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Iran nationwide rallies

Iranians have flooded the streets nationwide to show their support for the Islamic establishment and condemn foreign-backed conspiracies. The mass gatherings were held in several provinces, including Tehran, Semnan, South Khorasan, Kerman, and Kordestan. Participants chanted slogans such as ‘Death to the US’ and ‘Death to Israel’. They also carried portraits of the Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. A number of civilians and members of security and Basij forces were martyred by US and Israeli-backed rioters attempting to hijack economic protests across the nation. Iran has declared three days of national mourning. The rallies also included funerals for those martyred in the recent days.

'US and Israel behind unrest'

Iran’s foreign minister says the country faced a plot to turn peaceful protests into an episode of social violence, bloodshed and chaos during the riots of January 8th to 10th. Abbas Araghchi says the US and Israel were behind the plot. Araghchi told foreign media and diplomats in Tehran that terrorist groups and operatives infiltrated the popular protests since January 8. The foreign minister said armed elements started firing both at the police and ordinary people. Araghchi said Iran has footage and other proof that show the aim was raising the death toll and paving the way for a US military move against the country. Araghchi said Iran has footage of terrorists burning officers alive or decapitating them. He said proof is also available that they shot the injured at point blank range to raise the number of deaths. He said arrested terrorists have also confessed to having been paid up to one thousand dollars for torching every police station, private vehicle and property. The top Iranian diplomat said this led to arson attacks on hundreds of shops and at least 180 ambulances. Araghchi stressed, however, that the security situation is now under control. He pledged that Iran would release to the international community proof of foreign role in the recent war of terror on Iran.

China wants end of US Cuba bans

China has urged the United States to immediately stop its blockade and sanctions against Cuba. This, following Donald Trump’s recent pledge to cut off oil and financial support to the island. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has firmly backed Cuba’s sovereignty, urging the US to halt its coercive measures. Mao has emphasized that China opposes external interference, stating that such actions threaten regional peace and stability. Trump’s declared on social media that Cuba’s long-standing oil and financial support from Venezuela will be terminated, and there will be no more oil or money going to Cuba. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has condemned US policies for the ongoing economic difficulties in Cuba and more than six decades of "extreme strangulation." He asserted that Cuba is a "free, independent, and sovereign nation" rejecting any foreign interference in its affairs.

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