Latest news with #IranianIslamic
Memri
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Former Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Larijani: Our Islamic Scholars Have Issued a Fatwa Designating Trump as Someone Who Wages War against God - Any Muslim Might 'Do the Job'
Former Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Larijani said in a July 12, 2025 interview on IRINN TV (Iran) that Iranian Islamic scholars have issued a fatwa declaring President Trump a muhareb, an enemy of God, in response to what he called insolence toward Iran's Islamic scholars and Supreme Leader. He said, 'The idiot running some government has used really vulgar language' against the Supreme Leader and even threatened him. Larijani emphasized that Americans understand the significance of being labeled a muhareb. He added that millions of Muslims support the fatwa, and the Iranian government does not need to act - 'the Americans should know that it is possible that some Muslim will do the job.'
Egypt Today
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
President Sisi, Bahraini King: Ongoing escalation in the region primarily linked to continued Israeli aggression on Gaza
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa CAIRO- 21 June 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on Saturday. The call touched on the latest regional developments, said the Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy. President El-Sisi and King Hamad expressed their grave concern about the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran. The two leaders warned of the potential expansion of the conflict and its serious consequences for all countries in the region. They emphasized the need for all parties to act responsibly and work towards resolving the ongoing crisis through negotiation and peaceful means. They also stressed the importance of the international community to fulfill its responsibilities in this regard. The President and the King of Bahrain reiterated that the ongoing escalation in the region is primarily linked to the continued Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. They affirmed the importance of an immediate ceasefire in the Strip and warned of the humanitarian catastrophe facing it. The two leaders stressed the urgent and immediate need to deliver humanitarian aid to save the people of Gaza, and confirmed that the establishment of a Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital is the sole guarantee for regional stability. The call also reaffirmed the close ties between Egypt and Bahrain, and the keenness of the leaderships of both countries to strengthen them in all fields, so as to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples for progress and prosperity. Since the outbreak of the war between Iran and Israel on June 13, Egypt has exerted tremendous diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in which hundreds of people were killed and thousands were injured. The war started when Israel, which has nuclear weapon and not a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), launched missile and drones towards Tehran and killed hundreds of nuclear scientists, military leaders and civilians to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon. Israeli missiles and drones have targeted several nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, Arak and Fordow, causing a minor level of radiation leakage in Natanz as it was reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Israel, which is totally backed by the US, seeks to be the only country in the region that has nuclear weapons. In retaliation, Iran fired hundreds hypersonic missiles and drones on Israel, causing severe damage to buildings besides the Weizmann Institute of Science, Haifa refinery, and the Gav-Yam Negev Advanced Technologies Park. Israel, which continues its genocidal war on Gaza despite its war with Iran, attempts to draw the US in its conflict with Iran to also topple the Iranian Islamic regime, led by the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. However, Tehran, along with its regional allies in the Middle East in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, threatened if the US entered the war, the US interests in the Middle East will be targeted.
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First Post
20-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
A nation shaped by defiance and intervention: Will Iran's next chapter be any different?
As Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu calls for regime change in Iran and US President Trump considers backing it militarily, many fear history repeating itself. From the 1953 coup to the 1979 revolution, Iran's political evolution has been turbulent. If the Islamic Republic collapses, what would follow? read more Iranian flags fly as fire and smoke from an Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot rise, following Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025. File Image/WANA via Reuters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone beyond his initial aim of destroying Iran's ability to produce nuclear weapons. He has called on the Iranian people to rise up against their dictatorial Islamic regime and ostensibly transform Iran along the lines of Israeli interests. United States President Donald Trump is now weighing possible military action in support of Netanyahu's goal and asked for Iran's total surrender. If the US does get involved, it wouldn't be the first time it's tried to instigate regime change by military means in the Middle East. The US invaded Iraq in 2003 and backed a NATO operation in Libya in 2011, toppling the regimes of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In both cases, the interventions backfired, causing long-term instability in both countries and in the broader region. Could the same thing happen in Iran if the regime is overthrown? As I describe in my book, Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Iran is a pluralist society with a complex history of rival groups trying to assert their authority. A democratic transition would be difficult to achieve. When the Shah was overthrown The Iranian Islamic regime assumed power in the wake of the pro-democracy popular uprising of 1978–79, which toppled Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's pro-Western monarchy. Until this moment, Iran had a long history of monarchical rule dating back 2,500 years. Mohammad Reza, the last shah, was the head of the Pahlavi dynasty, which came to power in 1925. In 1953, the shah was forced into exile under the radical nationalist and reformist impulse of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. He was shortly returned to his throne through a CIA-orchestrated coup. Despite all his nationalist, pro-Western, modernising efforts, the shah could not shake off the indignity of having been re-throned with the help of a foreign power. The revolution against him 25 years later was spearheaded by pro-democracy elements. But it was made up of many groups, including liberalists, communists and Islamists, with no uniting leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Shia clerical group (ruhaniyat), led by the Shah's religious and political opponent, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, proved to be best organised and capable of providing leadership to the revolution. Khomeini had been in exile from the early 1960s (at first in Iraq and later in France), yet he and his followers held considerable sway over the population, especially in traditional rural areas. When US President Jimmy Carter's administration found it could no longer support the shah, he left the country and went into exile in January 1979. This enabled Khomeini to return to Iran to a tumultuous welcome. How an Islamic Republic was birthed In the wake of the uprising, Khomeini and his supporters, including the current supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, abolished the monarchy and transformed Iran to a cleric-dominated Islamic Republic, with anti-US and anti-Israel postures. He ruled the country according to his unique vision of Islam. Khomeini denounced the US as a 'Great Satan' and Israel as an illegal usurper of the Palestinian lands – Jerusalem, in particular. He also declared a foreign policy of ' neither east, nor west' but pro-Islamic, and called for the spread of the Iranian revolution in the region. Khomeini not only changed Iran, but also challenged the US as the dominant force in shaping the regional order. And the US lost one of the most important pillars of its influence in the oil-rich and strategically important Persian Gulf region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fear of hostile American or Israeli (or combined) actions against the Islamic Republic became the focus of Iran's domestic and foreign policy behaviour. When Khamenei took power Khomeini died in 1989. His successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled Iran largely in the same jihadi (combative) and ijtihadi (pragmatic) ways, steering the country through many domestic and foreign policy challenges. Khamenei fortified the regime with an emphasis on self-sufficiency, a stronger defence capability and a tilt towards the east – Russia and China – to counter the US and its allies. He has stood firm in opposition to the US and its allies – Israel, in particular. And he has shown flexibility when necessary to ensure the survival and continuity of the regime. Khamenei wields enormous constitutional power and spiritual authority. He has presided over the building of many rule-enforcing instruments of state power, including the expansion of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its paramilitary wing, the Basij, revolutionary committees, and Shia religious networks. The Shia concept of martyrdom and loyalty to Iran as a continuous sovereign country for centuries goes to the heart of his actions, as well as his followers. Khamenei and his rule enforcers, along with an elected president and National Assembly, are fully cognisant that if the regime goes down, they will face the same fate. As such, they cannot be expected to hoist the white flag and surrender to Israel and the US easily. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, in the event of the regime falling under the weight of a combined internal uprising and external pressure, it raises the question: what is the alternative? Will the Shah return? Many Iranians are discontented with the regime, but there is no organised opposition under a nationally unifying leader. The son of the former shah, the crown prince Reza Pahlavi, has been gaining some popularity. He has been speaking out on X in the last few days, telling his fellow Iranians: The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime's apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all. Since the deposition of his father, he has lived in exile in the US. As such, he has been tainted by his close association with Washington and Jerusalem, especially Netanyahu. My Fellow Countrymen, The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is in the process of collapsing. Khamenei, like a frightened rat, has gone into hiding underground and has lost control of the situation. What has begun is irreversible. The future is bright, and together, we… — Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) June 17, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If he were to return to power – likely through the assistance of the US – he would face the same problem of political legitimacy as his father did. What next for Iran? Iran has never had a long tradition of democracy. It experienced brief instances of liberalism in the first half of the 20th century, but every attempt at making it durable resulted in disarray and a return to authoritarian rule. Also, the country has rarely been free of outside interventionism, given its vast hydrocarbon riches and strategic location. It's also been prone to internal fragmentation, given its ethnic and religious mix. The Shia Persians make up more than half of the population, but the country has a number of Sunni ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Azaris, Balochis and Arabs. They have all had separatist tendencies. Iran has historically been held together by centralisation rather than diffusion of power. Should the Islamic regime disintegrate in one form or another, it would be an mistake to expect a smooth transfer of power or transition to democratisation within a unified national framework. At the same time, the Iranian people are highly cultured and creative, with a very rich and proud history of achievements and civilisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They are perfectly capable of charting their own destiny as long as there aren't self-seeking foreign hands in the process – something they have rarely experienced. Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor's Strategic Fellow, Victoria University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Inside world's biggest shopping centre in VERY surprising location with 12 cinemas & theme park covering 21MILLION sqft
THE world's biggest shopping centre takes up a whopping 395 acres and has a sprawling cinema complex, a theme park and even a giant library. The shopper's paradise has everything from gourmet food stalls to the fanciest shops around - despite being in a very surprising location. Advertisement 10 The Iran Mall takes up a whopping 395 acres of land in the capital Tehran Credit: Anakarnia / Wikimedia 10 Jondishapour Library boasts more than 45,000 books, manuscripts, and documents Credit: Google maps 10 There are over 700 stores to shop in at Iran Mall Credit: Google maps 10 Shopping centres are often the showpiece of most major cities and even smaller towns from the Dubai Mall to the Mall of America. But the one that has been crowned as the biggest on planet proudly sits in the The Iran Mall is officially the largest shopping complex to be built as it encompasses hundreds of shops, restaurants, amusements and even a hotel across its seven floors. The sheer size of the entire mega mall complex takes up the same size as 246 football pitches as it stretches across 21 million sqft. Advertisement read more in world's biggest It is located near to Lake Chitgar in the capital city of Tehran. The centre was opened in 2018 after 25,000 workers spent four years on construction. It has been designed to showcase the best modern interpretation of Iranian Islamic architecture. This has been done through crafted dome roofs, technical arches and hundreds of traditional Iranian ornaments. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Breaking Breaking Along with the cultural highlights, the mall also creates a lively and bright atmosphere through its large windows and glass ceilings. But the incredible look and design of the mall is just a small part of why it is such a beloved tourist hotspot and local wonder. Inside world's biggest 'Lego tunnel' that will be DUNKED underwater to connect Scandinavia & Europe in $7bn mega-project Living up to its name of the world's biggest shopping centre, the Iran Mall is littered with over 700 popular stores. This means that if shoppers were to spend just five minutes in each store it would take nearly three days to visit every one, according to Advertisement Shoppers can grab new clothes, home decor, food and even the latest gadgets in the plethora of local and international shops which take up multiple floors. It also boasts Iran's most advanced cinema complex made up of 12 IMAX screens. A modern concert hall with 2,000 seats, an on-site museum and several art galleries can also be found. Inside the Iran Mall THE Iran Mall is one of the most remarkable, busy and packed out shopping complex's ever constructed. Location: Tehran, Iran First opened: 2018 Size: 21 million sqft Floors: Seven Shops: Over 700 Key features: Jondishapour Library, musical fountain and state-of-the-art cinema complex Sports are also available in abundance from tennis courts , an ice hockey rink and a huge sports centre and gym all on site. Advertisement A swimming pool and spa is also being worked on. Two of the most exciting and unique features of the Iran Mall is the world's most sophisticated musical fountain and a massive library. Jondishapour Library boasts more than 45,000 books, manuscripts, and documents. And the fountain stretches all the way from the east to the west of the mall and is visible from any floor. Advertisement On another floor, shoppers can try to find their cars among the seemingly unlimited parking spaces. And play a game of bowling in the full-sized alley. While parents shop or entertain themselves in the plethora of activities, youngsters can spend hours in the theme park. It features an indoor roller coaster, space laser room, an arcade and even a children's theatre. Advertisement 10 The world's most sophisticated musical fountain is one of the complex's centrepieces Credit: Google maps 10 The mall also creates a lively and bright atmosphere through its large windows and glass ceilings Credit: Google maps 10 It even has a full sized bowling alley Credit: Google maps For the locals and travelling Muslims the mosque within the grounds is one of the holiest experiences in Iran. Advertisement It features magnificent architecture and intricate turquoise, azure and white tile and plaster decorations all inspired by the design of the Grand Bazaar. The different dome designs inside also take inspiration from the Hafeziyeh Shiraz dome. Another key room beloved by visitors is the mirror hall which is made up of a staggering 38 million pieces of glass. It is inspired by the renowned mirror hall of the National Assembly and dazzles during the day. Advertisement The construction of a luxury hotel and an international congress centre is also still ongoing. The Iran Mall has even set a second Guinness record for the world's longest continuous pouring of concrete. Workers spent six days pouring a constant flow to help build part of the mall. During the Covid pandemic the area even served as a makeshift hospital with 3,000 beds. Advertisement It was also used as the largest vaccination centre in Iran in the months after the pandemic first hit. 10 The hockey rink is a huge family favourite in the mall Credit: Google maps 10 The grand library is over two floors Credit: Google maps 10 A huge water feature takes over much of the mall Credit: Google maps Advertisement
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside world's biggest shopping centre in VERY surprising location with 12 cinemas & theme park covering 21MILLION sqft
If you were to spend just five minutes in each store it would take nearly three days to visit every one TILL YOU DROP Inside world's biggest shopping centre in VERY surprising location with 12 cinemas & theme park covering 21MILLION sqft Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE world's biggest shopping centre takes up a whopping 395 acres and has a sprawling cinema complex, a theme park and even a giant library. The shopper's paradise has everything from gourmet food stalls to the fanciest shops around - despite being in a very surprising location. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 The Iran Mall takes up a whopping 395 acres of land in the capital Tehran Credit: Anakarnia / Wikimedia 10 Jondishapour Library boasts more than 45,000 books, manuscripts, and documents Credit: Google maps 10 There are over 700 stores to shop in at Iran Mall Credit: Google maps 10 Shopping centres are often the showpiece of most major cities and even smaller towns from the Dubai Mall to the Mall of America. But the one that has been crowned as the biggest on planet proudly sits in the Middle East. The Iran Mall is officially the largest shopping complex to be built as it encompasses hundreds of shops, restaurants, amusements and even a hotel across its seven floors. The sheer size of the entire mega mall complex takes up the same size as 246 football pitches as it stretches across 21 million sqft. It is located near to Lake Chitgar in the capital city of Tehran. The centre was opened in 2018 after 25,000 workers spent four years on construction. It has been designed to showcase the best modern interpretation of Iranian Islamic architecture. This has been done through crafted dome roofs, technical arches and hundreds of traditional Iranian ornaments. Along with the cultural highlights, the mall also creates a lively and bright atmosphere through its large windows and glass ceilings. But the incredible look and design of the mall is just a small part of why it is such a beloved tourist hotspot and local wonder. Inside world's biggest 'Lego tunnel' that will be DUNKED underwater to connect Scandinavia & Europe in $7bn mega-project Living up to its name of the world's biggest shopping centre, the Iran Mall is littered with over 700 popular stores. This means that if shoppers were to spend just five minutes in each store it would take nearly three days to visit every one, according to Eavar. Shoppers can grab new clothes, home decor, food and even the latest gadgets in the plethora of local and international shops which take up multiple floors. It also boasts Iran's most advanced cinema complex made up of 12 IMAX screens. A modern concert hall with 2,000 seats, an on-site museum and several art galleries can also be found. Inside the Iran Mall THE Iran Mall is one of the most remarkable, busy and packed out shopping complex's ever constructed. Location: Tehran, Iran First opened: 2018 Size: 21 million sqft Floors: Seven Shops: Over 700 Key features: Jondishapour Library, musical fountain and state-of-the-art cinema complex Sports are also available in abundance from tennis courts, an ice hockey rink and a huge sports centre and gym all on site. A swimming pool and spa is also being worked on. Two of the most exciting and unique features of the Iran Mall is the world's most sophisticated musical fountain and a massive library. Jondishapour Library boasts more than 45,000 books, manuscripts, and documents. And the fountain stretches all the way from the east to the west of the mall and is visible from any floor. On another floor, shoppers can try to find their cars among the seemingly unlimited parking spaces. And play a game of bowling in the full-sized alley. While parents shop or entertain themselves in the plethora of activities, youngsters can spend hours in the theme park. It features an indoor roller coaster, space laser room, an arcade and even a children's theatre. 10 The world's most sophisticated musical fountain is one of the complex's centrepieces Credit: Google maps 10 The mall also creates a lively and bright atmosphere through its large windows and glass ceilings Credit: Google maps 10 It even has a full sized bowling alley Credit: Google maps For the locals and travelling Muslims the mosque within the grounds is one of the holiest experiences in Iran. It features magnificent architecture and intricate turquoise, azure and white tile and plaster decorations all inspired by the design of the Grand Bazaar. The different dome designs inside also take inspiration from the Hafeziyeh Shiraz dome. Another key room beloved by visitors is the mirror hall which is made up of a staggering 38 million pieces of glass. It is inspired by the renowned mirror hall of the National Assembly and dazzles during the day. The construction of a luxury hotel and an international congress centre is also still ongoing. The Iran Mall has even set a second Guinness record for the world's longest continuous pouring of concrete. Workers spent six days pouring a constant flow to help build part of the mall. During the Covid pandemic the area even served as a makeshift hospital with 3,000 beds. It was also used as the largest vaccination centre in Iran in the months after the pandemic first hit. 10 The hockey rink is a huge family favourite in the mall Credit: Google maps 10 The grand library is over two floors Credit: Google maps
