IRGC Develops New Long-Range Bomber Drone

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October 1, 2016

Dubbed Saeqeh (Lightning), the new aircraft is a Simorgh-class drone capable of carrying out combat missions with a long operational range, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said at an exhibition of IRGC drone technologies, held in Tehran on Saturday.

According to the commander, Saeqeh can detonate four different targets with smart bombs with pin-point accuracy and return to its base safely.

Saeqeh is the newest model of Simorgh-class Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), a homegrown sophisticated aircraft made by reverse engineering of American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 which Iran could capture in its airspace in December 2011.

Iran has now a broad range of UAVs which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Back in August, the Army Ground Force unveiled a homegrown drone used for jamming and deception operations. In December 2014, the Ground Force for the first time utilized a type of suicide drone in a large-scale military exercise.

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9/11 Widow First to Sue Saudis under New Law

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 1, 2016

According to a report by Associated Press, as covered by Al Alam, Stephanie Ross DeSimone alleged that the Saudi kingdom provided material support to al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden, in a complaint filed Friday at a US court in Washington. Her suit is also filed on behalf of the couple’s daughter. DeSimone was pregnant when Navy Cmdr. Patrick Dunn was killed.

Fifteen of the 19 men who hijacked airliners used in the attacks were Saudis. One jet struck the Pentagon, seat of the US military, and two others destroyed the World Trade Centre’s twin towers in New York, while a fourth crashed in a Pennsylvania field as its passengers fought back against the hijackers.

A US commission that investigated the 2001 attacks said in a 2004 report that it “found no evidence that the Saudi government, as an institution, or senior officials within the Saudi government funded al-Qaeda.” Long-classified portions of a congressional inquiry released in July 2016 found the hijackers may have had help from some Saudi officials.

The kingdom has denied culpability. An official at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the state-run Saudi Press Agency on Thursday that the US Congress must correct the 9/11 bill to avoid “serious unintended consequences,” adding the law is of “great concern” to the Kingdom.

Opponents of the measure, including President Barack Obama, whose veto of the measure was overridden by the Congress, argue that opening the Saudis to liability could prompt that nation and others to take similar steps against the US by targeting American troops with lawsuits.

DeSimone, who is suing for wrongful death and intentional infliction of emotional distress, is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

The case is DeSimone v. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 16-cv-1944, US District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).

Commander: Iranian Version of S-300 Outdoes Russian Model in Range

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IFP Media Wire

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October 1, 2016

According to Air Defense Commander Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili, the range of Bavar-373 has increased 1.5-fold in comparison with S-300.

The commander did not elaborate any further, so it is not clear whether the improvement applies to detection or engagement range.

S-300 can identify the targets within a range of 300 kilometers and can take action against the objects within a 200-km radius.

Iran officially displayed components of Bavar-373, including its launchers and fire-control radar, in a ceremony in August, attended by President Hassan Rouhani.

Images of the Iranian missile system demonstrate the square shape of the final version of its launchers, as opposed to the initial cylindrical shape.

A distinguishing feature of Bavar-373 is its vertical launching system with square launchers, mostly used for air defense on warships.

The air defense system employs three different types of missiles to hit targets at various altitudes.

Iranian military technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.

Tehran has always assured other nations that its military might poses no threat to regional countries, saying that the Islamic Republic’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on October 1

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IFP Editorial Staff

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October 1, 2016

Newspapers on Saturday covered the Iranian government’s success in the recent OPEC meeting. The Oil Ministry managed to exempt Iran from the oil freeze plan, which was approved by all members, including Saudi Arabia.

They also highlighted the anti-Saudi law passed by the US Congress, which allows the victims of 9/11 attack to file lawsuits against the sponsors of terrorism.

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

Abrar:

1- Iraqi Army Frees Albu Diab in North of Ramadi

2- WSJ: Washington Supports Removal of Sanctions against 2 Iranian Banks after Release of American Prisoners

3- Fuad Masum: Ankara Still Refuses to Take Its Forces Out of Iraq

Abrar-e Eqtesadi:

1- Government Receives Permission for Purchase of $1.58bn Shares of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

2- Iran’s Central Bank Governor Calls for European Banks’ Support

3- Russia to Give Iran $5bn Loan for Completing Construction Projects

4- Iran and Greece Start Banking Talks

Afarinesh:

1- Saudi Arabia Warns US against Law to Prosecute Sponsors of Terrorism

2- Oil Minister: OPEC Made an Exceptional Decision during Algeria Meeting

3- Aviation Organization: Iran’s Negotiations with Airbus and Boeing Not Political

Afkar:

1- Saudi Arabia to Take Its Assets Out of US

2- Iran and India to Develop Port Cooperation

3- Stable Isotopes of Fordow to Become Operational in a Month

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Iran’s Great Oil Achievement and the Heavy Silence of Those Who Pretended to Be Worried about the Country’s Oil Industry; OPEC Forced to Accept Iran’s Stance

2- Saeid Jalili’s Candidacy in Next Year’s Presidential Elections Is Final

Amin:

1- Obama: Congress’ Move to Reject Veto Was Politically-Motivated

2- Expert: 3 Reasons for Which Iran’s Name Is Mentioned in US Presidential Debates

JCPOA Is Was of the Most Important Issues on Which US Elites and Parties Disagree
US Accuses Iran of Sponsoring Terrorism Because of Its Support for Jihadi Groups against Israel
In a Move to Please Arab Countries, Israel, and Even Turkey, US Claims that Iran Is Root Cause of Middle East Crises, Including the Ones in Yemen and Syria

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Senior Conservative Bahonar: We’re Not Looking for Someone Who Runs against Rouhani; My Score to JCPOA Is 16/20

2- Ayatollah Jannati Referring to Leader’s Advice to Ahmadinejad: Sedition Was Prevented from Beginning

Asrar:

1- Shamkhani’s Warning to Americans: More Serious Decisions to Be Made If US Continues to Violate Its Commitments

2- Washington Supports Removal of Sanctions against Two Iranian Banks

3- OPEC’s Exceptional Decision after Eight Years

4- Asghar Farhadi, the 13th Director in The Playlist’s Best and Most Exciting Directors Working Today; The Late Abbas Kiarostami Was Also among the Top 10 If He Was Alive

5- Interior Minister: Saudi Arabia Helping Bandits in Eastern Iran

Ebtekar:

1- Saudi Arabia in Isolation: Cold Ties between Riyadh and Washington; Grounds Prepared for Iran’s Powerful Presence in Region

Etemad:

1- Diplomacy of Saving Oil Industry: In Most Important Event in Algeria, Iran Managed to Establish Its 4m bpd Oil Output through Successful Diplomacy

2- Iran’s Former Envoy to OPEC: Economic Pressure Made Saudi Arabia Think Wisely

Ettela’at:

1- OPEC Decides to Decrease Oil Output: Oil Minister’s Consultations in Algiers Lead to Saudi Arabia’s Back-Off

2- Oil Minister: OPEC Oil Output to Be Decreased to 32.5 bpd

3- Deal with Renault for Annual Production of 300,000 Cars in Iran

4- Iran’s Presence in Atlantic Ocean in the Near Future: Army Navy Commander

5- Moscow’s Warning to US: Don’t Approach Our Forces in Syria

6- Nuclear Chief: JCPOA Has Opened Many Ways

Iran:

1- Ahmadinejad Didn’t Believe in Negotiation Based on Leader’s Conditions: Salehi

Javan:

1- Shamkhani: Belief in US Is Just a Mirage: Shamkhani

2- Salehi: US Is Violating Its Commitments in Lifting the Law that Restricts Visa for Europe Scientists

3- OPEC Is Revived

4- Arabs Crying over Shimon Peres’ Corpse!

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- Sanctions against Bank Sepah Lifted Based on Iran-US Deal

2- Syrian Crisis Puts US and Russia on Verge of Confrontation

Kayhan:

1- US Promise Was Empty: Kerry Says Washington Has Remained Committed to All of Its Promises!

2- Ansarullah Test-Fires Its New Missile by Hitting Saudi Arabia’s Military Base

Payam-e Zaman:

1- Heart Disease Accounts for 40% of Deaths among Iranian Youths

Resalat:

1- Washington Betrays Saudi Arabia: US Congress Rejects Obama’s Veto

2- Increase of Poverty in Britain

3- Sarkozy Becomes Focus of Attention in Europe

Setareh Sobh:

1- US Threatens to Leave Syria Talks: Possibility of an End to Syria War Less than Ever

Shargh:

1- Hillary or Trump, Which One Is More Dangerous to Iran: A Look at US Presidential Candidates’ Approaches

2- Judiciary Chief: It’s Not on Judiciary’s Agenda to Lift Death Penalty for Drug Smugglers

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- Result of Being a Servant: World Shocked by US Congress’ Anti-Saudi Law

Iran Rejects Any Preconditions for Ties with Germany

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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October 1, 2016

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi made it clear on Friday that ties between Tehran and Berlin are based upon mutual respect and interests, stressing that no precondition will be acceptable for the bilateral relations.

As regards the comments by Germany’s vice chancellor and minister of economy and energy, Sigmar Gabriel, about Palestine and Israel, Qassemi underscored that advocating the rights of Palestinians is an indispensable part of Iran’s foreign policy and that the Islamic Republic will by no means give up supporting the cause of Palestine.

Gabriel, who is schedule to visit Iran this week, has told Der Spiegel that Tehran and Berlin could enjoy amicable relations only when Iran “accepted Israel’s right to exist.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not let any country interfere in its internal affairs,” the spokesman added, in reaction to reports that Gabriel has plans to raise concerns about Iran’s human rights record in his upcoming visit.

Qassemi further highlighted Iran and Germany’s potential for cooperation in all fields, recommending the German officials to make comments more carefully and be aware of the attempts by the ill-wishers and those seeking to undermine Iran-Germany ties.

President Rouhani Congratulates China on National Day

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IFP Media Wire

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October 1, 2016

In his felicitation letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 67th National Day of Peoples Republic of China, Iranian President Rouhani expressed the hope that the two countries would witness further expansion of bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest, given the considerable capacities created during the visit of the Chinese President to Iran earlier this year.

President Rouhani further wished prosperity and well-being for the Chinese leadership and nation, as reported by Mehr and edited by IFP.

The People’s Republic of China celebrates National Day on Oct. 1, a holiday honouring the founding date of the country. The National Day marks the start of only one of the Golden Weeks during which the nation take part in various forms of festivities.

Religious Ceremony of Carpet Washing Held in Central Iran

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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October 1, 2016

Every year, people travel to Mashhad-e Ardehal on the second Friday of autumn to mourn and represent the religious ritual.

The Carpet Washing [Ghali Shuyan] Ceremony is said to commemorate the passing away of a descendant of fifth Shiite Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH) named Imamzadeh Soltan Ali. The ritual takes place at his shrine in Mashhad-e Ardehal near Kashan, central Iran.

To perform the ritual that annually attracts thousands of people to Mashhad-e Ardehal, young men gather at the shrine where its large carpet is wrapped in green textile and delivered to them.

Thereafter the young men take the carpet to wash it in a nearby spring while they whirl sticks in the air that symbolize the clubs (used as weapons centuries ago) and recite religious poems.

Back in 2012, the ritual was inscribed on the UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Here are photos of the religious Carpet Washing Ceremony released by different Iranian news outlets:

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France’s Renault Signs MoU to Establish Sales Centers in Iran

By

IFP Media Wire

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October 1, 2016

The agreement was inked in Paris on Friday on the sidelines of the 2016 Paris Motor Show with Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and senior officials of the French automaker, including CEO Carlos Ghosn, in attendance.

The head of the IDRO, Mansour Moazzami, and the deputy CEO of Renault have signed the agreement to establish a joint venture which will pave the way for a more active presence of the French company in Iran.

According to the MoU, Renault, jointly with the IDRO Group, will set up an automobile factory and sales and after-sales service centers in Iran for the first time.

Iran’s automotive industry is the second largest industry of the country, after its oil and gas, accounting for 10% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The industry is expected to grow significantly after Iran and six world powers on July 14, 2015 reached a conclusion over the text of a comprehensive deal on Tehran’s nuclear program and started implementing the agreement on January 16.

The nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) terminated all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran.

Escalating India-Pakistan Crisis Fuels Regional Insecurity: Iran

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IFP Media Wire

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October 1, 2016

“The escalation of tensions and continuation of the crisis between these two countries will prepare the ground for extremist and terrorist groups and the countries supporting them to spread insecurity and create more instability in the region,” Bahram Qassemi said on Friday.

Iran invites the two neighboring countries to exercise self-restraint and avoid non-peaceful approaches, he added.

Tehran also calls on New Delhi and Islamabad to solve their differences through direct talks and political means, the Iranian spokesperson said.

Qassemi expressed hope that the two countries would adopt “rational and non-military strategies” to find peaceful and lasting solutions to the conflict.

He said countries such as India and Pakistan, which have rich culture and civilization, can once again solve their differences through diplomacy and reciprocal visits at different levels.

The Iranian spokesman emphasized that more efforts by India and Pakistan at the current juncture can thwart all plots by regional and international ill-wishers.

Tensions have been growing between Pakistan and India ever since New Delhi said it conducted “surgical strikes” against militants across the de facto borderline dividing the disputed region of Kashmir on Wednesday.

The Pakistani military, however, rejected such claims and said, “There has been no surgical strike by India.”

Pakistan also said on Thursday that two of its soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire with Indian troops across the de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also warned to “respond forcefully” to what he referred to as actions meant to “please India’s media and public.”

Indian and Pakistani forces have been engaged in similar clashes in the disputed region over the past months. Each side accuses the other of provocation.

In 2003, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire along the LoC in Kashmir and launched peace talks a year later. The process was, however, suspended after terrorist attacks killed over 160 people in the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008. New Delhi blamed the attacks on Pakistan-based militants.

The restive Muslim-majority region has also witnessed a rise in mass protests and violent attacks since early July, when a pro-independence figure was killed in a shootout with Indian troops.