President Rouhani visits disabled war veteran (PHOTOS)

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January 4, 2016

President Rouhani has dropped in on Hossein Azadbakht, a paraplegic veteran of the Iran-Iraq war who suffered severe spinal injury at the age of 18 almost 30 years ago.

At the meeting, the president said the patience of veterans such as Hossein Azadbakht serves as a lesson for members of the public and officials.

At the friendly get-together, Azadbakht said if he had been given an opportunity to choose his future path once again, he would have opted for the same thing: rushing to the defense of homeland and Islam.

The following images of the visit have been released by the Islamic Republic News Agency:

President Rouhani visits disabled war veteran (PHOTOS)

Saudi Arabia sees survival in escalating tensions: Iran

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

Iran says the Saudi bid to sever ties with the Islamic Republic shows Riyadh’s belief that the kingdom’s survival hinges on mounting tensions.

“It seems that Saudi Arabia considers not only its interest, [but also] its survival in the continuation of tensions and conflicts and is trying to settle its domestic problems through blame games,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari said during his weekly press conference on Monday.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s severance of ties with the Islamic Republic is part of Riyadh’s efforts to divert attention from its domestic problems.

Jaberi Ansari said that the Islamic Republic has fulfilled its duty to reign in public anger and is committed to securing the immunity of diplomatic missions as stipulated in international conventions.

“Saudi Arabia has, however, used the issue as a pretext to increase tensions and conflicts,” he said.

The Iranian official said that creating tensions and conflicts is the Islamic Republic’s red line, adding that as long as Riyadh seeks tension, there is no possibility of a change in Iran-Saudi relations.

Jaberi Ansari said that Saudi Arabia has adopted a policy to destabilize the region since the Al Saud regime was isolated in the international community due to its support for the Takifri terrorist groups.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran pursues a clear and transparent policy with regard to the expansion of interaction and cooperation with all neighbors and world countries and enjoys excellent relations with many regional governments, especially Arab governments,” he said.

Jaberi Ansari further said that Iran will use its diplomatic potential to prevent tensions and called on the international community to take necessary measures to force the Saudis to change their policy.

On Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran following Tehran’s strong condemnation of the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

The move followed demonstrations held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad by angry protesters censuring the Al Saud family for the killing of the top cleric as part of a crackdown on Shias mostly residing in the kingdom’s Eastern Province. Some people mounted the walls of the consulate in Mashhad while incendiary devices were hurled at the embassy in Tehran. Some 50 people were detained over the transgression.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was the first Iranian official to react to the Saudi termination of ties, stressing that Riyadh “cannot cover up” its “big mistake” by cutting ties with Tehran.

He noted that no Saudi diplomats were harmed during the protests in Tehran and Mashhad and that “Iran is one of the safest countries in the region” where diplomats are carrying out their responsibilities.

The Iranian official said that this is not the first time Saudi Arabia has threatened regional security with its “strategic errors” and “hasty approaches.”

Iran calls off Major Hajj

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

The spokesman of parliament’s Judicial and Legal Affairs Committee has said Major Hajj has been cancelled due to the severance of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on the impact of a break in ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia on this year’s Hajj, Mohammad Ali Esfanani said, “Iran should have taken the first step to cut its ties with Saudi Arabia after the Mina tragedy. After committing all these crimes, Saudi Arabia should not have been allowed to make a decision in this regard because the Saudis martyred many innocent pilgrims and now they have shamelessly executed Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.”

Gardens which made it to rooftops (PHOTOS)

By

Fatemeh Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

With high-rise apartment buildings replacing conventional houses, for the residents of Tehran living in old-style houses complete with yards, lawn and wading pools is becoming nostalgic.

One way to get the better of that nostalgic feeling is to have your roof-garden; of course not everyone can afford it.

The following images of lawn and bushes appearing on rooftops in Tehran have been published by the Iranian Students News Agency:

Gardens which made it to rooftops (PHOTOS)

Execution of Nimr, a message by Riyadh to Tehran

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

By executing prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, Saudi authorities seek to illustrate their determination to take on Iran, an Iranian history researcher and political science professor has said.

The following is the translation of part of a wide-ranging interview Dr. Abdolamir Nabavi, a Karaj University professor, gave to Khabaronline.ir’s Saeed Jafari:

Q. In the wake of the execution by Saudi authorities of Sheikh Nimr, how do you see the future of equations in the Middle East and the prospects of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

A. It seems the Saudi measure is a continuation of the iron-fist policy launched toward the end of King Abdullah’s rule. Saudi authorities decided to introduce change to their foreign policy and walk down a more confrontational path with Iran.

The announcement of the execution which came on the same day the ceasefire with the Houthis in Yemen was declared over can signal different messages.

One should not forget the fact that ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia are on the mend. And the Egyptian foreign minister paid a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia. Normalization of ties between Turkey and Egypt is said to have been on the agenda of the visit. That means Riyadh seeks to buttress the axis to confront Iran and bring Turkey and Egypt on board.

I believe the execution of Nimr was part of a ploy by hardliners both inside the kingdom and outside to muddy the waters and render relations with Iran tense. You should keep in mind that there are many who benefit from high levels of tensions between the two countries and seek to make relations tenser. This latest measure by the Saudi government should be analyzed through that lens.

Official: Saudi Arabia can’t cover up mistake by cutting ties with Iran

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Saudi Arabia should not try to cover up its big misdeed by cutting ties with Tehran.

He said the decision by Saudi officials to cut relations with Iran will not cover up the grave mistake they did in executing the outstanding religious scholar.

The Foreign Ministry official made the remarks following an announcement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry that Riyadh has cut off its diplomatic relations with Iran.

He said that Saudi Arabia has records of creating insecurity in the region by making strategic mistakes and adopting hasty and unwise policies which have led to the spread of terrorism and extremism.

It also inflicted economic damage on Muslim nations of the region by hatching a plot aimed at reducing oil prices.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia also played a non-constructive and disparaging role during Iran’s nuclear talks with P5+1.

He said the latest mistake of the Saudi government was the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, who was a prestigious religious scholar esteemed by the whole Islamic world.

Stressing that none of Saudi diplomats in Iran suffered any injury or damage, Abdollahian noted that Iran enjoys one of the world’s highest security status.

He said [foreign] diplomats in Iran are carrying out their duties in absolute safety.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir announced on Sunday that Riyadh severed its diplomatic relations with Tehran one day after the government and people of Iran protested the execution of the prominent cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

He told reporters in Saudi capital that Iranian diplomats were asked to leave the country within 48 hours.

Iran, ideal destination for renewable energies investment: VP

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

Studies show that Iran is among the world’s most suitable destinations for investment in the field of generating renewable energies, particularly solar energy, said the head of Iran’s Environment Protection Organization.

Addressing professors and faculty members of Tarbiat Modares University on Sunday, Masoumeh Ebtekar stressed that her organization and universities can enhance cooperation in conducting applied studies in the field of the environment.

“We do not have much time to waste. Currently, the country is faced with serious environmental challenges and crises. We are required to work out scientific strategies and make effective decisions, based on applied studies, to overcome the problems,” she added.

The government is required to adopt a more practical approach to addressing the country’s environmental challenges in the Sixth Five-Year Economic Development Plan (2016-21).

“We should further promote using green and environment-friendly technologies in domestic industries. In the post-sanctions era, we will have a great deal of favorable opportunities to expand foreign cooperation in this regard and increase investment in the field of environment,” Ebtekar said.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on Jan. 4

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

Ettela’at: Divine revenge will soon catch up with the Al Saud family, said the Supreme Leader.

Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr neither incited the public to take up arms; nor did he plot covertly; all he did was to build on his religious zeal to insist on promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, Ayatollah Khamenei said in condemning the execution by the Saudi authorities of the prominent Shiite cleric.

Ettela’at:People in Tehran have staged a massive rally in condemnation of the execution of Sheikh Nimr in Saudi Arabia.

Ettela’at:The international community has condemned the execution of the Saudi Shiite leader.

The UN chief described the trial of Sheikh Nimr as flawed.

Ettela’at: The ceiling of the home loans banks will offer has risen to almost $27,000.

Ettela’at: Foreign Minister Zarif has called for international efforts to prevent sectarianism.

The Iranian top diplomat talked over the phone with a number of his regional counterparts, the UN secretary-general and the EU foreign policy chief.

Ettela’at: The mayor of Tehran has said that each year some 800,000 tons of pollutants find their way into the air of the capital.

Ettela’at: The Judiciary spokesman has said that no one is entitled to insult real and legal parties.

He further said attacking the Saudi Embassy was against the law and those who played a role in it will be seriously dealt with.

Iran warns of extremism fallout in Mideast

By

Emad Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned about the repercussions of extremism in the Middle East following Saudi Arabia’s execution of a top Shia cleric.

Zarif held separate phone conversations on Sunday with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini as well as with a number of foreign ministers from regional states.

Zarif reiterated Iran’s condemnation of the execution of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, noting that the Shiite cleric’s execution was in line with divisive and pro-terrorism policies which have been ravaging the region and the world.

The Iranian foreign minister also underscored the need for coordinated regional and international efforts to halt measures against religious groups and tribalism-based policies.

Zarif also said that the Islamic Republic remains fully committed to safeguarding diplomatic missions it hosts.

[…]

Sheikh Nimr had been arrested in 2012 in the Qatif region of Saudi Arabia’s Shiite-majority Eastern Province, which was the scene of peaceful anti-regime demonstrations at the time. He had been charged with instigating unrest and undermining the kingdom’s security. Nimr had rejected the charges as baseless.

In 2014, a Saudi court sentenced the clergyman to death, provoking widespread global condemnations. Back then, the UK-based rights body Amnesty International called the sentence “appalling,” saying the verdict should be quashed since it was politically motivated.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan. 4

By

Golrokh Askarieh

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January 4, 2016

The widespread condemnation of the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, including the warning of the Supreme Leader about “divine revenge” dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Monday.

Ettela’at: Divine revenge will soon catch up with the Al Saud family, said the Supreme Leader.

Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr neither incited the public to take up arms; nor did he plot covertly; all he did was to build on his religious zeal to insist on promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, Ayatollah Khamenei said in condemning the execution by the Saudi authorities of the prominent Shiite cleric.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on Jan. 4

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan. 4

Abrar: The Danish foreign minister is to arrive in Tehran at the head of a 60-member delegation.

Abrar: The Iranian Army has released a statement on the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Aftab-e Yazd: The new problem rogue elements have created: an attack on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran

Storming diplomatic missions will intensify regional crises, said Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Aftab-e Yazd: The daily has a report about the growing popularity of “Chinese heroin” among drug users in Iran!

Arman-e Emrooz: A court in Shiraz has handed down sentences ranging from lashes to imprisonment for those involved in an attack on Tehran MP Ali Motahari when he was in the southern city to deliver a speech last year.

Arman-e Emrooz: Sosha Makani, the goal-keeper of the capital’s soccer heavyweight, has been arrested.

In reaction, Persepolis Football Club has said that it is not interested in players involved in immoral issues.

[The arrest came after a number of images featuring the Persepolis goalie changed hands on social networking sites.]

Ebtekar: President Rouhani ordered the Intelligence and Interior Ministries to identify those who attacked the Saudi Embassy as he reacted to [read condemned] the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr in Saudi Arabia.

Ebtekar: Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has said that a return to bigotry of the Ignorance Era is anything but advisable.

Etemad: In an exclusive interview with the daily, the spokesman of the Guardian Council has talked about how the council goes about screening the candidates of the upcoming elections.

We will show our impartiality in the vetting process; this time around the insistence is on not making any political comment for or against any candidates or parties.

Ghanoon: Rouge elements rushed to the aid of the House of Saud.

A suspicious group is inciting public sentiments against national interests.

Hemayat: The blood of Sheikh al-Nimr will pave the way for the downfall of the brutal Saudi government, said the Judiciary chief.

Hemayat: The Judiciary spokesman has said that elimination of the death penalty from the list of punishments handed down to drug traffickers won’t bolster the fight against drugs.

Iran: Spilling the blood of Sheikh Nimr was a political blunder the Saudis committed, said the Supreme Leader.

Javan: The West is worried the Saudis might drown in the blood of Nimr.

The Supreme Leader has said that divine vengeance will catch up with the House of Saud.

Jomhouri Islami: The Oil Ministry has signed 12 cooperation deals with top universities of the country.

Kayhan: The Judiciary spokesman has said that attacking the Guardian Council and questioning its responsibilities is actionable.

Khorasan: Around 50 individuals have been arrested in Tehran and 27 more in Mashhad for storming the Saudi Embassy and Consulate.

Mardomsalari: Tehran City Council has decided to change the name of Boustan Street [the same street in northern Tehran on which the Saudi Embassy is located] to Martyr Nimr.

Mardomsalari: The Judiciary spokesman has said that investigation into the conduct of Hamid Baghaei [a top lieutenant of Ahmadinejad] is close to completion.

Resalat: We are not expecting justice to be administered in Saudi Arabia anymore, said Tehran Friday Prayer Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami.

Shahrvand: The number of Iranians killed in road accidents in the first nine months of the year [started March 21, 2015] stood at 11,867, said the commander of the Traffic Police.

The figure is down by 2.7 percent over similar period last year.

Sharq: Those who stormed the Saudi Embassy will be dealt with, said Judiciary Spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Taadol: The governor of the Central Bank has warned that Iran’s banking system is not ready to get back into the international fold.

Vaghaye-e Etefaghiyeh: The petrochemical industry gets off to a running start in the post-sanctions era.

The oil minister has said that 70 petrochemical projects will be implemented.

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

President Rouhani visits disabled war veteran (PHOTOS)

Saudi Arabia sees survival in escalating tensions: Iran

Iran calls off Major Hajj

Gardens which made it to rooftops (PHOTOS)

Execution of Nimr, a message by Riyadh to Tehran

Official: Saudi Arabia can’t cover up mistake by cutting ties with Iran

Iran, ideal destination for renewable energies investment: VP

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on Jan. 4

Iran warns of extremism fallout in Mideast

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on Jan. 4

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on Jan. 4

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