Iranian, Qatari Coast Guards to Hold Talks amid PG Tensions

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August 4, 2019

The Iranian side is presided at the meeting by Commander of Iran’s Border Police Brigadier General Qassem Rezaei, and the Qatari delegation will be headed by General Director of Coast and Border Security Abdul Aziz Ali Al Mohannadi.

In addition to reviewing past achievements, the parties will discuss new approaches to maritime and border cooperation.

Joint meetings of the Iranian Coast Guard with its southern neighbours are aimed at developing and strengthening mutual relations, indicating the political will of all parties to create a positive atmosphere of cooperation.

Earlier, Iranian and Emirati officials also agreed to bolster bilateral maritime security cooperation during a meeting in Tehran.

It was the first such talks since 2003 which came amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

It was the sixth joint meeting addressing littoral security cooperation between the countries, and took place in line with bilateral coordination between the two sides aimed at maintaining and advancing the countries’ maritime border cooperation.

Two Iranian Women Break Taboo against Female Singing

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IFP Editorial Staff

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August 4, 2019

Two Iranian Women Break Taboo against Female Singing — Photo of Zobeideh (left) and Shamshuk (right), retrieved from Baluchestan documentary series directed by Ali Maghazei

Despite various physical and spiritual pains and their lack of access to the basic facilities of daily life, the two women have done their best to promote folklore music of the province by holding concerts in Iran and the rest of the world, not just for women but also for men. They have already held various concerts in a number of countries including Italy, France and Switzerland.

Zobeideh Azadi lives in a village near Nikshahr town. She suffers from kidney stones. She has lost most of her teeth and can’t eat food easily. She is 53, the mother of one boy and three daughters.

It’s been about 20 years that she is working with Mousa Baluch, a local player. She has learned singing by herself. She became familiar with Mousa about 20 years ago when the latter was playing Doneli (a traditional musical instrument similar to flute) during her wedding ceremony. Since then, they have been cooperating with each other. So far, they have held various concerts in a number of countries to promote the local music of Sistan and Baluchestan. Their concerts have been warmly welcomed so far.

Zobeideh cannot speak Persian eloquently. She says women in her province are not allowed to sing even in female-only ceremonies. “Our local culture bans women from singing. This is indeed the males who ban us. But my father, brothers and even husband didn’t ban me. After marriage, I began to sing because my husband didn’t seek to restrict me.”

She recalls some of her performances in other countries and takes their photos with herself to substantiate his words on concerts and give complete responses to anyone asking about her career as a singer.

Sometimes, Zobeideh and Shamshuk – another artist woman from the same region – hold joint projects. Shamshuk cannot travel abroad because she doesn’t have a passport. So, Zobeideh takes her place in foreign tours and sings in concerts held in foreign countries.

Shamshi Behruz known as Shamshuk lives in a remote village near Chabahar. Like Zobeideh, Shamshuk doesn’t know how old she is. Based on her ID card, she is 60 years old. She lives in Bahoukalat village which is widely known for its mugger crocodiles – locally called Gando.

Shamshuk became familiar with Baluch music when she was a kid. She has already held various concerts in Pakistan (a neighbor of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan). She knows the ups and downs of Baluch folklore music. She has already begun to teach the music to her daughter Madineh to preserve it.

Mohammad Reza Darvishi, a leading Iranian researcher in folklore music has repeatedly tried to have official music centres to give Shamshuk an honourary degree but to no avail. Some years ago, Shamshuk held a concert during a music festival in Zahedan.

US Miscalculated by Blacklisting Iran’s Zarif

By

Hadi Mohammadi

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August 4, 2019

In the latest anti-Iranian move by President Trump, the United States of America imposed sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who has held the post since 2013 and managed to hammer out the JCPOA deal after 12 years of diplomatic work on the nuclear case. Such an action may be unprecedented in the world, but it was predictable given Zarif’s great power to impress, his media power in the world, and his importance in the administrative framework of the Islamic Republic.

The sanction was imposed while Washington has been constantly talking about direct negotiations and dialogue with Tehran without preconditions these days. There is also speculation that the proposal for a meeting between Iran’s foreign minister and the US president has been put forward in the meeting between Zarif and Rand Paul, a Republican senator close to Trump.

Contrary to popular belief that imposing sanction on Zarif was opposite to this trend and to the proclaimed US policy of dialogue with Iran, I believe, as cited by a number of American officials and diplomats in Washington, that their biggest problem with Zarif is that they think the foreign minister of Iran lacks the power and authority to hold effectual negotiations. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo maintains that Zarif cannot make a decision about the US talks and its details, saying “Zarif is a key enabler of Ayatollah Khamenei’s policies throughout the region and around the world.”

I believe that the United States has sent Iran the clear message with this measure that although it is open to talks, Iran must be represented by a figure at the negotiating table that would have the necessary authority, otherwise a real dialogue will not be shaped.

However, this is what the politicians in Washington claim and have in mind, and definitely not the whole truth, as President Rouhani holds a different view. A few hours after the imposition of sanctions on Zarif, the president made it crystal clear in an address in Tabriz that “the path to diplomacy goes through the Foreign Ministry, and the head of the ministry is Foreign Minister Zarif.”

Moreover, the Islamic Republic has emphasized several times that it will mull over talks with the US only if the whole sanctions after the US withdrawal from the JCPOA are lifted and the activities described by Zarif as “economic terrorism” come to an end. Nonetheless, and despite the explicit policies of Tehran, the Americans speak about a change of Iran’s top negotiator by imposing sanction on Iran’s foreign minister, which seems more like a joke.

In Iran, Zarif still holds great power and importance in the top administrative ranks, and even a few days ago, Iran’s Leader praised him at a public speech. On the other hand, Zarif enjoys great popularity among Iranian public opinion, to the extent that a number of political factions see him as the presidential candidate for the 2021 election. Considering those factors, Iran sees no reason to replace such a smart and reliable negotiator.”

Iranian Official Confers on Closer Ties with Turkish President

By

IFP Media Wire

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August 4, 2019

In the meeting, held in Turkey on Friday evening, Vaezi conveyed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s greetings to the Turkish nation and government and said Tehran welcomes closer cooperation with Ankara in all areas.

Erdogan and Vaezi also underscored efforts to increase the volume of Iran-Turkey bilateral transactions based on the annual trade target set by the two presidents.

The latest developments in the region as well as bilateral and multilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing regional stability, security and development were among other topics discussed at the meeting.

Tehran and Ankara have ramped up efforts in recent years to boost bilateral trade, setting a $30-billion annual trade target and signing several agreements to enhance cooperation in various areas.

Turkey is one of Iran’s major trading partners in the region which has come under pressure from Washington to stop working with Tehran under a fresh wave of US anti-Iran sanctions.

Turkey has emphasized that the US demands to stop purchasing oil and gas from Iran would go unheeded by Ankara.

Tehran to Host Laser, Photonics Exhibition

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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August 4, 2019

The 3^rd International Laser and Photonics Exhibition of Iran is slated to be held on November 9-11, 2019, bringing together well-known domestic and international firms.

The annual event aims to introduce the production, commercial and service potential of different, industrial, medical and research centres and to set the stage for the development and promotion of the laser technology and business opportunities in this domain.

Participants can display their potential in the fields of laser and photonics, optics, optics production technology, measurement and assessment, laser systems in production engineering, optical measurement systems, imaging, optic data and communications, biophotonics, medicine, medical engineering and energy security.

For a brief review of Iran’s achievements in various fields of science and technology, check the book “Science and Technology in Iran: A Brief Review – 2019”

The exhibition will feature scientific and training workshops.

Entrepreneurs and all those interested may visit www.iranphotonics.com for further information and booking pavilions at the exhibit.

Nine Countries Willing to Buy Iranian Gasoline: Official

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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August 4, 2019

In comments on Saturday, chairman of the Energy Commission of Tehran’s Chamber of Commerce said nine of the 15 neighbouring states around Iran are willing to purchase Iranian gasoline because of its superior quality and competitive price.

The official noted that the trade between Iran and the gasoline customers is conducted in the form of barter deals or with local currencies.

In a report on Saturday, Tasnim said 10,000 tonnes of high-quality gasoline produced by the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC) has been offered for sale in the international ring of the Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX).

The Iranian gasoline has been put up for sale at a base price of $581 a tonne.

The minimum amount of petroleum available for international buyers is 100 tonnes, and the shipments would be delivered at the terminal of the Persian Gulf Star Refinery near Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

Iranian Physician Spends Income to Restore Historical Monuments

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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August 3, 2019

Leili Mahouzi, an endocrinologist and brain hormones specialist, is currently using her own money to repair and restore Aminoddoleh Caravanserai, which is an old caravanserai in the Bazaar of Kashan. The place is used for some important religious ceremonies.

She decided to launch her office in the Caravanserai to arouse her patients’ interest in historical monuments. She also made her mind to spend her income on the renovation of worn-out monuments that need repair.

She believes that restoration of the monuments is similar to medical sciences.

Aminoddoleh Caravanserai was built in the Qajar era, and was registered as a national heritage site in 1974.

Ali Maryam Kashani has been the designer and architect of this structure.

This structure, built in 1863, has three floors of solid, rugged and high-rise buildings with wide openings that are unique in terms of width, length, magnificence as well as architectural decoration.

Aminoddoleh Caravanserai is one of the most unique and most valuable monuments of the country. The architectural techniques used in it have turned the Caravanserai into one of the most important buildings of Islamic and Iranian architecture.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on August 3

By

Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini Lahijani

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August 3, 2019

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 19

Abrar:

1- Trump Mulling over Siege or Quarantine of Venezuela

2- US Withdraws from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia

3- Rouhani: We May Achieve Positive Results in Future Talks

4- Guterres Urges All Sides to Show Maximum Restraint

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Japanese Worried about Reinforcement of Their National Currency’s Value

2- Aftab-e Yazd Newspaper Ready for Interview with Mike Pompeo

* Aftab-e Yazd as Oldest Reformist Paper of Iran Considers Itself Independent

Besharat-e Now:

1- White House’s Isolation in Sanctioning Zarif: Reactions to Zarif Ban Pour in

2- Imam Khomeini’s Grandson: People Trust Zarif

3- Rouhani: JCPOA Parties’ Offers Not Balanced

Ebtekar:

1- Fear of Iran’s Voice: Why Zarif Was Sanctioned by US

2- Rouhani: White House Pillars Shaken by Zarif’s Interviews

3- Why UAE Turning to Iran: A Report on Secret Meeting among Top Emirati Officials on Changing Foreign Policy

Ettela’at:

1- World Condemns US’ Move to Sanction Dr Zarif

2- Saudi Regime’s Military Base in Dammam Destroyed by Ansarullah Long-Range Missile

Etemad:

1- Rouhani: Enemy’s Moves Indicate Greatness of Iran

2- Who Is Scared of Zarif?

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Ban on Zarif, Political Scandal for US

* World Condemns US Ban on Zarif

2- INF Treaty Ends with US, Russia Withdrawal

3- NY Times: Distrust, Division among Europe, US Grow over Iran

Kayhan:

1- Why Did They Sanction Iran FM Zarif?

2- Iran, UAE Sign Document of Cooperation to Increase Interactions

Mardom Salari:

1- Global Protests against Zarif Ban: US’ Illogical Behaviour Condemned by Tehran, Europe

2- Return to Atomic Cold War

3- US Indifferent to N Korea’s Third Missile Test

Sazandegi:

1- Je Suis Zarif: Banning Negotiator Means Banning Negotiation

Shargh:

1- Rouhani: We May Achieve Positive Results in Talks over Next Few Weeks

2- Ban on Diplomacy: US Government Sanctions Iran FM

What Will Extensive US Sanctions on FM Zarif Do to Him?

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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August 3, 2019

Shahab Jafarnejad's cartoon of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif published on the Front page of Iran newspaper on August 3, 2019

Masoumeh Poursadeqi has, in an article published by the analytical news website alef.ir, weighed in on the developments pertaining to US sanctions on Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif. Highlights of the article follow.

Some individuals have been put on the sanctions list of the US Treasury.

The band includes the United States’ unilateral sanctions, including the seizure of these individuals’ assets and barring them from entering American soil. However, these sanctions are so wide-ranging and go beyond US borders.

The sanctions imposed on Zarif by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) come in line with an executive order by US President Donald Trump, under the pretext that Zarif implements orders by Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

It was predicted that after the impositions sanctions on Ayatollah Khamenei, the sphere of bans would expand to include individuals and institutions directly related to him. Zarif is the first such individual to have targeted by sanctions.

These sanctions have two parts: primary and secondary. In the primary part, all of the individual’s assets and interests on those assets in the United States are seized, and it is reported to OFAC accordingly. Generally speaking, OFAC regulations bans all communications with any American individual in the United States who is related to sanctioned individuals’ assets or interests on those assets.

In the secondary part, people are involved in specific transactions with sanctioned individuals will be subjected to sanctions as well. Moreover, any foreign financial institute which has knowingly conducted transactions for, or on behalf of the sanctioned individual, or has facilitated such transactions, could be the subject of sanctions pertaining to the client account or payable account.

Also, the effectiveness of these sanctions outside the United States could, to a great extent, be influenced by psychological elements and fear, which is usually referred to as “over-compliance.”

Another important point is that being put on the Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SND) can have numerous consequences, but only includes Washington’s unilateral sanctions, namely the seizure of assets and being barred from entering the country.

As for the case of Zarif, sanctions imposed on him do not go beyond US borders and other countries can have meetings and news interviews with him.

Basically, all US sanctions are unilateral and other countries are under no obligation to abide by those sanctions. And even if some governments comply with those sanctions, it is due to political or economic considerations and the kind of relations they have with the United States.

Nevertheless, ambiguity still hangs over the issue of visa issuance for the Iranian foreign minister. According the United States’ domestic law, it is forbidden to issue visas to sanctioned individuals. Of course, the US secretary of state is authorized to give permission for the issuance of a visa. However, this visa must be issued based on a “headquarters agreement” signed between the US and UN.

New Life Breathed into Howz-e Soltan Lake in Central Iran

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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August 3, 2019

The Lake is located 40km north of the city of Qom, 85km south of Tehran.

Howz-e Soltan, which is also known as Saveh-Qom Lake and Shahi Lake, has an area of 240 square kilometres, and is bound by Alborz Mountain Chain in the north.

The extent and shape of the lake becomes different in each season in relation to precipitation, but due to the heavy rainfall in the beginning of Persian New Year 1398 (mid-March 2019), the water level of Howz-e Soltan Lake has doubled.

In dry seasons, the lake dries up due to extreme heat and salt harvesting begins in the area. However, because of the high amount of rainfall this year, the water of Howz-e Soltan has remained longer during the summer.

What follows are ISNA’s photos of the lake:

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