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Iran Opposition Protests in Washington for Regime Change

Effigies of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) and supreme leader Ali Khamenei (R) are seen at anti-regime rallies in Washington on March 8, 2019. (AFP)
Effigies of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) and supreme leader Ali Khamenei (R) are seen at anti-regime rallies in Washington on March 8, 2019. (AFP)
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Iran Opposition Protests in Washington for Regime Change

Effigies of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) and supreme leader Ali Khamenei (R) are seen at anti-regime rallies in Washington on March 8, 2019. (AFP)
Effigies of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (L) and supreme leader Ali Khamenei (R) are seen at anti-regime rallies in Washington on March 8, 2019. (AFP)

Hundreds of people protested in Washington Friday against Iran, demanding a change in its regime and denouncing its "atrocity toward the people".

Protesters waved Iranian flags as they chanted for "regime change now" -- with some holding portraits of Maryam Rajavi, leader of the People's Mujahedin, an Iranian opposition group banned in the country, reported AFP.

"The regime inside Iran is doing so much atrocity toward the people. Iran whole has been destroyed by this regime," said Michael Passi, an Iranian-American engineer.

"There are a lot of executions, a lot of tortures and a lot of export of terrorism by this regime," he alleged.

"We want separation of religion and the state," added Mina Entezari, an Arizona-based designer who was a political prisoner in Iran for seven years. "We want freedom for people."

The administration of US President Donald Trump consistently blasts a lack of freedoms in Iran and its "destabilizing" influence on the Middle East.

A firm adversary of Tehran, he has re-implemented harsh economic sanctions -- but Washington insists it is not pushing for regime change, only a change to Iran's policy in areas including missile development and support for militant groups.

"I'm 100 percent behind President Trump's policy," Passi said. "The only language that this Iranian regime understands is a language of force."

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Araghchi in China to Discuss Nuclear Program, Sanctions and Regional Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
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Araghchi in China to Discuss Nuclear Program, Sanctions and Regional Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the issue of Iran's nuclear program and efforts to lift Western sanctions will witness a new dynamic in the new year, noting that more consultations with China are needed in this regard.
Araghchi traveled to China on Friday at the invitation of his counterpart, Wang Yi.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beijing, the FM said, “For years, we have consistently maintained close consultations with China on all regional and international matters,” according to Iran’s news agency, IRNA.
“Iran and China have maintained close communication on regional and global issues over the years. The current situation is highly sensitive, with escalating tensions in the region and numerous international challenges,” he said.
Araghchi highlighted the need for increased consultations with China regarding Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to lift sanctions.
He noted that 2024 would mark a new phase pertaining to these issues, requiring close dialogue with China.
The Iranian FM reiterated that the timing of this visit was ideal, as it aligns with the beginning of the new year, a period when both countries will prepare to face upcoming challenges, particularly in regional affairs, international relations, and Security Council matters.
Shortly before his visit to China, Araghchi said in an article published in the People’s Daily, that the trip marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strategic partnership between both countries.
“My trip to meet old friends in China follows successful meetings of Iranian and Chinese leaders on the margins of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan,” he said.
Separately, IRNA reported on Friday that a full-scale radiological emergency response exercise was conducted at the Bushehr nuclear plant with the aim of improving the preparedness of rescue teams and training villagers near the power plant when facing radiation and nuclear incidents.
The maneuver included a hypothetical accident at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The governorate was alerted and initial clarifications were offered to the concerned institutions.
The pollution rate increased, triggering an evacuation order during which residents were evacuated by sea.
Arsalan Zare, governor of Bushehr province and chairman of the Crisis Management Committee, said on Thursday, “Safety training drills are usually conducted at the site of the nuclear power plant and its surroundings to prepare for real emergencies.”