Iran Unveils Homegrown Ultrasonic Trainer Jet

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October 17, 2019

The trainer jet called Yasin became operational in a ceremony in the city of Hamedan on October 17, 2019. Also present at the event was Sorena Sattari, the vice president for scientific and technological affairs.

This is the first homegrown ultrasonic trainer plane which officially made its first maiden flight after passing final tests.

The aircraft was designed and produced by experts at the Iranian Defence Ministry in cooperation with the Army’s Air Force.

The all-Iranian state-of-the-art jet is 12 metres long and 4 metres high, weighing 5.5 tonnes. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 12 kilometres.

The wings of the aircraft are over 10 metres long and have a surface area of 24 square metres, enabling the jet to fly at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour. It is one of the best trainer aircraft in the world.

It needs a runway only 700 metres long to land.

The development of this modern trainer aircraft has put Iran among the few countries which possess such know-how.

Iran, Russia Urge Turkey to End Syria Incursion

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 17, 2019

The Russian delegation included the country’s special envoy on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.

In the Wednesday meeting in Tehran, the two sides discussed Syria’s developments, including the latest situation in the north-east of the country and Turkey’s military operation in the region.

Both sides emphasised the need to preserve the unity and territorial integrity, independence, and national sovereignty of Syria and called for the immediate cessation of recent military actions and the resolution of the differences through political and diplomatic ways.

While reviewing developments related to the Astana Process and the issue of the formation of a Constitutional Committee and its commencement in the near future, they also accentuated the necessity of establishing the Syrian people’s future without any foreign intervention.

Khaji and Vershinin also discussed the latest developments in Yemen and the need to end the Yemeni crisis.

Turkey launched an offensive, called Operation Peace Spring, last week to purge the northern Syria of Kurdish militants. Ankara says these terrorists are linked to autonomy-seeking militants of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party or the PKK.

The intrusion came after Washington abruptly withdrew its forces out of the region, clearing the way for Turkey to launch a military attack on US’ long-time Kurdish allies.

The developments forced the Kurds to ask the central government for support. Accordingly, they sealed a deal with Syrian troops to enter towns near the border with Turkey.

Syrian government forces entered Manbij on Monday night so as to prevent the city’s fall to the Turkish army and its allied militants.

Tehran, Tokyo Discuss Issues of Mutual Interest

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Emad Askarieh

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October 17, 2019

Mohammad Javad Zarif and Japan Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori — Mohammad Javad Zarif and Japan's Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori

At the Wednesday meeting the two sides exchanged views and discussed issues of mutual interest.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister offered his condolences to the Japanese people and government on the recent flood in Japan.

Earlier, the two sides met in Tehran back in August. In that meeting, the Iranian foreign minister referred to the good and constructive relations between Tehran and Tokyo and the landmark visit of the Japanese prime minister to Tehran and his meeting with Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing the continuation of consultations with Japan on the bilateral relations and regional issues.

Fifth Round of Iran-Sweden Political Consultations Held in Tehran

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 16, 2019

During this round of talks held on Wednesday, the two sides discussed the most important international developments and issues in bilateral relations.

The Swedish official expressed her country’s political will to continue bilateral cooperation with Iran and resolve the related issues. She also announced that, in line with the EU, Stockholm has supported maintaining and implementing the JCPOA which guarantees interests and positive results, particularly security for all parties.

“Sweden remains hopeful that the nuclear deal will continue to survive thanks to Europe’s efforts to continue its cooperation with Iran and benefit the Islamic Republic.”

In this meeting, Araqchi called the bilateral, regional and international cooperation and interactions “acceptable and developing”, saying that the Islamic Republic has tried to keep the windows [of talks] open despite the US withdrawal from the deal and the imposition of sanctions and maximum pressure.

“However, unfortunately Europe only relies on political support and refuses to pay for the deal to continue.”

Araqchi added that Iran’s decision to choose a maximum and active resistance approach against maximum pressure is in response to unacceptable US policies.

He also stressed that the continuation of the unilateral implementation of the deal is not justifiable, saying Iran is determined to take further steps to reduce its commitments.

“This decision will not change until the conditions are set out and Iran’s economic interests are met.We expect Europe to take constructive stances and really pay costs to rebuild trust,” he added.

Regarding the latest situation in the region, Araqchi stated “unfortunately, the region is experiencing escalating tensions and crises while its stability and security is threatened as a result of the policies and behaviours of some activists.”

“Security in the region is indivisible. Freedom of navigation and energy security should exist for everyone. To date, Iran has put forward proposals and suggestions, the latest of which is the Hormuz Peace Initiative that is based on the countries of the region and the principle of non-interference and aggression.”

“We invite all countries, including Sweden, to cooperate to advance this initiative,” he maintained.

For her part, Söder touched upon the importance of preserving the JCPOA, stressing multilateral efforts must be made to this end.

Expressing concern over the current developments in the region, she said the continuation andmounting of tensions and crises have shown that a diplomatic and political solution is the only option.

She said her country stands ready to support all existing efforts and initiatives. Sweden’s State Secretary of Foreign Affairs also thanked Iran for releasing the British vessel owned by a Swedish company.

All-Out Expansion of Ties to Benefit Both Iran, S Africa: Rouhani

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 16, 2019

Rouhani said Iran’s relations with South Africa, as a friendly country, have always been very good and Tehran always stood next to the African nation during their anti-apartheid campaign.

He made the remarks in a Wednesday evening meeting with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor in Tehran.

The president also referred to cooperation in the fields of science and research and strengthening bilateral economic and commercial relations to develop ties.

“Our political relations and international cooperation have always been substantial, and the South African representatives in specialised and international organisations have always been on the side of the Islamic Republic,” he stressed.

Referring to Washington’s unlawful withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, as well as the imposition of economic sanctions on the Iranian nation, Rouhani emphasised this act by the US government was to the detriment of all and the United States itself.

“We hope all our friends around the world, including South Africa, will take more decisive stance against US’ illegal and inhumane actions towards the Iranian nation which even include food and medicine sanctions.”

Iran and South Africa have always had common views on the issue of regional security and counterterrorism, and “we have always wanted to see greater security in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf,” noted Rouhani.

Referring to the South African Foreign Minister’s statements in support of the oppressed Palestinian people, the president underscored the need for worldwide consultations about the oppressed Palestinian people as well as other displaced and war-ravaged people, including the oppressed nation of Yemen.

For her part, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said the two countries’ ties have always been very stable and principled, reiterating that “we want to expand Tehran-Pretoria ties in all spheres.

Referring to the meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries in Tehran and her meeting with his Iranian counterpart, the South African Foreign Minister stated “it was a very good meeting, and we explored the areas of cooperation and development of mutual relations very well.”

She described the JCPOA as a very courageous step, saying Iran has fully fulfilled its obligations in the deal, but the US has withdrawn from the accord by not fulfilling its obligations. “We want the US to return to the deal and end sanctions on Iran,” she added.

The South African Foreign Minister also conveyed the warm greetings of her country’s president to Rouhani and handed the South African President’s invitation to Rouhani to pay a visit to the country.

Iran, Sweden Discuss Regional Developments

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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October 16, 2019

During the Wednesday meeting, important developments in the region were discussed by the two sides.

The Swedish official is in the Iranian capital to participate in the fifth round of Iran-Sweden political consultations.

Back in August, Zarif and his Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom in a meeting in Stockholm discussed ways to further broaden bilateral relations despite the US sanctions.

Iran, South Africa Hold Joint Commission Meeting

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 16, 2019

In the meeting, the Iranian Foreign Minister highlighted the good political relations and the common views between the two countries on many regional and international subjects, such as the issue of Palestine, human rights, the necessity for revising the structure of the United Nations and the UN Security Council, the fight against terrorism and extremism, the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, the South-South cooperation, cooperation in the international organizations, and the two countries’ valuable efforts at global peace and stability.

Foreign Minister Zarif also expressed hope that more active presence of the state-run and private sectors would strengthen the economic, trade, technical and scientific relations between the two countries and would result in fine achievements in promoting the relations.

He also touched on the complicated and sensitive nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1, saying the US withdrawal from the deal was a clear violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, was against the desire and will of all UN members, and has undermined the Non-Proliferation Treaty and multilateral diplomacy.

Foreign Minister Zarif also pointed to Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA until a year after the US withdrawal from the deal and the opportunity that Iran gave the European parties to honor their commitments to make up for the US exit, stressing, “Unfortunately, we did not witness any effective measure, and Europe proved to be unable to honor its commitments. As a result, Iran’s strategic patience ended, and it halted part of its commitments in three steps, in a completely legal manner, and in exact accordance with the JCPOA text by referring to the Articles 26 and 36 of the deal.”

“If the balance of fulfillment of commitments by all parties is not regained, other necessary measures (by Iran) will be also taken in the next steps,” he warned.

Foreign Minister Zarif also explicated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s view on the Persian Gulf region’s security and the Iranian president’s proposed plan, known as the Hormuz Peace Endeavor, as well as the Iranian President’s call on the regional countries to join the HOPE coalition.

For her part, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation hailed Iran’s valuable and admirable supports for the South African people’s struggle against apartheid, and highlighted her country’s stances against unilateralism and the US’ unilateral sanctions against Iran.

She also stressed the need to recognize the rights of countries to peaceful employment of nuclear energy, and to continue the mutual cooperation in various economic and scientific fields, as in the renewable energies.

The two sides also emphasized the necessity of continuing cooperation within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, the fight against terrorism and violence, and keeping up consultations and diplomatic efforts at global stability and peace.

Erbil Denies Rouhollah Zam Arrested in Iraqi Kurdistan

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 16, 2019

The KRG on Thursday dismissed a report by Beirut-based TV station Al Mayadeen that claimed Zam, the head of Amad News, had been arrested in Erbil and then transferred to Iran.

The report, quoting the sources, claimed that Zam had arrived in Iraq early Saturday morning October 12, 2019 while he was monitored by Iranian security forces.

After his arrival in Iraq, he reportedly went to French embassy in Baghdad and after meeting with some elements from French security forces, departed for Erbil.

Zam was expected to meet some Iranians connected to him in Erbil, but was arrested near the border with Iran and then was transferred into Iran.

Zam is finally behind bars after being arrested through a sophisticated intelligence operation by the IRGC.

IRGC Arrests ‘Paris-Backed’ Head of Anti-Iran Propaganda Website

Zam who lived in Paris, operated the opposition Telegram channel and news site dubbed “Amad News” with over one million followers.

Observers say his arrest is not an issue of free speech since there are several other anti-Iran news outlets that are operating freely.

Zam’s arrest is considered a blow to foreign intelligence services that directed and supported him, especially the French intelligence service as well as the US and Israeli intelligence services, according to a statement released by the IRGC.

On Sunday night, Zam appeared on Iran’s national TV and expressed remorse for his wrongdoings. He said “I am sorry for the way I have behaved and misused mass media. I am sorry for trusting foreign governments. Trusting the French government in particular, was wrong. I never thought I would get caught.”

Photos of plane tickets released by anti-Iran news website IranWire on Wednesday indicate that Zam was apparently en route to Baghdad through Amman on October 11 before being arrested. He has even sent his wife a photo of himself in the Amman airport.

‘Arrest of Rouhollah Zam Shows Iran’s Intelligence Power to World’

Iran Says US, Saudi, Israel behind ‘Cowardly’ Tanker Attack

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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October 16, 2019

Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Wednesday video evidence had provided leads about the incident.

“A special committee has been set up to investigate the attack on Sabiti… with two missiles and its report will soon be submitted to the authorities for decision,” Shamkhani noted.

“Piracy and mischief on international waterways aimed at making commercial shipping insecure will not go unanswered,” he said.

Shamkhani did not elaborate on those behind the attack, but Iranian lawmaker Hassan Beigi says the US, Saudi Arabia, and the Israeli regime have played roles in this incident.

Beigi, who sits on the Parliament’s National Security Commission, told the Parliament’s official news agency ICANA on Wednesday that investigations are still underway to find the truth about the incident.

Iranian government spokesman also described as a “cowardly attack” the incident, saying Iran would respond after the facts had been studied.

“Iran is avoiding haste, carefully examining what has happened and probing facts,” Ali Rabei noted.

Rabei was quoted by IRNA as saying “an appropriate response will be given to the designers of this cowardly attack, but we will wait until all aspects of the plot are clarified”.

The tanker Sabiti was hit in Red Sea waters off Saudi Arabia on Friday, an incident that could stoke friction in a region rattled by attacks on tankers and oil installations since May.