Iran: Presidential election and there after

In the Iranian presidential election being held today, six handpicked candidates are participating. Though, the scanty details have started pouring in, these are mostly tweaked. The details coming from western media are aimed at proving that elections are eyewash. The western media is also busy in creating discontent among the Iranians and using a few dissent voices.

Ironically, the presidential debate in the United States is engrossed in self-created issues of United States, i.e. trade war with China, Russia-Ukraine conflict and above all on going genocide in Gaza by Israel. All these issues have been created and garnered by military complexes that are the key donors of election campaigns in United States for ages.

One may recall that once there was a ban on export of oil from United States, now the country has attained the status of major oil and gas producing and exporting country. The lust for getting complete control over energy trade is touching new highs.

Therefore, the United States wants to keep Iran out of energy trade. However, the bigger objective is, not to allow Iran to become a regional power. Saudi Arab – Iran animosity has been used for more than five decades to keep Iran out of energy trade and luring Saudi Arabia to buy more and more lethal weapons.

Since Islamic revolution in Iran, United States has tried to sponsor anti-cleric groups but failed miserably. The US has killed many of the Iranian scientists and commanders, with close coordination with Israel. The elimination of President Ebrahim Raisi was an attempt to disrupt the process of choosing the successor of Rahbar Ali Khamenei.

The United States is also annoyed by the growing cordial diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. The biggest disturbing point is that in case these two countries become friend, not only US hegemony in the region will be reduced but the two countries will get control over oil and gas moving through Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.

Whatever may be the outcome of Iranian elections, United States remains adamant at imposing new sanctions of Iran, keeping it out of energy trade and disrupting normalization of Saudi-Iranian relations. The bigger objective is to support Israel in killing Gazans and get control over the tiny piece of land extra rich in oil and gas.

 

  

 

 

Brazil to become largest cotton exporter

Brazil is set to become the world’s largest cotton exporter in 2023-24, knocking the United States from the top spot it has held for decades, following a more than 80% surge in shipments this season, reports Reuters.

China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey and Pakistan are some of the largest buyers of Brazilian cotton

The South American country’s position as the world’s number one exporter is driven by the record output, strong demand from Asian countries and a drop in US production due to adverse weather.

“It happened a little earlier than we imagined,” Anea head Miguel Faus told Reuters. “The main reason is that there was a failure in the US crop, while the Brazilian production increased.”

Faus said Brazil’s exports could increase further next season, as farmers begin to harvest a crop expected to hit a new record, and again in 2025-26. “I think that in the medium term, Brazil will consolidate itself in this leadership position”, he said.

He cited data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which this month increased its forecast for Brazil’s cotton exports this year by 300,000 bales to 12.4 million bales, while reducing the US forecast by 500,000 bales to 11.8 million bales.

According to a USDA report, the US had led global cotton exports since the early 1990s.

Brazil already surpassed the US in terms of production in 2023-24, ranking third in the world behind China and India — positions that are expected to be maintained in 2024-25.

Brazil has been more generally increasing its commodity exports, including corn and coffee.

It has long been the world’s largest coffee producer and exporter and Faus said it would still have more influence in that market than in cotton.

“In the case of cotton, the forces are more balanced… But of course, if Brazil’s production rises or falls, the market will be paying attention,” he said.

 

Fourth annual ONE Terminal Run

Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Hutchison Ports Gdynia hosted another successful charity run through container rows in Poland last weekend in support of local causes.

The event was put together through the collaborative efforts of Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hutchison Ports Gdynia (GCT) and The North Event, and raised further funds for local charity organizations.

The organizers said the ONE Terminal Run initiative aims to connect members in the maritime industry in the spirit of fundraising and wellbeing.

This year’s race around GCT’s terminal in Gdynia, Poland, welcomed approximately 1,300 runners including children who joined the children’s run, and over 3,000 supporters.

Spectators were invited to join the adult runners in the festivities with a warm up to music before the runners set off on their choice of either a one nautical mile (1.8 km) or 5 km run.

The routes weaved back and forth between rows of stacked containers in the terminal, and the start and finish arches were both spanned by an arch formed of ONE containers.

Monies raised by the run will be donated to local charities and added to the tally of over €33,000 raised by the event series to date. The beneficiaries of funds, that are raised though ticket sales as well as online auctions, include: The Why Not Association, an organization supporting children and youth with disabilities, The Szkwal Foundation, supporting young people at risk, and two local schools supporting children with disabilities.

ONE said previous event donations have provided the local community with amenities including three sensory integration rooms in primary schools in Gdynia, specialized wheelchair equipment for the Cool Awi Association, as well as donations to local schools helping those with disabilities.

Donations are still adding up for the ONE Terminal Run 2024 as the online auction is still open, but to date, the fourth edition has already raised estimated funds of €19,000.

The event was made possible by the generosity of sponsors from the transport. logistics, and maritime industries including; Port of Gdynia Authority, Morska Agencja Gdynia, MacGregor Global, Loconi Intermodal S.A, ECU Worldwide, Uni-logistics Sp. z o.o and E-containers.eu. 

The children's run was sponsored by both and IT Logistics and Nautiqus Food Logistics, which celebrated the participation of almost half of its employees and other mini container trophy for its three-time podium finisher in the adult's race, Dorota.

 

Iran: Voting for presidential election on Friday

Iranian cities are buzzing with election fever as posters and placards adorn streets, big screens air presidential debates, and candidates crisscross the country in a bid to sway voters. 

Anticipation has swept across Iran and observers wonder whom Iranians will entrust with the presidency and the responsibility of leading the country, 40 days after the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran. 

Western media outlets, which rejoiced at the decreased voter turnout of around 50% in the 2021 presidential elections, appear poised for disappointment this time around. Estimates indicate that a significantly larger number of individuals will be casting their votes, despite the unprecedented levels of propaganda from Western and Israeli sources urging a boycott of the election.

“Channels such as BBC and International are urging us not to vote. It's puzzling how Iranians living abroad and receiving payment from Western governments or Zionists have the audacity to dictate our actions. We are concerned about the future of our country and want to elect the most suitable candidate. All these traitors and lackeys of the West can say whatever they want, we don’t care about them,” a man in his 20s told IRIB during a street interview. 

Rather than deciding to boycott the elections, Iranians are preoccupied with whom they should be voting for. "I feel a sense of duty as an Iranian to participate in the election. While I haven't made a final decision on my vote yet, I know I must make up my mind by Friday morning," shared an Iranian woman with IRIB reporters.

The race is close between two conservative contenders and one reformist candidate. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Saeed Jalili, and Masoud Pezeshkian are currently leading the pack, and experts believe that if both conservative candidates remain in the race, elections could head to a second round. 

Reformist politicians have also shown great enthusiasm and hope in supporting the sole reformist candidate, Pezeshkian, after largely avoiding participation in election processes over the past three years, partly due to bitterness stemming from the significant loss of clout following the end of President Hassan Rouhani’s administration.

Rouhani, along with the influential figures Mohammad Khatami and Mohammad Javad Zarif, were among the most notable reformists making a return to the political scene by throwing their support behind Pezeshkian.

While the election outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear, the June 28 vote will see Iranians rejecting external pressures from the West and Israel. Iranians will demonstrate their resilience and independence, and show up to choose their own path.

In this pursuit of independence, efforts by foreign forces to create politicization, especially in the field of foreign policy will also yield no results. Iranians now understand that every candidate’s purpose will be to terminate the sanctions while attempting to neutralize them at the same time. 

 

Russia sends coal to India via Iran

Russia has for the first time sent two trains laden with coal to India via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects Russia to India via Iran, according to a statement by Russia’s national railway company.

According to RT, a multimodal route that includes a railway, roadway network and seaports, the INSTC spans 7,200 km (4,500 miles) from St. Petersburg to the port of Mumbai in India.

The corridor is part of Russia’s push to find new transport routes in light of Western sanctions, which have forced it to shift trade flows from Europe to Asia and the Middle East.

Construction of the INSTC started in the early 2000s, but developing it further has taken on a new impetus in light of the restrictions facing Moscow.

New Delhi has also touted the route as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

“For the first time, two trains with Kuzbass coal headed to India along the International North-South Transport Corridor. The trains set off from the Kemerovo region. They followed along the eastern branch of the INSTC through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas,” Russian Railways said.

The coal will be shipped by sea along the final part of the route from Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas to the Indian port of Mumbai.

 

Iran advocates stronger relations among ACD members

Iran's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Baqeri Kani, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and constructive interaction among independent bodies within the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) member states.

In a message on his social media X account, Baqeri Kani pointed out that the recent ACD meeting in Tehran provided an opportunity for the representatives of the member states and the secretaries general of the Asian international organizations to discuss and exchange opinions on the issues of the agenda of the meeting and the perspective of the activities of the forum. 

Also speaking on Monday, and during a meeting with D-8 Secretary General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam on the sidelines of the ACD summit, Baqeri Kani called for the organization to take an active and innovative role in various economic and commercial sectors to benefit its members.

Baqeri Kani urged the D-8 to enhance dynamism and promote synergy among its member states to achieve the organization's goals and implement its plans effectively.

He praised the recent D-8 foreign ministers' meeting in Istanbul, which focused on the Zionist regime's crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza, showcasing the D-8's determination and capacity to address significant issues in the Muslim world and beyond.

Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, the D-8 Secretary General, acknowledged Iran's active role in both the D-8 and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). He expressed optimism that the ongoing ACD meeting in Tehran would yield positive outcomes for its member states. Imam elaborated on the D-8's agenda, particularly in the economic and financial sectors, and welcomed Iran's readiness for close cooperation with the organization.

Iran and Bahrain have agreed to start negotiations to resume political relations after an eight-year hiatus. 
This announcement was made on Monday in a joint statement following a meeting between Iran's acting Foreign Minister, Ali Baqeri Kani, and Bahraini Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who was in Tehran for the ACD ministerial meeting.

The statement highlighted the meeting's context within the framework of fraternal and historical relations, religious and neighborly ties, and common history and mutual interests. Both sides agreed to establish mechanisms to restart political relations between Tehran and Manama.

In early June, Mohammad Jamshidi, the deputy chief of staff for political affairs to the Iranian president, mentioned that Bahrain had sent a message through Russia to normalize relations with Iran.

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had also indicated during a state visit to China that efforts were underway to restore diplomatic relations with Iran, emphasizing principles of good neighborliness and non-interference.

King Hamad expressed a desire to improve relations with Iran during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May 2023. Recently, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani visited Tehran to offer condolences on the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Baqeri Kani also held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko on the sidelines of the ACD ministerial meeting in Tehran. 

At the start of the meeting, Bagheri condemned the recent terrorist attack in Russia, expressing solidarity with the Russian government and people. He described terrorism as a tool of unilateralism aimed at pressuring independent nations like Iran and Russia.

He expressed satisfaction with the finalization of the draft for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between the two countries. Bagheri highlighted that the change of government in Iran would not alter the country’s strategic approach towards its relations with Russia.

The two officials also discussed cooperation in international forums, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the 3+3 consultation mechanism on the Caucasus. 

The Acting Foreign Minister of Iran, continued his series of meetings at the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit in Tehran by holding talks with Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, the Foreign Minister of Kuwait.

Highlighting the many cultural ties and close relations between Iran and Kuwait, Baqeri emphasized that close cooperation between the two nations, along with other regional countries, would strengthen stability and sustainable peace in the region.

Both ministers agreed on the need to develop relations in all areas and to activate and strengthen bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Economic Commission and the Political and Consular Committee. They also discussed various consular issues and cooperation between the two countries in international forums.

Baqeri Kani also met with Waleed El Khereiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Burhanettin Duran, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, and Chang Byung-wan, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Korea. These meetings aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation within the framework of the ACD summit.

 

Saudi Arab-China to strengthen relations

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Chinese counterpart Lt. Gen. Dong Jun discussed the ways to further strengthen Saudi-Chinese bilateral relations in Beijing on Tuesday.

This is within the framework of the strategic defense partnership between the two countries that aimed to serve mutual interests and fulfill the aspirations of the leadership of the two nations. The two leaders also discussed joint coordination efforts to maintain international peace and security.

Several high-ranking Saudi officials attended the meeting. They included Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi; Commander of the Strategic Missile Force Lt. Gen. Jarallah Al-Alweet, Director General of the Office of the Minister of Defense Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, Head of the Armed Forces Operations Authority Maj. Gen. Misfer Al-Ghanem, and Military Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Beijing Commodore Salem Al-Maliki.

Several senior Chinese officials also attended the meeting and they included Deputy Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Central Military Commission Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, and Director of the Office of International Military Cooperation at the Central Military Commission Maj. Gen. Li Bin.

Earlier, upon arrival in Beijing, an official reception ceremony was held for Prince Khalid bin Salman, during which the national anthem of Saudi Arabia and China was played and then Prince Khalid bin Salman inspected the guard of honor.