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• IRGC: Enemies could not achieve a single victory in 42 years P2 • Parliamentary committee passes bill to oversee officials’ visits abroad 8 Pages | Price 50,000 Rials | 1.00 EURO | 4.00 AED | 43rd year | No. 14011 | Wednesday | AUGUST 11, 2021 | Mordad 20, 1400 | Muharram 2, 1443 • Iraq FM visits Tehran, meets Zarif and Shamkhani P2 • Ataei names Iran squad for 2021 Asian Volleyball Championship P3 • Start date of 2021/22 IPL season announced P3 Why Didn’t Tehran • Alireza Ebrahimi becomes Persepolis’ first summer signingP3 • Iran urges UN Security Council to avoid being trapped by Israel P3 • Transit of goods via Iran rises 48% in a Publicize Israel’s Unlawful month P4 • Iran’s petchem revenues to reach $50b by 2027 P4 • Urban Development Ministry unveils TOD system P4 • Russian says U.S. forces have no legal Targeting of Iranian Ships? Page 3 mandate in Syria P5 • Tehran expected to host national handicrafts exhibit if coronavirus Opinion Festival of ideas to attract public participation controlled P6 • Lorestan tourism loses $128 m from Oil industry in reviving wetlands coronavirus outbreak P6 TEHRAN – The Wetlands Conservation Project resources between the local communities and the ment, the United Nations Development Program, • Heavy burden of environmental taking big steps is going to hold the third festival of innovative wetland with a view to sustainable development was launched in 2005 and in recent years has been problems on Caspian Sea P7 ideas and products to attract people’s participa- so that the pressure on the environment can be funded by the Japanese government to rehabilitate • WHO recognizes Sahand as “First tion in the protection and rehabilitation of wet- reduced. Lake Urmia. During its years of operation, this proj- Awarded Healthy City” in Iran P7 for promoting lands. ect has implemented extensive programs in wet- The themes of the festival include “new tools in • UNHCR concerned by Afghan refugees The third festival of innovative ideas and prod- education, information, and culture in the field of land basins throughout the country. fleeing to Iran P7 innovation, ucts in two sections of independent ideas and wetland support livelihood”, “innovative strategies Wetland importance startups will be held on September 19 to 22, with and methods in identifying wetland support live- Wetlands are ecosystems saturated with water, • Red Frame International Photo Contest technology priority given to Lake Urmia and its surrounding lihoods”, “innovative wetland support livelihood either seasonally or permanently. They store water announces winners P8 wetlands. projects”, “strategies to accelerate and facilitate and ensure its quality, providing resilience against • Shanghai Persian art exhibition The main theme of the festival is “Wetland Sup- the development of wetland support livelihoods in drought. They play a central role in sustainable de- local communities”. celebrates 50 years of Iran-China By Ebrahim Fallahi port Livelihoods”, and in the end, the best ideas will velopment by supplying all our freshwater. More diplomatic relations P8 be supported. The Iranian Wetlands Conservation Project, in than 40 percent of freshwater fish are said to live TEHRAN – As one of the major pillars of the Ira- collaboration with the Department of Environ- in wetlands. Page 7 nian economy, the oil industry has been evolving The event focuses on preserving the natural continuously over the past four decades and with the world stepping into the new era of technolog- ical advances the Iranian oil industry too has been taking new steps in this regard. Interview Kakh-e Chehel Sotoun: do not let the Biden succumbs In 2020, National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) announced the implementation of a new pro- to pressure from gram for using the capacities of domestic knowl- U.S. leaving Afghans illusion of columns deceive you! edge-based companies, research institutions and TEHRAN – The beautifully proportioned Kakh-e completed in 1647 under the watch of Shah Ab- universities for meeting the oil industry’s techno- Chehel Sotoun is a prime example of a royal garden bas II. 9/11 families logical needs. over a barrel left from the Safavid era (1501-1736). The meaning According to Lonely Planet, the palace’s Great U.S. President Joe Biden has thrown his sup- Since then, the company has conducted nu- of its name is a palace with 40 columns. Hall (Throne Hall) is a gem, richly decorated with port behind a “fresh review†of long-classi- merous research projects, held several events, of extremists: Situated in Isfahan, which has a world reputa- frescoes, miniatures, and ceramics. The upper fied documents after families of 9/11 victims said and supported a great number of innovative ideas tion for being an artistic and historical city, Kakh-e walls are dominated by historical frescoes on a he’s not welcome at the 20th-anniversary presented by knowledge-based companies and Pakistani academic Chehel Sotoun is entered via an elegant terrace grand scale, sumptuously portraying court life and events unless the secret files are released. startups. that perfectly bridges the transition between the some of the great battles of the Safavid era – the The president said he approves of the Depart- The RIPI Persian love of gardens and interior splendor. two middle frescoes date from the Qajar period but By Mohammad Mazhari the other four are original. ment of Justice reviewing the material, which As the major research body of the Oil Ministry, The main structure is built as a pleasure pavilion families believe show Saudi Arabian leaders the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) TEHRAN – Assistant Professor at School and reception hall, using the Achaemenid-inspired From right to left, above the entrance door, the of Politics and International Relations in supported the attack that killed almost 3,000 has inked numerous memorandums of under- talar (columnar porch) style. armies of Shah Ismail do battle with the Uzbeks; people. standing (MOUs) with knowledge-based compa- Quaid-i-Azam University says that the U.S. Nader Shah battles Sultan Mohammed on an In- Before entering the palace, there is a veranda In a long-running legal battle by 9/11 fami- nies and universities for cooperation in production withdrawal from Afghanistan will have severe dian battleground, and Shah Abbas II welcomes with 20 cypress wood columns. Nevertheless, as ly groups against Saudi Arabia, the Justice De- of new equipment or conducting ground breaking consequences both for Afghanistan as well as King Nader Khan of Turkestan with musicians and the name Chehel Sotoun suggests, there have to partment said the F.B.I. “recently†closed a research on oil and gas industry’s new areas. the region. dancing girls. be 40 columns. The reflection of the 20 real col- portion of its investigation into the attacks. The According to the RIPI Head Jafar Tofiqi, diversi- “American baseless claims to establish umns on the water of the pool, creates the illusion On the wall opposite the door, also from right harmony and democracy in Afghan society department said the F.B.I was beginning a review fying the basket of technological products in the that there are 40 columns. It is worth mentioning to left, Shah Abbas I presides over an ostentatious of documents (that it had previously said must re- oil industry is one of the main goals of this institu- are badly exposed and once again the U.S. has that the number 40 in Iran signifies multiplicity banquet; Shah Ismail battles the janissaries of Sul- left oppressed Afghan people over a barrel of main secret) with a view toward disclosing more tion’s collaboration with other knowledge centers. in general. Therefore, we can conclude that there tan Selim; and Shah Tahmasp receives Humayun, [of the documents]. extremists and warlords,” Syed Qandil Abbas tells was a great contemplation behind building such an the Indian prince who fled to Persia in 1543. “The research institute is not just a research the Tehran Times. amazing structure. It is unclear what additional information will be- contractor, it plays a strategic role in addressing These extraordinary works survived the come public or when the public will see it. the needs of the oil industry,” Tofiqi has said. U.S. President Joe Biden is withdrawing all It is the only surviving palace on the once 18th-century invasion by the Afghans, who white- American troops from Afghanistan, completing royal precinct stretched between the gigantic washed the paintings to show their disapproval of The move comes just days after a group repre- Last year, RIPI also carried out several major re- the military exit by the 20th anniversary of the Imam Sq and Chahar Bagh Abbasi St. Kakh-e such extravagance. Other items, including Safavid senting more than 1,600 people directly affected search projects aimed at increasing the recovery Sept. 11 attacks that drew the United States into Chehel Sotoun is reputed to date from 1614; an forebear Safi al-Din’s hat, are kept in a small mu- by the attacks called on President Joe Biden to factor of the country’s oil fields in collaboration its longest war. Page 5 inscription uncovered in 1949, suggests it was seum. Page 6 avoid any memorial events next month. Page 5 with the county’s universities. Page 4 Navy chief: Dena Interview soon to go on Iran’s big problem is economic naval missions policies: professor TEHRAN — Iran’s Navy commander announced that could resist U.S. sanctions against Iran is Chi- on Tuesday that Dena destroyer is ready to be sent By M.A. Saki na. to naval missions. TEHRAN – A professor of economics believes Following is the text of the interview: Rear Admiral Khanzadi made the announcement that Iran’s main problem lies in economic policies What are the engines of economic devel- while visiting the third naval region of the Iranian although he says “sanctions have a terrible stran- opment and growth? Navy. glehold on the Iranian economy.” Pointing to the importance of developing a “About 70 years ago, in considering growth and Hossein Askari, the Iran professor emeritus of development, economic models were built around maritime civilization in the shadow of sustainable international business and international affairs, security, Khanzadi said the construction of fully capital, labor and land. But economists, notably tells the Tehran Times that “Iran needs more effec- Robert Solow, discovered the importance of in- indigenous vessels is a sign of self-sufficiency of tive institutions, whose three pillars are more free- Iranian specialists. novation and technology and so growth models dom, the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts.” incorporated the role of technology. These in turn “The Army in international waters, while wav- On high liquidity which has contributed to the stressed the importance of education and R&D. ing the holy flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran inflation rate in Iran, the professor suggests that While all these elements were seen as the en- and ensuring the security of sea lines in order to Iran must “put the brakes on money printing” and gines of growth, international trade in goods and protect Iran’s interests, shows a manifestation of “use a rational rule for money creation.” services, which includes financial flows, also had the country’s authority and pride,” the commander Askari, who taught at the George Washington a prominent role. Yes, countries had to generate added. University and served as special advisor to the savings or capital, to finance their investments but Insisting on the need to strengthen the Saudi finance minister, also says the only country this and most other elements needed Page 5 trans-regional presence of the Islamic Republic in international waters, he said, “All-Iranian Dena destroyer, which is a masterpiece, showing intel- Sala calls people to mourn tragedy ligence and talent of Iranian engineers and tech- Director Majid Majidi calls on ulema nologists to improve the naval capacity of the Navy fleet in the region will soon join the third naval re- to pave way for Islamic films of Ashura gion, stationed at Konarak. TEHRAN – Majid Majidi, the Iranian director of renamed “Tenth Image Short Film Festival”. The Navy commander noted that the capability TEHRAN – Caretakers attend the ritual of Sala at the holy shrine of Imam Reza “Muhammad, the Messenger of God”, has called on of this force in all fields is con- The festival was launched in 2020 by the Rahe (AS), the eighth Imam of the Shia, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad on ulema to lift restrictions on Islamic films and to al- stantly increasing to provide a Iman Charity Organization this year to encour- August 9, 2021.

low filmmakers to give the world a realistic and ac- Seyed Mohammad Alerasoul way for the next generation of age people to stay at home during the Muharram The ancient ritual, calling people to attend the mourning ceremonies for the curate insight into Islam. He made the remarks on Iranian sailors to be able to carry mourning season due to the COVID-19 pandemic martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions, is performed on the eve of Monday during a press conference for the Mourn- out their assigned missions more and organize the rituals with the members of their ISNA/ the first day of Muharram. ing at Home Short Film Festival, which has been easily and Page 2 own families. Page 8 TEHRAN — IRGC Deputy Com- organization. mander Ali Fadavi said on Tuesday He added, “Quality of work is one that the enemies of the Islamic of the main priorities in the coun- Republic have been working hard try’s defense and service system, POLITICS against Iran over the past 42 years, and being a commander is never an but they have never been able to issue, and the services of a Guard, AUGUST 11, 2021 achieve a single victory. such as religious scholars, are “It is God’s promise that in the war present throughout life.” Straight Truth of truth against falsehood, truth al- Speaking at a ceremony in which TEHRAN TIMES ways emerges victorious,” Fadavi he named a new local IRGC com- 2 said. mander in Ardabil province, Fadavi He added that God’s promise is also praised the eulogy of people in that the dominant party is the par- the province for Imam Hussein (AS). Navy chief: Dena soon to go on ty of God and the party of Satan will “Love for Imam Hussein (AS) is never win. one of the characteristics of the naval missions “We must pay all our attention to people of Ardabil province and the the characteristics of the party of people of Ardabil are famous for God and try to always move in the performing the mourning rituals of From page 1 an important right direction and the party of God,” the martyrs of Karbala (AS),” Fadavi step towards the development Brigadier General Fadavi noted. IRGC: Enemies remarked. of maritime civilization with the “The commander of the Islamic Just like many other important slogan of peace and friendship. Revolution Guard Corps is the com- Islamic observations, Muharram The Iranian Navy unveiled mander of the servants and all the also depends on the sighting of the Dena destroyer through a vir- Guards are servants of the people moon. This year, it begins August 10. and the Revolution,” Fadavi remarked. could not achieve tual videoconference led by Muharram is also called Mu- former President Hassan Rou- The IRGC must continue the path harram-ul-Haram. For the Muslim hani on June 14. and act in line with preserving and community around the world, it is The destroyer – which is protecting the country, he highlight- considered to be the second holiest ed. a single victory month after Ramzan. It is the first named after one of the most famous mountaintops of the Elsewhere in his remarks, Fadavi month of the Islamic Year or the Hi- country – is equipped with said the IRGC is militarily stronger jri calendar. various defensive and offen- than any other time which is not Imam Hussain (AS), the son of sive systems, is designed to comparable to the past. in 42 years Imam Ali (AS) and the grandson of submarine targets. siles ready to open fire at any make long journeys in the “Though our country is not com- the Prophet (S), was martyred in Dena is reported to weigh threats. It is also capable of oceans, and is capable of de- parable to the United States in cer- General Fadavi continued, “Every belongs to the person who was the the Battle of Karbala on the 10th more than 1,300 tons, and is carrying helicopters on its tecting, tracking, and hitting tain military and defense areas, … our organization has two external and founder of that organization.” day of Muharram, in 680 AD. The equipped with 4 cruise mis- deck. various aerial, surface, and army is an international army and the internal aspects that the external In that regard, Fadavi said that day, therefore, is known as “Ashu- power of the country is not compara- aspect is visible in appearance and the guidelines of Imam Khomeini as ra”, and Shias mourn Hussain’s ble to the past,” he remarked, accord- the internal aspect which is the soul the founder of the Islamic Revolution martyrdom for the first 10 days of Greece, Georgia congratulate ing to Tasnim. of the organization is not visible and Guard Corps, is always present in this the month. Raisi presidency Japan FM plans to visit Iran

TEHRAN — The leaders of Greece and Georgia including Austria, France, Croatia, Britain, Serbia have sent messages congratulating Ebrahim Raisi and Switzerland had sent messages congratulat- TEHRAN -- Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and for officially taking over as president. ing the election of Raisi as Iran’s new president. Motegi plans to pay an official visit to Iran in the his Foreign Minister Taro Kono visited Iran in June coming weeks, Turkey and other countries in the 2019. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Raisi and French President Emmanuel Macron West Asia region from Sunday onwards. Monday expressed hope that relations between held an hour-long telephone conversation on Citing diplomatic sources, The Japan Times re- Athens and Tehran would improve during the Raisi Monday. Regional security and response to the COVID-19 ported last month that Motegi “is planning to visit presidency. pandemic will be on the agenda of Motegi’s talks. Iran to build ties with its new government” led by Raisi formally started to discharge his duties President Ebrahim Raisi. The relationship between Greece and Iran is as president on August 5, after taking the oath Motegi said he will tour Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Pales- friendly, historical, and based on mutual respect, of office during a swearing-in ceremony held at tine, Jordan, and Qatar from August 15-24. “Motegi is expected to meet his Iranian coun- the message said. the Majlis (parliament). Earlier, he was endorsed “The peace and stability of the Middle East (West terpart, possibly in mid-August, as Japan aims to strengthen its traditionally friendly ties with Iran Sakellaropoulou also expressed hope that Greece by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Asia) region are extremely important for the inter- Seyed Ali Khamenei as president during a ceremo- national community including Japan,” he told a news and discuss issues related to Tehran’s nuclear pro- and Iran continue to expand mutual relationship and gram,” the report said, according to Press TV. work for stability, security and prosperity. ny known as “Endorsement” (in Persian: Tanfiz). conference in the capital Tokyo broadcast online. Japan’s official NHK network also reported that Also, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvi- Raisi won the presidential election in June by a “During this visit, I will once again underscore ized.” landslide to become the eighth president of Iran. Japan’s commitment to the Middle East (West Asia) Motegi would sit down for talks with his Iranian li congratulated Raisi in a message on behalf of Iran’s embassy in Tokyo tweeted on Tuesday that He will form the 13th government of Iran since the by our long years of contribution to peace and pros- counterpart as well as other high-ranking officials Georgia’s people and government. the Japanese foreign minister’s trip can help en- Islamic Revolution in 1979. perity of the region and by forging robust relations.” of the new administration to be formed by Raisi. She underlined that Georgia attaches signifi- hance mutual relations. Raisi, the former chief of the Judiciary, cam- Japan’s chief diplomat said he will have a “frank The report predicted that the top Japanese diplo- cant importance to its friendly, close ties with the The visit “could open a new chapter in deepening paigned on a platform of what can be called a na- exchange” of opinions on the regional situation and mat would announce Tokyo’s readiness to strength- Islamic Republic of Iran based on mutual respect and expanding bilateral relations,” the embassy said. en traditional friendship between the two sides and cooperation. tional salvation government. “work closely with” regional countries “to promote It added, “Close consultations between the two during the trip. Drawing on his anti-corruption drive in the Ju- the stability of the region.” In recent days, the presidents of Italy and Por- countries on important regional and internation- diciary, Raisi vowed to counter corruption in the Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Irani- It said Motegi and the Iranian authorities would tugal as well as the Belgian prime ministers have al issues will provide an opportunity to exchange executive branch. He promised to revive the econ- an Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh likely discuss a resumption of the negotiations on sent separate message congratulating Iran on views on issues of mutual interest.” a potential revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal – the Raisi presidency. omy and lift millions out of poverty and set the said that the Japanese foreign minister’s visit to country’s foreign policy on the right track based Tehran has been on the agenda for several months The visit will take place as a new government has JCPOA -- which the United States, a close Tokyo ally, Previously a number of European countries on principles of dignity, expediency, and wisdom. and will take place “as soon as the details are final- taken the helm in Iran. has abandoned in defiance of international law.

Kabul calls on Air Defense Force chief warns enemies to avoid testing Iran Iraq FM visits Iran to persuade Commander of the Iranian Army’s Air Defense arms and weaponry have created a considerable de- Tehran, meets Taliban to engage Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi Fard warned terrence capacity against the excessive demands of enemies to avoid testing the country’s capabili- the enemies,” he said. Zarif and in ‘meaningful ties or wait for Iran’s devastating response to any There has been a dangerous escalation in the threats and aggression, Fars reported. region in recent weeks against the backdrop of a peace talks’ General Sabahi Fard made the remarks while in- suspected drone attack last week that targeted an Shamkhani specting an air defense center in the southern port Israeli-managed tanker – Mercer Street – off the city of Jask on Monday. coast of Oman. TEHRAN — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hus- The Afghan foreign minister has highlighted He said that the Armed Forces, especially the Air The regime in Tel Aviv and its Western allies, Brit- sein who visited Tehran on Tuesday met his Ira- the significant role that Iran can play in helping Defense Force, are guarding Iran’s air, sea and land ain and the U.S., accuse Iran of orchestrating the nian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Ali reduce violence in his country and persuading borders in full synergy and with high power. attack. Tehran says the “baseless” and “childish” al- Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National the Taliban to get involved in “meaningful peace legations are vehemently rejected. Security Council. talks”, Tasnim reported on Tuesday. General Sabahi Fard noted that even the smallest moves of the enemy are being monitored round the Iran has warned that it will not hesitate to give a clock, warning, “Even the smallest violation of our enemies,” he said. crushing response to any threat against its security. country’s airspace will be met with the crushing re- The commander said the enemies know that Tehran wrote to the United Nations Security sponse of the Army’s Air Defense Force.” Iran’s air defense systems, which take advantage Council last Wednesday warning about recent sus- “The use of fully-indigenous [military] achieve- of completely indigenous cutting-edge radar and picious attempts to create artificial maritime “in- ments and systems, made on the basis of the ideas missile systems, are now much stronger than ever cidents” in the Persian Gulf and the broader region, and through the efforts of the young scientists of before. urging a swift end to such “irresponsible acts” that our country, is definitely a thorn in the side of the “Independence and self-sufficiency in the field of harm the region’s peace. Maintaining Persian Gulf security is Iran’s prime policy: embassy The Iranian embassy in Islamabad has Western governments have also sup- the incident and categorically dismissed accusations and provocative actions. warned of plots by the Israeli regime to ported this negative and biased trend,” the baseless accusations. This is because the principal policy of In a meeting with Iranian foreign minister’s The visit took place as Baghdad is preparing to invoke regional tensions, saying Tehran’s the embassy said. the Islamic Republic is to establish and special envoy for Afghanistan held in Kabul, Af- It also said the Iranian naval forces host a regional summit later this month. ghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar “principal policy” is to protect the security “The Zionist regime has always been stand ready to help passing ships in the maintain stability and security in the Amer al-Fayez, a member of the Iraqi par- said regional countries, particularly Iran, can play of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. trying to seriously disrupt the construc- region and provide them with maritime Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.” liament’s Foreign Relations Committee, had a constructive role in ending the Taliban’s acts of In a statement released on Tuesday, tive process of Iran’s negotiations with support services in case they experi- It also said the Iranian naval forces previously announced that about 10 countries, violence and attacks on the Afghan cities and in the diplomatic mission said that the re- other countries within the framework of ence problems with their navigation sys- stand ready to help passing ships in the including Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and some convincing the insurgent group to attend mean- cent successive security incidents for the JCPOA. The regime’s recent desperate tems. region and provide them with maritime other Arab countries, as well as some European ingful peace negotiations. ships in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of attempts in this regard should be thor- support services in case they experi- “The Islamic Republic has repeat- and American countries, will attend the Baghdad Oman were highly suspicious. oughly examined,” it added, referring to ence problems with their navigation Pointing to Afghanistan’s proposal for special edly stated its full readiness to coop- summit. meetings of the UN Security Council and the UN It also urged the media to exercise the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially called erate with the countries of the region systems. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral Human Rights Council about the security condi- “vigilance” in the face of “the fake and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in this regard. Therefore, the free and “The Islamic Republic has repeat- ties and the latest regional and international de- tions in his country, Atmar highlighted the signif- biased hype created for specific political (JCPOA). truth-seeking media are requested to edly stated its full readiness to coop- velopments. icant results of the most recent UNSC meeting objectives.” Israeli-managed tanker MT Mercer be aware of the hype created by the bi- erate with the countries of the region It is expected, based on some speculation, that about cessation of violence and finding a political “Needless to say, that the usurper Street was hit near the Omani island of ased media and only refer to official, in- in this regard. Therefore, the free and Iraq’s foreign minister will present an invitation solution to the crisis in Afghanistan. Zionist regime, due to its long-running Masirah late on July 29. Two crew mem- dependent and credible sources for the truth-seeking media are requested to to Iran to join the international summit in Bagh- For his part, the Iranian diplomat expressed hostility towards the Islamic Republic bers were killed in the incident. publication of materials related to these be aware of the hype created by the bi- dad. Tehran’s readiness for full cooperation with the of Iran, is seeking a conspiracy to accuse The Tel Aviv regime and its Western al- incidents,” it said. ased media and only refer to official, in- Kabul government. [others] and create tensions in the re- lies alleged that Iran had been behind the The embassy said, “While being pre- dependent and credible sources for the No details of Zarif’s talks with Hussein has gion as the new administration is taking attack without presenting any evidence pared for a decisive response, the Islamic publication of materials related to these been published as of now. Mohammad Ebrahim Taherian also voiced con- incidents,” it said. cern about the security circumstances in Afghan- office after a peaceful process of power to substantiate their claims. Republic has always shown the utmost Iraq is seeking to establish itself as a mediator istan. transition in Iran. Unfortunately, certain Tehran has denied any involvement in restraint in reacting to such unfounded (Source: Press TV) between Arab countries and Iran. The other issues discussed in the meeting in- Baghdad has been mediating talks between cluded ways to promote regional cooperation for Riyadh and Tehran since April since Saudi Arabia addressing the security conditions in Afghanistan Parliamentary committee passes bill to oversee officials’ foreign trips cut ties with Iran in 2016. and an early meeting in Doha for talks about the Iran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi, who of- Afghan crisis. ficially took office last week, has said he sees The security situation in Afghanistan has been TEHRAN — The Iranian Parliament Judiciary Commit- committee and its outlines were approved by the mem- disruptors was discussed and some of its articles were “no obstacles” to restoring ties with the Saudis, deteriorating in recent months as the Taliban tee on Tuesday approved the outlines a bill to monitor bers of the committee. approved by the members of the committee. and has made improving relations with regional have been overrunning many districts in rapid the officials’ foreign visits, according to Seyyed Kazem He added, “According to this bill, the visits of officials Delkhosh pointed out that the general message of countries one of his administration’s priorities. Delkhosh, representative of Some’eh Sara in the parlia- succession. and their financial and behavioral performance in their the bill is to intensify financial penalties for economic Tehran and Riyadh have been at loggerheads ment. The Kabul government has launched a “nation- trips abroad will be monitored.” disruptors. over the Saudi-led war on Yemen and the Saudi al mobilization” in response, arming local volun- In the Tuesday meeting, the bill to control and mon- The spokesman of the Judiciary Committee added Given that the bill is still being investigated, more de- kingdom’s support for U.S. sanctions against teers and groups to take on the Taliban. itor the visits of officials abroad was discussed in the amending the law on the campaign against economic tailed information will be released later, he added. Iran. Why didn’t IRAN IN FOCUS Tehran publicize AUGUST 11, 2021 Straight Truth Israel’s unlawful TEHRAN TIMES 3 targeting of Iranian ships? on social media. TEHRAN – In what appeared to be a shift place on August 26, 2019, at the mouth of the Ataei names Iran After returning from Japan, Koba? said that in strategy concurrently with the change of Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, where a “policy of lynching” was adopted against him government, Iran unveiled to what extent Iranian container ship Sharekurd came under squad for 2021 despite him implementing the rules in a very the Israeli regime had gone to harm Iran’s attack. About three weeks later, an Iranian oil clear way and the decision of disqualifying legitimate oil trade. tanker was targeted near the Saudi port city Asian Volleyball Hamedi taken in consultation with the doctors. In March of 2019, then-Israeli Prime of Yanbu in the Red Sea. “We have implemented the rules; the rules Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a Israel continued to attack Iranian commercial C’ship were very clear. The athlete fell to the ground ships in the Red Sea, and by April 2020, it began thinly-veiled, unusual threat against Iran due to a blow he received. We have called the that confounded many Iran observers striking in the Mediterranean Sea as well. On TEHRAN — Iran volleyball coach Behrouz Ataei doctor, and the local doctor said, ‘He cannot worldwide. April 6 of that year, Iranian oil tanker Sahra came has named his 15-man squad for the 2021 Asian go on.’ Despite that, we have called a second under attack off the Syrian coast. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Men’s Volleyball Championship. doctor, who said, ‘I do not need to come; the “The Zionist regime’s officials, implicitly or Haifa naval cadets, Netanyahu accused Iran Iran have been drawn in Pool B along with decision of disqualification is a right one.’ explicitly, claimed responsibility for many of of circumventing U.S. unilateral oil sanctions Thailand, Pakistan and Hong Kong. And we, in a joint decision, ruled for the Saudi through what he called covert oil smuggling these attacks,” Nour News said. Arabian athlete’s disqualification,” he told The tournament will be held in Chiba and over maritime routes. “To the extent that these According to the website, Israel Dogan news agency. Funabashi, Japan from Sept. 12 to 19. The top two attempts widen, the [Israeli] navy will have a conducted five attacks in the Mediterranean teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2022 “Despite the joint decision, thinking that I more important role in blocking these Iranian Sea and nine attacks in the Red Sea. Little FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship as the have influenced the two doctors and other actions,” Netanyahu said. is known about how Israel conducted these AVC representatives. referees, they have launched a policy of This was the first tacit acknowledgment attacks and their damages. Some Western lynching against me and made it about a that Israel had been implicated in the and regional media outlets claimed that in conflict between two countries. They have unlawful, brazen, yet previously unknown, some cases Israel used commandos. international shipping. It is unrightfully terms of pursuing malign behaviors. shared several posts on my social media doing exactly what Iran should have done attacks against Iranian commercial And in April this year, a source familiar “It seems that the novice prime minister accounts. When these posts grew in numbers, based on solid facts and information. ships first in the Red Sea and then in the with the matter had told the Tehran Times of the Zionist regime [Israel], by intensifying I had to close my accounts. When they could Mediterranean Sea. that Israel also used helicopters to attack the With the new Iranian president, Ayatollah his rash and absurd moves, is getting more not reach me, they have reached my wife and An Iranian news website close to Iran’s Iranian ships. The Israelis would often attack Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, taking the reins in Tehran, and more caught in a trap, the exit of which children, and started to threaten them with Supreme National Security Council published Iranian commercial ships deep into the night things seem to have finally changed in terms of will certainly have very heavy costs for death,” the referee added. on Monday precise details about these using helicopters equipped with machine dealing with Israel’s malign activities. The first him and the inhabitants of the occupied “I can understand the sadness of the athlete attacks, which constitutes a gross violation guns from a distance of many kilometers, indication in this regard is the bombshell of Nour territories,” Nour News warned. and the country, but it is not right to divert the of international law as Israel had – and the source said. News itself. This website seems to have adopted Iran has understood by experience that incident to other issues,” he said. a preemptory approach toward Israeli aggression. continue to have- no legal rights to enforce Iranian officialdom kept all these attacks turning a blind eye to Israel’s aggression will the unilateral sanctions of one country in the dark. This begs the question of why the In the midst of Iran-Israel maritime only embolden it. Therefore, the best way to -i.e., the United States - against another Iranian government had refused to publicize tensions, Nour News reported Monday deter it is to respond. Over the last few days, sovereign country that is Iran. Israel’s unlawful activities. Some may that a Dolphin-class Israeli submarine many high-ranking Iranian officials starkly The Website, Nour News, unveiled that point to the previous Iranian government’s secretly passed through the Suez Canal warned that Iran will decisively respond to Alireza Ebrahimi over the past two years Israel has launched a obsession with talks with the West. But on August 4 heading to the Red Sea. Two any mistake by Israel or its Western allies total of 14 attacks against Iran’s commercial announcing the Israeli aggression against Israeli destroyers, the website continued, who accused Iran of attacking the Israeli becomes ships, targeting 12 Iranian vessels in the commercial shipping could have signaled simultaneously passed through the Egyptian oil tanker Mercer Street off the coast of Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The out Tel Aviv as a rogue regime threatening waterway possibly escorting the submarine. the United Arab Emirates in late July. Iran Persepolis’ first attacks began in the Red Sea and then international navigation on the high seas. Nour News also cautioned that Israeli rejected the accusation and called on the spread to regions off the coast of Syria in Ironically, Israel is now playing the victim Prime Minister Naftali Bennet apparently West to look at the bigger picture which summer signing the Mediterranean Sea. The first attack took and accusing Iran of posing a threat to intends to follow in Netanyahu’s footsteps in clearly shows who is the real victim. TEHRAN — Persepolis football club completed the signing of Gol Gohar defender Alireza Ebrahimi Iran urges UN Security Council to avoid being trapped by Israel on Tuesday. The 31-year-old defender has joined the Iran Squad: Professional League titleholders on a two-year deal TEHRAN – Iran has once again rejected Israel’s allegations maritime crimes in particular piracy,” she said. Ershadi suggested that the Mercer Street incident was Milad Ebadipour, Meysam Salehi, Amirhossein for an undisclosed fee. concerning the maritime threats allegedly posed by Tehran a false flag operation conducted by Israel. “The massive Ershadi also underlined the Iranian naval forces’ Esfandiar, Esmaeil Mosafer, Javad Karimi, Ali and called on the United Nations Security Council to address presence of military forces of these countries including Ebrahimi replaced Mohammadhossein contribution to the international efforts to combat Ramezani, Aliasghar Mojarad, Reza Abedini, Israel’s malign activities on the high seas. in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea has always been Kanaanizadegan who joined Qatari club Al Ahli at the piracy. “It has been now for well over a decade that the Amirhossein Toukhteh, Mehdi Jelveh, Saber Kazemi, end of the season. In a statement to the UN body on Monday, Zahra naval forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are deployed the main source of regional insecurity and instability, and Bardia Saadat, Mohammadreza Hazratpour, Abolfazl Persepolis prepare for the match against Ershadi, ambassador and chargé d’affaires ad interim in the Indian Ocean and the adjacent areas in support of fabrications and false flag operations, including by Israel, Gholipour, Amin Esmaeilnejhad Tajikistan’s Istiklol in Round of 16 of the 2021 AFC of the permanent mission of the Islamic Republic international efforts in combatting piracy therein. This have been used to justify such unwarranted presence Champions League in September. of Iran to the United Nations, addressed the overall has repeatedly been acknowledged by the United Nations or to invade regional countries. Very recently, one of situation in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in Secretary-General in his relevant reports and commended the senior military sources of these countries has said: the wake of a recent attack on an Israeli-operated oil by the Security Council in its numerous resolutions.” “Everything points to the drone being launched from tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Yemen”, and afterwards their special forces dispatched “Likewise, the sixth meeting of the Indian Ocean Naval to Yemen to apparently “hunt down terrorists behind Start date of Ershadi first pointed to the increasing importance of seas Symposium (IONS) – comprising of 24 Member States and the drone attack”. Everything is quite telling and clear. Iraq look to qualify and oceans in terms of their role in international trade and seeking to enhance maritime cooperation among navies of This also proves that these countries have not learned 22/2021 IPL season then highlighted Iran’s interest in ensuring maritime security. the littoral States of the Indian Ocean -- was held from 22 from their failures in the aggression against the Yemeni for 2022 World “According to the World Bank Group, over 80% of to 25 April 2018 in Tehran. During its chairmanship of IONS people,” she stated. announced international trade are transported by sea and the volume of and its working group on maritime security between 2018 to 2021, our Navy prepared the draft of IONS maritime security The Iranian diplomat noted, “All such allegations are the Cup: Advocaat seaborn trade is expected to double by 2030 and quadruple repetition of fabrications pumped to media by the Israeli TEHRAN — The 2021/22 Iran Professional by 2050. These figures alone prove the importance of guidelines and in June and November 2019 held two planning conferences in Bandar Abbas for the preparation of IONS regime immediately after that incident. There is no irrefutable, League (IPL) season will start between Sept. 29 TEHRAN — Iraq national football team coach oceans and seas in the global economy and confirm the verifiable and conclusive evidence to substantiate these grave and Oct. 2, head of The Football Federation of the vital importance of, and the need for, the perseveration 2020 maritime exercise,” she continued. Dick Advocaat said they look to qualify for the 2022 accusations. What they try to portray as definite hard evidence Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) Shahabeddin Azizi World Cup. of maritime security as a global common good,” she said, Ershadi added, “Additionally, according to a decision of the are nothing but certain photos which prove nothing.” Khadem said. adding, “Enjoying the longest coasts in such strategically seventh meeting of the IONS in July 2021, a regional maritime Iraq football team have started their training important waterways as the Persian Gulf, the Oman Sea, and security center will be launched in Iran’s Chabahar Port for She added, “Such accusations can in no way whitewash Persepolis are defending champions and look to camp in Spain. the terrorist acts of the Israeli regime against commercial win the IPL title for the sixth in a row. the Hurmuz Strait, as well as high maritime shipping capacity, the Indian Ocean rim countries, enabling the regional States “We want to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and also as an important oil and gas producing country, the to dispatch their representatives to the center and exchange navigation. Only in less than two years, this regime has Fajr Sepasi and Havadar will take part in the attacked over 10 commercial vessels carrying either in Qatar, and we only have a chance if everyone Islamic Republic of Iran is highly interested in, and attaches information aimed at ensuring maritime security.” upcoming season as the newcomers after secured commits to that goal,” said the 73-year-old coach. great importance to, maritime security.” oil or humanitarian goods in regional seas. Similarly, promotion to the league last season. She responded to the accusations leveled by the UK and Israel’s hue and cry on the Mercer Street incident cannot “We are now preparing for the qualifying matches The Iranian diplomat noted that maritime security is key the U.S. against Iran in the issue of the Israeli-operated oil deflect attentions from other destabilizing activities and Machine Sazi and Saipa were also relegated from in September, where we will face South Korea and to ensuring freedom of navigation, facilitating international tanker and described them as politically motivated. adventurism of the Israeli regime in the region. In addition to the IPL to the First Division. Iran. The training camp will help me to know my communication, promoting peaceful uses of the seas and The oil tanker, Mercer Street, was attacked off the coast its policy of deception and fabrication, it is an open secret that Iran Professional League is the highest division players better,” Advocaat added. oceans and their resources, the conservation of their living of Oman on July 29 while traveling from Dar es Salaam Israel is the master in conducting false flag operations.” of professional football in the west Asian country. Iraq will play South Korea on September 1, resources, and the preservation of the marine environment, in Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah. It is the top-level football league in Iran since its as well as promoting the economic and social advancement of Ershadi said Israel is playing victim and therefore it must and meet Iran six days later. Other opponents in The oil tanker, managed by Israeli shipping magnate Eyal end all its malign activities. “Rather than playing victim and foundation in 2001. Group A are Lebanon, Syria and the United Arab all peoples and strengthening of peace, security, cooperation Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime, was reportedly attacked by suicide and friendly relations among all nations. demonizing others, the Israeli regime must immediately stop Since 2013, the league comprises 16 teams. Emirates. drones. Zodiac Maritime said two crewmen, a British and all its irresponsible policies, aggressions and crimes as well The winners of IPL and Hazfi Cup automatically “As a basic principle, the primary responsibility for Romanian national, died in the attack. as unlawful and inhumane practices, which have long been qualify for the AFC Champions League group ensuring maritime security, including by effectively “With profound sadness, we understand the incident the main source of threat, instability and insecurity in such a stages. The runners-up and the third-place combating maritime crimes notably piracy and armed onboard the M/T Mercer Street on 29 July, 2021 has volatile region as the Middle East and beyond,” she said. teams should participate at the AFC Champions robbery at sea, rests with individual States consistent with resulted in the deaths of two The diplomat called on the UN Security Council to be League Play-off round. Zenit striker their relevant obligations under crew members on board,” the international law. When needed, aware of the traps set by Israel and take action on Israel’s Persepolis are the most successful club with UK-based Israeli company said in destabilizing activities. seven titles in IPL and 14 in total. Azmoun linked efforts to counter maritime “The Council must a statement on Friday afternoon, crimes may be complemented, at a day after the attack. “The Security Council must live up to its charter- the regional level, by cooperation also remain fully mandated responsibilities, put an end to its longstanding with Lyon: report and partnership of States of the Israel, the U.S. and the UK inaction and procrastination with respect to the region concerned, and at the vigilant and avoid blamed Iran for the attack systematic violation of international law by the Israeli TEHRAN — Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun is one high seas, through international without presenting any evidence regime and its criminal and destabilizing activities, and Turkish referee of Lyon coach Peter Bosz’s priorities for the summer being trapped by to support their accusations. cooperation. Nevertheless, all such hold that regime accountable for all its unlawful practices Kobas receives window, L’Équipe reported. activities must be conducted in full the fabrications of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali that include committing four core international crimes. The Dutch manager had indicated to the club conformity with the basic principles Bennett claimed that Tel Aviv The Council must also remain fully vigilant and avoid management that the Zenit Saint Petersburg of international law, particularly full knows with certainty Iran being trapped by the fabrications of the Israeli regime – death threats the Israeli regime.” forward would be on his list of targets – however, a respect for the sovereignty of States attacked the Mercer Street ship which, as usual, are blindly supported by certain Western deal remains complicated at this stage. and refraining from the threat or and will respond to it. countries in the Council; those who have prevented TEHRAN — Turkish referee Ugur Kobas has said The Russian club has valued the attacker at use of force against the territorial “I determine, with absolute certainty – Iran carried out the Council in the past seven decades from taking any that he and his family have received death threats integrity or political independence of States,” she continued. action against the criminal acts of the Israeli regime, €20m, with the 26-year-old also garnering the attack against the ship,” Bennett stated, according to the on social media after he disqualified Saudi Arabian interest from elsewhere. Nevertheless, Azmoun Ershadi also took a jab at U.S. coercive measures Jerusalem Post. “The intelligence evidence for this exists and emboldening it to commit, with total impunity, more athlete Tareg Hamedi at the karate competition crimes with more brutality,” Ershadi stated. is prepared to join Lyon – the only obstacle now against Iran, which hampered the country’s access to we expect the international community will make it clear to during the Olympic Games. remains convincing the Iran international’s club technologies required to combat criminal activities. “While the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake.” She also underlined Iran’s determination in ensuring The referee disqualified Hamedi for an unchecked to release him. there are a comprehensive set of statutory regulations He noted, “In any case, we know how to send a message to maritime security. “In conclusion, I reiterate the principled attack against his Iranian opponent Sajad Ganjzadeh as well as a considerable capacity in combating maritime policy and resolute determination of the Islamic Republic With the striker’s contract entering its final Iran in our own way.” in the men’s +75kg kumite category at the Tokyo year, it’s unlikely that Les Gones will pay out the crimes, the imposition of Unilateral Coercive Measures of Iran, as in the past, in maintaining and promoting Olympics. – which is contrary to international law and the United Over the last few days, Washington and London continued maritime security in the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the full asking price to secure his services. Bayer Nations Charter -- has hampered our access to new to reiterate their allegations regarding Mercer Street. Hurmuz Strait and the Oman Sea as well as contributing After a few minutes of discussion among the Leverkusen and Roma have also registered their technologies and equipment commensurate with the Ershadi once again rejected these allegations. to maritime security, ensuring freedom of navigation officials on the sidelines, the referee called the interest. new trends and the level of advancement of criminal “Regarding the politically motivated statements made and combatting maritime crimes including piracy in the match for Ganjzadeh by disqualifying Hamedi for Azmoun has played for a host of clubs in activities. Despite that, and fully committed to its by the United States and the United Kingdom in this Indian Ocean and the adjacent areas. We also stand ready an unchecked attack, which is not allowed under Russia since arriving in 2013, having turned out relevant international obligations, the Islamic Republic meeting against Iran concerning the Mercer Street vessel to actively and constructively cooperate with the littoral karate’s Olympic rules. for Rubin Kazan and Rostov previously. He has of Iran has continued to significantly contribute to the incident, I reiterate, once again, our firm rejection of these States of the aforementioned areas to promote regional After the match, the referee Koba?, his wife been a full Iran international since 2014, scoring promotion of maritime security, inter alia by combating unsubstantiated allegations,” she said. peace and security,” Ershadi noted. and children started to receive death threats 34 goals so far. ECONOMY Iran’s petchem revenues to AUGUST 11, 2021 reach $50b by 2027 Straight Truth TEHRAN TIMES TEHRAN – Iran’s National Pet- rochemical production capacity 4 rochemical Company (NPC) is and 34 million tons of final prod- planning the fourth leap of the ucts were produced, Which gen- petrochemical industry, based on erated $15 billion in revenue.” Oil industry taking big steps for which the country’s petrochemi- According to the NPC head, cal revenues are expected to reach there are currently 50 petro- promoting innovation, technology $50 billion by the Iranian calendar chemical projects underway year 1406 (starts in March 2027), across the country that will be according to NPO Managing Di- operational by the end of 1404 technology centers. rector Behzad Mohammadi. and increase the annual produc- The mentioned MOUs were “By completing the projects tion capacity of petrochemical signed with the University of Teh- defined in the second and third products to 135 million tons. ran, Shahid Chamran University of leaps, and the implementation The petrochemical industry Ahvaz, Sahand University of Tech- of strategic projects defined plays a crucial role in Iran’s non- nology, Institute of Geophysics of in the fourth step of the smart oil economy, as the export of such Tehran University, Khorasan Sci- development of the petrochemi- products is the second-largest ence and Technology Park, North cal industry, achieving a goal of source of revenue for the coun- Khorasan Science and Technology generating $50 billion of revenue try after crude oil. Petrochemical Park, Semnan Science and Tech- can be realized in the horizon of exports already constitute nearly nology Park and Yazd Science and 1406,” Shana quoted Mohammadi 33 percent of the country’s non- Technology Park. as saying on Monday. He further mentioned the in- nian calendar year 1404 (starts oil exports. creasing demand for feedstock in in March 2025), the petrochemi- The purpose of signing the Speaking at the unveiling cer- Facing the restrictions that the industry saying: “We received cal complexes’ feed demand will MOUs with the University of Teh- emony of the NPC’s new portal, the unjust U.S. sanctions brought about 40 million reach the equiva- ran and Shahid Chamran Univer- Mohammadi noted that 47 major about for the oil industry, its de- tons of feed equiv- lent of 2.3 million sity of Ahvaz is reported to be the projects have been defined to be Investment in velopment has not been halted establishment of joint innovation implemented in the fourth leap alent to one million barrels of crude oil tari and a group of top officials in and, with a change in strategies, From page 1 Oil and Gas In- centers, while the goal of signing of the petrochemical industry. barrels of crude oil per day, he added. dustry Innovation and Technolo- oil industry as well as researchers petrochemical the Oil Ministry has been dis- the agreement with Sahand Uni- per day worth $6 Mohammadi not- gy Park and technology experts. “For the fourth leap, a total of billion from the oil tancing itself from crude selling versity of Technology, Geophysics 47 new projects have been de- industry will ed that despite the and is moving toward the pro- Speaking at the ceremony, Zan- industry in the pre- The movement towards innova- Institute of Tehran University and fined and classified into three restrictions caused duction of products with more ganeh said the park’s main goal vious [Iranian cal- tion and new technologies has not Semnan Science and Technology sections: combined feed proj- reach $125 by the coronavirus value-added. been limited to the activities of the was to upgrade related technol- Park is to establish joint growth endar] year (ended pandemic in the ects, new propylene production One of the major areas for RIPI. ogies, develop markets, improve centers. on March 20), which billion by 2027. previous year, the projects, and pioneering proj- the realization of this goal has knowledge-based economy and was consumed in development goals The Oil Ministry officially inau- In agreement with Khorasan, ects. With the implementation of been the petrochemical industry, create professional job opportu- 67 petrochemical of the petrochemical industry gurated the country’s Oil and Gas North Khorasan and Yazd Science the fourth leap projects by 1406, where a wide range of valuable nities. complexes.” were completely achieved, say- Industry Innovation and Technolo- and Technology Parks, the Oil In- the cumulative investment in the products can be produced from “It is going to utilize the Islamic With the projects of the third ing: “Last year, 25 million tons gy Park in mid-June; this park aims dustry Innovation and Technology country’s petrochemical industry Iran’s vast oil and gas resources. to develop new technologies and Republic’s existing capacities in Park also pursues the goal of sup- will reach $ 125 billion,” he said. leap going operational in the Ira- were added to the country’s pet- expand cooperation among the science and technology to develop porting technology units active in entities active in innovation and the infrastructure in oil and gas the oil industry. technology fields like universities, sectors,” Zanganeh said. The Oil Industry Innovation and Urban Development Ministry research institutes, and private Now, nearly two months after Technology Park had previously Exports from companies. the inauguration of the park, this signed five cooperation agree- The inauguration ceremony of entity has signed eight MOUs with ments with the Ministry of Science, unveils TOD system Tehran province the park was attended by The out- universities and science and tech- Isfahan Scientific and Research going Oil Minister Bijan Namdar nology parks across the country Park, as well as Shiraz University of status of the 42 major indicators Zanganeh, Vice-President for Sci- with the aim of establishing and Technology, and Amirkabir Univer- defined in the field of TOD in -ur increases 65% in ence and Technology Sorena Sat- launching joint innovation and sity of Science and Technology. ban development plans. Speaking at the ceremony, 4 months yr/yr Eslami underlined the impor- TEDPIX climbs 20,500 points on Tuesday tance of coordination between urban planning and transporta- TEHRAN - The value of export from Tehran province tion and traffic plans and noted increased 65 percent in the first four months of the TEHRAN- TEDPIX, the main index of Tehran Stock market in the last one month, when the stock index that Sateh system is a tool for current Iranian calendar year (March 21-July 22), as Exchange (TSE), gained 20,595 points to 1.453 mil- rose from 1.4 million points to 1.8 million points, convergence of urban planning compared to the same period of time in the past year, lion on Tuesday. will continue, and it is also likely that according to and transportation and traffic a provincial official announced. As reported, over 9.478 billion securities worth the forecasts, the stock index will once again enter projects. the 1.4 million-point channel by the end of the cur- Heshmatollah Asgari, Tehran’s deputy gover- 77,084 trillion rials (about $1.835 billion) were Eslami, while stating the need rent month,” he said. nor-general for economic affairs, said that the outlook traded at the TSE on Tuesday. to change the urban develop- for the province’s non-oil exports is positive this year. According to Bayat-Manesh, the government ment approaches from design- The first market’s index gained 17,219 points, “Despite the oppressive sanctions and the condi- policies for supporting the upward trend of the ing roads and paths based on and the second market’s index rose 34,849 points. Transport and Urban Development Minister Mohammad Eslami (R) tions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and its ef- market should continue in the coming months in vehicle mobility to designing TEDPIX rose 90,000 points, or 8.5 percent, in the fects, we witnessed an eight-percent growth in the order to ensure this upward trend. them based on human mobility past Iranian calendar week. TEHRAN – Iranian Transport ented development is one of the export of agricultural products last year compared to and human-centered views of “It is also better for the managers of Iran’s Se- and Urban Development Minis- newest models of urban de- its preceding year, and considering that Tehran prov- The index closed at 1.406 urban development and trans- curities and Exchange Organi- try unveiled the country’s tran- velopment that maximizes the ince is one of the important agricultural hubs of the million points on Wednesday portation planning, called for zation (SEO) to take the neces- sit-oriented development (TOD) amount of residential, business, country and 50 percent of greenhouse cultivation of (the last working day of the the necessary preparations by TEDPIX is expected sary measures for supporting system (called Sateh) on Tues- and leisure space within walking the country is located in this province, the export of week). all responsible entities to facili- the market so that the stock day in a ceremony attended by distance of public transport. It agricultural products from this province is expected tate the implementation of new During the past week, the to rise in the market index can once again the outgoing Transport Minister promotes a symbiotic relation- to show a significant effect this year”, he added. indices of Iran Khodro Compa- reach more than two million Mohammad Eslami. ship between dense, compact transportation and urban devel- Stating that 32 percent of the country’s non-oil ex- ny, Saipa Group, National Ira- current month. points, which takes at least a urban form and public trans- opment methods. As reported by the ministry’s ports is from Tehran province, Askari said: “Creating nian Copper Company, Social few months to happen.” port use. In doing so, TOD aims A TOD typically includes a news portal, the unveiling cere- new export terminals is one of the main measures to Security Investment Company, He pointed to the continu- to increase public transport central transit stop (such as a and Barekat Pharmaceutical Group were the most mony was also attended by the strengthen this issue.” ous increase in inflation rate in recent months and representatives of government ridership by reducing the use of train station, or light rail, or bus widely followed indices. As announced by the head of Islamic Republic of its effect on capital market transactions and add- bodies, deputies of Transport private cars and by promoting stop) surrounded by a high-den- Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), the value of As forecast by a capital market analyst, TED- ed: “Shareholders’ fears and worries about invest- and Urban Development Min- sustainable urban growth. sity mixed-use area, with low- Iran’s non-oil trade rose 47 percent during the first PIX is going to improve in the second half of the ing in the market will be eliminated by increasing istry, city managers, provincial The mentioned system and er-density areas spreading out four months of the current year, as compared to the current Iranian calendar month (ends on August government support and will increase their will- offices of the ministry, con- its portal were designed and from this center. A TOD is also same period of time in the past year. 22). ingness to invest in this market.” sulting engineers in the field of prepared in the previous Iranian typically designed to be more walkable than other built-up ar- Mehdi Bayat-Manesh has said that considering Following the supportive measures taken by the transportation and urban man- calendar year (ended on March Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi has said that Iran has traded eas, by using smaller block sizes the current trend of capital inflow into the market government, the Iranian stock market has been agement, as well as experts and 20) by the ministry; this system 50.8 million tons of non-oil products worth nearly and reducing the land area dedi- TEDPIX is expected to rise in the current month. gradually getting back on track and experts believe scholars in this field. is able to provide an accurate $29 billion with other countries in the mentioned four- cated to automobiles. month period, which indicates also 21 percent growth that the market is regaining people’s trust. In urban planning, transit-ori- and transparent analysis of the “It is expected that the upward trend of the in terms of weight on an annual basis. The official put the four-month non-oil export at ‘Raising capital 38.3 million tons valued at $14.3 billion, with a 65-per- Transit of goods via Iran rises 48% in a month cent rise in value and a 27-percent growth in weight. through stock market The IRICA head mentioned liquefied gas, polyeth- ylene, iron semi-finished products, methanol, gas- to boost employment, TEHRAN - Transit of goods via Iran fective as a factor in the development oline, iron and steel ingots, steel products, iron rods, has risen 48 percent in the fourth Ira- of transit and trade in the region. liquid propane, bitumen, and copper cathode as the production’ nian calendar month Tir (June 22-July The connection of Central Asian main exported products in the said time span. 22), as compared to the same month countries with the Persian Gulf, as well He said major export destinations of the Iranian of the past year, the spokesman of the as the establishment of trade rela- non-oil goods were China with about 10 million tons TEHRAN – Head of Iran’s Securities and Ex- Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Ad- tions between East Asia and European worth $4.3 billion, Iraq with 10.9 million tons worth change Organization (SEO) has said that the ministration (IRICA) announced. countries through Iran, is very cost-ef- $2.8 billion, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 4.3 country’s production units and companies can Ruhollah Latifi said that 1.011 million fective, so that many of these coun- million tons worth $1.6 billion, Turkey with one million boost their employment and production by rais- tons of commodities has been transit- tries seek to establish such relations tons worth $923 million, and Afghanistan with 1.8 mil- ing capital through the stock market. ed via Iran in the fourth month of this through Iran. lion tons worth $728 million. “When people’s resources are directed into year, while the figure was 682,000 This status has provided the coun- The official further announced that Iran has im- the capital market, enterprises and companies tons in the fourth month of the previ- try with many opportunities that ported 12.5 million tons of non-oil commodities worth listed on the stock exchange can have stronger ous year. making optimal use of them through $14.5 billion in the first four months of the present financing from this market, and consequently “The growth of transit in Tir of this the expansion of the transportation year, with 32 percent growth in value and five percent have more investment and increases produc- year is a record compared to the same restrictions created by the coronavirus is considered as the energy bottleneck network and reliable and efficient rise in weight year on year. tion and employment,” Mohammad-Ali Dehqan month of the past year, which we hope pandemic. of the world. communication, Iran can achieve for- Dehnavi told IRNA on Monday. He said that the basic goods accounted for 9.4 mil- will increase due to the country’s posi- According to Latifi, transit of goods In the north of Iran is the Caspian eign currency earnings and economic lion tons of the imported items. Referring to the government’s performance tion and geographical transit advan- via Iran declined only 67 tons or 0.8 Sea, which is the best bridge between growth, and make transit revenue a in directing people’s capital to the stock market, tage”, the official stated. percent compared to the preceding Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmeni- suitable alternative to oil export, while Mir-Ashrafi named cellphones, livestock corn, sun- Dehnavi said: “SEO believes the government has year 1398 (March 2019-March 2020). stan and Azerbaijan and can play an improving its strategic position in the flower oil, barley, meal, wheat, soybeans, sugar and As the IRICA head has recently an- rice as the main imported commodities. a great role to play in the country’s economy, the nounced, transit of goods via Iran’s The mentioned volume of transit important role in trade between these region. government is the macro policy-maker and the land borders has risen 95 percent was achieved de- countries. Considering its geographical loca- The United Arab Emirates with four million tons of main regulator of the country’s economy, there- during the first four months of the spite the fact that The country, on tion, Iran can play a significant role in goods worth $4.7 billion was the first largest exporter fore in countries like Iran where the government current Iranian calendar year (March the figure was Four-month the other hand, bor- the transit of goods in the region and of goods to Iran in the four-month period, followed by is directly involved in the economic decisions, it 21-July 22), as compared to the same expected to fall ders Iraq, Turkey, Pa- benefit a lot from its status in this China with one million tons of goods worth $3.1 billion, should also be present in the production sector. “ period of time in the past year. significantly in the transit via Iran’s kistan and Afghani- due. To take full advantage of its loca- Turkey with 1.3 million tons worth $1.5 billion, Germa- ny with 351,000 tons worth $563 million, and Switzer- Dehqan Dehnavi further emphasized that the Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi said that 3.753 said year. stan to the west and tion for transit, the country has many government’s duty is to invite people into the land borders east. plans underway and, on the agenda, to land with 672,000 tons worth $539 million, the official million tons of commodities has been Iran is one of the stated. capital market, adding: “The stock market is a transited through the land borders countries that has In other words, it boost its transit capacity. platform that provides financing for production.” of the country in the mentioned four- a special status in rose 95% year on can be said that Iran Some of these plans include de- As Mir-Ashrafi has previously announced, the value According to the official, his organization has month period, adding that the figure trade and transit year. communicates with veloping Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s of Iran’s non-oil trade stood at $73 billion in the past considered several incentive programs for sup- can be increased if the necessary in- relations due to its 15 countries through largest and most-equipped container Iranian calendar year. porting the shareholders and for protecting the frastructure is laid, and some barriers strategic location land and water bor- port in the south, and also Chabahar He has put the weight of non-oil trade at 146.4 newly joined members. are removed. and special geography, as the country ders, and at the same time it can act Port in the southeast of the country, million tons, and said that the figure shows a 25-mil- Following the supportive measures taken by As previously announced by the IRI- is the passage of several important in- as a bridge between these countries connecting the ports to the railway lion-ton annual decline, which is the result of sanc- the government, the Iranian stock market has CA spokesman, 7.532 million tons of ternational corridors. (with each other and other parts of the network, development of transit via tions and coronavirus pandemic. been gradually getting back on track and ex- commodities were transited through In the south of Iran is the Persian world). railway, and also some customs mea- Iran’s non-oil export was 112 million tons valued at perts believe that the market is regaining peo- Iran in the previous Iranian calendar Gulf, which is home to the world’s ma- These countries have a large popu- sures such as improving transit pro- $34.5 billion, and that of import was 34.4 million tons ple’s trust. year (ended on March 20) despite the jor oil-producing countries. This region lation and high income which can be ef- cedures in the customs offices. worth $38.5 billion in the past year, the official added. From page 1 for growth, besides land and some types of labor could be imported and goods and services could be exported. But around the 1980s, economists woke up INTERNATIONAL to something that had been made obvious some ‘If China stands up, 200 years earlier by Adam Smith. You need effec- tive institutions. Let me explain. What if, there is U.S. ability to use AUGUST 11, 2021 no rule of law. Why would an entrepreneur invest Straight Truth his capital and work hard if the legal system did sanctions as weapon not protect him from unlawful confiscation of his business and assets? How could an entrepreneur TEHRAN TIMES 5 pursue his dreams if there was no freedom? How against Iran will could a business succeed if government regula- tions and policies stifled freedom and business become ineffective’ development and growth? How could an economy U.S. leaving Afghans over a barrel of thrive if corruption was rampant—you had to bribe officials for anything legal that you wanted to do? I could go on and on but the point should be clear, in- extremists: Pakistani academic stitutions, which includes even customs and trust, are at the foundation of economic development and growth.” From page 1 Political pundits say Biden Iran’s big problem can’t speak the obvious truths about his deci- The new Iranian government says its priority sion to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan to counter sanctions is to rely on domestic ca- so rapidly. Like the Vietnam War, the U.S. war on pacities and develop economic relations with Afghanistan will continue to haunt Americans. neighbors. However, during the June presidential It lost much more than it gained in the 20-year debates, Mohsen Mehr-Alizadeh, a candidate, is economic war. countered the argument on putting too much emphasis on neighbors, saying technology and The U.S. invaded Afghanistan to topple the capital lie in countries outside the region. What Taliban regime for hosting al Qaeda leader is your opinion? Osama bin Laden considered responsible for the 9/11 attacks. However, the Taliban have “As I have already said, you can import many policies: professor emerged stronger, forcing Washington to sit of the ingredients that you need for growth and and negotiate with it. development if they are available to you. You can theoretically buy them with your saved foreign ex- was that reforms were risky. People had enough to sues. Natural gas will be more valuable over time At least 27 children have been killed in Af- change, finance them by borrowing or have foreign eat. I said that if you wait, it will be even harder in because it is more eco-friendly. Oil and gas are a ghanistan in three days amid fierce fighting be- investment. Iran would need to export to generate the future. And here we are! part of a country’s capital. As it is depleted, oil reve- tween the Taliban and government forces, the savings or foreign exchange. I don’t believe that Let me briefly repeat some of what I said in one nues must be used, invested, to compensate for the UN said on Monday. depletion of oil. Sadly, most countries use oil rev- there is a large market for Iranian exports in neigh- sentence. Iran needs more effective institutions, The UN children’s agency UNICEF said it was after 20 years of war? boring countries who could also pay. But again, you whose three pillars are more freedom, the rule of enues differently. They use it to finance consump- shocked by the “rapid escalation of grave viola- Taliban’s basic ideology is still the same but hit the sanctions trap. Iran is cut off from the inter- law and the sanctity of contracts. tion. They act as if oil revenues will last forever. They tions against children”. they have changed their strategy to achieve national financial system and the dollar. Can Iran won’t and they don’t. But as a result, they don’t save Can you elaborate on reformation and institu- The Taliban have taken six regional capitals their goals. Particularly their new generation borrow at a cheap interest rate? I don’t believe so enough for investment and the government does tion building in countries such as Iran? since Friday. is well aware of the domestic and internation- and even if it could sanctions would come into play. not develop alternative sources of revenue through “The late Douglass North argued that the key to al implications of violent and brutal acts but What about foreign direct investment in Iran? Yes, taxes. So oil can be a blessing if the revenues are This is the text of the interview: the performance of high performing economies is at the same time dominance of the Taliban’s outside the region there is much more capital and managed well or a curse if they are not.” What are the repercussions of U.S. with- their low transaction costs, which in turn is the re- traditional leadership can’t be ignored. The on- cutting-edge technology. But no serious inves- What policies should Iran’s central bank adopt drawal from Afghanistan? sult of the institutional structure that they had de- going military campaign of the Taliban is show- tor would want to invest in Iran as it is today—an in view of the fact that one of the chief problems veloped over a period of decades. Transaction costs U.S. miscalculations, while interfering in dif- ing that the Taliban have not changed after 20 economy that is stagnant and unstable, little hope haunting the Iranian economy is high liquidity? are an impediment to economic and social progress ferent regions have resulted to intense crises years of war but they have changed their strat- for a turnaround and subject to sanctions that and prosperity. They arise because accessing infor- “First, put the brakes on money printing. Use a for regional and international peace. Reper- egy and approach. They are well calculated to could snare an investor at any moment. mation is costly and because parties to an exchange rational rule for money creation. And create a new cussions of U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan counter international pressures and defeating So yes, I agree that the region cannot give Iran hold information asymmetrically. It can be argued Rial, whereby the new Rial is equal to something like will have severe consequenc- U.S.-trained Afghan forces. Till what it needs but also Iran cannot get what it that the collectivity of institutions provides society 50,000 old Rials.” es both for Afghanistan as now Taliban forces are avoiding needs outside the region because of sanctions. with the social capability to establish a stable order In your view how long will it take for Iran to re- well as the region. American “Taliban’s basic ruthless acts against their reli- Having said all this, let me answer the first part by reducing uncertainties or ambiguities that the turn to the pre-Trump sanctions which has led to baseless claims to establish gious, ethnic and even political of your question. Can Iran rely on its domestic ca- members of society face. a sharp fall in value of national currency even if harmony and democracy in Af- ideology is still rivals. ghan society are badly exposed pacity? I don’t believe so. It needs inputs and es- Needed changes in the institutional structure the current nuclear deal talks bear fruit? What are the main oppor- pecially capital. Both are restricted by sanctions. and once again the U.S. has the same but they may be difficult because although formal rules can “You need a prophet to answer this question left oppressed Afghan people tunities of collaboration be- If Iran had a stronger economy, be changed by fiat, social norms and a prophet I am not! It depends on government tween Tehran and Islamabad maybe. But as it is, no.” over a barrel of extremists and have changed may be less flexible and their policies, on the Iranian people and international de- warlords. Similarly, U.S.’s bad to restore peace in Afghani- What kind of economic di- enforcement characteristics velopments, including the status of sanctions. My planned withdrawal will create their strategy.” stan? Iran cannot wait respond much more slowly to guess is no better than that of a man or woman on plomacy should Iran adopt in serious complications and a This time Islamabad and Teh- policies to change them. Thus the streets of Tehran.” the region and beyond? for economic challenge, particularly for Afghanistan’s neigh- ran are in a better position to help in restoring while establishing effective “There is not much that Iran In view of the climate change and consequent boring countries. peace in Afghanistan. Iran’s main reservation institutions is a must, it is not can do. The Arabs do not trust reforms and a droughts there is also no good prospect in ag- has been U.S. military presence in Afghanistan something that can be achieved Pakistan’s prime minister has said his coun- Iran. They do what America tells ricultural development. How can this be ad- which is almost over now. Pakistan is also overnight, some changes take try won’t host American bases. What are the them to do. So why would the good start would dressed? having certain grievances about U.S.’s non-co- decades and longer. Although main reasons for such a shift while Pakistan United States, the country that ordinating approach and giving a soft milieu acknowledging that improve- “I agree, the prospect for agriculture, especially collaborated with the Bush administration to has imposed the sanctions, now be the rule of law to India in Afghanistan. I believe that the role ment in economic performance in southern Iran, look very ominous. Unfortunate- fight the Taliban and al-Qaeda in 2001? tell its Arab surrogates to bust of extra-regional powers has been destructive may be slow to develop be- ly, northern Iran does not seem to have so much Pakistan played an important role in Afghan- the sanctions and help Iran! in Afghanistan, but neighbors can play a con- cause of cultural factors and excess water that could be piped south. I think the istan during the last two decades in collabo- There is nothing to be gained from economic diplo- structive role in restoring peace in this country. path-dependency, North nevertheless envisioned only thing the government can do is to develop ration with the U.S.-led war on Afghanistan, macy with Arabs. A lot of talk and nothing will come Iran and Pakistan can bring different Afghan an ideal political-economic institutional structure desalinated water (using natural gas or solar) for pursuing a Western claimed peace mission. Pa- of it. I can assure you of this.” groups closer to each other and can play a key that, in his view, has great potential for achieving human use and for high value agricultural prod- kistan’s main priority was to safeguard its al- role in the reconstruction of this country. Can the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) serve good economic performance and societal well-be- ucts in hydroponic agriculture. In open air agricul- ready volatile borders with Afghanistan and in as an avenue for Iran to counter U.S. sanctions? ing. Such an ideal institutional framework would ture, much of the water would evaporate before it this way more than 70,000 Pakistanis lost their Do you think superpowers like China may “Let me first explain how secondary or what have: soaks into the ground and the value of the water, its lives and it faced billions of dollars in financial put themselves at risk to be involved in the some call extra-territoriality sanctions work. The shadow price, would be higher than the agricultural loss. Afghanistan conflict? Institutions that protect individual rights, the output.” U.S. basically tells all countries that if they don’t ad- individual person, property, speech, social/political But Pakistan’s role has never been acknowl- For the time being China’s involvement in here to the U.S. sanctions on Iran and break them, participation and create incentives for the mem- President Ebrahim Raisi has said Iran will edged by the U.S.-led Western alliance. Rather Afghanistan is purely economic and have nev- then whoever breaks them, a foreign company or in- bers of society and organizations to engage in pro- extend hand of friendship to countries on the Islamabad has remained under pressure un- er been opposed by any considerable Afghan stitution or country, will not have access to the U.S. ductive activities. southern shores of the Persian Gulf. However der the “Do More” mantra. Pakistan has learnt group rather almost all the Afghan groups in- market. So countries or companies are not willing Saudi Arabia has not so far responded warmly to High levels of trust and trustworthiness. from its mistakes and now there is a consensus cluding the Taliban are having welcoming re- to risk losing access to the U.S. market and to the Iran’s diplomatic overtures? about refusing U.S. demand for bases on Paki- sponse towards China. More over Afghanistan’s dollar. Rule of law and a government, which is credibly “It will take years, probably more than a decade, stan’s soil. PM Imran Khan has adopted a logical neighbors are also not having any reservation So for me, the only country that could stand up committed to a set of political rules and enforce- to build two-way trust between Iran and its Persian narrative that “we will be a partner in peace but about Chain’s role in Afghanistan. China’s heavy to the U.S. is China. If they were willing, then many ment that protects individuals, Gulf Arab neighbors. The problem not in conflict.” investment in Pakistan (CPEC) and Iran can pave of the Eurasian countries might also follow China. organizations, and exchange countries are Saudi Arabia and the way for constructive regional connectivity relationships. Many are concerned about the violence and China is the key. I would add that I think China should The U.S. has more the UAE. They believe, of course brutality in Afghanistan after U.S. withdraw- and cooperation which ultimately will have pos- want to challenge the U.S. on its ability to impose Contracts and contract en- wrongly, that the clerics in Iran al. Do you think that the Taliban have changed itive impacts on situation in Afghanistan. sanctions at will sooner as opposed to later. Sanc- forcement. to gain if Iran and want to overthrow their family tions have become a potent weapon for the U.S. and A stable structure of ex- rule. To convince them other- China should try to defang U.S. sanctions as soon as change relationships in eco- the Persian Gulf wise will take years of trust it can.” nomic and political markets and building. I tried, at the behest Russia says U.S. Biden succumbs What other option does Iran have to get around an effective price system that Arabs are at each of the governments of Iran and sanctions? leads to low transaction costs Saudi Arabia, for a few months and I managed to get the two forces have no to pressure “Let me take up from where we just left off. The in production, exchange, and other’s throats. distribution. sides together but later it fell best option for Iran is to simply join the Chinese apart. You need a permanent legal mandate in from 11/9 camp lock stock and barrel. The 20-year agreement Governance rules at all levels. cadre of people trusted by both signed with China is a first step. But Iran needs to An effective, independent, and impartial legal sides who devote their time to bridge the gap and Syria families do more. Try to convince China why such a total em- system. build trust. But countries in the region, especially brace and partnership would serve China’s inter- Iran has a long way to go. But it must start at Israel, does not want close relations between the est to expand its influence from China to Pakistan, Russia has criticized a statement by an of- From page 1 The group said it would publicly some point. It cannot wait. A good start would be Persian Gulf Arabs and Iran. I also believe that the Afghanistan all of central Asia and the Middle East ficial military spokesman over the U.S. armed protest against Biden if he does attend (a po- the rule of law and an independent judiciary, up- United States feels the same. That it has more to (West Asia) and in the process take American hege- presence in Syria. tential PR disaster for the American President), holding the sanctity of contracts and more free- gain if Iran and the Persian Gulf Arabs are at each mony head on. If China stands up, the U.S. ability to unless he fulfills a campaign promise to be more doms to give investors more confidence.” other’s throats.” Wayne Marotto wrote on social media that use sanctions as a weapon will become ineffective. “U.S. forces are in northeastern Syria under in- transparent with the families about the matter. The second option for Iran is to double down on do- How can Iran redress sharp fall in oil incomes? Is there anything further you would like to add about Iran’s economic situation? ternational law - UN Security Council Resolu- Brett Eagleson, an advocate for the families mestic reforms while adopting an austere economic “There is not much that Iran can do. But better tion 2254 adopted December 2015.” and whose father Bruce was killed in the attacks model and building a stronger military in order to “For years, I have said, yes sanctions have a domestic economic policies can at least compen- The Russian embassy in Washington re- says he would remain skeptical until the docu- increase its bargaining power.” sate a little for lower oil prices and oil revenues.” terrible stranglehold on the Iranian economy, es- ments are released. pecially after 2008 but Iran’s bigger problem has sponded by saying U.S. armed forces have ab- What is your prescription for the Iranian econ- Do you consider reliance on oil money advisable solutely no legal mandate to stay in Syria what- Eagleson said “we appreciate President omy? been its economic policies. I still believe that if Iran even if oil sanctions on Iran are lifted? had adopted sound policies after the Iran-Iraq War soever. Biden acknowledging our families today as we “I said all I had to say in private to a senior mem- “There are a number of things I have to say. Oil it could have weathered sanctions much better. So The embassy said “It’s a matter of fact that pursue justice and accountability against the ber of the government over a few hours nearly 30 is a depletable resource and also a resource that now it is much tougher but it is better to start a U.S. armed forces have no legal mandate to stay Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, howev- years ago. We discussed it in detail. His response may become less valuable because of climate is- turnaround now than later.” in Syria. Your interpretation of United Nations er, we have heard many empty promises before.” Security Council Resolution 2254 is just ridic- In a letter, the victims’ families said they ulous. Please, read the document thoroughly”, were hopeful Mr Biden would place truth, justice Lukashenko warns West will not succeed in tearing Belarus away from Russia posting a link to the resolution. and accountability before the interests of the The U.S. military has established at least nine Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. military bases Syria’s eastern and northeastern The family groups renewed their push to have activists, Alexander Lukashenko, said “I sim- the West and they accepted this. al-Hasakah, Deir el-Zour and Raqqa provinces. the 9/11-Saudi secret documents declassified Four of which are located near oil fields in the ply wish our foreign representatives, who are “Why have you suddenly gone mad in the after the release of an intelligence report in Deir el-Zour province and another five in the March that said Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed present here, if they have anything human, West? We used to have normal relations with neighboring al-Hasakah region. bin Salman, approved the killing of Saudi dissi- try to understand what is going on or at least you and had perspectives to build these rela- dent and journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Sau- stop meddling with our affairs”. tions. But you have ruined it all with your own In late 2019, then US President, Donald di consulate in Istanbul. The Belarusian President also says “we are hands,” he said. Trump, approved a plan, which said that hun- dreds of U.S. troops would remain in Syria, Fifteen of the 19 attackers were Saudi nation- in no way different from Russians. You should Britain added to Western sanctions against tasked with ensuring control of oil fields in the als. A 2004 9/11 commission report said charity take it for granted”. Belarus on Monday targeting the country’s country’s east and northeast. groups in Saudi Arabia helped finance the at- He added “If you have any interest, let us potash and petroleum product exports. Damascus views the U.S. military presence tackers. cooperate. If you don’t, just step away and The measures are part of attempts by the in Syria an occupation as they entered the Arab Family groups say further evidence has leave us alone. You won’t be able to tear us West to pressure Lukashenko to step down country without an invitation from the govern- emerged after the 2004 commotion that away from Russia and win us over to your after Western powers refused to accept the side” ment. strongly hints at a Saudi connection. The Belarusian President says Western results of the elections. countries will never be able to make Minsk According to the Lukashenko, before the Security officials in Syria and Iraq accuse the Following the attacks, the U.S. rushed into two Lukashenko swiftly retorted that London part ways with its strong ally Moscow. August 2020 presidential elections, Belarus U.S. of playing a dangerous destabilizing role devastating wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; under should “choke on” the new sanctions imposed. At a meeting with journalists and public demonstrated readiness for cooperation with along the two country’s borders. the pretext of fighting terrorism. TOURISM Kakh-e Chehel Sotoun: do not let the AUGUST 11, 2021 illusion of columns deceive you! Straight Truth TEHRAN TIMES From page 1 The palace’s garden “Serene garden palace” 6 (Bagh-e Chehel Sotun) is an excel- Beautiful grounds around a large lent example of the classic Persian pool lead to the Palace. Inside you Garden, which is registered on the will find lovely murals depicting the UNESCO World Heritage list. life of the ages. Sit in the park and The genuine concept of the Per- enjoy the serenity. (DL2Some from sian Garden that is deeply rooted in Detroit Lakes, MN) time interweaves natural elements “Undergoing extensive renova- with manmade components to em- tion at the moment but still stun- body an idea of creating a paradise ning nonetheless” on Earth by the means of artistic, philosophical, figurative, and reli- The quintessential Persian gar- gious notions. den complex with a huge palace at one end features some beautiful The UNESCO website asserts that artwork and geometric patterns on the flawless design of the Persian the ceilings and outdoor woodwork. Garden, along with its ability to re- (DominicDeBurca from Dunmore spond to extreme climatic condi- East, Ireland) tions, is the result of an inspired and intelligent application of different “Nice place to visit” fields of knowledge, i.e. technology, (500m by 160m), and a majestic ex- Under travelers’ eyes The paintings inside the building water management and engineering, ample of town planning. Here is a selection of comments are nice and the columns which are Historical manuscripts, documents architecture, botany, and agriculture. The main gate of Chehel Sotoun that visitors to the garden palace mostly out of wood are something Soaked in a rich history and cul- opens to Sepah have posted to Tri- special. 20 columns which are hold- ture, Isfahan was once a crossroads Street, next to Is- pAdvisor, one of the ing the ceiling are reflected in the up for restoration in western Iran of international trade and diploma- fahan Municipal- most popular trav- water and become 40, and they call cy in Iran. Now, it is one of Iran’s top ity. Therefore, in The number 40 el websites in the it Chehel Sotoun!! (berta Moretti TEHRAN - A number of historical manuscripts, buildings,” he explained. tourist destinations for good rea- the case of using world: from Genoa, Italy) books, and documents are being rehabilitated in Last July the official announced that a top man- sons. public transpor- in Iran signifies “Beautiful palace” Borujerd, western Lorestan province, the provin- “Soooo beauti- uscript museum in Borujerd will be established. tation, Municipal Well worth a visit in a country cial tourism chief has said. The city has long been nicknamed multiplicity in ful” The museum will be considered as one of the first as Nesf-e-Jahan which is translated Bus Station is quite where there are many beautiful “Documents and books of historical significance manuscript museums in the country and it is esti- close to the palace. It is a beauti- into “half the world”; meaning seeing general. ful palace called palaces this still stands out. The are in the process of being restored in the first mated to be highly welcomed by visitors, he noted. it is relevant to see the whole world. Other attractions paintings inside are remarkable phase,” Seyyed Amin Qasemi announced on Tues- nearby that you 40 colons, it has One of the lesser-known travel destinations In its heyday, it was also one of the 20 and with the but there is a calmness about this day. in Iran, Lorestan mainly acts as a gateway to the largest cities in the region with a really have to visit place which makes it a lovely place are Naghsh-e Ja- reflection in the The documents are being restored by an expe- neighboring Khuzestan province which hosts UN- population of nearly one million. water is 40 ....beautiful paintings, to visit. rienced team of restorers and cultural heritage ESCO sites of Susa, Tchogha Zanbil, and Shushtar han Square, Hasht Behesht Palace, The huge Imam Square, best Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Ali Qapu interesting architecture, and a very Many moments in Persian history experts, the official added. Historical Hydraulic System. Lorestan is also a re- known as Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. (liter- beautiful garden. It is one of the are captured in the paintings inside. gion of raw beauty that an avid nature lover could Palace, Qeysarieh Gate (The Grand “Restoration of historical documents and books ary meaning “Image of the World”), Bazaar), and Imam Mosque. most beautiful places to see in Is- A very photogenic place. (Frankie T is just as important as the restoration of historical spend weeks exploring. is one of the largest in the world fahan. (Taffoolie from Paris, France) from Belfast, UK) Lorestan tourism loses $128m from coronavirus outbreak New hotels expected to help

TEHRAN - The tourism industry of the western Lorestan province has suffered a loss of some 5.3 boost tourism in Maku trillion rials (about $128 million at the official -ex change rate of 42,000 rials per dollar) since the TEHRAN – Two hotels are currently under outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the pro- construction in the northwestern Iranian city of vincial tourism chief has announced. Maku and its free zone in West Azarbaijan prov- Many measures have been taken in the tour- ince. ism sector to minimize the damage caused by the “The city will gain 200 beds and 500 rooms coronavirus outbreak, including the postpone- from the construction of two four and five-star ment of the payment of taxes including income hotels, which are expected to help boost [local] tax and VAT in several installments, Seyyed Amin tourism upon their completion,” the provincial Qasemi said on Tuesday. tourism chief has announced. The repayment of bank loans has also been A major advantage of the Mako-free zone is its postponed in several installments for units and close distance to the border with Turkey, which some other businesses involved in the tourism in- makes it a perfect center for attracting and de- dustry throughout the province, the official added. veloping tourism in the region, the official added. Earlier in March, the deputy provincial tourism He also noted that the tourism sector of Maku Mountainous landscapes, flourishing pas- chief, Eskandar Fallahvand announced that the is open to private investors. tures, hot water springs, waterfalls, protect- Iranian government has paid some 20 billion rials Maku enjoys a unique geographical and natu- ed areas, and hunting grounds are some of the (about $476,000) in loans to the tourism busi- ral location. In a valley passes through which the tourist attractions of this area. nesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Zangmar River divides Maku into two parts, the Maku is located on the main Tabriz-Bazargan the western province. by the coronavirus pandemic. tourism ministry had approved a total budget of city is located 1294 meters above sea level. road and has an excellent strategic location. He also noted that 1,200 people working in Depending on the type and activity of the busi- 4,920 billion rials (over $117 million) to support The city is surrounded by the Qarasu River and Among the city’s most significant features the province’s tourism sector have lost their jobs nesses, they could benefit from at least 160 mil- corona-affected tourism businesses, covering as Turkey from the north, the Aras River (the Nakh- are its role as the country’s only land border during the pandemic. lion rials ($3,800 at the official rate of 42,000 much as 36,000 people working in the tourism chivan Autonomous Republic and Armenia) from business and a link to Europe. As part of Maku’s Back in January, Cultural Heritage, Tourism, rials) to nine billion rials ($214,000) of bank loans sector. the east, Khoy from the south, and Turkey from economy, there is an industrial complex on the and Handicrafts Minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan with a 12-percent interest rate, he said. Tourism industry in a critical situation the west. Maku-Bazargan road. said that Iran’s tourism industry The loans would be allocated The tourism minister in October 2020 warned Due to the surrounding stony mountains, this The majority of the locals in Maku rely on has suffered a loss of over 140 to tourist guides, travel agencies, that Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism would be city has a moderate climate in winter and a hot- cross-border trade, agriculture, and animal hus- trillion rials (about $3.33 billion) Optimistic tourism transport companies, in a critical situation if the crises caused by the ter climate in summer. bandry for their livelihood. since the outbreak of the corona- tourism educational institutions, outbreak of the coronavirus continue. virus pandemic. forecasts expect eco-lodges and traditional ac- He also noted that the coronavirus pandemic Although the worldwide out- commodations, hotels, apart- should not bring traveling to a complete stand- Properties in Semnan approved as national heritage break of COVID-19 has brought Iran to achieve ment hotels, motels, and guest- still. “Corona is a fact, but can the virus stop tour- the whole world to a standstill, a tourism boom houses as well as traditional ism? Certainly not. For us, the coronavirus is a the tourism industry has been accommodation centers, tourism new experience in dealing with crises that teach- being kept in Semnan province, properties being added to the the worst affected of all eco- complexes, and recreational cen- es tourism experts around the world how to deal have been added to Iran’s nation- prestigious list, the report said. nomic sectors, he noted. after coronavirus ters, the official explained. with such a disaster, and thankfully governments al list of cultural heritage. Semnan is well placed to give However, efforts are being contained. Teymouri in September 2020 are turning this into an opportunity for better On Tuesday, Cultural Heritage, swift access to both the Alborz made by the government to help pointed to the 1.3 million tour- planning.” Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Mountains and the vast Dasht-e the tourism sector flourish again ism workers in the country, who believing its impact would be temporary and Ali-Asghar Mounesan declared Kavir desert, while still being with continuous support and injecting supportive are facing several issues due to the coronavirus short-lived for a country that ranked the third the registrations to the gover- an easy some 200km drive by packages, he added. crisis and said “This number, in addition to their fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019. nor-general of the north-central expressway from Tehran. Since Government’s care and support packages households, includes a significant population that province, IRNA reported. Sassanian times it has been a key makes a living through tourism, who are needed The latest available data show eight million In October 2020, the deputy tourism chief, Vali tourists visited the Islamic Republic during the A folio of endowment, a twin stop on the Silk Road, attracting to be considered in ministry’s decisions.” wealth and regular destruction in Teymouri, announced that a new support package first ten months of the Iranian calendar year TEHRAN – A selection of seven clay vessel, and a painted earth- equal measure. was approved to pay loans to businesses affected Last August, Teymouri announced that the 1398(started March 21, 2019). historical properties, which are enware dish are amongst the Tehran expected to host national handicrafts Vacancy Notice exhibit if coronavirus controlled

TEHRAN – The 35th national hand- ports stood at $120 million during icrafts exhibition of Iran is planned the first eleven months of the past to be held in Tehran from August 23 Iranian calendar year 1399 (March The Office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in to 29 if the current coronavirus situ- 20, 2020 – February 18, 2021), Mehr ation gets controlled. reported. The country’s handicrafts I.R.Iran, intends to recruit a Programme Analyst, Reproductive The pre-scheduled exhibition may exports slumped during the men- be postponed to another date if the tioned months in comparison to the Health/Humanitarian current ‘red condition’ of the virus same period last a year earlier due continues, Mehr reported on Tues- to the damage the coronavirus pan- for its office in Tehran, Iran. day. demic has inflicted on global trade. Currently, crafters and exhibitors The Islamic Republic exported $427 Details of the re advertised vacancy can be found on UNFPA website on the following link: from all Iranian provinces are being million worth of handicrafts during https://iran.unfpa.org the first eleven months of the cal- registered for the event, which is themes for the event. planned to be held at Tehran Perma- endar year 1398. Of the figure, some nent International Fairground. With 14 entries, Iran ranks first $190 million was earned via suitcase Please apply online by 26 August 2021, 5 PM Tehran Time. This vacancy is globally for the number of cities trade (allowed for customs-free and The exhibit traditionally brings and villages registered by the World tax-free transfer) through 20 prov- open only for Iranian Nationals. together craftspeople and artisans Crafts Council, as China with seven inces, according to data compiled from all over the Islamic Republic entries, Chile with four, and India by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, to showcase arrays of personal or- with three ones come next. Tourism and Handicrafts. Notice: namentation, woodwork, illuminated “There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process”. manuscript, miniature, textile print- In January 2020, the cities of Shi- Ceramics, pottery vessels, hand- ing, enamel, leatherwork, handwo- raz, Malayer, and Zanjan and the vil- woven cloths as well as personal “UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV/AIDS or disabilities ven textile, calligraphy, traditional lage of Qassemabad were designat- ornamentations with precious and and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status and disabilities”. musical instrument, metalwork, ed by the WCC- Asia Pacific Region, semi-precious gemstones are tra- and marquetry to name a few. No- putting Iran’s number of world crafts ditionally exported to Iraq, Afghan- "UNFPA is strongly encouraging people from minority groups and people with disabilities madic culinary arts, live workshops, cities and villages from ten to 14. istan, Germany, the U.S., the UK, and to apply and they will be given serious consideration". other countries. and performances are among other The value of Iran’s handicrafts ex-

Heavy SOCIETY burden of AUGUST 11, 2021 Straight Truth environmental TEHRAN TIMES 7

conducted 56,889 PCR tests and 75,187 rapid tests, problems on PCR tests for he said, IRNA reported on Monday. He went on to lament that some 193 individuals, over 56,000 who tested positive, have so far been temporarily quarantined. Caspian Sea passengers at Some 471 members of the IRCS cooperate for carrying out the plan in 16 provinces across the country, Valipour concluded. portant inhabitants of the lake. Moreover, sampling of bed sediments ferred directly to the seas, and there- border points in the deep waters of the southern Cas- fore can enter the aquatic and human With the cooperation of ministries of health and By Faranak Bakhtiari Researchers believe that 80 percent TEHRAN – PCR tests have been performed on transport, a plan is being implemented with the of the pollution in the Caspian Sea is re- pian Basin, publication of more than 80 food cycle, causing damage to human TEHRAN – While we celebrate the scientific documents on the Caspian Sea, health and marine biodiversity. 56,889 passengers at the country’s official bor- goal of rapidly identifying and testing incoming National Day of the Caspian Sea each lated to the flow of water from the Volga ders based on a plan launched on March 10 to rap- passengers and keeping them in quarantine facili- River and other western rivers from the study, measurement, and modeling in Caspian Sea to be smaller in future year, the precious water body is still Gorgan Bay and presented scientific and idly identify suspected cases of coronavirus. ties, if necessary. Republic of Azerbaijan. struggling with environmental issues executive solutions for the sustainability During the last 25 years, the water Some 524,053 passengers have so far been Thirty border checkpoints have been selected, in- such as oil pollutants, sewage, and the Frequent oil spills in the coastal areas of its ecosystem and more than 70 re- level of the Caspian Sea has decreased screened for coronavirus by thermal tests at the cluding 18 land borders, nine air borders, and three sea leakage of petroleum products from of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the entry search projects in the southern part of by 130 cm, he said, noting that whether country’s official borders, Mehdi Valipour, head of borders, all incoming passengers will be tested and re- the littoral countries. of waste of over 40 factories and refin- the Caspian Sea are other actions of re- this decline will stop in the future is a Relief and Rescue Organization affiliated to the ferred to the quarantine facilities in case of necessity. Caspian Sea Day is held annually on eries into the sea, the decline, and extinc- searchers at the Research Institute. matter of controversy, but given climate Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), has stated. Around 8,000 individuals enter the country via change and rising water consumption August 12, aiming to raise awareness tion of the Caspian Sea aquatic species Grappling with poor waste manage- During the aforesaid period, IRCS forces have borders on a daily basis. from the Volga River, the main source of about the environmental ramifications since 1990, are among the main challeng- ment of human interference with this valu- es faced by the Caspian Sea. water for the Caspian Sea, many believe Ahmad Reza Lahijanzadeh, deputy able ecosystem. that the water level will continue shrink- chief of the Department of Environment ing and the Caspian Sea will be smaller The day marks the Framework Con- (DOE) for the marine environment, said in in the future. WHO recognizes Sahand as vention, also called the Tehran Conven- The Caspian Sea August 2020 that waste management in tion, signed by the official representa- the Caspian Sea is on the verge of crisis The Caspian Sea water level has tives of the five littoral Caspian states is the largest and seriously threatens the Sea’s envi- reached its lowest level since 1995, mainly “First Awarded Healthy City” in Iran namely Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, ronment. because of a recent drop in the water level of the Volga River, which supplies most of Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan in enclosed inland In addition to waste, leachate enters the sea’s water, by about 22 percent. TEHRAN – Sahand, a new town in the northwest- we have met. Within the whole city, as we were mov- Tehran on November 4, 2003. the sea through rivers or rainfall, and be- body of water on ern East Azarbaijan Province, has just been awarded ing around and visiting different communities, I could The Caspian Sea is the largest en- cause the severity of leachate pollution is In 2019, the average water level stood as the first healthy city in Iran under the World Health see the changes and focus of everybody on health and closed inland body of water on Earth very high, it imposes a serious threat to at -27.18 meters, showing 13 centimeters Earth by area. Organization’s Healthy Cities Program. well-being”. by area. It is bounded by Kazakhstan the marine environment, he lamented. decrease compared to the year before. The award was officially presented during a formal to the northeast, Russia to the north- Noting that the release of urban and According to the national center for the WHO promotes Healthy Cities by awarding, and en- ceremony on Tuesday, by WHO Representative to Iran west, Azerbaijan to the west, Iran to the rural wastewater into the sea is another Caspian Sea studies and research affiliated dorsing, flagship cities such as Sahand, and by estab- Syed Jaffar Hussain to the Ministry of Health and Med- south, and Turkmenistan to the south- The National Institute for Ocean- problem the Caspian Sea is struggling to the Water Research Institute, seawater lishing National Healthy Cities Networks, which bring ical Sciences of Iran and Governorship of Osku County east. The sea has an area of 600,384 ography and Atmospheric Science has with, he clarified that a number of cities in temperature is one of the main criteria in together healthy cities across countries through local in the virtual presence of WHO Regional Director for capacity building, monitoring, implementation, and square kilometers and a coastline of conducted extensive studies in this the northern provinces either do not have heat exchange and an indicator in assess- Eastern Mediterranean Office Ahmed Al-Mandhari. exchanging experiences. In both cases, WHO provides 7,000 kilometers. catchment area, including more than a wastewater treatment plant. ing the potential for evaporation from the The ceremony was attended by Health Minis- strategic, and technical support as well as capaci- Hosting 400 aquatic species and 10 research patrols in the Caspian Sea, Stating that plastics and micro- water level, which is one of the main com- ter Saeed Namaki, and he cited various factors of a ty-building at the national and local levels. holding third place in terms of oil obtaining a certificate and setting up a plastics are among the issues that can ponents of the Caspian water balance. healthy city. The website of the National Healthy Cities and gas reserves under its bed af- trusted laboratory of the Department be a threat to humanity in the next 10 The increasing trend of the Caspian Sahand has already received certification from In- Network was also unveiled at the event. ter the “Persian Gulf” and “Siberia” of Environment, identification of high- years, he noted that erosion makes Sea surface temperature, especially in ternational Safe Communities in 2019 and integrated has doubled the value of this basin, risk points for cracking waves on the microplastics out of plastic waste, recent years, has been one of the factors The awarding is an important milestone for Iran the initiative into the healthy city program context. while sturgeon are the most im- shores of the Sea. and 70 percent of these are trans- affecting the reduction of water level. and in WHO’s Healthy Cities Program in the Eastern Iran plans to expand the Healthy Cities Program to Mediterranean Region, as Iran was the first country in cover 100 more cities across Iran through a National the region to adopt the program for implementation in Healthy Cities Network. 1991 in three settlements in Tehran. “Sahand has been implementing the healthy city UNHCR concerned by Afghan refugees fleeing to Iran Iran is also among the countries with the highest program during the last six years and now has reached number of registered cities in the Regional Healthy a level of maturity. Hopefully, we can make Sahand Cities Network (RHCN). Currently, 22 Iranian cities are a role model for other cities in the Islamic Republic TEHRAN – The United Nations High Commission- ugee community. The country has generously registered in the RHCN. Sahand is the first city among of Iran,” said Mohammad Assai, WHO consultant and er for Refugees (UNHCR) is extremely concerned hosted approximately 1 million refugees for the the registered ones to be eval- by the rapid escalation of conflict in Afghanistan, senior public health advisor. past 30 years. The majority, which mainly came uated by WHO and receive the which forced two hundred Afghan refugees to flee “Political commitment, com- from Afghanistan and Iraq, live in urban areas. three-year Healthy City Award. munity participation, and own- to Iran over the weekend. Approximately 31,000 of the most vulnerable ref- Sahand is located 20km ership are visible in all projects Amid intensified clashes in Nimruz province in ugees living in 20 settlements located through- southwest of Tabriz, with a The healthy city we visited.” the country’s southwest, nearly two hundred Af- out the country. population of about 161,000. ghan refugees have been forced to flee to Iran over As a healthy city, Sahand Based on the latest statistics, over 3 million The city is still being devel- program in Sahand the weekend. prioritizes developing and im- Afghans are living in Iran - some 780,000 Afghan oped with a steadily growing started in 2015. proving healthcare, environ- Many more Afghan civilians may find themselves refugees, over 2 million undocumented Afghans, population, and it is expected mental services, safe water trapped if they are unable to escape from the high- and another 600,000 Afghan passport-holders to feature future-proof urban supply, optimization of the ly volatile situation. It is estimated that since the with Iranian visas. spaces and services. environment, addressing pol- beginning of the year nearly 400,000 Afghans The healthy city program lution, and improving housing. have been internally displaced within the country An elderly man at Torbat-e-Jam settlement, close However, in light of the pandemic, all refugees, in Sahand started in 2015 with the vision to create “a It ultimately aims to promote high-impact, unified – some 244,000 since May alone. to the border between Iran and Afghanistan. even those undocumented, benefited from access safe and healthy community for the happy livelihood community engagement by raising awareness and re- to free primary health services and free COVID-19 Iran kept the Milak border crossing open in light of of every person”. alizing the untapped potential of communities at the the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. related testing, treatment, and hospitalization, just With almost one million Afghan refugee card- A final evaluation visit was conducted on May 23- local and national levels. The Healthy Cities program Not doing so may put thousands of lives at risk. like Iranian nationals. holders already in the country, the Government 25 by experts from the WHO Eastern Mediterranean ensures that health is the hallmark of economic, social, In cooperation with Iran’s Bureau for Aliens and of Iran has consistently welcomed Afghans flee- The same happened for the vaccination when the Regional Office to assess the city’s “Healthy City” eli- and political agendas, and thereby boosts the partic- Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs (BAFIA), UNHCR has ing protracted conflict and violence for over for- country has generously considered refugees over gibility. The visit was the second, and final, part of the ipatory morale of all stakeholders and mobilizes po- provided immediate assistance to new arrivals, in- ty years, including through exemplary inclusion the age of 75 for vaccination against coronavirus. assessment as the first part was conducted through tential resources. cluding food and water. of Afghans in national health and education sys- In order to support the refugees living in the a virtual desk review in December 2020 due to re- An important element in Sahand’s Healthy City de- UNHCR and partners have today joined an in- tems. UNHCR appeals to the government to con- country, the seventh phase of the health insur- strictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual velopment is to empower women (49.5% of the pop- ter-agency mission led by the government to bor- tinue this tradition of hospitality and lifesaving ance plan will cover 120,000 vulnerable refu- desk review was the first of its kind to be performed ulation) in collaboration with the governor’s office, der areas and potential refugee sites, to further protection. gees through a memorandum of understanding during the Healthy Cities evaluation process against health networks, municipal entities, the social protec- the backdrop of COVID-19. assess the humanitarian needs on the ground and No large-scale displacement across borders signed between the Health Insurance Organi- tion sector, and civil society organizations. They have scale up the response. from Afghanistan has been observed this year. Any zation and the United Nations High Commis- A Healthy City should meet at least 80 percent of multiple community-led initiatives and programs for the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable Together with other humanitarian actors, UN- major influx would clearly require the internation- sioner for Refugees. the 80 indicators recognized by WHO, ranging from so- HCR is prepared to provide urgent assistance al community to step up immediate and sustained cio-economic measures, governance, and increasing po- populations, including the elderly, people living with In Iran, UNHCR is seeking $16.2 million for its and support reception arrangements – including support to both Afghanistan and its neighbors, in a tentials to institutional transformation and cooperation disabilities, women-headed households, children, etc. COVID-19 emergency, while requires an additional The services provided in Sahand are inclusive and ac- emergency shelter, latrines, and other core re- spirit of responsibility- and burden-sharing. based on planning and implementing innovative proj- lief items. Hygiene packs, including soap and face $98.7 million to support Iran in maintaining and ects. Sahand, as per the evaluation outcome, achieved cessible for all. Iran hosting world’s fourth-largest refugee masks, will also be distributed to help families sustaining its commendable inclusive refugee pol- 74 out of 80 Key Performance indicators (92.5%). “I am optimistic because I have seen a very high lev- community arriving stay safe in the context of the ongoing icies, under the umbrella of the Solutions Strategy “I see Sahand has succeeded in transforming itself el of commitment. Not only at the political level, but COVID-19 pandemic. Iran is hosting the world’s fourth-largest ref- for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). from a city where everybody was working alone to a also of each individual in Sahand that I have met,” said city where everybody is working towards a healthy ElFeky, Technical Officer of Community-Based Initia- Festival of ideas to attract public participation in reviving wetlands community, a healthy environment, and a healthy tives and Healthy Settings (CBI) in WHO Eastern Med- lifestyle,” said El-adawy, Director of Healthier Popula- iterranean Regional Office, during her visit to the city. From page 1 Wetlands play a cycles of many species and in annual have been identified, of which 25 Of Iran’s 25 Ramsar sites about tions, after the visit. “I observed this in many aspects “They can only transfer that passion, and I’m sure that major role in protecting the land migration patterns. wetlands are designated as wet- one-third are under pressure or in and places we visited, and in the attitude of the people it will be sustained.” against floods and the impacts of Iran is rich in terms of having lands of international importance critical condition. storms. They provide food and di- a variety of wetlands due to its (registered in the Ramsar Con- Unfortunately, wetlands are being verse habitats which support genet- climatic diversity. In Iran, 141 wet- vention) covering more than 1.4 degraded and lost due to pollution, ic, species, and ecosystem biodiversi- lands with ecological value with million hectares and four sites are overexploitation, climate change, and COVID-19 UPDATES ON AUGUST 10 ty. Wetlands play a key role in the life an area of over 3 million hectares biosphere reserves. human population growth. ENGLISH IN USE New cases 30,139 LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION New deaths 508

20 % of areas in Iran at high risk of flood Total cases 4,238,676 بیست درصد ایران جزو مناطق با خطر سیل خیزی باال است Twenty percent of areas across Iran are highly prone to flood- Total deaths 95,111 سرپرست سازمان جنگلها، مراتع و آبخیزداری می گوید ۲۰ درصد ایران جزو ing, Khosro Shahbazi, head of the Forests, Range, and Watershed مناطق با خطر سیل خیزی باال است. .Management Organization (FRWMO), has said New hospitalized patients 4,636 به گزارش روز جمعه ایسنا، خسرو شهبازی افزود: میزان بارش در کشور Precipitation in Iran is one-third of the world’s average, as the“ country is located in a dry and fragile region where we experience Patients in critical condition 6,749 ما یک سوم متوسط آن در دنیا است و از نظر جغرافیایی در منطقه ای -millimeters decrease in precipitation each 10 years and an in 11 خشک و شکننده واقع شدهایم که هر ۱۰ سال با ۱۱ میلیمتر کاهش بارش crease in evaporation of more than 50 millimeters every year,” he Total recovered patients 3,591,313 و بیش از ٥٠ میلیمتر افزایش تبخیر و تعرق مواجه هستیم که همه منجر .explained, ISNA reported به این شده که بارشها در منطقه ما سیالبی و ویرانگر باشد، به همین Rainfall fluctuations usually lead to flood and devastation, so a comprehensive planning for watershed management and flood Diagnostic tests conducted 26,683,686 خاطر نیازمند برنامه ریزی جامع برای مدیریت حوضههای آبخیز و کنترل .control is required, he noted سیالبها هستیم. Doses of vaccine injected 16,795,107 TEHRAN TIMES Red Frame International Photo www.tehrantimes.com Contest announces winners Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian TEHRAN — Winners of the first Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh edition of the Red Frame International Photo Contest were announced in a press release on Tuesday. Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 The contest has been launched by Email: [email protected] Iran’s Young Photographers House to Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 honor top photos on Muharram rituals that take place across the world. Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 Qadir Vaqari Shurcheh from the Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 took first place for his black and white Tehrantimes79 photo that depicts some women in Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 mourning for Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions amid the smoke of No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Zip Code: 1599814713 burning wild rue seeds. A photo by Kolsum Riahi won second prize. The photo shows a group of mourning villagers carrying GUIDE TO SPIRITUAL AWAKENING a flag and a box decorated with colorful fabric representing the He who is deserted by friends and relatives will often coffin of Imam Hussein (AS). find help and sympathy from strangers. Third prize went to Hadi Dehqanpur for a photo that depicts Imam Ali (AS) a girl gazing at the camera as the shadows of mourning people fall across the sidewalk. A photo by Yasser Mohammadkhani Prayer Times Noon:13:10 Evening: 20:48 Dawn: 4:18 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:21 (tomorrow) took fourth place. It shows a woman kissing a sign that representing the A photo by Kolsum Riahi won second prize at the Red Frame International Photo Contest. hand of Hazrat Abbas (AS), Imam Hussein’s brother who lost his hands History of art in Iran: post-Qajar painting in the battle of Ashura. Yarahmadi and Nasser Mohammadi Amateur and professional injustices of the oppressive Umayyad selected the winners from over 1400 photographers from across the dynasty in 680 CE. Ahmad Taji won fifth prize for a world can apply for the contest photo, which shows a girl and some submissions. The rituals continue until Arbaeen, Part 4 men attending gelmali, a ritual Due to the pandemic, a virtual with photos taken by cellphones or which marks the end of the 40- Just as Kamalalmolk was patiently tradition observed in the month of exhibition of the top photos was professional cameras. day mourning period following the reconstructing the world of reality on his Muharram in Lorestan Province in launched on Tuesday on the website Shia Muslims gather in mosques, martyrdom of the Imam and his loyal canvases, the first cubists were breaking it western Iran. of the Young Photographers House religious sites and places for seasonal companions on Ashura. down. And if the Iranian public was happy with Based on the tradition, people at the following address: www. religious ceremonies every year to Over the past decade, Iran has the work of Kamalalmolk and his followers in mix clay with water in big ponds phjavan.com. commemorate the anniversary of initiated the Arbaeen gathering, mid-20th century, the aspiring artists and art in major squares and streets for The Red Frame International Photo the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) which is held by Shia Muslims in Iraq students sent to Paris and Rome to study the mourners to apply on their faces and Contest has been set up to raise the and his companions with rituals that every year. new techniques could not be. clothes as a sign of mourning. They knowledge of the world community begin every year from the first day of Hundreds of thousands of Iranians So, during the fifties and sixties all types collect dry wood and light fires to about the great tragedy of Karbala Muharram. and Shia Muslims from other of works executed under the banner of warm mourners who have covered and introduce the event from different The rituals reach their climax on countries embark on a journey to the impressionist and post-impressionist schools themselves with mud. angles, the organizers said earlier. Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, Iraqi city of Karbala to observe the were to be found in the exhibition halls of Tehran A jury composed of Young The organizers also intend to the day upon which Imam Hussein day of Arbaeen at the holy shrines of side by side with the naturalistic offerings of Photographers House director Rasul build an extensive archive of photos (AS) and his companions were Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam the modernists of an earlier generation. Oliazadeh and art experts Hamideh on Muharram rituals from the martyred in Karbala as a result of the Shia, and his brother, Hazrat The art movements that had taken nearly Jafari, Mohammad Babai, Davud submissions to the contest. of their valiant stand against the Abbas (AS). seventy years to unfold were seen in action, amid much public outcry, almost simultaneously within the same decade. Director Majid Majidi calls on ulema to pave way for Islamic films A question that must have bothered many of the young modernists at this time was the quality or the properties that distinguished Frome Page 1 “Our ulema have not supported Festival in Tehran in February 2014. their work from the works of similar artists artists in major cultural fields over the years or if The depiction of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and elsewhere. there has been any support they have not been his household in any art production is not allowed What was “Iranian” in their work? What was efficient; it’s easy to thwart a plan, but the right by the ulema. the relationship between the paintings and action is to remove the restrictions,” Majidi said. The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance sculptured pieces that they were turning out He also asked top Muslim clerics to consider issues of promised the clerics that it would only authorize the and their country’s cultural heritage? They the modern world and said, “One of the reasons behind movie after some modifications. As a result, over 40 were encouraged in this soul searching by the the inaccurate understanding of Islam is that the ulema A calligraphic painting by Sqqakhaneh artist minutes of the original film were cut out. officials of the cultural establishment who have taken a passive role. As a result, the others lead the strongly desired the creation of a “national Hossein Zenderudi. However, the alterations failed to placate the field by giving an improper image of Islam.” Director Majid Majidi speaks during a press clerics and the culture ministry stopped screening school,” with clear links with the glorious He criticized the ulema for their adverse reactions to conference for the Tenth Image Short Film the film hours after its premiere at Iranian theaters periods of Persian art: Achaemenid, Sassanid, The appellation caught on and later became “Hussein, Who Said No”, director Ahmadreza Darvish’s Festival in Tehran on August 9, 2021. on July 15, 2015 following protests by the ulema and or Safavid. a label to distinguish the works of all artists epic on the Ashura tragedy, and said, “Mr. Darvish had With these intentions or reservations, who relied heavily on Iran’s storehouse of made great efforts to make the film; it may be that certain others. language film category at the 88th Academy Awards. decorative motifs and/or Persian calligraphy to some aspirants turned their attention to the there is something wrong in that way, but the ulema Majid held meetings with top Muslim clerics in Renowned international craftsmen and artists such create modern compositions, as distinct from type of subjects that would be immediately should help correct the way.” Iran before making his 2015 epic “Muhammad: The as editor Roberto Perpignani, special effects designer recognized as “Iranian,” while others tried to other modernists who could be associated with Depiction of Shia saints in the movie sparked a Messenger of God” about the childhood of the Prophet Scott E. Anderson, makeup designer Gianetto De Rossi work with motifs or figures borrowed from the specific European or American art movements storm of protest from some of the ulema following the of Islam (S). and Indian composer A. R. Rahman collaborated with bas-reliefs of Persepolis or even from those who premiere of the film at the 32nd Fajr International Film The film was Iran’s submission to the best foreign- Majidi in the production. or from the sumptuous combined explicitly pages of some ancient Iranian subject matter manuscript: a bazaar with modern painting Shanghai Persian art exhibition celebrates 50 years of filled with turbaned men Saqqakhaneh techniques. and chador-clad women The Saqqakhaneh executed “prismatically;” canvases or artists, who were also Iran-China diplomatic relations a family gathered around labeled neo-traditionalists, a kerosene lamp painted sculpture pieces TEHRAN — An exhibition showcasing a collection Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition came closest to what had of traditional and modern Persian artworks is last Wednesday, Ramezan Parvaz, consul general “cubistically;” or the been a long sought-after stylized form of a seated bore direct links underway at the Powerlong Art Center in Shanghai, of Iran in Shanghai, said that Iran and China have goal, namely the creation celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations a friendship dating back to the ancient Silk Road figure worked into an with Iran’s cultural of a “national” school, with otherwise free-form between Iran and China. era, and the profound interaction between the two works that were “modern” countries in trade and culture has been extended to abstract composition. heritage. and “Iranian” at the same The exhibition titled “Dialogue beyond Time & Space – 2021 the Legend of Persia Art” has been the present, with their cultures enjoying a vast range This marriage of local time, and drew positive organized to introduce Persian civilization, allow of areas in common. materials with modernistic responses from viewers, Chinese viewers to feel contemporary Iranian culture, “Thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative and the techniques did not always and jury-members, both and extend friendship between the two nations, the 25 Years Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Plan, succeed, and it certainly inside and outside Iran. Global Times has announced. the new era for cooperation and integration has won no major prizes from the biennale juries, The traditional motifs could be manipulated Paintings, sculptures and art installations created begun, especially in the culture sector,” added Parvaz, but efforts to do something “Iranian” continued. in many different ways, singly or in combination, by 43 contemporary Iranian artists presenting a An art aficionado visit the art exhibition “The wishing more active and flourishing cooperation and Saqqakhaneh School to create visual rhythms or texture effects or combination of Persian classic and modern art seen Legend of Persia Art” at the Powerlong Art communication to be carried out under the new stage. Saqqakhaneh is a small public watering place even to make humorous statements. by Chinese viewers for the first time are on view at the Center in Shanghai on August 5, 2021. (Global Iran’s geographical position between the East where passersby may help themselves to a cool The flexibility with which the artist could exhibit, which comes to an end today. Times/Du Qiongfang” and the West helped to transform this land into a drink. It is to be found in the older sections of use these motifs and patterns in conjunction Noting that art is the essential way of crossroad of civilization and to become a great source every town and village in Iran. with the colors of his choice was the key to his communication and understanding between nations, which demonstrate the actual trends in the minds of of arts and thoughts. It has a rich heritage of art that It is set up usually in a recessed niche— success, where others had failed before. curator Hossein Bordbar said that this exhibition Iranian artists to the Chinese people, bringing the two includes weaving and architecture as well as such with its cistern and brass bowl—as a good And Saqqakhaneh canvases or sculpture vows to present the contemporary Iranian arts civilizations together in the modern era. intangible heritage as poetry. religious deed in memory of Imam Hussein pieces bore direct links with Iran’s cultural (AS), the third Shi imam who was martyred heritage; these artists could be in fact with his followers in Karbala in present-day considered descendants of Iran’s famous Iraq in a battle with the forces of Yazid, the craftsmen of earlier centuries—illuminators, “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” published in Persian Omayyad ruler in 680 in the course of two hot goldsmiths, engravers, and calligraphers— waterless days. who beautified a thousand and one utilitarian TEHRAN — A Persian translation physician, to the bombed-out hospital, Prize and the 2014 Anisfield-Wolf objects with intricate floral scrolls or The saqqakhaneh, therefore, is treated of American writer Anthony Marra’s Book Award in fiction, as well as the calligraphic lines. where Sonja, the one remaining doctor, as a sacred place, where candles are often 2013 novel “A Constellation of Vital treats a steady stream of wounded inaugural 2014 Carla Furstenberg kept burning and green and black drapes are A few of the better-known names Phenomena” has been published in rebels and refugees and mourns her Cohen Fiction Award. displayed. associated with this school are the following: Tehran. missing sister. Marra’s novel was a National Book The protective wrought-iron grillwork and Hossein Zenderudi (b. 1937) was a graduate Now is the publisher of the book Over the course of five dramatic Award long list selection as well as a the sides of the cistern are all engraved with of Tehran’s Secondary School of Fine Arts rendered into Persian by Farzaneh days, Akhmed and Sonja reach shortlist selection for the Flaherty- decorative motifs and Quranic words and the for Boys, and briefly a student at the newly- Qojalu and Mohammadreza Jafari. back into their pasts to unravel the Dunnan first novel prize. ensemble may be considered a specimen of established School of Decorative Arts. intricate mystery of coincidence, religious folk art. It is a brilliant debut novel that In addition, his work has been From his earliest iconographic works he brings to life an abandoned hospital betrayal and forgiveness that anthologized in The Best American When Hossein Zenderudi displayed for moved to calligraphic compositions which where a tough-minded doctor decides unexpectedly binds them and decides Nonrequired Reading 2012. the first time in the Third Tehran Biennale combined thousands of word fragments to to harbor a hunted young girl, with their fate. canvases that brought together geometric Marra is the winner of a Whiting Award, create lattice-like visual rhythms over a base of powerful consequences. patterns covered with talismanic writings on shifting colors. Marra gives us a searing debut Pushcart Prize and the Narrative Prize. He In the final days of December 2004, about the transcendent power of love received an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ a base of colors (green, yellow, orange, red, During a later period Zenderudi utilized seal in a small rural village in Chechnya, in wartime, and how it can cause us to Workshop and was a Stegner Fellow at and black) that reminded the viewer of Shia impressions in his paintings to create similar eight-year-old Havaa hides in the become greater than we ever thought Stanford University where he teaches as religious ceremonies, the word saqqakhaneh effects. He is considered to be one of Iran’s Front cover of the Persian woods when her father is abducted by possible. the Jones Lecturer in Fiction. was used (first by the present writer) to leading contemporary painters. translation of Anthony Marra’s describe the mood invoked by Zenderudi’s new 2013 novel “A Constellation of Russian forces. “A Constellation of Vital Phenomena” He has lived and studied in Source: Encyclopedia Iranica paintings (Saqqakhaneh, Tehran, Museum of Vital Phenomena”. Fearing for her life, she flees with won the 2014 National Book Critics Eastern Europe, and now resides in Contemporary Art, 1977). To be continued their neighbor Akhmed, a failed Circle’s inaugural John Leonard Oakland, CA.