» Judiciary Silence on Falsification
This editorial criticized the Judiciary silence on the accusations casted by hardliners on the Reformer government during the campaign period of the presidential elections and after the winning of Hassan Rouhani. The editorial believes the judicial system has to take the necessary actions and asks for evidence from those who spread lies, saying, “As expected, these electoral defeats (the presidential elections, city councils, and the parliament governing body) enraged hardliners who casted serious charges to influence the public opinion and lead to the drawback of Reformers’ reputation. Mahmoud Nabavian (member of the fundamentalist resilience frontier) wrote a new scenario for this strategy based on the assassination of Rouhani and his friends, especially the most popular ones.”
The editorial gave some examples such as Nabavian’s accusation against foreign minister Mohammed Jawad Zarif of conspiring on the extradition of Qassem Suleimani to the Americans. “Hardliners do not aim to combat corruption through these accusations but to distort the Reformers’ image,” the editorial said. “Some religious and decent people in appearance run to spread lies as if these accusations and lies are rewarding.”
The editorial refers to the reluctance of the judiciary system in this concern. It accused the system indirectly of standing by hardliners when it said, “It was expected the judiciary system would interfere in this case and ask hardliners to prove their claims. Should they fail to prove these lies; the Attorney General should bring them to justice on the charge linked to distortion and propaganda against the regime, which has never happened to any of those liars yet.” The editorial concludes, “What the judiciary does contradicts justice and shows that the judiciary system is not committed to its slogans of justice and equity.”
An Editorial in ‘Jayhan Sanaat’ Newspaper on Sat. Jun. 3rd, 2017
» The National Economy and the Squander of Resources
This editorial discussed the wastage of resources in Iran, starting from the groundwater resources up to stealing and loot on the highest levels. “35 million tons of foods are being squandered in Iran every year although their high prices, which can feed 15 million people over one year. Some of this wastage is rice that needs 1700 liters of water to grow, while 20% of this material is being wasted after being cooked.”
The editorial believes that the groundwater wastage has increased water salinity and eventually soar the cost of extracting drinking water. Other experts confirm that the production of some low-demand crops harms natural resources and assert that importing these crops costs less and causes less damage.
On the same issue, the editorial also said, “There are 11 thousand doctors who do not work in the medical field, which is another example of the squanders of resources. The government scholarship these doctors to work in the disadvantaged areas; however, after graduation, they refuse to work in these areas, which is an ongoing situation.”
The editorial also refers to the loot cases on the highest levels as a form of squander of resources when it said, “Squander of resources is not only wasting %700 billion during Ahmadinejad’s era, neither losing 2.5 to 3.8 billion dollars of oil revenues from Babak Zanjani’s account; squander of resources is still an ongoing process. The waste of the remaining of Ramadan’s full meals on governmental or private funds in partial might continue, but the biggest part is caused by the weakness of the production structure in the production, distribution, and consumption process.”
An Editorial in ‘Etelaat’ Newspaper on Sat. Jun. 3rd, 2017
» The need for cooperation between Iran and Qatar
An editorial in Wednesday’s ‘Stara Sobh’ newspaper discusses the possibility of Iran taking advantage of the crisis between the Gulf States. There are many opportunities for Iran in this situation, which the leaders should exploit politically and economically, the editorialist writes, and Iran must cooperate with Qatar to maximize the potential of these opportunities. The writer states: “In its reaction to the tension between the Gulf states, Iran condemned the measures taken against Qatar, considering these to be detrimental to the interests of the region and in favor of terrorism. Meanwhile, a distinction must be made between Iran’s public policies and its applied policies, and separating Qatar from Saudi Arabia is considered to be a vital opportunity for Iran in the region because it will change the regional balance of power in Iran’s favor. Of course, Qatar has no strategic relations with Iran, but the interests of both countries require cooperation. Tehran and Doha share close views on a number of issues, including the coup in Egypt and supporting Hamas and Bashar al-Assad and even the Shiite People’s Mobilization forces.”
The editorial further asserted that Qatar could be forced to strengthen its relationship with Iran for reasons of self-preservation since its only land border is with Saudi Arabia order to preserve itself. Since the peninsular country only shares a land border with Saudi Arabia, while its air routes overfly Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE, and nearly 60% of Qatar’s consumer food imports from Saudi Arabia, Qatar has no choice but to turn to Iran, the writer suggests.
The editorial continues: “At the moment, Qatar is being strangled geopolitically, its only way to connect with the outside is through Iran. Qatar is also facing a crisis in securing its daily requirements, so Iran is the nearest, cheapest and fastest way to secure its needs. ”
The editorial emphasizes that this crisis is an excellent opportunity for Iran, as it can weaken the Saudi alliance by attracting Qatari wealth, so that Iran can attract both Kuwait and Oman as allies, providing Iran with a great economic opportunity. “The export of foodstuffs and products needed by this rich country can surprise the agricultural industry in Iran and, more importantly, the passage of 165 flights from Iranian territory will have a positive impact on the Iranian economy,” the editorial concludes, adding, “Of course, this all depends on the timely reaction of Iranian officials, so that they can take advantage of this unprecedented political and economic opportunity.”
An Editorial in “Stara Sobh” Newspaper on Wed. Jun. 7th, 2017
» Zarif’s neck and the tainted knife-blade
An editorial in Wednesday’s ‘Arman Amrouz’ newspaper analyses the importance of maintaining the reputation of prominent political and military figures in the Iranian regime. The importance attached to this issue is reflected in media attacks on the Iranian foreign minister in order to discredit him in front of the interior public, the writer suggests, warning that such attacks harm Iran’s national interests.
“Usually when you talk about the national capital, people instinctively think of things like industry, minerals and things like that,” the editorialist writes. “However, this capital also includes political and military figures on the domestic and international scene, and maintaining the reputation of these figures is the duty of all citizens.”
In Iran’s political life, the writer continues, “Zarif is one of the most influential political figures at the domestic and international levels, who has provided great services to Iranian diplomacy, in addition to maintaining close personal relations with the Iranian regime leadership. With Qassem Suleimani, the relationship was established to organize strategic military policies and regional diplomacy.”
The editorial warns that some individuals have distorted Zarif’s reputation and have confused the public opinion by directing accusations at him. The editorial specifically refers to statements by Mahmoud Nabavian a member of the ‘Resistance Front’ bloc, who claimed that Zarif promised the USA that he would hand over Qassem Suleimani to Americans for arrest, adding that Nabuian’s accusations and similar statements by others are slanderous falsehoods spared solely as a means of retaliation in personal arguments, adding, “No political individual or ordinary person can accept such a decision taken by a diplomatic figure. This is a charge that is detrimental to harmony and the preservation of unity within society but they have benefits, namely, that they educate society against the aspirations of these individuals.”
An Editorial in “Arman Amrouz” Newspaper on Wed. Jun. 7th, 2017
♦ Kayhan insults speaker of parliament, lawmakers
In a column where phone messages are published, Kayhan newspaper insulted and criticized Iran’s Parliament. Kayhan wrote that the parliament with its current speaker is like the backyard of politicians of the executive branch. This newspaper which is close to Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei criticized Iranian lawmakers for quickly approving JCPOA (the nuclear deal), not following up issues like Teachers’ Fund and astronomical salaries for government managers, not seeing the problems of 2030 UNESCO document, and keeping silent about free gas export to Turkey.
Khabar online
♦ Shamkhani: Cooperation with Russia doesn’t contradict independence
Ali Shamkhani, the secretary to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council of Iran, said about cooperation between Iran and Russia in fighting terrorism that this cooperation initially began and continued in the framework of Russia’s resolve to support Syrian legal government in fighting terrorism and common strategic interests. Shamkhani added, “Each country, however, has its own independence, and regulate its own foreign policies according to its own national interests.”
Etemad newspaper
♦ Tehran MP: President should ask leader to remove house arrest from Mousavi and Karroubi
Gholamreza Heidari, representative of Tehran in the Parliament, said President Rouhani should ask Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei to remove the house arrest of Karroubi, Mousavi, and Rahnavard, and lift the ban on showing pictures of Iran’s former president Mohammad Khatami in public media. He emphasized that Iranian people do not want conflict, war, and extremism, and 2017 election was the confrontation between two approaches and thoughts. Heidari urged that with electing Rouhani, Iranian people voted for positive interaction in both domestic and foreign affairs—an approach which sees the Iranian nation’s interests in bargaining with both Russia and the West and the U.S.
Etemad newspaper
♦ Qatar Airways flights transferred to Iran’s Air
An official in Iran Airports Company (IAC) announced that all flights of Qatar airlines will pass over Iran to go to Africa and Europe. He said following recent challenges of some Arab countries with Qatar, it was announced that Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt will not allow Qatar flights fly over these countries. IAC official added that under these conditions, the only possible way for Qatar flights will be to pass over Iran.
Ettelaat
♦ Two deadly armed -attacks in Tehran
Attackers burst into the Parliament building and the mausoleum of Khomeini, the founder of 1979 revolution in Iran, and started shooting and carried out a suicide bombing on Wednesday. Assailants with assault rifles, grenades, and women’s disguise shocked Iran with these unprecedented attacks, leaving at least 12 people dead and 42 wounded. The assailants were all reportedly killed.
Of the 12 victims of the assaults, 11 died at the Parliament building, one at the mausoleum of Khomeini. All of six known attackers were killed, official media said—four at the Parliament and two at the mausoleum. Five were men, and one mausoleum assailant was a woman.
Tehran Chief of Police Brigadier-General Hossein Sajedinia said that following the Wednesday armed attack, five suspects have been arrested by the police forces, according to Fars news agency. He added that police forces, along with other security organizations, are on high alert.
ISNA
♦ Former IRGC Gen.: Widow of Shah of Iran voted in the elections
In a TV interview, former IRGC Commander Mohsen Rezaei alleged that Farah Pahlavi, the widow of former Shah of Iran, and monarchists voted in Iran’s recent presidential election. He claimed that the Americans want to enter Iran through democracy, which is why “counter-revolutionaries who had committed murder and escaped the country stood in long lines in Iranian embassies, and from Farah Pahlavi to monarchists, all voted.” When the TV host tried to correct him, Rezaei said, “she will vote in the next one!”
Iran
♦ Deputy foreign minister to go to Kabul Process
Iran Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia, Oceania, and Commonwealth of Independent States has gone to Afghanistan to take part in a summit called “Kabul Process”. Ebrahim Rahimpoor represents Iran in this summit in which peace and security issues will be discussed among Afghans and officials from the region and around the world. Focusing on combatting terrorism, the summit will discuss peace talks with armed opposition forces in order to reach a regional consensus for establishing peace in Afghanistan.
ISNA
♦ Iran stages 25 navy drills this year
Commander of Iran’s Navy Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says 25 drills will be launched in the sea and seashore of southern and northern Iran. “The military equipment of Iran Navy is up to date and all made in the country,” added Sayyari. He also announced that the destroyer “Damavand” of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army has become operational. More missile guided cruisers are under construction as well, said the commander.
ISNA
♦ Turkey arrests an Iranian with 86 Kg. of Heroin
According to IRNA, an Iranian truck driver was arrested at Turkey borders on a charge of smuggling and carrying 86 kilogram of heroin. The Iranian smuggler was arrested at the Gurbulak/Bazargan border crossing, reported Andalou Agency. He has been handed over to Turkey judicial authorities.
Bartarinha
♦ Death to America’ remains a revolutionary slogan in Iran
A cleric in northern Iran has said “Death to America” will not be removed from the list of Islamic Revolution’s slogans, despite the fact that some hope so. Seyed Mohsen Mahmoudi added, “As long as the U.S. and global arrogance exists, ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Seditionist’ will remain the major slogans of the revolutionary nation of Islamic Iran.”
Mehr News
♦ Iran will support North Korea
Mohsen Rafighdoost, former IRGC minister, says Iran has always been on good terms with North Korea and will remain so. Rafighdoost added Iran used to have arms dealings with North Korea during the war [with Iraq], “but currently, we do not need any country in terms of defense.”
Former IRGC minister also said that the former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, in a meeting with him, had said he respected Iran for its enmity towards the U.S., promising “I will put it in my will that [North Korea’s] support for Iran continues after my death.”
Mizan online
♦ Iran as 14th producer of crude steel
In the first two months of this year, production of crude steel in the world showed 5.7% growth, reaching 264 tons. Among 67 countries that are members of World Steel Association, Iran stands as 14th biggest producer in the world. In the first two months of 2017, Iran produced 2,895,000 tons of crude steel, which showed 6.2% increased compared to the same period in 2016.
Jam-e-jam online
♦ Iran’s 12th government cabinet with on new structure
Vice president of Iran for Parliamentary Affairs announced preparation of three bills by the government to divide 3 ministries. Hossein Ali Amiri added that based on these bills, Ministry of Road and Urban Development will be divided into Ministry of Road and Transportation, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development; Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade will be divided into Ministry of Industry and Mine and Ministry of Trade; and Ministry of Sports and Youths will be divided into Ministry of Sports and Youth National Organization.
Vice president of Iran for Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that for a while, researches and studies about dividing these ministries have been conducted by the government experts to maximize the capacities and facilitate the affairs in trade, mining, housing, and youths.
Afkar news
♦ Arresting spies shows widespread infiltration in Rouhani’s government, says, Iranian lawmaker
Mashhad MP Javad Karimi Ghodosi pointed out to arresting a spy in the office of Hossamoldin Ashna, President Hassan Rouhani’s advisor, and its confirmation by judiciary spokesperson Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, saying that this was not the first, nor would it be the last, spy who was arrested in Rouhani’s government. He added that even though the problem of infiltration also existed in other governments, it is more common in Hassan Rouhani’s government.
Karimi Ghodosi said one of the ways of infiltration is using people with dual nationality, many of whom were employed by the government and were even present in the nuclear negotiations, giving valuable information to the other party in negotiations and “enemies of the regime”. He urged: “When some of these people are green card holders and have dual nationality, one should not be surprised about spying in the office of advisor to the president.”
Afkar news
♦ Iran, Russia to increase ICT cooperation
Mahmoud Vaezi, Iran’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, and his Russian counterpart Nikolai Nikiforov have agreed to accelerate relations between their countries, especially in the field of communications. In a meeting at St. Petersburg, Vaezi emphasized the importance of Vladimir Putin’s views on new technologies such as the digital economy and the Internet of Things, saying Tehran is ready to cooperate with Moscow in those fields.
Vaezi also underlined “guarding moral and social issues on the Internet” and called on forming an ICT joint workshop between the two countries.
IRNA
♦ Iran Supreme Leader’s ‘private meeting’ with Raisi
The campaign headquarters of recent presidential candidate Ebrahim Raisi has announced that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had a private meeting with Raisi during which he thanked the candidate for his efforts during the election. “Any other news on social media about the content of this meeting is unreliable,” said the announcement.
Mehr News
♦ Iran will continue producing Heavy Water
Member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has stated that the IAEA recent report shows Iran is committed to its honest discourse and policy. “Iran still adheres to all of its agreements as it has shown in the past years,” added Mohammad-Ebrahim Rezaei talking about the country’s nuclear activities in an interview with ICANA. He also said the U.S. keeps making excuses and breaking its promises regarding JCPOA, adding Iran should publicize it: This can have a positive impact now that “the gap between the U.S. and European countries is widening.”
Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency (ICANA
♦ 13 War grenades discovered in Tehran
Commander of the special police force in the east of Tehran says 13 war grenades were found in Javadabad district in Tehran by an individual while digging a pool in his farm. Colonel Abdolreza Nazeri added the revolutionary guards were sent to the location to neutralize and transfer the discovered ammunition. Police investigation in this regard is still in process, said Nazeri.
Jam-e Jam online
♦ FATF has nothing to do with extraditing nationals between countries
Iran former MP who claimed Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has promised to extradite Major General Qassem Suleimani to the U.S. in exchange for banking relations with western countries has sparked severe criticism from Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Mahmoud Nabavian, the former lawmaker, referred to Iran’s agreement with FATF (Financial Action Task Force), saying this organization calls IRGC and its commander, Suleimani, terrorists. “Therefore, [having relations with] FATF means handing over Major General Suleimani [to the U.S.], said Nabavian.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Bahram Qassemi said Nabavian’s claims are “utterly unfounded”, and “insults the intelligence of millions of Iranians.” Qassemi stated, FATF is an international institution and “has nothing to do with extraditing nationals between the countries.”
Iran Daily
♦ Parliamentarian reacts to importing dates from Israel
Importing dates from Israel triggered a reaction of MP Mohsen Kohkan, a member of Parliament’s Industry and Mining Commission. About a year ago, a shipment of dates was confiscated in Maku Free Trade Zone, which initial investigations proved to be Israeli products. As any commercial transaction with Israel is prohibited in Iran, a criminal case was launched in West Azerbaijan province’s justice department.
Mohsen Kohkan urged in Islamic parliament that the fact that some people think they can import any products from the country that Iran considers as “number one enemy of humanity and supporter of terrorism” is outrageous.
Mashregh News
♦ Fire in Ivan’s forest not extinguished yet
After 2 days after the fire began in the forest area of Sorkh-Gir close to the city of Ivan in Ilam province, it is not fully put out yet. Officials along with local people have been working hard to control the fire but to no avail. According to Reza Ahmadi, director general of natural resources in Ilam Province, so far more than 9 hectares of the forest area has burned down in this fire.
Mehr News
♦ Massive explosion in Shiraz
There was a major explosion in one of Shiraz’s streets, and no official report as to its details has been published yet. The explosion which took place at 1 am local time was in “Nemooneh Shahr” Commercial Building, and firefighters are trying to extinguish the ensuing fire. According to unconfirmed reports, 39 people have been injured due to the explosion.
Sputnik News
