Latest news with #TehranUniversity
See - Sada Elbalad
33 minutes ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Massive Crowds Rally in Tehran to Show Solidarity, Denounce Israeli Aggression
Taarek Refaat Millions of Iranian citizens flooded the streets of central Tehran, joining together for a powerful demonstration of solidarity and resistance following recent Israeli aggression against the country. The event, which began with Friday prayers at Tehran University, morphed into a mass rally filled with intense expressions of anger and defiance. العاصمة الإيرانية طهران تشهد مسيرات ضخمة تحت شعار "جمعة الغضب والنصر" #حدث_وشارك — قناة العهد (@ahadtv) June 20, 2025 According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the prayers at Tehran University saw a sea of worshippers, many coming from various parts of the capital to affirm their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic, its leadership, and the Iranian Armed Forces. The surrounding streets were lined with individuals eager to stand in unity, reflecting their deep frustration with what they see as a continued assault on the nation's sovereignty. The march was not only a display of anger but also a declaration of enduring solidarity with the Iranian government. The crowd's chants also included "The blood in our veins is for our leader," underscoring the devotion to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a message of unyielding loyalty to the nation's leadership in the face of foreign aggression. As the march progressed through the streets, the demonstrators reiterated their condemnation of Israel's actions, which they claim have led to the death of innocent civilians, particularly women and children. Their resolve was further solidified by claims of ongoing military victories by the Iranian Armed Forces, which have been engaged in conflict with Israel and its allies. "This is not just a protest. This is a statement that no matter what happens, our unity and resistance against the Zionist regime will remain strong," said one of the participants, a Tehran resident. The rally, which extended beyond Tehran, also saw large numbers of people gathering in cities across Iran. They celebrated the strength of the Iranian military and affirmed their commitment to the struggle, expressing confidence that the government and armed forces would continue to protect their land from external threats. The scale of the demonstration reflects the deep national sentiments surrounding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the Iranian government's unyielding stance against Israel's policies. The country's leaders have long called for resistance against Zionism, with these large-scale events serving as a reminder to the international community of Iran's position on the matter. As the demonstrations continue to unfold, Iran's commitment to resisting perceived foreign interference remains as strong as ever, with millions of Iranians standing firm in their support for their nation's sovereignty and security. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Operation Sindhu: 2 more flights with evacuated Indian students from Iran to land tonight; government steps up rescue efforts
Boarding of the evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. India has stepped up efforts in bringing back its citizens under Operation Sindhu from conflict ridden Middle East with back and forth attaks between Israel and Iran enterng Day 8. A day after flight carrying 110 Indians landed in Delhi, two more evacuation flights have been scheduled to arrive in India on Friday night. The first aircraft will touch down in Delhi at approximately 11:30 pm from Mashad, whilst the second flight from Ashgabat is expected to land in Delhi at about 3 am on Saturday. Whilst Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv are facilitating evacuations, many individuals dispersed across religious centres and universities face uncertain and dangerous circumstances regarding their return. Ten students from Bulandshahr's Sakhni village in UP have been unreachable since the recent missile strikes in Iran. Among them is 22-year-old Sadaf Zehra, a third-year MBBS student at Tehran University. Her father, Zia-ul-Hassan, said, "She said she was fine, then her phone went off. The next day she called and said the university had moved them to a safer location three hours away." Azhar Abbas, another student, survived a missile strike that claimed five of his classmates. "We spoke to him in a video call three days ago," said his uncle, Muzammil Abbas. "Since then, there has been no contact." Abbasi Beghum, 60, experienced dangerous blood pressure levels upon hearing about the attacks. "I lost my husband three years ago. I worked hard to send my son abroad." Across UP, numerous families face similar situations. Several pilgrims from Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Meerut were stranded in Iran, including 28 pilgrims from Lucknow, amongst them 83-year-old Kaneez Haider. The group had departed for Iraq on May 27 and entered Iran on June 9, planning to visit Karbala, Mashhad, Tehran, Nishapur and Kashan. Many had initially completed Haj, concluding with Eid on Monday, before proceeding to Iran - a typical route for Shia pilgrims visiting religious shrines. Tour operator Aqeel Jafar Rizvi of Mehndi Tours and Travels reported over 1,000 pilgrims from Lucknow in Iran, many experiencing financial difficulties and limited medicine access. Families in Kithaur's Isapur area of Meerut confirmed 11 additional pilgrims, including families with children, remain stranded.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Scores of Indians stranded in Iran, Israel; anxiety stalks kin
Scores of Indian nationals - including students, pilgrims, researchers, caregivers and workers - remain stranded in Iran and Israel amid escalating military conflict between the two countries. Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv are coordinating evacuations, but for many scattered across religious centres and universities, return remains uncertain and fraught with risk. Ten students from Bulandshahr's Sakhni village in UP have been difficult to reach since missiles hit Iran earlier this week. Among them is 22-year-old Sadaf Zehra, a 3rd-year MBBS student at Tehran University. Her father, Zia-ul-Hassan, said, "She said she was fine, then her phone went off. The next day she called and said the university had moved them to a safer location three hours away." Azhar Abbas, another student, narrowly escaped a missile strike that killed five of his classmates. "We spoke to him in a video call three days ago," said his uncle, Muzammil Abbas. "Since then, there has been no contact." Abbasi Beghum, 60, said her blood pressure rose dangerously after hearing about the attacks. "I lost my husband three years ago. I worked hard to send my son abroad." Across UP, many others are in similar situations. Several pilgrims from Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Meerut remain stuck in Iran. Among them are 28 pilgrims from Lucknow, including 83-year-old Kaneez Haider. Her son, Abbas Muzaffar, who travelled with her, said, "We are safe for now, but we're desperate to return. Hotels are expensive. We didn't budget for such delays" They had left for Iraq on May 27 and entered Iran on June 9. Their itinerary included visits to Karbala, Mashhad, Tehran, Nishapur and Kashan. Many had first performed Haj, which concluded with Eid on Monday, and then proceeded to Iran - a common route for Shia pilgrims visiting religious shrines. Tour operator Aqeel Jafar Rizvi of Mehndi Tours and Travels said over 1,000 pilgrims from Lucknow were in Iran, many of them now struggling with funds and limited access to medicines. Families in Kithaur's Isapur area of Meerut confirmed that 11 more pilgrims - including couples and children - remain stranded. Masoom Raza and his family were scheduled to fly back five days ago. Shia cleric Maulana Saif Abbas has written to the ministry of external affairs urging action. "These are middle-class families. They cannot manage extended stays abroad." A similar situation has unfolded in Haridwar's Manglaur area, where 36 residents - including students, pilgrims and long-term workers - remain stuck in Iran. MLA Qazi Nizamuddin wrote to the PMO and state govt seeking help. "They are now trapped in a conflict zone and need immediate assistance," he said. Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth said police across all 13 districts are verifying such cases. "Many of them were on long-term visas for over a decade." Israeli tourists currently in the state are also being contacted through Chabad Houses and local channels. Relatives in Deganga's Dhalipara area in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas have lost contact with 11 pilgrims who travelled to Iran on May 30 and were scheduled to return on June 18. Their last calls came on June 17. Salma Bibi, wife of Akram Hossain, broke down: "I just want my husband back." Hossain Mehdi, son of Sahid Ali, said the families had contacted local officials but were now waiting for action from the ministry of external affairs. Silence has also set in around three students from Swarupnagar and Basirhat. Imran Hossain and Muskan Khatun, both Persian postgraduates at the University of Isfahan, haven't been reachable since Sunday. "We are in complete darkness," said Imran's mother, Rehena Khatun. In Astara, a northern Iranian town near the Azerbaijan border, Kolkata professor Falguni Dey is preparing to move toward Armenia. He fled Tehran, applied to enter Azerbaijan, and after three days of silence, filed for an Armenian e-visa. "I have no cash. The border is 450km away but I can't wait here," he said. Dey described nights spent in mosque lobbies and surviving on rice mixed with cold drink. "A hotel allowed me to use their WiFi. " Across the border, Indian citizens in Israel are also facing uncertainty. Researcher Preetam Regon from Assam, based at the Volcani Institute near Tel Aviv, said, "Missiles landed a kilometre away. The embassy asked if we want to leave. Some are ready." Evacuation efforts are ongoing. Indian missions in Tehran and Tel Aviv are moving citizens to Armenia, Jordan and Egypt. The ministry of home affairs is organising chartered return flights.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Director fled to Edinburgh after risking his life 'shooting films in secret'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Iranian film director who fled his home country after enduring prison torture has said he 'no longer felt human'. Javad Daraei, 33, risked his life shooting films in secret that told of the persecution of women, the LGBT community and disabled community under the rule of the Islamic Public. In 2017, Javad was ambushed by three men who dragged him into a car and brought him to a detention centre after the release of his last film in Iran. After human rights organisations provided a flight out of the country for him, Javad moved to Scotland after being offered an Artist Protection Fund Fellowship at Edinburgh University. While he's now safe, Javad says his mind easily wanders back to the tiny windowless cell where he was tortured by 'brutal' prison gaurds. On the wall of his bedroom is a picture of a Highland landscape as a reminder when he wakes up that he is safe in Scotland. He said: "Sometimes I feel mentally frozen in that place though physically I am in Scotland. But being here is gradually helping me recover the part of me that I lost in that terrible place." Javad's films are banned in his native homeland but have won 57 awards and 52 nominations in the UK, America, Australia, Europe and Asia. Two are now to have their Scottish premiere with a special screening in Edinburgh. Javad is also now making his first feature in English in Scotland in a production written and directed by him about the precarious life of a sex worker in Glasgow. As he talks in his small flat in the city's east end Javad plays with his cat Fifi, steadying the nerves that always come when he recalls the terror he faced in Iran. His first film, I Don't Like Here was made when he was a student at Tehran University and focused on the mistreatment of a trans boy. Those who transition in Iran are at risk of being disappeared or killed. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox He made the film after arriving in Tehran from his home in a religious mountain community in Khorramabad 100km east of the Iraqi border. He said: "When I went to Tehran, I met a community of gay and trans people. They lived with so much fear and it felt so wrong to me." Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment or flogging in Iran. In 2016 the film was smuggled out to festivals and led to Javad's first visit from the intelligence police who demanded to see the rushes but he had already stored the most incriminating shots in a hidden hard drive. Javad said: "They weren't too bad that time. They warned me and I thought if that was the worst they would do then I would carry on." I Don't Like Here will be shown at Edinburgh's Cameo cinema this month along with Limit, his second project which explores the torment of a man who is trapped by disability. The disabled in Iran are marginalised, excluded from society in a country where they can barely access healthcare or simple equipment like a wheelchair. The movie was realised in 2017 and won him more international plaudits and many more gongs. Again he was warned by the intelligence police but Javad was determined to continue his underground filmmaking despite the risks. His last film in Iran, Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse was screened at 17 international film festivals and won four awards in the US including best film and director. Focusing on the vigilante vengeance a young girl faces when her parents are accused of murder it was filmed in clandestine shoots in abandoned villages. (Image: Ross Turpie - Daily Record) The global recognition it received enraged the Iranian authorities. One day as he walked home Javad was ambushed by three men who thrust a hood over his head and dragged him into a car. Javad said: "They pushed me to the floor of the car and they were punching me in the head and the neck. I was screaming begging to know who they were but they were just shouting insults at me. It was terrifying." When the car stopped they dragged him into a detention centre where he was thrown into a room so small he couldn't stretch out. It had a piercing halogen light and there was a constant whirring of a fan. To this day Javad can't be in a room with a fan. Javad could hear the wretched screams of other detainees ring out across the building. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the brutal armed force which takes its orders from the Supreme Leader of Iran, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They accused him of being an American spy. He remained hooded as the sadistic guards rained blow after blow on his body; they burned him with a lighter and they pounded him so violently they broke his leg. He was held for 17 days and slept in a filthy mattress in the suffocating heat of the Iranian summer. Javad said: "Every day they got more and more brutal. I refused to eat. It was mental and physical torture. I no longer felt human. For the last few days I was unconscious." Eventually he was released into a state run hospital where his leg was not properly treated and Javad knew if he was to survive he would have to escape Iran. The chance came when in 2021 when human rights organisations organised for him to be put on a flight out of the country. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Javad ultimately moved to Scotland when he was offered an Artist Protection Fund Fellowship at Edinburgh University and he has been given the refugee status of the right to remain in the UK. As well as his film he is also writing an autobiographical play he hopes will open in London. His experiences in Iran have left him traumatised but with the help of therapy and friends he has made in Scotland he is slowly recovering and has once again returned to filming. He has recently had surgery on the leg broken during torture. Javad finds solace in Scotland's cold and rain because warm days remind him of detention in Iran. In Iran he is convinced that information about his filming was being fed back to the regime by one of his team and so it has taken him time to trust enough to form a small and precious crew around him to make his latest feature. Javad said: "At first I still lived with the fear of being arrested again, of not being able to trust anyone. But I have the most wonderful crew who have shown me such patience and love. "I am less pessimistic now. I believe the people you meet change your life and attitude and after experiencing such a terrible journey the people here in Scotland have really helped me. Before I wrote and made plays and films for the love of life but now it is the key to my sanity and survival." Javad Daraei: Two Dead Films and One Still Alive shows as part of Refugee Festival Scotland at the Cameo, Edinburgh on June 18.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Iranian film director tells of Tehran prison torture after fleeing to Scotland
Javad Daraei is now living in Glasgow after being imprisoned in Iran where his films are banned. On the wall of exiled Iranian filmmaker Javad Daraei's bedroom is a picture of a Highland landscape as a reminder when he wakes up that he is safe in Scotland. In his mind, the internationally acclaimed director too easily drifts back to the tiny windowless cell where he was imprisoned and tortured daily by Iran's brutal revolutionary guard. He said: 'Sometimes I feel mentally frozen in that place though physically I am in Scotland. But being here is gradually helping me recover the part of me that I lost in that terrible place.' Javad's films are banned in his native homeland but have won 57 awards and 52 nominations in the UK, America, Australia, Europe and Asia. Two are now to have their Scottish premiere with a special screening in Edinburgh. Javad, 33, is also now making his first feature in English in Scotland in a production written and directed by him about the precarious life of a sex worker in Glasgow. As he talks in his small flat in the city's east end Javad plays with his cat Fifi, steadying the nerves that always come when he recalls the terror he faced in Iran. Javad risked his life, shooting in secret his films which highlight the persecution of women, the LGTBQ community and the disabled under the tyrannical rule of the Islamic Republic. His first film, I Don't Like Here was made when he was a student at Tehran University and focused on the mistreatment of a trans boy. Those who transition in Iran are at risk of being disappeared or killed. He made the film after arriving in Tehran from his home in a religious mountain community in Khorramabad 100km east of the Iraqi border. He said: 'When I went to Tehran, I met a community of gay and trans people. They lived with so much fear and it felt so wrong to me.' Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment or flogging in Iran. In 2016 the film was smuggled out to festivals and led to Javad's first visit from the intelligence police who demanded to see the rushes but he had already stored the most incriminating shots in a hidden hard drive. Javad said: 'They weren't too bad that time. They warned me and I thought if that was the worst they would do then I would carry on.' I Don't Like Here will be shown at Edinburgh's Cameo cinema this month along with Limit, his second project which explores the torment of a man who is trapped by disability. The disabled in Iran are marginalised, excluded from society in a country where they can barely access healthcare or simple equipment like a wheelchair. . The movie was realised in 2017 and won him more international plaudits and many more gongs. Again he was warned by the intelligence police but Javad was determined to continue his underground filmmaking despite the risks. His last film in Iran, Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse was screened at 17 international film festivals and won four awards in the US including best film and director. Focusing on the vigilante vengeance a young girl faces when her parents are accused of murder it was filmed in clandestine shoots in abandoned villages. The global recognition it received enraged the Iranian authorities. One day as he walked home Javad was ambushed by three men who thrust a hood over his head and dragged him into a car. Javad said: 'They pushed me to the floor of the car and they were punching me in the head and the neck. I was screaming begging to know who they were but they were just shouting insults at me. It was terrifying.' When the car stopped they dragged him into a detention centre where he was thrown into a room so small he couldn't stretch out. It had a piercing halogen light and there was a constant whirring of a fan. To this day Javad can't be in a room with a fan. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Javad could hear the wretched screams of other detainees ring out across the building. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the brutal armed force which takes its orders from theSupreme Leader of Iran, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They accused him of being an American spy. He remained hooded as the sadistic guards rained blow after blow on his body; they burned him with a lighter and they pounded him so violently they broke his leg. He was held for 17 days and slept in a filthy mattress in the suffocating heat of the Iranian summer. Javad said:'Ever day they got more and more brutal. I refused to eat. It was mental and physical torture.I no longer felt human. For the last few days I was unconscious.' Eventually he was released into a state run hospital where his leg was not properly treated and Javad knew if he was to survive he would have to escape Iran. The chance came when in 2021 when human rights organisations organised for him to be put on a flight out of the country. Javad ultimately moved to Scotland when he was offered an Artist Protection Fund Fellowship at Edinburgh University and he has been given the refugee status of the right to remain in the UK. As well as his film he is also writing an autobiographical play he hopes will open in London. His experiences in Iran have left him traumatised but with the help of therapy and friends he has made in Scotland he is slowly recovering and has once again returned to filming. He has recently had surgery on the leg broken during torture. Javad finds solace in Scotland's cold and rain because warm days remind him of detention in Iran. In Iran he is convinced that information about his filming was being fed back to the regime by one of his team and so it has taken him time to trust enough to form a small and precious crew around him to make his latest feature. Javad said: 'At first I still lived with the fear of being arrested again, of not being able to trust anyone. But I have the most wonderful crew who have shown me such patience and love. 'I am less pessimistic now. I believe the people you meet change your life and attitude and after experiencing such a terrible journey the people here in Scotland have really helped me. Before I wrote and made plays and films for the love of life but now it is the key to my sanity and survival.' Javad Daraei: Two Dead Films and One Still Alive shows as part of Refugee Festival Scotland at the Cameo, Edinburgh on June 18.
