Tehran, IRNA – The following headlines appeared in English-language newspapers in the Iranian capital Saturday, July 29, 2023:

** IRAN DAILY

- Iranian dried figs: From natural perfection to fame abroad

Iranian dried figs, known as green figs, constitute a distinctive variety of figs globally, with the major production hub located in Estahban city, situated in Fars Province, southern Iran. Remarkably, some fig trees and orchards in Estahban have stood for three hundred years or more. The volume of domestic dried fig production fluctuates annually due to varying weather conditions, rainfall, and pest occurrences. Typically, Iran’s dried fig production ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 tons. Estahban figs are primarily not eaten fresh, contrary to what many people believe. The common misconception is that these figs are harvested from the tree and then dried in factories through a series of processing steps. However, the reality is quite different.

- Ending Israeli occupation key to resolution of Palestinian issue

Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations said the resolution of the decades-long Palestinian issue hinges on the cessation of the Israeli regime’s occupation of Palestinian lands, and recognition of the fundamental right of Palestinians to decide their own fate. “The Islamic Republic of Iran remains steadfast in its belief that the conflict in Palestine can only be resolved through ending the occupation and recognizing the inalienable rights of self-determination of the Palestinian people,” Amir Saeid Iravani said Thursday while addressing a UN Security Council session entitled, “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question,” in New York, Press TV reported.

- India, Iran set to ink long-term deal on Chabahar port

India and Iran are expected to sign a long-term deal for the development of Iran’s Chabahar port by September, before the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 meets in New Delhi in October, two people familiar with the matter said. After years of negotiations, New Delhi and Tehran are expected to sign a multi-year deal, allowing India to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal in Chabahar port. In 2016, India Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Arya Banader of Iran signed a contract to develop the port, according to Mint news website.  Spokespersons for India’s ministries of external affairs, ports, shipping, and waterways, and the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi did not respond to a query.

** TEHRAN TIMES

- Bibi prompts mass departure amid internal crisis

An Israeli media survey shows that more than a quarter of Israelis squatting in the occupied Palestinian territories are considering returning to their countries of origin.  The survey comes as credit rating agencies have reported that the widening of domestic uncertainty will reduce the regime's economic growth this year.  "The Times of Israel" has cited a poll conducted by the regime's channel 13 as saying that “28 percent of respondents were weighing a move abroad" while an additional "8 percent were unsure.”.

- Are "flying lawnmowers" all the rage?

Since February 2022, when Russia had to launch a special military operation against Ukraine in response to NATO's creeping advances toward the East, until today, Russia and Ukraine have suffered many casualties, including the destruction of the Ukrainian infrastructure, the displacement of people in the conflicting areas, the destruction of expensive military equipment, and heavy damages on the camps of both countries.  This is a sad event that hurts the heart of everyone. Extravagance, aggression, and interference of the United States have caused the Ukrainians to experience what the people of the Middle East have been dealing with for years.

- Tehran, Baku moving toward productive manner, Amir Abdollahian says

Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan are now on a favorable road of constructive collaboration, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said on Thursday after he spoke on phone with his Azeri counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. Discussing with Bayramov the most significant issues affecting bilateral relationship and the region, Amir Abdollahian said that the collaboration process between Tehran and Baku is now moving along in a positive and productive manner.

** KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL

- Ashura Marked Worldwide

Millions of Muslims in Iran and other countries on Friday observed Ashura, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him). Dressed in black, they held mourning processions to remember Imam Hussein (AS), who was martyred along with his 72 companions in the Battle of Karbala in southern Iraq in 680 AD after fighting valiantly against thousands of soldiers of the tyrant of the time, Yazid.

- Western Powers Seek to Revive Colonial Legacy in Africa

For decades, Africa has been teeming with foreign military personnel, with more than a dozen countries known to have deployments and bases on the continent. A key area of interest for foreign powers, particularly Western countries, has been the Horn of Africa.

- Israel’s Crisis is Just Beginning

As Israel plunges deeper into crisis after the illegal entity’s parliament passed the first bill of a controversial judicial overhaul, thousands of army reservists – the backbone of the Israeli military – are threatening not to show up for work. And Israel’s leaders are sounding alarms about the entity’s readiness for war. The law that came into effect on Wednesday took away the court’s power to veto cabinet decisions based on them being “unreasonable.” Millions opposed the change, according to opinion polls, which critics said would erode the independence of the courts.

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