Russia Luring Iranian Airlines to Buy Sukhoi Superjet

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February 14, 2018

The move is part of an attempt by the Russian company to find customers in Iran for its passenger jet.

Secretary of Association of Iranian Airlines Maqsoud Asadi Samani said Sukhoi has made the latest changes to Superjet-100, and there is no limitations in selling the aircraft to Iran as less than 10 percent of the jet’s components are US-made.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a fly-by-wire twin-engine jet with 8 to 108 passenger seats.

In the initial wave of aircraft orders, which followed the lifting of most international sanctions on Iran in January 2016, the country’s airlines placed tens of billions of dollars’ worth of business with the US’ Boeing and its main European rival, Airbus. Smaller orders were also placed with another European firm, turboprop-maker ATR.

However, while 11 ATR planes had been delivered by the end of 2017, the arrival of the larger jets from Airbus and Boeing is taking much longer, with just three Airbus deliveries to date and none from Boeing.

Turning to Russian-built jets may help to solve these issues. Iranian officials say that any deals to buy the Superjet-100 will not need the approval of OFAC as the plane has little in the way of US-made components.

Following you can see the photos of the aircraft in Mehrabad retrieved from the Mizan News Agency:

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Austria Ready to Provide Finance for Iran’s Mountain Tourism

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 14, 2018

Speaking in a meeting on Iran-Austria joint investments in Iran’s mountain tourism, Austrian embassy’s Commercial Counselor in Tehran Christoph Grabmayr said his country is well-known for its investments in tourism across the world.

“Iran enjoys a rich culture and history. Meanwhile, the Iranians’ hospitality is highly attractive for foreign tourists,” he was quoted as saying in a Farsi report by IRNA.

He then expressed hope that, as announced officially, Iran would be able to attract 20 million foreign tourists by the next seven years.

“Due to our interest in Iran’s mountain tourism and Austrian companies’ experiences in this field, we are ready to provide finance for mountain tourism in Iran,” he noted.

Iran Facilitates Foreign Investment

Addressing the same gathering, Saeed Ohadi, Deputy for Investment and Planning of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO), said in a meeting held earlier between senior officials of Central Bank of Iran and Austrian officials, the two sides decided to establish a line of credit and allocate parts of the credit to the joint project between Iran and Austria in mountain tourism in Iran.

He went on to say Iran’s regulations for attracting foreign investments are among the most modern ones in this field, adding the country grants a 10 to 13 year-long tax exemption to foreign investors. “The regulations also permit the investors to legally rent lands for their projects.”

“There are three ski resorts within a 45km radius of Tehran: Dizin, Shemshak and Namak Abrud in which a number of Austrian companies are interested in investing and providing finance for their further development,” he added.

Iran Draws Tourists from over 40 Countries

Mohammad Reza Pouyandeh, Head of Iran’s Fund for Revival & Utilization of Historical & Cultural Places, told the same meeting that sport tourism is among Iran’s competitive advantages compared with other tourist destinations in the world.

“Based on figures, over the past 9 months, Iran drew a large number of mountain tourists from 41 countries.”

He said the figure has tripled since last year and added Iranian ski resorts are relatively cheap compared with foreign pistes. “So, we warmly welcome foreign investments in this field.”

Pouyandeh underlined that Dizin ski resort is the largest piste in the Middle East with a 550-hectare land and 17 ski lifts.

“Over the past three years, the resort witnessed a 700-percent growth in attracting foreign tourists. About 6,000 tourists visited the resort only during the last year. By developing our services, we can attract 30,000 foreign tourists within the next 3 to 5 years,” he concluded.

Iran FM, EU’s Mogherini Discuss US Stonewalling on Nuclear Deal

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

During the Tuesday meeting, the two sides conferred on the Iran nuclear deal, particularly the US’ barriers to its implementation and ways to remove them.

Zarif and Mogherini also exchanged views on the reconstruction of the war-torn Iraq.

The 1.5-hour meeting was held behind closed doors on the sidelines of the Kuwait International Conference on the Reconstruction of Iraq.

Tens of donor countries including Iran and around 2,000 organizations have attended the conference to announce financial contributions at the three-day meeting.

The meeting is co-chaired by Kuwait and Iraq, as well as the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank.

Iran, Kuwait FMs Discuss Regional Developments

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

During the meeting the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in bilateral relations as well as the situation of the region.

The Iranian foreign minister described the International Conference for Reconstruction of Iraq as a significant event and expressed hope regional and global contributions could immediately repair the ruins created by terrorist groups in Iraq.

For his part, Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah thanked the Islamic Republic for its participation in the conference and said the problems among regional states and neighbours should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic means.

Kuwait is hosting the international conference on reconstruction in parts of Iraq devastated by the war against ISIS.

Tens of donor countries, including Iran, and around 2,000 organizations have attended the conference to announce financial contributions at the three-day meeting.

The meeting is co-chaired by Kuwait and Iraq, as well as the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank.

Iranian Woman Breaks Mideast’s Long-Distance Swimming Record

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

Mahnaz Karimi, hailing from the southern province of Khuzestan, swam for 25 hours in a swimming pool in Ahvaz.

She swam non-stop from Saturday to Sunday treading water with hands up, a Fars report by the Asr-e Iran news website said.

With this record, Karimi managed to break the record of long-distance swimming in Iran and the Middle East. Karimi has increased her earlier record in this class of swimming by 12 hours.

Before her, another Iranian female swimmer, Akram Qorbani, had set a 20-hour record in long-distance swimming with her hands closed. By doing so, she had set a new record in Iran and the Middle East for long-distance swimming.

In an interview with Asr-e Iran, Karimi said, “I’m happy to set my fifth record in long-distance swimming. To do so, I made very hard efforts. My main motto in life is where there is a wish, there is a way. I believe, with hard efforts, we can achieve whatever we wish.”

In response to a question whether or not Ms. Qorbani will break her new record, she said it goes without saying that Qorbani will do her best to do so. “I’m not worried about it. There are many champions in our country and I’m sure that new records would be set.”

Touching on her decision to register her record at the Guinness World Records, she said to do so, one has to spend about $20,000.

“So far, I don’t have such money. If there is a sponsor, I will seriously follow up the issue to have my new record registered.”

US Prisoners in Iran Convicted of Espionage: Lawmaker

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

Mohammad Javad Jamali Nobandegani, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, touched on the White House’s request for establishing a hotline between Iran and the US for talks over the fate of two sides’ prisoners, and said the legal conditions of the prisoners in the US and Iran are totally different.

“The Iranians kept in the US prisons have been jailed on baseless accusations with no legal justifications,” he was quoted as saying in a Farsi interview with ICANA.

However, he added, the American prisoners in Iran have different conditions. “First of all, their first nationality is Iranian. And, second, they have been convicted of spying.”

He said the US officials have implicitly acknowledged that the prisoners have served as spies for them.

Stressing that the Trump administration has shown it is not a reliable partner for negotiation, Jamali Nobandegani urged Washington to release the innocent Iranians as soon as possible.

“Any talks over the fate of two sides’ prisoners need to be approved first by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

Even if approved, he added, Iranian negotiators should first hold the US accountable for its violations of their commitments under the Iran nuclear deal.

US officials say they have sent a message to Tehran through their special channels back in December and called for establishing a hotline for talks over the two sides’ prisoners.

Two months on and despite Washington’s three other proposals for talks on the prisoners’ fate, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not shown any reaction.

According to the Wall Street Journal, this is the first diplomatic initiative by Trump administration to open talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran over the issue of the two sides’ prisoners.

“Enemies Used Reptiles to Spy on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities”

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

Major General Hassan Firoozabadi, a senior military advisor to Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, says a number of foreign elements travelled to Iran years ago to spy on the country’s nuclear activities using reptiles.

“Several individuals came to Iran years ago under the guise of working to raise funds for Palestinians,” he noted in a Farsi interview with ILNA.

He said Iran’s security apparatus grew suspicious of them after they chose an unusual route for their trips to different Iranian cities.

“If somebody wants to raise funds for Palestine, they should come to Tehran and Isfahan where there are a lot of people with money, not travel on a path in the middle of the desert,” the top commander underlined.

“When they came back to Tehran, we allowed them to leave the country, but seized their possessions,” General Firoozabadi noted.

He said different kinds of reptiles, including alligators, lizards and chameleons were found in their belongings.

“Then we studied the case and found out that their skins absorb atomic waves and [came to the conclusion] that the individuals were atomic spies who …. intended to gather information on the locations of our uranium mines and nuclear activities,” said General Firoozabadi.

He then underscored that the enemies have turned to “hybrid” war against Iran rather than military action.

“In this war, they (the enemies) may send spies under the guise of being tourists, environmentalists and scientists,” he noted.

He made the remarks in reaction to the recent arrest of several environmental activists on charge of espionage.

Iran’s Power Makes Entire World Stand Up to Trump: Rouhani

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

Speaking in a Tuesday meeting with a group of governors in Tehran, Rouhani said, “Undoubtedly, if the Establishment and the future of our country weren’t strong, more than 190 countries wouldn’t have opposed Trump.”

“This shows the world trusts this system, nation and government,” President Rouhani said.

He went on to say that the Islamic Revolution will continue to exist as long as people in the country remain united.

“No foreign power, and no group or grouping will be able to do something, and the Revolution will continue to exist,” said Rouhani as quoted by the president’s official website.

He said the Islamic Revolution emerged victorious thanks to the unity and consolidation of all Iranians.

“In 1979, all people achieved unity and a common ideal, and everybody was ready for sacrifice on the path to reaching those ideals and goals,” said the president.

He said Iranians will continue to safeguard their independence, freedom and the Islamic Republic, adding, “If the people are asked today [about the system of government they prefer] they will oppose foreign interference, oppression and tyranny, and will vote for the Islamic Republic again with 98.2 percent of the vote.”

President Rouhani also noted that determination, dynamism and hope are among the key pillars of national development, adding the Iranian nation will move full steam ahead on the path it has chosen.

“This route is irreversible,” he added.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on February 13

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 18

The top story in many newspapers today was President Hassan Rouhani’s recent call for a referendum on certain issues where there is a strong dispute. Reformist papers mostly welcomed the idea, while conservatives strongly criticized and condemned it as an insult to millions of people who took part in the February 11 nationwide rallies.

The arrest of several environmentalists, and the death of one of them, Kavous Seyyed-Emami, also received great coverage today. The Judiciary says Seyyed-Emami has committed suicide when he was in Evin Prison.

The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:

19 Dey:

1- Iran Leader Praises People’s Epic Turnout

2- Larijani: People Disturbed by Political Arguments

Abrar:

1- Iran Leader Praises People’s Turnout in Revolution Rallies

2- Zionist Media: Netanyahu Warns Iran through Europeans

3- Iran Nuclear Deal Disastrous for Israel: Trump

Abrar-e Eqtesadi:

1- Russia’s Air Show to Convince Iran to Buy Its Passenger Plane

2- Total CEO Holds Talks with Trump over Iran

Afkar:

1- Cases of Several Other Spies in Rouhani’s Administration Spark Controversy

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Path of Referendum

Experts Discuss Rouhani’s Offer to Hold Referendum on Controversial Issues

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Parliament May Impeach 3 Ministers for Suicides Committed in Jail

2- Health Ministry Warns about Increased Marijuana Use among Girls

3- Germany, Japan to Help Tehran Fight Severe Air Pollution

For Now, $11 Million Given as Aid

Asrar:

1- Larijani: Society Disturbed by Efforts to Cause Rift

Ebtekar:

1- Judiciary Spokesman: Environmentalist’s Suicide in Jail under Investigation

2- Dusty Road to Referendum: Analysis of Rouhani’s Referendum Bid

3- Frankness, Courage in Rouhani’s Words [Editorial]

Etemad:

1- Analyst: Iran’s Hands in Nuclear Talks Full

Ettela’at:

1- Lebanon’s Hezbollah Warns Israel against Any Adventurism

2- Energy Ministry Welcomes IRGC’s Cooperation in Cloud Seeding: Minister

3- Baghdad Officially Calls for Iran’s Participation in Iraq’s Reconstruction

Ghanoon:

1- Referendum Not a Taboo!

Certain Political Factions Afraid of Rouhani’s Call for Implementing Constitution

Hemayat:

1- Russia FM: US Measures against Iran Discriminatory

Iran:

1- Referendum; Topic of the Day in Political Gatherings

Jame Jam:

1- Environment Chief: People Must Adapt Themselves to Shortage of Water

Javan:

1- Resistance Forces’ Cyber Power Hunts Even F-35 Jet Fighters of Zionists

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Iran Leader: People Showed Off Lively, Dynamic Nature of Iran’s Revolution

2- Lebanese Hezbollah: Era of Unanswered Israeli Attacks Over

3- Japan to Spend $14 Million to Equip Two Hospitals in Tehran

Kayhan:

1- People Standing behind Their Revolution; Gov’t Shouldn’t Play in Enemy’s Field

2- British Foreign Secretary after Visiting Myanmar: I Hadn’t Seen Such Crimes in My Life!

3- Kayhan Chief: Rouhani’s Call for Referendum Insult to Tens of Millions of Demonstrators

Payam-e Zaman:

1- Health Ministry Spokesman: 55,000 Iranians Die of Smoking Annually

Resalat:

1- Iran Leader Urges Officials to Serve Nation with Revolutionary Spirit

Rooyesh-e Mellat:

1- Russia FM: Those Who Call Iran’s Missile Program Destabilizing Should Provide Proof

Seda-ye Eslahat:

1- Hotel of Dogs in Tehran: IRR 1.6m [$34] per Night

Shargh:

1- Last Minutes of Seyyed-Emami’s Life Shown in CCTV Footage to MPs

2- Judiciary Chief: Enemy Wants to Imply There’s Widespread Corruption in Iran

3- Harsh Reaction to Rouhani’s Call for Referendum: Conservatives against President

4- Winning Europe’s Trust on Missile Issue [Editorial]

Sobh-e Now:

1- Security Case of Environmental Activists in New Phase: Evin Footage Seen by MPs

Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:

1- Gary Sick: Iran Has Right to Become Frustrated with US

Symbolic Polo Contest Held in Iran’s Isfahan

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IFP Editorial Staff

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February 13, 2018

The governor of Isfahan along with a group of citizens of the historical city attended the event.

Polo is a team sport played on horseback. The objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Players score by driving a small hard white ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled wooden mallet.

Each polo team consists of four riders and their polo ponies. In Persia, polo enjoyed great patronage under kings and noblemen and became known as chovgan. The game continued to be supported by Mongol rulers of Persia in the 11th century, as well as under the Safavid dynasty. In the 17th century, Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan was built as a polo field by King Abbas I.

Here are photos of the contest retrieved from the Tasnim News Agency:

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