» Military President as Strategy for Iran
The editorial of Siasat Rooz seeks to justify that having a military president can be a viable option and strategy for Iran under the present conditions in which the country is threatened from within and without.
The editorial starts with asking this question: is there anything wrong with having someone with military record as president of Iran? Are there any obstacles for such a person to become the president? The law doesn’t forbid high-ranking military people from running in presidential election, and if such people are qualified by the Guardian Council, it is then for people to decide who should become the president of the country.
The editorial then asserts that military records of such a person can increase his competence for such a position because he is a man of tough times and management under duress. If so, the editorialist asks, why shouldn’t Iran experience such a president? Past presidential elections show that at different times, people with military records ran for president such as Ali Shamkhani, Mohsen Rezaee and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The editorial adds: so far Iran has seen different kinds of presidents who were mostly from reformists or had reformist tendencies. The general schematic of their performances show that they haven’t had any considerable success in implementing the government’s programs and have had weaknesses in realizing general policies declared by Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
The editorial concludes that having a military president can be considered as a strategy for Iran, because domestic and foreign conditions against Iran seem to require somebody with strong management who has characteristic of a soldier. It must be admitted that people are tired of partisan games in running the country and they regret voting for this or that person. And that is because didn’t keep their promises and acted contrary to their elections’ slogans.
An Editorial in “Siasat Rooz” on April 11, 2018
» Tehran city council needs to apologize
In this editorial, the resignation of Tehran’s mayor and inefficiency of the Islamic City Council of Tehran have been addressed. The editorialist starts by providing a background to the election of Tehran’s mayor Mohammad Ali Najafi, saying people voted for those they did not know but trusted merely because they were reformists. The councilors then chose Najafi as Tehran’s mayor, who had zero experience in urban management. After 6 months and without doing much, Tehran’s mayor resigned. Najafi submitted his resignation due to ill health while rumor had it that he was under political pressure.
The editorial then questions the reaction of Tehran’s City Council to Najafi’s stepping down. Disregarding the mayor’s need for treatment, the councilors said, “No worries; you’ll get well.” This means that Tehran’s City Council neither cares about people or respect their civil rights nor is concerned about urban management. From now on, if Najafi does anything wrong, there is a justification: his ill health. The editorialist infers that the Islamic City Council of Tehran needs to apologize to people for the mismanagement of the capital for the past seven months. The council should also express regrets for receiving salary without doing anything but taking photos and writing tweets.
An Editorial in “Sedaye Eshlahat” daily on April 9, 2018
» Parliament’s Sensitivity towards Filtering
The editorial of Rozan daily written by an Iranian lawmaker probe into the issue of filtering Telegram, its consequences, and Parliament’s possible reaction in this regard.
According to the editorial, if Iranian messenger is capable of competing with foreign messengers, the officials should not be concerned and try to monopolize the atmosphere by filtering Telegram. Just as Iranian officials failed when they tried to create a monopoly over the auto industry, they will not be successful in this field either, given the fact that people know how to use VPN (anti-filter) if Telegram is filtered.
The editorial continues: this is dangerous particularly for teenagers and youths who will use VPN to access foreign messenger apps and will be led to immoral websites that will be harmful to Iranian youths.
The editorial then adds: people’s distrust in using domestic messengers is natural as there are no laws and regulations for tapping, and if there are any, they are not correctly implemented. This has resulted in distrust among people towards domestic messengers because lack of access to personal information must be guaranteed.
The editorial goes on to shed light on Rouhani’s responsibilities in this regard. People voted for the president’s promises during his election campaign, one of which was not restricting the cyberspace and not limiting people’s access to free flow of information. Legally, he has the highest position in the executive branch and can be absolutely effective with regard to not filtering Telegram.
The editorial concludes: it is expected from Hassan Rouhani to act as he has promised, and in accordance with citizens’ rights, he shouldn’t allow Telegram to be filtered. And if his hands are tied in this regard, he should openly announce it. If filtering Telegram takes place, Iranian Parliament will certainly summon the minister of telecommunication to go to the Parliament to make necessary explanations in this regard.
An Editorial in Rozan on April 8, 2018
♦ Zarif: We welcome Brazilian companies to enter Iranian market
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in joint trade forum between Iran and Brazil in Brasilia, emphasized on Iran’s readiness for joint investment with Brazil in different projects, saying that Iran welcomes Brazilian companies to enter the Iranian market. Zarif urged that currently Iran, as the first trade partner for Brazil in the Middle East with $2.6 billion transactions, is a good reliable market for Brazilian companies.
Pars Today
♦ Shamkhani meets with Putin’s special envoy in the Syrian affair
Russian President Putin’s special envoy in Syrian affairs, Alexander Lavrentev, met with Ali Shamkhani, secretary to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to talk about latest development in Syria, recent attacks against Syrian by Israel, and also U.S. President Trump’s threats as to military intervention in Syrian affairs. The issue of Israel’s attack on T-4 airbase which resulted in killing several Iranian military advisors in Syria and also Iran’s decisions regarding such issues were discussed in this meeting.
Fars news agency
♦ Jaberi: Iran-Russia followed up in the highest level
A senior assistant to Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Jaberi, said in meeting with Alexander Lavrentev, Russian President Putin’s special envoy in Syrian affairs, that Iran-Russia relationship is being followed up in the highest level. In this meeting, Jaberi urged that the region, particularly Syria, is constantly changing which requires close coordination between Iran and Russia.
IRNA
♦ Iran-Uzbekistan after creating a free trade zone
Head of Development of Free Trade Organization of Iran announced Tehran’s readiness to have free trade with Tashkent. Mojtaba Khosrotaj, in the trade forum between Iran and Uzbekistan which was held in Tehran, emphasized on removing trade obstacles in both countries, saying that in order to create free trades, both countries can specify a list of goods that need tariff support. Pointing out to Hassan Rouhani’s upcoming trip to Uzbekistan, Khosrotaj urged that both countries are willing to develop the level of their economic relationships.
Pars Today
♦ Widespread protests of people and farmers in Isfahan
Hundreds of people and farmers in Isfahan held a gathering to protest against shortage of water. They chanted slogans against injustice: “No nation has seen so much injustice”, “We won’t go back home until the water comes back to the river.” When farmers started to demonstrate, commander of law enforcement forces threatened and asked them to disperse. The demonstrators disregarded the threats and continued their protests.
It has been for a while that Isfahani farmers have held demonstrations in protest against shortage of water and against water distribution policies.
Javanehha
♦ Motaheri reacts to forced resignation of Tehran mayor
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ali Motaheri pointed out to political pressures for removing Tehran former mayor Mohammad Ali Najafi and his arrest on the excuse of holding Women’s Day Ceremony in Milad Tower in Tehran, urging that the City Council and Najafi should have resisted against the pressures. Ali Motaheri wrote in his note that the issue of removing Najafi from Tehran’s municipality will result in weakening Iran, adding that a part of Iranian establishment was against appointing Najafi to this position from the very beginning, and they forced him to resign by using leverages they had in their possession.
Fam news
♦ Lawmaker: Telecommunication minister under pressure to filter Telegram
MP Rasool Khezri, member of the social committee in the Parliament, pointed out to some remarks regarding filtering Telegram messenger, stressing that telecommunication minister is under pressure about filtering Telegram, but has so far resisted and hasn’t agreed with filtering it. He added that the with filtering Telegram, the issue will not be resolved because the issue of freedom of the Internet is also involved: “this is the age of information and people will use VPN when Telegram is filtered.” Khezri added that evidently filtering is not the right path, and domestic messengers must be enhanced to be able to compete with foreign messengers. Also, domestic messengers must become secure.
Iran
♦ 12 foreign currency dealers arrested
Tehran’s police chief announced arresting 12 foreign currency dealers. Brigadier-General Hossein Rahimi pointed out to confrontation of Tehran’s police with those he called “disrupters of foreign currency market”, saying that law enforcement forces of Greater Tehran have a significant presence in foreign currency marker to increase economic security. Rahimi added that with coordination with the Central Bank, the foreign currency shops with new permits will be sealed, and 16 units have been shut down so far.
Following an unprecedented rise in dollar’s price in Iran, the Iranian government has banned buying and selling foreign currency in the free market.
Tasnim news
♦ Zarif: Iran to make Senegal main automaker in Africa
The joint economic forum of Iran and Senegal was held in Dakar with the participation of Iranian foreign ministry and Senegal commerce minister. In his speech, FM Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran and Republic of Senegal are two important countries in western Asia, western Africa, and Islamic world, and as a bridge between these two significant regions, they can have an effective role in economic development and prosperity in these two significant regions. Zarif urged that Iran is ready to make this country the main automaker in western Africa.
Donya-e-eqte
♦ Khamenei refused to meet with Rouhani
Following preparation of a report with regard to IRGC interference in Iran’s economy and sudden rise in prices in the foreign currency market, Hassan Rouhani called for a meeting with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei; his request was rejected.
After the publication of “great robbery of Ali Khamenei and his children against the country’s oil revenue in South Africa” in Amad News, the foreign currency market suddenly inflated and long lines were formed for buying foreign currencies.
According to Amad News, it has been a while that the militaries’ big coup has been in the making, and it seems that along with the U.S. pulling out of the JCPOA, the shock on the market is the beginning of militaries’ coup against Hassan Rouhani.
Amad news
♦ Rezaee: Resolving issue of foreign currency is much easier than other problems
Following the rise in the price of the dollar, Secretary to Expediency Discernment Council wrote in his Twitter that “some people should not be happy about dollar’s price going up; pressure on people’s lives is not acceptable.” Rezaee added that “resolving the issue of foreign currency is much easier than other problems; it requires understanding and courage.”
Mizan online
♦ 4 Iranians killed in Israeli air attack in Syria
In Israeli attack against T4 air base in Syria, 4 Iranians were killed. In missile attack against T4 air base in northeastern Damascus, at least 14 people were killed.
T4 air base in located in Homs, Syria, and it has 54 hangars for different kinds of fighter jetsand military helicopters and has two runways. This base had been previously attacked by Israeli fighter jets.
Pars today
♦ Javanfekr: Rouhani’s government must resign
Following the skyrocketing of the price of the dollar in Iranian foreign currency market, Ali Akbar Javanfekr, top press advisor to former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, wrote in his Twitter that “Government spokesperson pointed to a huge leap in foreign currency rates, saying that the government has been unsuccessful in foreign currency policies.” He added, “One cannot admit defeat and still stay in power. Rouhani’s government must resign due to mere inefficiency and prepare the grounds for another election. This will also quash the rumors of a coup.”
Twitter
♦ Salehi: We can start 20% enrichment in 4 days in Fardo
Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Ali Akbar Salehi, said if high-ranking officials of Iranian establishment issues order, “we can start 20% enrichment in 4 days in Fardo.” He added that during talks which ended in the nuclear deal (JCPOA), “we had this issue in mind that in case the other side doesn’t fulfill its obligations, we should think of necessary arrangements in this regard; this has been done.”
Salehi said that on April 9, Iran would display its nuclear achievements on Iran’s National Nuclear Technology Day.
Mizan online
♦ Jahangiri not to become Tehran mayor
Following the resignation of Tehran Mayor, Mohammad Ali Najafi, there were rumors as to Iran’s First Vice President Ishaq Jahangiri separating from the government and becoming Tehran mayor. But as Tehran City Council did not accept Najafi’s resignation and reinstated him, Jahangiri too will continue to stay in his position.
Hossein Marashi, the spokesperson of Construction Party, reacted to the rumor of Jahangiri resigning from his position, saying that this will not be to the benefit of Hassan Rouhani, Iranian reformists or the country.
Arman Emrouz
♦ The rise in the price of gold coin
The price of gold and gold coin has had a considerable rise in past few days, with the price of gold coin reaching 1,830,000 tomans and gold reaching 170,000 tomans per each gram. Mohammad Keshtiaray, member of board of directors of gold and jewelry union in Tehran, announced 66 thousand tomans rise in the price of gold coin and said that increase in demand and soaring price of dollar have had significant impact on the price of gold coin and the created inflation, which has made people change their liquidity to gold and gold coin.
Sarpoosh
♦ Khamenei: Enemies feel threatened by Iran’s increasing power
Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, in his meeting with senior commanders of armed forces, said that Iran is “at the peak of its honor and dignity”, emphasizing that “the reason for unprecedented attacks against the Islamic establishment is its increasing power, because the enemies have felt threatened by this power and have thus increased their attacks.” Khamenei added that “despite all conspiracies, the power of Islamic regime will increase day by day.”
Asr Iran
♦ Rouhani: If they violate JCPOA, they will see consequences in week
Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pointed out to nuclear achievements, saying that these achievements have a clear message: Iran’s nuclear industry is moving forward with more power and more accuracy than before. He added that Iran had inaugurated more than 40 projects last year and 83 projects this year.
With regard to Donald Trump’s threat as to pulling out of the JCPOA, Rouhani said Iran has made necessary predictions and preparations for all possible scenarios, urging that “we will not violate the JCPOA, and if they do so, they will regret it; our readiness is more than they think, and they will see that if they violate the deal, they will see its consequences in less than a week.”
Tasnim news
♦ Velayati: Iran, Russia developed relationships in different fields
Senior advisor to Iranian leader in international affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati, said Iran and Russia have developed their relationships in different fields, urging that this process will continue with the resolve of high-ranking officials of both countries. Velayati emphasized that Iran has had a long record of negotiations with “Russian friends” which dates back to before Soviet Russia.
Mehr news
♦ Yunesi: Guardian Council, not observe interests of the establishment, people
Ali Yunesi, special assistant to Iranian president in ethnic and religious minorities’ affairs, criticized the performance of Guardian Council with respect to approving or rejecting representatives of religious and ethnic minorities, saying this council doesn’t observe “interests of the establishment and people.” Yunesi urged that given lack of necessary culture with regard to ethnic minorities, “we must pay more attention to reverse discriminations regarding ethnic minorities.” He called local, ethnic and religious biases as a threat against the country.
Iran International
♦ Zarif goes to Africa, South America
According to foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghassemi, FM Mohammad Javad Zarif goes to Africa and South America. Bahram Ghassemi said in this regard that Zarif would be heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation to several countries in Africa and South America. In this trip, Zarif will go to Senegal, Brazil, Uruguay, and Namibia to meet and talk with political, economic and parliamentarian officials of these countries. Iranian foreign minister will also talk in bilateral economic and trade meetings in each country.
Shargh daily
♦ Major General Rashid: Ready for any defensive, offensive reaction
Commander of Khatam Anbiya Central Headquarter, Major General Gholamali Rashid, said Iran oversees any moves and is ready for any defensive and offensive reactions; at the same time, it is after managing events and preventing conflicts and tensions in the region. He added that the Gulf region and Oman Sea have special places in defense-security policies of Iran; therefore, along with overseeing events and developments, Iran should be ready for ready for dealing with unforeseen events.
Tasnim
♦ Boroujerdi on Iran’s policy regarding JCPOA
Head of National Security Commission in Parliament, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, emphasized that Iran is present in the nuclear deal (JCPOA) and when the U.S. withdraws from the JCPOA, being present in the deal will be useless for Iran. Boroujerdi urged that as officials of Islamic Republic have repeatedly announced, Iran will decide based on its one national interests, and if with the U.S. pulling out of the JCPOA, comprehensive sanctions are imposed against it, then Islamic Republic’s presence will in the nuclear deal will not make any sense. He added that the most significant goal of JCPOA was to lift sanctions, and if sanctions are re-imposed against Iran, it will certainly not stay in the JCPOA.
Parliament news agency
♦ Lawmaker: Europeans will stay committed to obligations in JCPOA
Tehran MP Soheila Jolodarzadeh said Europeans’ records show that in case the U.S. pulls out of the JCPOA, they will remain committed to their obligations in the nuclear deal. She added annulling the deal unilaterally will result in the world completely distrusting the U.S., “showing the ugly face of the U.S. to the world once again.”
The U.S. President Donald Trump is going to decide about renewing suspension of sanction and continuing the JCPOA on May 12, while the Europeans keep trying to preserve the JCPOA.
IRNA
♦ Ali Motahari criticizes double standards in treating two former presidents
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ali Motahari stressed that dual treatments towards two former presidents – Ahmadinejad and Khatami – is not justifiable. He added that Ahmadinejad has always enjoyed a certain support, while Khatami has been treated unfairly.
Motahari pointed out to the difference of opinions among judiciary and security officials with respect to removing house arrest of Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, emphasizing on a positive view of “high-ranking officials” in this regard. Ali Motahari said that those who are under house arrest are not subversive, urging that freeing them will result in strengthening national unity.
Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi – leaders of the green movement – have been under house arrest since 2011.
Ebtekar
♦ Tam Tam messenger filtered
Several days after Iranian users rushing to download and install Tam Tam app, this Russian messenger was filtered in Iran. Following the spread of rumor as to filtering Telegram in Iran, Iranian users who have tried to find a messenger with similar features turned to Tam Tam which is said to have all features of Telegram. But it seems that this messenger has been blocked and users can use it through VPN.
Arman Emrouz
