A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Feb 18

The downward trend of global crude oil prices has brought them down at least 75% over the past 18 months, putting so much pressure on producers whose economies are deeply dependent on crude oil revenues. To tackle the price slump, major producers including Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran has decided to take measures to prevent further fall in prices. In the latest move, Tehran and Riyadh hosted meetings of oil and energy officials from major crude oil suppliers to the world market. The Tehran meeting was attended by Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh who hosted oil ministers from Venezuela, Qatar and Iraq. The meeting ended with an understanding to freeze crude exports at January levels. Many Iranian papers highlighted the Tehran meeting on their front pages.

In another development, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution addressing large number of people from East Azerbaijan Province, called for maximum turnout in late February elections. The leader stressed that a parliament fearful of America would lead the nation to misery.

Here are the top headlines:

Abrar:

1. Nuclear negotiator: CBI, 15 other banks linked to SWIFT
2. NY Times: US Had Cyber attack Plan if Iran Nuclear Dispute Led to Conflict
3. Candidates start election campaigns today
4. North Korea Preparing 5th Nuclear Test: nuclear observers
5. Jordan calls for industrial partnership with Iran
6. Iran, Russia to Sign Su-30 Fighter Jet Production Deal: Russian official
7. Russia to deliver S-300 missile system to Iran Thursday

Afkar:

1. Leader: They seek to influence the election

Arman-e Emrouz:

1. Leader urges nation to act contrary to enemy’s will in election
2. 25,000 Iranian burn annually: Deputy Health Minister

Asrar:

1. Leader to nation: Act exactly opposite to enemies’ will in election
2. Economic boom before spring
3. 17,000 die in road accidents annually: according to Iranian police
4. Over 7,000 killed so far in Yemen conflict

Ettela’at:

1. Leader: Feb 26 election manifestation of nation’s vigilance, defense for national dignity
2. Iran sets new crude oil export record
3. Nasrallah: Hezbollah can beat Israel
4. UN: Riyadh responsible for killing of Yemeni civilians

Etemad:

1. Leader urges high election turnout

“February 26 election will be the manifestation of nation’s vigilance and defense for national dignity

2. Agreement in Riyadh; Understanding in Tehran

Iran hosted a 4-way meeting of oil and energy ministers from Iraq, Venezuela, Iran and Qatar to discuss ways to stop the downward trend in oil prices.

Emtiaz:

1. IKCO (leading carmaker), Benz start new round of ties
2. Minister says industries will start flourishing by spring
3. Iran, Greece eye enhanced tourism ties
4. Iran supports every measure to promote prices: Petroleum Minister
5. Justice chief: Iran to step up measures to curb judicial corruption

Iran:

1. No visit, consultation charges for STD patients in Iran

Jamejam:

1. Leader warns against enemies’ election plot
2. Digital tales for digital kids, international gathering of story tellers
3. GIO Chief: Serious flaws in new oil contract model

Head of the General Inspection Office of Iran Nasser Seraj says there are serious flaws in the newly-introduced oil contact model, known as Iran petroleum contract or IPC.

4. Viewpoint: Saudi Arabia in the tunnel of isolation

Javan:

1. Leader: A parliament not seeking economic prosperity heaps misery on country
2. Iran becomes market of luxuries consumer goods
3. BBC supports Hashemi’s list of candidates relentlessly

Not even one economist in the list of reformist hopefuls

Hemayat:

1. Judiciary Chief: Our nation easily recognize anti-revolutionaries
2. Iran to launch court for financial, banking crimes
3. EU hypocritical in human rights approaches : Iran FM
4. Egyptian renowned journalist and commentator, Mohamed Hassanein Heikal dies

Khorasan:

1. Leader: US-intimidated parliament heaps misery on nation
2. Airbus to EU banks: Do not fear investments in Iran
3. Ankara blast kills 18, injures dozens

Rah-e Mardom:

1. Report: Golden chance for Iran tourism industry in post-sanctions era
2. Envoy: Iran ready to help France to fight terrorism
3. 15,000t of smuggled fruit seized
4. Brazil to dump US dollar in trade with Iran
5. Benz’s return to Iran aimed at exporting cars

Resalat:

1. Official: Iran top Middle East country in science production
2. Cleric: High election turnout sends chill down enemy spine

Rooysh Mellat:

1. Leader: I will never get tired of telling the truth

Shahrvand:

1. Leader: Parliament lays down rails for administration’s movement
2. Urmia basin fully under water

The water surface of Lake Urmia in the extreme north western Iran has risen 51 centimeters as hopes are growing for reviving the lake.

Nasl-e Farda:

1. Interest rates lowered

Iran has lowered interest rates of bank loans by at least 2%.

Vatan-e Emrouz:

Leader: Brits miss Iran interference