» The relationship between development and terrorism
An editorial in the nominally reformist newspaper Ebtekar on Wednesday concerns the terror attacks in Tehran last Wednesday and the nationality of those accused of perpetrating them. The editorial suggested that since the accused are Iranian citizens from disadvantaged minorities in the poorest regions of Iran, this might be behind their recruitment by ISIS.
The writer suggests that the solution lies in the government taking an interest in and paying attention to development in these poor and deprived areas of Iran, claiming: “Only Iran has been able to minimize the damage caused by this organized [terrorist] movement, which caused the collapse of the structure and order of many countries in the Middle East, and led to the institutions of these countries facing multiple insecurity problems, while Iran, in the middle of the Middle East and covering the largest area among the regional countries, has seen fewest terrorist operations.”
The editorial said that the events last Wednesday in the heart of the capital Tehran increased concerns in Iran, saying that although the relevant authorities managed to quash this operation and kill the alleged perpetrators, it was unable to eliminate the root of these attacks. The writer claimed, “A quick glance at the perpetrators of these operations shows us that ISIS relied on Iranian citizens”, suggesting that the group is taking advantage of the socio-economic problems, racism, and discrimination facing members of the minority groups. The writer added, “In analyzing the geographical distribution of the terrorists in Tehran, we see that there are very important points. They are all from the deprived regions of Iran, and from provinces such as Elam, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Sistan, and Baluchistan (predominantly Sunni). ”
The editorialist suggests that these regions’ status as suffering from the lowest levels of development in Iran must be taken into account in assessing the terror attacks, adding that ISIS has taken advantage of the poverty and deprivation in order to recruit members of these groups more easily.
The editorial further states that systemic ethnic and sectarian discrimination against non-Persian minorities in Iran (who make up more than half the country’s population) are factors in the ability of ISIS to recruit individuals from these groups. The writer concludes: “If the government carries out event will decline significantly.”
It is well-known in Iran that the non-Persian groups are subjected to brutal systemic oppression by the rogue regime, which denies them all human rights and deploys every means possible to subjugate the people.
An Editorial in “Ebtekar” Newspaper on Tue. 13th, Jun. 2017
» Everyday Life of the People of Tehran after the Terrorist Attacks
This editorial handled the daily life of the people of Tehran after the terrorist attacks a few days ago. “One goal of the attacks was to create a state of awe and terror. But terrorists did not achieve their goal. People of Tehran continued their daily lives normally without any signs of stress and fear. None of them has changed his daily routine, which is evidence that these attacks failed to achieve their goals,” the editorial said. “Tehran had never witnessed any terrorist activities for 35 years; neither any of the biggest cities. There are some clashes on the borders; however, they are not at this level of planning. What happened last Wednesday is an extraordinary event that will never happen again. Indeed, people of Tehran do not seem to have any signs of fear and confusion because they are sure this event will never happen again on the short run.”
The editorial believes that Tehran differs from Kabul and Baghdad that both witness at least a terrorist attack that claims many victims per week. It also sees that Tehran differs from the European capitals that witnessed such terrorist attacks recently and have created a state of fear in these countries.
The editorial concluded, “People of Tehran believe that terrorist attacks are rare; however, any similar event in the future might create a state of terror and awe in the country.”
An Editorial in “Iran” Newspaper on Mon. 12th, Jun. 2017
» The Need for Change in the Ministries’ Structures and Visions
This editorial handled the separation of ministries that were consolidated during Ahmadinejad’s era. “It is not significant to increase the number of ministries from 18 to 30 to improve the government’s economic performance; what is significant is to have an organizational structure that fits the tasks of these ministries.” It added, “There is much controversy over the separation or consolidation of ministries; a question rises here, what is the advantage of separation now and what was the reason for consolidation six years ago? The rationale behind separation is the inefficiency of these ministries that have been merged such as the Ministry of Industry and Mining and Trade, leading to a plan of separation in this ministry.”
The editorial also asks about the feasibility of consolidation that took place six years ago. It believes that this process did not decrease the size of government nor activated it. It also said that separation or consolidation would not improve the economic situation, “To increase the number of ministries from 18 to 30 does not seem to improve the government’s economic performance nor the merge would severe the situation. The most important issue is to found an organizational structure that suits the tasks of these ministries, which has been absent in some ministries and executive bodies. Furthermore, we must not forget about the budget that should be compatible with the tasks of these ministries.”
An Editorial in “Arman Emrouz” Newspaper on Mon. 12th, Jun. 2017
» British elections and Iran’s interests
An editorial in Sunday’s Arman Emrouz newspapers discusses the parliamentary elections in the UK and the subsequent reduction in the number of seats held by the Conservative Party, bringing factors that complicate upcoming negotiations between the British government and European Union officials over the upcoming Brexit, which are set to begin after ten days.
The editorial addresses the formation of the new government in Britain, suggesting that the results are now more in Iran’s interests, stating: “The results of the British parliamentary elections on Thursday created more complications ten days before the start of official negotiations on the departure of Britain from the European Union, with a state of confusion prevailing in the current conditions of uncertainty over who will take over management of the state.
The writer suggests that since the Conservative Party, led by Theresa May, has lost the majority which allowed it to form a single-party government while Jeremy Corbyn’s Labor Party has improved its standing, with Corbyn calling for May’s resignation, the position of the Labour Party and thus of Iran, whose regime is favored by Corbyn, is now far stronger.
Discussing three possibilities facing the Conservative Party, the editorial states, “The first option is that May, wanting to stay in power, would join forces with a small party like the Scottish National Party, which holds 35 seats. In this case, May would have to give more privileges to the Scots. A second option is for May to resign and give up her position to her Foreign Minister, Boris Johnson, with the latter in coalition with a smaller party, the most powerful option. The third option would be for May to ask the Labor Party to form a government in alliance with other parties, thus putting the problems of the ‘Brexit’ on the Labour Party’s shoulders. In this situation, the Labor Party will face difficult circumstances.”
The newspaper welcomes the possibility of Corbyn’s becoming Prime Minister since, it says, this would be in Iran’s interests, given Corbyn’s anti-Israel stance and his opposition to the imposition of sanctions on Iran. If Corbyn becomes Prime Minister, the editorial concludes, relations between Britain and Iran would improve, whilst if May insists on remaining in power Johnson’s role would be unclear, although the writer suggests that Johnson’s position on Iran is more favorable to the Iranian regime than May’s.
An Editorial in ‘Arman Emrouz’ Newspaper on Sun. 11th, Jun. 2017
» This is more dangerous than ISIS
An editorial in Sunday’s ‘Etelaat’ focuses on the problems in Iran’s banking sector following a significant decline in the Central Bank’s supervision of many private banks and financial institutions which are operating without authorization from the Central Bank. The editorial suggests that these private institutions are competing to attract would-be investors through offering competitive interest rates on savers’ funds, despite the country’s interest rates being determined by the Central Bank.
The editorial warns against these practices, saying: “Despite announcements and administrative memoranda issued by the Central Bank, and despite all the warnings issued by experts on the reform of the banking system, and on interest rate cuts, recent reports indicate that interest rates have not only not been reduced, they have actually risen. No significant transformation is possible in this area unless the Central Bank’s monitoring bodies do their work properly, and one does not need a seer to tell us the potential consequences of this and the devastation that would befall the economy.”
The writer adds that the regime’ Monetary and Credit Council has set the daily interest rate on deposits to 10 percent, with most state-owned banks and financial institutions committed to implementing this rate. However, many private banks and finance houses are ignoring this limit, with some offering up to twice the specified rate of interest for savers. “This competition, which is taking place in order to attract liquidity from the market and prevent the exit of funds from the system or because of the fear that these funds will escape into other unproductive economic sectors, is turning into a serious competition that doesn’t seem to be easy to get rid of. The Central Bank and its administration can expect protests by the account-holders at the Caspian Bank if they don’t act decisively against the violations, which are becoming more widespread.”
The editorial asks how long the country’s banks will continue with this competition and how long the high-interest rate yields will be paid out to long-time shareholders from the funds of new shareholders, accusing the country’s senior economic officials of lacking the courage to confront this issue.
The writer concludes by warning: “We must not forget that terrorist operations won’t drag the country into severe difficulties, with economic problems and mismanagement far more serious than any terrorist attacks.”
An Editorial in ‘Etelaat’ Newspaper on Sun. 11th, Jun. 2017
♦ Telegram admins arrested for publishing fake news, espionage
A member of the parliamentary judicial commission has stated, “publishing fake, damaging news” was the reason for arresting admins of Telegram messaging app. Mohammad Ali Pourmokhtar added what is published on some Telegram channels is a collection of fake news related to confidential information of some [governmental] bodies. “Such news in such networks to which all have access, including the enemies and spies, are examples of crime”, he said.
Fars News
♦ Drugs cheaper than milk in Tehran!
In Tehran’s 12 districts, drugs are cheaper than milk, says a member of city council Mikaeel Saeed. He who was talking in the 352nd open session of the Islamic City Council of Tehran added the rate of night robberies in the same district has also increased.
Arman
♦ Iran to sign $15bn new oil contracts this year
Conditions for signing new oil contracts are ready, and Iran’s priority is developing phase 11 of South Pars, Azadegan Field, and South Pars Oil Layer, announced Iranian Deputy Oil Minister. Ali Kardar, in his interview with IRNA news agency, mentioned these are oil ministry’s priorities for development because they are common oil fields. It is estimated that by the end of this year, Iran can sign $15bn new oil contracts with international companies, added Kardar.
Afrinsh
♦ Iran, Oman emphasize development of mutual relationships
Iranian Ambassador to Oman Mohammad Reza Noori Shahroodi met with Yaha bin Mahfouz al-Manzari, Oman Parliament Speaker, to discuss issues of interest to both countries. In this meeting, Noori Shahroodi emphasized on expansion and development of relationships with Oman, pointing out to the political volition of both countries’ authorities in this regard.
IRNA
♦ Two suspects in murder of Baha’i citizen released
Two suspects in the murder of a Baha’i citizen less than a year ago were released on bail, while they had already confessed to having targeted the victim for his religion. The Baha’i citizen, Farhang Amiri, 63, was stabbed to death in front of his house on 26 September 2016 in the city of Yazd, central Iran.
The Baha’i International Community released a statement, citing one of the suspects as saying, “we wanted to kill a Baha’i. I had heard that Baha’is are Muslims who have converted from Islam and are apostates, which is why killing them is meritorious.” The suspects have reportedly said they would do the same if released.
According to the statement, officials have threatened Amiri’s family that if they do not ignore their complaint, they will suffer the consequences.
BBC Persian
♦ Gas explosion in Khorramshahr, 6 injured
Head of Khorramshahr Fire Department Bahman Zarinpoor said due to an explosion in a residential building, 6 members of a family were injured. He added investigations show that unsafe use of liquid gas for unclogging the sewer line in the house was the cause of the explosion.
All victims were taken to Khorramshahr Vali Asr Hospital, and are in critical condition.
Asr Iran
♦ 5 arrested in Hormozgan province in relation to ISIL
Hormozgan Chief Justice Mohammad Sadegh Akbari said 5 people were arrested in Jask Port, Hormozgan, in relation to ISIL in recent days. He also pointed out to death of 4 gunmen around the city of Rudan after their conflict with police forces, adding that some explosives, weapons, and ISIL’s flag were discovered and seized. He denied the news as to discovering suicide vests or any special instruments used by terrorist groups.
ISNA
♦ Fatimiyoun Division reached Iraqi-Syrian border
Fatimiyoun Division, Afghan forces in the Syrian war, continued their last month operations, heading towards Iraq-Syria border. After extensive efforts of Fatimiyoun forces and their allies in Axis of Resistance, they reached this border despite U.S. air raids. Advancing up to Iraqi-Syrian border means expelling ISIL completely from eastern parts of Mosul governorate, and disconnecting ISIL forces from Syria.
Tasnim News
♦ $500 million for project of Iranian companies in Iraq
Seyyed Hamid Hosseini, the member of the board of Iran-Iraq Chamber of Commerce, said $500 million is the predicted budget for financing the project of Iranian companies in Iraq by Resistance Economy Headquarters. He added that during past few years, commercial and trade relationships between the two countries remained at 8 to 9 billion dollars each year.
Iran
♦ Iran-U.S. talks in petrochemical sector
An official in the petrochemical industry said negotiations with Honeywell UOP – one the most prestigious companies in petrochemical industries in the U.S. and the world – have started over providing technological sciences and constructing a new PDH unit in Iran’s petrochemical industry. Referring to numerous negotiations held in Tehran with this company, he urged that financing the technological knowledge and participation of UOP is predicted to require 500-550 million Euros investment. This official told Energy News that if they reach an agreement, this new unit is set to be constructed in Asaluyeh, southern Iran, in less than 3.5 years.
Jahan Sanaat
♦ Reconnecting Telegram voice call in Iran depends on Judiciary
Minister of Information and Communications Technology of Iran says reconnecting voice call feature of Telegram messaging app depends on new decisions by judiciary officials, adding that it is no longer in his ministry’s powers. Mahmoud Vaezi stressed that Telegram’s voice call service was blocked because of security issues. “Due to a large number of Telegram users, it was more difficult to monitor this channel, compared to other social media,” stated Vaezi.
Shahrvand
♦ Iran changes name of Arak research reactor
Behrouz Kamalvandi, Spokesperson of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, says the name of Arak research reactor has changed to “Khondab research reactor”. Kamalvandi added the change was made to keep the nature of heavy water produced by this reactor in the IAEA documents, referring to this agency’s recent report. In an interview with ISNA, he also said the name change was not requested by any countries including the U.S.
Afarinesh
♦ Intelligence Minister: No ISIL remains in Iran
Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi has emphasized in the Iranian Parliament’s closed session that there are no remains of ISIL cells left in the country, according to Akbar Ranjbarzadeh, a member of the Parliament’s director board. Alavi has said those who participated in Tehran’s terrorist attack were Iranians who had been trained by ISIL abroad.
Intelligence Minister pointed out that behind-the-scene operatives were also chased and punished for their actions, adding that their operation has failed, and their cell is completely destroyed, said Ranjbarzadeh.
Tasnim
♦ Iranian navy to deploy 2 warships to Oman’s coasts
The Iranian Navy’s 47th Flotilla was deployed to free waters on Sunday. 47th Flotilla which comprised of Alborz destroyer and Bushehr logistic warship set sail from southern port city of Bandar Abbas after a ceremony attended by naval commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari. From Oman, the ships will head to the Gulf of Aden and then international waters north of the Indian Ocean.
Tasnim
♦ Security measures intensified in Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport
With regard to the intensification of security measures in Mehrabad Airport, Director General of Mehrabad Airport Ali Rustami said in an interview with Mehr news agency that this was a national decision, and started to be implemented from 5 a.m. Sunday morning under the supervision of general commander of protecting airports and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards for protecting airports.
Rustami said that due to the fact that the flights start from 5 a.m., the line for inspection to enter the terminal of international flights is always formed early in the morning.
Etelaat
♦ Details of 4 gunmen killed in Hormozgan Province with ISIL flag
Chief of Police in Hormozgan Province announced the death of 4 gunmen in the city of Rudan. Brigadier-General Azizollah Malaki said after intelligence measures and monitoring news about movements of an armed group in eastern parts of Hormozgan Province, the issue was followed up by the public security police of the province. After a confrontation with police forces, this team which consisted of 4 gunmen were all killed. He urged that these people were in possession of 4 rifles, 112 bullets, some explosives, and a flag of ISIL. Malaki said two of the gunmen were foreign citizens with foreign ID cards, and the identity of the other two is being investigated.
Jam-e-jam online
♦ Iran to buy 60 jets from Boeing
Yesterday Iran’s Aseman Airlines signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 60 jets from the American company. According to ISNA, Aseman will buy 30 Boeing 737s at first and then orders 30 more. Iran’s Minister of Cooperative, Labor and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei announced that Aseman would pay 5 percent of the contract in cash and the rest through a financing deal.
Aftab-e Yaze
♦ Iranian reformist welcomes ‘shadow government’ idea
University professor Hamid Reza Jalaiepour, in an interview with ISNA, stated that the idea of a shadow government in Iran is backed by reformists, while it is open to several criticisms. The idea was initiated by the fundamentalist politician Saeed Jalili who was a supporter of Ebrahim Raisi in Iran’s presidential election.
Hamid Reza Jalaeipour quoted Jalili as saying the fundamentalists want to oversee the government and its branches, adding but it should not be forgotten that the “secret government” needs supervision as well. The secret government are those who held accountable “and even disrupt the affairs of the sitting government”, said Jalaeipour.
Jalaeipour also said one of the organizations which need supervision is IRIB, adding it does not “equally serve” all the [political] trends in the country. Jalaiepour then urged the necessity of the existence of different political parties. He concluded that a shadow government can have a better performance if it takes such criticisms into account.
Iran Daily
♦ Some weapons discovered in Gilan province
Sohrab Salari, general and revolution prosecutor of the city of Rudbar, Gilan province, said that some combat weapons and ammunitions were discovered in a residential place in that city. He added that one suspect has been arrested in this regard. Salari said that a Kalashnikov rifle, a Colt, and some cartridges were discovered and seized.
Sohrab Salari also said that during past few days, 503 kilograms of narcotic drugs including opium and hashish were discovered and seized.
Abrar newspaper
♦ Attackers on mausoleum of Khomeini, parliament building identified
Following the attacks on Wednesday, June 7 in Tehran, Intelligence Ministry in a statement announced that the terrorists who were involved in those attacks were identified. Accordingly, ISIL operatives who were involved in the attacks on Mausoleum of Khomeini and the Parliament consisted of 5 terrorists who belonged to “Takfiri and Wahhabi groups”. After being recruited, they had left the country and had taken part in ISIL’s crimes in Mosul and Raqqa.
In the statement five names are being mentioned: Ghayoom, Abujahad, Ramin, Seryas, and Fereydoon, and their family names are not published due to social and security considerations.
Fars news agency
♦ Shamkhani meets with Putin special envoy
Alexander Lavrentiev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, who had gone to Tehran, met with Ali Shamkhani, representative of Iran’s supreme leader and secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to discuss common cooperation in fighting terrorism and political processes in Syrian crises. Shamkhani pointed out to the U.S. role in creating tension in the region, adding that constructive cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Russian Federation in Syria has had a positive impact on security equation in the region, and liberating Aleppo and establishing ceasefire are some of its achievements.
Shargh Daily
♦ Acid attacker arrested in Tehran
A 40-year old man who was responsible for the acid attack in Tehran is in custody now. Following a heated argument between this man and members of a family in a park, the 40-year old man had started randomly attacking people who were present in the park. He was arrested and confessed to his crime there and then. All victims who were superficially injured are reportedly in good condition.
Donya-e-Eqtesad
♦ Average age of terrorists was between 20 to 25, says IRGC intelligence
Deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Intelligence Organization, Brigadier-General Mohammad Hossein Nejat said that 3 terrorists with an average age of 20 to 25 went to the Parliament building as visitors at about 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7. Nejat continued that since these people were carrying a package, the guard at the gate of the building had become suspicious, and after engaging with them was killed.
Deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Intelligence Organization added the gunmen immediately entered the hall of visitors and started to shoot, killing many innocent people who were there as visitors. When the attackers failed in entering the Parliament main building, they took refuge in one of the floors of visitors’ building, killing some of the employees there.
Nejat said that after an hour, the gunmen were killed by the Revolutionary Guards’ special forces.
Arman Daily
♦ Zarif called Trump’s reaction to Tehran’s attacks ‘repugnant’
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called President Trump’s reaction to the terrorist attack in Iran “repugnant”. In a Twitter message, Zarif wrote: “Repugnant White House statement and Senate sanctions as Iranians counter-terror backed by US clients. Iranian people reject such US claims of friendship.”
In his reaction to terrorist attacks in Tehran, Donald Trump sympathized with Iranian people, but implicitly called Tehran victim of self-styled terrorism. He had prayed for the victims of attacks, but added that “states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil the promote.”
Fars news agency
♦ Arrest of other terrorist elements related to recent attacks in Tehran
In a statement, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced arresting other terrorist elements in relation to recent terrorist attacks in Tehran. In this operation, the statement says, a significant number of weapons, materials for making bombs, suicide vest, communication equipment, and forged documents were discovered. “Also, several safe houses of Wahhabi and Takfiri terrorists in the northwest of the country were identified and cleared,” reads the statement.
In two separate terrorist attacks on Wednesday, June 7, gunmen assailed the office building of Iran’s Parliament and the mausoleum of Khomeini, in which 17 were killed and 56 were injured.
IRNA
♦ Boroujerdi: Terrorists’ target was parliament floor, lawmakers
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, Chairman for the Committee Foreign Policy and National Security of the Parliament, said terrorists were stopped from reaching the Parliament floor, and could not target the lawmakers. He added that the gunmen then attacked the visitors’ building, shooting innocent people who had come to the Parliament to solve their problems, killing a number of them, as well as a number of the Parliament’s staff.
Boroujerdi said there is no doubt that the U.S. is behind these attacks.
ISNA
♦ 6 victims in explosion in residential building in Hamadan
Following the explosion and fire in an apartment building in the center of the city of Hamadan, a residential unit was completely destroyed and adjacent units were severely damaged. In this accident, 8 people, including some children, were suffocated with carbon monoxide, but two of them were resuscitated with first responders’ efforts.
ISNA
♦ Militants affiliated with ISIL arrested in Iran
In a statement, Iranian Intelligence Minister announced that, with people’s help, 41 militants of ISIL forces were arrested in Kermanshah, Kurdistan, West Azerbaijan, and Tehran. Previously it was said that 7 people were also arrested in Fars province for being affiliated with ISIL.
Ebtekaar
