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

About Us
IFP Editorial Staff
Contact Us

Monday, December 22, 2025

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

type here...

Iran News
Politics
Business
Society
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human Rights
- Incidents
- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
- Art
- Architecture
- Books
- Cinema
- Cultural Heritage
- Food
- Handicrafts
- Media
- Religion
World
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Middle East
- Persian Gulf

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

Iran News
Politics
Business
Society
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Human Rights
- Incidents
- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
- Art
- Architecture
- Books
- Cinema
- Cultural Heritage
- Food
- Handicrafts
- Media
- Religion
World
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Middle East
- Persian Gulf

Home Blog Page 4651

Iran’s shared oil, gas fields need $50 billion

September 3, 2015

For production from shared fields, Iran lags behind its neighbors, which is a matter of concern for Zangeneh and other state officials, he told a live televised program, adding beefing up output from those reservoirs is a top priority.

At present, Iran produces 110,000 bpd from those fields in the southwest which is expected to rise to 260,000 bpd next year, Zangeneh said.

More than $20 billion is needed to boost recovery to 700,000 bpd, which would mark Iran’s fastest production growth at those fields, he added.

South Azadegan, Iran’s largest oilfield shared with Iraq, is the highest priority reservoir. Iraq started producing 210,000 barrels per day from the field in April 2014 and is targeting a production plateau of 1.8 million bpd.

Iran’s production from the field stands at 50,000 bpd, according to officials. Zangeneh said 17 rigs are currently spudding South Azadegan but this count has to be raised further.

In the gas sector, Iran needs $30 billion of investment in its giant South Pars field which the country shares with Qatar, Zangeneh said.

By the next two years, 25 phases of the field are expected to become operational, raising Iran’s production capacity to one billion cubic meters per day, he added.

Zangeneh said each phase adds 25 million cubic meters of gas to the national grid per day. Ten phases are already operational, with two more expected to come on stream and a third possibly to join the network this year.

The minister said projects will accelerate after the removal of sanctions which were mainly aimed at “bringing Iran’s petroleum industry to its knees”.

“The personnel of the petroleum industry, with their exemplary resistance, neutralized those objectives,” he said.

Zangeneh said for Iran and other OPEC members, the oil price in the range of $70-80 is “acceptable”. He said members have to cut production in order boost prices from under $50 per barrel now.

“We are currently negotiating with OPEC members. But fortunately or unfortunately, each OPEC decision has to be approved by consensus and the implementation of the decisions is voluntary.”

Major defense drills underway in Iranian capital

Emad Askarieh

September 3, 2015

Several commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as well as government officials are observing the exercises.

The drills, code-named Tharallah, started at around 8:30 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Thursday at Velayat Park – formerly a large military garrison – in Tehran, and as many as 50,000 members of the Basiji volunteer force from 250 battalions have participated in them.

Thousands of Basiji members marched at the site, followed by ten gyroplanes, twenty paramotors and a motorized flying kite performing aerobatic demonstrations.

A Mil Mi-17 helicopter also conducted a number of airborne operations, namely parachuting, airdropping, rappelling as well as surveillance.

The Tharallah exercises, which are meant to enhance Iran’s deterrence power and improve its defense and security preparedness, will wrap up later on Thursday.

Iran has over the recent years conducted numerous military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and test modern military tactics and equipment.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly underscored that its military might poses no threat to other countries, reiterating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

On Tuesday, Iran unveiled two domestically-manufactured and state-of-the-art radar systems capable of detecting stealth targets at high altitudes.

The radar systems, dubbed Nazir and Bina, were unveiled on in a ceremony attended by Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili.

Nazir is a long-range radar system that can detect and track hostile aerial targets within a radius of 800 kilometers at an estimated altitude of 100,000 feet, while Bina uses three-dimensional (3-D) technology to detect radar-evading targets. It can also be used to deter electronic warfare.

The two radar systems have been deployed in mountainous and plain areas in the southeastern parts of Iran.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on September 3

Emad Askarieh

September 3, 2015

News related to the recently-concluded 18^th meeting of the Assembly of Experts and comments by the parliament speaker in an interview with CNN dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Thursday. The support of a 34^th US senator for the Iranian nuclear deal also appeared on the cover of dailies.

Ettela’at: “Some critical remarks about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are unfair and out of obstinacy,” Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Speaking at a meeting of the Assembly of Experts, the diplomat who is also a member of Iran’s nuclear negotiating team said that every clause of JCPOA has been carefully reviewed at the Supreme National Security Council and in parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on September 3

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on September 3

Abrar: A motion to increase the number of representatives at the Assembly of Experts has been rejected.

Abrar: “The cars of women who fail to observe the Islamic dress code behind the wheel will be impounded,” said Tehran traffic police chief.

Abrar: Don’t go too far Mr. minister! Not buying locally-manufactured cars is no treason.

[It comes after the minister of trade and industries slammed those who boycott local vehicles as “traitorous and anti-revolutionary”.]

Abrar: “Cooperation with foreign carmakers will help end monopoly,” said a member of parliament’s Mines and Industries Committee.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: Iran and Russia have opened talks to jointly manufacture airplanes.

Aftab-e Yazd: Renowned vocalist Mohammad Reza Shajarian, who had been hospitalized for a breathing condition, has been discharged from hospital.

Aftab-e Yazd: “The solution to the problem of house arrest [of two presidential candidates who doubted the results of the 2009 vote and thus sparked widespread unrest] lies in maintaining calm,” said the justice minister.

Arman-e Emrooz: In an interview, the director of Imam Khomeini Relief Committee has talked about construction of a clinic and a park in Gaza [in the Palestinian territories].

Arman-e Emrooz: Iran’s first Sunni Muslim ambassador has been named.

Arman-e Emrooz: Implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is now a certainty after a 34^th US senator threw his weight behind the Iran nuclear deal.

Asr-e Eghtesad: Five new free trade zones will be set up in Iran.

Asr-e Rasaneh: Seizure of the largest haul of drug precursors.

Asrar: The Syrian town of Al-Zabadanihas been freed.

Eghtesad-e Pooya: “Some 600 industrial units which were either in hibernation or out of business have returned to the production cycle,” said the deputy industry minister.

Etemad: The chairman of the Assembly of Experts has expressed concern about the country’s cultural condition, warning government not to relent when it comes to promotion of virtue.

Etemad: The 34^th vote

With Maryland Senator Barbara Ann Mikulski throwing her weight behind the Iran nuclear deal, Obama can veto the likely rejection of the deal on Capitol Hill. That also guarantees the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Ghanoon: Iranian director and film critic Iraj Karimi has passed away.

Hamshahri: Each Iranian suffers some $300 in losses as a result of smuggling in goods.

Hamshahri: Saudi authorities are implementing tough rules when it comes to Iranian Hajj pilgrims.

Hemayat: The dream of the Great Satan returning to Iran won’t come true.

The announcement was made as a stone plaque – bearing the 100 terms the late Imam used to refer to the US – was unveiled outside the former US embassy in Tehran.

Iran: Parliaments rush to the aid of diplomacy

The parliament speaker, who is in New York, has held extensive talks with his European counterparts on the sidelines of an inter-parliamentary meeting.

Iran: The Congressional hurdle [standing in the way of the Iran nuclear deal] came crashing down.

Iran: A member of Iran’s nuclear negotiating team has said that obstinacy by some is bothering the negotiating team.

Jamejam: A statement issued by the Assembly of Experts has urged the Supreme National Security Council to make sure provisions of the Constitution and the red lines of the establishment are respected in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Jamejam: A taxi driver in Damghan has returned a handbag containing a lot of gold to its owner.

Javan: The administration-Congress game is over.

Javan: A stone plaque bearing the 100 terms the late Imam used to characterize the US has been unveiled outside the former US embassy in Tehran.

Jomhouri Islami: “We reached all of our goals in nuclear talks,” Abbas Araghchi, a member of Iran’s nuclear negotiating team, said in speech at the Assembly of Experts.

Kar va Kargar: “The regional adventurism of the Zionists has caused resentment and concern in Islamic countries,” the parliament speaker said.

Kayhan: Saudi fighters have bombed the positions of [Saudi-led coalition] mercenaries five times.

Was it simply a mistake or disobedience?!

Mardomsalari: “Iran seeks fair crude prices on global markets,” said Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh.

Mardomsalari: Some 3,000 Iranians die of air pollution-related complications each year.

Resalat: The chairman of the Assembly of Experts has urged the government not to release any unreal figures.

Resalat: The secretary of the Lebanese Hezbollah has said that the resistance movement is in best shape.

Resalat: US [investigative] journalist Gareth Porterhas said in an interview with Resalat that Iran was powerful in nuclear talks.

Roozan: “Releasing American prisoners, a two-way street,” Hamidreza Asefi, a former Iranian diplomat and world affairs expert, said.

Setareh Sobh: Two Iranian scientists have developed a hybrid heart valve.

Sharq: “We are not anti-Semites, but we find fault with Israel,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani.

Taadol: “Regional countries should stick to their right to self-determination,” said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Supreme Leader’s letter welcomed at Moscow Book Fair

Emad Askarieh

September 3, 2015

The Sacred Defense Publishers’ Association has distributed the Russian translation of the Supreme Leader’s letter to the Western youth among visitors at the 28th Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF).

Fars News Agency on September 2 published a report on the Russian translation of the Supreme Leader’s letter and its distribution among young visitors at the Moscow Book Fair (September 2-6). The following is the translation of part of that report:

The 28th Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF) opened in the Russian capital on Wednesday (September 2). From Iran, the Sacred Defense Publishers’ Association handed out copies of the Russian translation of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s letter to the youth in North America and Europe to the young people visiting the book fair.

In a letter on January 21, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei introduced a true image of Islam to the youth in Europe and North America and elaborated on the reasons behind Western efforts to spread Islamophobia.

[In the historic letter, Ayatollah Khamenei asked the Western youth to try to gain direct and firsthand knowledge of the religion in reaction to the flood of prejudgments and disinformation campaigns against Islam.

The letter, which has been met with a warm welcome by Muslims in the world and the Western media, has been translated into multiple languages.

[Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) has translated the Supreme Leader’s message to the Western youth into 21 languages in order to foil attempts to distort the content of the letter or marginalize it.

The ICRO has translated the letter into languages such as Russian, Croatian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Swahili, Turkish, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Thai and Albanian.]

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on September 3

Golrokh Askarieh

September 3, 2015

Ettela’at: “Some critical remarks about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are unfair and out of obstinacy,” Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Ettela’at: Construction of tens of thousands of villas in the north has taken a toll on agricultural land.

The director of the Land Affairs Organization said continued development in Lavasan poses a threat to Tehran’s water supply.

Ettela’at: The US secretary of state has said that all countries are anxiously waiting for business with Iran.

Iran’s unfrozen assets run into $55 billion.

Ettela’at: “Iran and Hezbollah have responsibly stood up against terrorism,” the Iranian parliament speaker said in an interview with CNN.

Ali Larijani further said that a change of attitude toward the US is possible.

Ettela’at: “The range of Iranian missiles is proportionate to threats,” said the defense minister in an interview with Al Mayadeen.

Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan said that his ministry will develop long-range defensive missiles next year.

Ettela’at: “China helps Iran build two 100 MW nuclear reactors,” said the director of the Atomic Energy Organization.

Ali Akbar Salehi further said China will play an important role in redesigning Arak’s heavy water reactor.

Ettela’at: “Iran’s policy centers on encouragement of dialogue and the fight against extremism,” said Foreign Minister Zarif in an interview with Algerian national TV.

The top diplomat further said the Iranian nuclear deal is a lesson for international diplomacy.

‘Iran seeks friendly ties with all regional countries’

Emad Askarieh

September 3, 2015

A senior Iranian diplomat says Tehran seeks to improve its relations with all countries in the Middle East region, including Saudi Arabia.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to establish friendly ties along with mutual respect with regional countries, including Saudi Arabia,” said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam in Beirut on Wednesday.

“We are ready to hold talks with our Saudi friends and we believe that this country enjoys an important role and status in the region,” he stated.

Amir-Abdollahian also voiced Iran’s readiness to cooperate with regional countries to ensure Lebanon’s security, adding that undermining the security of the Arab country just benefits the Israeli regime.

“Iran has always been concerned about Lebanon’s security and stability, and the frequent meetings of Iranian officials with their Lebanese counterparts indicate this concern,” the senior diplomat stressed.

He further touched upon the “important” visits of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to regional countries immediately following the recent breakthrough in nuclear talks between Tehran and P5+1, saying they testify that “Iran’s foreign policy is to improve regional relations within the framework of maintaining stability and security.”

Tehran and P5+1 – the US, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany – finalized the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) over the Iranian nuclear program on July 14. Under JCPOA, limits will be put on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for, among other things, the removal of all economic and financial bans against the Islamic Republic.

Later in the day, Amir-Abdollahian left the Arab country for neighboring Syria and was welcomed by Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad.

According to Syria’s official news agency SANA, the Iranian official also met with Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi to discuss ways to boost bilateral relations in such fields as industry, agriculture, health, oil and electricity.

During the meeting, Amir-Abdollahian reiterated Iran’s pledge to support the Syrian government and people in their battle against foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists.

Halqi, for his part, hailed Iran’s stance towards the crisis in the Arab country, saying Tehran has responsibly tried to reduce the impacts of war and unjust economic sanctions on the lives of Syrian people.

The Iranian diplomat further held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, SANA reported.

Syria has been facing a foreign-backed militancy since 2011. Takfiri terrorists, who currently control areas across Syria as well as northern and western Iraq, have been carrying out horrific acts of violence, including public decapitations, against Iraqi and Syrian communities such as Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians.

Iran determined to reclaim its share in global oil market: Zanganeh

Emad Askarieh

September 2, 2015

“Immediately after lifting sanctions, it’s our right to return to the level of production we historically had,” Bijan Zangeneh said, adding, “We have no other choice.”

The Iranian minister made the remarks in an interview with Bloomberg, which was published on Wednesday, at the Iranian Oil Ministry in Tehran.

Iran lost part of its share in the global oil market after sanctions were imposed on the country by the United States and the European Union at the beginning of 2012, with Western countries claiming that there was diversion in Iran’s nuclear program toward military purposes. Iran rejected Western countries’ claims categorically, insisting that its civilian nuclear program was only meant for peaceful purposes.

Iran reached an agreement with the P5+1 group of countries – the US, the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia – in Vienna on July 14, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to JCPOA, sanctions against Iran’s economic sectors, including oil and gas industry, will be lifted in return for certain restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Elsewhere in his interview, Zangeneh said Iran plans to produce 3.8-3.9 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil by March 2016.

He noted that the country will raise its output by 500,000 bpd soon after sanctions are lifted and by 1 million bpd within the following five months.

He added that Iran’s oil output currently stands at 2.8 million bpd, which is the highest level the country has achieved in three years, and is exporting more than 1 million bpd.

Referring to the drastic oil price fall in global markets, the Iranian oil minister emphasized that the oil price slump will not slow Iran’s return to the market.

Oil has dropped by about half in the past year from more than USD 100 a barrel in September 2014 after the 12-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided during meetings in December 2014 and June 2015 not to reduce output despite a global crude glut.

In another part of his interview, Zangeneh said most OPEC members would like to see crude prices at $70-$80 a barrel and the organization does not need to coordinate with other oil suppliers to determine output levels.

An oil price at $70-$80 a barrel would be “fair,” he said, adding that OPEC is open to coordinating its action with non-members, although it won’t wait for others to determine or approve its action.

Iran not to allow inspections beyond NPT: Defense chief

Emad Askarieh

September 2, 2015

In an interview with the Lebanese Arabic-language al-Mayadeen news network aired on Tuesday, Dehqan said that the Islamic Republic plans to continue its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework of the NPT.

“We are committed to our obligations, but we have no plans for the future to allow them access to whatever site they want,” said the defense chief.

Many US officials have repeatedly called on Iran to provide the international inspectors with access to its military sites under the pretext of the NPT.

He said that Tehran and the IAEA are determined to resolve the ambiguities surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

On July 14, Iran and the IAEA signed a roadmap for “the clarification of past and present issues” regarding Iran’s nuclear program in Vienna, Austria.

Earlier on August 27, the IAEA confirmed Iran’s compliance with its commitments regarding its nuclear program. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano also confirmed on August 25 that Iran had delivered on its promises concerning informing the agency of the country’s nuclear activities.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Dehghan said Iran regards the United States and Israel as the true enemies of Islam and freedom-seeking movements of the world.

He said the Israeli regime attempts to expand its hegemony in other regions, saying that the Zionists have a key role in the US foreign policy.

What is the solution? Water imports or efficient management?

Golrokh Askarieh

September 2, 2015

The Iranian energy minister has recently said that Bandar Abbas, Bushehr and Kerman are facing acute drinking water shortages. Hamid Chitchian has also said that his ministry is contemplating a plan to import water from other countries and has opened talks with certain neighboring countries to that end.

Fararu.com on September 1 published a report on water scarcity in Iran and its possible solutions, saying that government officials have raised the issue of water import as a solution to the shortage of water in the country. The following is the translation of part of that report which includes Fararu’s interview with experts in this field:

The energy minister in May said that Iran was likely to bring in water from three neighboring countries, but the minister of agriculture frowned upon his comment. Mahmoud Hojjati said that unauthorized wells should be spotted, adding that officials and water users should cooperate to meet water demands in the country.

Despite the agriculture minister’s opposition, the country’s Fifth Development Plan has also identified imports of water [as a solution to the water crisis], saying that under Article 142 of the Fifth Development Plan the government can take measures to bring in water from other countries.

[…]

Should Iran import water or not?

At this juncture, is water import the best option for officials to tackle water shortages in Iran? Environment experts hold different views.

Esmail Kahrom, an advisor to the director of the Environment Protection Organization, has said that importing water would be possible only for drinking purposes, adding imports of water for agriculture purposes would be futile.

Kahrom, who is also an environmental activist and an ecologist, has further said that water imports will definitely raise water prices. […] The country needs piping and other facilities to transfer the imported water to the agriculture sector and this will trigger a drastic rise in agricultural products, which in turn will create serious problems in the country. He said that importing water for agricultural purposes is far from rational.

[…]

No need for water imports

An environmental activist has said that Iran has no water scarcity, blaming the country’s drought and the existing serious water shortages on management of resources in the country.

Hossein Rafi further said that Iran imported water to fill the reservoir of the [Iran–Turkmenistan] Friendship Dam [Doosti Reservoir Dam on the Hariroud River] in the northeast a while ago, adding it was not a good experience and we should learn a lesson from such that experience.

If water imports result in Iran’s dependence on water purchase, more problems will be created for the country, among them security issues, he said, adding that the exporting country is likely to halt its water exports to Iran sometime in the future.

Rafi also said that Iran does not have water scarcity problems, adding what the country lacks is proper water management, not water reserves. “For years, the country’s water management has been plagued by problems. We build a dam, but 35 percent of its water is wasted. So do we really need to import water from abroad? If we stop such a trend, there will be no need for importing water”.

He went on to say that it is also an issue at an international level. “For instance, Afghanistan lets water flow into Hamoon [Lagoon], but the water is left unattended thanks to mismanagement. Part of the water evaporates and the rest is used for other purposes. Before anything else, we need to correct water management techniques in this country. As long as Iran’s water management is beset by challenges, water imports would do little to solve the country’s problems,” he added.

Regulations governing tourism facilities approved

Golrokh Askarieh

September 2, 2015

Under the 20-year Outlook Plan, Iran is expected to host 20 million foreign tourists in 2025. That means the country should build 20 four- or five-star hotels each year over the course of the next decade.

The following is the translation of part of an August 31 report by Donyay-e Eghtesad on a new directive issued by the Rouhani government to help the country achieve that goal:

Director of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization Masoud Soltanifar said under recently approved regulations, tourism facilities will not operate under the supervision of a guild; rather, they will have their own rules and regulations which will be released in 10 days.

Speaking at the inaugural of a hotel on August 29, the tourism chief said, “The new regulations will help remove the ambiguities of the individuals involved in the tourism sector which will be known as an industry under new arrangements.”

In the new directive tourism facilities are defined and regulations governing the establishment, operations, rating and supervision of these facilities are specified, Soltanifar said.

Iran’s tourism needs read fast growth

Soltanifar described Iran’s tourism sector as attractive to foreign investors and said, “For the very reason, hotel construction companies from Arab countries are already working on several projects in Iran; actually they have seven hotels under construction. European companies, which had stayed away [from Iran] because of the unfair sanctions have started working here after the Vienna nuclear deal between Iran and P5+1.”

He added, “We must encourage municipalities to offer incentives such as tax breaks for hotel construction.”

The director of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization said that if the country is determined to get itself ready for the arrival of 20 million tourists as stipulated in the 2025 Outlook Plan, its tourism industry needs to grow 14 percent annually; that is three times more than the global average.

Soltanifar described tourism as an effective way for communication between nations and said, “In 1950, five years after the end of World War II, 25 million tourists traveled across the world and that generated $2 billion in revenues for the host countries.”

He added, “In 2014 the number of global tourists stood at 1.2 billion. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), an affiliate of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has projected that the figure will rise 4.5 percent to reach 1.6 billion in 2020, 1.8 billion in 2030 and 2.6 billion in 2050.”

Soltanifar went on to say, “According to the 20-year Outlook Plan, Iran is expected to host 20 million tourists in 2025 who will bring in $25 to $30 billion in revenues. For a number of reasons, a decade after the launch of the plan, the number of tourists hasn’t gone beyond five million.”

He said that presently there are only 130 four- and five-star hotels in the country, adding, “If we want to raise the number of tourists by 15 million in a decade, we need to increase the number of these hotels to 400, and that translates into annual construction of 20 four- or five-star hotels in the country.”