US Iran sanctions
President Ebrahim Raeisi says Iran is determined to win the sanctions war imposed by the US and other adversaries, citing a 13% growth in non-oil exports this Iranian fiscal year. Raeisi says those who have enforced sanctions against Iran aim to prevent the country from achieving any growth or producing or exporting anything. He says the US treasury department has created numerous obstacles for Iranian exporters around the globe, as enemies want Iran to be a mere consumer. But, Raeisi stressed that Iranian manufacturers and businessmen are determined to promote exports now that demand is rising for quality Iran-made products, including military hardware. He says this has angered Iran’s enemies who don’t want the country to grow and capture markets.
Israeli atrocities
Israel’s bloody violence against Palestinians shows no sign of abating. The regime forces have killed yet another Palestinian man in occupied east al-Quds. Police have not revealed the identity of the victim who was shot dead in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. They claim he was involved in a stabbing attack that left an Israeli man critically wounded. Tensions have intensified in the occupied territories following an uptick in Israeli crackdown against Palestinians and near daily raids in the occupied West Bank. According to the United Nations, more than 115 Palestinians have been killed this year in the occupied West Bank alone, the heaviest toll in nearly seven years.
Ukraine blackout
Kiev says Russian strikes on energy facilities have caused massive blackouts across Ukraine. The Ukrainian presidency says more than one million households are left without electricity. More than 670,000 of them are in the western region of Khmel-nytskyi alone. According to Ukraine's energy minister, Russian air attacks have hit at least half of Ukraine's thermal generation capacity since October 10. As much as 40% of the country’s energy infrastructure has been seriously damaged. The chief of Ukraine’s national energy operator says some parts of the country are reducing their electricity use by up to 20%. Energy authorities believe the voluntary measures are not enough for the regions where the infrastructure has suffered the most damage.