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

Iran News
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- Human Rights
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- Lifestyle
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Culture
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Home Blog Page 4796

US, allies to blame for terror spread in ME: Zarif

August 6, 2015

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has blamed the United States and its allies in the Middle East for the spread of extremism and terrorism in the region.

The tactless policies and measures of the US and its allies, particularly Israel, have brought nothing but war, destruction and extremism for the Middle East and around the world, Iran’s Foreign Ministry website quoted Zarif as saying on Thursday.

Iran’s top diplomat stressed that Tehran’s foreign policy is consistent, noting that the Islamic Republic has always sought to establish friendly ties with its neighbors and counter the mutual threats in the region, including foreign aggression, extremism, terrorism and sectarianism.

His comments follow US President Barack Obama’s latest remarks against the Islamic Republic, which Zarif described as the ones meant to please Israel as well as critics inside the US.

US President Barack Obama pauses as he delivers a speech about Iran’s nuclear conclusion, August 5, 2015 at American University in Washington, DC. (AFP photo)

The foreign minister’s reaction came after a Wednesday speech by Obama in which the US president accused Iran of supporting terrorism, saying Washington has many differences with Tehran despite the recent nuclear agreement.

Zarif also touched upon the recent nuclear conclusion between Iran and P5+1 over Tehran’s nuclear program, saying that the agreement has dismantled the basis of the “Iranophobic plot.”

Those who still pursue the Iranophobia plot are only trying to make profits by selling lethal weaponry and do not care about wasting the region and the world’s limited resources, he went on to say.

Zarif further warned the US that the civilized world has set aside the use of threat in foreign policy, noting that such a tactic is both illegal and inefficient.

The wars waged by the US over the past 50 years have only inflicted severe loss upon the American people and brought about insecurity and instability for the whole world, he stressed.

The Iranian foreign minister also called on the US government to seize the opportunity and win the trust of the Iranian nation following the July 14 nuclear conclusion, saying this can only be realized if American authorities change their “wrong policies.”

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 6

Emad Askarieh

August 6, 2015

The comments of President Rouhani at a meeting with two Italian Cabinet ministers about the priorities Iran has in cooperation with Europe dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Thursday. Reformist-leaning dailies also put the remarks of Tehran MP Ali Motahari about the first court hearing of his attackers on their cover.

Ettela’at: “Inflow of capital and technology and joint exports of goods are Iran’s top priority in cooperating with Europe,” President Hassan Rouhani said at a meeting with the visiting Italian ministers of foreign affairs and economic development.

He further said that the two countries can open a new chapter in their relations in political, economic, cultural, scientific and tourism arenas.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on August 6

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 6

Abrar: The Saudi embassy in Tehran has said reports that the Saudi defense minister will soon pay a visit to Iran are far from accurate.

Abrar: A verdict in the case of Saeed Mortazavi [a former Tehran prosecutor and director of the Social Security Organization] will be issued by August 22.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: The minister of economy and financial affairs has said that Italy has agreed to purchase more oil from Iran.

Aftab-e Yazd: President Rouhani has been invited to pay an official visit to Italy.

Aftab-e Yazd: “Opponents of the nuclear deal account for 4 percent of the population; their loudness should be proportional to their numbers in society,” said First Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri.

Arman-e Emrooz: Following a first hearing for individuals who staged an attack on Ali Motahari in Shiraz earlier this year, the [principlist MP representing Tehran in the Islamic Consultative Assembly] has said that those who ordered the attack have been identified.

Arman-e Emrooz: Four Cabinet ministers of the Ahmadinejad government put their signatures on a letter that allowed billions of dollars to be illegally deposited in Babak Zanjani’s bank account.

[Babak Zanjani is a young billionaire who stands accused of committing massive embezzlement when Ahmadinejad was in office.]

Arman-e Emrooz: The British embassy in Tehran will soon reopen.

A delegation of British businessmen and Foreign Office staff will soon visit Iran.

Arman-e Emrooz: “Threatening the Iranian people serves no one’s interests,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Asrar: Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has warned terrorists may spark a third world war.

Asrar: The head of the tourism organization has said that a package involving as many as 1,020 projects is being put together to promote tourism.

Eghtesad-e Pooya: A ship that belongs to the world’s fifth most credible shipping company has docked at Shahid Rajaei Port in southern Iran.

Etemad: The X files

A new account by the justice minister suggests that there are footprints of Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei [a close aide and confidant of Ahmadinejad] in a $1 billion embezzlement case.

Etemad: “The arrival in Iran of foreign tourists is bound to gather momentum,” said the director of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.

Ghanoon: “Ahmadinejad wouldn’t pay attention to the inspectorate general,” said Justice Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi as he talked about corruption when the previous government was in office.

Iran: Iran and Italy have reached a deal that will see the volume of bilateral trade rise to €7 billion.

Jomhouri Islami: In a meeting with the Italian foreign minister, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has complained about the double standards of the West in dealing with terrorism.

Jomhouri Islami:European delegations are rushing to invest in Iran’s ports.

Kayhan: Israeli security experts believe the Vienna deal is the best option there is.

Kayhan: The only nuclear criminal in the world serves as both cop and judge in Iran’s nuclear case!

Khorasan: The Hezbollah trigger

President Obama has said that if Iran is attacked, Hezbollah missiles will rain down on Israel.

Mardomsalari: “Iran fully taps its potential to establish peace and stability in the region,” President Rouhani told the Italian ministers.

Mardomsalari: Russian President Vladimir Putin has harshly criticized his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan [over Syria].

Resalat: “Had it not been for the management of the Supreme Leader, talks would not have produced results,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Ayatollah Khamenei.

Resalat: Chairman of the Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi has said that the red lines of the establishment should be respected in the nuclear deal.

Rooyesh Mellat: “IS poses a threat to the world,” said the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Sharq: The former spokesman of the Guardian Council has said that the comments of the chairman of the Expediency Council are actionable.

On Tuesday, Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said that the previous government [which was in charge of organizing the presidential elections] supported certain candidates in the 2013 vote.

Iran underlines need for implementing Islamic human rights declaration

Emad Askarieh

August 6, 2015

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani called for serious steps to be taken to implement the Declaration of Islamic Human Rights, a document adopted by members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 25 years ago.

Addressing a ceremony in Tehran on Wednesday, Larijani said human rights should turn into a “public demand” so that governments would be forced to take major steps in safeguarding human rights.

The ceremony was held to mark ‘the Islamic Human Rights and Human Dignity Day’, designated by the OIC.

On August 5, 1990, OIC members adopted the Declaration of Islamic Human Rights in Egypt’s capital of Cairo. The document provides an overview of the Islamic perspective on human rights.

Larijani also said the Declaration of Islamic Human Rights contains profound concepts while having some weak points, too.

The speaker further lashed out Saudi Arabia for breaching the document by launching a military aggression against Yemen.

“According to the Article 3 of Declaration of Islamic Human Rights, if a war breaks out, the security of women, old men and those not involved in the war should be protected,” Larijani noted, making a reference to the death toll in Yemen under a Saudi-led invasion that began on March 26.

He further took a swipe at Israel as a criminal regime and at the US for its brazen supports for the Zionist regime’s atrocities in Palestine.

The Zionist regime of Israel has been founded on the basis of violation of human rights, Larijani stated, decrying Washington for taking pride in supporting those crimes.

Rouhani urges Iran-Turkey cooperation on anti-terrorism fight

Emad Askarieh

August 6, 2015

Issue of Idlib Must be Resolved Diplomatically: Rouhani to Erdogan

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says more cooperation is needed between Iran and Turkey to counter the threat of terrorist groups in the Middle East region.

In a phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Receb Tayyib Erdogan on Wednesday, Rouhani regretted the “destructive role” of terrorist groups in instigating insecurity in Iraq and Syria, saying Tehran and Ankara should draw up a joint plan to uproot terrorism.

The Iranian president added that the chaotic situation requires more cooperation between Iran and Turkey, as the two influential countries in the region.

“This condition of insecurity will undoubtedly leave its adverse effect on neighboring countries,” Rouhani said, adding, “These developments and the situation of the region necessitate the expansion of Iran-Turkey consultations.”

Rouhani said any anti-terror operation needs to be cooperated with the central governments of violence-stricken states, warning that if such cooperation is not materialized, even “bigger problems” may emerge.

The Iranian president reiterated that Tehran and Ankara have always stood by each other throughout the toughest of times, saying Iran attaches significance to the further enhancement of relations with Turkey.

The Turkish president welcomed Rouhani’s proposal for a joint campaign against terrorism, saying the two nations should put special emphasis on the battle with ISIL Takfiri group, which currently controls territories in Iraq and Syria.

Erdogan said the continuation of ISIL’s terror activities would pose a great risk to the entire Muslim world.

The phone call comes amid Turkey’s ongoing military attacks against what it calls ISIL positions in Syria as well as the bases of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.

Terrorists have no mercy for anyone: President Rouhani

Emad Askarieh

August 6, 2015

Iranian President has called on all world countries to engage in the fight against the common threat of terrorism, stressing that the terror groups will “show no mercy” to anyone.

In a meeting with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem in Tehran on Wednesday, Rouhani emphasized the need for all countries and governments to regard the anti-terror battle as a duty.

The Iranian president warned of the growing wave of terrorism as a “universal” threat, adding that “terrorists will have no mercy for anyone or anything.”

Rouhani further reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Syrian nation in the face of Takfiri terror groups and said, “Backing oppressed nations and friendly governments as well as making efforts for the establishment of peace and security in the region are among the Islamic Republic’s unchangeable goals and principles.”

The Iranian chief executive rejected any military solution to the crisis in Syria, saying Iran will do everything in its power on the political scene to help end the violence, which has so far claimed over 230,000 lives, and restore calm to the Arab country.

“We have no doubt that terrorists will eventually suffer defeat and will be driven out of the region,” Rouhani added.

Muallem, in turn, thanked the Islamic Republic for standing by the Syrian nation over the past four years, outlining the latest developments in Syria’s political arena as well as on the battlefield against the foreign-backed terrorists.

The top Syrian diplomat also hailed the outcome in the nuclear negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, saying the breakthrough could play a positive role in regional developments.

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on August 5

Golrokh Askarieh

August 5, 2015

♦ “The arrival in Iran of foreign economic delegations serves as a guarantor of the nuclear accord,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

The top diplomat further said the so-called snap-back of sanctions won’t be acceptable [to the world community].

♦ Fathabad Garden in Kerman has celebrated its rebirth.

The interior minister and the provincial governor along with a number of locals were on hand for the ceremony.

♦ “A new chapter has opened in Iran’s economy,” said the president’s chief of staff.

Mohammad Nahavandian further said that the stage has now been set for the Iranian economy to fully tap into its potential and all available capital to create synergy between the public and private sectors.

♦ The US has launched its first airstrikes on Syria [from Turkey’s Incirlik Base] on the pretext of supporting the moderate opposition.

It came as the US and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council called for the formation of a new government in Syria.

♦ “The impacts of the nuclear deal will have been felt by yearend [late March 2016],” government Spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht said.

He said the stage should be set within months for the implementation of the deal.

♦ “The foundation of sustainable construction should be set by the education system,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani further said no matter how much investment is made in the education sector, it will be still beneficial.

♦ Khouzestan Steel Company has exported 450,000 tons of products in four months.

The managing director of the company said in the first four months of the year, total production in his company has hit 1.1 million tons.

♦ Iran has finished first in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Iran trying to promote peace in region: Rouhani

Emad Askarieh

August 5, 2015

President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran would do its best for establishment of peace and stability in the region.

President Rouhani made the comment in a meeting with visiting Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni and Economic Development Minister Federica Guidi.

“Following the nuclear agreement reached between Iran and P5+1, Tehran is feeling a heavy burden on its shoulder.” President Rouhani added.

Touching on the European Union’s huge capacity, Italy in particular, to foster relations with Iran, President Rouhani reiterated that the transfer of capital and technology to Iran to be followed by joint exports to regional markets are the priority of Iran for reinforcing economic relations with European countries.

Pointing to age-old relations between Iran and Italy, he added there are no obstacles in the way of fostering mutual cooperation.

“Iran and Italy can open a new chapter in political, economic, cultural, scientific and tourism arenas,’ he added.

President Rouhani underlined that the ground is fully prepared for attracting foreign investment in the fields of energy, banking, insurance, industry, transportation and health.

For his part, Foreign Minister Gentiloni said his country is keen on making investment in Iranian projects.

Submitting an official invitation letter from Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to President Hassan Rouhani, the top diplomat underlined the necessity of efforts to boost of all-out ties between Iran and Italy.

Iran plays a key role in establishment of peace and stability in the region and the international community needs Iran’s help, Renzi said in the invitation letter.

President Rouhani thanked the Italian prime minister for inviting him over to Rome, saying that he will travel to Italy in proper time.

The Italian foreign minister declared his country’s preparedness to invest in and transfer technology to Iran in all fields including the oil and gas industry.

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 5

Emad Askarieh

August 5, 2015

The comments of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and Foreign Minister Zarif in defense of the nuclear accord Iran and P5+1 struck in Vienna last month dominated the front pages of Iranian newspapers on Wednesday.

Ettela’at: “The arrival in Iran of foreign economic delegations serves as a guarantor of the nuclear accord,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

The top diplomat further said the so-called snap-back of sanctions won’t be acceptable [to the world community].

Highlights of Ettela’at newspaper on August 5

A look at Iranian newspaper front pages on August 5

Abrar: “The hardliners in parliament do not care about the establishment or about the nation,” said a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Abrar: “Neighboring countries will be given priority for investment in Iran,” President Rouhani said.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: The Iranian oil minister has warned of another plunge in oil prices.

But Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said Iran has worked out a mechanism under which its oil revenues won’t drop.

Abrar-e Eghtesadi: Spain’s largest oil company will return to Iran’s market.

Afarinesh: “We are not overjoyed at the flurry of visits by foreign officials; these contacts, though, serve as a guarantor of the Vienna deal,” Foreign Minister Zarif said.

His comments came in response to claims by the opponents of the nuclear deal that the Rouhani administration and its supporters are overjoyed to see the arrival of Western officials in Tehran.

Afkar: “Iran has made remarkable progress as far as scientific development is concerned,” said Ali Akbar Velayati, the chairman of the Center for Strategic Studies.

Aftab-e Yazd: “The sloganeering of the previous government nipped harmony in the bud,” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

“The taboo of holding talks with the US has been shattered; some are still flailing, though,” Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said.

Arman-e Emrooz: The governors who do not act in line with the policies of the government will be replaced.

Will the recommendation Arman-e Emrooz first made a year ago be acted on?!

Asrar: “Six of the historical artifacts which have been sent back to Iran by Italy are not genuine,” said the deputy director of the Cultural Heritage Organization.

Asrar: “The public should safeguard the developments of 2013 [a reference to the election of Hassan Rouhani as president],” said the chairman of the Expediency Council.

Ebtekar: “Let the public breathe easily in the new atmosphere created by the 11^th government,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said.

Ebtekar: “Maybe in his dreams, Zakani has seen me say, ‘Pray for the nuclear deal to fall apart,'” the director of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said.

[The sarcastic comment of Ali Akbar Salehi came after the hardline MP quoted the nuclear chief as saying that the nuclear deal is a bad one and everyone should pray for it not to come into effect.]

Etemad: Shiraz pressure groups on trial

After six months of media pressures, those who attacked Tehran MP Ali Motahari in the southern city of Shiraz have eventually appeared in court.

Etemad: Foreign Minister Zarif has attended a special meeting of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations to offer explanations about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and UN Resolution [2231].

At the meeting, the top diplomat said he does not seek to manage the world [a sarcastic reference to the former president who kept saying that he had plans for the management of the world].

Hambastegi: “The agreement with P5+1 was a great achievement for Iran,” said top Shiite cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi.

Hemayat: The controversial activity of the BBC in Iran

Iran: There has been a change in the way Arabs view Iran.

The chairman of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council has said that the Vienna accord will promote regional stability.

Iran: Diplomacy flourishing in Tehran

[The president, his foreign minister and the deputy foreign minister have held meetings with visiting foreign officials.]

Kayhan: The BBC got a permit for activity in Iran; Kayhan received an admonition!

Kayhan: Some 84 percent of Turkish people are opposed to the military intervention of their country in Syria.

Resalat: “Presence in Iraq and resistance in Syria are a strategic decision,” said Kamal Kharrazi [a former foreign minister].

Resalat: “Iran will respond with a vengeance to any hostile act by the US,” said Brigadier General Fadavi [the commander of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps].

Sepid: Sexual dissatisfaction is to blame for 40 percent of drug addiction cases.

Setareh Sobh: “The trees of a 6.5 hectare garden have been cut down in Mashhad,” Khorasan provincial Environment Protection Department reported.

Sharq: An Iran-US house of trade has been formed.

New atmosphere misunderstood by some people: Zarif

Emad Askarieh

August 5, 2015

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Tuesday it is very important that a new atmosphere has emerged after the nuclear agreement, but it is unfortunately misunderstood by some people.

Speaking at a session of Strategic Foreign Relations Council, Zarif elaborated on the legal aspects of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and its appendixes, arguing that in order to resolve the issue, President Rouhani’s government was urged to create new conditions.

“The important point is that the old atmosphere (of threats and sanctions) is demolished and a new atmosphere has emerged, but some people misunderstand it. Today a new chapter has opened and that is what Mr. Rouhani refers to as exit from Chapter 7 of the UN Charter,” he said.

The Iranian foreign minister said, this means the Iranian nuclear program is no longer considered a threat to the international peace and stability.

“It is right that our nuclear program must proceed with certain restrictions. That is for sure, since six resolutions of the UN Security Council which were passed in the course of eight years (of the previous Iranian government) against Iran and we had not abided by them, and righteously not done so, are now annulled,” he added.

He said that those restrictions are under Article 41 of the UNSC Resolution. They should exist and there is no escape from them, but for our friends who are experts in legal affairs this should be clarified.

“Our missile experts tell us that none of our missiles are designed for carrying nuclear warheads, and they will never be designed for that purpose,” added Zarif.

The Iranian foreign minister added that he believes a major development has taken place.

“After all, Iran has managed to negotiate with six world powers, get engaged in a give and take transaction, urge them to yield to the passing of a UNSC resolution to guarantee the proper implementation of JCPOC, and all in all turn the threat into an opportunity.

“I believe this is an exceptional opportunity for Iran, although there are threats as well,” he added.

Iran reiterates neutrality in conflict between Kurds, Turkey

Emad Askarieh

August 5, 2015

Iranian Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli stressed that Tehran has adopted a neutral position on the ongoing conflict in Turkey between the central government and Kurdish fighters.

There is unrest in Turkey’s border areas due to the country’s stances on Syria and its support for the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group, Rahmani Fazli said in a meeting with Kerman’s Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Yahya Jafari.

Kurdish people residing in border areas have practically become a threat to the central government, he added.

The minister pointed to Iran’s stance on the conflict between the two sides in Turkey, saying that Tehran has frequently declared neutrality.

“Every country should decide on its own internal affairs,” he noted.

Rahmani Fazli reiterated Iran’s support for Syria, Yemen and other Muslim countries around the world.

Iran’s police chief said on Monday the country’s northwestern borders have been temporarily closed by order of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) in an apparent response to unrest in neighboring Turkey.

[…]