The daily wrote that resumption of banking operation with Iran does not need a go-ahead of Kuwait Central Bank following cancellation of US and European sanctions.
It said that Iran was under two kinds of sanctions, one by the UN Security Council resolutions and another by the US and European Union.
Al-Rai wrote that Kuwaiti Central Bank should act only upon the UN Security Council resolutions.
It said that the US sanctions stopped transactions of Kuwaiti banks with Iran not that of the UN.
International Atomic Energy Agency published its report on Saturday evening about Iran fulfillment of its commitments upon Joint Comprehensive Plan of action (JCPOA), a prelude to implementation of commitments of Group 5+1 on cancellation of sanctions.
Kuwaiti banks ready for cooperation with Iran in post-sanction era
Iran’s response to US to come where it matters: General
“Upgrading the country’s defense and missile equipment is among the Armed Forces’ priorities and its process will not stop even for a moment,” Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said on Tuesday.
He added that customary diplomatic relations will by no means affect Iran’s defense power.
The general emphasized that the Iranian nation and Armed Forces would increase their all-out defense preparedness to counter threats against the country.
Jazayeri said the “new strategy” of the arrogant regimes, particularly the US, is based on the discourse of undermining Iran’s defense power,” adding, however, that Iran’s response will come “on the real battlefield.”
Speaking in a televised speech from the White House on Sunday, US President Barack Obama said his government will “vigorously” enforce sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Following Obama’s remarks, the US Department of the Treasury said in a statement on Sunday that it has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, adding five Iranian citizens and a network of companies based in the United Arab Emirates and China were added to a US blacklist.
The new sanctions came only a day after Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China – plus Germany started to implement the nuclear agreement, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), they had reached in the Austrian capital, Vienna, on July 14, 2015.
After the JCPOA went into effect, all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union, the United Nations Security Council and the United States were lifted. Iran in return has put some limitations on its nuclear activities.
Iran key to stability in Middle East: Steinmeier
On Tuesday, Frank-Walter Steinmeier said “bilateral talks” could help resolve the row between Riyadh and Tehran, stressing that the Islamic Republic is key to regional stability.
“In a first step, a lot would be achieved if both sides brought the current situation under control, talked to each other,” he said.
Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have recently been strained following the Saudi execution of top opposition cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, which was announced on January 2.
Nimr’s execution was widely censured by Muslims and human rights activists around the globe as well as different governments.
Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran on January 3 following demonstrations outside the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad by angry protesters.
A number of countries, including Pakistan, Russia and China, have voiced readiness to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
US deceit and breach of promise must not be neglected: Leader
In a letter to President Hassan Rouhani, the Leader urged the government “to take care the other side fully fulfills its obligations” under a nuclear accord which went into force on Saturday.
US officials have stepped up their anti-Iran rhetoric, accusing Tehran of posing a “threat to regional and global security” after Washington announced new sanctions over Iran’s ballistic-missile program.
“It must be taken care that the opposite side fully fulfills its obligations. Remarks by some American politicians in the past two or three days are a cause for suspicion,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
“I stress again that in this issue and other issues, deceit and breach of promise by arrogant governments, especially America, must not be neglected,” the Leader added.
In his letter, the Leader thanked President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other officials over the nuclear accord.
“I express my satisfaction in that the resistance of the great Iranian nation against oppressive sanctions and efforts of nuclear scientists in advancing this important industry and tireless efforts of the negotiators forced the opposite sides – some of whom are renowned for enmity with the Iranian nation – to retreat and removal of part of the bullying sanctions.”
Will Iran buy ‘Rafale’ fighters?
YJC reports, “world powers” and the “Islamic Republic of Iran” have decided to implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as they pursue constructive interactions.
Considering the fact that military sanctions are among those that will be lifted in line with the nuclear agreement, Iran is considering to procure military equipment produced by some western countries; among them “French made warplanes”.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s upcoming visit to France to meet his French counterpart “Francois Hollande” has raised speculations that purchasing French-built Dassault Rafale combat aircraft might be on the agenda.
However, Iran itself has taken major steps in manufacturing combat aircraft, therefore, any negotiation regarding the purchase of foreign warplanes will include a plan to “jointly build” planes.
It is also worth mentioning that senior Iranian commanders have already announced that their agenda includes joint ventures for production of military equipment and technology and not simply purchasing them. The mighty French-built Dassault Rafale combat aircraft could be considered an option.
‘Dassault Rafale’ fighters in the Persian Gulf region arms race
A high-ranking French official has said that the sales of 36 “Rafale” to Qatar is in its final stages. Qatar is buying military equipment from France as a sign of dissatisfaction with the US for Washington’s reluctance to supplying military hardware to this Persian Gulf emirate. Security concerns are main reason behind Qatar’s major arms deals with France and its western allies. Qatar does not want to be left behind from regional countries when it comes to military strength and particularly does not want to be second to Saudi Arabia when it comes to its air force.
Geopolitical analyst Gauthier Rybinski believes that the reason why a small country with a very limited population such as Qatar is arming itself is because it is seeking independence from the patriarchal political and even religious supremacy of its great Saudi neighbor.
[…]
Dassault Co. is also trying to sell 16 of its multi-purpose fighter jets to Malaysia and has resumed negotiations for a possible deal with the United Arab Emirates. It is very likely that the “Dassault Rafale” fighter to be purchased in bulk by Persian Gulf littoral states and these purchases will most probably continue.
‘Élysée’ playing the ‘Rafale’ card in national economy and international relations
On the sidelines of a meeting, French president Francois Hollande said: “We believe “Rafale” fighters are quality aircraft. We’ve said that to our friends and they also agree with us”.
In the Élysée politicians are trying to boost Frances economy by selling military equipment to Persian Gulf littoral states. Of course, Iran’s policy with respect to its defense capacities is very clear. Pursuing the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency, in the event that such aircraft are purchased, the potential to build and to be overhauled inside Iran exists.
Considering the steps that the EU is taking to lift the sanctions against the Islamic republic, and while US President Barak Obama has allowed the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran, it is very likely that transferring the knowhow to build state-of-the-art fighters be on the agenda of “Iran-France business relations”. However, so far all if this is only press speculations.
P.S. the original report published by the “Young Journalist Club” which is a subsidiary of the IRIB, also includes information about the technical features and different classes of the Rafale fighter as well its exclusive capabilities, and price which IFP has chosen not to translate.
Umbrella alley in Shiraz (PHOTOS)
A shopping mall in Shiraz, Fars province in Iran, has a ceiling covered by hundreds of colorful umbrellas giving pedestrians a nice shade and something cool to look at.
Experienced and competent elements should play effective role in cultural and social arenas
Speaking to veterans and cultural and social activists within the Revolution Guards corps on Jan. 19, 2016, IRGC chief said very profound, rapid and astonishing developments are taking place in the region adding that today enemies have changed their tactics of direct confrontation to proxy wars and use of other potentials of Islam against the Islamic Revolution. He said what is taking place in Saudi Arabia is reflection of such approach and Al Saud has become the scapegoat for Zionists.
General Jaafari stressed that as a result of progress made by our young generation, Islamic Revolution is becoming more and more powerful. He added that achieving our objectives and formulating a model for management of society and our Islamic country are among our main preoccupations that must be fulfilled and in order to achieve our objectives every cultural activists and competent forces within the sacred Islamic system should play an effective role based on his own experiences and potentials.
He described economic struggle as part of Jihad on Almighty Gods cause and said that today playing any role in resistance economy sector will not only result in personal gains but bring about valuable achievements to Islamic Revelation and system.
General Jaafari concluding his words by saying thanks God tat these days there is good and strong relations between veterans of cultural and social field with Revolution Guards Corps and called for taking of effective role in cultural, social, economic and political areas by competent forces to serve sublime objectives of the Islamic Revolution.
A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan 19
On January 19, 2016only two days after sanctions removal, what grabbed most of the Press headlines, surprisingly enough, was not Iranian market’s recovery, plunging prices and promises by authorities of a better life for Iranian people as it was long hoped by the nation during the course of the nuclear talks. Instead, screening results of the qualities of Parliament and Assembly of Experts hopefuls by the Guardian Council which disqualified 60% of the candidates, among who were outstanding applicants like the Imam Khomeini’s grandson of Seyed Hassan Khomeini and many others, made many headlines.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani’s bid to talk the Guardian Council into reconsidering its vetting results also prompted a lot of stories by newspapers on the day.
The new US sanctions on Iran’s missiles program only one day after the implementation day was also taken up by most Iranian dailies on Tuesday.
What follows are the highlights:
ABRAR:
1. Foreign Ministry: 28 Iranian inmates freed from US prisons thanks to deal
2. US to pay Iran $1.7 bn in debt and interest: Kerry
3. Amano: IAEA duty-bound to maintain impartial, apolitical in its efforts
4. UNSC calls off sanctions on Iran’s Bank Sepah
5. Turkey has a long way to go before EU membership: Merkel
AFKAR:
1. German Chancellor to visit Iran
2. Tehran, Berlin form agricultural committee
Iranian Agricultural Jihad Minister Mahmoud Hojjati said Iran and Germany has set up a working committee in agricultural cooperation.
ARMAN-e Emrouz:
1. 24% pension hike in Iran
Iran’s head of the Management and Planning Organization Mohammad Bagher Nobakht said Iranian pensioners will see a 24% rise in their monthly pensions next Iranian fiscal year beginning on March 21.
2. Rouhani writes to Leader
The letter details 11 achievements of implementation of the nuclear deal Iran reached with world powers in July.
3. No “wine” in books no more
An official with Iran’s ministry of culture and Islamic Guidance said the word “wine” will no more be allowed in the books published in the Iranian book market.
4. The daily also covers a report on views of senior Islamic clerics who underwrite the religious and scientific qualities of Hassan Khomeini (grandson of Imam Khomeini) as a candidate in the Assembly of Experts elections.
The story is entitled as:
Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli:
Mr. Hassan is among the greatest jurisprudence scholars
5. 60% of parliament hopefuls disqualified on implementation day
Ayatollah Rafsanjani congratulates nuclear achievements, condoles on
election process
EBTEKAR:
1. Iran returns to global markets
A report on the short-term impact of sanctions removal on Iran’s economy.
2. Bosses in talks
A report on mediation efforts by President Hassan Rouhani and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on the controversial disqualification of outstanding parliament and Assembly of Experts hopefuls. The Guardian Council, the body in charge of vetting the qualities of candidates, announced earlier this week, that nearly 60% of the candidates are disqualified.
3. Veep: Share of oil in budget zero by end of Rouhani administration
Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri has said the country’s national budget will no longer rely on the country’s crude oil revenues by the end of President Rouhani’s term in office in 2017. On Sunday, the Iranian president submitted the national budget bill to the parliament for consideration which considers a 25% share of oil revenues in the budget.
4. Judiciary Chief: JCPOA outcome, valuable, logical, rational
ETEMAD:
1. The daily’s main headline focused calls by President Rouhani and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on the Guardian Council which disqualified nearly 60% of parliament hopefuls for the upcoming elections. The cover story’s title was: “Time for Talks”
2. JCPOA judge in Tehran
A report on Amano’s Tehran visit on Monday
3. Judiciary Chief: We ensure security of investors
4. A review of the next year’s national budget bill in a story entitled as: What needs to be known about next year’s budget
ETTELA’AT:
1. Rouhani to Leader: Path to dignified economic prosperity open
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a letter to the Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei unfolded the administration’s nuclear, political, legal and economic achievements.
2. Veep: People to see result of sanctions removal presently
3. Budget bill considers more social welfare
4. President in talks with Guardian Council on disqualifications
The Guardian Council, the body in charge of screening the qualities of candidates, announced earlier this week, that nearly 60% of the candidates is disqualified.
5. Iranian banks reconnected to SWIFT
6. Report: Challenges of developing solar energy
HEMAYAT:
1. Judiciary Chief: Sanctions snap back unacceptable
2. Key Saudi embassy attackers detained
3. Rouhani to Leader: Iran to foil efforts by enemy to undermine [the deal]
4. Health Ministry Spokesman: no medicine price change by JCPOA
5. Hollande says France in state of economic emergency
IRAN:
1. Rouhani, Larijani in talks with Guardian Council [on disqualifications]
2. Proposal: No cars on Tuesdays
3. 3 main Saudi embassy attackers captured
4. Head of Expediency Council: JCPOA Rouhani’s grand victory
5. Iran Khodro inks 1st MoU with Mercedes
JAMEJAM:
– Iran Defense Minister: Iran strongly responds US sanctions on Tehran missile program
JAVAN:
1. US to trace unfreeze Iran cash: Kerry
2. Iran missile sanctions on EU table
3. Rouhani to Leader: Iran will reciprocate any breach in deal
JOMHOURI ESLAMI:
– Iran banking sanctions lifted
Ottawa appears ready to lift sanctions against Iran after landmark deal by U.S.
KHORASAN:
1. Iran bent on reclaiming lost oil market share; order to raise crude exports by 500k/d
2. Iran, IAEA sketch fresh cooperation road map
Head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi said he will meet IAEA Secretary General Amano in Tehran.
3. No price rise in energy carriers [in Iran]
4. Iran Foreign Ministry reacts to fresh US sanctions
5. Hezbollah hails JCPOA as strategic achievement, upholding resistance power
KEYHAN:
– Guardian Council break record in screenings: 16 nominees for every chair!
1. South Pars flaring reduces
2. 60 Saudi, UAE officers, mercenaries killed in Ansarullah missile attack to Ma’rib
3. Will Google forecast or build future?
RESALAT:
1. Economist: Recession caused by relating all problems to nuclear talks
2. New act unveiled of Erdogan dictatorship
3. Merkel ultimatum to Ankara
4. Bibi’s anger of JCPOA implementation
ROOZAN:
1. Hashemi Rafsanjani: Nuclear deal, Admin’s great job like accepting 598 UNSC Resolution
2. Iranian Rudi Völler dies; football player Reza Ahadi dies at 53
3. Benz officially returns to Iranian roads
SHAHRVAND:
– Iran, economic winner of sanctions removal
SHARGH:
95% of world’s media run by most aggressive human enemies: Iran Cmdr.
Iran to present ‘golden opportunities’ for foreign businesses
Following the implementation of the nuclear agreement between Iran and the 5+1 group of countries and the consequent removal of nuclear and economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic on Sat. 16 January, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attended a meeting with Iran’s ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions to other countries on Monday, outlining his views on the results of the nuclear deal and the outlook of international and regional developments in the light of Tehran’s relations with other countries.
Referring to the attempts made during the course of 12 years of negotiations, Zarif added “during this time we were in a situation where we had to overcome difficult challenges in order to prove our capabilities and achieve our basic rights to peaceful nuclear energy.”
“What our people rightfully proved to the world was that pressure and sanctions will have no effect and efficacy,” he said.
Elsewhere, the Iranian top diplomat referred to the current developments in the Persian Gulf region, saying “we wish for security and stability and deem any form of tension in opposition to the security and stability of Iran and the region.”
Zarif called for closer cooperation with neighboring countries based on understanding, goodwill, negotiation and wise diplomacy in a bid to improve the process of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region.
Iran ready to meet Europe’s gas need
Managing Director for International Relations of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Azizollah Ramezani welcomed the idea of the European Union officials travelling to Iran for reinvigorating mutual relations in the fields of energy and natural gas; “Iran, with the largest gas reserves in the world, is well-placed to sell gas to all countries.”
Ramezani emphasized that gas exports should not be merely limited to neighboring countries or the region asserting “accordingly, supplying gas to far-reached countries particularly EU-member countries need to be put on the agenda.”
The official further stressed that gas exports to Europe brings about international and political advantages in addition to economic achievements; “currently, Russia is selling gas to Europe via a 3000-kilometer pipeline and so can Iran.”
“We welcome holding of talks with EU authorities on expansion of ties in gas and energy areas,” noted the Ramezani adding “various routes have been planned for transferring natural gas to European countries.”
NIGC managing director for international affairs said Iranian gas can be supplied to Europe through the Black Sea, Syria, Iraq, Turkey or several pipelines.
The official deemed low production cost as one major advantage of gas exports to Europe reminding “Iran’s trade policy during the post-sanction era would be diversifying of gas export markets.”
European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete had stated yesterday that in February 2016, the European Commission will accomplish the first technical assessment mission aiming to investigate venues for gas cooperation with Iran.
An official at the European Union has also announced that 15 EU officials will make a 14-day technical visit to Iran.
According to the official, one of the objectives of the Europe Commission is to make efforts to promote the export of Iranian gas via pipeline and LNG shipments within the framework of the project called the European Union’s Southern Gas Corridor.
