News in Brief
Iran to produce 20 GW of nuclear power by 2041
MEHR – Iran has started initial work to construct five nuclear power plants to generate 20 gigawatts (GW) of electricity by 2041, the Iranian first vice president said on Tuesday.
The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran also said initial steps have been taken and preparations have been made for the project. In certain cases, executive operations have begun after the signing of contracts with domestic industries, he added.
Defense Minister: No one can threaten Iran
PRESS TV – Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said Iran has achieved a level of power such that no one can threaten it.
Ashtiani made the remark on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, two days after a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the US military will send the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner and F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to the Persian Gulf region “in response to a number of recent alarming events in the Strait of Hormuz.”
“The US is pursuing its own affairs. The Islamic Republic of Iran is basically at a level of power and capability such that no one can threaten it,” he said.
Erdogan welcomes restoration of Iran-Saudi ties
MEHR – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara welcomes the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
“Turkey welcomes the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] and Iran, and hopes that this development will strengthen security and stability.”
Erdogan made the remarks during a visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.