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Oil Price Soars as OPEC Members Agree on Output Cut

OPEC Fund Earmarks $500,000 to Help Iran Fight COVID-19

Delegates from members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reached a deal in Vienna to cut production by 1.2 million barrels a day from the current 33.6 million barrels, according to people familiar with the matter.

Both US and international oil posted their largest daily gains since February on the news. The Brent benchmark crested $50 a barrel for the first time in a month.

OPEC’s cut would represent a reduction of about 1% of global output, Wall Street Journal reported.

The breakthrough comes after months of on-and-off-again negotiations that made many traders doubt an agreement could be reached. A prior attempt to cut output fell through earlier this year, but analysts said another plunge back toward $40 a barrel in recent weeks and growing output from international rivals put more pressure on OPEC to act.

What they have come up with is a stark reversal in strategy from their last big change in November 2014 when the group essentially lifted all output quotas so its members could compete with a global boom in oil production. That decision led OPEC to record-high production, adding more supply to an already flooded market and eventually dropping prices below $30 a barrel, so low that many worried it could fuel a global recession.

A deal to cut more than 1 million barrels a day could keep prices steadily above $60 a barrel by the first quarter of 2017, according to London-based Energy Aspects. That would accelerate the end of a glut that has been slow to come for more than two years after the development of shale drilling and oil-sands production in North America.

Iranian FM to Start Tour of 3 Asian Countries in Coming Days

Mohammad Javad Zarif

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Wednesday that a high-ranking politico-economic delegation will accompany Zarif in his visits to India, China and Japan.

At the first leg of his official tour, the top Iranian diplomat will visit India to take part and deliver a speech at the Heart of Asia conference on the situation in Afghanistan, Press TV quoted Qassemi as saying on Wednesday.

The 6th Heart of Asia ministerial conference, scheduled for December 3-4, will discuss peace, cooperation and economic development in Afghanistan.

The forum also seeks to promote economic development and encourage cooperation in curbing drug trafficking and other organized crimes in the region.

Ministers from as many as 40 countries are expected to attend the event.

The last Heart of Asia ministerial meeting was held in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, in December 2015.

Zarif will then head to China for a visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to hold talks with senior officials of the East Asian country and take part in joint business forums.

He will then leave China for Japan, where he is scheduled to sit down with senior Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, and attend joint economic seminars.

The delegation accompanying the Iranian foreign minister will include heads of 38 companies affiliated with the Iran Chamber of Commerce, representatives from 15 knowledge-based companies and eight commercial banks as well as a number of officials in the industrial, trade and scientific sectors.

In addition to bilateral relations, the Iranian foreign minister will also confer with senior Indian, Chinese and Japanese officials on regional and international developments.

Iran’s Vahedi Wins the 2016 IBSF World Snooker

soheil-vahedi

Vahedi defeated Welshman Andrew Pagett 8-1 in the final played at Doha, Qatar and won the title.

He had already defeated Declan Brennan of Northern Ireland 7-6 in the semi-final.

“To win the title and booking a place among the professional snooker players as the second Iranian is a great honor,” president of the Iran Bowling and Billiards Federation (IBBF) Hashem Eskandari said.

India’s Pankaj Advani won the bronze medal in the competition.

Over 250 players from 55 countries competed in the IBSF World Snooker championship.

The 10-day tournament ended on November 29. A total of $16,000 is up for grabs in the men’s event of the championship.

Iran More Resolved to Combat Terrorism after ISIS Attack in Hilla: Spokesman

bahram qassemi

“As part of its disgraceful and inhumane efforts, Takfiri terrorism this time ruthlessly targeted Arbaeen pilgrims by its vicious and horrific attack,” Qassemi said in a statement issued late on Tuesday on the occasion of the funeral of the Iranian victims of the attack held in southwestern province of Khuzestan.

He added that the ISIS Takfiri terrorists, who claimed responsibility for the “bloody crime”, will face the determination of the Iranian government and all the people to relentlessly fight the “malevolent and incurable ill-wishers”.

The spokesman further said the supporters of the Takfiri terrorists should be aware that a terrible fate awaits them.

At least 100 people have been killed and dozens wounded in the suicide truck bomb blast at a gas station near the town of Hilla, 100 km (62 miles) south of Baghdad, on November 24.

At least 40 Iranians, returning from Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala, have been pronounced dead in the attack as of Friday morning.

Daesh (ISIL, also known as ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault.

The gas station has a restaurant on its premises that is popular with travelers. Five pilgrim buses were set afire by the blast from the explosives-laden truck, a police official said.

Iraq’s Joint Operations Command said the vehicle was packed with 500 liters of ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound used in many explosive devices.

Iranian Speaker’s Advisor Hails Syrian Army Victories in Aleppo

amir-abdolahian21“The Syrian Army is about to completely liberate Aleppo,” Amir Abdollahian said in his message on Monday.

The former deputy foreign minister made the announcement in a message released on Monday.

Amir Abdollahian congratulated the Syrian leadership, people and Army for the latest victories made by the country’s armed forces.

He reiterated that Aleppo is on the eve of complete liberation from the terrorist groups’ dominance.

“Iran would continue its advisory help for the Iraqi and Syrian nations and governments,” Amir Abdollahian added.

He noted that terrorists have no place in the region’s future.

The Syrian army and armed forces’ units continued making advances in the battle against terrorism on Monday by establishing control over the neighborhoods of al-Haydarya and al-Sakhour and the Scientific Research Housings area in the Eastern part of Aleppo city.

US Claims of Chopper Harassment in Hormuz Strait ‘Propaganda Campaign’: IRGC

IRGC

Reports by US officials that a patrol vessel of the IRGC naval forces recently pointed its weapon at a US Navy helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz is part of the US “propaganda” campaign against the Islamic Republic, an informed source at the IRGC Navy said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Some US officials occasionally repeat such allegations. It shows that they are seeking certain goals beyond their propaganda campaign (against Iran). Therefore, we tell them with emphasis: Stop the propaganda; you are the problem,” the source said.

On Monday, two US defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed an IRGC patrol vessel on Saturday pointed its weapon at its helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz in an “unsafe and unprofessional” encounter.

They claimed the incident took place when a US Navy MH-60 helicopter flew within half a mile (0.8 km) of two Iranian vessels in international waters.

One of the vessels pointed a weapon at the helicopter, they added.

It is no secret to anyone that the main problem is the presence of American military forces in the Persian Gulf, the source said, noting that via “inappropriate” and “unprofessional” behavior, Americans are attempting to show that the security situation is the region is not normal.

The source added that Iranian military forces, regardless of enemies’ propaganda, will continue monitoring all movements in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to secure maritime routes and establish security in the region.

In a similar development on August 25, Pentagon officials said Iranian speedboats had “harassed” US warships in the Strait of Hormuz.

They said Iranian boats sped close to two US Navy destroyers with their weapons uncovered in the Strait of Hormuz in an “unsafe and unprofessional” encounter.

A day later, Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan vowed that the Islamic Republic would confront any vessel intruding into its territorial waters.

Iran has invariably stressed that it only uses its naval might for defensive purposes and to send across the Islamic Republic’s message of peace and security to other nations.

Libya’s Army Chief Meets Russian Defence Minister in Moscow

General Haftar

According to a report covered by Kayhan newspaper, General Haftar also met on Monday with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, and the Russian National Security Council chief, Nikolai Patrushev.

General Haftar arrived in Moscow on Sunday following an official invitation from Russia in order to strengthen relations between the two countries and discuss the current situation in Libya and common issues.

Haftar visited Moscow earlier in June and met with the Russian defence minister and the Russian National Security Council chief, Middle East Monitor reported.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29

Most newspapers on Tuesday covered the remarks made by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a meeting with Navy commanders. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei talked about the US extension of anti-Iran sanctions and described it as a violation of the nuclear deal with Tehran.

The lifting of visa requirements between Iran and Russia was also a top story. Aftab-e Yazd in an article discussed whether the move will be to the benefit of Iran or Russia.

The recounting of votes in some US states also received great coverage.

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

 

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Leader: Extension of Expired Sanctions Is Violation of Commitments

2- Lifting of Visa Requirement between Iran and Russia: Favourable to Which Side?

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Fear of JCPOA Abolition in JCPOA: US National Security Advisor Says Scrapping Nuclear Deal Will Isolate US

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Asrar:

1- Government Tries to End Unethical Behaviours: VP for Legal Affairs

2- Controversies Surrounding Arrest Warrant of an MP

3- British Official: London Seeks to Remove Barriers to Banking Ties with Iran

4- Trump: Millions of Americans Voted Illegally

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Donya-ye Eqtesad:

1- Obama’s National Security Advisor Warns Trump: US Should Pay a Price for Violating JCPOA

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Ebtekar:

1- Trump and Opponents Continue Conflicts over US Elections

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Etemad:

1- Int’l Restrictions Will Limit Trump: Academic

2- Iranian Chess Player’s Fair Play in Match against Ukrainian Opponent

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Ettela’at:

1- Leader: Capabilities of Iran’s Navy Should Be as Much as Islamic Establishment Deserves

2- 16 Yemeni Children and Women Killed in Saudi Arabia’s Brutal Attack on Hodeida

3- Iran’s Nuclear Chief: Other Side Will Be the Loser of JCPOA Violation

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Haft-e Sobh:

1- Iranian-Turkish Businessman Zarrab Has Blackmailed Dutch Bank and US Bank

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Hemayat:

1- Leader: Problems of Nuclear Deal Were Caused by the Rush in Finalizing the Deal

2- Terrorists Escape Eastern Aleppo

3- Nuclear Chief: We’ve Made Required Arrangements for Responding to JCPOA Violation

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Iran:

1- People in Tabriz Light Candles to Commemorate Victims of Train Crash

2- Trump’s Anger over Upcoming Recount of Votes in Wisconsin

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Jame Jam:

1- Leader: We Should Increase Depth of Our Presence in High Seas

2- Aleppo on Verge of Liberation

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- 1,200 Sunni Pilgrims Walk towards Shrine of Imam Reza, Eighth Shiite Imam

2- Parliament Speaker’s Mediation Leads to Cancellation of Reformist MP’s Arrest

3- Iraqi FM: Law of Recognition of Iraqi Popular Forces Was a Great Victory for Iraqi Nation

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Kayhan:

1- Zionist Rabbi: Nasrallah Was Right, Israel Is Weaker than Spider’s Nest

2- Poverty in Germany Has Doubled in Past Decade

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Khorasan:

1- Vienna Waiting for OPEC’s Decisive Summit for Oil Output Cut

2- Terrorists’ Escape Routes Cut Off in Aleppo: 12 Regions Liberated

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Noavaran:

1- Zarif: Castro’s Death Was a Disaster for Freedom-Seeking Movements

2- Iran-Russia Deal for Lifting Visa Requirements

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Shargh:

1- Shamkhani: Trump’s Oil Policy Will Disrupt Market

2- Foreign Policy Expert Mousavian:: Saudi Arabia’s Billion-Dollar Package to Trump for Action against Iran

3- Berlinale Representative’s Visit to Iran Sparks Controversy

4- We Wish US Would Take Logical Stances: Iran’s Nuclear Chief

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Ta’adol:

1- War of Bank Notes in New Delhi: Indian PM Gambling with the Country’s Monetary System

2- Saudi Arabia’s Oil Bluff: Latest Stances by Saudi Officials on Verge of Vienna Summit

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:

1- Iraqis Are Less Pessimistic about Trump: New US Administration’s Need for Iran

 

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29


 

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- Iran’s Nuclear Chief: Extension of Anti-Iran Sanctions Is Violation of JCPOA

2- Air Pollution Once Again Says Hello to People of Tehran

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on November 29

South Korean President Offers to Resign after Corruption Scandal

South Korean President

Speaking in a nationally televised address on Tuesday, Park – whose single five-year term will not be officially over until early 2018 – asked the national assembly to set a new deadline for the end of her turbulent presidency.

The South Korean leader has faced massive street protests in recent weeks amid prosecution claims that a corrupt confidante wielded government power from the shadows.

“I will leave to parliament everything about my future including shortening of my term,” Park said in her third public address since the scandal broke.

“Once lawmakers come up with measures to transfer power in a way that minimises any power vacuum and chaos in governance, I will step down,” she said, as reported by The Guardian.

The offer by Park, South Korea’s first female president, came after another weekend of huge protests in Seoul and other cities calling for her immediate resignation over her role in an influence-peddling scandal centred on her long-time friend Choi Soon-sil.

Opposition lawmakers immediately rejected the offer, describing it as a last-ditch attempt to avoid the humiliation of impeachment.

Iran Takes Part in Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Cambodia

APA

The APA Plenary Session was inaugurated on November 27 and will go on until December 2 in Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Centre in Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Thxe Iranian delegation participating in the 9th Plenary session is comprised of MPs Ali Kazemi, Jalil Rahimi Jahan Abadi, Fatemeh Zolqadr, and Hajar Chenarani.

Zolqadr told ICANA that she read aloud the message of Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani to the APA summit in English, and told the audiences that Larijani failed to attend the summit because of recent tragic incidents in Iran.

At the end of her speech, Zolqadr added, the audiences observed a one-minute silence to commemorate the victims of an ISIS terrorist attack on pilgrims in the Iraqi city of Hilla and the Iranian passengers killed in a train crash in Iran’s Semnan Province.

AAPP was established in 1999, and transformed into the APA, which currently consists of 42 Member Parliaments, 16 observers and 10 partner organizations.

apa