By Faranak Bakhtiari

Massive water transfer projects not to ease acute shortages but cripple ecosystems

TEHRAN – Water transfer schemes looking attractive to many of those residing in drought-stricken central Iran worried about drought, not only does not eliminate water scarcity, but inevitably involves polluting the environment along with damaging agriculture, people’s fragile source of income.

Defense minister: Iran considers itself responsible for regional security

TEHRAN - Defense Minister Amir Hatami said on Monday that Iran considers itself responsible for establishing security in the West Asia region.

Iran launches naval drills in Persian Gulf, Sea of Oman

TEHRAN – On Friday, Iranian naval forces started a three-day drill in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

‘Water transfer from Sea of Oman entails no considerable environmental risk’

TEHRAN – Transferring water from Sea of Oman to central drought-ridden provinces of the country, provided that the environmental requirements are met, will not poses threats to the environment, Issa Kalantari, the Department of Environment (DOE) chief has announced.

No water transfer from enclosed bodies of water: MP

TEHRAN – According to the national budget bill for the next Iranian calendar year (starting on March 21, 2019), no water will be transferred from enclosed bodies of water regarding its probable environmental consequences, MP Nour Mohammad Torbatinejad has said.

Iran says not to let U.S. carriers come close to territorial waters

TEHRAN - Habibollah Sayyari, the deputy army chief for coordination affairs, said on Monday that Iran will not let U.S. aircraft carriers come close to its territorial waters.

Department of Environment opposes water transfer from Persian Gulf

TEHRAN — With regard to the environmental conditions of the Persian Gulf, the Department of Environment (DOE) has taken a firm stand against water transfer from this body of water, deputy environment chief, Masoud Tajrishi, has said.

Iran’s Air Force, IRGC start joint military drills over Persian Gulf

TEHRAN – The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday started joint military drills over the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

"Water transfer from Sea of Oman would entail heavy costs"

TEHRAN — While Iran is weighing up the option of transferring water from the Sea of Oman to thirsty lands in eastern provinces, the project is proved to be extremely costly, an official at the Ministry of Energy has said.

Iran mulls over water transfer from Sea of Oman to drought-ridden provinces

TEHRAN — Iran is weighing up the option of transferring water from Sea of Oman to drought-ridden provinces of Sistan-Baluchestan, Hormozgan and Khorasan Razavi, deputy head of the Department of Environment (DOE) for marine affairs has said.

During drills, Iran warns off U.S. warships

The Iranian Army has warned off two U.S.-led coalition battleships during the first day of military exercises involving ground, naval, and aerial forces in southern Iran.

Southern coasts to tap Iran maritime tourism potential

TEHRAN – Iran aims to take advantage of southern coasts to make the best use of its maritime tourism potential by means of developing hospitality infrastructures, diversifying sea routes, and drawing private sector investors.