Category: Azer News

Member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) may release additional oil to global markets if needed, the agency’s Executive Director Fatih Birol said, warning that recovery could take time even if shipping resumes through the Strait of Hormuz, AzerNEWS reports.

‘I very much hope that the situation will stabilize soon and the markets will be able to begin the recovery process. But, of course, we must be prepared for the fact that this may take some time,’ Birol said in a video message.

The IEA has already announced the release of 411.9 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves in a bid to stabilize global prices. According to Birol, this move will reduce member states’ reserves by about 20%. In total, IEA countries hold more than 1.2 billion barrels in strategic reserves, along with an additional 600 million barrels in state-owned industrial reserves.

Birol also noted that non-member partner countries such as India, Colombia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam could join coordinated releases if necessary.

The developments come after military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran led to restrictions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the only sea passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. The disruption pushed Brent crude oil prices to their highest level since March 2022.

The World Urban Forum serves as a vital platform bringing together governments, communities, and investors to address pressing urban challenges,many of which remain significant and complex.

As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking at the ‘WUF13 – Private Sector Briefing Session’ today, Anna Soave, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme in Azerbaijan, emphasized the urgency of these issues.

According to Soave, more than 3 billion people worldwide live in inadequate conditions, a reality that negatively impacts both public health and the global economy.

‘Cities must adapt to rapid transformations,’ she said. ‘We need to recognize that cities are the main driving force behind a sustainable future. Hosting WUF13 is of special importance for Azerbaijan and positions Baku as a global hub.’

She also noted the growing scale of participation in recent forums, with 25,000 attendees at WUF12 in Cairo and 17,000 at WUF11.

‘Soave added that this year Azerbaijan aims to significantly expand private sector participation in the forum. WUF13 will also provide companies in the country with an opportunity to contribute to solving global challenges,’ she said.

The Israeli army says it has killed the commander of the IRGC’s Basij militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, in an attack on Monday night.

It said Soleimani’s claimed killing is a ‘significant blow’ to Iran’s ‘command-and-control structures’ and pledged to ‘continue to act with force’ against Iranian commanders.

There has been no comment from Iran yet.

Israel has claimed two high profile assassinations of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to Israel’s Defence Minister Katz, and the commander of the internal Basij militia, Gholamreza Soleimani, neither of which Iran has commented on or confirmed

Iranian state media published a handwritten note by Larijani, it is not clear whether it is intended as proof of life. Larijani’s note published on his social media outlets commemorates the memory of Iranian sailors killed, whose funeral is expected to be held on Tuesday, in the US attack on their boat in international waters.

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Israel’s Defence Minister Katz has just said that Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has been killed.

There has been no comment from Iran yet.

We will bring you more on this as soon as we can.

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Israeli officials reported that during overnight airstrikes in Iran, the Israeli Air Force targeted a senior Iranian official – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, AzerNEWS reports, citing Israeli media outlets.

According to Times of Israel, it remains unclear whether Larijani was killed or injured in the strike.

The report also cited defense sources indicating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Akram al-Ajouri, leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, along with other high-ranking figures in the group during the latest air raids.

While IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir did not provide specific names in a morning briefing, he noted that the overnight strikes produced significant results, potentially impacting the broader military campaign and the IDF’s mission.

The escalation follows failed negotiations between the United States and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program. Since February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted air strikes against Iranian targets. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli positions and U.S. military facilities in regional countries.

On the first day of the military campaign, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials were reportedly killed. On March 8, the Assembly of Experts elected Khamenei’s son, Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, as Iran’s third Supreme Leader.

Between March 1 and 5, the confrontation expanded across multiple countries in the Middle East. U.S. sources report 13 American deaths and more than 140 injured.

The conflict has also placed the region’s energy infrastructure and maritime transport at serious risk. Heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have caused sharp increases in global oil prices, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to leave the area.

Israel’s defence minister, Benny Gantz, has just claimed that Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, has been killed, a report that has sent shockwaves through regional capitals and global capitals alike. Tehran has yet to comment, and details remain unconfirmed. But to grasp the potential significance of this claim, it helps to understand the man at its centre: a figure who embodied the complexities, contradictions, and intellectual currents of the Islamic Republic itself.

Larijani was a firebrand revolutionary or an ideologue of the hard right. He was a product of privilege and pedigree in a country where both heritage and political acumen matter profoundly. Born in 1958 in Najaf, Iraq, into one of Iran’s most influential families, he moved early into the heart of the Islamic Republic’s elite.

His family, sometimes described, with more than a touch of journalistic hyperbole, as the ‘Kennedys of Iran’, has woven itself through the fabric of the state for decades. His father was a high-ranking Shiite cleric; his brothers have presided over judiciary, academic and policy institutions. One brother, Mohammad Javad Larijani, became a trusted presidential adviser and foreign policy voice; another, Sadiq, spent a decade leading the judiciary before becoming chairman of the advisory council; and yet another carved out influence in health and higher education.

His marriage, at the age of 20, to Farideh Motahari, daughter of a close confidant of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, anchored him deeper within the revolutionary elite. Larijani was, in every sense, bred for influence.

Yet his path to power was not purely dynastic. Unlike many peers whose credentials were forged only in the crucible of clerical seminaries, Larijani combined an aristocratic religious background with a rigorous secular education. He earned degrees in mathematics and computer science at Sharif University of Technology, Iran’s premier technical school, before turning to philosophy. His doctoral work, unusual among Iranian power-brokers, focused on Immanuel Kant, and he later published extensively on Kant’s philosophy, exploring the relationship between mathematical proof, metaphysics and rational inquiry.

That intellectual curiosity was, to some Western observers, a paradox. Kant is a pillar of Enlightenment thought, a secular system that seems, at first glance, at odds with the theological foundations of the Islamic Republic. But Larijani’s philosophical work was not an exercise in Western emulation. Instead, he sought to reinterpret Kant through an Islamic lens, arguing that religious thought and science each pursue truth in their own domains and challenging rigid demarcations, such as the idea that only falsifiable scientific theories are meaningful.

This nuanced worldview echoed in his political career. After the 1979 revolution, he served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps before entering government. He held posts including culture minister and later director of the state broadcaster IRIB, positions that deepened his understanding of the interplay between ideology, media and power.

In 2005, Larijani became secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, a role in which he helped shape Tehran’s posture amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. Although he stepped down from that role in 2007, he re-entered the political arena in 2008 as a member of parliament, quickly rising to become speaker, a position he held for three consecutive terms. During this time he was a key figure in securing parliamentary approval for the 2015 nuclear deal, a moment that underscored his reputation as a pragmatic operator willing to bridge hardline concerns with diplomatic engagement.

After a brief period away from frontline politics, he returned in August 2025 to lead the national security council again, a testament to his enduring influence and the regard in which he was held within Iran’s ruling circles.

Amid a region plagued by conflict and shifting alliances, Larijani’s death, if confirmed, would mark the end of a chapter in Tehran’s strategic calculus. He was, for decades, a bridge between Iran’s revolutionary ethos and its efforts to navigate a hostile international landscape, a thinker at ease both with complex philosophy and the raw realities of geopolitics.

And in a system often dominated by clerics and generals, he stood out as a measured intellect, a strategist shaped by logic, faith and a lifetime within the corridors of power.

On March 17, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum hosted the opening of the solo exhibition by artist Nigar Aliyeva.

The opening ceremony was attended by Anar Alakbarov, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center, Alena Aliyeva, Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova, as well as cultural and art figures.

Addressing the event, Director of the National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan Amina Melikova said that since its inception, the museum has remained steadfast in its mission to support the work of contemporary artists.

She noted that despite her young age, the author of the exhibition, Nigar Aliyeva, has been successfully working in the field of art for over 10 years.

Amina Melikova emphasized that Nigar Aliyeva is among those rare artists capable of artistically expressing the national heritage, collective memory, and cultural values of Azerbaijan through her works. Such initiatives serve to present the country’s national heritage from a new perspective, reaching a wider audience and reviving tradition through new means of expression in contemporary art.

Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova mentioned that “Irevan style” is presented in the artist’s work with a unique and successful artistic approach.

Highlighting the importance of the Novruz holiday, Saadat Yusifova said that it is not only a holiday, but also a sacred value that creates a spiritual bridge between the past and the future, strengthening the sense of hope and faith in people.

Noting that she has been developing this project for two years, Nigar Aliyeva stated that she has spared no effort to re-examine the country’s national heritage and introduce Azerbaijani traditions to the younger generation.

Expressing her gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the exhibition, the artist underlined that exhibits from various museums were displayed in the exposition. The topics presented were not chosen randomly, each rooted in the history, national memory, and rich artistic heritage of the people.

The exhibition features the author’s oil-on canvas created in 2024-2026. Based on her research, the artist turned to national cuisine, jewelry, weaving, embroidery, and other examples of folk applied arts. Her compositions skillfully use ornamental and elements characteristic of classical Azerbaijani painting traditions, especially the subtleties of Mirza Gadim Irevani’s style.

The exhibition, co-organized by the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum and Arts Council Azerbaijan, will run until March 31.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has released its ‘Adversarial Threat’ report for the first quarter of 2026, revealing the removal of a coordinated network linked to Iran that targeted Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the report, the network consisted of fake accounts engaged in coordinated inauthentic behavior aimed at influencing public discourse. Meta said it had taken enforcement action against the operation for violating its policies.

‘367 Facebook accounts, 3 pages and 360 Instagram accounts that violated our company’s rules have been blocked. The pages belonging to this network were followed by about 4,000 users, and the Instagram profiles by about 34,000 users. Approximately $400 was spent on advertising within the network,’ the company stated.

The report noted that the network’s primary objective was to undermine political stability in Azerbaijan, promote Iran’s regional interests, and weaken Western influence in the region.

Meta regularly publishes its adversarial threat reports as part of its efforts to identify and dismantle coordinated influence operations across its platforms.

Samsung Electronics has officially ended sales of the Galaxy Z TriFold, its premium trifold smartphone, in South Korea, despite strong local demand, industry sources reported Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports, citing Korean media.

The Galaxy Z TriFold, the company’s first trifold device, features two folding hinges and expands into a 10-inch display when fully unfolded. It launched in December and sold out on its very first day. The model, priced at 3.59 million won (about $2,400), was restocked over ten times in Korea, though shipment quantities remained limited.

Industry insiders said Samsung decided to halt domestic sales due to the device’s high production costs. The recent surge in global memory chip prices only intensified the challenge, making mass production economically unfeasible.

Some analysts noted that the Galaxy Z TriFold was likely designed more as a statement of Samsung’s technological prowess than as a mainstream product-demonstrating what the company can achieve with foldable display technology. Interestingly, some early users have praised the device’s ability to function almost like a mini tablet, blurring the line between smartphone and tablet in everyday use.

Sales of the Galaxy Z TriFold will continue in markets with remaining stock, including the United States and China, giving international fans a rare chance to experience Samsung’s ambitious new design.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that a high-profile Iranian figure with a $10 million bounty on his head had been ‘neutralized for free,’ according to remarks made during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with his Estonian counterpart, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking about recent operations targeting Iran and Lebanon, Saar claimed that Israeli actions had eliminated key figures, including Ali Larijani, a Basij commander, and his deputy.

‘Larijani, the Basij leader, and his deputy were neutralized, and Iranians will be safer without them. There was a $10 million bounty on Ali Larijani – we did it for free,’ Saar said.

The Israeli foreign minister emphasized that weakening Iran’s ruling system is necessary to enable its people to eventually overthrow it.

According to Saar, eliminating what he described as an ‘existential threat’ from Iran is crucial to preventing recurring cycles of war.

He added that Iran’s leadership has already been significantly weakened, stating:

‘The Iranian regime has been substantially weakened, and today’s Iran is not the same as it was three weeks ago.’

Starting from March, a large-scale cultural touring program covering Baku and the regions will be launched at the initiative and organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, AzerNEWS reports.

The project is being implemented as the first systematic cultural tour initiative to unite the capital and regional areas under a single program while covering a wide geographical area across the country.

The March tour program will include the cities of Aghdam, Lachin, Ganja, and Mingachevir.

The Honored Collective, the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments operating under the International Mugham Center, will perform a concert program on March 16 at the Aghdam Mugham Center and on March 17 at the “LaCinema” cinema in Lachin.

On March 19, the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra and the Azerbaijan State Choir Chapel, both part of the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, will perform at the Ganja State Philharmonic.

Meanwhile, on March 28-29 in Mingachevir, performances will take place at the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Mingachevir State Drama Theater.

The program will feature the Symphony Orchestra, soloists, and choir of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

Every year on March 20-21, Azerbaijan celebrates one of its most ancient and beloved holidays – Novruz spring festival, AzerNEWS reports.

This festive occasion marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year according to the ancient solar calendar. It coincides with the spring equinox and symbolizes the awakening of nature, renewal, and the revival of life.

Preparation for Novruz begins nearly a month in advance, reflecting the gradual transition from winter to spring. During this period, people follow a series of traditions and rituals, the most important of which takes place on the final Tuesday before the holiday, known as Earth Tuesday.

On this day, bonfires are lit in courtyards, festive tables are set, and families gather together. It is also a time for reconciliation, when people are encouraged to forgive past disagreements and restore relationships. Candles are lit for each family member, neighbors visit one another, and warm holiday greetings are exchanged.

According to folklore, the weeks leading up to Novruz include four special Tuesdays, each dedicated to one of the natural elements: water, fire, wind, and earth. These elements symbolize the step-by-step awakening of nature, culminating in the full renewal represented by Novruz itself. In traditional belief, Tuesday holds a sacred meaning, as it is thought to be the day when the creation of the world began.

Fire and water rituals play a central role in the celebrations. Jumping over bonfires is one of the most recognizable customs, symbolizing purification and the release of past troubles. As people leap over the flames, they express the wish for their hardships to burn away, making space for happiness and well-being.

Afterward, the ashes are taken away from the home, representing the removal of misfortune. Water is also considered a source of cleansing and renewal. Early in the morning, people visit springs, collect fresh water, and make wishes for the coming year.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Novruz traditions is fortune-telling, especially among young people. A well-known custom is “ear divination,” where individuals quietly listen at a neighbor’s door and interpret the first words they hear as answers to their wishes.

Other rituals include eating salty bread before sleep to dream of a future partner, looking into a mirror by candlelight to glimpse one’s destiny, and performing symbolic acts with rings, needles, or other objects to predict love and happiness. These traditions reflect a deep connection between hope, belief, and the unseen future.

Across different regions of Azerbaijan, Earth Tuesday is celebrated with unique local customs. In some areas, people sprinkle water around their homes and prepare traditional dishes, while in others, young people visit houses to receive sweets and gifts. In certain regions, red ribbons are tied to trees as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Despite these regional differences, the spirit of the holiday remains the same everywhere.

There are also many beliefs associated with this day. Candles lit for each family member must not be blown out, and families often visit the graves of loved ones in the morning. In the evening, a festive table is prepared, sometimes in memory of those who have passed away.

Earth Tuesday is considered the joyful herald of Novruz, bringing energy, warmth, and excitement into every home. Bonfires light up the night, children revive old traditions, and families come together in celebration.

More than just a holiday, Novruz represents unity, renewal, and hope, reminding people to leave behind the hardships of the past and welcome a brighter, more prosperous future.