IRGC 'bigger surprises'
The IRGC spokesman has warned that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps will offer much greater surprises in case of renewed aggression. Brigadier General Hossein Mohebi says Iran is prepared to respond to any military aggression, and this time its response would be much stronger. He said Iran’s military capabilities since the last imposed war have increased by at least 50 percent both qualitatively and quantitatively. Mohebi spoke of further missile, drone production in the same period. He added that Iran would not use weapons reserved for more serious scenarios in less severe circumstances. The IRGC spokesman says the United States lacks the technical and military capacity to launch a new conflict, though mid-term election pressures could prompt it to do so to seek political gains. He reminded the fact that most US military bases in this region are inactive.
Iran and Russia for 'diplomacy'
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran and Moscow believe that regional crises have no military solution, and must be resolved through diplomacy. The foreign minister added that Tehran welcomes any initiative for the establishment of collective security among regional countries, without the presence or intervention of foreign forces. He made the remarks at a joint presser with his Russian counterpart. Araghchi said Tehran and Moscow maintain close consultations on regional and international developments, including Iran-US negotiations. The Iranian official stressed that Tehran and Moscow oppose the aggressive unilateralism of the United States and will continue cooperation within international institutions to strengthen multilateralism. The Russian FM for his part slammed US attacks on Iran and welcomed Tehran’s efforts to use diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region. The Russian foreign minister emphasized that Moscow prevented attempts to justify the aggression against Iran at the United Nations from succeeding. As for bilateral relations, Lavrov highlighted growing economic ties, saying trade increased by 21 percent last year. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to joint oil and gas projects, investment cooperation and the Rasht–Astara railway. He also pledged to expand cooperation with Tehran through BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other international platforms. Lavrov hoped that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian would visit Moscow soon to attend a Gas Exporters summit.
France curfews
Anti-government protests are continuing across France, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Paris and several other cities. Protesters gathered outside schools, blocking entrances and nearby streets. In the latest development, authorities in Marseille have banned public gatherings in an effort to contain the protests. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called on local authorities to impose curfews. Earlier, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered to step down, but the Élysée Palace says President Emmanuel Macron has refused to accept his departure. France has been gripped by nationwide anti-government protests since September 17, following student-led demonstrations over poor school conditions. Demonstrators are demanding better public services, and relief from soaring fuel prices and living costs. Some protesters have also called for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. Human rights groups have accused police of using disproportionate force in response to the protests and say several teenagers have suffered war-like injures from police weapons.
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website