US Navy confirms leaving Iran naval drill zone after warnings

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January 28, 2016

In a Wednesday statement, US Navy Commander Kevin Stephens, however, tried to gloss over the incident and play down the warnings as routine announcements.

“Iran has announced closure areas for live-fire events associated with its exercise,” Stephens said, adding, “This is a common practice for any navy conducting such training at sea.”

Stephens didn’t say why the US warship was in the area if it had been declared as closed to navigation. Instead, he said the US Navy did not consider the warnings to be “orders.”

Earlier in the day, Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said the US warship had been warned “once by maritime patrol aircraft and again by the Alborz destroyer.”

The Iranian commander said that the warship “accordingly left the area” near the Strait of Hormuz, adding the vessel was accompanied by patrol aircraft when it was approaching the drill zone.

The ongoing “Velayat 94” exercises are the biggest annual maneuvers by Iran’s Navy, which is assessing its tactics and combat routines through the drills.

Sayyari announced the launch of the tactical stage of the drills on Wednesday morning, during which the marines are planned to simulate the interception of invaders.

Various military vessels and submarines are being used in the exercises held across a large expanse of territorial and international waters covering parts of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Indian Ocean south of Iran.

The communication between Iranian and US forces was the first since 10 US Navy troops were captured by the naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) earlier this month. The Americans were shortly released after admitting that they mistakenly drifted into Iranian territorial waters.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 28

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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January 28, 2016

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s Euro-tour is still catching headlines in Iran; the latest developments in the international arenas regarding removal of sanctions and opening up of new pathways for Tehran reach global markets were also highlighted by the Iranian press on Thursday.

Here are the highlight:

Abrar:

1- China calls for new UN measure against Pyongyang

2- Majlis Speaker visits infrastructures of Imam Hossein holy shrine

3- US warship leaves Iran’s drill area after warning

4- Deputy FM leaves Tehran for Ashgabat

5- Iran’s navy starts massive drill

Arman-e Emrouz:

1- France bows to Iranian moderation

2- Key of US ties in Washington

3- Reformists to radicals:

Rest assured, we will not pull back

4- Tehran sitting on time bomb

Head of Iran Red Crescent Society warns about earthquake

5- Russian planes incompatible with Iran climate

Asrar:

1- Obama signs executive order revoking Iran nuclear sanctions

2- Iran, EU nuclear talks next month: deputy FM

3- Judiciary Chief: 15m files proceeding in Iran judiciary

4- Rouhani in Italy: 1000 apologies by Saudis not enough

5- British Airways Tehran-London direct flights in 2 months

6- Fabius: Iran, France relations to fully normalize

7- Iran Navy: Iran warned US warship to leave war-game area

8- Iran FM’s efforts to facilitate trips of 400 Thousand Iranian expatriates in the UK

Emtiaz:

1- Signer writes of aftermaths of interview with satellite channel

Salar Aqili, a prominent traditional Iranian singer, had an interview with a satellite channel which spurred severe reactions inside Iran which

led to his disqualification from the prestigious Fajr Poetry Festival.

2- Wives of Iran diplomats mount charity flea market

3- Iran legalizes raise in train ticket fairs

4- Culture minister says Fajr films are very different from previous years

Hemayat:

1- Illegal ownership of lands, mountains slops and sea shores diminished: Prosecution General

2- Judiciary Chief: Unregistered the deals reason behind most of legal disputes

3- Plane makers jockey to enter Iran market

4- Syrian authorities: no talks with terrorists

5- Lavrov: West’s excessive demands prolonged the talks

Hosban:

1- Rouhani: Everything ready for win-win Iran-Europe ties

2- Signature of 5 Iranian firms for electricity exports

Iran:

– Iran diplomacy train arrives in Paris:

Élysée red carpet for Iranian president

New chapter opens in Tehran-Paris ties after 17 years

Javan:

– No one was wary of Marcus

Khorasan:

– Paris hosts Rouhani

Rahe Mardom:

1- Unhealthy fast foods in Iranian people’s meals

2- Gov’t spokesman: Inflation still diminishing

Resalat:

– Republicans serious threat to humanity: Chomsky

Ebtekar:

1. European JCPOA

-Deputy FM: Green continent keen on relations with Iran

– Tehran, Brussels to host future talks

– Rouhani’s tour to France, Italy opens new doors to Europe

2. Reformist figure calls on youths to vote in February elections

3. Editorial: Miracle of respectful rhetoric in diplomacy

Ebtekar daily

Ettela’at:

1. Rouhani in talks with French authorities

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Paris underlined opening of a new chapter in Iran-Europe ties.

2. Ban Ki-Moon: Israel land grabber

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday criticized Israel’s new plans for Jewish settlements in the West Bank and spoke of growing Palestinian frustration after 50 years of Israeli military rule.

3. No hindrance for Europeans’ activities in Iran: Washington

4. UN: Saudi-led coalition violates human rights in Yemen

5. Canada alters Iran policy

6. Gov’t Spokesman: 6th development plan, road map for country’s promotion.

Ettelaat

Etemad:

1. Iran navy drill east of Hormuz Strait

2. Economic fete; Parisian partner

A report about President Rouhani’s Euro tour

Judiciary Chief calls for ban on import of foreign goods

3. Coldest, cleanest day in capital

Tehran is going through its cleanest, coldest days of the year.

4. Rouhani: Key to Iran, US ties in Washington

President Rouhani said had the key been in Tehran, Iran would have already used it.

Afkar:

1. Abubaker al-Baghdadi is in Iraq

2. Iran warns US warship

3. Canada lifts Iran sanctions

Amin:

1. Syrian opposition in dilemma: Accept or decline Kerry proposal

2. Islamophobia, desecration of religious values assist terrorists: Rouhani

Jamejam:

1. People’s health plaything of smuggled foodstuff

2. Resistive economy absent in 6th plan

Jomhouri Eslami:

1. French eye-catching reception of enhancing economic, political ties with Iran

2. UN chief slams Israeli settlements in unusual tone

3. Obama signs executive order revoking Iran nuclear sanctions

Hamdeli:

– Iran rises 5 ranks in economic corruption: Transparency International report said

Abrar-e Eghtesadi:

1. Russia supports Iran’s crude export boost

2. London’s 50m pound credit line for Tehran trade

3. National British airliner returns to Iran

4. World Bank predictions slash oil prices by $14

5. Airbus overtakes Boeing in Iran sky

6. Iranian cars ground up in Oman with no cash investments

7. Iran finally launched first online TV

Iran-France ties must make up for sanction-related losses: Rouhani

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 28, 2016

During a meeting with French Senate President Gerard Larcher in Paris on Wednesday, Rouhani noted that Tehran and Paris can cooperate to help solve regional and international problems and take effective measures to promote peace and stability throughout the world.

President Rouhani highlighted that the threat of dangerous terrorist groups who are wreaking havoc across the globe can only be neutralized through closer international and multilateral ties.

The visiting president also offered condolences over the Paris attacks which claimed the lives of 130 people in November, saying, “These terrorist actions show that terrorism is a dangerous pandemic that threatens the whole world, including European cities.”

In his turn, Larcher said that the removal of sanctions is a suitable opportunity for the swift improvement of relations between the two countries, and that France is optimistic about the outcome of the historic visit by the Iranian president.

“France trusts Iran’s positive role in solving regional problems and battling terrorism,” he added.

Sanctions imposed on Iran over its peaceful nuclear activities were recently lifted following the implementation of a historic nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Also on Wednesday, Rouhani (seen below) met with a group of directors from important French companies with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron in attendance.

“I am sure that your presence in this meeting shows your preparedness for cooperation in Iran’s economy, which is replete with potentials and opportunities… ” he said.

He added that making banking and insurance preparations are the best steps towards restarting economical ties between the two countries.

Rouhani is in France upon an official invitation by President Francois Hollande. The trip is the second and last leg of the president’s four-day tour of Europe, which began on January 25 in Rome, Italy.

Rouhani’s Paris visit to help tackle regional crises: French FM

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 28, 2016

“This visit, which we hope is successful, will allow us to address the international situation and regional crises where we hope Iran can play a positive role, notably in Syria and Lebanon,” Fabius said in a statement on Wednesday ahead of Rouhani’s arrival in the French capital.

The top French diplomat added that the trip could also be very helpful for promoting bilateral relations between Iran and France, saying it could be very important particularly from an economic point of view.

Fabius said the nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in July 2014, in which he said France played a major role, was a turning point in relations between Tehran and Paris.

He added that the deal, which was also signed by the United States, Russia, China, Germany and Britain, “opened the way to a reinforcement” of Iran-France relations.

Leading a high-ranking political and business delegation, President Rouhani is due to arrive in Paris later on Wednesday. He left the Italian capital of Rome earlier in the day after a two-day visit to the country.

France will be the last station of Rouhani’s tour of Europe, where he is planned to hold meetings with President Francois Hollande and other senior officials. The trip is expected to open a new chapter in business and trade relations between the two countries as officials will strike deals worth billions of dollars.

During Rouhani’s stay in Italy, the two countries signed 14 major contracts worth about USD 17 billion.

Zarif tweets about Rouhani’s Vatican visit

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 27, 2016

Iranian Foreign Minister Mr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, commenting on the meeting between President Rrouhani and Pope Francis said two both sides committed themselves to campaign against violence.

Mr. Zarif in his twitter page, while referring to President Rouhani’s visit to Vatican and his talks with Pope Francis has written:” mutual commitment to join efforts for a World Against Violence and Extremism #WAVE.”

President Rouhani heading a high ranking delegation visited Italy Monday and Tuesday and met and held talks with Italian President and Prime Minister as well as a large number of country’s trade and industrial executives.

He then went to Vatican and had an audience with Pope Francis. Mr. Rouhani is first Iranian President visiting Europe for more that a decade.

Iran exports saffron to U.S for the first time in 15 years

By

IFP Editorial Staff

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January 27, 2016

Following the implementation of nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, first shipment of Iranian saffron to U.S. will be send in the coming week, announced Head of Iran’s Saffron Exports Development Fund.

“After the removal of sanctions on Tehran, European countries like Spain intend to import directly our saffron”, Mohammad Javad Rezaie told ISNA news agency, “while during the sanctions period, export of the red gold was limited and fell dramatically due to the banking restrictions that made financial transactions more difficult”.

He added that for now we received purchasing call from U.S. and first shipment of 20 kilogram saffron is prepared to send to the country and is expected to be exported in the next week.

During the sanctions period, countries such as UAE and even Spain acted as middleman with importing Iranian saffron and then re-exporting it under their brand and packaging to global market, he said.

Mr Rezaie also told direct saffron export to European countries could boost Iranian saffron market by 40 percent.

Military maneuver ‘Velayat-94’ commences

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 27, 2016

The maneuver started work in eastern region of Strait of Hormuz in south of Iran.

The Velayat-94 war games have four phases and are being conducted in an area of three kilometers.

On Tuesday, Sayyari told reporters that Velayat-94 drills are to show Iran’s defense power.

It also carries the message of peace and friendship to the regional states, Sayyari said.

As Sayyari said the maneuver aims to show Iranian forces’ strength both in ensuring security on the seas and in defending the country’s sea borders in Hormuz Strait, Sea of Oman and north of the Indian Ocean.

Saudi execution of Nimr was big mistake: President Rouhani

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 27, 2016

The Iranian president made the remark during a press conference in the Italian capital of Rome, where he is on a state visit.

Answering a question from reporters, President Rouhani said Saudi officials should apologize for the killing of Nimr, the massacre of the Yemeni people, the killing of a large number of people during last year’s Hajj rituals, and the support of terrorists active in the region.

Regarding the assaults on Saudi diplomatic missions in the Iranian capital, Tehran, and the city of Mashhad following the killing of Nimr, the Iranian president said Iran has fulfilled all of its duties to reduce tensions.

Saudi Arabia announced on January 2 that it had executed Sheikh Nimr, an outspoken critic of the regime in Riyadh. The execution caused international outrage and sparked anti-Saudi demonstrations in many countries, including Iran.

Demonstrations were held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad. Some angry protesters mounted the walls of the consulate in Mashhad while incendiary devices were hurled at the embassy in Tehran.

“We condemned the raid on the embassy, (and) identified and arrested the assailants… [They] will be tried. But Saudi measures in continuing tensions are unjustifiable,” President Rouhani said.

Around 100 people were detained over the transgression, which was strongly denounced by top Iranian officials. Nevertheless, the Saudi government severed diplomatic relations with Iran on January 3 following the raids.

In Yemen, Riyadh has been engaged in a military aggression against the impoverished country since late March 2015. Some 8,300 people have been killed and over 16,000 others injured since the strikes began.

Saudi Arabia has also been blamed for the death of a large number of people in a deadly crush during Hajj rituals in Mina, near Mecca, last September. Riyadh claims nearly 770 people were killed in the incident, but Iranian officials say about 4,700 people lost their lives.

Iran and the US

The Iranian president also said that the US administration can take the opportunity to enhance economic relation with Iran following the implementation of Tehran’s landmark nuclear agreement with six world powers.

“Non-hostile and tension-free relations between Iran and the US are possible; the key to this lies in Washington not in Tehran; and they should use the key, put aside hostilities and pressure on Iranian people,” Rouhani said, adding that US officials “should understand that the era of sanctions and pressure has ended.”

He further stressed that the US administration should come to the understanding that conflicts in the Middle East region will not be settled without consultations with Iran.

Heavy snow covers Kandovan village

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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January 27, 2016

The inhabitants of troglodyte homes, excavated inside volcanic rocks and tuffs, in Kandovan village of East Azerbaijan province, spend winter days under heavy snow.

The following images have been released by Mehr News Agency:

1 of 16

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 27

By

IFP Editorial Staff

-

January 27, 2016

Iran is positioning itself as a regional peacemaker and a global trade partner for international companies and world countries now that the US-engineered sanctions on Tehran’s nuclear agenda are being removed thanks to the historic nuclear deal Iran, the third largest OPEC crude oil exporter, struck with the P5+1 group of countries back in July. As a first move since last week that the sanctions’ removal began, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has started a whistle-blow tour to Europe to seek economic opportunities with the green continent. This grabbed a lot of headlines on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Moreover, Rouhani’s meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican and the Iranian business delegation accompanying Rouhani also won some headlines as well.

Regarding domestic developments, the Guardian Council, the body responsible for vetting the Islamic credentials of parliamentary and Assembly of Experts hopefuls in the late February elections, announced its final decision regarding the list of qualified nominees that can start their election campaigns across the country. Among the most outstanding hopefuls that took many headlines were Hashemi Rafsanjani who was qualified and Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini, was announced disqualified.

Here are the main titles:

Abrar:

1- Iran to transfer gold dome of two Shia Imams to Samarra once safety is restored

2- Hashemi Rafsanjani qualifies for Assembly of Experts

Afkar:

1- Parliament nods motion to bolster Basij militia
2- Rouhani: Iran not intended to interfere in any country
3- Putin threat to Turkey شايد threatens باشد
4- Iran, Spain sign cooperation documents

Arman-e Emrouz:

1- Historic meeting in Vatican

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met Pope Francis in Vatican during a European tour aimed at positioning Tehran as a potential top player in efforts to resolve Middle East conflicts, including Syrian civil war.

2- “Enough for now”

“I will talk in a day or two,” said Mr. Khomeini. “Whatever comes to us is what he [the almighty God] wants.”

Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, who was disqualified for competing in election of the Assembly of Experts, said referring to the decision taken by the Guardian Council.

Asrar:

1- Iran, Spain eye nuclear cooperation

Iran and Spain are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on nuclear cooperation within the coming months, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said.

2- Iran Central Bank: Boom in housing market

3- President aide: Religious biases infest humanity

Ebtekar:

1- Economy-oriented diplomacy

A report about the Rouhani administration’s diplomatic endeavors that are aimed at promoting the country’s economy. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is in a European tour and has paid a visit to Italy and Vatican.

2- Assembly of Experts candidates announced

3- 6^th development plan: A beginning for development

Emtiaz:

1- Culture Minister: No support for artists who interview satellite channels

2- Risk of medicine shortage in hospitals

Etemad:

1- Memory of Italy everlasting for Rouhani

2- Leader urges officials to make everyone say their prayers

Ettela’at:

1- Iran, Italy ink $18b deal

Tehran and Rome have signed 14 documents in the areas of transportation, education, trade, agriculture and medicine.

2- Rouhani, Pope join calls for peace, friendship in violent-stricken world

3-166 hopefuls qualified for Assembly of Experts membership

4- Iran’s navy to stage massive drill in Indian Ocean

Iran:

1- Iran, Italy sign $17b deal

2- Outstanding hopefuls disqualified for February elections

3- 40 thousands Maskan Mehrs housing units ready

Jamejam:

– A quarter of agricultural products wasted

Jomhouri Eslami:

1. Iran, Italy sign up to $18.4bn contracts

2. Erdogan panicked by possibility of formation of “parallel government structure” in Turkey

Javan:

1. 13% rise in number of qualified candidates for Assembly of Experts

The Guardian Council, the body responsible for vetting candidate’s credential, handpicked 166 candidates and dismissed 207.

2. Rouhani to Pope: Pray for me

3. Leader to nationwide Prayer Conference: I expect all organs to realize the greatness of prayer

Hosban:

1. Rouhani at Iran, Italy trade session: Development, employment main way to combat terrorism

2. Attracting $70b of investments in Petchem sector possible

Hemayat:

– Judiciary Chief: Westerners’ fear for religious democracy greater than that for our missiles

Khorasan:

1. Movement in housing market

A 19% growth has been registered in the number of traded housed in Tehran.

2. €299m deal signed for Mashad-Golbahar railroad with Chinese partners

Resalat:

1. Pope calls for Iran efforts to solve regional issues

2. Lavrov: West’s anti-Iran policy, futile, a mistake

3. US, Saudi division of support for Takfiris

The daily has quoted al Akhbar, saying that Saudi Arabia procures finances and the US executes regional wars.

Sepeed:

– Doctor honored as father of Iran liver transplant

A former nomad teacher, Dr. Ali Malek Hosseini has been revered for conducting the first live liver transplant in Iran.

Siasater Rooz:

– French police fire tear gas on taxi drivers

Shargh:

1. Historic meeting in capital of Christianity

2. Gov’t Spokesman: Admin optimistic about Guardian Council’s justness

Asr-e Iranian:

1. Head of Article 90 Committee: Release of fresh details about corruption in football under way

2. Cold water pours on US hands

Lavrov: Assad not to leave nor to flee

3. 1bl rise in Iran petrol imports

Kaenat:

1. Zionist ‘spy vulture’ captured in south Lebanon

2. Boeing keen on entering Iran market

3. President, Pope stress peacefulness of divine religions

Kayhan:

1. Guardian Council honored people’s rights

The council has released the final results of vetting the credentials of parliamentary and Assembly of Experts hopefuls.

2. Chaos, strike, crisis paralyze France

3. 400k Egyptian police crackdown 300k protestors on 5^th revolution anniversary

Mardom Salari:

– Iran, Europe trade to grow six-fold

Italy, France, Germany target €28b trade with Iran

Vaghaye Etefaghiyeh:

1. US yields

White House’s stance nears closed to that of Iran and Russia regarding the Syrian crisis.

2. Assembly of Experts void of young Khomeini

Hashemi Rafsanjani was qualified to vie for membership in the Assembly of Experts but Hassan Khomeini was disqualified by the vetting body.

3. “I wish peace for Middle East,” Pope Francis

Abrar-e Eqtesadi:

1. Iran restarts saffron exports to US after 15 years

2. Stock market gets bullish

The stock index rose by 2,132 units.

3. Building of major oil export terminal in Oman Sea coasts

4. Japan, South Korea vie for winning Iran refinery projects

5. Iran economy potent to attract $32b as finance; deputy minister

6. Italy to finance for Airbuses for Iran

Tejarat:

– Iran Chamber of Guilds’ strong entrance to global trade

Iran’s economic delegation to Italy will return to the country with hands full of achievements

Taadol:

– Iran stock market leaps; economic maneuver in Europe

Aftab-e Yazd:

– I am a humble servant of Iranian people: Young Khomeini

Hassan Khomeini was disqualified by the Guardian Council to vie for membership in the Assembly of Experts.

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

US Navy confirms leaving Iran naval drill zone after warnings

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 28

Iran-France ties must make up for sanction-related losses: Rouhani

Rouhani’s Paris visit to help tackle regional crises: French FM

Zarif tweets about Rouhani’s Vatican visit

Iran exports saffron to U.S for the first time in 15 years

Military maneuver ‘Velayat-94’ commences

Saudi execution of Nimr was big mistake: President Rouhani

Heavy snow covers Kandovan village

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 27

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