The beautiful red mountains of Khalkhal, which remind every visitor of the US Arizona’s Rocky Mountains, are now covered with snow, creating a very fascinating scene.
Following you can find the photos of the region retrieved from the Mizan News Agency:
Speaking in a Saturday meeting with new Cuban Ambassador to Tehran Alexis Bandrich Vaga in Tehran, Rouhani said Tehran-Havana relations have been at a very good level after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“After the revolution, Iran and Cuba have faced common conspiracies, and undoubtedly, the name of late Imam Khomeini as a revolutionary Muslim leader, and Fidel Castro as one of the world’s revolutionary leaders have gone down in the history of world revolutions,” the president told Bandrich Vega while receiving his credentials.
According to a Farsi report by the president’s official website, Rouhani said Tehran and Havana have good potential for promotion of relations on different fronts, particularly economy, science and energy.
He said Iran is opposed to the use of sanctions as a tool against nations, saying sanctions are an inappropriate and old lever to be used.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is against the imposition of unfair sanctions against independent nations, including Cuba, he said.
The top Cuban ambassador, in turn, praised Iran’s effective role in establishing stability and security in the region and in the world.
He said Iran has a special status in Cuba’s foreign relations, adding Havana is set to forge closer ties with Tehran in all areas.
The Cuban ambassador said his country believes the promotion of ties with Iran is the best tool to counter unfair sanctions imposed on the two countries.
At this juncture when the US seeks to impose its viewpoints on the world through bullying, said the top Cuban diplomat, the enhancement of ties among independent and freedom-seeking nations like Iran and Cuba can be very effective in confronting such bullying behaviour.
In a separate meeting with new Chilean Ambassador to Tehran Ignacio Llanos, President Rouhani described Iran-Chile relations as positive.
“Tehran and Santiago enjoy very good potentialities in different fields, which should be tapped in order to develop and boost joint trade and economic relations and cooperation,” said the president in the meeting where he also received the new Chilean ambassador’s credentials.
Rouhani said the private sectors of both countries should be encouraged to boost cooperation and make joint investments to further expand relations between the two nations.
“Today, due to the Iran nuclear deal and the removal of sanctions, a suitable atmosphere has been created to further boost Tehran-Santiago ties, and I hope that climate will be utilized in the future to see further development in bilateral ties,” President Rouhani said.
“We want lasting peace and stability as well as a campaign against terrorism and violence in the world, and we believe all countries should work together closely in this regard,” said the president.
He underscored that non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the world is of utmost significance, saying, “Today, the arms race in the world and the threats posed by some states have caused concerns for all countries and nations in the world.
President Rouhani said Iran and Chile can cooperate and hold consultations in the fields of peace and security and global development.
The top Chilean diplomat, in turn, touched upon the good relations between Iran and Chile as well as the numerous potentialities in both countries for promotion of reciprocal ties. He also underlined the need to remove banking hurdles in order to boost mutual trade and economic relations, and said Chile’s private sector is willing to invest in Iran.
He said Chile attaches great importance to the promotion of global peace and security as well as the enhancement of international cooperation with Iran as an important and influential country.
Media sources quoted the Iranian Consulate in Erbil as saying that PM Barzani will have a trip to the Iranian capital on January 21.
Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Region, would also accompany Bazani during this trip, the Persian-language Fars News Agency reported.
Some Iraqi websites have quoted the Iranian Consulate in Erbil as saying that Barzani and Talabani will head a Kurdish delegation during the visit to Tehran.
According to the statement, the trip is aimed at exchanging views on political, economic, security and cultural issues, and the results are expected to be positive.
The visit will come one day after Barzani and his accompanying delegation visited Baghdad and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Saturday.
The Kurdistan region held a secession referendum last September despite stern warnings from Baghdad and overseas that such a move would compound the problems facing the country amid the fight against terrorism.
Following the plebiscite, which reportedly saw an overwhelming number of participants voting for separation, the central government imposed certain measures against the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
It conducted a military campaign to retake the areas overrun by Kurdish militants in the course of the fight with ISIS terrorists, banned direct flights to the region, and demanded control over border crossings.
On November 6, Iraq’s Supreme Federal Court ruled that no region or province was allowed to break away from the mainland.
An Iraqi government spokesman said in October that Baghdad had set a series of conditions that the KRG needed to meet before any talks on the resolution of the referendum crisis could start.
Hossein Jaberi Ansari, a senior assistant to Iran’s foreign minister in political affairs; Alexander Lavrentiev, who is the Russian president’s special envoy for Syria; and Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Önal took part in the preparatory meeting on the Syrian National Dialogue Congress.
The envoys of the three guarantor states, who are also heads of the Iranian, Russian, and Turkish delegations to Astana Talks, discussed the latest developments regarding the Congress, which is slated to be held in Sochi on January 30.
At this meeting, the Russian representative presented a report on the preparations for the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, and then the Iranian and Turkish envoys expressed their views.
Slavin, the director of the Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council and the author of Bitter Friends, Bosom Enemies: Iran, the US and the Twisted Path to Confrontation (2007), says “Trump was elected because many Americans didn’t like Hillary Clinton for a variety of reasons and because he presented himself as a champion of ‘forgotten Americans’ – rather like Ahmadinejad.”
However, she added, “many Americans are now embarrassed by his rhetoric and his Tweets and by the chaotic, melodramatic way in which he acts.”
Here is the full text of her interview with ILNA’s Khadijeh Ghobeishavi:
What do you think about the situation of world in whole after one year of Trump’s presidency? Is it safer and more stable?
Fortunately, we have not seen an outbreak of another war and it appears that ISIS has been defeated. However, we have seen an increase of tensions with North Korea, continuing conflict in Yemen and rising tensions among Arab countries and between Arab countries and Iran.
What do you think about the Trump policies in the US and Europe and Middle East in the three remaining years of his presidency?
It is very hard to predict what Trump will do but we are beginning to see patterns. He has pushed Europe to spend more on its own defence but alienated many leaders there by leaving the Paris climate agreement and threatening the Iran nuclear deal. He will continue to insist he is promoting US interests but in my view, will hurt US national security by undermining US global leadership.
What do you think about Trump’s policy regarding the Iran deal? Do you think Washington would withdraw from the Iran deal?
Trump has already accomplished his objective by casting so much uncertainty over the deal and dissuading many foreign companies from investing in Iran. It is still my hope that the US will not withdraw and that it can reach separate side understandings with Europe about how to react to possible Iranian non-compliance and the so-called “sunset” provisions of the agreement.
Do you think that Trump will be elected again as US president? Some analysts say that the first term of his presidency will remain unfinished, what do you think?
It is hard for me to imagine that he would be re-elected as he has aroused so much opposition from so many Americans. But of course it depends on who the Democrats nominate, the state of the US economy and whether the US becomes embroiled in another conflict – with North Korea, for example.
What do you think about the effect of book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House” on America’s public opinion?
The book has gotten a lot of attention but probably hasn’t changed many minds. Those who dislike Trump – a majority of the country – found more ammunition for their views and those who like him either don’t believe or don’t care about the allegations in the book.
While Trump has had good record on economy and fulfilling his campaign promises, why does he still lack popularity in the America’s public opinion?
Trump was elected because many Americans didn’t like Hillary Clinton for a variety of reasons and because he presented himself as a champion of “forgotten Americans” – rather like Ahmadinejad. Some of his supporters hoped he would change in office and become more “presidential.” That hasn’t happened and many Americans are now embarrassed by his rhetoric and his Tweets and by the chaotic, melodramatic way in which he acts. Also, his one major achievement – a big tax cut – is likely to help the rich far more than the poor and middle class.
What do you think about Iran-US relation under the presidency of Trump?
I have written that we are back to the ‘Axis of Evil’ stage in many ways with Trump advocating regime change and expressing hostility toward the Iranian government.
This will be a tough period in US-Iran relations, but then, that has unfortunately been more the rule than the exception over the last 40 years. And Trump won’t be president forever. I still hope to see the day when the US Embassy reopens in Tehran and we have normal diplomatic ties.
During the Saturday meeting in Sochi, the two diplomats conferred on the agenda of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress. They also discussed arrangements for holding the conference which is to be held on January 30 in Sochi.
Jaberi Ansari and Lavrentiev, who are the top negotiators of Iran and Russia in the Astana Process, further talked about the upcoming trilateral meeting between the three guarantor states of Astana Process – Iran, Russia, and Turkey – which will be held in later on Saturday.
Jaberi Ansari met Lavrentiev after a short visit to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
In the Friday meeting, which was held at the Russian Foreign Ministry building, the two sides discussed the latest developments in Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Palestine, and also the Syrian National Dialogue Congress.
The Iranian diplomat stressed that the issue of Syria constitutes an important part of consultations, saying that on Saturday these talks would continue at the Sochi tripartite Summit with Russian and Turkish partners who are part of Astana Talks as well.
“Given the vast potentialities of Iran and Russia, these consultations can help resolve the current crises in the Arab region and restore peace and stability to this region of the world,” he added.
The Syrian National Dialogue Congress will be held in Sochi on January 29-30 following a similar initiative by Russia, Iran and Turkey in Kazakhstan.
Many hope the talks could bring an end or significantly reduce the militancy in Syria although the United Nations insists that the initiative should not circumvent efforts led by the world body for reaching a political solution in Syria.
On November 22, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian and Turkish counterparts Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Sochi. They agreed to hold the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in the Russian city aimed at bringing to the table both the Syrian government and various opposition groups willing to enter into peace talks with Damascus.
Several newspapers today covered a letter by Ismail Haniyah, the head of Hamas political bureau, to the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in which the Palestinian figure praised Iran for its stances on Jerusalem al-Quds.
Also a top story was the remarks made by IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani about the recent riots in Iran, where the Iranian flag was set ablaze. General Soleimani said he wished he had been set on fire for 10 times instead of the flag.
A plan by the US Congress to add tougher articles to the Iran nuclear deal also received great coverage today.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines and top stories:
19 Dey:
1- Gen. Soleimani: I Wish They Had Set Me Ablaze Ten Times instead of Iran Flag
2- UN Secretary General: JCPOA Being Threatened
Abrar:
1- Kermanshah Governor: All Families Here Suffering from Unemployment Problem
2- Tillerson: N. Korean Leader Responsible for His People’s Suffering
3- Hamas Chief to Iran Leader: Intifada to Thwart Plot of Ending Palestine Issue
4- Haley: US Still Committed to Iran Nuclear Deal
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Mission: Killing Iran Nuclear Deal
2- Gen. Soleimani: Islamic Establishment’s Economic Power to Be Reinforced
Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Without Iran Nuclear Deal, We Would Lose $222m Each Day: Top MP
2- Increased Emotional Violence among Women: 60%
Emtiaz:
1- Environment Chief: Clean Air Regulations to Be Implemented Next Year
2- Number of Part-Time Employees Increased by 560,000 People
Ettela’at:
1- Gen. Soleimani: Global Plots to Be Foiled If Islamic Establishment Serves People
2- Water Level in 40% of Major Dams in Iran Less than 40% of Their Capacities
3- Nasrallah: We’re Standing by Lebanese Army, Gov’t against Israel
Iran:
1- One Year after Plasco Incident
2- Turkey Starts Artillery Attacks on Syria’s Kurds
Javan:
1- Haniyah in Letter to Iran Leader: Palestinian Nation Praise Iran’s Quds Stances
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- UN Security Council Once Again Supports Iran Nuclear Deal
2- Oil Minister: Iran to Receive Sanchi Oil Tanker’s Cargo Money
3- Alarming Level of 96 Dams in Iran
Kayhan:
1- Europe Standing by US in Increasing Anti-Iran Sanctions
2- General Soleimani: We’ve Lost Many Soldiers for Iran Flag to Remain Hoisted
Resalat:
1- Gen. Soleimani: Iran Strongly Standing against Israel
2- IRGC General Rezaei: Enemy Seeks to Cause New Sedition in Iran
3- Implementation of National Internet Plan Necessary: Official
Shargh:
1- Gov’t, Parliament’s Reactions to Ayatollah Shahroudi’s Visit to Germany
The Crisis Management Department of Khuzestan Province, in a statement, announced that kindergartens, as well as primary, secondary and high schools in 15 cities of the province would remain closed on Saturday due to heavy air pollution.
The cities include Ahvaz, Abadan, Khorramshahr, Mahshahr, Shadegan, Bavi, Karoun, Hamidieh, Hoveizeh, Dasht-e Azadegan, Shush, Ramshir, Hendijan, Andimeshk, and Dezful, the statement said.
According to the latest data released by the Environmental Organization of Khuzestan Province, the air pollution index in Ahvaz has breached the “hazardous” level upper limit of 500, at which it stops measuring levels of PM2.5, with 53 times worse than the moderate level.
A hazardous level is an alert in which everyone may experience ill effects and are advised to stay indoors.
Iranian residents in the western and southwestern provinces that border Iraq face a growing trend in the influx of fine particles, which are generated by drought-hit marshlands in neighboring countries.
The disruptive dust storms have pushed pollution in those border areas to alarming levels in recent years, raising health concerns.
The particles, carried by winds, can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing serious diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and heart problems.
The company is about to produce 2,500 middle of the pack E-class cars in the year, with 20% of the production to be done inside Iran and the rest supplied to the country in the form of CKD (completely knocked down) kits.
Mercedes-Benz has a long track record in Iran with a business dating back to the 1950s, where it sold up to 10,000 vehicles a year. However, the company stopped business in Iran after the US and Europeans intensified sanctions on the country in 2012.
According to ISNA, the production line for Mercedes cars in Iran is currently being updated and prepared for resuming assembly.
The contract goes back to January 2016 when Daimler signed letters of intent with local partners Iran Khodro Diesel and Mammut Group to arrange a “comprehensive re-entry” into Iran.
In September, Mercedes-Benz signed a contract with Iran Khodro to resume distribution of its trucks in the country. The deal included creating a joint venture to provide sales and after-sale services in the Islamic Republic.
Daimler has also indicated interest to return as a shareholder in the former engine joint venture Iranian Diesel Engine Manufacturing Co (IDEM) based in Tabriz to build diesel engines.
Other German automaker Volkswagen started exporting cars to Iran in August after signing an agreement with Mammut Khodro for sales of VW brand models Tiguan and Passat.
Iran is an extremely attractive market for international automakers. Since the lifting of sanctions on the country in early 2016, French carmakers PSA and Renault have pushed hard to regain lost ground after leaving the country when sanctions were imposed.
On Tuesday, Peugeot said its global sales jumped by 15% last year on strong growth in Iran where the company sold 444,600 vehicles.
Fars news agency meanwhile cited data released by Renault as showing year-on-year growth of 54% in sales to Iran where the automaker sold 144,862 cars in the year up to November.
However, both Renault and Peugeot as well as other European automakers withdrew from Iran in 2012 when the country came under the Western sanctions.
US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Congress and Europe to toughen a nuclear agreement with Iran has raised fresh questions about whether European countries would hold their ground.
Araqchi’s visit to Germany, which started on Thursday, is aimed at expansion of political consultations between Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
During the two-day stay, Araqchi met with Walter J. Lindner, a State Secretary of the German Federal Foreign Office, to discuss various issues in the field of bilateral, regional and international ties.
Among the main topics of the meeting was the review of the latest developments related to the Iran nuclear deal. The two sides also stressed the necessity of maintaining the JCPOA and the need for all parties to fulfil their obligations as per the agreement.
Araqchi also met with Matthias Machnig, a State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. During the meeting, the latest bilateral developments in the economic sphere were discussed.
The Iranian diplomat then went to the Körber Foundation to elaborate on the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding regional and international affairs.
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