Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri
“The region is gripped by a number of political dwarfs that have resorted to ‘creating crimes’ to prove themselves,” Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said on Tuesday.
His statement came in reaction to remarks by an Emirati official who has called for plans to arm the Persian Gulf states with destructive weapons to confront the Islamic Republic.
While the humanity has an aversion to war and violence, particularly of the unconventional weapons, certain parties are still seeking to use such weaponry against the others.
Iran has always voiced strong opposition to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), saying they have no place in Tehran’s defensive doctrine and run counter to its tenets.
In 2005, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei issued a fatwa forbidding the production, stockpiling and use of nuclear weapons.
According to a report by Varzesh 3, as translated by IFP, the Real Madrid C.F. fan club in Palestine in cooperation with Lady of the Earth Foundation selected Ronaldo as the Character of the Year.
The fan club chief says Ronaldo’s charitable works, particularly his support for war-hit children, deserve to be appreciate by Palestine and Real Madrid fans.
The ceremony to praise Ronaldo is due to be held on December 16 in Palestine with more than 1,200 figures in attendance; however, Ronaldo will not be able to attend the event because of his appearance in FIFA Club World Cup.
Winning tip: Aberkooh
The desert town of Aberkooh, between Yazd and Shiraz, was a flourishing city on the Silk Road in the 10th century and largely destroyed by the Afghans in the mid-1700s. There’s a 4,000-year-old cypress tree, one of the best coffee shops in Iran, and the beautifully restored Aghazadeh Mansion with its double height windcatcher, using 19 wooden vents to channel cool breezes into the house. With luck you may run into the charming 12-year-old Amir Reza and be invited back to his home for lavender tea sweetened with saffron sugar.
No blood but plenty of sweat and tears, Isfahan
Wrestlers taking part in Zurkhaneh. Photograph: Alamy
When in Isfahan don’t miss watching zurkhaneh, a 3,000-year-old form of athletics originally used to train warriors, involving sweaty men in leather breeches doing press-ups and swinging clubs to deafening music and chanting. The zurkhaneh pits are difficult to locate but ask a local or guide to get you a ringside seat.
Travel independently
Photograph: Jorge Fernández/Getty Images
Brits, know this: you don’t need a tour guide. The visa process remains tricky, but once an agency or Iranian citizen has sponsored your successful application, you should have little trouble going it alone. This allows you to make the most of your encounters with the country’s endlessly hospitable and inquisitive people and the inevitable invitations for tea or to their homes. While you might not think of it as a country where spontaneity is rewarded, such chance meetings will be the highlights of your stay, as they were for me (a Brit) during a recent three-week trip.
Explore Damavand city and around
Mount Damavand. Photograph: Alamy
Damavand is a little over 70km from Tehran and one of the most authentic of small cities. Mount Damavand is the highest active volcanic peak in Asia, and one of the best ski resorts, Aab Ali, is also nearby. There are many natural waterfalls and the area is famous for its honey.
Varzaneh desert at sunset
Varzaneh is a small desert town, not too far from Isfahan. Arriving at the small-but-quaint Chapaker Guest House (Beheshti Street, +98 913 203 0096) you will be greeted by the ever-smiling, energetic Mr Reza and his quirky companion Rouhallah. The neighbouring ladies wear shining white chadors in contrast to the usual black ones and peer at you with curiosity. For a couple of dollars Mr Reza will take you to splendid views of vast wetlands, a volcanic crater, the majestic salt lake and the magnificent Varzaneh desert stretching into the sunset.
Hidden Alborz mountain castles
Alamut Castle in the Alamut valley, Alborz mountains. Photograph: Getty Images
After enjoying the Shiraz to Tehran route, take a few days to go north-east from Tehran to Qazvin and then into the Alborz mountains to discover the remote 11th- and 12th-century castles of the Nizari Ismaili “Assassins”, especially Alamut and Lambesar. They will remind you of the mountain retreats of the French Cathars, with stunning valleys, high mountains and views. Zarabad makes an ideal village base.
The unique heritage of Abyaneh village
Photograph: Alamy
Abyaneh is a 13th-century mountain village about 80km south of Kashan. Its culture, traditions, costumes and dialect are unlike anywhere else in Iran. In 1973 it was registered as a national heritage site. Houses built of mud and straw are stepped into the hillside; narrow unpaved roads slope up and down the hills. Women wear colourful headscarves – the size of the flowers denoting their marital status, while married men wear voluminous satin trousers. As everywhere else in Iran, the people are wonderfully friendly and welcoming.
Morning sun in Nasir-al-Molk
Photograph: Tuul and Bruno Morandi/Getty Images
In Shiraz stay in (if you can) or at least have lunch in the courtyard of the Niyayesh boutique hotel (twin room £40). Once you have visited the incredible Nasir al-Molk mosque in the morning for the sun streaming through the stained glass windows, cross Lotfali Khan Street, and turn left, in the direction of the citadel, take the third right alley and on your right is a beautiful madrasa (religious school, free). The madrasa courtyard is peaceful and a great place to sit quietly, watch the mullahs in discussion and see life unfold. Continuing down the same alley, hang left and you enter the famous bazaar where you can try faloodeh, the refreshing, if strange, Shirazi dessert.
Eco-tour and intellectual chit chat
Visit the See You In Iran Facebook page and check for upcoming events or tours. I went on a three-day eco-tour organised by the site and mingled with other curious backpackers and young, cosmopolitan, engaged Iranians. We hiked in the mountains near Masal, close to the Azerbaijani border and slept in a remote hillside village. It was amazing to disconnect – there was no mobile reception or Wi-Fi for miles.
Gheshm Island geological park
Photograph: Abdolhamid Ebrahimi/Getty Images
Fly from Tehran or Shiraz to this island in the Strait of Hormuz, or make the short ferry crossing from Bandar Abbas. You do not have to be a geologist to enjoy Gheshm’s extraordinary geology. Eight main sites are spread around an island 60 miles long and can be visited by taxi: negotiate a day rate of around £20. Otherworldly landscapes have been carved over millennia by wind and water. I stayed in Tabl village, at Mr Amini’s house, which was clean and welcoming. (Any meal or night’s accommodation was £3.)
Breakfast in Masuleh
Rudkhan castle in Fuman, Gilan Province, Iran. Photograph: Alamy
I had proudly taken my fiance to see Ephesus in Turkey; now it was his turn to show me his homeland. We arrived at our first stop, Masuleh, on a starry night, and awoke to incredible scenery. Perched on our rooftop, we took it all in over a breakfast of warm bread with saffron and carrot jam, and tea. We then drove to Rudkhan castle and scaled the 1,000 steps to absorb yet more spectacular views. Houses in Masuleh are available to rent upon arrival for around £35 a night and can usually accommodate three or four guests.
Golshan Hostel, a shining star in Shiraz
From our trip to Shiraz, I have to mention Golshan Hostel. This traditional hostel radiates Persian warmth and hospitality, and it’s a perfect base for exploring the ancient city. There is a charming courtyard with a blue-tiled pool, flowering vines and bright, scattered cushions. It’s hard not to mingle, chai in hand, in such a tranquil place.
The Golestan Palace, Tehran
Photograph: Alamy
This is a beautiful 400-year-old masterpiece, displaying the earliest representations of a fused European and Persian style, and the complex formed the foundation of Iran’s modern artistic movement. My top tips for inside the palace are the dramatic and awe-inducing Takht’e Marmar (Marble Throne), which stands in an outdoor terrace, and the magnificent Talar-e Ayaheh (Hall of Mirrors) which is exactly that. Only a stone’s throw away is Tehran’s famous Grand Bazaar.
Isfahan, for tea and coffee lovers
Navigating Isfahan by its old teahouses and new coffee shops is a nice way to spend an afternoon. The Azadegan Teahouse, in a lane off the north-east corner of Imam Square, has ceilings and walls decked with metal pots and lanterns, with tea, snacks and qalyan (hookah) on the menu. On the other side of the city, stylised coffees and virgin cocktails can be found in Café Ahang, near Charbagh Abasi Street. With its bookshelf and tables decorated with post-it notes, it has a cosy, local feel.
Bam
The Arg-e Bam citadel. Photograph: Earl and Nazima Kowall/Getty Images
The desert oasis of Bam, in the province of Kerman, was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 2003 but has since been rebuilt. You can wander through gardens full of orange and pomegranate trees and date palms. A must-see is the impressive, Unesco-listed Arg-e-Bam citadel, which is being beautifully restored. Bam is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding desert, including overnight stays in desert camps.
Observing Ashura in Yazd
I recommend visiting Yazd at the time of Ashura (it will be on 1 October in 2017). It’s the festival of mourning for the murder of Imam Hossein and there is a genuine grief evident in the rituals. Visitors are welcome to the upper galleries of mosques, generally opposite the women’s galleries, to witness hundreds of men beating their chests as the story is chanted. Our group was invited to a large temporary feeding area for a free lunch and supper (donations welcomed). You will also see fountains running red.
Aoun, 81, secured the presidency by winning the support of 83 lawmakers, well above the absolute majority of 65 needed to win.
Lebanon had been without a head of state for 29 months after Michel Suleiman stepped down as president at the end of his term in May 2014.
Since then, 45 sessions to elect a new leader had failed due to political infighting.
In a telephone conversation with Lebanon’s newly elected president, President Rouhani said the election of former general Aoun was the manifestation of peace and the triumph of democracy and a victory for all political parties in the country.
Extending his felicitations to Aoun over his victory, Rouhani said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that such an election, which took place following a healthy and free contest, was not the victory of a particular faction but was a manifestation of the peaceful coexistence of all various sects in Lebanon and a very sweet success for the Lebanese nation.”
Rouhani further said Iran has always emphasized that Lebanon’s people are very capable of electing their country’s president if they are relieved of foreign pressure.
The Iranian president renewed Tehran’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s government and nation as well as the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, and noted that Aoun shoulder this responsibility at “a very sensitive time, a time that the region faces the two threats of the growth of Takfiri movements.”
Lebanon’s new president, for his part, said his country has always sought to expand relations with Iran and would continue to put emphasis on cordial bonds between the two nations and governments.
Aoun then stressed the importance of remaining vigilant against threats posed by terrorist groups and the Israeli regime and expressed his country’s full preparedness to stand up to such threats with strength.
“Iran and Niger enjoy [before them] a vast area for cooperation in different sectors,” Zarif said in a meeting with Niger’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Yacouba in Tehran on Monday.
“Iran and Niger can have more close cooperation in various political, economic, regional and international fields and the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to expand relations and deepen cooperation with Niger,” he added.
The top Iranian diplomat noted that the two countries have the potential to cooperate in the economic arena including infrastructures, transportation, banking interaction, agriculture, mines, energy and investment.
‘Niger Ready to Open Embassy in Tehran’
Niger’s foreign minister, for his part, said Iran plays an important role in the region and across the world and expressed his country’s readiness to bolster relations with the Islamic Republic.
Niger is ready to open an embassy in Tehran and keen to hold more consultations and political talks with Iran, Yacouba added.
He called for a session of the two countries’ joint economic commission to be held as soon as possible and invited his Iranian counterpart to pay an official visit to Niamey.
‘Iran Welcomes Improving Ties With Cyprus’
Meanwhile, in a meeting with the Cypriot House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris in Tehran on Monday, the Iranian foreign minister said the Islamic Republic welcomes growing cooperation with Cyprus in cultural, political, economic and scientific fields.
Zarif said the two countries have maintained amiable relations over the recent decades.
He expressed hope that Tehran and Nicosia would also strengthen cooperation in tourism, science and modern technologies as well as biotechnology.
For his part, the president of the Cypriot House of Representatives said his country is ready to hold further consultations with Iran in an attempt to boost ties at an international level.
Syllouris arrived in Tehran on Sunday on a three-day visit at the invitation of Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani. He held talks and attended a joint press conference with the top Iranian parliamentarian on Sunday and met with Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani and Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani earlier on Monday.
According to a report published by al-Qabas newspaper on Monday a committee set up by the Finance Ministry to review all public subsidies said it plans to gradually reduce subsidies until it cuts them completely by 2020.
Currently, public subsidies and social relief consume an estimated $3bn out of the $60bn public budget for 2016.
The oil-producing Persian Gulf emirate has already cut subsidies on diesel oil and kerosene, which are priced according to the global oil fee.
Kuwait partially lifted subsidies on petrol in September, causing a political crisis in the country that led to the dissolution of parliament and calls for snap elections.
The government had also secured the backing of the legislature assembly before it was dissolved to raise electricity and water prices paid by foreign expats and businesses, but exempted Kuwait citizens.
To make up for the loss, the government agreed to compensate citizens for raising petrol prices by offering each driver some 75 liters of petrol free of charge each month.
The hike, ranging from about 40 to 80 percent depending on the type of fuel, went into effect on September 1 as part of government austerity measures to meet a budget deficit resulting from low oil prices.
It was the first such hike since 1998.
The OPEC member recorded a budget shortfall of $15.3bn in the fiscal year which ended on March 31, according to official figures.
Kuwait expects a $29bn-deficit in this fiscal year which started April 1.
According to a report by Fars, as translated by IFP, global ship tracking data indicate that Iran has berthed 43 tankers at 4 ports which totally store over 35.4 million barrels of crude oil and gas condensate, the biggest floating inventory in the world.
The stored commodities have taken only 65% of the tanker’s storage capacity, which means the country can pile up more oil barrels in case it needs to.
Floating oil storage is an indication of the fact that the crude cargoes are lining up to be sold and have no customers so far.
However, Managing Director of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Ali Kardor said on Monday that Iran’s crude oil output has neared 4 million barrels a day, adding the country is currently exporting over 2.4 million barrels per day.
“Our government will take this (proposal on capital punishment) to parliament. I am convinced that parliament will approve it, and when it comes back to me, I will ratify it,” Erdogan said at an inauguration ceremony in Ankara, as reported by AFP and covered by ISNA.
“Soon, soon, don’t worry. It’s happening soon, God willing,” he said, as crowds chanted : “We want the death penalty!”
Capital punishment was abolished in Turkey in 2004 as the nation sought accession to the European Union.
After the failed bid to unseat Erdogan on July 15, the leader had threatened to bring the death penalty back for the coup plotters, stunning EU leaders.
Relations between Brussels and Ankara have been strained since Turkey responded to the coup by launching a relentless crackdown against alleged plotters in state institutions, amid calls from the EU to act within the rule of law.
Tens of thousands of staff within the military, judiciary, civil service and education have been dismissed or detained in a crackdown.
On Saturday, Erdogan scoffed at the West’s warnings on the reintroduction of the death penalty.
“The West says this, the West says that. Excuse me, but what counts is not what the West says. What counts is what my people say,” he said, during a ceremony to inaugurate a high-speed train station in the Turkish capital.
Ankara accuses Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen who lives in exile in the US of masterminding the attempt to oust Erdogan — a claim he denies.
“What are you doing in Pennsylvania, Go on, come here! Why don’t you come home?” Erdogan added.
Newspapers on Monday covered Iranian Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani’s visit to Iraq and his meetings with Iraqi judicial officials.
They also highlighted the report released by the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission on the implementation of a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
The battles in Iraq’s Mosul and Syria’s Aleppo against the ISIS terrorist group and Syrian opposition militants also received great coverage.
The above issues, as well as many more, are highlighted in the following headlines:
Abrar:
1- Kerry: CIA Directly Interfered in Removal of Iranian PM Mosaddeq
2- Zarif: Iran Not Worried about Voicing Its Opinions about Human Rights
3- Erdogan Threatens Iraqi Shiite Forces
4- American Diplomats to Leave Istanbul
5- Two Republicans Criticize US Prosecutor General over Payment of $1.7bn to Iran
6- Successful Predictor of US Elections: Donald Trump Will Win the Polls
Abrar-e Eqtesadi:
1- Increase in Export of Iran’s Oil and Gas Condensates by March 2017
2- Iran Moves Up 7 Ranks in Latest Competitiveness Index Standing
3- Contracts with Airbus and Boeing in Final Phase: New Planes to Be Added to Iran’s Air Fleet by March 2017
Afarinesh:
1- Africa, New Market for Iran’s Petchem Products
2- Heads of Iranian and Iraqi Judiciaries: Tehran and Baghdad Have Common Views about Human Rights and Terrorism
3- Zarif: Iran Is Top Power in Middle East
Afkar:
1- Syrian Opposition’s Attack on West Aleppo with Poisonous Gas
Aftab-e Yazd:
1- Unbelievable Remarks by CBI Governor: Seif Claims More than $2.77bn Has Been Paid to 13,000 Businesses
2- Hardline MP Worried about Presence of American Surgeons in Iran
3- 200 MPs Appreciate Iran Nuclear Negotiating Team
Arman-e Emrooz:
1- Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Gives Report of JCPOA Implementation: End of Sanctions on 606 Iranian Persons and Companies
2- End of Iranian-American Groom’s Diplomacy: Kerry Says He Won’t Visit Iran
Asrar:
1- Iraqi PM: Mosul Operation Is Going On without Any Pause
2- Canadian FM: We Are Trying to Restore Ties with Iran
Emtiaz:
1- Kiarostami and Shakespeare to Be Commemorated in Kolkata Film Festival
Etemad:
1- Iran’s Karate Claims World Title for First Time: First Place in Team Competition, Third Place in Individual
2- Clinton’s Policy on Russia Is to Iran’s Benefit: Academic
3- Rouhani Will Defend His Nominated Ministers in Parliament in a Positive Atmosphere: Parliament Ready for Vote of Confidence
Ettela’at:
1- Zarif: In the Long Run, Iran’s Power Can Turn to an Institutionalized Influence, Power, and Might at Int’l Level
2- Iran and Iraq Prosecutor General Sign MoU
3- Saudi Arabia’s Attack on a Prison in Yemen Kills 60
4- Several Areas in Mosul Liberated by Popular Mobilisation Forces
Haft-e Sobh:
1- An $8.6m Apartment in Tehran: Most Expensive House in Iran’s Capital Is worth Twice the House of Matthew McConaughey
Hemayat:
1- Judiciary Chief Underlines Necessity for Development of Human Rights Based on Islamic Civilization
2- Ansarullah’s Artillery and Rocket Attack on Border Areas of Saudi Arabia
Jame Jam:
1- MPs Oblige Iranian Organizations to Put ‘Clean Air’ Top on Their Agenda: Clean Air under Shadow of Law
Javan:
1- 7 Anti-Iran Hostile Moves by the US in Post-JCPOA Era: Parliament Has Obliged Gov’t to Make Timely Reciprocal Moves
2- West’s Three Solutions for Saving Terrorists from Aleppo: Poisonous Gases against Army, Mogherini’s Visit to Tehran. And Military Support of Turkey-US for Terrorists
Jomhouri Eslami:
1- JCPOA Achievements in Parliament’s Report
2- Rafsanjani in Meeting with Senegal Ambassador: Prevent Spread of Boko Haram in Africa
3- Expansion of Tehran-Beijing Banking Ties: A Bank with 18 Trillion Yuan Capital En Route to Iran
Kayhan:
1- Terrorists Were Paralysed in Aleppo: Foreign Supporters Ask Them to Stay and Wait for Their Arm Supplies
2- Judiciary Chief: Iran Will Continue Its Full Support for Iraq
Khorasan:
1- Removing US Dollar from Iran’s Trade with Other Countries: Countries Buying Oil and Other Iranian Goods Pay Local Currencies or Euru
2- 10,000 Fired from Their Jobs as Latest Victims of Turkey Coup: Erdogan Wants to Restore Death Penalty
Payam-e Zaman:
1- Deputy FM: UN Has Failed to Provide International Peace and Security
Rooyesh-e Mellat:
1- Massive Arbaeen Processions Officially Started
Saheb Qalam:
1- Austria Opens $1bn LC for Iran
Setareh Sobh:
1- Barack, Michelle, Bill, Hillary vs. American Populism
Bill Clinton: Trump Endangers Global Security
Hillary: Trump Will Destroy Future of US
Michelle Obama: I’ll Support Clinton for My Daughter’s Future
Barack Obama: Trump Doesn’t Deserve to Be US Command-in-Chief
Shargh:
1- Justice Minister: Basij [voluntary forces] Should Not Enter Iran Elections with Military Identity
2- Tens of People Killed in Yemen in Saudi Airstrikes
Sobh-e Now:
1- Germans Continue Stonewalling: Hard Days of Iranian Students Waiting for Germany Visa
2- Muhammad, the Messenger of God Screened in Turkey: Iran’s Cultural Diplomacy vs. Saudi Petrodollars
Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:
1- Iran Waiting for Dust Pollution Crisis: When Dam Construction in Turkey Endangers Middle East’s Environment
Vatan-e Emrooz:
1- Yemeni Tribes to Take Revenge from Saudis: 102 Civilians Killed in Latest Saudi Airstrike
2- Parliament: Anti-Iran Sanctions Have Not Been Lifted
According to a report covered by ISNA, Moldovans voted in 33 foreign countries in addition to those voting from home.
The presidential election will go to a runoff after a pro-Russia candidate narrowly missed winning a majority of votes.
With almost all ballots counted early on Monday, Igor Dodon won 48.26% while pro-Europe rival Maia Sandu scored 38.42%, the top finishers among the nine candidates.
With no one securing a majority, a second round of voting will be held on 13 November to decide between Dodon and Sandu.
Sunday’s ballot was the first presidential election by direct vote in 20 years in this impoverished former Soviet republic, The Guardian reported.
Moldovans, angry about high-level corruption, were divided about whether to seek closer integration with Europe or rekindle links with Moscow.
Dodon has pledged to “restore broad and friendly ties with Russia”.
Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe and has been stung by a string of high profile corruption scandals in recent years. Since 1996, presidents in the former Soviet republic have been chosen by Parliament, UPI BBC reported.
It was the pro-European coalition formed by Pavel Filip, who was appointed prime minister to Moldova in January, which re-established the popular vote.
The EU and Russia both seek greater influence over the country wedged between Ukraine and Romania. Polls, however, indicate voters are divided on which way to go for a better future.
