Latest news with #IslamicRevolutionaryGuardCorps
Roya News
a day ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Iran comments on reports of nuclear deal with US
Iran's Tasnim News Agency denied on Friday recent media reports claiming an interim nuclear deal had been reached between Tehran and Washington, stating that no such proposal exists from either side. Tasnim, which is affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also reported that there is currently no agreement on the date or location for a potential new round of nuclear negotiations, amid a continued deadlock between the two countries. The statement comes as speculation has grown in recent weeks about a possible revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, following months of indirect communications and public statements by both sides. US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, said that the US is 'doing very well' in its handling of both the Iran file and the Gaza crisis. He emphasized the importance of all parties in Gaza agreeing to the peace proposal presented by his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, as a step toward de-escalation. Trump also revealed that he had issued clear warnings to 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any military action targeting Iran. 'I told Netanyahu that any move against Iran is not appropriate at this time,' Trump said. He added that the US is currently engaged in 'very good' talks with Tehran, suggesting that Iran appears open to reaching an agreement. Trump expressed optimism, stating: 'We are very close to reaching a deal with Iran. I told Netanyahu that any escalation would ruin these efforts.'
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Iranian man pleads guilty to 2019 Baltimore ransomware attack
He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in August, the Justice Department announced. Gholinejad and unidentified co-conspirators were behind a string of ransomware attacks between January 2019 and March 2024, according to an April 2024 indictment unsealed on May 27. The Justice Department said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators encrypted files on the targeted networks with the Robbinhood ransomware variant to extort ransom payments. The conspirators compromised the computer networks of health care organizations, corporations, and other entities across the United States, according to the Justice Department. The cyberattacks also targeted several U.S. cities, including Baltimore in the high-profile 2019 ransomware attack, and caused "significant disruptions" to essential city services, federal authorities said. The Justice Department added that the conspirators "used the damage they caused these cities to threaten subsequent victims." Though court documents did not allege a state-backed connection in this case, federal authorities have warned in recent years of Iranian government hacking groups targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and private-sector entities. Federal agencies have also issued numerous advisories for cyberattacks by foreign groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In November 2023, an Iranian-linked cyber group, Cyber Av3ngers, hacked into the water authority infrastructure in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The group took partial control of a system that regulates water pressure, and one that includes technology manufactured in Israel. At the time, federal authorities said the group was looking to disrupt Israeli-made technology in the United States. Here's how to stay protected. Officials warn against dangerous Medusa ransomware attacks. Conspirators used hacking tools to gain access to computer networks Federal authorities said Gholinejad and his co-conspirators gained unauthorized access to computer networks with hacking tools. They copied, transmitted, and stored information and files from the infected victim networks to virtual private servers controlled by the conspirators, according to the indictment. The conspirators also deployed Robbinhood ransomware on targeted computers to encrypt files and make them inaccessible to the victims, the indictment states. They then extorted victims by requiring the payment of Bitcoin in exchange for the private key used to decrypt the victims' computer files. The Justice Department said the conspirators attempted to launder the ransom payments through cryptocurrency mixing services and by moving assets between different types of cryptocurrencies. According to the indictment, the conspirators concealed their identities and activities through various methods, such as the use of virtual private networks and servers that they controlled. The attack on Baltimore in 2019 cost the city more than $19 million from damage to computer networks and disruptions to city services that lasted many months, including the processing of property taxes, water bills, parking citations, and other revenue-generating functions, the Justice Department said. Additional victims include computer networks in the cities of Gresham, Oregon; Yonkers, New York; and Greenville, North Carolina, along with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District in California and the nonprofit Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth, based in New York, according to the indictment. "Gholinejad and his co-conspirators -- all of whom were overseas -- caused tens of millions of dollars in losses and disrupted essential public services by deploying the Robbinhood ransomware against U.S. cities, health care organizations, and businesses," Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, said in a statement. "The ransomware attack against the City of Baltimore forced the city to take hundreds of computers offline and prevented the city from performing basic functions for months," Galeotti added. Contributing: Claire Thornton, USA TODAY; Reuters
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Top Russian senator congratulates Iranian counterpart on re-election
Valentina Matvienko, chairwoman of Russia's Federation Council, has congratulated Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on his re-election as speaker of the Iran's parliament. In her message, she emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. Ghalibaf was re-elected on Tuesday, securing 219 out of 272 votes. He has held the position since 2020 and previously served as the mayor of Tehran and as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In her congratulatory letter on Wednesday, Matvienko said that Russian officials 'highly value' Ghalibaf's warm attitude toward Russia 'and are ready to promote the deepening of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of our countries, the development of constructive inter-parliamentary dialogue aimed at strengthening mutual respect, trust, and consideration of each other's interests.' 'We look forward to continuing fruitful work both on the international stage in order to effectively seek solutions to key regional and global issues,' Matvienko added. Russia and Iran have significantly strengthened their bilateral relations. In January, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in Moscow. The landmark deal formalizes a commitment to building stronger relations across multiple areas, from national security, to peaceful nuclear energy to joint resistance against unilateral sanctions. In 2024, Iran officially became a member of BRICS. The group was initially founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates also became members last year. Current members account for about 46% of the world's population and over 36% of global GDP, according to estimates by various international institutions. Over 30 more nations have applied to join the group.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Moldova's ties to Israel have never been better, FM tells 'Post'
Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi also accused Russia of testing its destabilization tactics in Moldova before exporting them elsewhere. Moldova's relations with Israel "have never been better," Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi told The Jerusalem Post this week during his first ever trip to Israel. 'We are very pleased to see the upward trajectory of our relationship, especially with the recent opening of an Israeli embassy in the Republic of Moldova, and the growing economic, cultural, and political engagement,' Popsoi said. Israel and Moldova have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992. Moldova has operated an embassy in Israel for several years, but Israel only opened its embassy in Moldova in February of this year, during a visit by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. 'There is certainly still a lot of work to be done,' Popsoi noted. 'However, the embassy opening is a clear sign that our relationship is moving in a positive direction. It helps consolidate ties, provides essential consular services, and also boosts economic and political cooperation.' During the interview, Popsoi highlighted that there are currently 17 weekly flights between Chișinău and Tel Aviv. 'The high frequency of flights and passenger travel is a strong indicator of growing people-to-people connections. We look forward to increased Israeli investment in Moldova, more exports to Israel, and greater collaboration in technology and agriculture — sectors in which we are eager to learn and improve productivity.' The minister also expressed hope that the flights would encourage more Israelis to visit Moldova. 'We're very keen for Israeli tourists to discover Moldova's countryside, its rich history, and our incredible wine — which is both a national trademark and a part of our identity. Many Israelis have roots in Moldova, and we welcome them to explore their heritage and continue building strong bridges between our countries.' In recent years, Israeli officials have urged Moldova to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization — a move that would also align with Ukrainian interests, given the perceived threat of Iranian-Russian ties. 'This issue requires broader discussion,' Popsoi said. 'It's something we could certainly examine, but these sensitive geopolitical matters are complex. We prefer to focus on positive bilateral engagement, and Moldova has consistently stood by Israel. Through thick and thin, we've supported Israel's right to defend itself — especially following the October 7 attack — and we've taken significant steps to combat antisemitism.' Popsoi also discussed the recent Moldovan presidential elections held in November, which were tightly contested. Incumbent Maia Sandu, widely viewed as pro-European, ran against former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, considered by many as pro-Russian. Sandu won a majority, and on the same day, Moldovans voted to enshrine the country's desire for EU membership in the constitution. 'There was a significant amount of Russian interference in the elections — far more than we would have liked,' Popsoi acknowledged. 'There were also large-scale voter bribery attempts. We've responded by increasing fines and prosecuting the organizers of these illegal schemes. But the Kremlin is constantly adapting its propaganda and influence strategies. That said, our society is now more resilient. We've developed a kind of immunity, though it's still not enough.' Popsoi accusedthe Kremlin of testing its destabilization tactics in Moldova before exporting them elsewhere. 'It's in the best interest of all our friends and partners to help us build resilience. There was a time when Moldova existed entirely within Russia's information space — Russian state TV controlled over 90% of our media. But we've diversified. We no longer buy gas from Gazprom, and we're integrating our electricity grid with Europe through high-voltage connections with Romania.' One major point of contention between Russia and Moldova is the breakaway region of Transnistria, a narrow strip of land between Ukraine and Moldova that declared independence. While Russia backs Transnistria's separatist ambitions, the international community views it as part of Moldova. 'This is the same old struggle for spheres of influence — a mindset that runs counter to the principles of sovereignty and national independence,' Popsoi said, responding to a question about Russia's opposition to Moldova's westward trajectory. Thankfully, the threat of a Russian invasion is no longer imminent. 'In the early days and weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, the fear of a similar scenario in Moldova was very real. At the time, many in the West doubted Ukraine's chances of survival — but Kyiv proved them wrong. Today, a Russian invasion of Moldova seems far less realistic, given Russia's experiences over the past three years.' Looking ahead, the foreign minister is optimistic about Moldova's path to European Union membership. 'We've lost three decades in our efforts to join the EU. We have no more time to waste,' he emphasized. 'We are moving full steam ahead with reforms. There is strong support for our EU accession, which is in the best interest of Moldovan citizens. It will raise living standards and strengthen our institutions. We are optimistic that we will complete negotiations and join the EU within the current European Commission's term.'
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Syria Confirms Closure of Polisario Separatist Premises in Damascus
Doha – Damascus authorities have officially confirmed the shuttering of premises occupied by Polisario separatists in the Syrian capital, delivering a devastating blow to the militants' fading aspirations for legitimacy and regional relevance. The confirmation came during a visit by a Moroccan technical delegation tasked with preparing the reopening of Morocco's embassy in Syria after a 13-year closure. A joint mission comprising Moroccan officials and high-ranking Syrian authorities conducted an on-site inspection to verify the effective closure of the separatist group's office in Damascus. Syrian officials reaffirmed their commitment to respecting Morocco's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, explicitly rejecting any form of support for separatist entities. This move represents a tangible manifestation of Syria's firm determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Morocco and promote regional stability. The decision by King Mohammed VI to reopen Morocco's embassy in Damascus signals the dawn of a new era in Moroccan-Syrian relations. The embassy's reopening, announced on May 17, comes after fundamental disagreements with the now-collapsed Assad regime had prompted its closure in 2012. King Mohammed VI stressed that this diplomatic reestablishment 'will open broader perspectives in the historical relations between our two countries and our two peoples.' Assad's Syria armed separatists covertly Ongoing disclosures continue to unmask the depth of the former Assad regime's complicity with the Iran-backed Polisario separatists—exposing, one after another, the covert channels, political favors, and ideological alliances that long sustained the militants' fabricated cause. Evidence has mounted conclusively linking the separatist militia to Tehran's malign regional activities. An April comprehensive analysis by the Hudson Institute brought to light that the Polisario 'receives drones from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) through transfers facilitated by the Algerian regime' and routinely 'smuggles arms to jihadist insurgencies that threaten American forces across the Sahel.' This relationship has transformed the group from mere separatists into a dangerous extension of the Iranian regime's destabilizing proxy network across North Africa. The threat posed by this axis cannot be overstated, as the theocratic regime in Tehran continues exploiting the Polisario as a strategic lever to project power far beyond its borders. Security experts have documented how Iran's revolutionary agenda has weaponized the separatist group, providing not only material support but also tactical training through Hezbollah operatives specifically to undermine Morocco's territorial integrity and broader regional security architecture. A document marked 'highly confidential' from January 2012 detailed a secret alliance between Assad's government and the Polisario Front. The correspondence revealed that Polisario dispatched militias to undergo military training with the Syrian Arab army under a program coordinated with Hezbollah in Beirut. Security sources confirmed in December 2024 that approximately 30 Polisario militants were captured by Syrian opposition forces in Aleppo. These militants were reportedly abandoned by Assad regime forces during clashes. Former Iraqi deputy Omar Abdul Sattar stated the militants were found in a rural Aleppo camp after being transported there by Algeria with Iranian support. 'They were under the supervision of Iranian military advisor Borhashmi, who was killed, and were receiving military training before their planned return to Tindouf to use these experiences in operations against Moroccan territories,' Abdul Sattar noted. An April Washington Post report corroborated the deep collaboration between Iran-backed Hezbollah, and the Polisario Front, and Algeria—the patron, primary financier, and relentless political sponsor of the separatist movement. The report cited sources confirming that Hezbollah, the Iranian proxy, trained Polisario Front separatists to advance its interests. As quoted, regional and European officials verified that Iran trained fighters from the 'Algeria-based Polisario Front' who are now detained by Syria's new security forces. Polisario's isolation reaches breaking point Morocco severed ties with Iran in 2018, presenting substantial evidence of Tehran's arming and training of Polisario separatists through Hezbollah. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita affirmed that Morocco provided detailed documentation of the Polisario-Hezbollah conspiracy. 'The file was carefully prepared, for weeks, on the basis of information collected and cross-checked over several months,' Bourita stated at the time, adding that the document summarizes 'proven and precise facts: dates of visits by senior officers of Hezbollah in Algeria, dates and venues of meetings with Polisario officials, and a list of names of agents involved in these contacts.' Following the Assad regime's collapse in December, the Syrian National Salvation Front has urged Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to cut all ties with the Polisario Front and officially recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. The opposition group specifically called on the Syrian president to open a consular office in Laayoune. King Mohammed VI has reaffirmed Morocco's support for the Syrian people in achieving their aspirations for freedom, peace, and stability. Morocco stands ready to assist Syria 'while they navigate this critical and decisive phase in their history in complete harmony with our principled stance supporting Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty,' the monarch declared in a royal message in February. The closure of the Polisario office in Syria marks a resounding defeat for the separatist group—dismantling one of its last propaganda footholds in the region and further isolating its collapsing agenda on the international stage. About 113 countries now back Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most credible political solution to end the dispute. Tags: Assad regimeMorocco SyriaPolisario Front
