A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Oct. 20

The Supreme Leader’s call on officials with the Iranian Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization to follow up on the investigation into the deadly stampede near Mecca, Saudi Arabia in September along with news stories about JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal with P5+1) dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Tuesday.

Ettela’at: “The diplomacy machine and the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization should resolutely follow up on [the investigation into] the Mina tragedy,” the Supreme Leader said in a meeting with Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization officials.

Ayatollah Khamenei further said the world of Islam should have protested with one voice following the deadly incident, but unfortunately the only voice that could be heard was that of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Afkar: “There has been no secret deal between Iran and P5+1,” said Foreign Minister Zarif.

Afkar: “Iran’s priority is to expand ties with neighbors,” said the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.

Aftab-e Yazd: “You cannot siphon off public funds by making ballyhoo,” said Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh in reaction to a letter released by the so-called oil defendant [a reference to Babak Zanjani, who is on trial for corruption].

The oil chief further said he suspects Zanjani is spending money in some media to advance his personal agenda.

Aftab-e Yazd: Mehrdad Bazrpash, the managing editor of Vatan-e Emrooz daily has belatedly apologized to the director of the Atomic Energy Organization [for the insults hurled at him at the hardline newspaper’s editorial].

“The editorial did not represent the views of the daily,” Bazrpash said.

Akhbar Sanat: The deputy industry minister has said $20 billion in investment will be made in the mining sector.

Another deputy industry minister said that exports of steel have hit three million tons.

Arman-e Emrooz: “Some are hurling insults [at nuclear negotiators and individuals with opposing views] simply to cling to their political lives,” said Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Asr-e Iranian: The government package to lift the country out of recession has raised the ire of economic players.

Asr-e Iranian: The Saudi foreign minister keeps hurling insults; Zarif keeps smiling!

When will this [diplomatic] inaction come to an end?

Asr-e Rasaneh: Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh has said foreign investors do not need middlemen to hold talks with the officials of his ministry.

Asrar: “Those behind a deadly shooting incident [in which two mourners were killed] in Dezful have been arrested,” said Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari.

Ebtekar: “No one has so far imposed their will on Iran,” said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Etemad: The Supreme Reformist Council has had its first meeting with Mohammad Reza Aref [a former first vice-president] and Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari [a former interior minister] in attendance.

Ghanoon: “If we ended up the loser [in the nuclear talks], why is it that the Zionists are grief-stricken?” asked Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Hemayat: “The West is trying to infiltrate our society on the cultural front through 100 Farsi-speaking satellite channels,” said the Judiciary chief.

Iran: “Termination of sanctions will open up a new opportunity for Iran’s economy,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

Javan: Applications by the Zionists to carry firearms have posted a 5,000 percent growth.

Javan: The Saudis have reportedly acquiesced to talks in Yemen.

Jomhouri Islami: “Babak Zanjani [who is on trial for corruption] owes the public around $3.3 billion. He has no option but pay back his debts,” said the oil minister.

Kaenat: “Following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, there will be an influx of foreign tourists,” said the director of the tourism organization.

Kar va Kargar: Iran, the US and China have reportedly reached an agreement on how to redesign the Arak Reactor.

Kayhan: Voter turnout in the first round of Egypt’s parliamentary elections was a dismal two percent.

Dependence on the US paid off!!!

Mardomsalari: American tourists and investors face no restrictions in Iran,” said the director of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization.

Resalat: “In implementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we should avoid naiveté,” said the parliament speaker.

Roozan: “The previous government had shut the door to interaction with the Saudis,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Setareh Sobh: “Hosseinian said the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was a blessing in disguise,” Director of the Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi said as he recalled his conversation in hospital with the MP who had earlier threatened to kill the nuclear chief.

[Ruhollah Hosseinian is a fierce opponent of the nuclear deal.]

Sharq: Documents revealing that bottled water produced by Damavand Co. was contaminated have been released.