuals before the law, observance of women’s rights, and protection of mothers.

Article 32:

The right to legal recourse and judicial security (arrests must be made according to law).

Article 38:

Torture for the purpose of extracting confessions is forbidden.

These principles display relative harmony with the liberal view of inherent human rights (regardless of gender, race, or religion).

D – Rejection of Domination and Independence

(Similar to Anti-Colonial Principles)

Interestingly, some principles of foreign policy in the Constitution (such as Articles 152 and 154) bear semantic resemblance to the outlook of early Iranian liberals during the Constitutional era, who sought to reject foreign domination and preserve independence. Although these principles are rooted in the Islamic concept of rejecting subjugation, in terms of “independence and freedom from foreign powers,” they share common ground with nationalist liberal ideals.

A General View

In an overall assessment, the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran shares similarities with liberalism in its instrumental and procedural aspects:

The use of voting and elections

Recognition of conditional freedoms

Respect for citizens’ rights

However, at the level of foundations, the difference is fundamental. In Western liberalism, human autonomy is the source of rights, whereas in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, divine authority forms the basis of action, and people’s rights are defined within the framework of Islamic criteria (Article 4).

In other words, in liberalism, freedom is unlimited unless it harms another person; but in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, freedom is limited by adherence to Islamic principles under the authority and supervision of a qualified Islamic jurist.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Mahmoud Siadat, head of the Iran–Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said that official recognition of the Taliban government—referred to by its authorities as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan—would significantly strengthen commercial relations and provide greater confidence for long-term investments and private-sector engagement.

His remarks followed recent statements by Alireza Bigdeli, Iran’s ambassador in Kabul, who indicated that Tehran may soon formally recognize the Taliban-led administration.

In an interview, Siadat said there is no certainty yet regarding recognition, but noted that Iran’s relations with Afghanistan’s current authorities have steadily improved across multiple sectors.

“Fortunately, relations between Iran and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan are improving day by day in various fields,” he said.

According to Siadat, official recognition by Tehran would create greater stability and reassurance for private-sector actors seeking to engage in Afghanistan. This would be particularly important for long-term projects such as railway connectivity linking Iran to China through Afghan territory, as well as major public and private investment initiatives.

“When it comes to long-term contracts and strategic infrastructure projects, recognition would make it easier to rely on agreements and move forward with confidence,” he said.

Siadat described current economic relations between the two countries as strong and friendly, but emphasized that formal diplomatic recognition would further enhance both the perception and practical realities of cooperation.

Citing Iranian customs data, he said Iran’s annual exports to Afghanistan exceed $2.5 billion. However, Afghan customs authorities report even higher figures, estimating imports from Iran at more than $3 billion per year.

In total, Siadat estimated that Iran’s combined exports of goods and services to Afghanistan amount to approximately $3.5 billion annually.

By contrast, Afghanistan’s exports to Iran remain limited, totaling around $100 million per year.

A significant portion of Iran’s exports to Afghanistan consists of technical and engineering services, which Siadat said exceed $500 million annually. However, he acknowledged that there is no comprehensive database tracking these activities.

He attributed the lack of accurate data to insufficient government support and incentives. In the past, Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization provided bonuses of up to five percent of contract values to exporters of technical and engineering services, encouraging companies to formally register their overseas activities.

“Today, not only are there no incentives, but exporters are concerned about potential penalties, taxes, and social security obligations,” Siadat said. “As a result, many prefer not to register their activities.”

He added that Afghanistan’s most pressing needs go beyond goods and include technical services, consultancy, knowledge transfer, and technology—areas in which Iran has considerable capacity but has underperformed in terms of policy support.

Looking ahead, Siadat highlighted agriculture as a key area for expanding bilateral cooperation. He said Iran has already imported cotton, legumes, and certain agricultural products from Afghanistan this year, along with limited quantities of zinc ore, lead, and other minerals.

However, industrial and mining imports from Afghanistan currently face logistical and structural challenges. As a result, Iranian policymakers and business leaders are increasingly turning their attention to agricultural cooperation.

“We are seeking to implement contract farming in Afghanistan,” Siadat said. “Given that more than 50 percent of Afghanistan’s economy and workforce is engaged in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and horticulture, this sector offers significant potential.”

Under contract farming arrangements, Iranian companies would invest in Afghan agricultural production, providing technology, expertise, and guaranteed purchase agreements. The harvested products—such as legumes, meat, and other agricultural goods—would then be exported to Iran.

Siadat suggested that such cooperation could reduce Iran’s dependence on more distant suppliers.

“Instead of importing legumes from Canada, we can source them from Afghanistan,” he said. “Through contract farming and the transfer of knowledge and technology, we can import agricultural products and meat from Afghanistan in a structured and mutually beneficial way.”

Siadat also noted that remittances sent by Afghan nationals residing in Iran likely exceed the value of Iran’s total exports to Afghanistan. Millions of Afghans live and work in Iran, sending portions of their earnings back home to support their families.

This flow of funds, he said, underscores the deep economic interdependence between the two neighbors.

While formal recognition of the Taliban government by Iran has not yet been confirmed, Siadat made clear that such a move would mark a turning point in economic relations. It would not only solidify existing trade flows but also pave the way for expanded infrastructure projects, agricultural investment, and long-term strategic cooperation.

For now, trade between the two countries remains robust despite the absence of formal recognition. But business leaders argue that a clearer diplomatic framework could unlock further growth—particularly in sectors such as rail connectivity, agriculture, engineering services, and cross-border investment.

As discussions continue, Iran appears poised to deepen its economic engagement with Afghanistan, with contract farming emerging as a central pillar of its evolving strategy.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The Palestinian group issued a statement on Monday, the same day Israeli settlers set fire to the Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Mosque, located between the towns of Sarra and Tal, near Nablus in the northern West Bank. The settlers also spray-painted racist slogans on the mosque’s walls.

“The action carried out on Monday by Zionist settlers is a fascist and organized crime, and a blatant assault on places of worship and Islamic holy sites. This act constitutes a clear violation of all international laws and norms that guarantee the protection of religious and sacred sites,” Hamas said in the statement.

The movement called on the Palestinian people to take measures to protect mosques and other religious sites in the face of settler attacks and to counter these aggressive acts.

Hamas also urged the United Nations and all human rights organizations to condemn “this criminal fascist behavior,” prosecute its perpetrators, and hold Israeli officials accountable for encouraging such brutal crimes against the Palestinian people, as well as Islamic and Christian holy sites.

“The action carried out on Monday by Zionist settlers is a fascist and organized crime, and a blatant assault on places of worship and Islamic holy sites. This act constitutes a clear violation of all international laws and norms that guarantee the protection of religious and sacred sites,” Hamas said in the statement.

The movement called on the Palestinian people to take measures to protect mosques and other religious sites in the face of settler attacks and to counter these aggressive acts.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Two Liga MX fixtures — Queretaro vs. Juarez FC in the men’s competition and Chivas vs. America in the women’s league — were called off, along with two second-division matches.

The disruption comes as Mexico prepares to co-host this summer’s World Cup, with Guadalajara scheduled to stage four matches in June.

Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” led the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and was wounded in Tapalpa, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, before dying while being flown to Mexico City.

In the aftermath of his death, cartel members burned vehicles and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states.

Authorities reported explosions and shootouts between criminal groups and security forces in Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacan, with roadblocks erected using burning cars across parts of southwest Mexico.

Against that backdrop, Mexico’s national team is scheduled to face Iceland in a friendly on Wednesday at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro, and the Mexican football federation has not announced any plans to postpone the match.

Meanwhile, the unrest has cast fresh uncertainty over preparations for the World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Mexico is set to host 13 matches across Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11.

Guadalajara is due to stage four fixtures, including two involving South Korea, as well as matches featuring co-host Mexico, Spain, Uruguay and Colombia.

The CJNG is regarded as one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, with operations spanning much of the country and a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the United States.

Its designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration has underscored international concern over its reach.

In response to the latest violence, Global Affairs Canada urged people to “avoid non-essential travel” to dozens of areas in Mexico “due to high levels of violence and organized crime.”

The US State Department advised Americans to shelter in place, with some tourists reportedly stranded amid the unrest.

Separately, the Mexican Open ATP tournament is due to begin on Monday at the GNP Arena in Acapulco, Guerrero, with organizers stating that “the tournament’s operation continues as normal.”

The violence erupted just months before the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will feature 104 matches and draw millions of fans to North America, intensifying scrutiny of security arrangements in host cities.

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After notching up a hat-trick of wins in their first three encounters, the IPL debutants saw their winning run halted by a spirited SRH side that handed them a eight-wicket defeat in a lop-sided contest.

Batting first, Gujarat Titans finished with a decent but below par-score of 162 for seven, thanks to a slow but crucial fifty from their captain, who finished on unbeaten 50 off 42 balls.

The Gujarat Titans bowlers knew to defend a moderate total like this they would have to bowl out of their skin. But sadly, none of them came to the party and they eventually lost the match quite convincingly, opening their account in the defeats section.

It was a game of small margins and it was natural that tempers ran high. There was a moment when Mohammed Shami dropped a catch off Hardik’s bowling and the GT captain shouted at his fast-bowling spearhead in quite an aggressive manner.

Dear Hardik, you are a terrible captain. Stop taking it out on your teammates, particularly someone as senior as Shami. #IPL #IPL2022 #GTvsSRH pic.twitter.com/9yoLpslco7

The 28-year-old yelling at one of the senior most players in his squad evoked mixed reactions on the internet, with some criticising Pandya’s deplorable behaviour, while others supporting his actions.

It’s crazy that we ask a captain to deal with senior and junior separayely. It’s a game and anyone can ask a team member to go extra mile.

It’s crazy that we ask a captain to deal with senior and junior separayely. It’s a game and anyone can ask a team member to go extra mile.

If he is too senior let him retire. Fielding sets the game. So..

He too shouted on miller the same way when he got run out when it was only his mistake
A terrible captain

The Hardik supporters argued that anyone who makes a fielding mistake, irrespective of their status in the team, must be held accountable for their lapses and the GT skipper was doing just that.

Not at all an example of good leadership.. look at @kanewilliamson1 @KaneWilliamson2 whose team mate dropped 3 catches and he was just smiling and that's enough to boost teammates confidence.@MdShami11 he's a senior player and deserves respect for what he has done last night.

Hardik should have discipline first any sports what ever may be the situation you should be clam and composed being a captain abusing a senior wouldn't win you games i appreciate MS and Kane for their leadership just clam cool that's the reason now they are so successful

Captaincy seems to have gone into his head . Shami is their strike bowler and let him not mess with him

There were many people who bashed Hardik’s behaviour and urged him to learn from players like MS Dhoni and Kane Williamson who always maintain a cool and calm demeanour, no matter what and that’s why people love and admire them so much. 

This was not the first time Hardik has lashed out at one of his senior players. In their match against Punjab Kings, the Baroda all-rounder was seen fuming at South Africa’s David Miller  after his own mistake got him runout in the final over.

Leading an IPL franchise for the first time, Hardik has done a great job so far but shouting at his own players has made him a devil in the eyes of many fans. If he wants to be a successful leader he must learn how to channelise his anger.

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After notching up a hat-trick of wins in their first three encounters, the IPL debutants saw their winning run halted by a spirited SRH side that handed them a eight-wicket defeat in a lop-sided contest.

Batting first, Gujarat Titans finished with a decent but below par-score of 162 for seven, thanks to a slow but crucial fifty from their captain, who finished on unbeaten 50 off 42 balls.

The Gujarat Titans bowlers knew to defend a moderate total like this they would have to bowl out of their skin. But sadly, none of them came to the party and they eventually lost the match quite convincingly, opening their account in the defeats section.

It was a game of small margins and it was natural that tempers ran high. There was a moment when Mohammed Shami dropped a catch off Hardik’s bowling and the GT captain shouted at his fast-bowling spearhead in quite an aggressive manner.

Dear Hardik, you are a terrible captain. Stop taking it out on your teammates, particularly someone as senior as Shami. #IPL #IPL2022 #GTvsSRH pic.twitter.com/9yoLpslco7

The 28-year-old yelling at one of the senior most players in his squad evoked mixed reactions on the internet, with some criticising Pandya’s deplorable behaviour, while others supporting his actions.

It’s crazy that we ask a captain to deal with senior and junior separayely. It’s a game and anyone can ask a team member to go extra mile.

It’s crazy that we ask a captain to deal with senior and junior separayely. It’s a game and anyone can ask a team member to go extra mile.

If he is too senior let him retire. Fielding sets the game. So..

He too shouted on miller the same way when he got run out when it was only his mistake
A terrible captain

The Hardik supporters argued that anyone who makes a fielding mistake, irrespective of their status in the team, must be held accountable for their lapses and the GT skipper was doing just that.

Not at all an example of good leadership.. look at @kanewilliamson1 @KaneWilliamson2 whose team mate dropped 3 catches and he was just smiling and that's enough to boost teammates confidence.@MdShami11 he's a senior player and deserves respect for what he has done last night.

Hardik should have discipline first any sports what ever may be the situation you should be clam and composed being a captain abusing a senior wouldn't win you games i appreciate MS and Kane for their leadership just clam cool that's the reason now they are so successful

Captaincy seems to have gone into his head . Shami is their strike bowler and let him not mess with him

There were many people who bashed Hardik’s behaviour and urged him to learn from players like MS Dhoni and Kane Williamson who always maintain a cool and calm demeanour, no matter what and that’s why people love and admire them so much. 

This was not the first time Hardik has lashed out at one of his senior players. In their match against Punjab Kings, the Baroda all-rounder was seen fuming at South Africa’s David Miller  after his own mistake got him runout in the final over.

Leading an IPL franchise for the first time, Hardik has done a great job so far but shouting at his own players has made him a devil in the eyes of many fans. If he wants to be a successful leader he must learn how to channelise his anger.

View the full article

While the lovebirds are yet to make an official announcement, several reports suggest that they will get married in the presence of their families and close friends at the Sanju star's residence in Mumbai. 

While several popular celebrities, who are close to Ranbir and Alia, are expected to be a part of their big day, KRK has trolled Sidharth Malhotra for not getting an invitation to the wedding of his Student of The Year co-star. 

Taking to social media, KRK took a dig at Sidharth for fighting with him once for Alia and stated that she hasn't invited him for her marriage. Well, that's what KRK has claimed as there's still no confirmation about the wedding guestlist. 

KRK tweeted, "Once #SidhartMalhotra did fight with me for #AliaBhatt. Now Alia didn’t invite him for her marriage. Aukaat Pata Chal Gayee Naa Beta. Dhobi Ka Kutta Ghar Ka Naa Ghaat Ka".

Take a look at his tweet below:

Once #SidhartMalhotra did fight with me for #AliaBhatt. Now Alia didn’t invite him for her marriage. Aukaat Pata Chal Gayee Naa Beta. Dhobi Ka Kutta Ghar Ka Naa Ghaat Ka.

We wonder how Sidharth would react to it. 

For the unversed, Sidharth and Alia worked together in hits like Student of The Year and Kapoor & Sons. Back then, reports suggested that they were dating each other. They later parted ways for unknown reasons and have maintained a distance from each other since then. Post Kapoor & Sons, they have not even worked together till now. However, Alia and Sidharth never talked about their alleged love affair in public.

Coming back to the wedding, Ranbir and Alia will likely host a grand reception towards the end of April for their industry friends and they have already sent invitations to many big Bollywood celebs including Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone. 

Well, only time will tell if they have invited Sidharth or not.

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While the lovebirds are yet to make an official announcement, several reports suggest that they will get married in the presence of their families and close friends at the Sanju star's residence in Mumbai. 

While several popular celebrities, who are close to Ranbir and Alia, are expected to be a part of their big day, KRK has trolled Sidharth Malhotra for not getting an invitation to the wedding of his Student of The Year co-star. 

Taking to social media, KRK took a dig at Sidharth for fighting with him once for Alia and stated that she hasn't invited him for her marriage. Well, that's what KRK has claimed as there's still no confirmation about the wedding guestlist. 

KRK tweeted, "Once #SidhartMalhotra did fight with me for #AliaBhatt. Now Alia didn’t invite him for her marriage. Aukaat Pata Chal Gayee Naa Beta. Dhobi Ka Kutta Ghar Ka Naa Ghaat Ka".

Take a look at his tweet below:

Once #SidhartMalhotra did fight with me for #AliaBhatt. Now Alia didn’t invite him for her marriage. Aukaat Pata Chal Gayee Naa Beta. Dhobi Ka Kutta Ghar Ka Naa Ghaat Ka.

We wonder how Sidharth would react to it. 

For the unversed, Sidharth and Alia worked together in hits like Student of The Year and Kapoor & Sons. Back then, reports suggested that they were dating each other. They later parted ways for unknown reasons and have maintained a distance from each other since then. Post Kapoor & Sons, they have not even worked together till now. However, Alia and Sidharth never talked about their alleged love affair in public.

Coming back to the wedding, Ranbir and Alia will likely host a grand reception towards the end of April for their industry friends and they have already sent invitations to many big Bollywood celebs including Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, and Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone. 

Well, only time will tell if they have invited Sidharth or not.

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The size of your paycheck and the size of your ***** are also keeping some of you up at night.

But are you sure that’s what your girl is thinking about?

Just to clear your doubts, we asked five women what they feel about some of the most common insecurities men have.

“I respected my ex’s passion for his muscles but hated the fact that everything else—our relationship, work, emotions, home—could never become his priority.

I like maintaining a balance between healthy and fried food but I shied away from eating it in front of him. I felt alienated.

I didn’t fall for him because of his muscles. It was his willingness to commit that got me hooked. I ended up marrying a guy with a personality that complemented my entire life not just my body.”

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“By the age of 28, I had dated a few guys and one thing that was common in everyone was their concern about the ***** size. I tried to tell them that as long as I am emotionally involved with you, I will always have fun in bed. It doesn’t have much to do with the size. I enjoyed the closeness. 

They still felt insecure so I clearly failed at convincing them but I hope I am conveying it clearly enough that it’s not the size of your *****, it’s the level of intimacy and technique that makes a difference.

If a girl feels free to do and say anything to you when you’re in bed, you’re golden” 

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“I like guys who tell me about their feelings, their problems. It makes me feel involved. Being a part of my boy’s life, that’s all I want. I don’t care who pays the bills. 

Sure, I want to feel safe when I’m with my man but overprotectiveness, stubbornness and insecurity are the enemies of a long term relationship.” 

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“My husband often jokes about the fact that I must have wanted to end up with a fair guy. But sometimes I worry he might be seriously thinking about it. 

Might sound cheesy but I just felt like he was my home when I met him the first time. I saw a future with him. I could picture myself having kids with this man.

I never, ever thought about his colour. I can see that he feels insecure but it’s not what girls are noticing, trust me.”

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“I’m a tall woman and I have been blessed enough to not experience any uninvited comments because of that. My, now husband, then boss and boyfriend, was so uncomfortable that he was shorter than me. 

It's not like he wanted me to stop wearing heels or anything but I could see it bothered him. Right before our wedding, he gave me the last chance to break up and all I could say was that I love him more than that.

I didn’t care how people saw us. I saw him as mine. The first thing I noticed about him was his leadership skills. He cared for his team. It was never the height.” 

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The issues that are keeping you up at night might not be the ones most girls are noticing. So chillax!  

Are there any other common insecurities not mentioned in the list? Tell me in the comments below.

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