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

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Home Blog Page 4678

Spanish traders to visit Iran Monday

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

A group of businessmen from Spain was due in Tehran Monday as Iran hosts more foreign delegations before termination of economic sanctions against the country.

The spokesman for Iran Power & Water Industries Equipment and Services Export Company (Sunir), Mahmoud Sharif, told IRNA on Sunday that a trade delegation from Spain is to visit Iran on Monday to develop mutual trade relations.

He added that the Spanish group which already has a working partner (Sunir) in Iran is coming here to negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Sunir.

He said that Sunir is composed of 21 independent firms involved in manufacturing different equipment.

Sharif added that also a senior official from the Armenian Energy Ministry is due to arrive in Tehran on Aug. 12 to sign a contract for exports of 1,000 MW of electricity.

The visit will take place as part of a new wave of renewed interest in ties with the Islamic Republic after Iran and P5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14 reached a conclusion over the text of a comprehensive 159-page deal on Tehran’s nuclear program.

The comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers would terminate all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran.

Experts believe that Iran’s economic growth will rise remarkably after the final nuclear deal takes effect.

Iran has considered all options, even improper implementation of JCPOA

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

Deputy foreign minister for Euro-American affairs has said that Iran has taken into account the possibility of improper implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the problems it may throw our way.

Majid Takht-e Ravanchi made the comment at a special gathering to review the nuclear deal on Sunday and added that the nuclear deal comes with solutions that prevent the problems that may be created in the post-Obama US. He said it is not acceptable for a government to lift the sanctions and its successor to refuse to comply with a previous decision, adding that JCPOA has asked the US administrations to remain committed to the termination of sanctions [against Iran].

The following is the translation of part of his remarks as reported by the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) on August 9:

If a US president does not lift the sanctions, her or his failure would amount to gross violation of the Iran nuclear deal. If so, the mechanism envisioned in JCPOA will be pursued, but it seems a distant possibility for a person [read a president] in the US to seek to kill this deal. From the beginning of nuclear talks, we stressed that the deal should not be tied to a single person.

The Iranian government entered talks with six other governments plus the representative of the European Union and we had to reach a workable deal. The negotiating countries and the EU representative are members of a joint commission which will look into any problems which may arise in the implementation of the deal.

From the start, we sought to clinch an executable agreement. Talks dragged on, because we wanted to arrive at a good agreement, something which ultimately happened in Vienna.

[…]

If anybody in any of the participating countries tries to kill the deal after a while – only to influence the sanctions regime – the international community will learn who is throwing obstacles in the way of an international trend, and that person would be seen as defying all UN members and even American allies.

World nations have shown a great interest in entering economic partnership with Iran. When this economic trend is enforced, anything which may dent such a trend can pile growing political pressure on the US. Nobody at the White House can make a decision against the views of other nations.

Talking with six world powers, including five permanent members of the UN Security Council, is a tough task. Talks over complex issues are time-consuming as well.

The negotiating team as well as the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) made tireless efforts. Our friends at the AEOI helped us along the path we were walking down over the past year and a half. There were other people who helped the nuclear team with economic issues and sanctions. Mr. Zarif himself supervised the whole trend.

FM Zarif credits massive electoral turnout for breakthrough nuclear talks

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

The massive turnout of Iranians for the presidential election in 2013 dissuaded the other side from seeking to impose its will on the Iranian people and thus led to a breakthrough in nuclear talks with six world powers in Vienna, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told a special gathering to review the nuclear deal in Tehran on Sunday.

He said the text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a balanced one because both sides found a happy medium in it as far as their demands were concerned.

[…]

The top diplomat further said all the sanctions the UN Security Council has imposed against states and nations have resulted in either regime change or war, because they are basically designed to drive a wedge between the public and the establishment. “In Iran’s case, though, a 73 percent turnout [in 2013] told the world that sanctions do not work. Our people told the world that they interact with their government through the ballot box.”

[…]

Zarif went on to say that Iran’s case at the UN Security Council will be declared closed after a 10-year period, adding that unlike previous UN Security Council Resolutions which banned other nations from cooperating with Iran in the nuclear field, Resolution 2231 encourages countries to cooperate with Iran on its peaceful nuclear program.

[…]

In conclusion, Foreign Minister Zarif said since the conclusion of the deal on July 14, there has been a major change in the way other countries deal with Iran over our nuclear program.

Iran, Japan call for using capacity of nuclear deal

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

Japan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Daishiro Yamagiwa in a meeting with Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Valiollah Seif on Saturday called for tapping into opportunities that the lifting of sanctions will present.

Valiollah Seif told the Japanese delegation, including directors of oil and gas industry, insurance and banking system, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is keen on enhancing the level of trade and economic ties with Japan.

He said that Iran has great potential for investment and Japan is an advanced country in the field of industry and technology, adding vast markets in Iran and the region offer an opportunity for production of modern industrial outputs.

He said that interaction between banking networks of the two countries play a key role in improving economic relations, adding that Japanese banks helped Iranian trade partners when anti-Iran sanctions were in place.

Seif welcomed more Japanese investment in Iran and said that obstacles and limitations should be removed promptly.

He called for an increase in Japan’s banking activities in Iran, saying that Japanese banks used to work in Iran as representatives, but Iran currently wants to enhance the level of such activities and have branches of the Japanese banks established in Iran.

Japanese Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Daishiro Yamagiwa welcomed Iran’s readiness for expansion of cooperation and said that he would convey Iran’s proposals to the Japanese ministries promptly.

“On behalf of the Japanese government, I would like to felicitate nuclear agreement and we hope the created opportunities could be used for strengthening economic relations,” said the deputy minister.

In spite of international sanctions against Iran, the Central Bank of Japan had kept its cooperation with Iran and hopefully the economic ties would develop thanks to the current opportunity.

Decisions in this case should be taken by Japanese banks, but the government will support their presence in Iran, he said.

He said that the Japanese government is waiting for the implementation of JCPOA, but until that time, the government will support non-governmental companies, which intend to work in Iran.

Iran’s top commander supports JCPOA, UNSC resolution

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

A top Iranian military official has enumerated over a dozen positive points of the nuclear conclusion reached between Iran and P5+1, and the related UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231, despite voicing concerns about possible “misinterpretations.”

In a statement on Saturday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi listed 16 advantages of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed by Iran and P5+1 – the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany – in the Austrian capital Vienna on July 14, and Resolution 2231 (2015) approved by the UNSC on July 20.

Firouzabadi, however, said Iran’s armed forces are profoundly concerned about the possible impacts of JCPOA and the resolution on Iran’s defense capabilities, and about the US officials’ “misinterpretations” of the texts to impose non-nuclear-related sanctions on Iran.

Referring to a positive point of the resolution, he said it asks all governments and regional and international bodies to “cooperate in facilitating the implementation of JCPOA” and do not hinder its enforcement.

He further noted that non-military cooperation between Iran and other countries is one of the issues included in JCPOA that has been neglected by those who criticize it.

The top commander also stressed that JCPOA and the resolution have recognized Iran’s right to enrich uranium, which was one of the sticking points between the Islamic Republic and its negotiating partners.

He also considered the removal of anti-Iran sanctions another positive aspect of JCPOA.

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.

Pointing to another positive point, Firouzabadi said the principle of reciprocity of voluntary commitments has been observed in JCPOA.

He also praised members of the Iranian negotiating team for their honesty and sustained efforts during the marathon talks.

Judiciary chief underlines broadening judicial cooperation with Belarus

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani on Saturday stressed the need for development of cooperation between Iran and Belarus in the field of human rights and fight on terrorism.

In a meeting with Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Vladimirovich, he said that Iran-Belarus ties have posted good progress in recent years and they can further improve through mutual cooperation and proper planning.

Iran’s judiciary chief further said that the two sides should get familiar with each other’s judicial systems so that they can promote judicial and legal ties, calling for an exchange of specialized judicial delegations.

He also said that independence is the main feature of Iran’s judiciary.

Human rights and the fight against terrorism can be among the main areas of cooperation between the two countries, he said, noting that Belarus was also under pressure by the West for its independence and was accused of failure to accept human rights principles.

Amoli Larijani said that the Western governments have sought to impose the Western values such as human rights principles on independent nations.

Vladimirovich, for his part, voiced his country’s readiness to promote judicial and legal ties with Iran.

Congratulating Iran on its success in nuclear talks, he hoped that the two countries’ ties will further improve.

The Belarusian official expressed his government’s preparedness for removal of legal and judicial obstacles to boost bilateral economic cooperation.

France’s ADPI to invest in Iran airport projects

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

Iran says a leading French company specializing in airport architecture and engineering has voiced interest in the development of three key airport projects in the country.

Mohammad Khodakarami, the acting director of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), has told the domestic media that ADPI Group is already engaged in talks with Iranian officials over the expansion of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) as well as the development of Mashhad and Shiraz airports.

Khodakarami said a delegation from ADPI will soon arrive in Tehran to discuss the technicalities of the company’s planned investments in Iran.

The official added that Iran has already presented the investment potential of the three airport projects to the experts of the company who were in the country last week.

He said ADPI is accordingly expected to study the three projects and submit its proposals to the related aviation authorities.

Last October, the media reported that Iran plans a $2.8 billion expansion of IKIA and that France’s Bouygues SA and ADPI are among companies to express interest.

IKIA, about 40 kilometers southwest of Tehran, has a capacity for 6 million air travelers a year. Iranian officials say a plan to expand the airport envisages the construction of a new terminal with the capacity to handle 20 million passengers in a year.

This is seen as part of wider plans by Iran to position itself as the leading hub for cargo transportation and the second in passenger transportation in the Middle East.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 9

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

The comments the minister of culture and Islamic guidance made at a ceremony to mark Reporter’s Day dominated the front pages of Iranians newspapers on Sunday. Reformist-leaning dailies also gave front-page coverage to the “propaganda blitz” launched by hardliners against Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani for his announcement that he is running for the Assembly of Experts.

Ettela’at: “In the absence of lively media, societies drift toward dictatorship,” the minister of culture and Islamic guidance told a ceremony marking Reporter’s Day.

Ali Jannati further said that government intervention in media outlets runs counter to national security.

The police chief, meanwhile, said reporters play a very important role in promoting a sense of security in society.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on August 9

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 9

Abrar: “Parliament deputies won’t be issued a license to launch their own newspapers,” said the minister of culture and Islamic Guidance.

Aftab-e Yazd: The price [Ayatollah Rafsanjani has to pay] for fielding his candidacy [for upcoming elections for the Assembly of Experts]

The daily has a report on the propaganda blitz launched against the chairman of the Expediency Council after he said he would run for the assembly.

Aftab-e Yazd: “One single individual did not make decisions on nuclear talks,” Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said.

Aftab-e Yazd: “The critics of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action fail to pay attention to positive aspects of the deal,” said the chief of staff of the armed forces.

Arman-e Emrooz: The first vice-president has said that there are no leads about the money received by Babak Zanjani [a young billionaire who stands accused of committing massive embezzlement when Ahmadinejad was in office].

Arman-e Emrooz: The justice minister has welcomed the lawsuit Rahim Mashaei [a close confidant of Ahmadinejad] has filed against him.

Mostafa Pourmohammadi said some individuals do not tolerate others talk about corruption.

Asr-e Iranian: “Why does IRIB [state-run radio and TV organization] air programs critical of the nuclear deal?” asked an aide to President Rouhani.

Asr-e Rasaneh: Phase 12 of South Pars gas field is 98 percent complete.

Asrar: “Hardliners are using parliament floor to push their factional agenda,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Asrar: A meeting between the governor of the Central Bank of Iran and a visiting Japanese delegation has looked, among other things, into the issue of Japanese banks setting up branches in Iran.

Asrar: “It was the 2013 election [which saw Hassan Rouhani elected as president] that brought the West to the negotiating table,” Foreign Minister Zarif said.

Ebtekar: A jointly-built wall against [principlist] hardliners

The supporters of the Rouhani administration may form a political-electoral coalition with Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani [a principlist himself].

Ebtekar: “No one has the right to speak for the Guardian Council,” said the spokesman of the council which vets candidates for general elections.

Nejatollah Ebrahimian further said that the red lines are well defined.

Emtiaz: The Italians are ready to build power plants in Iran.

Emtiaz: The police chief has said that road fatalities are down by five percent.

Etemad: Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is to launch a new political party.

Etemad: The case involving scholarships granted to unqualified individuals [when Ahmadinejad was president] is now closed.

The science minister has said he swears unauthorized scholarships no longer exist.

Hambastegi: Foreign Minister Zarif has advised political parties against trampling on the message of the Iranian nation’s glory simply for their own political goals.

Hemayat: At a meeting with the Belarusian attorney general, the Iranian Judiciary chief has underlined bilateral cooperation on human rights and the fight against terrorism.

Iran: “The nuclear deal is not going to have harmful consequences,” said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in a speech at a ceremony to mark Reporter’s Day.

Jomhouri Islami: “Absence of powerful parties is a major problem the country is suffering from,” said Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Jomhouri Islami: “Water scarcity and drought are very serious problems,” said the first vice-president.

Kayhan: You call continued sanctions and an uptick in threats an achievement?

[The daily has come out swinging again, targeting the nuclear deal Iran and P5+1 struck in Vienna last month.]

Mardomsalari: “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was a victory for the discourse of self-confidence,” said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Rooyesh Mellat: Reports that [the commander of IRGC’s Quds Force Major General] Ghasem Soleimani has visited Russia have proved controversial.

Setareh Sobh: Iran lost to Japan 3-1 to finish second in the Asian Volleyball Championships.

Mystery of Rig-e Jenn, Iran’s most unknown spot (PHOTOS)

Fatemeh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

Rig-e Jenn is a vast area [3,800 square km] of sand dunes and salt marshes at the heart of Dasht-e Kavir, a large desert in the middle of the Iranian plateau.

The area is one of the most impassable areas in the world. That’s why it was avoided by caravan travelers in the past. There are no routes or villages in Rig-e Jenn and except for a handful of researchers, no one has ever traveled there.

The area was believed to be a cursed region which housed demons and evil spirits; residents of nearby towns and villages still hold similar ideas about the place and narrate stories about its mystery. It is widely believed that whoever sets foot in Rig-e Jenn will die or disappear.

Sven Anders Hedin, a Swedish topographer and explorer, who visited Iran in 1900, avoided Rig-e Jenn. But, Alfons Gabriel, an Austrian geographer and travel writer, traveled across the area in 1930.

Ali Parsa, a Sharif University of Technology graduate in computing science, succeeded in passing through the area with a small group of companions ten years ago.

Although such trips have unraveled some of the mysteries about the area, there is still a lot left to be explored.

Rig-e Jenn is covered with salt marshes which have probably swallowed up many who wished to explore it.

A vast surface of the area is devoid of flora and fauna. Although little information is available about its plants and wildlife, sightings of scorpions, phrynocephaluses [medium-sized agamid lizards], chinkaras and Persian onagers in nearby areas have been reported.

Snapshots of Rig-e Jenn by Mehdi Najari posted online by irandeserts.com:

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Iran’s foreign minister dismisses US media claim on Parchin site

Golrokh Askarieh

August 9, 2015

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has dismissed recent reports in the US media about nuclear-related activities at the Parchin military site, located near the capital, Tehran.

On August 5, the US intelligence community claimed that Iran has been working to clean up Parchin military site to remove traces of alleged nuclear activities there, Bloomberg View reported. The report said satellite imagery showed that Iran had deployed bulldozers and other heavy machinery to the site.

The Iranian foreign minister on Saturday rejected the claim as “false,” saying such reports are aimed at “disrupting the climate of understanding” between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear work.

“We have announced that road construction has been carried out at the site,” Zarif said, adding that the “lie” by the US media will be exposed to the world public opinion in the near future.

In a statement released in New York on August 6, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN also dismissed the claim as “ridiculous.”

“Parchin military site is a vast area which includes various military, industrial, administrative and residential divisions, and thus construction operations are naturally and frequently conducted there,” read the statement.

The mission said recent construction work in the area has nothing to do with the military site, adding that heavy machinery had been deployed near Parchin in order to repair the adjacent road.

On July 14, Iran and P5+1 – the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany – finalized the text of an agreement, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in Vienna.

On the same day, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed a roadmap for “the clarification of past and present issues” regarding Iran’s nuclear program in the Austrian capital.