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

Iran News
Politics
Business
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- Education
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- Health
- Human Rights
- Incidents
- Lifestyle
- Sport
- Women
Culture
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A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 27

December 27, 2015

News about high levels of air pollution in the capital dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Sunday. News stories about who has fielded their candidacy and who has not for the upcoming elections also appeared on the cover of dailies.

Ettela’at: The Environment Protection Organization has said the fact that Tehran is home to more residents than it can accommodate is the main culprit in air pollution in the capital.

A deputy director of the organization said massive property development and growing urbanization of recent years to increase municipal revenues is among the biggest urban management blunders which need to be rectified.

Ettela’at: The Central Bank has said inflation in the 30 days to December 21 stood at 13.7 percent.

The governor of the Central Bank has rejected interest rates of more than 20 percent as unacceptable.

Ettela’at: Pakistan has said it supports the legitimate government of President Assad.

The Pakistani deputy foreign minister said the way to solve the Syrian crisis goes through political dialogue.

Ettela’at: The president has described education as key to sustainable development.

In a message to a conference held, among other things, to praise the services of Dr. Gholamhossein Shokouhi, President Rouhani said child education is among the most important factors in HR training.

Ettela’at: Some $17,000 in loans for renovation of old buildings.

Ettela’at: A new plan on gasoline sale at the pump will be implemented by yearend.

Abrar Eghtesadi: A senior official at the Russian aerospace and defense company Tupolev has put forth the idea of production – under license – in Iran of Tupolev aircraft!

Afkar: Tensions between Russia and Turkey serve no one’s interests, said Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to the Supreme Leader.

Aftab-e Yazd: Some are trying to set aside the religious jurisprudent through referendum, said Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi.

Arman-e Emrooz: The lobbyist bids farewell.

The daily takes a look at why Mohammad Reza Bahonar [a current vice-speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly] does not seek reelection in upcoming legislative elections.

Asrar: The health minister has said that inflation in the healthcare sector is at least 1.5 times more than other areas.

Asrar: The passing of nine incumbents in the fourth assembly and the decision of six other representatives not to seek reelection mean there will be a minimum 17 percent change in the makeup of the Assembly of Experts [following the late February elections].

Ebtekar: Moderation in parliament

The daily has interviewed a number of experts on why the number of potential candidates for the 10 parliament has posted a dramatic increase.

Etemad: Of the 75 known figures running for the Assembly of Experts, 17 are close to reformists and moderates, 26 are members of the two main clerical societies in the country and 21 are independent.

Hemayat: We have the strangleholds of the enemy at our disposal, said the deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Brigadier General Salami in a gathering on IRGC and national authority and security.

Iran: Four cultural centers in Tehran are playing host to a First International Music Festival of Muhammad, the Prophet of Kindness.

Iran: Pre-school education services will become free of charge.

Javan: Mosques are torched in France and the US.

Western leaders react passively to the desecration of Muslims as the world celebrates the birth anniversaries of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ.

Jomhouri Islami: A 29^th international conference on Islamic unity is held in Tehran on Sunday.

More than 600 scholars from across the Muslim world take part in the gathering; President Rouhani delivers a key-note speech.

Kayhan: A deputy industry minister has said the president should not rush to signing a deal with Peugeot.

Khorasan: The Supreme Leader has paid visits to the houses of Christian martyrs in a move to mark Christmas.

Resalat: Iran is a regional leader when it comes to nanotechnology, biotechnology and ICT, said the vice-president for science and technology.

Saheb Ghalam: Iran’s oil swap will resume within days.

Saheb Ghalam: Cars emitting pollutants will be impounded.

Setareh Sobh: The interior minister has said the number of potential candidates for the Assembly of Experts has registered a 62 percent increase over the previous elections. As for the Islamic Consultative Assembly the figure stands at 100 percent.

Sharq: Ali Motahari, a principlist MP, tops the list of moderates.

The meaningful farewell of the director [a reference to principlist MP Mohammad Reza Bahonar who is not seeking reelection]

Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh: An MP representing the Christian community in Iranian parliament in an opinion piece has called for a world free of violence in 2016.

Ceremonies to mark anniversary of Zoroaster’s demise (PHOTOS)

Fatemeh Askarieh

December 27, 2015

Zoroastrians held memorial ceremonies across the country Saturday to mark the anniversary of the demise of their prophet.

The following images of the memorials have been released by Mehr News Agency:

Iran dismisses Arab League claims as biased, unconstructive

Emad Askarieh

December 27, 2015

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari has described the anti-Iran claims brought up in the most recent statement issued by the Arab League as wrong, biased, unconstructive, and irrelevant to the issues the foreign ministerial meeting of the grouping was to discuss.

He underlined that Iran has “brotherly relations based on mutual respect with most Arab countries”, adding unfortunately a number of countries which are criticized by regional nations and the international community as the prime suspects in supporting extremism and terrorism are resorting to measures to portray Iran as a threat and to finger-pointing in order to divert attention from their own role in destabilizing the region.

At a time when a third Palestinian Intifadah is underway, regional states are expected to pay closer attention to regional issues, including the Zionist occupation [of Palestinian territories], full restoration of Palestinian rights, and measures to take on extremism and terrorism, so that the way can be paved for expanded cooperation in keeping with the common interests of regional countries and nations.

Iran is an active, responsible player in the region, he said, adding despite the unfriendly stance of some countries, it will continue to play a constructive role in easing tensions and defusing crises through interaction with its neighbors and the international community at large.

Russia-Turkey row against region interests: Leader’s aide

Emad Askarieh

December 26, 2015

A senior Iranian official says the ongoing tensions between Moscow and Ankara will not serve the interests of regional countries, urging all-out efforts to help end the row.

Both Turkey and Russia “are our neighbors and we do not want to see any tension between neighboring countries, with whom we have friendly relations,” Ali-Akbar Velayati, a top advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, said in Tehran on Saturday.

Velayati, who was speaking to reporters following a meeting with senior Turkish Shia cleric, Sheikh Salahuddin Ozgunduz, added that tensions between Russia and Turkey will serve the interests of neither of the two countries nor those of other regional states.

Tensions between Ankara and Moscow have been escalating since Turkey’s downing of a Russian fighter jet near the Syrian border. On November 24, Turkey shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24M bomber with two pilots aboard, claiming the fighter jet had violated the Turkish airspace. One of the pilots lost his life following the attack while the other was rescued in a Syrian army operation.

Moscow has dismissed Ankara’s claims, saying the plane was targeted in Syria’s airspace. Following the incident, Moscow imposed a number of punitive measures against Ankara, including restrictions on Turkish foods imports, a ban on tourist travel to Turkey, an embargo on hiring Turkish citizens in Russia and a ban on Turkish organizations’ activities in Russia.

Velayati further expressed hope that Iran and Turkey will improve cooperation with other regional countries, including Iraq and Syria, to thwart US and Zionist-led plots aimed at disintegrating Muslim states.

“If there is a difference among regional countries or Muslim states, it should be settled through dialog and [we] should not interfere in each other’s internal affairs,” he said.

The senior Iranian official also emphasized that nations in the region should not allow trans-regional countries to meddle in their affairs and stressed the importance of reinforcing unity and solidarity among Muslim nations.

Post correspondent permitted to visit family on Christmas Day

Emad Askarieh

December 26, 2015

Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post reporter, was allowed by Iran’s judiciary to have lunch with his family on Christmas Day, his lawyer confirmed.

Leila Ahsan told Tasnim News Agency on Saturday that Rezaian was allowed to spend two hours with his mother and wife in Evin prison under a judicial permission.

“They had lunch together on the occasion of Christmas,” she added.

On Friday, Mary Rezaian, Jason’s mother, confirmed the meeting in an email to the Washington Post, and said, “This is the first time in the year that I have been visiting him in Evin prison that I could spend an extended time there and bring him his first home cooked meal in months.”

“We had a wonderful time together reminiscing of holidays past.”

Rezaian, a 39-year-old correspondent with dual Iran-US citizenships, along with his wife Yeganeh Salehi, was arrested in Tehran on July 22, 2014 on espionage charges.

Two other American citizens who work as freelance photojournalists were also detained along with them at the time. Yeganeh Salehi was released on bail in October 2014.

An indictment later issued by Tehran’s prosecutor general said Rezaian is charged with “espionage by collecting the country’s decisions on the issues of internal and foreign policy, and cooperation with hostile governments.”

Iran’s air marshal service among best: Commander

Emad Askarieh

December 26, 2015

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) admits that members of Iran’s air marshal service [an affiliate of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps] have high levels of morale, are physically ready and undergo up-to-date training, the commander of the Air Protection Unit said Saturday.

Brigadier General Ali Asghar Gorjizadeh further said Iran has one of the safest skies in the world and ICAO has inspected Iran’s aviation facilities three times, giving them top marks.

His comments came a while after the commander of the corps Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said 50 members of the service have fallen in the line of duty and a number of others have been disabled while trying to ensure the security of passengers in the sky.

Shazdeh Garden in Iranian desert (PHOTOS)

Fatemeh Askarieh

December 26, 2015

In visiting the southern Iranian province of Kerman, one needs to make sure they take in Mahan: home to the biggest and most beautiful Iranian garden.

Shazdeh Garden was built on orders of a Qajar prince in the mid-1850s. In light of the fact that the garden was located in all but featureless desert, beasts of burden were used to bring in plants and saplings to the construction site.

The rectangular 5.5 hectare walled garden which features two beautiful mansions has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobblestoned garden has several fountains.

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GRI’s 2015 Person of the Year in Political Risk

Emad Askarieh

December 26, 2015

Global Risk Insights, which provides insights for leading media outlets around the world on political risk, international economics, and geopolitics, has named the Iranian foreign minister as its Person of the Year in 2015 in the area of political risk.

The following is the reason globalriskinsights.com has provided for naming Mohammad Javad Zarif as its 2015 Person of the Year in Political Risk:

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is Global Risk Insights Person of the Year in Political Risk 2015. Like our 2014 GRI Person of the year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zarif has given Iran the opportunity to engage in active dialogue with the international community and the global economy after many years of isolation.

2015 has been an exciting year regarding political risk. There have been political upheavals throughout the globe and many a region marred by violence. However, looking positively on the international scene the Iranian nuclear deal on the 14th of July between Iran and the P5+1 stands out as the most important and influential event that has occurred this year.

Through skilled diplomacy and tough negotiation, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has brought Iran out of the cold and back into the international community.

Although it is significantly early to say whether the deal will be a complete success, Zarif’s skilled diplomacy and rhetoric has allowed Iran and the United States to come to the table and negotiate a deal and remove sanctions from the Iranian economy.

This is a significant feat, worthy of this year’s award. Zarif has demonstrated that he is a formidable political operator and skilled negotiator whose continued role at the helm of Iranian foreign policy will spell new exciting possibilities for post-sanction Iran. Here are three reasons why Zarif is the winner of this year’s award:

Iran is no longer an isolated actor

Zarif’s somewhat apt and memorable role in spearheading the Iranian nuclear negotiations has produced two positive developments. Firstly, the ability for Iran to come to a compromise with the P5+1 about its nuclear capabilities means that it is no longer isolated from the international community.

Iran has now cooperated with the IAEA and other international agencies in securing the terms of the deal, but it demonstrates a willingness to remove its previous pariah status within the international community.

Secondly, the conclusion of the deal has secured Iran’s role as a regional power. It now has the ability and potential to use its expanding influence on other regional issues and crises. Zarif’s prominent role in the recent talks in Vienna on the future of a political solution to the Syrian Crisis demonstrates this.

An invitation by the US to this event signifies Iran’s role in the Syrian conflict and its growing ability to influence Middle Eastern Politics. With Zarif continuing in his capacity as the Foreign Minister, there is potential for constructive cooperation with Europe and the US in fighting the rise of Daesh in Syria and Iraq.

Economic Potential

Iran’s isolation from the international economy has caused inflation to reach 40% and GDP to drop by 20% since sanctions were tightened in 2011. The negotiating capability and skill of the Iran delegation led by Zarif gave Iran many potential avenues of increasing economic development in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J.C.P.O.A).

Due to sanctions relief and an unfreezing of assets, Iran will now become the largest country to rejoin the global economy. Iran’s outdated energy industry requires at least USD$200 billion in upgrades, which presents big news for international oil companies. Other sectors in the economy will develop as well as Iran seeks to update its health, banking and commercial aircraft industries after many years of economic neglect.

In terms of trade and commerce, China, Russia and France will recommence business dealings that were cancelled previously. On top of this, trade and economic ties between Iran’s neighbors such as Turkey, Oman, and the UAE will develop and promote more regional economic cooperation.

However, the big winner in all this is the Iranian population. Sanctions have crippled the Iranian economy and unemployment is at 10 %. As more money is injected into the economy through oil revenues and investment, there is the potential for increased economic development in necessary infrastructure and a higher standard of living for the rapidly expanding Iranian middle class.

A possible normalization of US-Iranian relations

For the first time in 36 years, there are signs of a possible political rapprochement between Iran and the United States. While normalizing relations between Iran and the United States face incredible domestic pressure and there are considerable hurdles to overcome, the dialogue between Iran and the US has been positive.

Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerry have developed a healthy dialogue over the last two years that has seen the Iranian Nuclear deal come to fruition despite calls from both conservative elements in the Majlis and Congress looking to shut down the deal at any opportunity.

Compromise and rationality were prominent and slowly and steadily Zarif’s active dialogue and skill as a foreign minister have alleviated some of the distrust that both nations feel for each other.

It may take some time for developments to transpire and progress, but the cool-headed way that Zarif has dealt with the nuclear issue and maintained a strong Iranian position shows a positive development in the possible normalization of US-Iranian relations.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Dec. 26

Emad Askarieh

December 26, 2015

Registration of around 12,000 people for the late February elections dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Saturday. Also in the news were comments by the interior minister that he is not worried about the growing number of registered candidates and those of the secretary of the Guardian Council who said the number is dubious.

Ettela’at: Afirst Mustafa Prize has been granted to the scientists of the world of Islam.

[The $500,000 Mustafa Prize is a top science and technology award granted to the top researchers and scientists of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states biennially.]

Jackie Y. Ying from Singapore and Professor Omar Yaghi from Jordan are the recipients of the prize in the “Life Sciences and Medicine” and “Nano-science and Nanotechnology” categories.

Ettela’at: As many as 12,000 people have fielded their candidacy for the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The interior minister has said that the growing number of candidates is not alarming.

Those running for the Assembly of Experts can run their electoral campaign between February 11 and 24, and those running for parliament between February 18 and 24.

Ettela’at: The first S300 missile defense system is to be delivered to Iran soon.

A top Russian military official has said that his country starts to deliver the first S300 system to Iran in January.

Ettela’at: To utter the truth and walk down the path of rightfulness involves a price to pay, said the grandson of the late Imam Khomeini in a congress to commemorate Akhund Khorasani.

Seyyed Hassan Khomeini further said that the lesson we can learn from the late Grand Ayatollah Mullah Mohammad Kazim Khorasani is that you need to pay the price if you want to lead an honorable life.

Ettela’at: The Foreign Ministry spokesman has said that attempts by the US Supreme Court to seize Iran’s assets lack legal substance.

Ettela’at: The race for Professor Bastani Parizi Prize has officially started.

“We are trying to make the Bastani Parizi Prize approved in the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, said the head of the assembly of MPs representing Kerman Province.

Ettela’at: Zahran Alloush, the head of the Jaysh al-Islam [the Army of Islam], has been killed in a Russian airstrike.

Alloush’s deputy and the spokesman of the terrorist group in Syria were also killed in the air attack.

Abrar: “We will abide by the law,” said Mohsen Hashemi after registering for parliamentary elections.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: Registration of half of Ahmadinejad’s Cabinet and Rahim Mashaee, the former president’s chief of staff [for the upcoming elections]!

Afkar: The government spokesman has said that unity between the Shiites and Sunnis is praiseworthy in Iran.

Aftab-e Yazd: To leave it to people’s opinion to decide on the qualifications [of candidates] means that laws make no sense, said Ayatollah Jannati, the secretary of the Guardian Council.

Arman-e Emrooz: Mohsen and Fatemeh Hashemi on their way to Baharestan [the Tehran street along which the Islamic Consultative Assembly is located]

The daily has a report on the children of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani who are running for parliament.

“I am not worried about the disqualification of my husband and children,” said Effat Hashemi, the wife of the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Asr-e Azadi: A national broadcaster or a factional one?

Mohammad Bagher Nobakht has criticized Iran’s national broadcaster, IRIB.

Asrar: Reformists will not come [forward to contest and] lose the elections, said Mohammad Reza Aref, a reformist leader.

Ebtekar: Untold stories about a meeting between Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers in New York

Foreign Minister Zarif has asked for the CIA to be enlisted as a terror group.

Etemad: “I run in parliamentary elections on an independent ticket,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani who has fielded his candidacy from Qom Constituency.

Hamdeli: The house arrest [of Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, the two 2009 presidential candidates who disputed the election results] should continue, said Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati.

Hemayat: The Foreign Ministry spokesman has slammed efforts by the US Congress to withdraw some $1.75 billion from the account of the Central Bank of Iran, saying that the US has no right to steal Iran’s assets.