Reaching for the Stars: Iran’s Daring Space Program

Those three satellites, sent to space on Iran’s own Simorgh rocket, were a big moment. Now, Iran joins a special club of countries that can launch their own satellites! The future is even brighter, with plans for bigger rockets and even sending many satellites at once. One day, Iran’s rockets might carry up to 15 tons of cargo, opening up the universe even more!

Beyond the Stars: Building a Digital World

But Iran’s journey isn’t just about space. On the ground, a whole new world is growing, powered by the internet and the creativity of Iranian people. Almost everyone, even in small villages, can connect online! This strong internet, with over 71,000 kilometers of cables, has helped countless startups and tech companies bloom. They’ve created over 345,000 amazing mobile apps and changed the way people shop. Social media like Instagram is now a bustling marketplace, with over 415,000 small businesses making billions every year! This online market empowers people, fuels the economy, and shows the cleverness and adaptability of Iranians.

Healing Hands: Medical Breakthroughs Take Flight

While satellites and cyberspace are exciting, another kind of innovation is happening in Iranian labs and hospitals. Iranian scientists are leading the way in many areas of medicine:

• Stem Cell Research: Ranked among the top 5 in the world, Iran’s work with stem cells holds great promise for healing damaged organs and treating blood diseases.
• Nanomedicine: Using tiny particles called “nanos,” Iranian scientists are developing new ways to diagnose and treat diseases, like cancer, with fewer side effects.
• Affordable Cancer Drugs: Iranian scientists are creating new cancer drugs like Paclinab, which work against many cancers and are easier on patients than older drugs. This is especially important for making sure everyone can access cancer care.
• Robot Surgeons: In the operating room, the Sina Robotic Telesurger System helps doctors perform complex surgeries with more precision and efficiency. This could make these surgeries available to more people in Iran and beyond.

Beyond the Headlines: More Technological Frontiers

The story of Iran’s scientific and technological journey goes even further! Iranian researchers are also making progress in:

• Artificial Intelligence: AI is being used to detect cancer early, predict crop diseases, and even improve traffic flow.
• Renewable Energy: Iran wants to use more clean energy like solar and wind power, and they’ve already built a lot of solar panels and are researching wind turbines.
• Nuclear Technology: Beyond space, Iran’s expertise helps produce medical isotopes used in cancer treatment.

Challenges and Resilience: Fueling the Pursuit of Progress

It’s important to remember that these achievements happen despite challenges like political tensions and economic difficulties. Yet, Iranian scientists, entrepreneurs, and medical researchers keep working hard. Their dedication to improving lives, both in Iran and beyond, shows the power of human ingenuity and the will to progress even in tough times.

Openness to Collaboration: Sharing Progress for a Brighter Future

Iran believes in working together with other countries. They recognize that their advancements can benefit the entire region, and they’re open to sharing their expertise and technologies with friendly countries like Georgia. This could mean Georgia using Iran’s affordable medical solutions and innovative products to solve their own healthcare challenges, leading to progress and well-being for both countries.

A Journey of Many Paths: Inspiring a Brighter Future

Iran’s ascent in science and technology is not just a list of achievements; it’s a story of human resilience, innovation, and the constant pursuit of a better future. As Iran continues to push the boundaries in space exploration, digital infrastructure, healthcare, and many other areas, it offers not only hope for its own people but also inspiration for collaboration and the advancement of technology for the benefit of all.

The post Beyond Rockets and Remedies: Iran’s Journey to the Stars and Beyond first appeared on .

In a welcome announcement, Iran has officially lifted all COVID-19-related restrictions, signaling a major milestone in the country’s fight against the pandemic. The decision comes as Iran’s Health Minister, Bahram Ainullahi, stated that the nation stands among the top six countries globally in effectively controlling the pandemic, despite the challenging backdrop of economic sanctions.

Minister Ainullahi further highlighted Iran’s readiness, revealing that the country currently has a substantial reserve of 50 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, with six vaccine production centers operational within its borders. This impressive vaccination capacity underscores Iran’s commitment to safeguarding public health and facilitating the return to normalcy.

Easing Travel for Tourists

One of the most significant aspects of this development is the ease of travel for tourists. With the lifting of restrictions, travelers can now visit Iran without the necessity of presenting COVID-19-related documents. This change is expected to boost tourism, drawing visitors eager to explore Iran’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

The Iranian government views the relaxation of restrictions as a strategic move to rejuvenate its tourism sector, thus aiding the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic’s impact. Iran’s diverse landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant culture have long been a draw for tourists, and this decision is anticipated to further enhance the country’s appeal as a travel destination.

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Iran’s Impressive Achievements in Health Tourism

Iran has made significant strides in various medical fields, earning recognition both regionally and globally. Some notable achievements include:

• IVF Research and Infertility Treatment: Iran ranks first in the region for IVF research and infertility treatment.
• Gynecology and Obstetrics: Iran holds the fourth position worldwide in the field of infertility treatment, gynecology, and obstetrics.
• Dentistry: Iran ranks twelfth globally, especially in cosmetic dentistry.
• Heart and Blood Vessels: Iran is among the top ten countries in the world in the field of cardiovascular health in the Middle East region.
• Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery: Iran holds the tenth position globally for plastic and cosmetic surgery.
• Screening, Optometry, and Ophthalmology: Iran ranks first in the Eastern Mediterranean for its exceptional services in these fields.
• Neurology: Iran ranks 27th among 200 countries worldwide in neurology.
• Hair Transplantation and Reconstructive Surgery: Iran has implemented international standards in these areas.

Increasing Number of Health Tourists

Every year, Iran attracts nearly one and a half million health tourists from countries such as Uzbekistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, as well as European and American nations. These visitors seek treatment and medical services in Iran due to the country’s advanced healthcare facilities and skilled medical professionals.

Advanced Medical Facilities and Affordable Care

Iran boasts an advanced healthcare system with modern medical facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. The country hosts numerous hospitals and clinics staffed by experienced doctors and nurses. Patients can find a wide range of advanced medical treatments, including cosmetic procedures, cardiovascular care, infertility services, ophthalmology, cancer diagnosis and treatment, dental care, and more.

One of the key advantages of seeking medical treatment in Iran is its affordability. The cost of healthcare in Iran is significantly lower compared to many other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality medical care at affordable prices.

Skilled and Experienced Doctors

Iran takes pride in its highly skilled and experienced doctors who are renowned for their expertise and dedication to patient care. Patients can place their trust in the knowledge and skills of Iranian doctors who excel in the latest treatment techniques. The opportunity to consult with these skilled professionals ensures personalized treatment plans and guidance throughout the healthcare journey, providing patients with peace of mind and confidence in their treatment choices.

Popular Health Tourism Destinations in Iran

Several cities in Iran are known for their exceptional medical facilities and cultural attractions:

• Tehran: The capital city boasts some of Iran’s finest hospitals and clinics, offering a wide range of medical services. Visitors can also explore cultural landmarks such as museums, mosques, and palaces.
• Shiraz: As a hub of health tourism in southern Iran, Shiraz is renowned for its specialized hospitals and clinics. Patients can find advanced treatments in areas such as organ transplantation, ophthalmology, cosmetic surgery, and cardiovascular care. Shiraz also offers beautiful gardens, historical sites, and delectable cuisine.
• Yazd: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Yazd is known for its unique architecture and windmills. The city is home to several hospitals and clinics specializing in infertility treatments.
• Tabriz: Tabriz stands as a hub of medical expertise and cultural diversity, housing numerous hospitals and clinics focused on cardiovascular treatments, women’s health, dentistry, respiratory diseases, and liver-related conditions.

Health Tourism: Accessing Quality Care in a Cultural Environment

Health tourism in Iran presents a remarkable opportunity to receive top-tier medical services in a culturally rich and pleasant environment. The combination of state-of-the-art medical facilities, skilled professionals, affordability, and cultural connections makes Iran an attractive choice for those seeking high-quality healthcare experiences. Whether it’s for complex medical procedures or specialized treatments, Iran welcomes health tourists from around the world, offering exceptional care alongside a vibrant cultural experience.

The post Unveiling Iran’s Medical Marvels: A Journey into Health Tourism first appeared on .

Join us as we delve into the exhilarating details of their historic mission, brimming with adventure, resilience, and a commitment to peace.

A World Voyage of Friendship and Exploration

Setting sail from the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, Iran, on September 20, 2022, the flotilla embarked on a mission to promote peace and friendship worldwide. Their first stop was the bustling port of Mumbai, India, followed by Jakarta, the vibrant capital of Indonesia. These initial encounters set the stage for the grand adventure that lay ahead.

Navigating through Treacherous Waters

The flotilla charted a course through the Bay of Bengal and the Strait of Malacca, venturing into the vast Java Sea. They sailed through the challenging Strait of Makassar and the Celebes Sea, marking a historic milestone for Iran’s military seafaring as they ventured into the expansive Pacific Ocean. Across the mighty Pacific, they encountered enchanting islands such as Micronesia and Polynesia, leaving a trail of awe and wonder in their wake.

Conquering the Atlantic and Celebrating Milestones

Continuing their voyage, the flotilla made their way towards the Strait of Magellan, located in the southern reaches of the Americas. Crossing this maritime gateway, they entered the vast South Atlantic Ocean, where they navigated along the coasts of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. It was in the enchanting city of Rio de Janeiro that they anchored, coinciding with the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Brazil, a momentous celebration of friendship and shared history.

A Testament to Resilience and Self-Reliance

Throughout their journey, the Iranian Naval Flotilla showcased their unwavering strength and self-reliance. The Makran support ship emerged as a lifeline, providing crucial supplies such as fuel, water, food, and even medical services. Equipped with an 8-bed hospital, the Makran played host to life-saving surgeries at sea, where skilled doctors and surgeons carried out operations, including an emergency appendectomy and successful cardiac intervention. The resilience of the crew was truly remarkable.

Technological Marvels on the High Seas

Behind the scenes, a dedicated support group in Tehran aided the flotilla’s voyage using state-of-the-art supercomputers. These powerful machines analyzed complex weather conditions, ensuring safe navigation through diverse climates and seasons. From solving intricate weather problems to mapping out optimal routes, the supercomputers played a pivotal role in the success of this unprecedented journey.

A Triumph of Global Significance

The completion of the 86th Iranian Naval Flotilla’s world voyage stands as a testament to the remarkable capabilities of the Iranian Navy. This incredible achievement extends far beyond territorial waters, embracing a global mission of peace and friendship. The flotilla’s encounters with foreign navies and their engagement with local communities fostered mutual understanding and cultural exchange, paving the way for lasting connections across continents.

The epic voyage of the 86th Iranian Naval Flotilla captures the essence of adventure, resilience, and a deep commitment to peace. From navigating treacherous waters to showcasing technological marvels and delivering medical miracles, their journey resonates as a triumph of human spirit and cooperation. As the flotilla sailed back into Iranian territorial waters, they left an indelible mark on the world stage, forever etching their names in the annals of maritime exploration.

Upon the triumphant return of the 86th Iranian Naval Flotilla to their home shores, a grand reception awaited their arrival. Government officials, proud families of the staff, and enthusiastic well-wishers gathered to celebrate their courageous feat. The sight of the flotilla’s ships entering the harbor, adorned with flags and banners, invoked a sense of national pride and unity.

Amidst a joyous atmosphere, speeches were delivered, commending the bravery and dedication of the sailors who had embarked on this extraordinary journey. The families of the staff members, filled with relief and pride, embraced their loved ones, knowing they had accomplished something truly remarkable.

The post From Waves to Wonders: The Incredible 210-Day World Voyage of the Iranian Naval Flotilla! first appeared on .

1. Obtain a visa: While citizens of almost 72 foreign nationals don’t need a visa to enter Iran, if you do need a visa, you can apply for it online or at the Iranian embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Get a carnet de passage en douane (CPD): This international document allows you to temporarily import your car into another country. You can apply for a CPD through your national automobile association. The processing time for a CPD can vary, but it typically takes about two weeks.
3. If you are unable to obtain a CPD, you may still be able to import your car into Iran, but you will need to pay a deposit of customs duties and taxes.
4. Get an international driving permit: While not required for citizens of most countries, an international driving permit can be helpful if you are stopped by the police. You can get an international driving permit through your national automobile association.
5. Plan your route: Before setting out, plan your route carefully. Consider the time of year you are traveling, the type of car you are driving, and the types of activities you want to do.
   • Best time to travel to Iran with a private car:
     • The best time to travel to Iran with a private car is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). The weather during these seasons is mild and pleasant, and the roads are less crowded.
     • If you are planning to travel to Iran during the summer (June-August), be prepared for hot and humid weather. The roads can also be very crowded during this time of year.
     • If you are planning to travel to Iran during the winter (December-February), be prepared for cold weather and snow in some areas. The roads can also be icy during this time of year.
   • Best routes you can take when traveling to Iran with a private car:
     • There are a number of different routes you can take when traveling to Iran with a private car. The most popular route is from Tehran to Shiraz. This route takes you through the heart of Iran and passes through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
     • Another popular route is from Tehran to Mashhad. This route takes you through the eastern part of Iran and passes through the city of Mashhad, which is home to the Imam Reza Shrine, one of the most important Shia shrines in the world.
     • No matter which route you choose, you are sure to have a memorable journey. Iran is a beautiful and fascinating country with a lot to offer visitors.
6. Pack for all types of weather: The weather in Iran can vary greatly depending on the region and the time of year. It is important to pack for all types of weather, including hot, cold, and rainy.
7. Be prepared for long drives: The roads in Iran can be long and winding. Be prepared for long drives and make sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks.
8. Be aware of cultural differences: Iran is a Muslim country, and there are certain cultural norms that you should be aware of. For example, women are expected to cover their hair in public.
9. Be respectful of local people: Iran is a friendly and welcoming country. Be respectful of the local people and their culture, and you will have a great time.
10. Get a good car insurance policy: This will protect you in case of an accident.
11. Pack a first-aid kit and a roadside emergency kit: This will ensure that you are prepared for any unforeseen events.

When it comes to cost, renting a car in Iran costs between $30 and $50 per day for a small car, while bringing your own car to Iran will cost you between $100 and $200 in fees. The driving conditions in some parts of Iran can be challenging, with heavy traffic. However, the police in Iran are generally very friendly and helpful.

Overall, traveling to Iran by private car can be a wonderful way to experience the country and its unique culture. With careful planning and preparation, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Have you ever been to Iran? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences. What were your favorite places to visit? What did you learn about the culture? What advice would you give to other travelers? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

The post Your Guide to Traveling to Iran by Private Car: Tips and Information first appeared on .

Iranians were surprised last week when they saw a familiar face in a historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un, Persian rug, a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture on the world stage.

The photos taken during an informal meeting between the two leaders showed a red Heris rug laid in the room.
The summit has been widely regarded as a diplomatic coup for North Korea, which repeated its commitment towards denuclearisation in a joint statement.

The hand-woven Heris rugs native to Iran’s northwestern province of Azerbaijan Sharqi, a major carpet-weaving zone in Iran.

Azerbaijan Sharqi’s neighboring province of Ardabil, Isfahan in central Iran and Kerman in the country’s southeast are other major carpet-weaving zones, each having its own unique style.

Carpet weaving has a history of 2,500 years in Iran, ingrained in the country’s national identity. There are currently as many as 1 million weavers across the country, including 700,000 full-time artisans involved in the profession.  
Iranian carpets are currently exported to 80 countries, among whom the US holds a special place.

The US has long been a major market for Iran’s hand-woven carpets but unilateral US sanctions have hurt Iran’s export to the country in recent years.

The post Trump-Kim Meeting Saw an Iranian Representative first appeared on .

Dr. Mahtan Pirouzmand, the head of the research team, said the team has managed to produce biodiesel through synthesis of nano-structured catalysts.

“In this project, we managed to synthesize nano-structured catalysts to provide a new method for turning used cooking oil to an affordable biodiesel,” she said.

Pirouzmand said results of the project showed biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil could be a cheap replacement for diesel made from fossil fuels.

Biodiesel can be used safely in any diesel-powered engine, be it a bus or a truck.

It is desirable as an alternative to petroleum fuel, as it used renewable resources that are less damaging to the environment to produce and emit less harmful greenhouse gasses when burned as fuel.

A variety of feedstock containing fatty acids, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, has been evaluated for the production of biodiesel. But the high price of vegetable oil ruled out its use for making bio-diesel.

Waste cooking oil is, therefore, the preferred source because it is an environmental waste generated in tones worldwide.

There have been efforts since 2006 to use non-edible or waste cooking oils as feedstock for biodiesel production, but such processes have so far remained complicated and expensive.

The post Waste Cooking Oil Could be Used to Produce Cheap Biodiesel Thanks to Nanotechnology first appeared on .

A passenger plane has crashed in central Iran during a flight from Tehran to the southwestern city of Yasuj, killing all 66 people on board including a child and six crew, authorities said on Sunday.
Air controllers lost contact with the airplane at around 8:00 am local time.

The same aircraft faced a failure in 2015 on the same track, with the same captain managing to land safely although one of its engines was inoperative.

Mrs. Ahmadi an Iranian poet who was rescued by Captain Fooladi in 2015, telling Iran’s view that she was shocked when she read the news regarding to the fall of the same plane, three years after she experienced the emergency landing on same aircraft.
“The same pilot saved my life in 2015 on the same plane, on the same route. I was shocked, today, to read the news regarding to the fall of this plane and the death of my savior, “She says.
“With one of the aircraft engine being on the blink, Captain Fooladi could save our lives and land the aircraft safely. I’m sure this time it was impossible for him to save the aircraft as someone who once managed to do it can repeat it the second time,” she explains.

The ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop operated by Aseman Airlines, crashed in bad weather into Dena Mount near the town of Semirom, an official at the Iranian carrier said. Franco-Italian plane-maker ATR has a deal with flag carrier Iran Air for the delivery of 20 ATR 72-600 passenger planes.

 The crash is the latest to afflict Iran’s aging fleet of aircraft. Since 1979 Islamic revolution, The US has imposed both primary and secondary sanctions against the Iranian civil aviation industry to punish and press Iranian people to obtain its political purposes against the Islamic Republic. 

The post Iran Plane Crash: Story of A Girl Survived on Same Aircraft by Same Captain first appeared on .

A Persian version of this article published on November 3 edition of Iran’s state newspaper Jam-E-Jam. IFPNews.com translated the article into English and published it on November 5.

The global reactions to the temporary restriction of social media in Iran amid the recent unrest raises a serious question for Iranian people: if the freedom of Internet is so much important for other countries, why don’t we see any major reaction to the anti-Iran technology sanctions?
“Use of this service is restricted for your country.” This is a sentence that has deprived Iranian elites from having free access to information, and has for years kept Iranians from enjoying full benefits of the Internet and modern technologies.

Iranian people are considered first-class citizens of the global village only when it comes to the use of Internet for inviting people to street riots. However, if an Iranian wants to use the online territory for science and research, the “visa ban” applies to him/her.

Internet sanctions are good, but just for Iran!

We will later name several countries that have restricted social media in order to ensure their national security without any severe political and media pressure. We can even conclude that during the recent unrest, the Iranian government has shown much more tolerance than the Western countries who claim to be protectors of citizens’ rights. However, the important point is to understand that maintaining peace, security, and national interests is the top priority of any state. All countries, even those whose media is spreading propaganda against the Iranian government, would implement various restrictive measures in emergency situations in order to ensure their security.

Despite all these points, the international media harshly criticized the Iranian government for restricting people’s access to Telegram and made a fuss about it. This, however, has create a more serious question for Iranian netizens: if the freedom of Internet and the Iranians’ use of online services is so much important for other countries and international media, why have they refused to show any major reaction to the fact that Iranian people are deprived of using many online services due to sanctions? Iranian netizens are tired of receiving the message “this service is not provided for your country”. The United States’ widespread technology sanctions, in many cases, have even deprived Iranian people from receiving online training courses, web hosting services, Google’s specialized services, and the like. What is the difference between the Western governments’ restriction of professional Internet services for Iranian users and the Iranian government’s move to restrict certain online services in order to counter street riots?

A decision to restrict the Iranian people’s access to Instagram and Telegram messaging app amid the recent unrest in Iran has made the headlines within the past few days. The decision seems to be mainly aimed at preventing the activities of certain Telegram channels and Instagram pages that published fake news, spread rumors, and incited violence.

Blocking the Internet is bad, but just for Iran!

As expected, immediately after Iran’s decision to restrict access to Telegram and Instagram, which was made in order to prevent the expansion of rioters’ activities, foreign media started criticizing the Iranian government’s decision, describing it as a violation of freedom and civil rights. However, Iran is not the only country that restricts social media in order to control street unrest and prevent the spread of violence.

In August 2011, unrest and street violence broke out in London and several other cities in the UK after the British police killed a 29-year-old man. The British government believed the rioters coordinated their moves using social media, and thus it asked Facebook, Twitter, and Blackberry to restrict these people’s access. Some of these networks accepted the request, but UK Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons that his government was “working with the police, the intelligence services and industry to look at whether it would be right to stop people communicating via these websites and services when we know they are plotting violence, disorder and criminality.” At the same time, the UK police announced it would arrest anyone who sends violence-promoting messages using the Blackberry Messenger.

In exactly the same month, the US government shut down cell phone services, including mobile Internet access, in several parts of San Francisco in an attempt to control violence that had resulted from the police’s killing of a number of black and homeless people. The US officials believed that protesters were coordinating their plots to exacerbate the violence using online services.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of the US also includes protocols for limiting the access of citizens and mobile phone users to the Internet at the time of a national crisis. However, the US government has used the Act even against those who protested the construction of North Dakota oil pipeline.

Even France, which claims to be an advocate of Western liberties, has shown no mercy to the Internet and social media users whenever it comes to national security and interests. In 2015, France used an armed attack on Charlie Hebdo’s office as a pretext to block many websites. It even approved an emergency law that allowed the French interior minister to restrict websites and social media if deemed necessary. In 2016, the French ministry of justice arrested at least 39 people just for visiting websites that, according to the ministry, were affiliated with terrorists. Later in 2017, the French government urged the removal of videos related to the 2016 armed attacks on Nice. In the same year, the access of 11 million French people to Google, Wikipedia, and some other websites was temporarily blocked.

The post Why Were Social Media Apps Blocked During Iran Protests? first appeared on .

Later that day, Iran Air Flight 655 departed Bandar Abbas Airport for Dubai at 5:10 pm with 290 people on board: 156 men, 53 women, 57 children aged 2 to 12, and 8 babies aged 2 or less. In addition to Iranians, there were also passengers from India, Pakistan, Yugoslavia, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.

The American warship USS Vincennes had departed San Diego on April 25, 1988, and was in Iranian waters. As the Iranian airliner was climbing to 14,000 feet, the USS Vincennes, under the command of Captain William Rogers, fired two surface-to-air missiles at the airliner. The airliner disappeared from radar, and smoke and fire appeared in the sky. The control tower at Bandar Abbas Airport asked Dubai Airport about the flight, but they said they had no information.

Immediately after the event, American officials claimed they had shot down an Iranian F-14 fighter jet. Later, they claimed the airliner had been flying out of its assigned civilian air corridor and that they had sent seven warning radio messages to the plane but received no answer.

Four years later, the New York Times published an article that revealed that the American warship had been in Iranian waters, not international waters, at the time of the incident. This revelation led to accusations that the Pentagon had covered up the incident.

“For no clear reason, the Vincennes approached Iranian waters, equipped with advanced artillery and long-range missiles,” said Admiral William Crowe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Reagan. “This shows that the warship was prepared for a bad action.”

The Iranian airliner, an Airbus A300B2-203, was very different from an F-14 fighter jet in terms of dimensions, shape, size, and flying capabilities. Moreover, the American warship could easily have listened to the pilot’s conversations and understood that it was a passenger flight.

Despite the claims, the Vincennes’ warnings did not reach the airliner, nor were they received by any other civilian source.

Iran expressed its complaint over the shooting down to the international community.

Iran’s View arranged an interview with Vahid Ahmadi, who was then an MP, to get more information about the issue. He was also an advisor to the Foreign Minister and is now a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the parliament.

Mr. Ahmadi believes that the shooting down of the Iranian passenger plane was related to the conditions of the Iran–Iraq War. “Iran had the upper hand at that time, and Saddam was under a lot of pressure,” he said. “Therefore, the US wanted to open another front against Iran and help Saddam.”

“The United States intended to distract Iran from the Iraqi war front and warn Iran that America might militarily enter the war,” Mr. Ahmadi added. He called the reasons given by the Americans a “lie” and a “justification” and insisted that there is evidence that shows it was a planned and intentional action. He called the event a “black page” in the history of the United States, and said that it alone invalidates all of their claims to human rights.

He also referred to the ineffective statement issued by the United Nations Security Council and the verdict by the International Court of Justice, which only sentenced the United States to pay $95 million in compensation.

“Iran is still pursuing the case, and we expect the new president to put it on his agenda until the military leaders on the warship are sentenced and the United States officially apologizes to the Iranian people,” Mr. Ahmadi said.

See Related Photo Gallery.

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