Russia expels 20 Czech diplomats as tensions escalate

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Russia has announced that 20 diplomats from the Czech Republic will be expelled after the Czechs expelled 18 Russian diplomats.

Iran Army cmdr.:

Withdrawal of foreign forces essential for regional security

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Iran Army Chief Commander Major General Mousavi points to the need for the withdrawal of foreign forces from the West Asian region.

China may test digital currency with foreign visitors

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – China is trying to make it possible for foreign athletes and visitors to use its digital currency during the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, a top central bank official said on Sunday.

IRGC cmdr.:

Gen. Hejazi paved for putting end to rotten Zionists regime

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Hailing General Hejazi's effort and services in the Resistance Front, the chief commander of IRGC said that General Hejazi helped Hezbollah to defeat the Zionists and paved the way for the overthrow of this rotten regime.

Ulyanov:

JCPOA restoration negotiations enters drafting stage

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna said that the negotiations on the JCPOA restoration entered the drafting stage.

Envoy says Iran oppose militarization of Persian Gulf region

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Iran's strategic policy is to interact and cooperate with its neighbors in line with the principles and rules of international law, Iran's envoy to Oman said, adding "We oppose the militarization of the Persian Gulf region"

5 shot, critically injured in Louisiana shooting

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Five people were hospitalized after being shot and critically injured in a drive-by shooting at a liquor store in Shreveport, Louisiana, CBS-affiliated television station KSLA reported late Sunday.

Zarif hails Indonesia’s stance in UNSC for preserving JCPOA

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif praised positions adopted by Indonesia in the UN Security Council (UNSC) to maintain Iran’s nuclear deal, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Cuba:

Washington must lift all unilateral sanctions against Tehran

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Director General of International Affairs of the Cuban Foreign Ministry stressed that Washington must unconditionally lift all unilateral sanctions against Iran and show true commitment to Iran's 2015 nuclear deal.

Vienna talks on right track: spox.

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Stating that Vienna talks are on right track Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said that based on the Leader's stances, the negotiators seek to ensure the interests of the people.

Iran named among top 10 steel producers in world: WSA

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Islamic Republic of Iran was introduced among top 10 steel producers in the world.

Nasrallah condoles with Leader over IRGC Quds deputy demise

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Following the passing of the deputy chief of the IRGC Quds Force, Hezbollah Secretary-General sent a message of condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Iraqi Army arrest number of ISIL members in S Baghdad

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – Iraqi Army forces identified and arrested a number of ISIL takfiri elements during a large-scale operation on the southern axis of Baghdad.

Iran wins Asian freestyle wrestling title

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – The freestyle team of Iran claimed the title of the Asian Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan’s Almaty.

Iran, Serbia stress need to expand trade, agricultural ties

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – In his meeting with the Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković, Iranian Minister of Agriculture Kazem Khavazi stressed the need to expand trade and agricultural relations between the two countries.

At least 19 people killed in west Niger attack

TEHRAN, Apr. 19 (MNA) – At least 19 civilians were killed when armed men raided a village in west Niger close to the border with Mali, officials have said, in the latest bloodshed in the troubled region.

US brings in military convoy from Iraq to Syria

TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) – US forces brought in a convoy loaded with weapons, ammunition, logistic materials and several armored vehicles to their bases in al-Shaddadi in Hasaka countryside.

‘Benjamin’ wins at Kwetu Intl. FilmFest. in Tanzania

TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) – Iranian animation ‘Benjamin’ directed by Mohsen Enayati has won two main awards at Kwetu International Animation Film Festival (KIAFF) in Tanzania.

Six rockets hit US military base in Iraq’s Al-Balad

TEHRAN, Apr. 18 (MNA) – Iraqi sources reported in a breaking news that a missile has been struck at US air base in Iraq’s al-Balad, where US troops are stationed there.