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IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: Iran Turns the Tide On Its Water Security
Diminished water levels are pictured in the reservoir behind the Amir Kabir dam along the Karaj river in Iran's northern Alborz mountain range on June 1, 2025. Tehran is facing a water shortage due to low rainfall last year and the beginning of summer. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) Image: AFP Just a few decades ago, Iran was among the water-rich nations of West and Central Asia, boasting over 4,500 cubic metres of renewable freshwater per person annually, a figure once on par with Switzerland. Today, that number has dropped below 1,400, pushing the country into the margins of water stress. But contrary to the doomsday headlines, Iran is not standing still. In fact, the country is on the verge of redefining water resilience in the Middle East, not by denying the challenges, but by embracing bold, systemic reform and technological innovation. A Legacy of Leadership, Revived Iran was once a pioneer in ecological water governance. In 1971, it hosted the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, one of the world's first global environmental treaties. That legacy, though buried under decades of mismanagement, is now resurfacing. Iran is returning to its role as a regional water steward by modernising governance structures, investing in infrastructure, and placing environmental sustainability back on the national agenda. The Islamic Republic has recognised that water is not just a resource, it's a matter of national security. This has led to a new wave of initiatives designed to improve conservation, expand technological solutions, and reframe water use across key sectors. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Smart Infrastructure and Innovation One of Iran's most ambitious projects is the Hope Transfer Line, a multi-billion-dollar investment to desalinate water from the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman and transport it inland to water-stressed provinces like Fars, South Khorasan, and Razavi Khorasan. With over $400 million already invested since 2016 and a desalination capacity now exceeding 400,000 cubic metres per day, Iran is rapidly scaling its access to alternative water sources. What makes this effort notable is its integration with renewable energy. Desalination is notoriously energy-intensive, but Iran is beginning to pilot solar-assisted desalination facilities to reduce costs and environmental impact. This shift positions Iran not just as a regional leader in water transfer, but as an innovator in sustainable water technology. Tehran is upgrading its urban water systems with leak detection technology, smart meters, and better distribution planning. These interventions aim to reduce non-revenue water loss, a silent killer in many developing countries and ensure equitable access during peak demand periods. A Pivot in Agriculture The most water-intensive sector in Iran is agriculture, which consumes over 90% of the country's water while contributing less than 10% to its GDP. Recognising this imbalance, Iran is undergoing a quiet revolution in how it farms. The government is rolling out drip irrigation systems, precision farming techniques, and drought-resistant crop programs. Supported by local universities and international partners, these efforts are boosting water efficiency by up to 50% in pilot regions. Crucially, Iran is also beginning to shift water allocation toward higher-value industries such as pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and eco-tourism — sectors that promise more jobs per drop. With urbanisation accelerating and a growing tech-savvy youth population, this realignment reflects a broader strategy to balance tradition with transformation. Regional Cooperation and Soft Power Iran's geography places it at the heart of several shared water basins, including the Helmand and Aras Rivers. While these relationships have at times been fraught, Iran is increasingly engaging in diplomatic water dialogue with neighbours like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkey. Recent agreements to exchange hydrological data, coordinate dam releases, and even collaborate on transboundary wetland restoration reflect a growing maturity in Iran's regional water policy. These efforts not only secure supply but strengthen Iran's soft power as a cooperative environmental actor. Reclaiming Its Role as a Regional Water Leader Iran's challenges are serious, but so is its capacity to rise above them. From smart desalination and modern irrigation to regional diplomacy and urban reform, the country is building a comprehensive strategy for water resilience. The world may look to Iran and see a crisis, but beneath the surface, the country is engineering a comeback not only to restore balance to its ecosystems, but to reclaim its place as a global leader in water innovation and sustainability. Written by: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Chloe Maluleke Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Russian & Middle Eastern Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
Sinar Daily
04-07-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Iran reopens airspace to domestic, foreign, transit flights
According to the statement, airports in Tehran as well as the northern, western and southern parts are now operating domestic and foreign flights from 5am to 1800 local time. 04 Jul 2025 01:06pm Traffic moves past a large banner depicting Iranian commanders and scientists killed in Israeli strikes during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, at Tajrish Square in the capital Tehran on June 30, 2025. Iran warned on June 29 that it had little faith in Israel's commitment to a fragile ceasefire that ended the most intense and destructive confrontation between the two foes to date. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) TEHRAN - Iran on Thursday reopened its airspace to domestic, foreign and international transit flights, announced the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, reported Xinhua. The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organisation of Iran as well as precise security and safety assessments, given the country's present circumstances, the ministry said in a statement published on its website. Destroyed cars sit at the parking lot Evin prison after Israeli air strikes the previous month, in Tehran, on July 1, 2025. (Photo by AFP) It added that flights had been resumed to and from the Mehrabad International Airport and Imam Khomeini International Airport in the capital Tehran as well as airports in the northern, eastern, western and southern parts of the country, except those in Isfahan and Tabriz in central and northwestern Iran, respectively. According to the statement, airports in Tehran as well as the northern, western and southern parts are now operating domestic and foreign flights from 5am to 1800 local time (0130 to 1430 GMT). It said the eastern airspace was open to domestic, foreign and international transit flights around the clock, adding the airspace in the central and western parts would be open to international passing flights. The ministry gave an assurance that the airports in Isfahan and Tabriz would resume operations immediately after the infrastructure is prepared. Iran closed its airspace on June 13 following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other areas. After a 12-day aerial conflict, the two countries achieved a ceasefire on June 24. - BERNAMA-XINHUA More Like This
Toronto Sun
25-06-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel gives rise to hopes for a long-term peace
Published Jun 25, 2025 • 5 minute read A woman walks past a residential building that was hit in an Israeli strike covered with a big Iranian flag, in Tehran on June 25, 2025. Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday after a rocky start, giving rise to cautious hope that it could lead to a long-term peace agreement even as Tehran insists it will not give up its nuclear program. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The ceasefire took hold on Tuesday, the 12th day of the war between Israel and Iran, with each side initially accusing the other of violating it until the missiles, drones and bombs finally stopped. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped negotiate the ceasefire, told reporters at a NATO summit in the Netherlands that it was going 'very well.' 'They're not going to have a bomb and they're not going to enrich,' Trump said about Iran. Iran has insisted, however, that it will not give up its nuclear program and in a vote underscoring the tough path ahead, Iranian parliament agreed to fast-track a proposal that would effectively stop the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Vienna-based UN watchdog that has been monitoring the Iranian nuclear program for years. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ahead of the vote, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for having 'refused to even pretend to condemn the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities' that were carried out by the United States on Sunday. 'For this reason, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security of nuclear facilities is ensured, and Iran's peaceful nuclear program will move forward at a faster pace,' Qalibaf told lawmakers. In Vienna, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he had already written to Iran to discuss resuming inspections of their nuclear facilities. Among other things, Iran claims to have moved its highly enriched uranium ahead of the American strikes and Grossi said his inspectors needed to re-assess the country's stockpiles. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We need to return,' he said. 'We need to engage.' Questions over effectiveness of the U.S. strikes The American strikes hit three Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump said had 'completely and fully obliterated' the country's nuclear program. From Tehran, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed that the strikes on Sunday by American B-2 bombers using bunker-buster bombs had caused significant damage. 'Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that's for sure,' he told Al Jazeera on Wednesday, while refusing to go into detail. Trump's special envoy to the Mideast, Steve Witkoff, said on Fox News late on Tuesday that Israel and the U.S. had now achieved their objective of 'the total destruction of the enrichment capacity' in Iran, and Iran's prerequisite for talks — that Israel end its campaign — had also been fulfilled. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The proof is in the pudding,' he said. 'No one's shooting at each other. It's over.' At the NATO summit, when asked about a U.S. intelligence report that found Iran's nuclear program has been set back only a few months, Trump scoffed and said it would at least take 'years' to rebuild. Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Wednesday his country's assessment was also that Iran's nuclear facilities had been 'significantly damaged' and its nuclear program 'set it back by years.' Grossi said he could not speculate on how bad the damage was but that Iran's nuclear capabilities were well known. 'The technical knowledge is there, and the industrial capacity is there,' he said. 'That no one can deny, so we need to work together with them.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said the ceasefire agreement with Iran amounted to 'quiet for quiet,' with no further understandings about Iran's nuclear program going ahead. In the Fox News interview, Witkoff said Trump is now looking to land 'a comprehensive peace agreement that goes beyond even the ceasefire.' 'We're already talking to each other, not just directly, but also through interlocutors,' Witkoff said, adding that the conversations were promising and 'we're hopeful that we can have a long-term peace agreement.' China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and close Iranian partner, also weighed in on Wednesday, saying it hoped a 'lasting and effective ceasefire can be achieved so as to promote' peace and stability in the region. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. China is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has long supported its government politically, blaming Israel for starting the latest conflict and destabilizing the region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing that in the wake of the conflict, China is willing to 'inject positive factors to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.' Grossi said Iran and the international community should seize the opportunity of the ceasefire for a long term diplomatic solution. 'Out of the … bad things that military conflict brings, there's also now a possibility, an opening,' he said. 'We shouldn't miss that opportunity.' Iran executes 3 more prisoners on spying allegations During the war with Israel, Iran executed several prisoners accused of spying for Israel, sparking fears from activists that it could conduct a wave of executions after the conflict ends. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It hanged three more prisoners on spying charges on Wednesday, bringing the total number of executions for espionage up to six since June 16. The hangings took place at Urmia Prison in West Azerbaijan, Iran's most northwestern province. State-run IRNA cited Iran's judiciary for the news, saying the men had been accused of bringing 'assassination equipment' into the country. Iran identified the three as Azad Shojaei, Edris Aali and Iraqi national Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul. Amnesty International had previously raised concerns that the men could be executed. During the 12-day war, at least 28 people were killed in Israel and more than 1,000 wounded, according to officials. Tehran on Tuesday put the death toll in Iran at 606, with 5,332 people wounded. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group released figures Wednesday suggesting Israeli strikes on Iran had killed at least 1,054 people and wounded 4,476. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, said 417 of those killed were civilians and 318 were security force personnel. During the war, Israeli airstrikes also targeted Iran's top military leadership and other sites associated with its ruling theocracy. With the ceasefire in place, Iranians are trying to return to their normal lives. State media described heavy traffic around the Caspian Sea and other rural areas outside of the capital, Tehran, as people began returning to the city. — Associated Press writers Josef Federman and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Sunshine Girls Columnists Toronto & GTA
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First Post
24-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Qatar condemns Iran missile strike, Arab leaders avoid backing Tehran
While leaders across the Middle East voiced concerns over escalating conflict, most stopped short of condemning the American attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure read more Smoke billows in the distance from an oil refinery following an Israeli strike on the Iranian capital Tehran on June 17, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) Tehran seems to be becoming more and more isolated in the area as the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensifies. The wider response from surrounding Arab countries indicates a reluctance to support the Islamic Republic, despite Iran's daring missile assault on a US facility in Qatar. Qatar intercepts Iranian missiles and condemns attack In retaliation for the American and Israeli bombardment, Iran fired missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday. However, Qatari forces intercepted the missiles and condemned the strike as a violation of national sovereignty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Qatar's statement made no mention of the United States, instead highlighting the breach of its territorial integrity. Arab states cautious, quietly supportive of US strikes While leaders across the Middle East voiced concerns over escalating conflict, most stopped short of condemning the American attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Statements from Turkey and Saudi Arabia merely expressed concern, while the United Arab Emirates and Qatar refrained from naming the United States in their remarks—marking a sharp contrast from their vocal criticism of Israel's recent actions. Hezbollah's restraint reflects frustration with Iran Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, historically a key Iranian proxy, has remained largely on the sidelines during this round of hostilities. Though a Sunday statement praised Iran's resilience, it notably suggested Tehran would confront the latest aggression independently. '[Iran is] capable of confronting this aggression and delivering a bitter defeat to the American and Zionist enemy,' Hezbollah said. Iran's influence eroding in Syria and Lebanon Iran's support of groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria has traditionally extended its regional power. However, Israel's successful campaigns have destroyed much of this proxy infrastructure, and Assad's regime was ousted last year by Ahmad al-Sharaa. The new Syrian leader has since reached out to the Trump administration and expressed openness to reducing tensions with Israel, further signalling Iran's waning influence in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Arab leaders fear retaliation and regional spillover Despite quiet satisfaction over Iran's diminished capacity, Arab nations remain wary of becoming targets. Iran has a history of retaliatory strikes, including the 2019 Houthi drone attack on Saudi Aramco facilities and the ballistic missile attacks on US bases in Iraq following Qassem Soleimani's killing. Any Iranian strike on Gulf states could draw Washington deeper into conflict, as host nations may expect US military protection. Regime change fears loom over the Gulf A more aggressive US stance, such as pursuing regime change in Iran, could provoke anxiety among Gulf leaders, especially in nations with sizeable and restive Shia populations like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Toronto Sun
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
B.C. professor trapped in Iran says feds offering 'almost nothing' to help
Published Jun 23, 2025 • 3 minute read An Iranian man walks at Haft-e Tir Square in Tehran on June 23, 2025. Israel struck Tehran and Iran fired missiles on June 23, as the war between the longtime foes raged for its 11th day after the United States sent bombers to attack the Islamic republic's nuclear sites. Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images A British Columbia professor who is trapped in Iran says he's been told by officials there's 'almost nothing' the Canadian government can do to help him and his family. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Simon Fraser University engineering Prof. Shervin Jannesar says in an email that communications are extremely limited and Canadian authorities don't seem to have a plan to deal with the situation. Jannesar's wife and two infant children had travelled to Iran before Israel launched strikes against the country, and he told his students that when the conflict began he had no choice but to join them. The United States joined the conflict over the weekend by bombing Iran's nuclear sites and with airspace now closed there's no way for the family to get out. He says in an email written to The Canadian Press at 3:45 a.m. local time on Sunday during a brief window of internet access that communications are extremely limited and calls cannot be received from outside the country. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Jannesar says he managed to call a Canadian government emergency line but after hours of conversation was initially told to fill in an online form, despite the lack of internet connection. Read More 'Finally one of the agents kindly did it on the phone for me. But after so many back-and-forth talks they told me that there is almost nothing they can do,' Jannesar said. 'Their answer to my question of 'what service (do) you exactly provide in this emergency line?' was something in lines of: 'We are answering your questions! And calls! And if you were not a Canadian we were not answering your questions!' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. One of Jannesar's students shared a message from him last week describing the professor's situation in an online forum, before the U.S. attack. In that message to his class Jannesar said he was still trying to provide recorded lectures despite the war conditions. 'As you can most likely hear in my lecture nine recording, it is literally like a war zone with explosions coming around every now and then,' he wrote, asking his students for help getting out word about his situation. A spokesman for Simon Fraser University confirmed that one of its lecturers was stuck in Iran but said it could not provide a recording of the lecture described by Jannesar because access was limited to students. Jannesar says in his email that the Canadian officials he spoke with 'were nice and respectful' and he did not want to be 'harsh' about them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'But there are actually no managerial plans behind it and (it's) not clear what they offer. It's not even clear in the wording of their emails that what they do they do or can do,' he said. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Jannesar says the internet had been shut down for days before a brief period of access. The university said a second staff member who was in Iran had managed to cross into Turkey. 'We are closely monitoring the situation, and the safety and well-being of our SFU community members remain our top priority,' a spokesman said. He added that 'options for departure from the region are extremely limited' and that the trapped faculty member had been encouraged to contact the university's international health and security provider and Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre for consular assistance. While Iranian airspace is closed, land crossings into Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan are possible options for Canadians attempting to leave Iran, according to Global Affairs Canada. Canadians in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and Iran are 'advised to remain close to a bomb shelter or a hardened structure away from windows,' a Global Affairs Canada webpage says. Toronto & GTA World Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA
