New Iran-South Korea Container Service

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June 15, 2016

IRISL’s HDM Loop service, which called at the port of Busan in February for the first time since 2012, will now connect the Iranian ports of Bandar Abbas and Asaluyeh with South Korea’s Incheon Port and Gwangyang port. The service also calls at Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian and Shanghai in China, and Jebel Ali in Dubai on its return voyage to Iran, according to the South Korean news source.

“We believe that Iran will be the starting point for opening a new Silk Road to expand trade with Iran’s neighbouring countries, like the Middle Eastern countries, as well as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan,” said Yoo Chang-keun, president of the Incheon Port Authority, announcing the launch of the new service.

The addition of the service comes in the wake of increasing high-level contacts between political and business figures of the two countries, including an early May visit to Tehran by South Korean President Park Geun-hye, accompanied by a delegation of 230 business executives.

Trade between South Korea and Iran is currently valued at around $6.1bn per year compared with a pre-sanctions high of $17.4bn in 2011.

Container traffic between the two countries at that time was around 180,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units annually, with much of it carried on IRISL’s thrice-weekly service calling at Busan and Gwangyang, which was halted after the introduction of sanctions in 2012.

Busan Port Authority said it expects the number of containers shipped between the two countries to rise quickly to around 100,000 per year from around 40,000 at the moment.
Automotive parts, construction materials, food supplies, cosmetics, home appliances and household items are expected to make up the majority of cargo shipped from South Korea to Iran.

“I am pleased to see the opening of the new route connecting Incheon Port to the Middle East in the wake of restarting the economic cooperation between the two countries,” said G.H. Zahmatkesh, chief executive officer of Compass Maritime, IRISL’s South Korean agency. The new link will boost trade volumes between South Korea, Iran and Central Asia, he said.

IRISL Managing Director Mohammad Saeedi said he expected a regular direct connection with Japan would be launched shortly.

It was reported last week that Iran would place billions of dollars’ worth of orders for ships and rigs from South Korean shipyards as it seeks to upgrade its aging national fleet.

IRISL is understood to be in talks with Hyundai Heavy Industries to build as many as six 14,500-TEU container ships. A memorandum of understanding has also been signed with Hyundai Heavy subsidiary, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, for 10 petroleum-product tankers, worth around $30m each, and six handysize bulk carriers worth around $20m each.

Saudi Embassy Attackers to Be Tried in July: Spokesman

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IFP Editorial Staff

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June 15, 2016

The accused are going to be tried on July 18 in Branch 1060 of Tehran’s 2nd Criminal Court, Ejei told Tasnim, as translated by IFP.

He had earlier noted that lawsuits have been filed against 48 people in this case, 3 or 4 of which will be addressed by the Special Court for Clerics.

In the early hours of January 3, angry demonstrators attacked Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran in protest at Riyadh’s execution of prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Police arrested those identified as being involved in the attack and President Hassan Rouhani condemned the move afterwards. However, Saudi officials decided to sever ties with Iran.

Tehran to host European Iranologists

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IFP Media Wire

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June 15, 2016

The meeting was held in the wake of Soleimani’s trip last week to Italy to follow up on the results of his talks with scientific and cultural figures, especially Italian Persian specialists. Tehran’s hosting of the S.I.E conference is regarded as one the most important decisions made by both sides.

Explaining their plans and the outcomes of his trip to Italy, Soleimani called for more cooperation between both sides in fields like culture, archaeology, Iranology and developing bilateral interactions.

Both sides agreed on Italy’s multilateral presence in next round of the Tehran Book Fair, which will result in boosting cultural interaction between the two countries. Italy also called for performing activities in art, music, cultural heritage, literature, science and technology with Iran’s cooperation.

Zarif and Kerry Meet in Norway

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IFP Media Wire

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June 15, 2016

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2016 edition of the Oslo Forum, an annual international conference of armed conflict mediators and peace process actors.

In the get-together at an Oslo hotel, the two senior diplomats discussed issues about the implementation process of the JCPOA, the nuclear agreement between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).

Earlier on Tuesday, diplomatic delegations from Iran and the EU, led by Zarif and the EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini, also met in Oslo and discussed ways to remove obstacles to JCPOA implementation.

While the nuclear accord came into force in January, Iran has complained about the failure of some of the parties, especially the US, to fully implement the deal.

In Tehran, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei in a Tuesday meeting with senior Iranian officials took a swipe at Washington for its failure to honour commitments under the JCPOA, saying, “The duty of the other side was removing the sanctions, but it has not fulfilled that duty, meaning that it has lifted part of the sanctions in some way, but the sanctions have not been lifted practically.”

While US officials claim verbally that there is no obstacle to banking relations with Iran, they actually take measures that the international banks “would not dare to trade with Iran,” the Leader stressed.

Imam Khamenei also noted that nobody should justify Washington’s serious breach of the deal in stifling the foreign banks’ interaction with Iran.

The Leader also touched on the US obstructive actions when it comes to insurance for the Iranian oil tankers, saying the US which is part of the “major structures” of insurance companies will not let that structure offer services to Iran.

Moreover, the Leader noted, Iran has still problems in having access to its oil incomes that have been blocked in the banks of other countries, since those assets are in US dollars and have been kept frozen due to US hostility.

Rouhani: Government Created over 1 Million Jobs

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IFP Media Wire

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June 15, 2016

According to statistics, there are now over 22m people in the country who are employed, Rouhani said, while addressing a June 14 evening meeting, where the Supreme Leader received the heads of the three branches of the Government and a group of high ranking executive officials.

Rouhani said that control of foreign exchange market, economic growth and the exit from recession have been among the important achievements of the government since it took office in August 2013.

The government has also had great success in the fields of oil and agriculture, and in the field of foreign trade, he said, the country has experienced positive development.

In the past Iranian calendar year that ended on March 19, non-oil exports from the country were greater than non-oil imports, which was a record for the first time during the past 60 years, the president noted. Iran also could witness a positive balance of trade for the first time in eight years, he added.

On the nuclear talks, Rouhani said the nation’s rights had been stabilized and unjust anti-Iran sanctions had been lifted after negotiations.

President Rouhani called for further unity and resistance, saying they are needed to achieve the country’s goals.

Chabahar a Vital 21st Century Port: Chinese Official

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IFP Media Wire

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June 15, 2016

Wang Zhan, who is touring Chabahar Free Trade Zone heading a delegation, made the remarks in a meeting with several local Iranian officials in the south-eastern province. Wang said he is on a governmental mission to survey the investment opportunities in different regions across the globe.

He arrived in Chabahar on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at surveying the investment opportunities in petrochemical arenas, ports and Chabahar Free Trade Zone. Wang also expressed hope that the ground could be prepared for Chinese investment in Chabahar.

Last month, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed an agreement on establishment of an international corridor between the three countries – known as Chabahar agreement. The agreement was signed in Tehran in the presence of heads of state of the three countries.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani believes that Chabahar will serve as the starting point of the transit corridor between the South and East as well as between the South and North.

Once the railway between Chabahar and Zahedan and the railway between Zahedan and Sarakhs are completed, the Port of Chabahar can become a port linking different countries, including India, Afghanistan, Central Asian countries, Caucasus and Eastern Europe, the president said.

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 15

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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June 15, 2016

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met senior Iranian officials in Tehran on Tuesday night. During the meeting, the Leader emphasized that if the other parties to the JCPOA, the nuclear deal, tear it up, Iran would set it on fire. The sentence was repeatedly mentioned by almost all Iranian newspapers on Wednesday. To avoid repetition, IFP has avoided citing all of them, and focused on other remarks quoted by newspapers from the Leader’s comments.

A meeting between Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerry in Oslo was also a top story in many papers.

Saudi Arabia’s sponsorship of US election campaigns, as well as the huge increase of Iran’s oil output and exports were also widely covered.

Abrar:

1- West Should Play a Far More Active Role in Removing Anti-Iran Sanctions: Zarif

2- I Issued Fatwa to Defend Iraq against Foreigners, Not Sunnis: Top Shiite Cleric Sistani

3- We Should Further Encourage Companies to Do Business with Iran: Mogherini

4- Zarif and Kerry Will Meet Today: Araqchi

5- Conflicting Reports of Death of ISIS Leader

6- Russia Can Attack Eastern Europe in Few Hours

7- Thirst, Hunger, Escape from ISIS: Humanitarian Catastrophe in Fallujah

Aftab-e Yazd:

1- Think-Tanks Are Formed to Taint Gov’t

2- They Have Created an Unfair Atmosphere against Gov’t: Minister

Arman-e Emrooz:

1- Government Spokesman: Opponents of Gov’t Hold Regular Meetings on Saturdays [to discuss what they are going to focus on during the week]

2- Both Opponents and Proponents of JCPOA Exaggerate: Leader

3- Impossible to Deceive People Anymore by Distorting the Facts: Rafsanjani

4- Kiarostami’s Latest Film [Like Someone in Love] Selected as Third Best Film of Century

5- Ahmadinejad Is the Product of Limited Political Space

Asia:

1- US Treasury Becomes Guide to Investment in Iran

2- Iran-US Talks on Sidelines of Oslo Summit

Asrar:

1- Inflation, Downturn, and Unemployment Are Inheritance of Previous Gov’t: Rafsanjani

2- Iran Reaches Agreement with Boeing: Minister

3- Alarming Rate of Child Marriage in Tehran

4- Bin Salman: 20% of Clinton’s Campaign Budget Funded by Saudi Arabia

Bani Film:

1- Exclusive Interview with Cannes Film Festival’s Director [Thierry Fremaux]: We Don’t Give Recommendations to Juries for Any Movie

2- Ken Loach Ashamed of Making Ad for McDonald’s

3- Downton Abbey’s Creator to Make Film about Rolling Stones

Ebtekar:

1- 3.8-Fold Increase in Oil Output under Rouhani’s Administration

Emtiaz:

1- Iranian Films Advertised on Satellite Channels to Be Banned from Public Screening: Prosecutor-General

2- 2.1m Iranians on Verge of Sudden Unemployment

3- Issuance of E-Visas for Foreign Tourists to Begin by Year End

Etemad:

1- In JCPOA, Other Party Has Failed to Fulfil Its Duty, Which Was Removing the Sanctions: Leader

Ettela’at:

1- Iran’s Oil Export Amounts to 2m bpd: Minister

2- Women Are Problem-Solvers, Not Problems: President

3- Criticism of JCPOA Is Not at All Criticism of Our Dear Brothers, It’s an Evaluation of Other Party’s Performance: Leader

4- ISIS Paris Terror Attack Once Again Fills France with Fear

5- 23 German Mountaineers Surprised by Snow in Kelardasht Heights

Ghanoon:

1- JCPOA Has Both Positive and Negative Points: Leader

2- Resistance Economy Is Not Isolation from the World: Zarif’s Important Speech in Oslo

Hamshahri:

1- Labour Minister Defends Payment of $68,000 Salary

2- Recession and Unemployment Are Caused More by Government’s Policies and Plans than Sanctions: Leader

Iran:

1- Parliament Speaker Praises Government’s Action on Unconventional Salaries

2- Enemies Hatching Plots to Destroy Iran’s Capabilities: Leader

3- Effective Consultation between Iran and Europe for Resolving JCPOA Problems

Jame Jam:

1- Iran’s Government, Judiciary, and Parliament Resolved to Prevent Payment of Astronomical Salaries

Javan:

1- We Cannot Rely on Illusion of “Coming to Terms with US”: Leader

2- Telegram’s Plan to Influence Iran’s Presidential Elections

3- Zarif, Too, Joins Government “Almost Nothing” Campaign: US Has Just Removed Sanctions on Paper, FM Says

Jomhouri Eslami:

1- We Should Boost the Country’s Capabilities: Ayatollah Khamenei

2- We’ll Not Violate JCPOA, But If They Tear It Up as US Republican Candidates Say, We’ll Burn It: Leader

3- Clinton Accuses Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar of Funding Terrorists

4- Chomsky: Europe Following Washington’s Policies Blindly

5- Iran’s Oil Exports to Europe Back to Pre-Sanctions Level

6- US Treasury Department Issues New Instructions to Clear Ambiguities about Trade with Iran

Kayhan:

1- If Americans Tear UP the JCPOA, We’ll Burn It: Leader

2- I Have Greatest Respect for Revolutionary and Religious Youth: Leader

3- Kayhan’s Manager Summoned to Court Because of Government’s New Complaints

4- Police Chasing Takfiris [terrorists] in European and American Streets

5- Israel Becomes Head of UN Counter-Terrorism Committee!

Khorasan:

1- New Scandal for UN: Zionist Regime [Israel] Becomes Chair of UN Legal Committee!

2- Orlando Shooter Was a Member of Gay Club Himself: AP

Resalat:

1- Iran Has World’s Highest Rate of Lawsuits Filed: Minister

2- Saudi Role in US Elections: US Polls Taste of Oil and Blood

Shahrvand:

1- Like Someone in Love: Kiarostami’s Latest Work Chosen as Century’s Third Best Film

2- Tehran Prosecutor-General Urges IRIB to Pave the Way for Advertisement of Iranian Films

Shargh:

1- Ominous Legacy of Former Gov’t: Rafsanjani Underlines Need for Resolving Inflation, Recession, and Unemployment

2- Ahmadinejad Had Access to First-Degree Intelligence Ministry Cases: Former MP

Vaghaye Ettefaghieh:

1- Saudis Worried about Collapse of Regional Order and Emergence of Iran: Immediate Challenge in Middle East Is Resolution of Tehran-Riyadh Tension

2- Flight in Crisis: Airlines in Bad Financial Condition

Vatan-e Emrooz:

1- US Failed to Fulfil Lion’s Share of Its Commitments: Leader

2- Italy Refuses to Return Iran’s Satellite Mesbah

3- Bin Salman’s Blow to Hillary: Saudis Buy US Presidential Candidates

4- New Aerospace Sanctions: Americans Arrest Iran Chamber of Commerce Member for Buying Plane Parts

Iran Deal Allows for Sales of Passenger Planes: Kirby

By

IFP Media Wire

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June 15, 2016

John Kirby said on Tuesday June 14 that the deal included a statement that “Allowed for a case-by-case licensing of individuals and entities seeking to export, re-export, sell, lease or transfer to Iran commercial passenger aircraft … exclusively for commercial passenger aviation.”

His comments followed reports that Iran had reached an agreement with Boeing for the supply of jetliners after months of negotiations.

Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhoundi said earlier that the deal with Boeing had been finalized, adding that its details will be announced within the next few days.

Akhoundi added that Iran was able to save at least $5m in its last negotiations over the finalization of the purchase.

In January, Iran signed a major deal worth $27bn with aviation giant Airbus to purchase 118 planes from the company. The deal with Airbus was sealed during a state visit to Paris by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani.

Apart from Airbus and Boeing, Iran is also negotiating with several other global aviation giants over the purchases of planes, including Bombardier and Embraer.

Iran has a fleet of 250 aircraft, of which 90 are grounded due to the economy or missing parts, Parvaresh further told Reuters.

Of that total, 80% will need to be renewed in the next decade, he said, adding that growth could add even more jets to Iran’s shopping list.

President: Cabinet Shamed by Unemployment

By

IFP Media Wire

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June 15, 2016

“It’s a shame for the administration that the Iranian educated youth are unemployed,” the President said on Tuesday evening, June 14, at a meeting between Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and senior Iranian officials in Tehran. He was referring to recent comments made by Ayatollah Khamenei voicing concern about the burden of unemployment.

Back in June, at a meeting with the members of Iran’s new Parliament, Imam Khamenei touched on the subject of job opportunities in the country, saying, “The shame that burdens this humble person’s heart, over unemployed youth going home empty-handed, is no less than their burden of shame.”

In last night’s meeting, the Leader referred to economic recession and unemployment as the country’s two major problems. He also explained that such predicaments are blamed on the policies and plans of the country’s various cabinets, rather than the foreign sanctions.

As regards the remedies for recession and unemployment, Imam Khamenei urged compliance with Resistance Economy strategies and serious support for Iranian knowledge-based companies.

If Other Side Tears It Up, Iran Will Burn JCPOA: Leader

By

IFP Editorial Staff

-

June 15, 2016

Speaking in a meeting with the heads of the three branches of the Iranian government and the country’ senior officials in Tehran on Tuesday, June 14, the Leader pointed to the threats by some US presidential hopefuls to scrap last year’s nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying the Islamic Republic would respond strongly to such a move.

“We will not violate the JCPOA, but if the opposite side violates it – as US presidential candidates are currently threatening to tear up the JCPOA – if they tear up the JCPOA, we will burn it,” the Leader stated, as reported by Press TV.

Referring to the vigorous debate within the country which has surrounded the issue, Khamenei defined his message as being aimed solely at foreign parties, as highlighted by Mehr. “On the JCPOA, both proponents and opponents have engaged in frenetic activity opposing or defending the deal; I directly address foreign parties to the deal and not our negotiators on this issue.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said the US has so far failed to fulfil a major part of its obligations under the JCPOA, while Iran has abided by its commitments, such as regarding its 20% uranium enrichment as well as constraints regarding the Fordow and Arak nuclear facilities.

“Under the JCPOA, the other side was duty-bound to [fully] lift the sanctions, which it has not done. The banking issues have not been solved. The issue of the insurance of oil tankers has been implemented only at a limited level,” the Leader said. “The oil payment and our assets which we have in other countries are not returned to us.”

The Leader emphasized that it is a “misconception that we [the Islamic Republic] can come to terms with the US. We cannot rely on illusions.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said Washington’s issue with Iran is the very existence of the Islamic Republic, which cannot be negotiated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader also warned of enemy plots to hinder Iran’s progress. “The agenda of the enemy today is to stop or eliminate the capabilities of the Islamic Republic, or at least to prevent their growth,” Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized.

The Leader also stressed the importance of increasing the country’s capabilities.

“I have often reiterated that the country must grow in power and that we must increase our potential,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated, adding that it is only then that Iranian officials can expect the nation to have peace of mind.

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

IRAN FRONT PAGELatest News and Views From Iran, Middle East and the World

New Iran-South Korea Container Service

Saudi Embassy Attackers to Be Tried in July: Spokesman

Tehran to host European Iranologists

Zarif and Kerry Meet in Norway

Rouhani: Government Created over 1 Million Jobs

Chabahar a Vital 21st Century Port: Chinese Official

A Look at Iranian Newspaper Front Pages on June 15

Iran Deal Allows for Sales of Passenger Planes: Kirby

President: Cabinet Shamed by Unemployment

If Other Side Tears It Up, Iran Will Burn JCPOA: Leader

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