A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 20

No single news story dominated the front pages of the Iranian newspapers on Saturday. Reformist-leaning dailies covered the comments of former President Mohammad Khatami on moderation and the stance of the reformist camp vis-à-vis subversive elements. The comments of the Russian president that P5+1 are close to securing a deal with Iran also appeared on the front pages of some dailies. And news about a likely cut in interest rates drew attention as well.

 

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: EU imports from Iran have registered a 100 percent hike.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: A member of parliament’s Budget and Planning Committee has said that the chamber will have to tweak the government-proposed spending package’s assumption that oil prices will hover around $72 a barrel next year.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: Interest rates won’t change by yearend [March 21, 2015].

 

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Afarinesh: Compassionate Hands, a Health Ministry plan to examine patients free of charge, has been implemented in a number of poor neighborhoods of the capital.

 

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Afkar: “Eighty-eight Iranian scientists are on the 60,000-strong list of top world scientists,” said the Iranian deputy health minister.

 

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Aftab-e Yazd: “Reformists are opposed to subversion and approve of the moderate approach the government [of President Rouhani] practices,” said former President Mohammad Khatami.

Aftab-e Yazd: President Putin of Russia has said that P5+1 are very close to clinching a nuclear deal with Iran.

 

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Arman-e Emrooz: An Asiatic Cheetah poacher has been sentenced to 42 months in prison.

Arman-e Emrooz: “Gender segregation results in scientific progress,” said Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi.

Arman-e Emrooz: “Creation of a security atmosphere won’t ensure security,” said former President Mohammad Khatami.

Arman-e Emrooz: Fifty-three people have died as a result of alcohol abuse.

 

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Asr-e Rasaneh: High-speed internet is accessible in 12,000 Iranian villages.

 

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Ebtekar: “Subversive elements have no place in society,” former President Mohammad Khatami said.

 

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Emtiaz: Iran will be self-sufficient in gasoline production in two years.

Emtiaz: The deputy minister of roads and urban development has said a plan to raise fines for traffic offenders is being reviewed.

 

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Ettela’at: “The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1 will be held next month,” Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said.

Ettela’at: The Iranian army will stage maneuvers codenamed Muhammad, the Messenger of God, later in December.

Ettela’at: In Iraq, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters have broken the siege of Mount Sinjar.

 

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Farhikhtegan: President Obama’s decision to reestablish ties with Cuba has drawn a smile from the rest of the world, and a frown from Republicans at home.

 

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Hambastegi: The health minister has called for runaway expansion of universities to be stopped.

 

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Iran: At meetings with the Iranian health minister, sources of emulation have thrown their weight behind the Health Transformation Plan initiated by his ministry.

 

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Jamejam: Russian President Putin is preparing for a visit to Iran.

Jamejam: IS terrorists have suffered losses in three different regions in Iraq.

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Javan: Tehran’s Friday prayer leader Ayatollah Movahedi Kermani has urged nuclear negotiators to make sure Iranian dignity is preserved in talks [with P5+1].

 

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Jomhouri Islami: As many as 180 UN members have supported a plan that recognizes the Palestinian right to self-determination.

Jomhouri Islami: The minister of economy has said government is considering a cut in interest rates.

 

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Kayhan: The US has decided not to release a report on CIA’s involvement in a coup in Iran in 1953, fearing it could have an adverse effect on nuclear talks with Tehran.

 

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Mardomsalari: A monthly report by the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed Iran’s commitment to the Geneva Interim Agreement.

 

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Payam-e Zaman: “Carmakers are likely to be merged,” said the Iranian minister of industries.

 

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Rah-e Mardom: Water levels behind Latian and Lar dams that supply part of the capital’s water needs have fallen again.

 

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Sayeh: Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham has dismissed an anti-Iranian human rights resolution at the United Nations General Assembly as “fundamentally flawed”.

Sayeh: Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Ghayuri, the Supreme Leader’s representative to the Red Crescent Society of Iran has passed away.

 

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Sepid: Phase One of the Health Transformation Plan is 95 percent complete.

 

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Shahrvand: Sony Pictures caved. The Interview won’t be released after a threat by North Korean hackers.

 

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Tafahom: Iran’s gas revenues are to increase 3-fold.