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8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13893 Sunday FEBRUARY 28, 2021 Esfand 10, 1399 Rajab 16, 1442

Iran to delete IAEA Iranian coach will lead Israeli ship whose owner Violent modern world suffers cameras’ data if volleyball team in next has links with Mossad chief from lack of common humane sanctions not lifted Page 3 Olympics: Davarzani Page 3 damaged in Oman Sea Page 5 language: Majidi Page 8 Zarif calls attacks and events in Iraq suspicious TEHRAN – The foreign ministers of Iran Iraqi forces in border areas of Iraq and and Iraq held talks in Tehran on Satur- Syria, dismissing the raids as a violation day to discuss the different dimensions of the two countries’ sovereignty, according of political and economic cooperation as to an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement. well as border exchanges between the two Zarif described as “suspicious” the re- countries. cent attacks and events in Iraq, saying Open seasonSee page 3 During his meeting with his Iraqi counter- they could be aimed at disrupting Teh- part Fuad Hussein, Iranian Foreign Minister ran-Baghdad relations as well as security Mohammad Javad Zarif condemned the and stability in Iraq. United States’ dangerous move to attack Continued on page 3 Tehran to host 1st EAEU intl. expo in mid-May TEHRAN - Tehran is planning to host an exhibition along with the Eurasian coun- international exhibition for introducing tries so that the two sides would be able the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU)’s to have positive negotiations and expand trade potentials during May 17-20, IRIB their mutual cooperation in the future. reported. “We also invited representatives from Five major members of the Eurasian Oman, Qatar, Turkey, China, Afghanistan, union are going to have exclusive pavilions Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, India, and Pakistan in this four-day exhibition, the Exhibition to visit this exhibition, to hopefully ink Organizer Alireza Jafari said on Thursday. tripartite memorandums of understand- According to Jafari, businessmen, trad- ing with Iranian companies as well as the ers, and powerful export companies from EAEU member nations,” he added. Iran are also going to participate in this Continued on page 4 Baghdad billboard showing “Shias of Abu Turab” TEHRAN – A huge copy of Iranian painter and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis among Hassan Ruholamin’s “Shias of Abu Turab” the companions of Imam Ali (AS) on Biden turns up has been set up on a billboard in the heart January 3 to commemorate the first of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. anniversary of the martyrdom of the A number of Persian websites an- IRGC Quds Force chief and a com-

the heat on MBS nounced the news on Saturday, but with mander of Iraq’s Popular Mobiliza- no details about the exact location of the tion Units – Hashd al-Shaabi, who billboard and the identity of its installers. were assassinated in a U.S. attack in Ruholamin unveiled the artwork de- Baghdad in 2020. File photo picting Commander Qassem Soleimani Continued on page 8

National gas 57 nanotechnology projects Khashoggi killing report: A test for network covers inaugurated Biden’s human rights claim over 95% of Iran’s TEHRAN – Vice President for Science and nanobubble technology, active packaging, an- Jamal Khashoggi was killed by a Saudi hit role in the assassination. Technology, Sourena Sattari, inaugurated 40 ti-corrosion packaging of metal parts, improving squad operating under the command of Sau- A test for U.S.-Saudi relations population industrial and 17 development projects in the the shelf life of wheat embryos. di Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman The long-delayed intelligence report by field of nanotechnology during a ceremony on Technology development in Iran (MBS), United States intelligence agencies the United States into the gruesome killing of BY EBRAHIM FALLAHI Saturday, IRNA reported. Despite sanctions putting pressure on have concluded. Khashoggi did not contain any major revelations, ranian Oil Minister Bijan Nam- The commercial products participating in the country, a unique opportunity was pro- An unclassified U.S. intelligence report but did agree with the widespread assessment dar Zanganeh, in a report ad- the event are related to oil and gas, agriculture, vided for business development and the released on Friday confirms for the first that the murder was ordered by bin Salman, dressed to President Hassan composites, construction, health, rail transpor- activity of knowledge-based companies time what role top U.S. intelligence offi- the 35-year-old crown prince. I tation, and nanofluids. in the country. cials believe Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler The release of the intelligence report will Rouhani, has stated that over 95 percent of the country’s population One of the projects presented at the ceremony Currently, over 5,700 knowledge-based com- played in the 2018 killing of the Saudi serve as the first big test of the Biden admin- is currently enjoying natural gas was in the field of nanofluids which worth over panies are active in the country, manufacturing journalist. istration’s promise to recalibrate relations through the country’s huge nation- 200 billion rials (about $4.7 million at the official diverse products to meet the needs of the do- Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s with Riyadh. al network. rate of 42,000 rials). mestic market while saving large amounts of administration held back the long-awaited The Biden administration’s promised reset As reported by Shana, in the mentioned Some 40 products have so far sold 10 trillion foreign currency. report despite a 2019 law passed by Congress of relations with the Persian Gulf kingdom — report on the development of the country’s rials (around $238 million) so far and it is pre- The fields of aircraft maintenance, steel, requiring its release. whose leaders nurtured close ties with Donald gas industry during the 11th and 12th gov- dicted to reach a fourfold increase by the next pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment, oil, Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Trump — could be complicated by the degree ernments, Zanganeh has stated that the two years and save foreign currency. and gas are among the sectors that researchers in Post who had been critical of the Saudi gov- to which the unclassified version of the report gas production from the giant South Pars Selected projects in the field of agriculture technology companies have engaged in, leading ernment, was dismembered inside the Saudi implicates the crown prince in the Khashoggi gas field which Iran shares with Qatar in and packaging also include the plan to increase to import reduction. consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. murder. the Persian Gulf has increased 2.5 times the production of greenhouse products using Continued on page 7 Saudi officials have denied MBS had any Continued on page 5 since the Iranian calendar year of 1392 (ended on March 20, 2014) when the 11th government took office. According to the Oil Minister, the cov- Explore naturally-gorgeous rock formations in southernmost tip of Iran Engaging Iran will erage of the national gas network in rural TEHRAN – Darreh-ye Tandis-ha (“Valley of forming muddy mud cracks, which has created large wooden cargo boats that have criss-crossed serve America’s areas has also doubled over the mentioned Statues”) is a picturesque sandstone rock for- beautiful and interesting landscapes. the Persian Gulf for centuries. Furthermore, the period to reach 84 percent. mation rising on parts of Qeshm Island in the The valley is part of those areas which have island has an abundance of wildlife, including interests in West Based on the data presented in southernmost tip of Iran. been once underneath the water, and when pulled birds, reptiles, dolphins, and turtles. Zanganeh’s report, from the Iranian A heaven for eco-travelers, nature-lovers, and re- up, it has been heavily eroded by sea waves among During and after the rainfall, it is important to pay Asia: ex-White House calendar year 1392 up to the current searchers, it is reminiscent of the perpetual thumping of other factors. This type of erosion gets reduced attention to muddy areas where sometimes the mud adviser calendar year’s 11th month (started on the waves, storms, and raging winds in the Persian Gulf. gradually while moving more towards the “roof” is very sticky and dangerous to walk on at this geo-site. January 20) over 20,000 rural areas In some areas of the valley, numerous fossils of Qeshm, which has remained intact. The Island also embraces wide-ranging attractions BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI with a total population of 1.76 million may be found including fossils of bivalves, in some Here, locals wear traditional dress, live in such as the Hara marine forests and about 60 villages TEHRAN – Pointing to the role of some regional households have been supplied with areas as colonies. Another interesting geologi- houses cooled by badgirs (wind towers), and work dotted mostly across its rocky coastlines. actors in West Asia to hinder a revival the 2015 natural gas through the national gas cal phenomenon in the valley is sedimentation in boat-building yards turning out lenges, the Continued on page 6 Iran nuclear deal, an American academic and for- network. mer advisor to the White House on Russian affairs Currently, more than 34,000 vil- believes that engaging Iran will serve the interests lages across the country are enjoying of the United States in West Asia. natural gas through this huge network, ‘Martyrs “Engaging with Iran is really addressing America’s the report said. interest in the Greater Middle East (West Asia),” Also during the mentioned period, of health’ John Colarusso tells the Tehran Times. over 193 cities with more than 641,000 But new U.S. President Joe Biden must also work households have also been connected to with “a range of other actors, such as Saudi Arabia the national gas network. honored and Israel,” according to Colarusso. Overall, about 98.4 percent of the coun- TEHRAN – A ceremony was held in Saudi Arabia had said before that the Persian try’s urban population is currently enjoy- Tehran on Saturday to honor 100 health- Gulf states must be consulted if the U.S. is seeking to ing natural gas through the gas network care workers who lost their lives in the revitalize the nuclear agreement with Iran, claiming while the figure stands at 84 percent for fight against coronavirus. it is the only path towards a sustainable agreement. the rural population, the report showed. According to officials, some 60 per- Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United According to the said data, the gas cent of the martyrs were physicians, 20 States has signaled he will return his country to the network coverage has increased by 3.5 percent were nurses and the rest were nuclear pact with Iran and that he still backed the percent for the urban population and the other hospital staff. deal negotiated under Barack Obama from which figure has also increased by more than 30 The World Health Organization Donald Trump withdrew in 2018. percent for rural areas since the Iranian (WHO) has praised the Iranian nurs- The nuclear pact, officially known as the Joint calendar year 1392. es for playing an effective role in the Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed In addition to the mentioned develop- fight against the COVID-19 pandemic when Biden was serving as vice president in the ments, the National Iranian Gas Compa- during the 8th “Triad Meeting” of the Barack Obama administration. ny (NIGC) has also managed to establish Iran is mulling whether to participate in an in-

Majid Khahi International Council of Nurses (ICN), 31 pressure-boosting stations as well as the International Confederation of Mid- formal diplomatic meeting planned by European 5,000 kilometers of new pipelines across wives (ICM), and the WHO which was Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who is the the country. ISNA/ held online on June 16-18, 2020. chairman of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA. Continued on page 4 Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS FEBRUARY 28, 2021

Foreign Policy advises Biden Ex-Kyrgyz PM hopes admin to include Iranian central bank in negotiations

POLITICAL TEHRAN – Removing sanctions will be central deskto reviving the nuclear deal, Foreign Policy Iran will join the EAEU soon magazine suggests. If the Biden administration wants a lasting solution, it must POLITICAL TEHRAN — Writing an article in China different levels.” involve Iran’s central bank governor, the magazine said in a deskGlobal Television Network (CGTN) on Friday, Hoping the union’s borders will reach the Persian Gulf, commentary on Feb. 25. former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Djoomart Otorbaev expresses he added, “Iran, with its population of 83 million, is a strong “If and when the United States and Iran sit across from one hope that Iran will join the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) economic power. In terms of nominal GDP, its economy is another again, there is a key figure who ought to be present— as soon as possible. the twenty-second globally, the largest among Western Asia Abdolnaser Hemmati, the governor of Iran’s central bank,” the “There is no reason not to believe the speaker of the Iranian and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries article argues. Parliament. However, still, his latest statement on Iran’s official (OPEC). Iran ranks fourth in the world and accounts for about The United States and Iran may soon be sitting at the ne- request to become a full member of the Eurasian Economic 9.5 percent of the world’s total oil reserves.” gotiating table once again. In just the last week, the Biden ad- Union (EAEU) sounded like ‘a bolt from the blue’,” Otorbaev said. Pointing to the advantages of the Union for the Caucasus ministration has offered to restart negotiations, and Iran has Qalibaf paid a three-day visit to Moscow in early February and Central Asia region, he noted, “Armenia can acquire clear concluded a deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency to hold talks with Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav advantages. For this northern neighbor of Iran, removing cus- (IAEA) to limit inspections of its nuclear program. A window Volodin. toms barriers will be beneficial from receiving economic pref- of opportunity has emerged for the two sides to talk, likely in “Upon arrival in Tehran after a 3-day trip to Moscow, Mo- erences and transit opportunities. As for Belarus, Kazakhstan, a format facilitated by the European Union. hammad Baqer Qalibaf said that preliminary works for Iran’s and Kyrgyzstan, these countries’ economic relations with Iran In many respects, Iran’s central bank was the primary target full membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) remain limited. Therefore, it is evident that the main negotia- of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic sanctions on unites Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Rus- tions on finalizing the future union treaty’s provisions will be Iran. Much of the economic hardship that Iran has experienced sia,” he noted. conducted with Russia.” due to the reimposition of secondary sanctions can be attributed “Many still do not believe that this statement will develop Regarding the challenges the members of the union may face, to the Trump administration’s success in limiting the central into a real process. Some experts even question whether this he stressed, “When preparing the agreement, many problems bank’s access to its foreign exchange reserves. statement contains elements of political maneuvering. Despite will naturally arise, as was the case with the deal’s preparation Foreign Policy pointed to the Iranian assets in foreign banks existing doubts, it would be essential to analyze the possible on a free trade zone between the EAEU and Iran. The process and writes, “Iran retains access to just $8.8 billion of readily consequences of such an unexpected step,” he remarked. was long and tricky, but they managed to reach a consensus. available foreign currency, roughly one-tenth of its total reserves. As a distinguished professor of the Belt and Road School of With the parties’ mutual desire and the presence of a political Without access to its reserves held in countries like Iraq, South Beijing Normal University, Otorbaev explained, “Iran obtaining will, the contracting partners should smooth out all the rough Korea, Japan, and Germany, the central bank has struggled to the status of a full member of the EAEU can fundamentally edges. The prospects for cooperation will undoubtedly be more forestall the weakening of Iran’s currency, which is today worth change the political landscape in Eurasia, especially in the South potent than the complexity of the negotiation process.” less than one-fifth of its value prior to Trump’s withdrawal from Caucasus and the Middle East (West Asia). As a member of the “Some other sharp problems will arise, such as opening the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive EAEU, Iran would cooperate with its members at the highest strategic loneliness,” he stressed, saying, “By acquiring a new the labor market and creating employment opportunities for Plan of Action (JCPOA). This deep depreciation made imported strategic partnership level. Membership in the organization security umbrella, Tehran will be much more confident in Iranians in the EAEU countries. Will the current members goods more expensive, contributing to annual inflation rates will give the country serious trump cards in the implementation negotiating with the U.S. on nuclear issues. Perhaps in the of the association be ready for such an unpredictable turn of of nearly 50 percent.” of its foreign policy.” future, people will remember that the Americans themselves events? Will migration from Iran complicate the problems The American magazine praised the skills of Hemmati and In his article, he highlighted the economic dimension of pushed Iran to join the post-Soviet ‘club’ in which Moscow is with the current status quo among the countries? That one and underlined, “He was appointed as central bank governor in July the EAEU and noted, “Iran believes it is the military-political the leading player.” a multitude of other issues need to be addressed,” he added. 2018. He has performed remarkably well in difficult circum- component that can provide a severe security belt for the Islamic As a member of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Otor- Otorbaev emphasized Iran has become an ideal partner stances. Iran’s currency was regaining value for most of 2019, a Republic. Expanding trade and economic opportunities are baev said, “Despite all difficulties, the EAEU is getting on its to develop new transport and energy corridors in the South trend disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, which hit the country’s also of significant interest, especially amid a stagnant econo- feet and is enjoying increasing interest from many countries. Caucasus and wrote, “It became essential after the end of the economy hard, throwing trade into disarray.” my, intense U.S. pressure and gloomy predictions about the By the end of last year, Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Cuba joined Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Iran consid- Since reaching a historic low in October 2020 of just over future of the nuclear deal that former U.S. President Donald the union as observers.” ers the forthcoming opening of transport and energy routes 320,000 rials to the dollar on the free market, the currency has Trump canceled.” He added, “Vietnam, Iran, Singapore, and Serbia are already to establish a direct land connection with Russia through the since stabilized at around 250,000 rials to the dollar—with this “Economic cooperation should also lead to closer political in an alliance under a free trade zone treaty. About 50 states Nakhichevan region of Azerbaijan, parts of Armenia, and Geor- stability helping to undergird Iran’s slow economic recovery. interaction. Taking such a step, Iran is finally emerging from have expressed their interest in cooperation with the bloc at gia. The Russian side is also interested in promoting this idea.” Along the way, Hemmati has proved an adept communicator, using his Instagram account, the central bank’s website, and even select interviews with international media to outline his priorities and reassure the Iranian public about the bank’s ca- Iran can retool its economy under sanctions: Washington Post pacity to defend the rial from hyperinflation. POLITICAL TEHRAN – In a recent “Under vague terms of the deal announced then by the U.S.’s European allies — that all Foreign Policy acknowledges Iran has not faced a full-blown deskcommentary the Washing- Sunday (Feb. 21), Iran would still end imple- UN-mandated sanctions on Iran were in place. economic meltdown, despite the efforts of Trump’s administra- ton Post said “President Biden is walking a mentation of what is known as the Additional Glimmers of a broader thaw could be seen in tion. “But the country finds itself in a painful period of economic geopolitical tightrope on Iran.” Protocol, which enforces monitoring by the South Korea’s decision Monday to unfreeze a stagnation, and sanctions relief will be needed should any gov- For weeks after his inauguration, the White International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), significant sum of Iranian money blocked in ernment wish to deliver on promises of prosperity. However, House and the Iranians seemed to be locked but would continue to allow what Rafael Grossi, its banks because of U.S. financial sanctions.” Trump sought to make sanctions relief more difficult.” in a staring contest, waiting for the other party the agency’s head, called ‘necessary monitoring In both Washington and Tehran, though, In September 2019, the Trump administration designated to make the first move to restart diplomacy and verification’ of Iran’s nuclear program,” there’s plenty of opposition. On Monday, after Iran’s central bank under a terrorism authority, a move that after the turbulence of the past few years, the newspaper says. Grossi’s departure, Iran’s parliament con- jeopardized long-standing exemptions permitting the bank to according to the Post. “The hope of the IAEA has been to be able demned the new agreement with the IAEA. play a crucial role in facilitating the purchase of humanitarian Although Joe Biden is keen to salvage to stabilize a situation which was very unsta- Biden’s domestic opponents see the cur- goods such as food and medicine. the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran ble and I think this technical understanding rent course as a misguided abandonment of The Biden administration is willing to remove this designation and world powers, he is already facing push- does it, so that other political consultations leverage over the Iranian government. For to bring the bank back to its original status under the JCPOA back from regional allies in West Asia and at other levels can take place,” Grossi told instance, Mike Pompeo, the former secretary and its partners look no closer to extracting — but removing a designation tied to Iran’s purported support Republicans at home over making possible reporters in Vienna. of state, told the far-right Washington Free greater concessions from the Iranian gov- for terrorism may have a political risk, Foreign Policy argues. concessions to Tehran. Regarding diplomatic efforts made by Beacon on Thursday, “I led a response to the ernment than what was achieved in 2015; Pointing to the fact that “lifting sanctions was difficult even Pointing to Iran’s measures to put an end to Biden’s administration, the Washington Iranian threat that protected the American and Iran is theoretically closer to pushing before the Trump administration’s cynical moves,” Foreign the economic sanctions, the American news- Post argues, “Those consultations are now people from its terror and supported the Jewish toward a nuclear weapon than before Trump Policy says, “Iran’s experience of sanctions relief following the paper writes, “Iranian officials have demanded getting underway. Last week, the Biden ad- state of Israel,” claiming, “Adopting the Eu- took office. implementation of the JCPOA was disappointing. International an end to the economic sanctions levied on ministration effectively pulled the plug on the ropean Union model of accommodation will Also, Ellie Geranmayeh of the European banks remained hesitant to process Iran-related transactions, their country by former president Donald Trump administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ guarantee Iran a path to a nuclear arsenal.” Council on Foreign Relations told Today’s citing unclear guidance on how to conduct business in a com- Trump. His move was widely considered a campaign by signaling its willingness to en- During a Monday press call hosted by the WorldView, “Leverage only makes sense if pliant manner and the risks of punitive fines if the remaining breach of the terms of a deal UN inspectors gage in informal talks on Iran with European European Leadership Network, Ali Vaez, Iran you use it at the right time and for Washing- sanctions were inadvertently violated.” say was working in maintaining limits on the allies. That would be the start of a delicate project director of the International Crisis ton right now, the leverage card is somewhat Maintaining maximum pressure to inflict more pain won’t Iranian nuclear program. Chafing under sanc- diplomatic dance that would choreograph Group, noted, “The irony of the situation is exhausted.” bring Tehran back to the negotiating table or halt Iran’s nuclear tions, Iran began enriching uranium at levels Iran scaling back some of its nuclear activities that we almost have a mirror image in Tehran The Iranian government has been able ambitions, the magazine acknowledges. higher than what’s permitted by the deal.” alongside sanctions relief. There’s no clear and Washington.” to “retool” its economy under sanctions and This limited the rebound in trade and, particularly, invest- The Post stressed that the principlists timeline for any of this, but a pathway toward “You have two governments who would “immunize itself from an economic collapse as ment in Iran, it says. view new diplomacy with the United States an entente has now opened.” have loved to restore the [nuclear deal] sta- proponents of maximum pressure had hoped While there had been some technical exchanges on banking as a dead end. The Post pointed that the Biden admin- tus quo ante with a push of a button if they for,” he added. during the JCPOA negotiations, including working-level ex- “On (last) Tuesday, a law barring UN istration has taken several steps to persuade could but they have to deal with parliamentary The leverage Biden has is “not in the form changes with Iran’s central bank, these were largely focused on inspectors from Iranian nuclear sites was Iran to negotiate over its nuclear programs, opposition which reflects broader political of Trump sanctions,” Vaez told Today’s World- the unfreezing of Iran’s assets—the challenges Tehran faced in supposed to go into effect — a move certain to writing, “The Biden administration has already resistance to the deal,” he added. View, but rather the “now proven ability of mundane banking blindsided the JCPOA parties, the Foreign escalate tensions further with the West. But a made small technical moves at the United The Trump administration’s “maximum the United States to turn the switch on and Policy writes. weekend of shuttle diplomacy carried out by Nations to help reset the table. They lifted pressure” campaign may have exacted a deep off on its own to great effect on the Iranian Foreign Policy argues, “The JCPOA parties cannot rely on the head of the UN’s atomic agency appears restrictions placed on Iranian diplomats in economic toll. But the reimposition of U.S. economy. And this leverage would exist a year diplomats to untangle the complex knots that have constricted to have created some breathing room,” the New York and rescinded the Trump admin- sanctions failed to achieve many of Pompeo from now or two years from now, whenever Iran’s banking ties for so long,” adding, “To ensure sanctions paper stated. istration’s 2020 assertion — rejected even and Trump’s stated goals; the United States needed.” relief succeeds, Hemmati ought to be in the room as part of a high-level technical dialogue, which could eventually include top officials such as U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.” Shamkhani says U.S. airstrikes intended to revive ‘organized terrorism’ Understandably, Iranian leaders are keen to get sanctions POLITICAL TEHRAN — Ali Shamkhani, the secretary ISIS (Daesh) that had captured large swathes of Iraq in 2004. relief right this time around. In a recent speech, Iran’s Supreme deskof Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, The United States said it had attacked PMU convoy in retal- Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, insisted that any sanctions relief on Saturday condemned the recent “brutal” U.S. airstrikes on iation to rocket attacks against U.S. targets in Iraq and claimed offered by the United States must take place “in practice” and not the Iraqi resistance forces in in eastern Syria as part of attempts that the forces are supported by Iran. just “on paper.” Moreover, the efficacy of that sanctions relief to revive “a new round of organized terrorism”. Iranian Foreign Minister said attacks and events inside Iraq will need to be “verified.” However, Shamkhani asserted, Iran will not allow a “resur- are “suspicious” which may be intended to undermine relations There are a few reasons why a dialogue on sanctions relief, gence of the Takfiri terrorism” in the region. between Iran and Iraq and destabilize Iraq. which would be similar in structure to the pre-JCPOA exchanges Iran’s top security official made the remarks during a meeting In a meeting with Foreign Minister Hussein, Zarif said Iran on nuclear issues between then-U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein who visited Tehran believes that it is necessary that the Iraqi government take actions Moniz and Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy on Saturday. against those behind such actions. Organization, ought to center on Hemmati. “Iran and other countries fighting against terrorism will not Hussein also stressed Iraq’s efforts to ensure security and Foreign Policy explains why Hemmati has to participate in the allow the affiliated Takfiri terrorism to recover in the region stability as the basis for economic development and welfare talks between Iran and 5+1 group and writes, “First, Hemmati is again,” he remarked. reduce regional tensions, the security official said, “Iraq owes its of citizens. a key figure of Iran’s economic diplomacy. In the last two years, He also warned that a delay in implementing a law passed current security and calm to the religious leadership, statesmen, “The Iraqi and Iranian banking and financial sectors have he has made trips to Iraq, Oman, South Korea, and China to by the Iraqi Parliament in expelling foreign forces from Iraq and the military forces, including the popular resistance groups.” removed a series of obstacles and the process of settling the ensure Iran retained financial channels with key trade partners. would escalate tensions in the region. Popular resistance groups, officially known as Popular Mobili- debts will soon begin with a new model agreed upon by the two Second, Hemmati’s stewardship will be critical for the imple- Emphasizing the need for cooperation and collective action to zation Units (PMU) proved as the most capable force in defeating sides,” the Iraqi foreign minister explained. mentation of sanctions relief measures. Whether it is the easing of access to foreign reserves or the granting of Iran’s COVID-19 IMF loan or the consideration of new economic incentives such as reauthorization of the ‘dollar U-turn,’ an exemption revoked Iran to delete IAEA cameras’ data if U.S. sanctions not lifted: Salehi in 2008 that allowed U.S. banks to process Iran-related trans- TEHRAN — The head of the Atomic Energy lifted, the information recorded by the cameras The halt came under the Strategic Action Plan cameras to record information at its nuclear actions in cases where a payment is being made between two Organization of Iran (AEOI) says recordings will be deleted and cameras will be uninstalled. to Counter Sanctions, a law passed last December sites for three months, but it would retain the non-Iranian foreign banks, effective implementation depends from monitoring equipment that the Interna- The agency issues a report every three months, by the Iranian Parliament, and adds to Iran’s information exclusively. If the U.S. sanctions are on Iran’s central bank.” tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) installed so we gave it a chance.” previous steps away from the 2015 nuclear deal lifted completely within that period, Iran will pro- “Finally, Hemmati would bring some technocratic continuity at the country’s nuclear sites will be deleted if the Salehi made the remarks on Friday, four days in response to the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal in vide the footage information to the UN nuclear to the economic implementation of a restored JCPOA. There is United States does not lift its unilateral sanctions after Iran stopped the voluntary implementation 2018 and the other parties’ failure to fulfill their watchdog, otherwise it will be deleted forever. considerable concern that the possible arrival of a new Iranian within the next three months. of the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation commitments. Salehi also noted that the Iranian Parliament president in August could leave any diplomatic agreement vul- Ali-Akbar Salehi said, “Now, the IAEA does Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Treaty, which stipulates Last week, the IAEA and the AEOI reached had consulted the AEOI regarding the anti-sanc- nerable to changing politics in Tehran,” the American magazine not have the right to access surveillance cameras enhanced international access to nuclear sites a temporary bilateral technical understanding, tions legislation. concludes. for up to 3 months, and if the sanctions are not and snap inspections by the IAEA. under which the latter would continue to use (Source: Press TV) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 28, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3

POLITICAL TEHRAN – The new U.S. Biden administration, by releasing the secret deskadministration has turned report incriminating MBS, seeks to set the stage up the heat on Saudi Arabian Crown Prince for ousting him and replacing him with a more SPORTS Mohammad bin Salman in a bid to reign in favorable and more balanced prince. Iranian coach will lead his worst instincts. But others, particularly those in the region, The crown prince, also known as MBS, hold that the Biden White House is simply using volleyball team in next has been anxious about Joe Biden right from his leverage to reign in him and ensure that the start, waiting to see how the new U.S. he will not undermine the administration’s Olympics: Davarzani president would treat him after weeks of harsh upcoming diplomatic overtures in the region. SPORTSTEHRAN - Head of Iran volleyball federation criticism of Saudi Arabia’s track record in The Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper said deskMohammadreza Davarzani said that their team violating human rights, most notably the Washington is putting pressure on MBS with at the 2024 Olympic Games will be headed by an Iranian coach. 2018 killing of Khashoggi inside the Saudi the purpose of ensuring bin Salman’s obedi- The Iranian federation has reached an agreement with Rus- consulate in Istanbul. ence. “Bin Salman is guilty until his obedience sian coach Vladimir Alekno for the upcoming Olympic Games Biden assumed office in January with one is proven,” the newspaper said in an article in Tokyo but the team will be headed by an Iranian coach at the major promise to reset U.S. relations with penned by Malak Hamoud. next Games, Davarzani said. Saudi Arabia while calling out the kingdom In a separate article, the newspaper said Iran national volleyball team have been drawn in Pool A along for human rights violations. the U.S. does not want to punish MBS, rather with Japan, Poland, Italy, Canada and Venezuela. The Biden administration released an it wants to “humiliate” and “weaken” him. “First of all, we are going to be among the top four teams in intelligence report on Friday incriminating The New York Times said the U.S. won’t Tokyo. Based on our potential, we hope to reach our goal. We have MBS for the Khashoggi murder. punish bin Salman because doing so will inflict a generation of experienced players who have worked together “We assess that Saudi Arabia’s Crown too high costs on the U.S. for more than 10 years,” he said. Prince Mohammad bin Salman approved “President Biden has decided that the “We started to grow in term of quantity in 2006 and had a an operation in Istanbul, Turkey to capture diplomatic cost of directly penalizing Sau- good performance at the 2013 FIVB Volleyball World League or kill Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. We di Arabia’s crown prince, Mohammed bin and finished in ninth place,” Davarzani added. base this assessment on the Crown Prince’s Salman, is too high, according to senior Alekno will lead Iran at the 2021 Volleyball Nations League control of decisionmaking in the Kingdom Open Season administration officials, despite a detailed (VNL) and Tokyo Olympic Games. since 2017, the direct involvement of a key American intelligence finding that he directly “Alekno will coach Iran volleyball team until the end of Olym- advisor and members of Mohammad bin Sal- Biden turns up the heat on MBS approved the killing of Jamal Khashoggi,” The pic Games. If the Games postpone, our plans will be completely man’s protective detail in the operation, and New York Times wrote, adding that Biden’s changed,” Davarzani stated. the Crown Prince’s support for using violent U.S. commitment to ensuring Saudi Arabia’s Yemen War and undercutting any prospect newly formed national security team advised Iranian coaches have great potential to lead the team but the measures to silence dissidents abroad, includ- security and territorial integrity. for a renewed talks between Iran and the him that there was no way to formally bar federation could not take a risk, Davarzani said. ing Khashoggi,” the report, issued by Office The Biden administration’s steps against West over the 2015 nuclear deal, formally the heir to the Saudi crown from entering the “Our teams have claimed titles at the age groups competi- of the Director of National Intelligence, said. the Saudi crown prince sit well with the liberals known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of United States, or to weigh criminal charges tions under leadership of the Iranian coaches. But we believe This report was the latest in a series of and progressives who have long criticized the Action (JCPOA). against him, without breaching the relation- that it was soon for them to lead the senior team. However, the punitive measures adopted by the Biden ad- Trump administration for embracing MBS Ever since 2017, MBS has made a range ship with one of America’s key Arab allies. national Team will be surely headed by Iranian coaches in the ministrations against Riyadh. The new U.S. and refusing to punish him for his wrong- of unmeasured moves that brought him into Media outlets close to Saudi Arabia and next Olympics in Paris,” Davarzani went on to say. administration began by suspending arms doings in Yemen and at home. disrepute all over the world. He arrested his the United Arab Emirates say that the Biden Iran captain Saeid Marouf is a member of Beijing BAIC Motor sales to Saudi Arabia and ceasing military Trump and his officials strongly refused rival princes and tortured them, detained administration aims to prevent Saudi Arabia in the Chinese Volleyball Super League but he has not played support for the country’s ongoing war in to blame bin Salman for killing Khashoggi. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri and from throwing a monkey wrench into the since the coronavirus outbreak started. Davarzani believes that Yemen. It also removed Yemen’s Ansarullah Instead, they provided political and military forced him to resign, cracked down on dissi- U.S. efforts to revive the JCPOA. Marouf will keep his fitness levels up for the Olympic Games. movement from the U.S. government’s list support to him. dents and human rights activists, and most “The Khashoggi report is the new admin- “Marouf is a professional player and I am sure he keeps his of foreign terrorist organizations. This “blind alliance” seems to have come notably ordered the killing and dismembering istration’s card to push Riyadh to amend fitness with training. He can return to form for the Olympics by “This war has to end. And to underscore to an end, with Biden vowing to review the Khashoggi. His long list of malfeasance pro- its rhetoric toward the Iranian nuclear participating at the 2021 VNL,” he said. our commitment, we’re ending all Amer- U.S.-Saudi relationship. But this review should vided Washington with enormous leverage program,” the UAE-owned London based Davarzani also said they are going to be among the top four ican support for offensive operations in not be seen as a break from the U.S. traditional to reign in him when needed. Al-Arab newspaper wrote, adding that the teams in Asian women’s volleyball. the war in Yemen, including relevant arm alliance with Saudi Arabia. Biden is believed The Biden administration simply started Khashoggi report is aimed to distance Saudi “We’re looking for a foreign coach for our women volleyball sales,” President Biden said in a speech at to put pressure on bin Salman to prevent him using this leverage to get more concessions Arabia from any kind of arrangements related team since we plan to be among the top four teams within the the State Department while underling the from pursuing destructive policies such as the from the Saudis. Some pundits believe that the to Iran’s nuclear issue. next four years,” Davarzani concluded. Zarif calls attacks and events in Iraq suspicious Beiranvand decides to stay and Iranian, Iraqi foreign ministers hold talks in Tehran fight for his place at Antwerp POLITICAL TEHRAN — The foreign ministers of and complete the Shalamcheh-Basra railway will contribute deskIran and Iraq held talks in Tehran on to the enhancement of trade ties between the two countries. Saturday to discuss the different dimensions of political Zarif called on relevant authorities to expedite work to SPORTSTEHRAN – Iranian international goalkeeper and economic cooperation as well as border exchanges break ground for the railway project as soon as possible. deskAlireza Beiranvand wants to fight for his place between the two countries. The Iraqi foreign minister, in turn, urged both sides to at Antwerp. During his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hus- work together closely to further boost mutual relations, and The Iranian goalkeeper suffered a foot injury in the match sein, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif con- said Baghdad stands ready to expand its relations with Iran. against St. Truiden last week in the Belgian league. demned the United States’ dangerous move to attack Iraqi He referred to the headway made with negotiations over Antwerp No.1 Jean Butez, who is recovering from ankle injury, forces in border areas of Iraq and Syria, dismissing the raids Iran gaining access to its financial resources in Iraq, and will be fit soon and the Belgian club are ready to make Ortwin as a violation of the two countries’ sovereignty, according expressed Baghdad’s readiness to facilitate Tehran’s access De Wolf’s loan move from Eupen permanent. to an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement. to its financial assets in the Arab country. Voetbalkrant has recently reported that Beiranvand will leave Zarif described as “suspicious” the recent attacks and events in Zarif also touched upon the problems facing Iranian fuel He gave assurances that the Iraqi government will not the club to find new team at the end of the season since he cannot Iraq, saying they could be aimed at disrupting Tehran-Baghdad takers at the Tamarchin border area between Iran and Iraq, allow the recent incidents in Iraq to affect the very good tolerate sitting on the bench. relations as well as security and stability in Iraq. expressing hope that the travel restrictions facing the tankers relations between the two sides. However, the goalie has said he wants to fight for his place. “We insist that the Iraqi government identify those behind will be resolved through the good offices of Iraqi officials. In this meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on “I’m not going to leave Antwerp. I will stay here and fight for these incidents,” said the top Iranian diplomat. He further said making arrangements to begin work to build regional developments. my place,” Beiranvand, who has been sidelined at least for two weeks, said. Qatari FM meets E3 ambassadors to discuss JCPOA POLITICAL TEHRAN — Qatari all parties, according to a statement issued French Republic to the State of Qatar Franck obligations stipulated in the agreement be- Iran Hazfi Cup’s Round of 16 deskDeputy Prime Minister by the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Gellet, which are the European countries party tween the P5+1 and Iran,” it added. and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh “HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister to the nuclear agreement with the Islamic According to the statement, Al-Thani dates announced Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Republic of Iran, which is known as the Joint affirmed the State of Qatar’s tireless work SPORTSTEHRAN – Iran League Football Organiza- met with the ambassadors of the three Abdulrahman Al-Thani met Friday at his Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),” in this direction, its firm stance on encour- desktion has announced the dates of the Iran Hazfi European countries that are signatories office with HE Ambassador of the Federal the statement said. aging diplomacy and dialogue, and its per- Cup’s Round of 32. to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Republic of Germany to the State of Qatar “During the meeting, they discussed the manent readiness for constructive work The first leg will be played on March 11 and 12, with the return During the meeting, the chief Qatari dip- Dr. Claudius Fischbach, HE Ambassador of latest developments in restoring the diplomatic and support for all efforts in the interest leg a month later. lomat discussed with the European ambas- the United Kingdom to the State of Qatar track and activating dialogue, in addition to of regional stability and international se- Below, are the fixtures of the draw: sadors how to implement the nuclear deal by Jonathan Wilks, and HE Ambassador of the the implementation by all parties of their curity and peace. March 11: *Zob Ahan – Shahr Khodro, Isfahan (Fooladshahr Stadium) *Gol Gohar Sirjan – Mes Kerman, Sirjan (Shahid Soleymani Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman holds talks in Damascus Stadium) *Machine Sazi – Foolad, Tabriz (Shahid Soleymani Stadium) POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry nication and consultation between the two countries at top Syrian diplomat. *Nassaji – Saipa, Ghaemshahr (Vatani Stadium) deskspokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh held talks all levels to push bilateral relations forward in a manner ‘Violation of international law’ *Paykan – Esteghlal, Tehran (Shohada Stadium) on Friday with high-ranking Syrian officials including For- consistent with the interests of the two friendly countries,” Khatibzadeh strongly condemned the illegal and aggres- March 12: eign Minister Faisal Mekdad and Bouthaina Shaaban, the the Syrian statement said. sive attacks by U.S. forces on areas in eastern Syria, calling * Shahrdari Bardaskan – Khooshe Talaei Saveh – To be an- senior advisor to the Syrian president. Mekdad talked about the importance of taking the in- the attacks a clear violation of human rights and a violation nounced later He also attended meetings of think tanks, media outlets itiative to explain the use of national and international of international law. *Esteghlal Mollasani – Shahin Bandar Ameri, Ahvaz (Takhti and elites in the Arab country. The meetings were held in media to clarify the reality of the situation in the face of the “The attacks, which are a continuation of the Zionist Stadium) Damascus in line with Iran-Syria cooperation in public di- methods by the Western media outlets and their clients’ regime’s continuous aggression on Syrian soil, have taken *Mes Novin Kerman – Persepolis, Kerman (Emam Ali Stadium) plomacy, media and cultural arenas. disinformation, the statement noted. place in a context in which U.S. forces have illegally entered *Etehad Kamyaran – Qashqai Shiraz, Kamyaran (Azadi Stadium) Khatibzadeh and Mekdad discussed the latest situation The Syrian foreign minister explained to Khatibzadeh Syrian territory in recent years, occupying areas of its ter- *Aluminum Arak – Havadar Tehran, Arak (Emam Khomeini of bilateral ties as well as cultural and media cooperation, the developments in Syria and the region, stressing the ritory and stealing natural resources, including oil, which Stadium) according to a statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. need for concerted efforts between the Syrian and Iranian is the natural right of the Syrian people,” Khatibzadeh said. * Malavan Anzali – Vista Turbine Tehran, Bandar Anzali “In the meeting, the top Syrian diplomat underlined the sides to confront the common challenges that threaten He added, “Illegal American bases on Syrian soil also (Takhti Stadium) importance of boosting mutual cooperation in cultural and the security and peace in the region. train terrorist forces and use them as tools.” *Sepahan – Mes Rafsanjan, Isfahan (Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium) media arenas,” the statement said, adding, “Khatibzadeh also Mekdad pointed to the inhuman consequences of the The spokesman described the new U.S. administration’s *Naft Masjed Soleyman – Kheybar Khorramabad held talks with the Syrian minister of information and culture, unilateral coercive economic measures imposed on the Syrian move as a clear violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial * Tractor – Shahrdari Mahshahr, Tabriz (Yadegar-e Emam Stadium) minister of science and Bouthaina Shaaban, the senior advisor people, underlining the need to develop the existing cooper- integrity and a violation of international law, which would * Pars Jonoubi Jam – Pas Hamedan, Jam (Takhti Stadium) to the Syrian president. In the meetings, the Iranian Foreign ation between the two countries to enhance the ability and exacerbate military conflicts and further destabilize the region. March 13: Ministry spokesman stressed the need to further expand cultural capabilities of the two nations to confront the illegal U.S. On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden ordered military *Sanat Naft – Damash Parseh, Abadan (Takhti Stadium) and media cooperation between the two sides.” and Western measures, which have become a cheap tool in attacks on resistance groups in Syria. The Iran’s Hazfi Cup was founded in 1975 and Esteghlal are He also expressed pleasure with the Syrian people’s the hands of some countries with the aim of imposing their Syria condemned the attack as a “bad sign” from the the most successful club with seven titles, followed by Persepolis resistance against terrorism and underlined Iran, like in political will and projects on independent sovereign states, new U.S. administration. Syria said the air raids were who have won six titles. the past, will stand by the Syrian government and nation the Syrian Foreign Ministry said. a cowardly act and urged Biden not to follow “the law in helping with the economic reconstruction of Syria and Mekdad reiterated the position of the Syrian Arab Re- of the jungle”. boosting cultural cooperation with that country. public in support of the position of the Islamic Republic of “Syria condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly In the meetings, the Syrian authorities also underscored Iran on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) U.S. attack on areas in Deir al-Zor near the Syrian-Iraqi Persepolis close to signing that the Syrian nation will never forget Iran’s support for and its refusal to distort the image of the Iranian position border,” the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. the Syrian people. and hold Tehran responsible for the United States’ with- Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a statement Moghanlou Khatibzadeh also delivered a speech at the Syrian Diplo- drawal from the agreement. on Thursday that the airstrikes were carried out by orders SPORTSTEHRAN – Iranian football club Persep- matic Academy and took part in a meeting of the country’s Khatibzadeh, for his part, expressed his great happiness from President Biden, who campaigned on de-escalat- desk Institute for Strategic Studies. for his visit to Damascus, and reviewed the latest develop- ing tensions with Iran. Kirby also claimed that the U.S. olis are close to wrapping up a deal to sign He also attended a meeting with Syria media and answered ments related to bilateral relations in various fields, stressing aggression targeted Iran-backed groups. Shahriyar Moghanlou. journalists’ questions. the importance that the leadership and the Iranian people “At President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces ear- The 26-year-old forward joined Portuguese club Santa Clara The spokesman also met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister attach to relations with Syria, in line with the level of strate- lier this evening conducted airstrikes against infrastructure from Iranian club Paykan at the summer but he has failed to Bashar Jaafari. gic relations between the two countries, the Syrian Foreign utilized by Iranian-backed militant groups in eastern Syria. meet expectations in the team. The Syrian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement about Ministry statement said. These strikes were authorized in response to recent attacks Persepolis are reportedly going to sign the forward for the the meeting between Khatibzadeh and Mekdad. Khatibzadeh reiterated his country’s position in support against American and Coalition personnel in Iraq, and to rest of the season. Local media reports suggest that Persepolis “During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations of Syria to reach a solution that would restore security and ongoing threats to those personnel. Specifically, the strikes have reached with Santa Clara to sign Moghanlou. between the two countries and ways to enhance and develop stability to all Syrian territories, in a way that preserves destroyed multiple facilities located at a border control point Persepolis are without Issa Alekasir after the forward received them, especially with regard to political, media, scientific Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. used by a number of Iranian-backed militant groups, includ- the ban for making a slant-eyed gesture to television cameras and cultural aspects. They also discussed developments in The spokesman issued a statement denouncing a recent ing Kait’ib Hezbollah (KH) and Kait’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada after scoring against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in the quarter-finals the region and the importance of strengthening commu- American attack on Syria ahead of his meeting with the (KSS),” Kirby claimed. of the 2020 AFC Champions League (West) in early October. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY FEBRUARY 28, 2021

National gas network covers over 95% of Iran’s population Non-oil exports to neighbors

1 Currently, over 2,205 kilometers of new gas pipelines are also under construction by NIGC subsidiaries all over the country. stand at $16.6b in 10 months Overall, more than 700 trillion rials (about $16.6 billion) has been invested in the mentioned development projects. ECONOMY TEHRAN — The value of and countries such as China and India and deskIran’s non-oil exports to Eurasian members should be targeted as the its 15 neighbors stood at $16.6 billion during most important export destinations of the the first ten months of the current Iranian country, Jahangiri called on the Ministry of calendar year (March 20, 2020 – January Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies 19, 2021). to strengthen economic diplomacy and fo- The exported commodities weighed nearly cus on these export destination countries to 55 million tons. provide the necessary infrastructure for the The country has imported 14.4 million development of exports to these nations. tons of non-oil goods worth $14 billion from As announced by the head of Islamic the neighboring countries in the mentioned Republic of Iran Custom Administration 10-month period. (IRICA), despite the U.S. sanctions Iran As stated by the head of Iran’s Trade Pro- managed to export commodities to 128 motion Organization (TPO), the country is countries in the past Iranian calendar year capable of doubling non-oil exports to its (ended on March 19). neighbors in two years. According to Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi, Asian Hamid Zadboum has said that considering countries account for over 70 percent of Iran’s the future capacities, the TPO has planned foreign trade and Europe is the Islamic Re- Also, the Iranian oil and gas industry has managed to produce increasing non-oil exports to the neighboring public’s second-biggest trade partner. more than 58 billion liters of liquid products valued at over $25 countries to about $100 billion in a two-year Iran exported non-oil commodities to 40 billion since the beginning of the Iranian calendar year 1393 time span, in a way that Iran’s share of the European countries, 21 Asian countries, 28 (March 2014), leading to an increase of 300-percent in the ex- regional markets will significantly go up. namely the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Tur- called for developing non-oil exports as the African countries, and 12 American countries, ports of oil products. The official has previously said: “Paki- key, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, Oman, only way for realizing the motto of the surge while importing from 41 European countries, The increase in the country’s gas production has also resulted stan and Turkey have the highest capacity Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kuwait, Qatar, in production. 31 Asian countries, 12 American countries, in a 23-percent decrease in the liquid fuel consumption by the to import Iranian goods, which is good news Kazakhstan, Armenia, Bahrain, and Saudi “The Foreign Affairs Ministry should and 11 countries in Africa. country’s power plants, leading to less air pollution and more for Iranian businessmen and exporters.” Arabia whose total value of annual imports provide the necessary bases for the devel- The IRICA has put the country’s total for- environmental protection. Pointing to the Persian Gulf states as good exceed $1000 billion. opment of [non-oil] exports by expanding eign trade in the past year at $85.107 billion, markets for some Iranian-made commodities, Increasing non-oil exports to the neigh- and strengthening economic diplomacy,” he noting that of the mentioned total figure the TEDPIX drops 11,000 points Zadboum said that large markets such as boring countries is one of the major plans said in a meeting on reviewing ways of boost- share of Iran’s exports was $41.37 billion Russia and China should also be considered that the Iranian government is pursuing in ing economic relations with the neighboring while the imports stood at $43.737 billion. on Saturday by exporters. the current Iranian calendar year. countries and supporting non-oil exporters. The total weight of the country’s foreign Iran shares borders with fifteen countries, First Vice-President Es’haq Jahangiri has Emphasizing that 15 neighboring countries trade was reported to be 169.302 million tons. ECONOMY TEHRAN — TEDPIX, the main index of deskTehran Stock Exchange (TSE), fell 11,855 points on Saturday (first day of Iranian calendar week). Over 3.235 billion securities worth 38.633 trillion rials (about $919.83 million) were traded at the TSE on Saturday. Tehran to host 1st EAEU intl. expo in mid-May The first market’s index fell 10,800 points, and the second 1 Jafari further noted that although only 862 com- The agreement with the bloc has increased Iran’s exports market’s index dropped 16,648 points. modity items are subject to the preferential trade agree- to the EAEU member states significantly, which is a turning TEDPIX dropped 2.7 percent during the past Iranian cal- ment between Iran and the EAEU, the exhibition will not point for the Islamic Republic’s plans for boosting non-oil endar week. be limited to these commodity group, and in all areas where exports during the U.S. sanctions. The index stood at 1.205 million points on Wednesday (the Iranian traders have export potentials, they can showcase Earlier, Behrouz Hosn-Olfat the director-general of Iran’s last working day of the week). their products and services in the exhibition. Trade Promotion Organization (TPO)’s office of European During the past week, the indices of Social Security Investment Iran and Eurasian Economic Union reached a prefer- and American countries, said that the value of trade between Company, Tamin Cement Company, Amin Investment Bank, ential trade agreement in October 2018 based on which Iran and the EAEU members can reach $27 billion - $30 Mobarakeh Steel Company, National Iranian Copper Industry about 862 commodity items were subjected to prefer- billion, as there are ample capacities in this regard. Company, Tehran Oil Refining Company, and Bandar Abbas ential tariffs. The value of trade between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Oil Refining Company were the most widely followed indices. The interim agreement enabling the formation of a free Union’s member states stood at $1.8 billion during the first Last week, market analyst Amir-Ali Amir-Baqeri told IRNA trade area between Iran and the EAEU was signed on May 10 months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, that Iranian stock market is moving in the right direction and 17, 2018, and officially came into force on October 27, 2019. 2020 – January 19, 2021), according to a report released will reach stability in the near future. Iran is a very important market in the region and the by Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and “Market authorities are currently using asymmetric fluctu- development of ties with this country is of high significance Agriculture (TCCIMA). period from October 27, 2019, to October 26, 2020, compared ations to improve the market situation, but we must move in for the EAEU members (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakh- The TCCIMA’s report showed that the mentioned amount to the preceding 12 months, the TPO has said in a report. a direction where there is no volatility in the market,” Amir- stan, and Kyrgyzstan). constitutes three percent of Iran’s non-oil trade during the Based on the report, Iran exported 2.863 million tons of Baqeri said. The free trade agreement between Iran and this union ten-month period. goods worth $1.091 billion to the EAEU member countries has laid the ground for the expansion of trade ties between Meanwhile, the value of the Iranian exports to the members in the said period, compared to the 2.657 million tons Financial issues discussed the two sides. of the union have risen by 30 percent during the 12-month valued at $842 million in the previous year’s same period. between Iran, Iraq ECONOMY TEHRAN —During a meeting between the Iran to dispatch 5 new commercial attachés to target markets by late Mar. deskgovernor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and the managing director of the Commercial Bank of Iraq, ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iran plans to he said adding: “Considering the needs of able to diversify export destinations, noting: the two sides discussed the ways for the transfer of Iran’s desksend five new commercial the country’s business community and the “naturally, the diversity of the export basket funds in Iraq. attachés to different target markets by the end private sector and in order to develop and depends to a large extent on the production In the meeting, which was held at the place of the CBI on of the current Iranian calendar year (March facilitate non-oil trade, the organization has of diverse export products, so we must move Saturday, CBI Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati stressed the 20), an official with the Trade Promotion been implementing new programs for in- in a direction that our products are tailored necessity for the transfer of these funds as soon as possible. Organization (TPO) announced. creasing the number of commercial attachés, to the needs of target markets.” Iran and Iraq have several times discussed the issue of re- According to Mojtaba Mousavian, the at least in the country’s top trade partners.” Two years ago about 54 percent of our leasing Iran’s financial resources in Iraq over the past months, TPO’s deputy head for export markets de- Earlier in January, TPO Head Hamid exports were made to 15 neighboring coun- based on which Iran was supposed to have access to its funds velopment, the organization has made the Zadboum said that the organization plans tries, and now the figure has increased to which are related to the gas export to Iraq. necessary preparations to dispatch commer- to send 20 commercial attachés to new target over 62 percent in the first eight months of Iranian goods, services highly welcomed in Iraq cial envoys to Russia, Oman, Azerbaijan, markets in the upcoming Iranian calendar the current Iranian calendar year (March The chairman of Iran-Iraq Joint Economic Committee stat- Armenia, and China. year 1400. 19-November 20, 2020), Zadboum said. ed that Iranian products and services are highly welcomed in The official noted that the TPO also plans “We have considered the budget required Following the government’s policies for the Iraqi market. to dispatch commercial attachés to Turkey, He further noted that some markets like for [dispatching] 20 commercial attachés to increasing the country’s trade with the neigh- Saying that Iraq has many social, cultural, religious, politi- India, and Pakistan in the first half of the the neighboring countries plus China and new target markets in our budget for [the bors over the past few years, the TPO, as the cal, and economic commonalities with Iran, Mohammad-Vali next Iranian calendar year (March 21-Sep- India are the top priorities for dispatching year] 1400,” Zadboum said in an interview foreign trade representative of the Industry, Alaeddini expressed hope that the process of boosting export tember 22). commercial attachés. with local media. Mining, and Trade Ministry, has been trying to the neighboring countries, especially Iraq, will be stable “The attaché for Turkey has been select- Syria, Kazakhstan, and Lebanon are also Underlining the significant role of com- to send new commercial attachés to target and will continue and increase due to Iran’s very desirable ed and we are waiting for the confirmation the next countries to which TPO plans to mercial attachés in accelerating trade with markets every year. capacities. of his security clearance; for Pakistan and send commercial attachés, the official said. other countries, Zadboum said: “Commercial In early December 2020, the Head of Iran In mid-January, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian, India, we have also considered candidates According to Mousavian, TPO has sent attachés are the business arms of our am- Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines who is the head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Economic Committee, whose validation process will be completed 69 commercial attachés to various countries bassadors in destination markets and the and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Gholam-Hossein said that the two countries’ annual trade is going to be in- by August,” Mousavian explained. over the past 25 years, and at best, even in one task of commercial attachés is to strengthen Shafeie had called on the government to creased to $20 billion. The number of Iranian commercial at- year, 25 commercial attachés were present trade diplomacy.” choose the country’s commercial attachés Ardakanian made the remarks in the opening ceremony of tachés will reach 10 in the first half of the next at their mission. The official stressed the need for diversify- from among the private sector represent- the two countries’ fourth Joint Economic Committee meeting Iranian calendar year, he stressed. The number, however, has now decreased, ing the country’s export basket in order to be atives. in Tehran, which he co-chaired with the Iraqi Trade Minister Alla Ahmed Al-Jubouri. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to support the export of Iranian engineering and technical services to Iraq by establishing a joint investment fund,” he said, adding that new agreements Iran’s oil exports to rise 6.8% in 2021 if U.S. rejoins nuclear deal: report are going to be signed between the two countries in the fields of ECONOMY TEHRAN – Fitch Solutions Incorpora- reasonable options for investment in the country. water and energy. desktion, a subsidiary of Fitch Ratings, which According to the report, Iran ranks fourth among 12 He also underlined the development of transportation lines is of one of the U.S.’s big three credit rating agencies, has countries in the region in terms of the oil and gas industry’s between the two countries as an important factor in the devel- forecasted a 6.8-percent growth for Iranian oil exports in risk-return index, while the country occupies 20th place opment of trade relations between the two countries and added: 2021 if the U.S comes back to the 2015 nuclear deal. among the world’s top 72 oil-producing countries. “We are ready to implement the previous agreements in the fields In one of its latest reports dubbed “Iran Oil and Gas Iranian oil production and exports have been both in- of electricity, gas, and water, and to formulate new agreements Report”, Fitch also sees the Islamic Republic’s crude oil creasing over the past few months despite the U.S. sanctions in this field in order to develop cooperation between the two exports double in 2022 compared to 2020. and the Iranian Oil Ministry has announced its readiness for countries.” “The prospects for the Iranian oil sector have bright- boosting the country’s crude oil output to the pre-sanction The official further called for signing agreements for coop- ened significantly following Joe Biden’s victory in the U.S. levels in case of the U.S. rejoining the Joint Comprehensive eration in other fields including double taxation, investment, presidential election on November 3. President Biden has Plan of Action (JCPOA). preferential tariffs, and customs. indicated that he will seek to re-enter the U.S. into the Iranian Back in January, the data from SVB International and two Ardakanian also mentioned the positive political relations be- nuclear deal, paving the way for a roll-back of secondary other firms indicated that Iranian oil exports were climbing tween the two countries as a base for boosting economic relations. sanctions and recovery of around 2.0 million barrels per in January after a boost in the fourth quarter despite U.S. He expressed hope that with the efforts of the two countries’ day (bpd) in oil production,” the report said. sanctions. governments and businessmen, the development of trade and The corporation also stated that Iranian gas production Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia economic relations between the two sides will become smoother is also expected to rise in the coming years considering the had said earlier that the country started boosting its oil and the talks in the Joint Economic Committee meeting will lead new developments in the country’s giant South Pars gas with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) making production and would be able to reach pre-sanction levels to the signing of documents to develop bilateral cooperation. field (the country shares with Qatar in the Persian Gulf). continued investments to expand and upgrade its refined within two months. Further in the meeting, Al-Jubouri emphasized the signifi- “However, Iran needs to find new export markets in fuels production, and with a robust demand outlook for Iranian oil won’t create any surplus in the oil market cance of modern technologies in the development of economic neighboring countries to maximize the productivity of the both oil and gas as the market recovers from the combined and the market will be able to accommodate the coun- relations between the countries, and said: “In today’s world, the new output capacities,” the report reads. effects of Covid-19 and U.S. nuclear-related sanctions.” try’s maximum oil output of around 3.9 million to four digital economy is very important and the existing obstacles The analytical body further mentioned the development Also, the study of the risk index of the upstream sectors million barrels a day, Bloomberg quoted Zamaninia as and problems in the way of the development of economic rela- of the Iranian oil and gas industry’s downstream sectors, of the country’s oil and gas industry in this report shows saying on the sidelines of the Iran Oil Show in Tehran tions between the two countries can be overcome accordingly.” saying: “The outlook on the downstream is relatively robust, that, given the huge oil and gas resources, these sectors are in late January. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 28, 2021 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

Engaging Iran will serve America’s interests Khashoggi killing report: A test for Biden’s human in West Asia: ex-White House adviser rights claim 1 UN officials had previously concluded that there was 1 Iran is mulling whether to par- ing Biden? “credible evidence” that the kingdom’s de facto leader was respon- ticipate in an informal diplomatic meeting Domestically he is faced with the pan- sible for the killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and several planned by European Union foreign policy demic, a damaged economy, difficult and U.S. lawmakers have said there is “zero doubt” the crown prince chief Josep Borrell, who is the chairman changeable climate conditions, a potentially was involved. Prince Mohammed has taken “full responsibility” of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA. uncooperative opposition, and a lack of for the murder but has denied ordering the killing, which he has Colarusso, the professor of languages trust on the international stage. described as a “heinous crime”. and linguistics and anthropology at de- In addition, there are layers of Trump According to Financial Times, while Biden has pledged to partment of anthropology in McMaster appointees, many of whom are incompetent make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” and put human rights at the University, argues that Biden is dealing or grossly biased, that have to be removed forefront of his foreign policy, some senior aides have also with a series of serious issues, including from office so that the U.S. government warned against imposing sanctions personally on Prince Mo- domestic problems that are hindering his can function properly. With Iran, he must hammed over his link to the killing. They have argued doing efforts to engage Iran. pursue matters directly linked to nuclear so would rupture a relationship the U.S. still sees as crucial to “These hidden multilateral aspects com- technology and inspection but also do so its regional priorities, including ending the war in Yemen and plicate such engagement, but at the same with a range of other actors, such as Saudi re-engaging with Iran. time makes it worthwhile,” the American Arabia and Israel, among others. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters earlier professor emphasizes. Engaging with Iran is really addressing on Thursday that “a range of actions that are on the table”. The following is the text of the interview: America’s interest in the Greater Middle Two people in touch with administration officials said Wash- It was the U.S. that withdrew from East (West Asia). These hidden multilateral ington’s response could include a combination of actions from the nuclear deal and imposed sanc- The third is the issue of the co-signatory as with the Paris accord and the WHO. aspects complicate such engagement, but both the Treasury and state departments, including sanctions tions on Iran. In view of this fact, why nations. These will want assurances of some He might also consider making some at the same time make it worthwhile. and visa restrictions on other individuals named in the report. is Biden moving too slowly to revive sort that the U.S. will not withdraw in the moral gestures toward crucial nations, such Why have the European countries How exactly the U.S. will respond is “the $64,000 question”, the JCPOA? future. Such future matters are difficult as those associated with the JCPOA. The failed to confront U.S. unilateral sanc- said Gerald Feierstein, a former senior State Department official I think that there are three main issues to insure, falling as they eventually will simplest and most pressing would be lifting tions on Iran? during the Obama administration who worked on West Asia. delaying President Biden’s engagement under the umbrella of a succeeding ad- those sanctions that adversely affect how They will surely raise this issue but in a Bruce Riedel, a former CIA officer specialized in Saudi Arabia, with Iran. ministration. I would imagine that such Iran can cope with Covid-19. A moral level of manner that will not attract media atten- said he sensed “considerable division” within the Biden admin- The first is the array of domestic crises preliminary talks are delicate. engagement can act as a moderating force on tion. Such discretion will allow the U.S. to istration over the response it should take. that he must address. How could Biden repair the U.S. parallel strategic and political discourse - if correct the errors of the Trump presidency. “Assuming [the report] states clearly that MBS is a murderer The second is the condition that the reputation damaged by Trump? handled properly. A moral gesture can also The JCPOA nations must reach unanimity. then how do you not sanction him?” said Riedel. Trump administration left the State Depart- The President must re-engage in multi- provide a backdrop of trust on a small, initial This may take some months. Iran’s partic- Chris Murphy, Democratic senator from Connecticut, told news ment in. Staffing issues must be addressed lateral forums, including the JCPOA. Some scale against which further talks may unfold. ipation in this renewed process may carry channel MSNBC that he wanted “a much broader set of account- by the new Secretary, Anthony Blinken. engagement elsewhere has already begun, What are the main challenges fac- more weight after its elections. ability measures” for anyone involved in the murder, identifying financial sanctions and visa withdrawals. He is among a number of members of Congress who have called for the U.S. to take tougher action against the kingdom. Iran has an integral role to play in Russian-South Asian connectivity There was “no way” Khashoggi’s murder was carried out without either the knowledge or direction of Prince Mohammed, who also By Andrew Korybko between Russia and South Asia. serves as the kingdom’s defense minister, Murphy said. What’s most intriguing about this ambitious vision is The White House has already said Biden will not speak directly Iran is geostrategically positioned to play an integral role that Iran is proving to the rest of the world that it isn’t to Prince Mohammed, whose direct counterpart is U.S. defense in Russian-South Asian connectivity. President Putin told “isolated” like the U.S. and its closest allies thought that it secretary Lloyd Austin, but is keen to preserve the countries’ rela- the Valdai Club during its annual meeting in October would be as a result of their policy of so-called “maximum tionship. According to a White House readout of his conversation 2019 that “there is one more prospective route, the Arctic pressure” against it in recent years. While it’s true that India with King Salman, Biden said he wanted to “make the bilateral – Siberia – Asia. The idea is to connect ports along the has somewhat stepped away from its previously strategic relationship as strong and transparent as possible”. Northern Sea Route with ports of the Pacific and Indian cooperation with Iran out of fear that it’ll be punished by If the Biden team judges that targeting Prince Mohammed oceans via roads in East Siberia and central Eurasia.” “secondary sanctions” if it continued its pragmatic partner- could backfire, it could instead “try to snub him or limit his role This vision, which forms a crucial part of his country’s ship with the Islamic Republic, it’s worthwhile mentioning in the bilateral relationship”, said Yasmine Farouk at the Carnegie “Greater Eurasian Partnership”, can be achieved through that Chabahar curiously secured a U.S. sanctions waiver. Endowment for International Peace. the official North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC) and While the American intent behind that decision is Tamara Wittes, a senior fellow expert at the Brookings Institu- tentative W-CPEC+ projects that transit through the Is- unclear, it might have been predicated on the belief that tion, suggested the U.S. could expel Saudi diplomats because the lamic Republic of Iran. the Iranian-facilitated expansion of Indian influence into killing took place in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, in violation of The first one refers to the creation of a new trade route Central Asia via Chabahar might help to “balance” Chinese the Vienna Convention. But she added that Riyadh could still avoid from Russia to India through Azerbaijan and Iran, while influence in the region. It could also have simply been a Iran must therefore do its utmost to ensure Russia’s the toughest sanctions by taking more responsibility for the crime. the second concerns the likely expansion of the China-Pa- small but symbolic “concession” to India in order not continued interest in the NSTC regardless of India’s ap- “I don’t think realistically it’s a question of blacklisting the kistan Economic Corridor (CPEC, the flagship project of to scare it away from supporting the U.S. anti-Chinese proach to the project. Reconceptualizing the NSTC from crown prince of Saudi Arabia,” she said. “The ball is in the Saudi China’s Belt & Road Initiative [BRI]) westward through containment strategy. It’s difficult to tell what the real its original Russian-Indian connectivity purpose to the court to take full responsibility.” Iran and largely parallel to the NSTC. W-CPEC+ can also motive was since American-Indian relations are current- much broader one of Russian-South Asian connectivity continue towards Turkey and onward to the EU, but that ly complicated by Washington’s latest sanctions threats could help guarantee Moscow’s support. In parallel with branch is beyond the scope of the present analysis. The against New Delhi in response to its decision to purchase that, Tehran would do well to court Beijing’s investments R esistance N ews NSTC’s terminal port is the Indian-backed Chabahar, but Russia’s S-400 air defense systems. along W-CPEC+’s two branch corridors to Azerbaijan/ delays in fully developing its infrastructure might lead Nevertheless, even in the worst-case scenario that Indian Russia and Turkey/EU. Any success on any of these fronts, to Bandar Abbas being used as a backup in the interim. investment and infrastructural support for Iran can’t be let alone three of them, would advance Iran’s regional UN: Israel should halt CPEC’s Chinese-backed terminal port of Gwadar is in taken for granted in the coming future, that still doesn’t interests by solidifying its integral geo-economic role in demolition of Palestinian close proximity to Chabahar, thus presenting the opportunity offset the country’s geostrategic plans. Russia could still 21st-century Eurasia. of eventually pairing the two as sister cities, especially in use the NSTC to connect with W-CPEC and ultimately Andrew Korybko is a political analyst, journalist and homes and property the event that rumored negotiations between China and the over 200+ million Pakistani marketplaces. In theory, regular contributor to several online journals, as well as Iran result in upwards of several hundred billion dollars Russian companies in Pakistan could also re-export their a member of the expert council for the Institute of Stra- INTERNATIONAL TEHRAN — The United Nations Humanitar- worth of investments like some have previously reported. home country’s NSTC-imported goods to neighboring tegic Studies and Predictions at the People’s Friendship deskian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian The combination of Russian, Indian, and Chinese infra- India, thereby representing a pragmatic workaround to University of Russia. He has published various works in territory, Lynn Hastings, has called on Israel to immediately structure investments in Iran would greatly improve the New Delhi’s potential self-interested distancing from that the field of Hybrid Wars, including “Hybrid Wars: The stop the demolition of Palestinian homes and possessions. country’s regional economic competitiveness and enable it project which could also provide additional much-needed Indirect Adaptive Approach to Regime Change” and “The In a press release on Wednesday, Lynn asked Israel to allow to fulfill its geostrategic destiny of facilitating connectivity tax revenue for Islamabad. Law of Hybrid War: Eastern Hemisphere”. the humanitarian community to provide shelter, food and water to the vulnerable Palestinian communities living in Area C of the occupied West Bank, which is under its military control. “I visited the community of Humsa – Al Baqai’a which is situated some hundreds of meters into a firing zone in the ‘Bad sign from Biden admin.’: Syria slams fatal U.S. raid on Iraq border northern West Bank… The homes and belongings of the fam- Damascus has censured the U.S. air raid aggression” in the early hours of the day on Day al-Zawr Province near the Syrian-Iraqi of his hawkish predecessor, Donald Trump. ilies living there were demolished or confiscated five times by against positions of Iraqi counter-terrorism facilities used by forces of Iraq’s Popular borders,” it said. Iraqi resistance forces have been fighting the Israeli authorities since the beginning of February,” the forces on the Iraqi-Syrian border, which killed Mobilization Units (PMU) — better known “It is a bad sign regarding the policies of remnants of the Takfiri Daesh terror group UN official said. one and wounded four others, describing as Hashd al-Sha’abi — at a border point the new U.S. administration which should across border regions of Iraq and Syria in “Tents, food, water tanks and fodder for their livestock have it as a “bad sign” from the administration in Syria’s eastern Day al-Zawr Province. adhere to international” norms, the statement coordination with the governments in both all been confiscated despite repeated calls by the international of new U.S. President Joe Biden. “In a flagrant violation of the rules of added. Arab countries. community for these actions to stop in accordance with inter- In a statement carried by the official international law and Charter of the United The military action, the first of its kind An informed source told Press TV that national law,” she added. SANA news agency on Friday, the Syrian Nations, the U.S. warplanes on Thursday, under U.S. President Joe Biden, has been one person had lost his life and four others “As we have noted previously, situations where communities Foreign Ministry said the Arab country February 25, 2021, launched a coward [act met with a negative reaction, with many had been injured in the U.S. military’s act are put under pressure to move raises a real risk of forcible “strongly condemns the American act of of] aggression by bombing some areas in observers likening Biden’s approach to that of aggression. transfer,” she underscored.

Israeli ship, whose owner has links with Mossad chief, damaged in Oman Sea Reports have disclosed that the owner one of the richest men in Israel. Vacancy Notice of a ship hit by an explosion in the Sea The outlets further highlighted that of Oman is Israeli businessman Abra- Ungar is close to the Israeli regime’s ham Ungar, who has close relationship spymaster. with the head of Israel’s Mossad spy According to the United Kingdom agency, Yossi Cohen. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), The Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Maritime security firm Dryad the MV Helios Ray was carrying ve- Global and a United Nations ship hicles. It was apparently en route to I.R.Iran, intends to recruit an database identified owners of the Ba- Singapore from Dammam in Saudi hamas-flagged ship, the MV Helios Arabia. Assistant Representative at NOC level for its office in Tehran, Iran. Ray, as a Tel Aviv-based firm called The UKMTO, which is run by the Ray Shipping Ltd., which registered media outlets reported that Ungar, British navy, said on Friday an explo- Details of the vacancy can be found on UNFPA website on the following link: in the Isle of Man. 74, who goes by “Rami,” is the founder sion struck the vessel near the strategic On Saturday, Hebrew-language of Ray Shipping Ltd., and is known as mouth of the Persian Gulf. https://iran.unfpa.org/en/vacancies/national-post-assistant-representative-0 Bangladesh under “no obligation” to accept stranded Rohingya refugees-minister Please apply online by 12 March 2021, 5 PM Tehran Time. This vacancy is Bangladesh is under “no obligation” to and giving them water, India was not time territory and therefore, we have no shelter 81 Rohingya Muslim refugees planning to take them ashore, Reuters obligation to take them,” said Momen, open only for Iranian Nationals. adrift for almost two weeks on the An- reported. who is in the United States. daman Sea and being assisted by neigh- But Momen told Reuters late on Friday “They were located 147 km (91 miles) boring India, said Bangladesh foreign that Bangladesh expects India, the closest away from Indian territory, 324 km (201 Notice: minister A.K. Abdul Momen. country, or Myanmar, the Rohingyas’ miles) away from Myanmar,” he said  “There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application India’s coast guard found the survivors country or origin, to accept them. by phone, adding that other countries and eight dead crammed on a fishing boat “They are not Bangladesh nationals and organizations should take care of process”. and were trying to arrange for Bangla- and in fact, they are Myanmar nation- the refugees.  “UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV/AIDS or desh to take them, Indian officials said als. They were found 1,700 km (1,100 Indian foreign ministry officials were disabilities and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status and disabilities”. on Friday. While feeding the refugees miles) away from the Bangladesh mari- not immediately available for comment.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM FEBRUARY 28, 2021

Explore naturally-gorgeous rock formations in Iran’s tourism still alive, southernmost tip of Iran

1 With an area of 1,200 square km, it has an irregular outline and a generally rocky coast except for sandy bays and mudflats fringing minister says the northwest. Irregular table-topped hills almost cover Qeshm; several are over 270 meters high and one, Kish Kuh, reaches 406 meters. TOURISM TEHRAN – Despite all in Iran and [other parts of] the world in such deskthe obstacles and issues a way that according to statistics, 50 million and the outbreak of the coronavirus, the people are directly and indirectly exposed country’s tourism sector is still alive and to unemployment due to the virus spread in dynamic, the tourism minister has said. the global scene…. yet, mass or unplanned He made the remarks during his vis- and irresponsible travels are not approved it to Tehran’s international tourism and to take place during the coronavirus era.” handicrafts fair, which came to an end on Smart and responsible traveling should Friday evening. replace “do not travel” recommendations, the “A tourism event of this magnitude minister stressed, adding: “In our country, is a good example of the dynamism and Corona has caused problems in the tourism development of tourism,” Ali-Asghar industry and the worrying point is the con- Mounesan said. tinuation of this trend.” “While the fair is being held under strict “We are well aware of what the Nation- coronavirus restrictions and health proto- al Headquarters for Coronavirus Control cols, the outcome is still very satisfying,” proclaims [the health protocols], hence as he explained. a proposal, we have formulated some smart, Elsewhere in his remarks, he expressed responsible travel packages by the imple- Such scenic landscapes can also be found in other parts of Iran, for hope that limited Noruz trips would be pos- mentation of which we could have secure instance in Shahdad, which is a major part of the UNESCO-registered sible during the Iranian New Year vacations, travels,” the minister said. Lut desert in southeastern Kerman province. Shahdad is home to which begins on March 21. He has repeatedly announced that his massive sand pyramids created by wind and water. Noruz ceremonies and trips, if practiced ministry is in full coordination with the under health protocols, could be beneficial Ministry of Health for strictly implement- for the revival of the tourism industry and Tourism minister, Ali-Asghar Mounesan, in an undated photo ing health protocols in travel destinations, Prehistorical gate leading handicrafts, which have been severely affect- hospitably centers, and museums, amongst ed by the coronavirus pandemic in many Iran New Year vacations from the National revive the already-slumped travels in the others, underlining that “people’s health is to modern World Heritage provinces, the minister explained. Headquarters for Coronavirus Control. face of the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted. our priority.” Last week, the deputy tourism minister With less than a month to go till the start The tourism minister also publicized in No- Iranians traditionally make hundreds undergoes restoration Vali Teymouri announced that the tourism of the Iranian New Year, which has long been vember that mass, unplanned travels are not of thousands of domestic trips during the associated with millions of domestic travels, approved. “The outbreak of the coronavirus TEHRAN – One of the gates of the UNESCO-reg- ministry has gained official permission for New Year holidays, when most businesses TOURISM the ministry wants to find a way to partially has caused damage to the tourism industry deskistered Tchogha Zanbil, a ruined prehistoric organizing limited intercity travels during the and workplaces are closed, as are schools. ziggurat and a top tourist destination in southwest Iran, is being restored and preserved to maintain its originality, the director of the World Heritage site has announced. Situated southwest of the ziggurat, the mud-brick monument, A peek into core elements of traditional Iranian architecture which is named Darvazeh Shush (“Gate of Susu”), has been damaged severely due to the seasonal rains, Atefeh Rashnoei said, CHTN HERITAGE TEHRAN – The history of Iranian earliest Mesopotamian architecture when domes became reported on Friday. deskarchitecture is very complex and time- an integral part of buildings due to the scarcity of wood in The preservation and restoration project is being carried out under stretched. The Elamite, Achaemenian, Hellenistic, and many areas of the Iranian plateau. the supervision of the archeologists and experienced restorers based other pre-Islamic dynasties left striking stone testaments In Ancient Persia, domes were associated with the divine on traditional architectural methods of the time, the official added. to their greatness, such as Chogha Zanbil and Persepolis— side of life, as their circular shape represented perfection, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979. eternity, and the heavens, according to Press TV. From the Islamic period the architectural achievements Domes moved to the forefront of Persian architecture of the Seljuk, Il-Khanid, and Safavid dynasties are particu- during the Sasanian period (224 to 651 CE) and they larly noteworthy. During that time Iranian cities such as evolved through different eras until the Safavid dynasty Neyshabur, Isfahan, and Shiraz came to be among the great (1501–1732) when the last generation of Persian domes cities of the Islamic world, and their many mosques, madra- were characterized by a distinctive bulbous profile and sahs, shrines, and palaces formed an architectural tradition astonishing tilework. that was distinctly Iranian within the larger Islamic milieu. In the Persian urban design, domes in places of worship Some core elements that are common among most of and public places, including traditional bazaars, caravan- Massive hypostyle hall is seen inside the Vakil Mosque in the monuments constructed upon Persian architecture are saries, schools, and baths, are designed in such a way that Shiraz, southern Iran. given below: can be seen from different parts of urban or rural area. Extensive use of arches The domes are normally double-shelled. While the in- decorated with hunting scenes or animals in high relief, The two famous monuments, the Taj Mahal for the Mughal terior shell is designed to carry the weight of the structure, and textiles with symmetrical heraldic designs also remain. architecture and the Great Mosque of Isfahan for the Persian the exterior shell serves as both a decorative element and Calligraphy architecture displays the example of this fact. It is built for as insulation against the elements. The aerodynamic shape Iranians’ passion for using the script as an artistic im- aesthetic reasons, as well as to place windows and to lessen of the domes also makes the structures more sustainable. pression goes back to pre-Islamic times but it is the work the extent of sunlight pouring into the building. Porticos of Islamic era calligraphers and illuminators that elevated As with mud-built structures in this area, the Shush gate is frag- Gardens, fountains, and pools An iwan is a vaulted space that opens on one side to a its use into the high art we appreciate today. Encouraged ile and vulnerable, and it’s for this reason that its restoration is so Water plays a particularly central role in Iranian design: courtyard. The idea of iwan developed in pre-Islamic Iran by the Islamic preference for the art of calligraphy over important, she added. millennia before the invention of the first water pump, Per- where it was used in monumental and imperial architecture. representational arts, it developed from epoch to epoch She continued by saying that one of the primary priorities of res- sian agricultural experts created the qanat (subterranean Symmetry and from style to style. toration work on various structures of cultural heritage sites is to aqueduct) based on their hydraulic laws. Iranian architecture makes use of abundant symbolic Usage of muqarnas maintain the originality and use ecological materials. Spacious gardens and pools with fountains have always geometry, using pure forms such as the circle and square, Muqarnas is typically applied to the undersides of domes, UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil is widely known as the world’s been a main feature of Persian architecture over time. In a and plans are based on often symmetrical layouts featuring pendentives, cornices, squinches, arches, and vaults and is best surviving example of Elamite architecture. The ruined ziggurat traditional mosque, madrasa, house, it is used for ablutions, rectangular courtyards and halls. often seen in the mihrab of a mosque. They can be entirely stands in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran. It was made a UN- aesthetics, or both. Sassanid architecture is decorated with carved stone ornamental, or serve as load-bearing structures. The earliest ESCO site in 1979. Domes or stucco reliefs and makes use of colorful stone mosaics. forms of muqarnas domes, found in the Mesopotamian According to UNESCO, Tchogha Zanbil is the largest ziggurat The Persian tradition of dome-building dates back to the Beautiful gold and silver dishes, bowls, and ewers, often region, were primarily structural. outside of Mesopotamia and the best preserved of this type of stepped pyramidal monument. Lonely Planet says that even if you’re not a fan of ancient ruins, the great bulk and splendid semi-desert isolation of the site can’t fail to impress. Try to catch it in the soft, golden light of late afternoon rather than the harsh midday sun. Ancient qanat in central Iran brought back to life The ziggurat is located approximately 30 km southeast of Shush TOURISM TEHRAN – A resto- The qanat system relies on snow-fed pivotal role in enriching the Yazd skyline. and 80 km north of Ahvaz. Reaching a total height of some 25m, the deskration project has been streams, which flow down the foothills In July 2017, the historical structure gigantic monument was used to be surmounted by a temple and es- completed on the historical qanat of Shah- of surrounding mountains channeling of the city of Yazd was named a UNE- timated to hit 52m during its heyday. Tchogha Zanbil was excavated neh in the central province of Yazd, a through sloping aqueducts, often over SCO World Heritage. Wedged between in six seasons between 1951 and 1961 by Roman Ghirshman, a Rus- local official has announced. far distances to discharge into the city’s the northern Dasht-e Kavir and the sian-born French archeologist who was specialized in ancient Iran. The project, which took almost two underground reservoirs or ab-anbars. southern Dasht-e Lut on a flat plain, Ziggurats, in general, are pyramidal stepped temple towers that years to complete, aimed at reviving the Such constructions are still in practice, the oasis city enjoys a very harmonious bear architectural and religious characteristics of the major cities of centuries-old qanat, which is one of the many of which were made from the 13th public-religious architecture that dates Mesopotamia from approximately 2200 until 500 BC. They were agricultural water resources of the re- century onwards. Yazd is among ancient from different eras. usually built with a core of mud brick and an exterior covered with gion, Abbas Besharati said on Saturday. cities which have applied this concept With its winding lanes, forest of bad- baked brick. Approximately 25 ziggurats are known, being equally A budget of three billion rials ($71,000 to make urban settlements possible in girs (wind catchers), mud-brick houses, divided among Sumer, Babylonia, and Assyria, according to Ency- at the official exchange rate of 42,000 central Iran. atmospheric alleyways, and centuries clopedia Britannica. rials per dollar) has been allocated to The earliest water supply construc- of history, Yazd is a delightful place to the project, the official added. The concept of “Persian Qanat” was tions in Yazd are believed to date from stay, referring to as a ‘don’t miss’ des- For thousands of years, qanat systems registered on the UNESCO World Heritage the Sassanid era (224 to 651 CE) while tination by almost all travel associates Persian handicrafts: Khos have supplied water to agricultural and list in 2016, representing a selection of many others have been continually re- in the region. Duzi of Hormozgan permanent settlements in arid regions eleven aqueducts across Iran. paired and used over time, most surviving Yazd Jameh Mosque, Dowlatabad of Iran, tapping alluvial aquifers at the According to UNESCO, qanats pro- ab-anbars can be today traced to the late Garden, the Yazd Atash Behram, also vide exceptional testimony to cultural HERITAGE TEHRAN — Khos Duzi, a kind of traditional heads of valleys and conducting the water Safavid and Qajar periods. known as Atashkadeh-e Yazd, Towers of traditions and civilizations in desert deskembroidery, is popular among rural areas of along underground tunnels by gravity, When it comes to landscape architec- Silence, and adjacent desert landscape areas with an arid climate. Hormozgan province, southern Iran. often over many kilometers. ture, ab-anbars and wind towers play a are among its tourist sites. Khos Duzi consists of sewing thin strips of Khos or Naqdeh on fine and delicate lace fabrics. The strips are arranged to make geometric, cursive, arabesque, “Danehee” and “Kheshti Payeh Boland” motifs and patterns. In addition to lace fabrics, Khos Duzi is applied on velvet, too. Tourism projects worth $23.8m underway in Tus TOURISM TEHRAN – Several tourism-related read and to listen to recitations from his masterwork, deskprojects worth one trillion rials ($23.8 the Shahnameh. million at the official exchange rate of 42,000 rials per Located near the provincial capital of Mashhad, dollar) are currently underway in the historical city of which is one of the top tourist attractions of the country, Tus, northeastern Khorasan Razavi province. Tus has been the birthplace of some important cultural The projects are expected to help revive and promote and scientific Iranian figures since the past centuries. the region as a top tourist destination, the provincial The city was captured by Alexander the Great in c. tourism chief has said. 330 BC and it was destroyed once during the Mongol An important project of the effort is to set up a invasion, and again by the Timurids, and many of its tourism route to the ancient Kohan-Dezh citadel, one people were killed. of the greatest tourist attractions of the city, Abolfazl Besides Ferdowsi, the most famous person who has Mokarramifar announced on Saturday. emerged from that area was the theologian, jurist, phi- He also noted that in close collaboration with the losopher, and mystic al-Ghazali. Other notable residents private sector, historical monuments and aging build- of Tus include the early polymath Jaber ibn Hayyan, Khos Duzi is mostly used to decorate lace drapes, lace scarves ings across the province are planned to be revived and poet Asadi Tusi; polymath Nasser al-Din Tusi, and the (Jalbil) and lace Chadors (usually in black), bridal gown, scarves, restored in a bid to boost tourism in the region. prominent Islamic scholar Abu Jafar Tusi. cover of Holy Quran, trousers, beddings, covers for cushions, The ancient city of Tus is popular for the Mauso- Iranians regard Ferdowsi as the greatest of their poets. Tus and its historical gates, citadel, and ramparts headwear, dresses, and many more. leum of Ferdowsi, the illustrious Persian poet. Many Down through the centuries they have continued to were registered on the National Heritage list in 1996. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 28, 2021 SOCIETY 7

Conservation plan for Gorgan 57 nanotechnology projects inaugurated

1 In recent years, the vice presidency for science and tech- Bay approved nology has been supporting knowledge-based companies active in the production of sanctioned items. ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — A sev- functions of wetlands and their economic, desken-year plan to revive cultural, scientific, and recreational value) Gorgan Bay in the Caspian Sea has been along with Miankaleh Wetland. approved by the government at the sug- The bay and its surrounding area are rec- gestion of the Department of Environment ognized as a valuable ecological complex in (DOE), First Vice-President Is’haq Jahangiri the world which had a direct impact on the announced on Saturday. livelihood of local communities in addition Covering an area of about 400 square to conserving the marine life cycle. kilometers, the Gulf of Gorgan also known Ashuradeh Island, which hosts a variety as Gorgan Bay is the largest gulf in the Cas- of native and migratory birds throughout the pian Sea. It is located at the south-eastern year, was also introduced and registered as one shore of the Caspian Sea near the cities of of the world’s first biosphere zones in 1975. Behshahr, Gorgan, and Sari and is sepa- $2m earmarked to revive Gulf of rated from the main water body by the Gorgan Sattari told the Tehran Times in October 2020 that “U.S. Miankaleh peninsula and extends until However, in July, a budget of 9 trillion rials sanctions caused exports of knowledge-based companies to de- the Ashuradeh peninsula. (nearly $2.1 million at the official rate of 42,000 cline three years ago, however, it has returned to growth and is Experts on climate change and global rials) was earmarked to revive the Gulf of Gorgan. projected to reach the pre-sanctions level of more than $1 billion warming believe that uncontrolled water The Ports and Maritime Organization, the by the end of the current [Iranian calendar] year (March 20, 2021). withdrawal of aquifers, reduced rainfall, and Department of Environment, the Ministry Fortunately, last year, companies achieved a record sale of increased evaporation are the most important of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Energy 1.2 quadrillion rials (nearly $28.5 billion), which is expected to reasons for the drying up of Gorgan Bay. are tasked with taking executive measures increase by 40 percent this year.” According to the latest scientific data to save Gorgan Bay within 5 years. To date, 42 knowledge-based companies with a total value presented by the National Cartographic According to the oceanographic studies, of 2.8 quadrillion rials (nearly $66.6 billion) have been listed shrunk; so that with the increasing trend Valuable ecological complex Center, the drying rate of Gorgan Bay is the most important solution to save Gorgan on the stock exchange and they will soon turn into the biggest of global warming and climate change, sea Gorgan Bay was designated as a Ramsar worrisome. Bay is dredging canals, dredging the rivers businesses in the county, Sattari said. For each centimeter decrease of the water level reduction, the need for continuous site (defined by the Ramsar Convention for leading to the Gulf of Gorgan, and providing level of the Caspian Sea, about one square monitoring of the Caspian Sea and Gorgan the conservation and sustainable use of wet- water rights of the rivers will be other exec- kilometer of the area of Gorgan Bay has Bay is more important. lands, recognizing the fundamental ecological utive strategies to save the Gulf. Carbon emission promises Pfizer, a vaccine with endless problems and controversy ‘put Earth on red alert’ The Pfizer vaccine has caused a great deal of controversy and rus Control and a professor at Shahid Beheshti University that have got the Pfizer vaccine to fight the coronavirus. The world will heat by more than 1.5C unless nations produce problem since its distribution, and the side effects of injecting of Medical Sciences, COVAX has two pre-sale plans. In Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his son and tougher policies, a global stocktake has confirmed. this vaccine have caused fear and panic in different cases. the first plan, countries are given the right to choose a Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman were among those who Governments must halve emissions by 2030 if they intend Many people who have been vaccinated have been strug- vaccine at a cheaper price, and in the second plan, coun- received the American Pfizer vaccine in mid-January to the Earth to stay within the 1.5C “safe” threshold. gling with a variety of problems, including hospitalization tries are given the option to choose a vaccine, but it is survive the coronavirus. But the latest set of national policies submitted to the UN and even death. necessary to pay more, and Iran has chosen the second Saudi Arabia also announced in a hasty decision in late shows emissions will merely be stabilised by 2030. So far, various media outlets have reported deaths due one. COVAX has recommended countries to prioritize December that it had approved the Pfizer vaccine and started The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called it a red to the Pfizer vaccine, even in the United States. vaccine imports, and that’s why which is why we did not the vaccination process against the coronavirus by injecting alert for our planet. Two months ago, the media revealed that White House choose to buy Pfizer from the beginning. the vaccine into the Saudi minister of health. Chief of Staff Mark Meadows had threatened the U.S. Food Jamshidi pointed to the start of vaccination in some This was at a time when most countries in the world and Drug Administration to approve the Pfizer vaccine or countries in the region and neighboring countries and said: were still undergoing scientific and research processes in he would be ready to resign. “Vaccine-producing countries such as China, India, Brit- this field and had not made a definite decision. According to a U.S. poll, 60 percent of Ohio nursing ain, the United States, and… have long suggested to other It seems that while the Pfizer vaccine injection has caused home staff, about half of California health care workers countries that if a country commits to voluntarily perform serious problems for many people in different countries and 40 percent of Los Angeles nurses refused to receive human testing, the priority will be given to selling the vaccine. of the world, Saudi Arabia has not escaped the side effects the corona vaccine. Countries such as Turkey, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi of using this vaccine. Participants in the survey said they are concerned about Arabia are being vaccinated because they allowed human In recent weeks, the Saudi media have been silent on the dangerous side effects of receiving the vaccine and do testing, but Iran did not allow any human testing to be per- the process of public vaccination against Corona in the not want to be treated like mice. formed to protect the health of the people. country, and it is not clear how many Saudi citizens have The federal system, the Vaccine Side Effects Re- Jamshidi went on to say that the United States had suffered or died from side effects due to the injection of porting System (VAERS), is a federal database that blocked the import of medicine to be used by Iranian pa- the Pfizer vaccine in Saudi Arabia. receives reports of these cases. This system is passive, tients for three years, so trusting to buy a vaccine from Therefore, it is possible that Saudi Arabia has quietly meaning that it does not automatically collect reports, the American company Pfizer is just optimism, because slowed down or stopped the process of injecting the Pfizer and reports are uploaded to it. Everyone, including mRNA vaccines are new. It takes at least four years for vaccine into its citizens. He said: “It shows governments are nowhere close to the level health care workers, patients, or their families, can their effects to be identified, he said. Interestingly, the Saudi citizens continue to be infected of ambition needed to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees and file reports of vaccine side effects. False promises with the coronavirus, which shows that the Pfizer vaccine meet the goals of the Paris (Climate) Agreement. According to the media, reports on the system about Jamshidi pointed out that the Leader of the Islamic Rev- has not improved the situation of the people of this country. “The major emitters must step up with much more ambitious the side effects of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which have olution had understood from the very beginning that the According to the official Saudi state news agency, on Feb- emissions reductions targets.” been licensed in the United States to prevent coronary in- promises of vaccine delivery were false. ruary 6, 386 new cases of coronary heart disease occurred Dr Niklas Hohne from the New Climate Institute told BBC jections, are only part of this, although most unreported Currently, Iranians living in the United States are not in the country. The total number of cases of the virus so far News: “There is a huge gap to fill if we are serious about 1.5C (the cases are thought to be very serious. In some cases, patients allowed to send even one acetaminophen to Iran due to has reached 369,961, of which 2,327 are still being treated, threshold nations have agreed not to pass). reportedly died within days of receiving the injection. In sanctions. and 401 of them are in critical condition. “Global emissions have to be halved – but with current pro- one case, a 66-year-old man living in a Colorado nursing If Iran wants to import drugs from the American company Also, with the registration of 283 new cases of recovery, posals they will only be stable. That’s really not good enough.” home reported a day after receiving the injection. The next Pfizer right now, the U.S. government sanctions will prevent the total number of cases of recovery has reached 361,237 Some nations have not even submitted a climate plan, and morning, on Christmas Day, the man was seen standing still it. The U.S. Treasury Department has forced all countries people, and with the registration of 4 new cases of death some – such as Australia – are judged to have offered no sub- with his eyes half open and his mouth foamed. He was no to obtain a license from the United States before exporting due to coronavirus, the total number of victims of this stantial improvement on previous proposals. longer breathing and had no pulse. any pharmaceutical items or raw materials to Iran. crisis has reached 6397 people, and 45674 new tests have Emissions from those countries doing little or nothing extra Opposition to Pfizer worldwide “We will use all the science of the day to make the domes- been performed. comprise 10-15% of global emissions. Mexico and Brazil have These events have provoked a reaction of concern and tic vaccine, so at least three knowledge-based companies On the other hand, some Arabic-speaking users on social attracted criticism for not doing more. astonishment in some countries of the world. Following are currently researching mRNA technology,” he said. But media report that the Saudi king is sick after receiving the There are some positive signs, though. The EU, for instance, the deaths of several people who had been injected with the because this technology is the first to be used in the world, Pfizer vaccine. made the biggest jump from a target of a 40% cut to a 55% cut, Pfizer vaccine in Norway, Australia requested information its long-term effects are unknown. Bin Salman, the 85-year-old Saudi king, has been the based on 1990 levels. from Pfizer and Norwegian authorities. He added that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will lose their subject of numerous media reports, including rumors of “The target could have been more, but it’s a good step in the Australian officials say they should get more information properties because the mRNA formula focuses on only one his death, due to gallbladder inflammation, Alzheimer’s right direction,” Dr Hohne said. about the vaccine and its consequences before deciding whether gene of the virus. disease, and difficulty speaking for a long time. He also applauded Nepal, Argentina and the UK, which aims to use the Pfizer vaccine in the country, and Scandinavian All senior officials of the Islamic Republic, especially Bin Salman has not had a significant media presence since to reduce emissions by 68% by the target date of 2030, based countries have said they will be much more careful about the Leader, due to their extreme sensitivity to maintaining the outbreak of the coronavirus, and the Saudi media have on 1990 levels. injecting their citizens with the Pfizer vaccine. Australia has public health, have serious doubts about the effective- only occasionally reported on the holding of government already placed an order for 10 million doses of the Pfizer ness and safety of the Pfizer vaccine and distrust of the meetings in the form of videoconferences, which have not LET’S LEARN PERSIAN vaccine and now appears to be wary of injecting the vaccine. enemy, so based on previous experiences have banned been confirmed by independent news sources. Opposition by Iran the import of the Pfizer vaccine. Due to the severe censorship of the Saudi government, it (Part 135) (Source: saadifoundation.ir) In this situation, it is possible to understand why the Health concerns is not clear whether Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is also very Islamic Republic of Iran has opposed the import of the News and information that have been published about old, is in a good mood after receiving the Pfizer vaccine, or American Pfizer vaccine. According to Hamid Reza Jamshi- the dangers of the Pfizer vaccine has raised serious concerns whether he is struggling with the side effects and problems di, Secretary of the National Headquarters for Coronavi- about the health and future of the leaders of the countries caused by the use of the vaccine.

ENGLISH IN USE LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION

تصویــر بــرداری همزمــان از ســه پلنــگ و یــک ,Camera traps picture Asiatic cheetah یوزپلنــگ در شــاهرود Persian leopards in Semnan مدیــرکل حفاظــت محیــط زیســت اســتان ســمنان از تصویربــرداری ســه پلنــگ ایرانــی و یــک An Asiatic cheetah and three Persian leopards have been observed یوزپلنــگ آســیایی در پــارک ملــی تــوران شــاهرودخبر داد. through camera traps in Shahrood county in north central Semnan province, Amir Abdous, the provincial department of environment امیــر عبــدوس در گفتگــو بــا خبرنــگار مهــر، تاکیــد کــرد: تصاویــر ضبــط شــده از ســه قــاده chief, has announced. پلنــگ توســط دوربیــن تلــهای در کنــار یکــی از آبشــخورهای ایــن پــارک ملــی تهیــه شــده Cameras have recently captured photos of an Asiatic cheetah“ اســت، تصاویــر شــاهد ســامت و وضعیــت جســمی مناســب اینگونــه دارد. .and three Persian leopards around watering troughs,” he said مدیــرکل محیــط زیســت اســتان ســمنان گفــت: نصــب ده دوربیـ ـن تلـ ـهای توســط یکی از عکاســان All are mature and physically healthy, which is so precious, Abdous و دوســتداران طبیعــت در تــوران همچنیــن ثبــت تصویــر یــک قــاده یوزپلنــگ آســیایی را نیــز .further highlighted, Mehr reported on Wednesday بــه دنبــال داشــت، تاکیــد کــرد: پویایــی جمعیــت جانــوران وحشــی در یــک زیســت بــوم در گــرو -Referring to ten camera traps installed in the area by the environ mentalists to determine the exact distribution of the species, he حفــظ گو نههــای شــاخص آن زیســت بــوم بهخصــوص گو نههــای چتــر و پرچــم اســت و پلنــگ said that Asiatic cheetah and Persian leopard are two invaluable بــه عنــوان گونــه چتــر و یوزپلنــگ بــه عنــوان گونــه پرچــم در ایــن پــارک ملــی نقــش بســزایی در species which are endangered despite being among umbrella and پویایــی جمعیــت ســایر گو نههــا بهخصــوص طعمههــای خــود دارنــد. .flagship species Prayer Times Noon:12:18 Evening: 18:12 Dawn: 5:17 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:41 (tomorrow) FEBRUARY 28, 2021 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh Violent modern world suffers from lack of Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 common humane language: filmmaker Majidi Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 ARTTEHRAN — Iranian scholars attended the webinar, which was Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 deskfilmmaker Majid Majidi organized by Iran’s Cultural Office in Madrid Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 said that the violent modern world is suffering in collaboration with the Farabi Cinema from a dearth of a common humane language Foundation and Casa Asia, a Barcelona- and a disregard of human nature more than based center promoting Spain’s relations Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 ever. with Asian countries. He made the remarks during an Farabi Cinema Foundation director No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran international webinar on Iranian cinema Alireza Tabesh and Cinema Organization P.o. Box: 14155-4843 with a focus on his three films held at the of Iran director Hossein Entezami spoke at Zip Code: 1599814713 Complutense University of Madrid last week. the webinar. “Human nature is an everlasting and Majidi’s “Color of Paradise” was screened common characteristic of all mankind. All on the first day and reviewed by Bernardo the prophets and Imams believe that the Herrera, a scholar from Venezuela, as well purpose of their message is to remind man as Francisco Garcia and Iranian scholars and awaken him to his own nature,” Majid Zahra Razi and Damun Afkari. said at the webinar. “The Color of Paradise” is a fable of a “It is quite understandable for everyone blind child’s innocence and a complex look to use words like love, kindness, sacrifice and at faith and humanity. solidarity, things that can be associated with The second day was followed by screening GUIDE TO human nature. The language of today, which and reviewing Majidi’s “The Willow Tree”, SPIRITUAL AWAKENING has become filled with violence, conflict and while “Baran” was screened and reviewed crisis, is void of human nature,” he added. on the third day. “Moreover, the cinema can play a very “The Willow Tree” is about Yusef, a blind He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard important and fundamental role in bringing Majid Majidi attends a press conference during the 38th Fajr Film Festival at middle-aged university professor who regains seed of pride shall not enter paradise. people closer together because of its universal Mellat Cineplex on February 10, 2020. (Mehr/Majid Asgaripur) his vision after surgery. language,” Majidi noted. forest area in northern Iran, and how his nature, and this effect was so deep that it “Baran” is set during recent times in which Prophet Muhammad (S) He also talked about his visit along with crew was impressed by the deep and inner led to making his film, “Color of Paradise”. there are many Afghan refugees living on a group of visually-impaired children to the encounter of the children with the world and Last week, several Iranian and Spanish the outskirts of Tehran.

Baghdad billboard showing Busts of Khayyam, Nikola Tesla to be set up in “Shias of Abu Turab” Belgrade, Tehran 1 Abu Turab is a title attributed to Imam Ali (AS). The painting shows the Imam walking as Soleimani, Al-Muhandis Hanachi and Belgrade Mayor Zoran Radojiic also agreed hope to sign the Tehran-Belgrade sister cities agreement and a number of his companions follow him. to set up busts of more Iranian and Serbian luminaries in in person,” he added. Ruholamin, whose works usually illustrate stories from the the cities, Tehran Municipality has announced. Radojiic said that Belgrade has been through a very hard history of Islam, criticized inept artworks created about Soleimani, During the meeting, Hanachi said the coronavirus outbreak year, like the rest of the world, and they’re concerned about and said that artists should raise their knowledge of an issue in showed the world what has been learned is nothing compared the public’s health and the health care workers in particular. order to create an appropriate artwork about it. to what is yet to learn, showing that more solidarity is needed Also, he spoke of the hospitality of the Iranian people to solve the world’s problems. and expressed his hope to be a good host in the future. “Tehran and Belgrade have collaborated in different He said that the Belgrade Municipality also is continuing fields and we need to develop this collaboration. Based on to work on its projects, as there have been significant changes the agreement between the two cities, the busts of Iranian in the city compared to the past. and Serbian luminaires are scheduled to be built and set Persian poet and mathematician Omar Khayyam is chiefly This combination photo shows a portrait of Nikola up in the cities,” Hanachi said. known to English-speaking readers through the translation Tesla (L) and a sculpture of Khayyam. “We are still experiencing the pandemic and we still by the English writer Edward Fitzgerald of a collection of ARTTEHRAN — Busts of the Persian poet and have to deal with the coronavirus restrictions. Many his quatrains in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. deskmathematician Omar Khayyam Neshaburi cultural activities like movie theaters are closed, and our Serbian engineer and physicist Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) and Serbian inventor Nikola Tesla will be set up in Belgrade municipality is unable to offer its many services while made dozens of breakthroughs in the production, transmission and Tehran in the near future based on a mutual agreement under the sanctions,” he added. and application of electric power. negotiated between the mayors of the cities. “However, Tehran Municipality has provided assistance He invented the first alternating current (AC) motor In their virtual meeting held last week, Tehran Mayor Piruz to those who suffered from the economic recession. And we and developed AC generation and transmission technology.

A combination photo features a Baghdad billboard showing Narges Abyar calls for more cooperation between Iranian, Turkish cineastes Iranian painter Hassan Ruholamin’s “Shias of Abu Turab” and the original artwork. ARTTEHRAN – Iranian Bilge Ceylan, whose movies have been achievers from Pakistan and abroad desk He noted that artists should improve the quality of their filmmaker Narges Abyar acclaimed in numerous international by the HUM Network Limited, a global artworks about Soleimani. has called for more collaboration between events, including the Cannes Film Festival, entertainment and news network and one He also criticized Instagram for removing posts about Soleimani Iran and Turkey on the film industry. and noted people’s regard for Turkish TV of the largest broadcasting brands with a and added, “Now, artists are fearful about making a post about Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Turkey’s series in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and strong following among South Asia diaspora Martyr Soleimani, the minimum outcome of which would be the state-run news agency, on Wednesday she other neighboring countries. around the world. removal of their post by Instagram.” said, “There are a lot of opportunities for Abyar pointed to “Drunk on Love”, She was a jury member for the “Shias of Abu Torab” is not Ruholamin’s sole artwork about cooperation between Turkey and Iran in the directed by Iranian filmmaker Hassan Fathi International Narrative Feature Films Soleimani. field of cinema. I think joint projects will be about the story of the Persian mystic and Competition at the 6th Herat International Just one day after the assassination of Soleimani, Ruholamin successful as our cultural nuances are similar.” poet Molana Jalal ad-Din Rumi and his Women’s Film Festival organized in the unveiled his painting “The Apocalyptic Companion of Aba Abdillah” She noted that there are very few spiritual mentor Shams-i Tabrizi, calling the Afghan city during last November. that depicts Soleimani’s remains embraced by Imam Hussein Turkish-Iranian co-productions in movie a good example of a co-production Her 2019 drama “When the Moon Was (AS), the third Imam of the Shias. the market and said the collaborations Iranian filmmaker Narges Abyar. between Iran and Turkey. Full” was screened at many international An image of the artwork was published for the first time on should increase. (Anadolu Agency) Abyar, the director of acclaimed movies festivals and won awards, including the khamenei.ir, the official website of Leader of the Islamic Revolution “We have a lot of common experiences such as “Track 143”, “Breath” and “When grand prize of the 2nd Carcassonne Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. on refugees. There are Syrian refugees in Abyar, whose latest movie, “The Piebald”, the Moon Was Full”, received the HUM International Political Film Festival in In 2017, he also created a painting of Mohsen Hojaji, an Iranian Turkey and Afghan refugees in Iran. Drug won the best audience film award at the 39th Women Leaders Award in the Pakistani France and the audience award at the soldier who was martyred by ISIS terrorists in Syria. trafficking and human-interest stories can Fajr Film Festival in Tehran in early February. city of Karachi in February 2020. 23rd Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Ruholamin’s paintings usually call to mind the ambience of also be covered in the joint projects,” said She praised Turkish filmmaker Nuri The award is presented to female in Estonia. Renaissance paintings. In his works, he regards stories from the history of Islam and contemporary events. Tehran’s Niavaran Cultural Center showcased a collection of Ruholamin’s paintings in an exhibition entitled “Family of Adaptation of Macbeth to go on stage at Tehran theater Ali (AS)” in January. ARTTEHRAN — Iranian director and writer King Duncan. Three witches tell Macbeth that he will become deskShadi Asadpur plans to stage an adaptation king of Scotland. Macbeth is spurred by his ambition and his of William Shakespeare’s masterpiece Macbeth at Tehran’s wife, and he murders Duncan and accedes to the throne. His Divare Chaharom Theater on March 7. reign is bloody and tyrannical and ended by the combined “Artists in Times of War” The play entitled “Nightmares” centers on Macbeth’s forces of Scotland and England. by Howard Zinn comes to incubi after killing King Duncan to accede to the throne. Iranian directors have previously staged adaptations of Lady Macbeth and Duncan are now his bad dreams, Macbeth in several performances. Iranian bookstores which do not leave him alone. The Titowak Theater Group led by Iranian director Ebrahim Actor Farzin Mohaddes will be collaborating in this Poshtkuhi performed “Hey Macbeth, Only the First Dog ARTTEHRAN – A Persian translation of Howard production as a casting director. Knows Why It Is Barking” based on the tragedy in 2009. deskZinn’s “Artists in Times of War” has recently Shaqayeq Zalpur, Mahsa Mirkazemi, Kimia Moradi-Rafiq, Members of the troupe Mise en Scene led by director been published by Logos Publications in Qom. Mohammad-Saeid Ahangar, Helia Atai, Ali Anisi and ten Masud Tayyebi also performed “When Hamlet Was The book has been translated into Persian by Sohrab Khalili. other actors will be performing in the production. Killed by Macbeth’s Witches” based on Macbeth and Political power, says Zinn, “is controlled by the corporate The actors have been selected from a group of students Shakespeare’s other popular play Hamlet at the Iranian elite, and the arts are the locale for a kind of guerilla warfare attending acting workshops recently organized by Asadpur Actor Farzin Mohaddes and director Shadi Asadpur are Artists Forum in 2017. in the sense that guerillas look for apertures and opportunities and Mohaddes in the city of Borujerd. scheduled to collaborate on “Nightmares”, an adaptation He also directed the play again in Tehran in November where they can have an effect.” Macbeth is a Scottish general who has been fighting for of William Shakespeare’s masterpiece Macbeth. 2020. In “Artists in Times of War”, Zinn looks at the possibilities to create such apertures through art, film, activism, publishing and through everyday lives. In this collection of four essays, the author of “A People’s History of the United States” writes about why “To criticize the Image of the Year Celebration kicks off at IAF government is the highest act of patriotism.” ARTTEHRAN — The 18th directorial effort and was shot in black and tried to make use of the special elements Filled with quotes and examples from the likes of Bob Dylan, deskedition of the Image of white. It centered around a young boy on his of the films by Kiarostami, like working Mark Twain, E. E. Cummings, Thomas Paine, Joseph Heller and the Year Celebration was inaugurated on way home from school who ran into a hungry with non-actors. Emma Goldman, Zinn’s essays discuss America’s rich cultural Thursday at the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) dog while carrying his own loaf of bread. The previous edition of the celebration was counter narratives to war, so needed in these days of unchallenged featuring photos, posters and cartoons in In a ceremony attended by a limited also inaugurated with a screening of “Sohanak”, U.S. militarism. addition to screening a number of films. number of participants, the director of the a film that depicts Abbas Kiarostami playing Zinn’s great subject isn’t war, but peace. After his experience Tassvir Film Festival, a new section of the celebration, Seifollah Samadian, called a the role of the leading character of his movie as a bombardier in World War II, he became convinced that celebration, screening all the films that have 57-year-old man on stage with his loaf of bread. “Taste of Cherry” on a pilot project. there could be no such thing as a “just war,” as the vast majority received awards in different Iranian festivals, He was Seyyed Reza Hashemi, the little “When my father was working on the main of modern warfare’s victims are made up of innocent civilians. was also inaugurated with a screening of the boy of Kiarostami’s short film. idea of the film, he made a video maquette In his books, including “A People’s History of the United short film, “Bread and Alley, 50 Years Later”, Kiarostami spotted Reza Hashemi playing of the film instead of writing a screenplay States” and its companion volume, “Voices of a People’s History made by Maziar Cheshmeh Alai. with his friends in the alley and asked his and played the role of Mr. Badiei in a car of the United States”, Zinn affirms the power of the masses to Cheshmeh Alai made his short based parents to let him play in his film. When traveling in Sohanak, a village near Tehran,” influence major events. on “Bread and Alley,” a film directed and they moved to another neighborhood, he Kiarostami’s son, Bahman, had written in a Through a lifetime of pointed scholarship and principled written by Abbas Kiarostami based on a found him and asked him to play in another statement about the film. civil disobedience, he has led and continues to lead generations story by his brother Taqi in 1970. film, “A Wedding Suit”. The event will be running until March A poster for the 18th edition of the Image of in the ways of peace. The 10-minute film was Kiarostami’s first Director Cheshmeh Alai said that he 13 at the forum. the Year Celebration.