Page 1 |No. 18|Feb 2020 Martyr Soleimani foiledMEHR NEWSAGENCY Mehr Vision|No.18|February 2020 US plots in West Asia, hence his assassination: Iran’s Leader Page 2 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Contents

Military operations won’t suffice; US corrupting presence in region must end: Leader 3 Story of Soleimani’s role in resisting US regional designs should come out in future 4 The martyrdom that would lead to a real “Islamic Awakening” 4 Soleimani played a pivotal role in combating terror movements: prof. Adib Moghaddam 5 General Soleimani was a brilliant strategist: Entessar 5 US assassinates Soleimani to have more room for involvement in region 6 In the next step of revenge Saudi Arabia should be punished 6

Cover Story Cover Haj Qasem’s message to Trump: I am Alive & more Powerful 7 Hegemons’ media warfare to complete the Soleimani assassination project 8 US can’t evade consequences of assassinating Gen. Soleimani: Rouhani 9

Trump aims at diverting public opinion by unveiling ‘Deal of Century’: expert 11 The US thirst for oil 12 MP elaborated on details of plan for Iran’s withdrawal from NPT 13 UK envoy’s behavior inconsistent with international norms: MP 14 How Guterres suppressed the Western media warfare against Iran 14 Iraq’s PMU a key check and balance against US-sponsored terrorism: Cartalucci 15 From a ‘color organization’ to ‘Joker’s mask’ 16

Politics Nigeria’s pressure on Zakzaky increased: IHRC head 17 US attack on PMU aggression against sovereign Iraq: US analyst 17 Changing label of Iran’s sanctions to make it harder to remove sanctions: Nephew 18 Intl. reactions to Saudi scandalous verdict on Khashoggi murder 19 Mehr Vision Iran missile program not in violation of JCPOA: prof. Entessar 21

Managing Director: Mohammad Shojayian Iran’s joint wargame with Russia, China delivers message to world 23 Editorial Board: Iran, China, Russia joint military drill success of Iran’s defense diplomacy 24 Mohammad Mahdi Rahimi, Experts shed light on role of Iran-Russia-China trilateral naval drills on security in vital waterways 25 Mohammad Ghaderi, Majid Rafiee, Payman Yazdani The secret of tripartite drills: US loses its influence in the region 26

Dossier Joint naval drill with Russia, China shows Iran is not isolated: energy expert 27 Editorial Coordinator: ‘Marine Security Belt’ drill in the eye of world media 28 Marjohn Sheikhi

Contributors: Islamic Banking plan; bankers confrontation with MPs 30 Payman Yazdani, Mohammad Italians persistently willing to preserve trade with Iran under sanctions 32 Ghaderi, Marjohn Sheikhi, ECO Role of regional digital development in increasing tourism coop. in ECO 33 Mohammad Ali Haqshenas, Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh, Zahra IRICA taking more steps to facilitate imports, combat sanctions 34 Mirzafarjouyan,

Economy Iran achieves knowledge of building space engines: ISRC head 34 Javad Heirannia

Art Director: Mahboubeh Azizi ‘Crows in the Rain is a pathway to every person’s infinite inner world’ 36 Persian calligram: a modern art style seeking world recognition 39 Phone: +98-21-43051350 Never compromise, Polish director Joanna Kos-Krauze tells budding filmmakers 40 Email: [email protected] Culture

Address: No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Iran’s star Hamed Haddadi reacts to death of Kobe Bryant 43 Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran AFC ban on Iranian teams continuation of anti-Iranian scenario: expert 44 Mehr Vision welcomes Mohammadian bulldozes all rivals, incl. Olympic champion, to win Matteo Pellicone 45 contributions by readers which What awaits Iran volleyball at 2020 Tokyo Olympics? 46 can be sent via email. Sport Iran female alysh wrestlers win 2019 world title 47 Mohammadreza Fahimi, the world’s most loyal fan 48 Cover Story Page 3 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Military operations won’t suffice; US corrupting presence in region must end: Leader

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei IRGC Quds Force commander Lt. Gen. Soleimani, the Leader addressed the nation live on TV on January 8, hours after said “our revenge was a different matter, which was carried the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted the US out last night,” referring to IRGC missile strikes on the US air- airbase of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq after base of Ain al-Assad in Anbar province in western Iraq. launching a wave of attacks to retaliate the US assassination “What is important in addition to retaliation is that military of IRGC Quds Force commander, Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. operations do not suffice. It is important to end the US corrupt- ing presence in the region,” the Leader stressed. During the meeting, the Leader praised the character and “Americans are insisting on bringing corruption and de- role of Gen. Qasem Soleimani in having foiled the US plots in struction into our dear Iran. Talks of sitting down at the nego- the West Asian region, saying “the US plot for Palestine was to tiating table is a preface to interventions, which must end. Re- keep them at a weakened state, but martyr Soleimani helped gional nations do not accept the US presence and its meddling Palestinians to stand strong and resist.” measures,” he added. “The US plots for Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon were all foiled by “The US enmity toward Iran is not temporary; it’s inherent. this great martyr. The US wanted for Iraq to be nothing more It is a ‘gross mistake’ to think if we took a step back and com- than dairy cattle, but Hajj Qasem helped this expansive front prised, the US would stop its enmity,” he stressed. [against the US].” The Leader then praised the Iranian Parliament’s motion “For Lebanon, the US intends to deprive the country of designating the Pentagon and all subsidiaries terrorist follow- Hezbollah, but Hezbollah has been becoming stronger by the ing the US assassination of Lieutenant General Soleimani. He day.” also praised the Iraqi Parliament’s resolution requiring the Talking about Iran’s retaliation for the US assassination of government to order the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. Cover Story Page 4 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Turkish politician: Story of Soleimani’s role in resisting US regional designs should come out in future Interview by Payman Yazdani Logoglu said,”The assassination of General Qasem Soleimani has been a fatal mistake on General Qasem Soleimani who was martyred the part of President Trump. It will certain- by a US airstrike ordered by President Donald ly draw a calculated response from Iran, one Trump at Baghdad International Airport on that will be specially timed and executed in Friday, was hailed as a charismatic brave line with a well-prepared plan. That much hero in Iran and beloved by the troops. Once, is clear. What is not so clear is whether the Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called USA will retaliate in return, an action that him a “living martyr”. will certainly escalate the tension. An all-out war between Iran and the USA is unlikely, yet Soleimani devoted his life to defend Iran’s things can get easily out of control. The assas- national interest in the region so he is consid- sination will serve to unite the Iranian people ered as a national hero for Iranian people regardless of their and deepen the will to resist American sanctions. Equally im- different political and religious tendencies. portantly, It will exacerbate the tensions already besetting the Many believe that Soleimani was not only a national hero region and further reduce the chances of reaching solutions for Iranian people but also he was a person who played a sig- to the problems in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Libya, including a nificant role in defeating ISIL which is a real threat for the re- peace settlement between Israel and Palestine.” gion and even for Europe, Caucuses and the central Asia. He He added, “General Soleimani has been at the forefront of also had a great role in confronting the US regional policy and the struggle between Iran and the USA. The story of what plans aiming at redesigning the map of countries in the Mid- specific role he may have played in resisting American designs dle East. in the region should come out in the near future. To know more about Soleimani and his role in foiling the US Iran is an experienced state with a tradition of effective di- orchestrated plots for the region we reached out to Dr. Osman plomacy. This is the time to avoid a broadening of the conflict Faruk Logoglu, a senior member of Turkey’s Republican Peo- with Washington. And Iran will act with greater wisdom to ple’s Party (CHP). deter America from making further mistakes.”

The martyrdom that would lead to a real “Islamic Awakening” By: Ali Rajabi Less than a decade ago, people of Arab Front, led by Gen. Soleimani was trying countries began to protest against their to fight with ISIL. After several years, the dictators to achieve justice and freedom Resistance Front in cooperation with also named “Arab Spring”. This moral the Iraqi troops (Hashd-Alshaabi), Syrian path took a detour and lost its right military, and local people could defeat way. It was the US effort to mislead terrorist groups and bring peace to the the people by creating some terrorist region. could simply realize that the US is a groups including ISIL, Al_NOSRAH and But Trump`s foolish command for at- friend of ISIL. ETC. tacking Gen. Soleimani and Abu Mahdi This is the truth that mentioned by Donald Trump, the current president Al-Mohandes, could clear the real face other countries like Russia as well. Rus- of the US, condemned Barack Obama of the US current governors and made sian Defense Ministry recently tweeted: for the creation of ISIL. (Time; August the Middle East people rethink about Under the direct leadership of Gen. Qa- 11, 2016). ISIL and other terrorist groups this old question: What the hell the US sem Soleimani resistance against ISIL # like Al-Nosrah and Al-Qaeda had commit- is doing here in the Middle East? There AL-Qaeda was organized in Syria & Iraq ted many violent crimes against people is a proverb in the middle east that says long before “Int`l coalition” led by US. in Iraq, Syria, Lybia, Lebanon and even “ your enemy’s enemy is your friend” so The important point that can be con- Iran for five years (Independent 4 De- when people see that the US assassinat- sidered now is that can we expect an- cember 2019). ed their enemy`s enemy (Gen. Soleim- other “Arab Spring” amid this chaos in On the other hand, the Resistance ani and Abu Mahdi Al-Mohandes) they the Middle East without the US troops? Cover Story Page 5 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Soleimani played a pivotal role in combating terror movements: prof. Adib Moghaddam Interview by Payman Yazdani

General Qasem Soleimani who was martyred by a US airstrike ordered by President Donald Trump at Baghdad International Airport on Friday, was hailed as a charismatic brave hero in Iran and beloved by the troops. Once, Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called him a “living martyr”.

Soleimani devoted his life to defend Iran’s national interest in the region so he is considered as a national hero for Irani- an people regardless of their different political and religious tendencies. Many believe that Soleimani was not only a national hero for Iranian people but also he was a person who played a signif- icant role in defeating ISIL which is a real threat for the region and even for Europe, Caucuses and Central Asia. He also had Whereas the role of the United States and other regional ac- a great role in confronting the US regional policy and plans tors such as Saudi Arabia has been ambiguous, Iran has had a aiming at redesigning the map of countries in the Middle East. clear interest in eradicating al-Qaeda/Daesh, etc.” Following his martyrdom, we discussed the role of General He added, “Soleimani’s legacy as a soldier is rooted in this Soleimani in tackling the US and Saudi backed ISIL threat in principled leadership in the war against Daesh next to his in- the region with Professor Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, Chair of volvement in the liberation of Khorramshahr during the Iran- the Centre for Iranian Studies at the London Middle East In- Iraq war. As such, he represents a historical synthesis between stitute. the modern politics of Iran and Iraq in particular, and especial- Adib-Moghaddam said, “General Soleimani became the ly after 2003, that is at a time when US foreign policy caused nodal point of a web of movements that oppose the presence the chaos, human tragedy, and ensuing civil war, that almost of the US military in their respective countries and are united divided historic Mesopotamia into separate entities. With his in their efforts to upset the foreign policy preferences of the death, the highly emotive narrative space carved out by the Israeli right-wing. More crucially, General Soleimani played a movements tied into the resistance narrative stands reinvig- pivotal role in combatting terror movements such as Daesh, orated and is likely to accelerate the end of US hegemony in both in terms of military strategy and ideological outreach. West Asia.”

General Soleimani was a brilliant strategist: Entessar Nader Entessar, Professor Emeritus of Many believe that Soleimani was not Political Science from the University of only a national hero for Iranian people South Alabama, lauded the capabilities but also he was a person who played a and services of General Soleimani. significant role in defeating ISIL which is a real threat for the region and even for General Qasem Soleimani who was Europe, Caucuses and Central Asia. He martyred by a US airstrike ordered by also had a great role in confronting the President Donald Trump at Baghdad In- US regional policy and plans aiming at ternational Airport on Friday, was hailed redesigning the map of countries in the as a charismatic brave hero in Iran and Middle East. beloved by the troops. Once, Iran’s lead- To know more insight about the issue, er, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called him a we have reached out to Nader Entessar, “living martyr”. Professor Emeritus of Political Science Soleimani devoted his life to defend from the University of South Alabama. his life to defend Iran and its national Iran’s national interest in the region so “General Soleimani was the most sig- interests in the region. He was a bril- he is considered as a national hero for nificant geostrategic figure in post-mo- liant strategist whose understanding of Iranian people regardless of their differ- narchical Iran. He was a consummate the US regional goals was unmatched ent political and religious tendencies. professional who selflessly devoted among Iranians,” said the professor. Cover Story Page 6 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Chairman of the London Energy Club told MNA: US assassinates Soleimani to have more room for involvement in region Interview by Zahra Mirzafarjouyan “However, there was also a signifi- cant divergence of interests with the US General Qasem Soleimani who was in certain other regions including the martyred by a US airstrike ordered by Persian Gulf, Israel, and Central Asia, President Donald Trump at Baghdad where it turned into a zero-sum game. International Airport on Friday, was Iran and Turkey remain the strongholds hailed as a charismatic brave hero in in the region preventing any redraw- Iran and beloved by the troops. Once, ing of geopolitical and energy maps, as Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared by the US military establish- called him a “living martyr”. ment,” he noted. Ogutcu went on to say, “Gener- Soleimani devoted his life to defend al Qasem Soleimani was in charge of Iran’s national interest in the region so sue, we have reached out to Mehmet wide-ranging covert military and in- he is considered as a national hero for Ogutcu, Chairman of the London Energy telligence operations, most recently Iranian people regardless of their differ- Club. in Iraq, advancing Iran’s geopolitical ent political and religious tendencies. Ogutcu said, “As we know, Iran has and military clout since 1998. The US Many believe that Soleimani was not in the past collaborated with the US in wanted to remove him so that the Ira- only a national hero for Iranian people fighting ISIS and Al Qaida across Iraq, nian influence and operations in the but also he was a person who played a Syria, and Afghanistan as it also fits Teh- region could be dealt a severe blow, significant role in defeating ISIL which is ran’s strategic objectives. Rafsanjani re- curtailed and more room would be a real threat for the region and even for vealed such support from Iran.” made for greater US involvement. It is Europe, Caucuses and Central Asia. He “ In particular, Tehran supported likely that we will see the tit-for-tat es- also had a great role in confronting the Kurdish peshmerga in resisting the dom- calation of further conflict across the US regional policy and plans aiming at ination of ISIS in northern Iraq. General region in the aftermath of this assassi- redesigning the map of countries in the Qasem Soleiman was also the one who nation which hurt Iran’s national pride Middle East. persuaded Putin to come to the rescue and which will create the conflict to To know more insight about the is- of Esad In Damascus,” he added. spread.”

In the next step of revenge Saudi Arabia should be punished By: Payman Yazdani US and Israel which are sponsoring the US-orchestrated re- gional plots financially and ideologically. Some of the nondemocratic reactionary kingdoms of the Persian Gulf region particularly the Saudi Arabia in order to survive after Islamic Awakening (Arab Spring) have been following destructive regional policies that not only is devastating the region and inflicting heavy damages to the interest of people of the region but also threatening the security and stability of the neighboring regions such as Europe.

Another strategy which these nondemocratic states have taken to guarantee their survival is following the US and the Israeli regime’s policy in the region in order to pave the way for the disintegration of the region in line with the US “Greater Middle East” plan. In fact, reactionary regimes such as Saudi Arabia and UAE are key tools and puppets in the hands of the Cover Story Page 7 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Everybody is aware of the Saudi and some other reaction- battlefield and above all, he was an Iranian official recognized ary Arab states’ destructive measures in the region especial- by Iran’s constitution. ly against Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and other states in Following the criminal act of the US, Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Ali the Middle East and Africa. Saudi Arabia and UAE have been Khamenei vowed “hard revenge awaiting the US”. Iranian securi- aiding ISIL and other terrorist separatist groups in northern ty and military officials later announced that the revenge will be Syrian and Iraq. “tough but not hasty and not limited to military one”. Definitely the assassination of Lt. General Qasem Soleimani According to what Iranian officials vowed the first step of in Iraq who challenged the US plots for the region and devot- revenge became operational last night when the Iraqi parlia- ed his life to combating US and Saudi created terrorist groups ment passed the bill obligating the country’s government to in the region has been carried out with the intelligence coop- expel US troops from Iraq. eration of these reactionary regimes. I think in the next step to curtail the continuation of the US The assassination of Soleimani is a clear violation of inter- and Israeli plots in the region, their regional mercenaries and national law and norms because he was targeted in the soil proxies particularly Saudi Arabia should pay the price and be of the sovereign state of Iraq in a terrorist attack not on the punished. Haj Qasem’s message to Trump: I am Alive & more Powerful Haj Qasem Soleimani and his comrade tion, Hassan Nasrallah’s remarks and Mahdi al-Mohandes were assassinated the fifth step of Iran in reducing JCPOA by an airstrike directly ordered by the obligations go hand in hand transmitting US President Trump in Baghdad, three a big message to the US and its allies. days ago. Martyr Soleimani has been on US streets after his assassination. Anti-war Keeping in mind the simultaneity of protesters rallied in several American assassination of the two major figures, states, New York, Washington and etc., let’s see what Trump is picking up just opposing Trump’s measure and his de- few days after his naïve decision. cision to send thousands more troops to First, Lieutenant General Qasem the Middle East. Soleimani, previously called simply as People showed respect to Martyr ‘Haj Qasem’, is now ‘Martyr Soleimani’. reshuffled the nation to stand side by side Soleimani in various cities across the The second title is much more promi- announcing hatred for Trump’s anti-Ira- world, too. nent, popular and in consequence more nian policies and more for himself. The International experts have warned powerful and effective. ‘unprecedented’ funeral ceremonies of of ISIL return after assassination of Lit. Haj Qasem, as the commander of the great Iranian soldier and his comrades Gen. Soleimani, while they condemn the Quds Force for over 20 years, was play- held in various cities across the coun- US measure as a terrorist act which can ing his major role out of Iran’s borders. try. Millions of people flooded mourning be sued legally in international courts. Common people in Iran know him for his into streets for Haj Qasem’s sake, which For sure, Trump has undermined the participation in the 8-year-old imposed proved Iranians’ anger towards enemies consequences of his decision for assassi- war with Iraq besides his undeniable besides their loyalty and thankfulness for nation of Lit. General Soleimani. The US and great role in fighting and uprooting the ones who serve the nation and seek President had blacklisted Haj Qasem as the ISIL in recent years. He is also ad- to preserve Iran’s dignity. a terrorist, someone similar to Bin Laden mired for his simple life style. In hid funeral processions, flags of and Al-Baqdadi, which he never was. The point is Haj Qasem, well-known Iran, Iraq, Hashd Al-Shaabi and Leba- Trump had no image of what Haj Qa- among his comrades for his kindness, non’s Hezballah could be seen hoist- sem can do even after his martyrdom. humbleness and braveness, was not in- ed, which can be translated into a new Trump has immaturely ignited a fire terested in making interviews or show- era for the region. Martyrdom of Haj which can entrap the US in a predica- ing off his achievements. His reputation Qasem, regathered all the regional el- ment in the Middle East. The issue, be- is to be definitely ever-increasing after ements and requirements of the resist- sides his other warmongering policies, his martyrdom. The hero will become ance axis. It created a new wave of re- have brought the US into a disrepute. a legend. A legend with its own specific sistance in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and etc., The US President considered Haj culture which will expand and cannot be which is more anti-US than before. The Qasem as an individual but “when you assassinated. wave regards Americans as main source break a huge mirror it changes into mil- In Iran, Haj Qasem’s martyrdom, de- of regional insecurity and is decisive to lion pieces with the same quality,” this is spite the recent unrest and draconian US expel them. the big lesson for the US. Now, it must sanctions and tough economic conditions, Sunday’s Iraqi Parliament’s ratifica- wait for the #Hard_Revenge. Cover Story Page 8 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Hegemons’ media warfare to complete the Soleimani assassination project

By: Mohammad Ghaderi

The media outlets of the hegemonic system have made certain efforts to ignore Major General Qassem Soleimani’s attempt in confronting terrorism, naming him only an Iranian commander and downplaying his international and special role in the fight against terrorism.

In a desperate attempt, the media outlets are trying to portray the martyrdom of General Soleimani as an irrepa- rable loss for Iran, while the history of resistance has shown that with the martyrdom of each commander, the next ones have led the resistance movement stronger, more enthusi- astically and determinedly. They are trying to imply that the U.S. terrorist act was a precautionary move against terrorism, while all the op- pressed people around the world see Soleimani as a great commander who fought against terrorism, which based on mine the resistance movement not only in Iraq and Iran but lots of evidence was created by the U.S. in the region. throughout the region. However, the path of the martyred The wave of numerous regional and international reac- general and other martyrs of the resistance movement in- tions to the martyrdom of General Soleimani, coupled with cluding the PMU will continue. This is what the Leader of hatred and condemnation of the assassination, reveal global the Islamic Revolution insisted in his condolence message anger at the terrorist nature of the United States. The global on Soleimani’s martyrdom. anger drives from Iran’s genuine work in establishing secu- Commander Soleimani is in fact a thought that will con- rity in face of the U.S. behavior in creating insecurity in the tinue to exist. The thought of the martyred commander world. and the resistance movement will not fade away. General Another point is that the statements by Iraqi officials con- Soleimani himself followed the path of the great command- demning the assassination reveal that the claims over the ers during the Sacred Defense (defense against Saddam Hus- coordination between the Iraqi government and the U.S. sein’s war against Iran in the 1980s). in committing this horrific crime are fake. In the past few The cycle is still at work, and other sincere commanders hours, U.S.-affiliated media outlets, in a coordinated and are continuing Soleimani’s path. preplanned move, have been seeking to create a dispute History has shown that the assassination of great fig- between the Iranian and Iraqi nations. They intend to intro- ures by state terrorism of the U.S. and Zionist regime will duce Baghdad as a partner in the crime, while the remarks not disrupt Iran’s advance in various fields. For example, by the Iraqi officials proved the opposite of this claim and it can be obviously seen that with the martyrdom of Ma- foiled the enemy’s plot. jor General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, the country’s The undeniable crime by the U.S. in fact amounted to missile industry progressed and with the martyrdom of “state terrorism”. The Americans have proven that they are nuclear scientists like Majid Shahriari and Mostafa Ahma- the leading element of state terrorism at regional and inter- di Roshan, the Iranian nuclear technology continued to national levels. In the meanwhile, the deafening silence of develop. On this basis, the process of combating terror- international organizations, including the UN, in the face of ism by the Islamic Republic will be strengthened following U.S. state terrorism is completely unacceptable. Soleimani’s martyrdom. The regional countries have adopted the same approach In addition, it should be noted that the U.S. terrorism has as international organizations toward American terrorism targeted not only the Islamic Republic of Iran but the resist- and policies, choosing to remain silent. Bahrain and Saudi ance movement in general. Martyring Abu Mahdi al-Mo- Arabia are among the countries that have not even said a handes, the second-in-command of the PMU, and several word regarding the assassination, while some other parties, other members of his resistance group confirm the claim. The such as the Zionist regime, have clearly and publicly de- Leader of the Islamic Revolution also emphasized, “The crimi- clared their support for the U.S. state terrorism. nals who have the blood of General Soleimani and other mar- The main goal behind this terrible crime is to under- tyrs of the attack on their hands must await hard revenge”. Cover Story Page 9 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US can’t evade consequences of assassinating Gen. Soleimani: Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the United States will definitely face the consequences of its terroristic measure in assassinating the top Iranian commander, Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani.

“The US cannot evade the conse- quences its terroristic measures and will definitely receive the response of its wicked crime,” Rouhani said during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The president described the Ameri- cans’ martyring of the brave general and his companions in Iraq against all inter- national regulations and norms and an international terrorism and war crime, saying, “The Americans failed to achieve their goals by this criminal act.” There is no doubt that the US had goals by this act, he said, adding, “They “Martyr Soleimani was not just a for this crime.” were after sowing discord inside Iran, military commander, but also a capable Referring to decisive responses that creating fear and division in the region politician and strategist in negotiating the US has received until today, the and distance between the Iraqi govern- different groups and even high-ranking president said, “The first response was ment and people and the Iranian gov- authorities in the region and outside,” the big presence of the people of Iraq in ernment and people, as well as affecting he said. Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf, Basra and oth- regional dynamics and efforts that were Rouhani also said that the Ameri- er cities of this country.” directed towards full liberation of the cans made a grave historic mistake by “This proved that the people of Iran region from terrorists, which they failed this criminal act, saying, “If General and Iraq are on the same route and ji- to do so.” Soleimani wished, he could terminate hadist commanders of these two na- “Of course, it is possible that this ac- hundreds of American commanders in tions are on the same path,” said Rou- tion was because of the internal issues different parts of the region, but he hani. and complications in the US and the was one of the most moderate mili- He also described the Iraqi parlia- White House, which will yield opposite tary commanders in the region and ment’s ruling of expelling American results with the awareness of the Amer- the world.” troops from the country as another re- ican people and the public opinions of He said, “General Soleimani used to sponse to the US’ criminal act, saying, the world,” he said. act very carefully and never went to any “The Parliament of Iraq courageously Rouhani also praised the greatness extreme,” adding that he had been mak- paved the path for the permanent ex- of the Iranian people, saying, “People’s ing efforts in the path of jihad in the past pelling of US from Iraq and the region in huge presence at the funeral of Martyr 40 years with increasing spirit. the future.” Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani “General Soleimani’s goal was pro- “America thought that they could was a miracle.” tecting security of Iran, stability of the create division in Iraq by killing General He added, “I cannot recall anything region, the freedom of Quds and protect- Soleimani, but on the contrary, Iraq be- like this in the history,” referring to the ing the security of the region by region- came more united and stood against the fact that people around the world, in- al states,” he said. US unanimously,” he added. cluding Yemen, Syria and Kashmir took Rouhani noted, “The Americans “If the dear General Soleimani tried to the streets to commemorate these thought that they burned Gen. Soleim- months and years to make the region martyrs. ani’s body with missile, but they burned this much united against the US, he “In fact, this unprecedented pres- the hearts of millions of free people in would not achieve this goal,” he said. ence was the manifestation of people’s the world and it is natural that America Rouhani added, “This was a major respect for these martyrs’ moral values cannot distance itself from this catastro- historical event that made our people and lofty causes,” Rouhani added. phe and it will definitely get a response more united and integrated than ever.” Page 10 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Politics Politics Page 11 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump aims at diverting public opinion by unveiling ‘Deal of Century’: expert

Politics

US officials, especially President Donald Trump, have ramped Highlighting the stance of Arab states on the Deal, up efforts in recent days to unveil the so-called ‘Deal of the Amal Abou Zeid said that “US insistence on making the Century’ in a bid to eliminate the Palestinian issue. Trump deal stems from the fact that they are well aware of the has also invited the Israeli regime’s Prime Minister to attend turbulent situation in the Arab world and know that the ceremony. these countries are politically fragmented and suffering from many economic, political and social problems so An adviser to Lebanese president and former MP Amal that we do not see a comprehensive and unified stance Abou Zeid noted that “There is no doubt that Trump’s ef- of the Arab States regarding the Palestinian’s right of fort to resolve the Palestinian issue is based on the prin- having their own country.” ciple of non-recognition of the right of the Palestinian Referring to Jordan’s stance on Deal of the Century, nation to have an independent state; a right recognized the Advisor maintained that “it is crystal clear that the by international assemblies and resolutions.” Deal may cause some changes in the geographical map “Inviting Netanyahu to Washington is nothing more of Jordan as some Palestinian territories will be joined than Trump’s attempt to affect the US Senate regarding to this country and will be under its control which can what is going on against him. The Senate is currently threaten Jordan in the future.” trying to remove Donald Trump from power, and Trump “The success of the deal and its implementation by the is calling for Netanyahu to seriously gain the support of US require the approval of Palestinian National Authority the Jewish-Zionist lobby in the United States,” he added. as well as Palestinian people and their political represent- He further pointed to Lebanon’s stance on the Deal of atives. This is the key to implement the deal because if the the Century, noting that “speaking about the aforemen- sides involved do not agree on the terms and do everything tioned Deal by the US is a direct threat against Lebanon’s in their power to oppose it and protect their rights, the situation because creating an alternative country for Pal- Deal will not be successful”, he added. estinian refugees raises fear and concern which are not “The Palestinian people will use all legitimate means in line with Lebanon’s interest. It will deny the Palestin- such as Resistance to counter these suspicious efforts”, ian refugees their right of returning to their homeland.” the adviser emphasized. Politics Page 12 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY The US thirst for oil

By: Mohammad Ghaderi with the American TV news channel Fox News. 6. Trump has also repeatedly stressed that the US support The Americans, including Trump, claim that they are for Arab countries is due to their oil resources. standing next to the nations and defend human rights and This kind of stance shows that what has been carried the freedom of nations. out by the US in Iraq, Libya and Syria was not for the sake of democracy and justice in these countries, but for their Their claims of human rights are hypocritically shown in oil. Therefore, the US current concern over the situation their unprecedented sanctions in history on the Iranian peo- of these countries is not about violence against people but ple. about oil reserves. A look at some Americans’ behavior reveals other facts. Such a behavior can be regarded as Western democracy 1. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed hope that and human rights, which are based on oil interests. The be- the Libyan oil facilities be reopened due to the Berlin confer- havior indicates that the only way of establishing peace and ence held to examine Libya’s crisis. security in the world, especially in Africa and West Asia, is to 2. The US Embassy in Libya also called for the resumption of end Western domination, which is pursuing its colonial inter- oil exports from Libya. ests. 3. After the meeting with Jens Stoltenberg in London, at the The US behavior represents American economic terrorism beginning of the NATO summit, Trump said, “We have total that merely seeks to plunder the wealth of other states. control of the oil. And, frankly, we had a lot of support from The difference between Iran’s view, which insists on the a lot of different people. But, right now, the only soldiers we authority of nations over their countries’ fate and resources, have, essentially, in that area, are the soldiers keeping the oil. with that of the US, which is seeking to plunder and colonize So we have the oil, and we can do with the oil what we want”. other countries, has led the nations in the world trust Iran and 4. Russian Defense Ministry released satellite images of distrust the United States. some areas in Syria on October 26, 2019, showing oil was ac- In fact, it is the result of the Iranian sincere behavior and tively extracted and massively exported for processing outside American dishonesty that caused the regional states to hold Syria, under the reliable protection of US troops. Despite US great funeral ceremonies for Major General Qassem Soleima- sanctions against Syria, Washington makes about $30 million ni, while asking for the US pullout from the region. a month through international banditry. The behaviors by the US reveal the legitimacy of Iran’s 5. “Iraq has the second-largest oil fields in the world. $15 stance on the need to expel aggressors from the region as the trillion dollar worth of oil second Saudi Arabia. I said very sim- main solution for establishing peace and security that will be ply that if it is me, we take the oil,” Trump said in an interview achieved by the nations’ vigilance. Politics Page 13 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

MP elaborated on details of plan for Iran’s withdrawal from NPT Chairman of Parliament Committee for Pre-Emptive nism featured in the JCPOA, a step that could lead to the Measures against the United States on Wed. elaborated on restoration of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic, the plan to move out of Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Iran warned that Tehran would leave the Non-Proliferation Iran’s nuclear case is sent to the UN Security Council. Treaty (NPT) if EU took Iran’s nuclear case to UN Security Council. In an open session of the Parliament on January 28, the “The European’s statement is in no way legal. If the Euro- plan of Iran’s withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty peans take another step, Iran will consider leaving the NPT (NPT) was put at the agenda of members of the Parliament, according to a letter by the Iranian president in May 2019,” MP Amirhossein Ghazizadeh told Mehr News Agency. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had said. Once this plan is approved by members of the Parlia- According to the EU’s foreign policy chief, the European ment, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is Union will discuss ways to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal duty-bound to revoke implementation of all requirements (JCPOA) and the possibility of triggering a dispute mechanism as stipulated in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) immedi- featured in it. ately in order to take countermeasure against violation of “There is agreement that more time is needed due to the US and European commitments under the Joint Compre- complexity of the issues involved. The timeline is therefore ex- hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if Iran’s nuclear case is sent tended,” said Josep Borrell said in a statement on Friday. to the UN Security Council (UNSC). The plan also forces “All agreed to pursue expert-level discussions addressing the government to cut cooperation with the International the concerns regarding nuclear implementation, as well as Atomic Energy Agency, he said. the wider impacts of the withdrawal of the United States Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Atomic Ener- from the JCPOA (the nuclear deal, officially known as the gy Organization of Iran (AEOI) are entitled to submit a compre- Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and its re-imposition hensive report with regards to the measures taken on this law of sanctions.” to the Iranian Parliament within one week after Iran’s nuclear In a recent interview with Der Spiegel, FM Zarif stressed program is referred to the UN Security Council, Ghazizadeh that the decision not to build a bomb does not derive from Hashemi highlighted. NPT. “It derives from our own moral and strategic convic- After Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known tions,” he said, adding that the Leader of Islamic Revolution as the E3, formally triggered a dispute settlement mecha- has issued a fatwa prohibiting weapons of mass destruction. Politics Page 14 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY UK envoy’s behavior inconsistent with international norms: MP

The British ambassador took part in a small gathering that vent the repetition and normalization of such behavior in was against the Islamic Republic; he took photos of the the future. gathering and tried to organize it; this is inconsistent with the Macaire was briefly detained during a protest in front of international norms and regulations,” Abolfazl Hassanbeigi, Amir Kabir University in downtown Tehran on January 11 a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and when he was organizing and provoking people angry at the Foreign Policy Committee, told Mehr News Agency. government’s handling of the aftermaths of a plane crash ear- lier this week. Noting that Macaire has “interfered in the internal af- He was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on fairs of our country and acted against the security protocols Sunday for “unconventional behavior” inconsistent with by participating in an illegal gathering”, Hassanbeigi urged his diplomatic status and being present in an “illegal the Foreign Ministry to expel the UK ambassador to pre- gathering”.

How Guterres suppressed the Western media warfare against Iran

By: Mohammad Ghaderi the Yemen war. 4. Making excuses to justify fur- On the morning of September 14, ther legal, political and military re- 2019, the Saudi Aramco oil facilities actions and measures against Iran in Buqayq and Khurais in eastern in order to complete the maximum Saudi Arabia were attacked by the pressure campaign. Yemeni army and Popular Resistance These accusations, however, failed Committees, which cut the country’s to convince local and international oil production by %50. public opinion due to the lack of sub- stantiated evidence. From the earliest moments of the On the one hand, the inability to event, Saudi Arabia and the U.S., convince the public opinion as well as which were in great shock, held Iran responsible for the at- international organizations raises the question about the U.S. tacks without any evidence. technical capabilities to identify from which side the attacks However, the Yemeni army spokesman took the responsi- originated. Although an international fact-finding committee bility for the attacks and stated that they were launched in re- was established by the UN, there was no sign of Iran’s involve- sponse to the Saudi invasion into Yemen. The spokesman also ment in the attacks. rejected statements by U.S. and Saudi officials about Iranian A few days ago, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres or Iraqi intervention in the event. affirmed in an official statement that the UN is “unable to in- Saudi Arabia and the U.S. were pursuing several considera- dependently corroborate” Iran’s role in attacks on the Aramco ble goals by accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran of involving oil facilities. in the attacks, including: In fact, statement by Guterres has suppressed the West- 1. Derailing the public opinion from the main reason trig- ern propaganda campaign against Iran over the past three gering the event, which was the continuing aggression of the months, which sought to describe the Islamic Republic as Saudi-UAE coalition into Yemen and the daily killing of Yemeni a destabilizing factor in regional and international devel- women and children. opments. The West was trying to justify the continued kill- 2. Refusing to accept that the Yemeni army has dealt such ings and aggressions by the Saudi-UAE coalition in Yemen, heavy blow since they did not believe that Yemen would be which are being carried out through financial and military able to carry out such an operation. support by the U.S., the Zionist regime, Britain, France and 3. Engaging Iran in the event to prove Tehran’s active role in Germany. Politics Page 15 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iraq’s PMU a key check and balance against US-sponsored terrorism: Cartalucci

US forces on December 29 conducted and various affiliates and allies. They anything serves to illustrate American drone strikes on a number of bases also help serve as a check and balance impotence. The PMU’s and their spon- for Kata’ib Hezbollah, which is part of within nations like Iraq which still stand sors must exercise caution and patience Iraq’s PMU, known by the Arabic name divided after years of extensive US med- - continue on with the successful- for Hashd al-Sha’abi, in western Anbar dling and political interference. What- mula they’ve used to help usher the re- province, killing at least 25 individuals ever direction the Iraqi military may go gion out from under US hegemony - and and leaving another 51 injured. in, there is at least the PMU’s to ensure avoid falling into traps sprung by such communities have a means of defending provocations. The US attack prompted massive against deliberately coaxed sectarian vi- public anger in Iraq on Tuesday, with olence. Isn’t the US attack a violation of Iraq’s protesters storming the US Embassy in The PMU also serves as an indirect sovereignty? Baghdad and seizing the building after - and thus difficult to disrupt - form of The US attacks are most certainly an American diplomatic personnel had influence Iran and its allies can exert absolute violation of Iraq’s (and Syria’s) been forced to evacuate. across the region to counter America’s sovereignty. The US carried out the at- Many believe these aggressive meas- likewise indirect methods of project- tacks unilaterally and in direct contra- ures come from Washington’s fear of ing power and influence. Because the vention to international law. They also the empowerment of such forces that PMU’s are drawn from the region and found themselves condemned strong- disturb the activities of its mercenaries sponsored by nations in the region, they ly by the Iraqi government itself. The in the region. have many “homefield” advantages PMU’s have served on the front line In an interview with Mehr News over America and its proxies. against terrorist groups the US itself - at Agency, the Bangkok- based geopolitical least superficially - acknowledges must researcher Anthony Cartalucci elaborat- Why did the US attack the PMU? be confronted and eliminated. Thus the ed on the PMU’s role in nipping the US’ The US is losing not only its re- US essentially ignored Iraqi sovereignty, plots in the bud and the reasons behind gime-change war in Syria but also its Iraq’s best interests, all in an effort to at- American’s assault against the popular influence over nations like Iraq despite tack militias engaged in a critical battle units’ positions in Iraq literally militarily occupying them. The against internationally recognized ter- attack on PMU’s is meant to provoke rorist groups. How do you see the role of Iraq’s PMU conflict, invite escalation, and serve as In many ways, these attacks serve in foiling the US plots for the country? an attempted show of power. as a new low point in US foreign policy. The popular mobilization units have Unfortunately for Washington - the We can only hope that in the new year been a key check and balance against region has watched the US wage large to come more rational minds prevail in US-led state-sponsored terrorism across scale war and covert war for now near- Washington and the Middle East can the Middle East. They have served on ly 2 decades. A handful of additional find relief from this enduring belliger- the front line against Al Qaeda, ISIL, airstrikes makes little difference and if ence. Politics Page 16 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY From a ‘color organization’ to ‘Joker’s mask’

By Mohammad Ghaderi

Theories of soft subversion have always been popular around the world, in the form of “symbolization” in social movements and protests.

“Symbol” in protests is a sign that rep- resents a common ideology or concept, and for a group of protesters with the same demands, it has a deeper mean- ing. This sign is chosen to incite people. The effect of the symbol is so strong that it can be used as a weapon for years. Many countries try to symbolize and then incite citizens to undermine their rivals. It should be noted that the symbol does not cause a protest, but it serves The “Joker” movie tells the story of a agitate and justify the protests by using as a means to control it. poor man who lives with his mother and new symbolization. In recent decades, “color revolu- has to play the role of a clown for the For example, the current events in tions” have been one of the US tools rest of his life. Iraq have in fact risen from symbolism. for interfering in other countries’ af- Suffering from “pseudobulbar affect” Protesters who are rightly frustrated fairs, in which the use of symbols has disorder, Joker hopes to become a fa- by the country’s situation, kill their in- been widely practiced. This type of mous comedian to make people laugh. nocent compatriots and take a photo revolutions are one of soft subver- However, being constant rejection and with his hanging body, describing their sion’s methods that includes a kind of humiliation, along with the immense tough living conditions as justification power transformation and displace- corruption of the community he lives in, for these brutal crimes. ment, coupled with negative struggle change his life and eventually turn him The interesting point is that the pro- and civil disobedience. into a professional murderer with a ten- testers used the Joker mask and image, This method was mainly used for the dency to uncontrollable chaos. which reveals their identification with Soviet countries in Central and Eastern He only triggers chaos without any the character. Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus. plans and sheds blood without trial. Some experts believe that the poten- Although the method failed in many cas- The people of Gotham (his hometown), tial to lead people in expressing their es after its initial success, it worked well who are victims of class distinctions and objections was considered in the -char in removing barriers by the American discrimination just like the Joker, follow acterization of this anti-hero since the hegemony. his lead and take into streets. The riot- Joker was already a popular character On the other hand, a general assess- ers rob shops, set public places on fire, and it was predictable that the movie ment of using such a method showed commit crimes and kill rulers. would be welcomed. that the color revolutions usually failed As the movie was opened at the Therefore, it appears that the impe- to complete the subversion project, and same time as uprisings in the West Asian rialist domination (the hegemony) has the desired result was not achieved, so region, some analysts suggest that the reached a model in using different ap- the Western countries changed their movie aimed at symbolizing and training proaches to overthrow the political sys- attitude toward the protesters in their protesters in these countries. Although tems that opposed it, within the frame- rival countries. this matter does not mean that the Jok- work of soft subversion theories. It Joker is the name of a character for- er movie staged the protests in these assumes that if the model is carried out merly known as an anti-hero in the Bat- countries, the violence accompanied properly, it can complete other scenari- man story, and in most of the past sto- the protests and the killings by the dem- os to transform ruling systems in those ries had an unknown identity, though onstrators suggest that there is a will to countries. he was previously known as a “popular derail popular protests against short- Compared to the previous difficult criminal” by audience. comings and discrimination. approaches, if launching soft subversion Recently, a movie was made about In other words, the Joker’s role here projects could have made a significant the life if a “Joker” and why he became is to “justify” the violence, and it seems stride in removing obstacles to the US a criminal, which changed the way that that after failing in the peaceful con- hegemony, in the next step “color” sym- audience connect to this anti-hero. flicts, this time the enemy’s plan is to bol had turned into a “live” symbol. Politics Page 17 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Nigeria’s pressure on Zakzaky increased: IHRC head Interview by Ramin Hosseinabadian pital in other countries than Nigeria but we did not become successful. In an interview with Mehr news agency, We also attempted hard to provide Head of the London-based Islamic Human documents to get him out of prison in the Rights Commission (IHRC), Massoud hope of improving his conditions. Shajareh, said that Nigerian government’s Our efforts did not bear fruit due to the measures prove that the pressures are measures done by the Nigerian govern- increased and the conditions are not set ment. We had to negotiate the issue with for having the leader of Nigerian Shiites, different bodies and organizations but the Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, released. Nigerian government put barriers on the path of the held talks. Following is text of the interview with Mr. Shajareh: Some media have recently reported the Sheikh Zakzaky is in jail in Katona. Please probability of having Sheikh released inform about his present conditions. before February 2020. Even his doctor has put forward the Yes, Zakzay has been sent to the central jail of Kantona, Ni- subject. What is your idea about the news? geria. It is worth noting that the named prison does not meet The chance for his freedom is low. In the past two years, the the standards to guarantee the health of the prisoners. It is Nigerian government has increased his pressure on Sheikh, among the most dangerous prisons not only in Nigeria but in while we expected the conditions to improve. Africa. Presently, there is no sign of improvement in their behavior All its prisoners are dealing with terrible conditions. Sheikh with Sheikh. In general, the conditions are not going on in his was transferred to that prison while Kantona court did not is- favor. sue the order to send him to the hospital. We believe that being under tough conditions, Zakzaky had to be sent to hos- What about Sheikh’s wife, Zinat Ibrahim? How high are the pital but due to the Nigerian government’s decision, he was possibilities for her freedom? transferred to prison. The chances are low for her, too. Her health conditions are tough and the put restrictions has worsened the situation for Have the measures taken by IHRC been fruitful? What her, as well. barriers have you been faced? Sheikh and his wife have been coping with terrible condi- Despite the made efforts in the long-run, we could not tions in the prison for the past four years and based on our es- reach any conclusions. We sought to transfer Sheikh to a hos- timations, their conditions are getting tougher incrementally. US attack on PMU aggression against sovereign Iraq: US analyst US forces launched deadly airstrikes against Kata’ib Hezbollah bases, which is part of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), on Sunday night, claiming that the attacks have been in response to alleged attacks targeting US and coalition forces.

To know more about the real reasons behind the US illegal act against an independent country, the issue was discussed with American analyst and columnist Stephen Lendman. Commenting on the role of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in foiling the US plots for the country and the re- gion, Lendman said, “The PMUs and other resistance groups in Iraq, Syria and throughout the region are important to chal- lenge the hostile US presence in the region where they’ll nev- Touching upon the illegitimacy of the US attack on a sov- er be peace as long as Pentagon forces remain.” ereign country, he added, “ I’m sure they’ll be more incidents Being questioned about the reasons behind the US attack like Sunday’s. They’re aggression against sovereign Iraq and on PMU, he reiterated, “The US is waging forever regional Syria, and of course, US proxy war on Iran goes on by incidents wars, inventing pretexts to keep waging them.” like days of riots, violence, vandalism, and chaos last month.” Politics Page 18 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Changing label of Iran’s sanctions to make it harder to remove sanctions: Nephew

Interview by Javad Heirannia your opinion? A Few days ago US sanctioned IRISL. It is true that this is the Trump Admin- Richard Nephew, who served as the IRISL was sanctioned beforehand and istration’s intention: to make it much lead sanctions expert for the US team changed its sanction’s label. What is the harder to remove the sanctions in the negotiating with Iran, is of the opinion effect of changing the label of IRISL on future because now entities and individ- that “It is true that this is the Trump shipping the agricultural commodities, uals are considered “terrorists” in addi- Administration’s intention: to make it food, medicine, and medical devices to tion to “proliferators.” much harder to remove the sanctions Iran via IRISL? Ultimately, though, the president has in the future because now entities and This measure will potentially have a the authority to remove these designa- individuals are considered “terrorists” meaningful effect. Previously, IRISL was tions no matter what they are, provid- in addition to “proliferators”.” sanctioned but only as an element of ed that they are not required explicitly the Iranian government. The sanctions under US law. The term “nuclear-re- The fellow at the Center on Global did not preclude foreign business with lated sanctions” has no legal standing Energy Policy at Columbia University, IRISL. Now, the sanctions will create in US law, only in the JCPOA as a term says that it is harder to see US pressure real costs for foreign entities or individ- of art. Grouping those sanctions made on Iran “the president has the authority uals who do business with it, essentially sense in 2013-2015 but it may make to remove these designations no matter recreating the situation that existed for sense to broaden the definition of what what they are, provided that they are IRISL prior to the JCPOA. sanctions could be removed if a future not required explicitly under US law. Ultimately, I suspect that this meas- deal is negotiated with Iran in a future The term “nuclear-related sanctions” ure will have less impact on Iranian hu- administration. has no legal standing in US law, only in manitarian trade than could be antici- It is also worth noting: the fact that the JCPOA as a term of art.” pated, simply because there are other so many US officials and their support- Following is the text of the interview: cargo carriers that will be prepared to ers outside in the think tank community operate in and with Iran. But, there are have said explicitly that they are chang- The United States recently sanctioned many fewer of them today than in the ing the nature of these sanctions from Iran’s central bank under the label past. “nuclear-related” to something broader “fight against terrorism”. What changes To address the immediate humanitar- in order to make it hard to negotiate a has this label made to Iranian trade? ian risks, the United States has permit- new deal with Iran will make it political- I do not believe that this decision ted transactions to “wind down” with ly easier for a future Administration to has made any real difference in Iranian IRISL for six months. This is an unusual change the terminology used. trade, though this is because the exist- situation and reflects a sense in the US ing sanctions were already sufficiently government that taking precipitous ac- Are there other sanctions to be severe as to preclude much of it. This tion here could be damaging, if not to imposed on Iran? is a difficulty that the United States will humanitarian trade than to the narra- Almost certainly. There are entities soon have, as there are few “new” sec- tive that the United States is not trying and individuals not sanctioned, sectors tors, entities or individuals to sanction to deny such trade. not targeted thus far. But, of course, that has not already been sanctioned or there is a difference between whether affected by other measures already in President Trump has changed some such sanctions could be imposed and place. Of course, the existing measures labels of Iran sanctions. Since removing whether those sanctions will be impact- will continue to have very serious eco- them are not under the President’s ful in excess of the pressure created by nomic impacts so the degree to which authorization. Then, the US future existing measures. In my view, there are measures are “new” is only meaningful president is not able to remove them few sanctions that could yet be imposed as part of the political narrative for the that were under the label of Iran on Iran that would have the power of Administration. nuclear program sanctions. What is the measures already imposed. Politics Page 19 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Intl. reactions to Saudi scandalous verdict on Khashoggi murder By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan gi inside the consulate and apparently bly ordered the operation. But Riyadh dismembered his body, which has never has consistently denied that the crown Alongside the announcement of the been found. prince was involved. Saudi Crown Prince Saudi court verdict over the murder of Audio recordings, CCTV footage, and denied allegations that he had ordered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Turkey, UK, forensic evidence all point to his murder. Khashoggi’s murder but said he took full and international rights groups and According to Turkish officials, Khashoggi responsibility for it since it was commit- bodies condemned and criticized the was killed by a hit squad of 15 men who ted by people working for the Saudi court’s conclusion. arrived from Saudi Arabia on 29 Septem- government. ber and were present in the building on The first trial session of suspects in Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for the the day of Khashoggi’s disappearance, the Khashoggi murder case was held on Washington Post and a critic of Saudi leaving shortly afterward. 3 January 2019 in the Saudi capital Ri- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, US President Donald Trump an- yadh. was living in a self-imposed exile in the nounced an investigation, but he insist- The Saudi government has character- United States where had been granted ed that the US will not waive trade or ized Khashoggi’s death as a rogue opera- residency status. He had been sharply diplomatic ties with Riyadh, regardless tion and detained 21 suspects, charging critical of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, of the outcome. 11 of them but Riyadh has repeatedly Mohammad bin Salman, and the coun- The disappearance of Khashoggi denied allegations that any members try’s king, Salman of Saudi Arabia. He received a fair amount of attention in- of the royal family were involved in the also opposed the Saudi Arabian-led in- ternationally in the past year. Turkey, in incident. tervention in Yemen. particular, believes it was premeditated On 23 December 2019, the Saudi Khashoggi went missing on October 2 murder, and after denials, Saudi Arabia public prosecutor has stated that the after entering the consulate in Istanbul ultimately admitted to the murder of court has sentenced five people to to obtain documents needed to marry the journalist. death over the Khashoggi case. Another his Turkish fiancée Hatice Cengiz. Agents The CIA found that Saudi Crown three people face a total of 24 years in of the Saudi government killed Khashog- Prince Mohammed bin Salman proba- prison for covering up the murder and Politics Page 20 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

violating regulations and another ten Jamal Khashoggi.” rug have been granted immunity,” Pres- had been questioned and released due The Washington Post’s publisher, ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s top press to the lack of evidence against them. Fred Ryan, also condemned the findings. aide, Fahrettin Altun, wrote on Twitter. The verdict says the Saudi investi- “The complete lack of transparen- Turkey also said the Saudi findings gation concluded that the killing was cy and the Saudi government’s refusal left many unanswered questions. not premeditated and that Saudi Ara- to cooperate with independent inves- In a written statement, Turkish for- bian consultant Saoud Al Qahtani was tigators suggests that this was merely eign ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy cleared of any wrongdoing. a sham trial,” he said in a statement. said the verdict was disappointing as In the immediate aftermath of the “Those ultimately responsible, at the “important aspects of the murder re- court’s announcement, Saudi media highest level of the Saudi government, main in the dark.” was flooded with commentators - say continue to escape responsibility for the “It is not just a legal necessity but also ing that justice had been done while brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi.” moral responsibility and obligation that some countries and international rights UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Cal- light is shed on this murder committed groups condemned a Saudi court verdict lamard called Monday’s court rulings on our soil and all those responsible are on Khashoggi murder. “anything but justice” in a series of posts punished,” Aksoy added. Aksoy also re- Khashoggi’s son Salah accepted the on her official Twitter account. The UN newed Ankara’s demand for judicial co- verdict but others were less impressed. expert previously found “sufficient cred- operation from Saudi authorities. Earlier this year, Salah took to Twit- ible evidence” that called for the Saudi British Foreign Secretary Dominic ter to deny that a settlement had been Crown Prince to be investigated. Raab said in a statement: “The killing of reached between his family and the Sau- Callamard criticized the court’s con- Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible crime. di government after a source told CNN clusion that the killing was not premedi- Mr. Khashoggi’s family deserves to see that Khashoggi’s family has received mil- tated, citing, “the presence of a forensic justice done for his brutal murder. Saudi lions of US dollars in cash and assets as doctor,” how the “defendants had re- Arabia must ensure all of those respon- compensation for the killing. peatedly stated they were obeying or- sible are held to account and that such But Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi’s fiancée, ders” and how the consul general “took an atrocity can never happen again.” in a tweet message on Monday said that all necessary precautions to ensure Paris-based media rights watchdog she would never forget Khashoggi, nor his there will be no eye witness present.” Reporters Without Borders said that jus- “murderers” or “those who are trying to She added, “Bottom line: the hit-men tice was “trampled on” with the death cover up” his murder. are guilty, sentenced to death. The mas- sentences meted out after a trial that Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty Internation- terminds not only walk free. They have did not respect international standards al’s Middle East Research Director, said barely been touched by the investiga- of justice. it was a whitewash. “The verdict fails to tion and the trial. That is the antithesis Even the US Department of State offi- address the Saudi authorities’ involve- of Justice. It is a mockery.” cial told reporters after the ruling, “To- ment in this devastating crime or clarify Turkey described the verdict as “scan- day’s verdicts were an important step in the location of Jamal Khashoggi’s re- dalous” and said those responsible for holding those responsible for this terri- mains,” Amnesty said in a statement. the murder had been granted immunity. ble crime accountable,” adding, “We’re The human rights group said, “Only “Those who dispatched a death pressing them [Saudi Arabia] for more an international, independent and im- squad to Istanbul on a private jet ... and transparency and for holding everybody partial investigation can serve justice for sought to sweep this murder under the accountable.” Politics Page 21 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran missile program not in violation of JCPOA: prof. Entessar

Interview by Javad Heirannia transparent and reversible manner to create a balance. Teh- Translated by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas ran says it has the right to do so according to Paragraphs 26 and 36 of the deal. E3 has called on Iran to return to full im- Nader Entessar, Professor Emeritus of Political Science from plementation of the deal and even threatened Tehran to use the University of South Alabama, highlights that Iran’s a mechanism in the deal which can return the UN sanctions missile program doesn’t violate the terms of JCPOA and against Iran. that European countries seek other aims by their letters and European countries consider the trigger mechanism as threats. their winning card against Iran, Entessar said, adding, “If Iran officially withdraws from the JCPOA like what US did, Europe “The letter of the E3 to the UN Secretary-General was not will lose the tool of ‘trigger mechanism’ … of course, Western- only provocative but also full of lies; Iran’s missile program ers will try to adopt anti-Iranian resolution in the UNSC but does not violate UNSC Resolution 2231,” Entessar told Mehr this will become harder without this mechanism.” News Agency on Friday. “I believe the four steps that Iran has taken to reduce com- “The three European countries aim to undermine Iran’s mitments to the JCPOA not has failed to influence the behav- deterrence and defense power and since they were not suc- ior of the E3, but also has turned them into claimants with cessful in forcing Iran into destroying its missile and defense aggressive behavior.” program, they want to fulfill this aim via the United Nations,” He went on to say that “Bringing up the missile program he said. and in particular, following the case in the UN Security Council “If the issue is referred to the UN Security Council, three would be the last blow to the body of the JCPOA that is now permanent members of the council will vote against Iran, so in a coma.” Russian and China will have an important role in approval or “One of Iran’s biggest mistakes after US withdrawal rejection of an anti-Iranian resolution.” [from the JCPOA] was pinning hope on the Europe,” said The remarks came as France, Germany and the United King- the professor, adding that European countries can never dom penned a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General distance themselves from the United States and play an in- Antonio Guterres, making allegations that Iran’s ballistic mis- dependent role. sile activity is “inconsistent” with the call in a council reso- He confirmed that there are no legally-binding term in the lution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. “Latest E3 JCPOA to limit Iran’s missile program and on the other hand letter to UNSG on missiles is a desperate falsehood to cover there is no legal framework in the international community to up their miserable incompetence in fulfilling bare minimum define or restrict missile programs of other countries, adding of their own JCPOA obligations,” FM Zarif wrote in a tweet on that Western countries “have stripped Iran missile program of Thursday in reaction to E3’s letter. any legal perspective, turning it into a totally political issue so European signatories of the deal have so far failed to fulfill as to achieve their aim.” their obligations under the nuclear deal and safeguard Iran’s “Enemies of Iran seek to turn the country into a defenseless economy from damages of US unilateral sanctions after Wash- body that has no important role in the region,” he said, noting, ington withdrew from the deal in 2018. Meanwhile, Iran has “they consider Iran’s missile program as the biggest obstacle announced that it is reducing commitments to the deal in a in achieving their aim.” Dossier Dossier: Iran-Russia-China Joint Naval Drills in Indian Ocean Dossier Page 23 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Navy Cmdr. to Mehr: Iran’s joint wargame with Russia, China delivers message to world During a visit to Mehr News Agency on Nov. 27, Iran’s Navy month, carries the same message to the world, that these commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi answered a three countries have reached a meaningful strategic point question posed by the MNA English Desk on Iran’s joint in their relations, with regard to their shared and non- wargame with naval forces of China and Russia in the shared interests, and by non-shared I mean the respect we country’s southern waters in the vicinity of the northern have for one another’s national interests.” Indian Ocean. “The wargame seeks to deliver this message to the world that any kind of security at sea must include the interests Asked about the message of the wargame for the re- of all concerned countries. We do not condone the kind gional and trans-regional powers regarding the balance of security that only caters to the benefits of one specific of power in this highly strategic region, the Navy com- country at a specific time and which disregards the security mander said “when we talk about joint wargames, we of others.” are talking about two or more countries with a high lev- “Seas, which are used as a platform for conducting glob- el of relations in various political, economic and social al commerce, cannot be exclusively beneficial to certain fields, which culminate in cooperation in the military powers,” he stressed. sector, with wargames usually being the highest level of “It is no longer viable for a country to resort to force such cooperation.” and bullying tactics to sanction another country’s oil by “A joint wargame between several countries, whether on restricting its passage through international waters,” said land, at sea or in the air, indicates a remarkable expansion Rear Admiral Khanzadi, adding “They need to realize that of cooperation among them,” he noted. those countries with common interests have close military He went on to add, “the joint wargame between Iran, cooperation with one another in a bid to achieve a desira- Russia, and China, which will hopefully be conducted next ble level in their collective security.” Dossier Page 24 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Iran, China, Russia joint military drill success of Iran’s defense diplomacy

By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan On the other hand, this joint naval from the drill’s messages. drill of Iran, China and Russia was con- The drill has political goals, as well as Iran’s joint military drill with China sidered as the counter to the US-led co- the exchange of tactical and military ex- and Russia was considered as one of alition for maritime security in the Per- periences and represents a kind of con- the greatest achievements of Iran’s sian Gulf. vergence between participants. defense diplomacy. In this regard, Iran Navy Command- Noting the joint naval drill of Iran, er Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said China and Russia is of particular im- The joint drill which was called ‘Mari- in an interview with Mehr News agen- portance, Shekarchi said, “The Indian time Safety Belt’ was held on December cy in late November, “The joint naval Ocean and the Sea of Oman are key are- 27, 2019. drill to be staged by Iran, China and as of world trade, so security in this area Russian Navy participated in this drill Russia delivers this message to the is important and vital.” with three vessels, including a Neus- world that any kind of security at sea “Iran has so far proven that it has al- trashimy frigate class named “Yaroslav must include the interests of all con- ways strived to secure international wa- Mudry”, a tugboat named “Yevgeniy cerned countries.” terways, especially in this key area,” he Khorov” and a tanker named “Yel’nya”. “A joint wargame between several said, adding, “The military drill will be Chinese Navy took part in the drill countries, whether on land, at sea or in held to enhance and strengthen the in- with a Type 052D destroyer named Xin- the air, indicates a remarkable expan- ternational trade security in the region.” ing. sion of cooperation among them,” he He went on to say, “The exchange of The composition and capability of noted. security experience between Iran, Rus- warships deployed by China and Russia According to Commander of Iran’s sia, and China, fight against terrorism to the waters of the region to conduct Army Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim and piracy are among the most impor- joint drill with Iran show that this joint Mousavi, this drill demonstrated the de- tant goals of the joint naval drill.” event is of strategic importance to Rus- termination of countries that are seek- “The security implications of this drill sia and China as the two countries have ing security in the region against those will be for all countries around the world deployed advanced and new vessels to countries that are after creating inse- and bring security stability,” Shekarchi carry out the exercise. curity, and enemies should take lessons noted. Dossier Page 25 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Experts shed light on role of Iran-Russia-China trilateral naval drills on security in vital waterways

The naval drills, the first of their kind, were launched on the anti–Iran threats from US-led coalition in the Persian Gulf. December 27 with the aim of promoting the security of He also says holding the second session of Regional Security international trade in the strategic regions, as well as Dialogue in Tehran participated by Russia, China and India re- sharing experience among participants against piracy and cently and also the formation of a block by Iran, Turkey, Qatar marine terrorism. and Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur all indicate that Iran has many options to confront the US efforts to corner Tehran. The joint maneuvers with China and Russia can be consid- Payman Yazdani, another Iranian political analyst, believes ered as one of the greatest achievements of Iran’s defense the joint naval military drill of Iran, Russia and China in the diplomacy, sending messages to the West amid US efforts to northern part of the Indian Ocean shows the importance of woo countries into a maritime coalition for patrols in the Per- establishing the security of the shipping lines for these three sian Gulf. countries due to the significant role of the regional develop- Dr. Bilgehan Alagoz, an international relations professor at ments on the world economy. Yazdani also says the drill is sup- Istanbul Marmara University says, “I think the main goal of porting the regional balance of power. the US maximum pressure policy on Iran is to contain China’s The three countries have sent some of their most advanced emerging power in World politics and to limit Russia’s influ- vessels to take part in the four-day exercises. ence in the Middle East. Because China relies on Iran to diver- Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani, Iranian flotilla chief, said sify its energy supply and Russia is dependent on Iran to pen- the maneuvers cover 17,000 square kilometers and consist of etrate in the Middle East. In this context, the four-day exercise “various tactical exercises,” including target practice and res- in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman aims to cope with the cuing ships from assaults and fires. US policy of containment.” The United States has been trying to persuade its allies into Dr. Luciano Zaccara, Research Assistant Professor at Qatar an international coalition with the declared aim of providing University, believes the joint military drill is a clear message “security” for merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to the US and the [P]GCC states about the strong ties between other strategic Middle Eastern shipping lanes. Iran, Russia and China in terms of security, in case a military Washington claims Tehran played a role in two separate option is still considered by the White House to deal with the attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman in May and June, Iranian file. without providing any credible evidence to support the accu- He also said, “It also shows the Russian will to play a signif- sations, which Iran has categorically dismissed. icant role in the Indian Ocean security, far beyond their main The US has sent troops and missile systems to Saudi Arabia area of interest in the Levant.” following escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. Javad Heirannia, an Iranian political analyst, also says the Iran has always reiterated that foreign military presence unprecedented drill shows Iran’s different options to tackle brings insecurity to the region. Dossier Page 26 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY The secret of tripartite drills: US loses its influence in the region By: Maryam Khormaei

Launching unprecedented drills alongside two world powers, Tehran has shown that it can overcome the efforts that aim to isolate Iran and push regional calculations into a new phase by resorting to the option of the coalition.

The Gulf of Oman is a particularly sensitive waterway as it connects to the Strait of Hormuz - through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes - which in turn connects to the Persian Gulf. The three countries are holding the four-day joint naval exercise, dubbed Marine Security Belt, under the slogan of boosting international security and and practices. The region has witnessed China’s most bold move in the recent trade, especially in the Persian Gulf blasts at the port of Fujairah, attacks on years is the establishment of its first and the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s the Aramco oil facilities and the forma- overseas military base in Djibouti, which main energy transit routes through tion of parallel coalitions. has a strategic position as it neighbors which 18 million barrels of oil pass per It should be mentioned that in late the Bab al-Mandab strait and the Gulf day. November, China also launched a naval of Aden and has a short distance to the What is going on in the region’s wa- exercise with Saudi Arabia, indicating Strait of Hormuz. The base is officially ters from Friday to Monday can be seen Beijing’s effort to flaunt its power to the used as China’s logistics supporter in an- as a response to Europe and the US that US, without the partial support of the ti-piracy operations. in the past few months have formed two regional states. China, on the other hand, is the larg- quasi-coalitions, under the pretext of In response to the joint Iran-Chi- est exporter of goods and transports securing energy transition, which were na-Russia naval drills, the US claimed most of its cargo through sea, thus it in- not welcomed by regional and trans-re- that “we know and observe”. The Penta- sists on the security of its shipping lanes. gional allies. gon spokesman also reiterated the need Launching drills along with Iran not only for safeguarding freedom of navigation provides China the opportunity to carry International reactions to the Iran- in the region. out is anti-piracy plans, but also allows Russia-China joint naval drills it to showcase its military capabilities in Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad China’s importance for Iran and the the fields of resources and control of en- Javad Zarif stated in a tweet that the reason for its participation in the drills ergy transmission lines. drills show the Islamic Republic’s com- During these years that Iran has been At the same time, China’s presence in mitment to secure vital waterways. under sanctions, China showed that it the Persian Gulf, while the US navy has Russia, meanwhile, described the was willing to maintain a strategic re- repeatedly challenged Beijing’s owner- drills as unprecedented and in line with lationship with Tehran, despite all the ship claim over the South China Sea can cooperating and training navies. threats. It should be kept in mind that be seen as a retaliation. Chinese Defense Ministry spokes- Beijing will never cooperate with Teh- man Wu Qian confirmed that the coun- ran at the expense of its lukewarm re- Russia and a continued strategic try’s Xining, a guided-missile destroyer, lation with Washington, unless there competition would take part in the drills. are national interests. However, Tehran In the face of the US-European par- However, China has made every ef- is confident of China’s support, and the allel coalitions in the Strait of Hormuz, forts to dismiss the speculation that continued purchase of Iranian oil also Russia has presented a plan for collec- the drills as “alarming”, so the Chinese implies this matter. tive security in the Persian Gulf aimed defense ministry spokesman stated The fact is that China seeks to take at establishing a security organization in that the drill was a “normal military ex- power to challenge the US global po- the region with the participation of neigh- change” between the three armed forc- sition and balance the distribution of bors and the observation of permanent es and was in line with international law power internationally. members of the Security Council. Dossier Page 27 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

The Russian plan has many similari- the Middle East, and this is a matter It can be concluded that holding the ties to Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE) that David Schenker, US assistant sec- drills, under the current circumstances Initiative proposed by Iran, as - item retary of state for Near Eastern affairs that the US and its regional allies are phasizes the non-interference of the affirmed. trying to isolate Iran, could be a real trans-regional states in the affairs of the The Russians have essentially taken turning point for the Islamic Republic. Persian Gulf. a series of measures to expand their The new position that Iran has defined Since the Syrian crisis, Moscow has confrontation (deployment) against for itself was created months ago by introduced itself as a key trans-region- the US, which stretches from Syria to downing US drone and then seizing the al power in resolving Middle East dis- the Persian Gulf, and not to allow the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, and putes, while expanding its influence to US influence spread to the north of will now be strengthened with such ad- Yemen and Libya. At the same time, the Persian Gulf. Therefore, holding vanced drills. What political, security, and Russia, along with Iran and China, has this exercise can be a way for Moscow economic achievements await each of been described as one of the challeng- to play a role and to highlight its pres- the three countries participating in the es facing the US in 2020, especially in ence. exercise will be determined over time.

Joint naval drill with Russia, China shows Iran is not isolated: energy expert Interview by Payman Yazdani After playing an active role in the Syri- an crisis, Russia is trying to increase its in- Dr.Omid Shokri is of the view that the fluence and presence in the Middle East. recent joint naval drill of Iran, Russia, Russia is by no means willing to control and China shows that Iran is not isolated the US transit route and energy control and shares some mutual interests with resources. Last week, the US Senate ap- Russia and China. Following is the text of proved a plan to ban companies active in our interview with him: the Rolling Stream and Leaving Stream projects. Russian-American competition What is the importance of Iran, Russia, in the global energy market is increasing and China’s joint military drill for day by day. Reducing Russia’s share of EU these three countries from the energy energy exports to the EU market is Amer- perspective and also the importance of ica’s main goal. the region which the drill was held? China and Russia have incentives for US sanctions against Iranian oil exports aimed at reducing a coalition with Iran, particularly the Russians who have suf- Iran’s oil exports not only reduced Iran’s oil production and fered numerous sanctions and conflicts between the Rus- exports but also provided an opportunity for Iran’s rivals in the sians, Americans, and Europeans after the invasion of the oil market to gain part of Iran’s share of the world oil market. Crimea. The Chinese were attacked by Washington because Iran was able to retain some of its share of the oil market, es- of their political rivalries with the US. Chinese want to secure pecially East Asia, by selling oil on the gray market. The control the Persian Gulf, the strategic region of the Islamic Republic of resources and energy pathways (which play a role in ener- of Iran. gy security and economic growth of major energy-consuming countries) has always been a priority of world powers and Can Iran reach an alliance with Russia and China through the factored in heavily to global political equations. The United drill? States sees an opportunity to control oil trafficking in impor- Looking at the larger geopolitics, it can be said that the tant export zones such as the Strait of Hormuz to reduce the Iran-China-Russia coalition is likely to form, and the joint pa- economic growth of China and other countries. trol between Russia and China in the waters of Japan and For China, oil security is the most important issue in regard South Korea in the East China Sea reinforces the possibility of to energy security, while for other countries it is often gas or becoming partners. The drone attacks on the Aramco refin- other fuels. According to the latest statistics, China is the big- ery facility and drop in production and exports of the world’s gest beneficiaries of the Strait of Hormuz; they receive about largest oil company made the US send more troops to Saudi 4 million barrels of oil per day from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Arabia at the request of bin Salman. Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. Around 42% of China’s im- This naval drill shows that Iran is not isolated and shares ported oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. China’s main some mutual interests with Russia and China at the moment, goal for participation in the naval drill is energy security, China but it is not clear how long such collation will last; it should has good relations with both Iran and Saudi and trying to solve be noted that after the US withdrawal from JCPOA, both Chi- any problem in the region which directly or indirectly treats na and Russia energy firms’ left Iran energy sector and other china’s energy security and china’s economic growth. industries. Dossier Page 28 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘Marine Security Belt’ drill in the eye of world media

By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan

The geographical and strategic location of Iran has made it the focus of international attention. The waters around Iran, especially the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf, have become the hotspot for saber-rattling for many countries, including the US and some of its allies to form a maritime coalition for patrols in the Persian Gulf these days.

The Sea of Oman is a particularly sensi- tive waterway as it connects to the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 30% of the world’s crude oil passes and which in turn connects to the Persian Gulf. hammad Javad Zarif in a tweet on Friday, “Iran, Russia, and China began an un- Iran, Russia, and China started a four- adding, “HOPE - Hormuz Peace Endeavour precedented joint naval exercise in the day joint maritime drill, codenamed “Ma- - is on the table right now.” Middle East amid fears they will take on rine Security Belt”, which includes tactical Zarif then noted, “Our joint military the US and Western powers,” wrote Daily exercises such as rescuing frigates under drills in Oman Sea/Indian Ocean with our Mail. attack, began on Friday in the port city Russian and Chinese partners make clear Referring to the beginning of the na- of Chabahar in southeastern Iran and are our broader commitment to secure vital val exercise, Associated Press wrote that due to continue in northern parts of the waterways.” some analysts believe that the drill is a Indian Ocean. Alongside the start of the joint naval response to recent US maneuvers with its The joint drill, which is the first of such exercise, Rear Admiral Gholamreza Tahani regional ally Saudi Arabia. cooperation with Iran since the 1979 vic- said on state television, “The message of “Tehran has been seeking to step up tory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution with two this exercise is peace, friendship and last- military cooperation with Beijing and Mos- major world naval powers at this scale, ing security through cooperation and uni- cow amid unprecedented economic sanc- is aimed at promoting the security of in- ty ... and its effect will be to show that Iran tions from Washington,” AP wrote, add- ternational trade in the strategic regions cannot be isolated.” ing, “Visits to Iran by Russian and Chinese amid heightened tensions between Iran The exercises brought the reaction of the naval representatives have also increased and US. US, with the state department telling the Fi- in recent years.” Holding trilateral exercise between the nancial Times that Iran should “think twice” It also quoted the message of Chinese three countries have received mixed reac- about conducting joint naval exercises, Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian, tions from international media in recent warning that such actions “should concern “The drill will deepen exchange and coop- days which shows the significance of this all nations with an interest in safeguarding eration between the navies of the three drill both in the region and world, as Jon- freedom of navigation in the region”. countries.” athan Eyal, associate director at the Royal The Pentagon spokesman Commander Time of Israel wrote in a report titled, United Services Institute, said the joint na- Sean Robertson said the US was monitoring “New triangle of sea power: Iran, China, val drills had been choreographed by the the joint exercise and would “continue to Russia start unprecedented naval drill”. three countries to send a message that US work with our partners and allies to ensure Israeli regime’s Army Chief of Staff Aviv influence in the region was waning. freedom of navigation and the free flow of Kohavi on Wednesday lamented that Isra- “This is a carefully calculated exercise commerce in international waterways”. el is alone in the fight against Iran and its in which all three participants are winners: Reuters wrote about the regional im- proxies in the Middle East. “It would be bet- Iran gets to claim it is a regional power, portance of the exercise, “Waters around ter if we weren’t the only ones respond- Russia demonstrates its role as the key Iran have become a focus for international ing to them [militarily],” Kohavi said, in an actor in the Middle East, and China can tensions, with the United States exerting apparent criticism of the United States show it is a global naval power,” Eyal said. pressure for Iranian crude oil sales and and Persian Gulf countries, which also see “The strategic message is that these are other trade ties to be cut off.” Iran as a major foe, the report added. the countries shaping events in the Mid- It also noted to the sending a guid- Relating the joint drill to boosting of dle East.” ed-missile destroyer to the four-day drills US troops in Saudi Arabia, CBS News also “Iran has long stated its readiness to by China, adding that both Russia and wrote, “Iran, Russia and China team up for work with our neighbors to secure the China also have good relations with Saudi military drills as America boosts troops in Persian Gulf,” wrote Foreign Minister Mo- Arabia. Saudi Arabia.” Op-ed Page 29 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Economy Economy Page 30 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Islamic Banking plan; bankers confrontation with MPs

By: Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh The plan’s advocates believe the said, “Is it possible to do such a num- newly approved scheme will provide ber of amendments in the banking sys- The Iranian Parliament Members (MPs) the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) with a tem?” ratified outlines of their own prepared higher level of independency for apply- He urged the MPs not to pass the Islamic banking plan in mid-December ing and implementing macro-policies plan into a law and let the government and are resolved to finalize it by the and gives it a free hand for providing initially prepare a related bill then sub- end of this Parliament (May 2020) not production and industrial units with mit it to the parliament. to have it postponed for the next one. low-price facilities. “Having the plan implemented, CBI Those backing the plan also note that would need almost two years to re- The plan, which can be named as it has been prepared paying a specific gain its stability,” he noted, “Under the a ‘scheme to revise the decades-old attention to traditional Islamic jurispru- present sanctions, it is not vital to make banking regulations’, includes different dence (Fiqh) to addresses the concerns such amendments.” sections covering ‘usury-free banking’, discussed by Islamic Marja’s about usu- Banking experts do not reject the making amendments in structure of the ry. positive aspects of the bill but note that Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and establish- On the other hand, opponents to it includes major weaknesses. They be- ment of the Islamic Republic of Iran De- the approved plan are banking experts, lieve that the bill had to be prepared velopment Bank. bankers and mainly the CBI governor initially by the banking system and The pros and cons of the plan, how- Abdolnaser Hemmati, who announced experts and after getting investigated ever, have developed a confrontation his sharp disagreement about the Is- by the government would be eventu- between banking experts and the Par- lamic Banking Plan, in an open Parlia- ally ratified by the Parliament. Lament- liamentarians. ment session. ing about its large number of articles, Proponents of the plan, who are “Under the conditions that the CBI they claim that approved bill has been mostly the MPs, assert that the plan has is sanctioned, its structure must not be planned unilaterally by the Parliament been prepared by experts of the Irani- changed by the ratified plan,” Abdolnas- members without considering views of an Parliament since under US sanctions er Hemmati said. experts from domestic state-run or pri- Iranian banking, monetary and financial “I am not convinced about the plan vate banks. system is in dire need for a revival. It and want MPs to vote against it,” he The ratified bill is called a naïve is modifiable and open for being dis- added. scheme that has been prepared hasti- cussed and criticized, they underline. “The plan includes 205 articles,” he ly without taking advantage of experts’ Economy Page 31 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY views on the threshold of the next a large volume of arrears that they had is called usury. To resolve the issue, round of the Parliament elections. not been paid to. Besides they were in Islamic banking banks are appoint- It has also been labeled as a propa- cut out from international financial re- ed as the lawyers and the customer ganda since it comprises too many un- sources,” he added. are their clients. Banks are allowed necessary modifications in domestic “The conditions made state-run then to use the deposits in real eco- banking system, while the country is banks and private ones compete. Since nomic investments. This pulled banks coping with the toughest US sanctions the state-run ones were in charge of into investing activities and running To shed light on the issue, Mehr supplying financial resources of the firms. The procedure, in better words, news agency conducted an interview private banks, the private ones com- dragged banks out of their mediating with Iranian banking expert, Bahaoddin menced granting more interests and roles into running economic projects. Hosseini Hashemi. advantages to lure customers. They, in The whole routine has been imposed “The plan has not been passed result, made the governmental banks to the banks by the implemented pol- to become a law yet,” he said, “The encounter a liquidity risk i.e. state-run icies through the times. Banks were ‘usury-free banking’ law was initially banks lost their financial resources and also asked to provide the govern- planned and ratified by the Parliament could not receive back the resources ment with loans, which have not been in 1983 and was to be reviewed after they allocated to customers as facilities cleared yet. fives years from its ratification. Butit and loans before the pre-determined Being asked about the practically of was not. Therefore, the Parliament has deadline,” he described. the MPs’ plan in case of being passed still the right to make a review over or “Capital adequacy ratio (CARs) of into law, Hosseini Hashemi said, “Proba- make its desired amendments in its governmental banks dropped, conse- bilities for passing the plan into a law by 36-year-old plan. “ quently. They could not grant loans the end of the current Parliament (May In addition, the banking expert noted as before, which attracted a chorus 2020) is low.” that “The MP’s plan, focused on domes- of criticism among Iranians,” Hosseini “Regarding the described complex tic banking system, includes banking Hashemi said. conditions, making any amendments in network, the CBI and the whole struc- “Criticisms suggested MPs that banks banking system regulations will worsen ture affiliates to banking procedures. prevent providing loans to applicants the conditions. Even a group of -bank Therefore, it deals with various issues despite having required financial re- ing experts and top economists would such as appointment or dismissal of the sources or because they are running not be able to improve the situation by CBI governor besides his impeachment firms or acting as relators,” he added. revising the whole banking regulations in a Parliament session.” MPs, as the nations’ representatives, from A to Z,” he added. As he elaborated, “CBI governor is were accordingly convinced that the Answering a question about the pos- not presently a member of the Cabinet, banking regulations must be modified. sible solution for the predicament, Hos- due to present regulations, MPs cannot They prepared and ratified the recent seini Hashemi said, “The prescription is impeach him and to find answers to plan in the Parliament despite bankers’ embedded in economic improvement. their questions about functionality and disagreement. The government needs to minimize its measures of the CBI, MPs have to sum- “Bankers and banking officials be- budget deficiency, seek privatization, mon the finance minister or the Presi- lieve that the practicality of Iranian pay its arrears to the banks, improve dent. Through the proposed plan, MPs banking system has reduced due to ties with international and foreign seek to modify CBI fundamental rules to some reasons other than bad regu- banks to be able to take advantage of have the right for questioning its gover- lations or its structure. Thus, the CBI international credits.” nor while respecting his authority and and banking experts did not accept to Besides the discussed deficiencies of independency.” help MPs get this plan prepared and it the MP’s plan, experts are gradually put- As he went on, “banking officials al- was planned fully by the Parliament. ting forward further shortfalls. ways confirm the need for some modi- Bankers assert that impracticality is For instance, the plan has not consid- fications in banking system regulations, rooted in economic status quo, the ered any specific connection between however, they assert that the imprac- applied monetary and financial poli- the required monetary and foreign ticalities of this system are rooted in cies,” the expert reiterated. exchange rate policies, despite the sig- causes other than the current laws and All across the globe, banks are act- nificant influence of the forex rates on regulations.” ing as mediators i.e. they take money various economic sectors of Iran, some “For years, Iran has been under the from depositors and grant it to the in- claim. US sanctions and experiencing an eco- vestors in cash or in form of credits. In a letter to the Parliament Speak- nomic stagnation. It is a long time that Banks in the world do not interfere er, a group of Iranian bankers and ex- the government has been receiving more and just act as supervisors via perts have urged the parliament to re- loans from the country’s banks to com- assessing the possible risks and cred- ject the plan due to its ‘fundamental pensate its budget deficiency but it was its. However, in Islamic banking the deficiencies’. The plan, in their view, not able to fulfill its commitments,” he wage or interest banks receive to act is unilaterally designed by MP’s with- noted. as mediators puts them in place of out reflecting the views of banking “Accordingly, banks had to deal with creditors against loan takers, which system professionals. Economy Page 32 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Italians persistently willing to preserve trade with Iran under sanctions

By: Mahnaz Abdi

Although the U.S. renewed sanctions European Union’s statistics agency Eu- The official says that despite the U.S. against Iranian economy are preventing rostat, among the European importers pressures, small and medium-sized Ital- Iran’s European trade partners to do of Iranian products in 2018, Italy was the ian enterprises have not cut their ties business with the Islamic Republic, biggest one through purchasing €2.9 bil- with Iran and Italy still holds the first Italian traders and businessmen seem lion of goods from Iran. place among Iran’s European trade part- strongly determined to preserve their The country’s imports from Iran in ners. trade ties with Iran. 2018 was 31 percent of the total of “In the post-sanctions era when the European countries’ imports from the sanctions were removed from Iran’s They did not leave the Iranian market Islamic Republic. However, the figure economy, over 1000 business firms and even in the previous round of the sanc- registered an annual decrease of 13 per- more than 300 companies from Italy tions. cent in 2018 from its previous €3.36 bil- came to Iran,” according to Pourfallah. During a number of meetings be- lion in 2017. He says that Italian companies are tween Iranian and Italian officials and During another meeting participated still looking to find ways to continue businesspeople after the imposition of by the ICCIMA head and the new Italian their economic ties with Iran, every the new round of sanctions, the Italian Ambassador to Iran Giuseppe Perrone month four or five Italian companies vis- side has repeatedly expressed its eager- in early July, the Italian envoy said the it Iran to hold trade talks. ness and determination to preserve and ground is prepared for cooperation be- The official says that the two sides even expand economic and trade coop- tween Italian and Iranian companies. have on the agenda to boost their mu- eration with Iran. Making the remarks in a meeting of tual trade to $13 billion. In a meeting with Head of Iran Cham- Iran-Italy Joint Chamber of Commerce Meanwhile, in an interview conduct- ber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and at the place of ICCIMA, the ambassa- ed by ILNA on Saturday, Lida Shahabi, Agriculture (ICCIMA) Gholam-Hossein dor said that the activities of the joint the secretary general of Iran-Italy Joint Shafe’i in Tehran in mid-June, the pre- chamber in fact show that there is high Chamber of Commerce, said that Italian vious Italian Ambassador to Iran Mauro interest for cooperation between the private sector is pressuring the govern- Conciatori emphasized that the coop- two countries and based on the availa- ment to set up a financial channel to eration between Iran and Italy will be ble data, Italy is one of the major trade boost economic ties between the two maintained at all levels. partners of Iran. countries. Mentioning the growth of trade turn- Expressing his satisfaction over the “Italy cannot ignore the attractive over between Iran and Italy in recent eagerness of Iranian and Italian private market of Iran”, the official further em- years and the interest of Italian busi- sectors for cooperation, the envoy said phasized. nessmen and entrepreneurs in invest- Italian embassy is ready for offering any She went on to say, “SMEs are very ing in Iran, he stressed, “We should not kind of cooperation in this due. important in the Italian economy. 90 worry about the future of Iran-Italy eco- “We are in a special condition creat- percent of Italian SMEs are active with nomic relations.” ed as the result of sanctions pressure on less than 10 employees and have no ties “Despite the U.S. sanctions, the two both sides and under the current con- with the U.S., so they do not fear the countries’ trade turnover is currently dition Iranian and Italian governments sanctions. These SMEs express high will- more than 4 billion euros” Conciatori and private sectors have a double re- ingness to have trade with Iran as they said. sponsibility to remove the barriers”, he consider the high potential of Iranian “We are currently in the process of stressed. market.” “contemplating” to plan better future According to Chairman of Iran-Ita- Therefore, the officials of the two relations, and I’m sure we will have a ly Joint Chamber of Commerce Ahmad sides should lay the ground for expan- bigger jump forward after this era”, he Pourfallah, despite the U.S. sanctions sion of bilateral cooperation and in fact added. Italian companies are still willing to en- they should act as a catalyst in this due, According to the data released by gage in trade with Iran. she commented. Economy Page 33 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

ECO Role of regional digital development in increasing tourism coop. in ECO

By: Mahdi Pourhasani the level of development and digital framework for future joint activities in the readiness of countries and their stake- field of ICT under the umbrella of ECO. The 3rd ECO Ministerial Meeting on holders. It will also depend on the pol- ECO region with an area of more than Tourism following the 5th High-Level icies adopted and implemented at the 8 million square kilometers and a popu- Experts Group (HLEG) on tourism was national, regional and international lation of around 450 million inhabitants held on 3-4 October 2019, in Khujand, levels. According to ITU 2017 Global is well-known for its natural beauties Tajikistan. ICT Development Index, position of ECO and diversity of its historical- cultural member state was included Kazakhstan heritage. The meetings were hosted by the 52, Azerbaijan 65, Turkey67, Islamic This region has potential opportuni- Committee of Tourism Development un- Republic of Iran81, Uzbekistan 95, Kyr- ties to further cooperation in tourism der the government of the Republic of gyzstan 109, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and attract foreign tourism. One of the Tajikistan. Delegations from the Islamic 148 and Islamic Republic of Afghanistan approaches to achieve this goal is in- Republic of Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, 159 that showed existence of digital di- cising cooperation in information and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Re- vided between member countries but communication technology to the im- public of Tajikistan (host), the Republic this problem could increase opportu- provement of IDI in this region and de- of Turkey and the Republic of Uzbek- nities of ICT cooperation among these velopment of cooperation through this istan as well as the delegation of ECO countries. field such as e-healthy, e-learning, and Secretariat attended the meetings. In the tourism sector, digital technol- other methods. In this regard, regional The essay is to demonstrate the re- ogy like cell phone applications, digital countries can support launching ECO lationship between the development of cameras, internet, GPS, big data, virtual TOURISM WEBSITE; the website should information and communication tech- reality are creating a new competitive creation by the chamber of commerce nology and the improvement of coop- global market and countries and com- of member states to introduce tourism eration in tourism among ECO member panies are allowed to access the global attraction and credible company to offer states. market through advertising campaigns, e-tourism service to the ECO region at The increasing development of infor- market making and analyzing the global affordable prices. mation and communication technology market. For instance, according to some As a result, access to affordable, high- over the past two decades has an effect research, VR tours are effective not only speed broadband network strengthens on regional and global integration and in enticing people to visit an area but regional cross- border digital trade and development of globalization. It has in helping them plan out what they’re digital literacy in member state coun- positive effects on employment in start- going to do and how they’re going to tries documented in “2025 ECO Region- ups and innovative companies, growth, spend their time once they’re there. al strategy for information society de- and development in technology and The “2025 ECO Regional Strategy for velopment” has a positive effect on the other sectors as well as creative fields Information Society Development” and development of tourism in the region like e-government, e-tourism and so on. proposed “Plan of Action” was agreed by and would increase the level of tourism ICT network impact will depend on a ministerial meeting in 2017 to serve as a cooperation within ECO region. Economy Page 34 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY IRICA taking more steps to facilitate imports, combat sanctions By: Mahnaz Abdi

Since the US re-imposition of sanctions against Iran’s economy, the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) has been taking various measures to facilitate the customs process both for exports and imports of the commodities to reduce the effect of sanctions.

IRICA Head Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi says that this round of sanc- tions is tougher than the previous round; so more strategic actions are needed to nullify them. As the sanctions may make the country face a shortage of basic goods, the government and IRICA have taken various measures to avoid such a condition. Mehrdad Jamal Orounaqi on Monday is to facilitate imports One major action is facilitating conditions for the importers more in line with combatting the sanctions. of the basic commodities, for example providing them nec- The new instructions declared to the country’s customs de- essary foreign currency through NIMA (Iran’s Forex Manage- partments require the representatives of the related organi- ment Integrated System). zations to act under the supervision of IRICA for conducting Also in August, Iran’s Finance and Economic Affairs Minister necessary controls and inspections. Farhad Dejpasand, in a directive addressing the IRICA head, Controls like medical inspections and those related to qual- obliged the customs administration to take measures for facil- ity and standards should be done under the supervision of IR- itating customs processes. ICA, according to the new bylaw. Meanwhile, following a previous directive by President It says that the related organizations should submit the result Hassan Rouhani, IRICA has been providing new facilities for of their controls and investigations to IRICA through the electron- importers of basic goods which makes them able to clear their ic system and based on the procedures defined by IRICA. commodities in less than an hour. And it is emphasized that the new regulations are to pro- And now a new bylaw announced by IRICA Deputy Head tect the economy against the sanctions. Iran achieves knowledge of building space engines: ISRC head Head of Iran’s Space Research Center Iranian scientists have in recent says the country is now capable of years made astonishing progress in the manufacturing space engines. development of the country’s space program. “Iran has achieved the knowledge of Iran launched its first locally-built building space engines; such engines satellite, Omid (Hope), in 2009. The were formerly built only by the US,” country also sent its first bio-capsule Hossein Samimi told Mehr News Agen- containing living creatures into space cy on January 18. in February 2010, using a Kavoshgar-3 He said the new achievement in- (Explorer-3) carrier. cludes the design and development of Director of Iran University of Science various versions of “Arash space engine” the first sample of and Technology, Jabar Ali Zaker said this week the university which was tested successfully late 2019. had delivered the home-grown Zafar satellite to Iran Space Referring to the rapid developments of the country’s space Agency, noting that the satellite is now ready for launch. sector, Samimi noted that “space engines were not needed He did not provide a schedule for the launch but said it will before because the Iranian satellites were put into the low be put into orbit in the next three months. orbit in the past; however, now that we are seeking to send Zafar is a 90-kilogram remote-sensing satellite equipped satellites into the high orbit, we need such engines.” with color cameras and can be used for surveying oil reserves, “Arash space engine will be put in the orbital transfer system mines, jungles and natural disasters. If the launch is success- to help thrust satellites from the low orbit into the high orbit.” ful, it will orbit the earth at an altitude of 530 kilometers. Page 35 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Culture Culture Page 36 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘Crows in the Rain is a pathway to every person’s infinite inner world’ By: Marjohn Sheikhi

Post-rock is one of those really tricky genres. The music could either be the best thing you’ve ever heard in your life and will continue to be on loop to the end of time, or it may come across as generic and repetitive and completely unmemorable and already ticked off your playlist after the first listen.

Fortunately for the Tehran-based ‘Crows in the Rain’, their music falls into the first category. Each track could easily be someone’s favorite, and I, personally, have a hard time skipping on any of them. The music, composed on piano, electric guitar, bass and drums, tugs at your heartstrings with band said “We have a principle in our played. Hours later, our very first piece its mournful, melancholic tone, and re- band which is no piece is released un- was composed and recorded entire- vitalizes your artistic calling, no matter less we are deeply influenced or moved ly from improvisation. We stood by how much or little of it you think you by it when we listen to it.” the window while listening to our first have. What follows is my interview with piece and looking outside; it was rain- “What has attracted us to this par- Crows in the Rain about the story be- ing heavily while a flock of crows was ticular genre is its ability to represent hind the formation of the band, their flying above the house. This was the the infinite magnificence of the small- aspirations, the process of composing inspiration for the name of the group. est moments we have lived,” the band a piece, and the joyful moments and Hamed Fahimi Joo is our guitarist said in explanation of the appeal of the challenges they have encountered who has had many experiences playing post-rock genre that brought Crows in along the way to be where they are in genres such as Rock, Fusion, Blues, the Rain into existence some five years today. and Experimental in other bands be- ago. fore. Masih Taj, who’s another member Faithful to the band’s name, each The first time I listened to a track by of our band, was a pianist before the track sounds like the gentle pitter-pat- ‘Crows in the Rain’, which was ‘You band was formed; however, he did not ter of rain against the windowpane Are Still Here Floating’ from your have any professional career in music and a pleasant scent of the petrichor 2016 album, I didn’t even entertain before Crows in the Rain. In 2017, af- that comes after. the possibility that the band would ter the release of the second album, “Emotions such as sorrow, loss, actually be hailing from Iran. Please Ashkan Karimi also joined the band as grievance...have always acted as strong tell us about the band. How and why the bassist. He started pursuing his mu- driving forces for our music and we it was formed, the members and their sical career as a bassist professionally find great fragility and infinite purity in musical backgrounds, the visions, after joining the band. Lastly, Masood these emotions.” etc.? Keramat is a drummer who joined us Bands, even the highly successful There was no initial planning for later and is currently an active member and well-established ones, are hardly the formation of the band. The idea of our band. Masood has had years of ever consistent with the quality of the behind forming a band stemmed from experience in the field of music, play- music they produce. That has never the friendship between Masih and ing in genres such as Progressive, Rock, seemed to be an issue for the Crows Hamed. As mentioned in many oth- and Experimental. in the Rain, with four albums already er interviews, in October 2014 on a under their belt, and a fifth one soon rainy day, we (Masih and Hamed) got As someone who favors dark, to be released. together and played for the first time melancholic vibes above all else, When asked about their ‘secret’, the and decided to record everything we listening to your music is a real treat Culture Page 37 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY that never disappoints. From your first tions that we are experiencing in our- us about the story behind them. Why released track ‘Forgotten Childhood’ selves. Emotions such as sorrow, loss, haven’t we yet heard a track by your (2016) to the latest album ‘Sorrow grievance, etc. have always acted as band with crows cawing in the rain in for An Unfinished Dream’ (2019), strong driving forces for our music and the background? the traces of sorrow and suffering we find great fragility and infinite puri- We talked about the story behind are palpable. Where do these acute ty in these emotions. From the start till our band’s name earlier but regarding feelings come from? And how do you now these emotions have been and are the sound of rain and crows, these el- keep this consistency and distinctive still the essence of any new music we ements were included in the first track sound in all of the tracks you have so create and produce and despite all the ever recorded and the name of the far released? changes along the way, we have always track is “Crows in the Rain” which has We have always strived to play mu- tried to keep the purity of this essence. not been performed live or released sic solely for the sake of music itself anywhere till today. Perhaps in the and what we experience in our inner What is the appeal of the post-rock near future, this piece, along with oth- world. Certainly, every band has their genre that brought ‘Crows in the Rain’ er pieces will be released. visions and dreams. One of our biggest into existence? and most important visions is to enable We don’t insist on playing in the Post You performed several live concerts anyone who listens to our music to ex- Rock genre but till today, Post Rock has in Iran. How were the experience and plore and delve into their inner world given us the best possible platform for feedback? When will be your next which they may suppress or ignore and expressing what we experience in our- concert in Iran? to listen to and perhaps grasp an expe- selves. Apart from this matter, what For our first concert, we had serious rience of that world within. has attracted us to this particular gen- concerns about selling out the tickets We have a principle in our band re is its ability to represent the infinite but in just an hour and a half, we were which is no piece is released unless magnificence of the smallest moments sold out! In that concert, we played the we are deeply influenced or moved by we have lived. tracks that were supposed to be re- it when we listen to it and every time leased in the third album and our audi- we choose the pieces that affect us Your band name is indeed a very ence had never heard them before. The between the ones we have composed, interesting choice, and also very feedback we received during and after we come to the understanding that telling of the sound of your music. So the concert was remarkably positive these tracks are filled with the emo- are the artworks for each album. Tell and a surprise to us and that became Culture Page 38 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY a motivation to have another concert reaching your targeted audience, and shima which we included in that album at a bigger venue, the main hall of Aza- if yes, how do you overcome them? (named “This is our cry” in the track- di Tower with 300 seats available, in We were well aware that Post Rock list) and this helped us significantly in less than a month. Later we also had is not a mainstream genre in the mu- shaping the concept of the album. concerts at the University of Tehran, sic industry around the world since the Evan Shams Hall, and Niavaran cultural beginning; hence, this has never been How do you go about composing a center. a serious concern to us. For sure we’ve track? Tell me about the process, the Yet, from the first day of forming faced many challenges in our way due inspiration, and the challenges. Which this band, we decided to dedicate our- to the restrictions implemented in Iran. member(s) is in charge of coming up selves to creating music regardless of Challenges particularly with regards to with the idea and the general sound its career-wise successes or setbacks the limitations in the music industry of of each track? and we didn’t draft a set plan for any of Iran and communicating with the au- All of the tracks we have ever com- the events and concerts or other sides dience; Nonetheless, these challenges posed have been based on improvisa- of this journey in advance. This is still a have prompted our growth and de- tion. We always gather together and core principle to us and makes us gen- velopment in many ways too. It’s also one of us starts playing based on what- uinely excited and enthusiastic about worth mentioning that the cultural ever emotions they are experiencing at every event we have as if it is our very context of our country and society has that moment and the other members first concert. This has allowed us to created a distinct effect on our music slowly join and start playing along and connect with our audiences on a much too. develop the piece that’s being crafted. deeper level. As mentioned, Post Rock, in many This process continues until the end of When we are performing live on the parts of the world, is not a well-distin- the piece. The entire course of com- stage, where there’s less distance with guished genre but particularly in Iran, posing a piece is generated through our audience, expressing our emotions there have never been any attempts an empathetic and telepathic process in the form of music with them feels as to promote a platform for this genre between us as a group; hence we can’t if we are sharing our world with them or any other non-mainstream genres consider any singular member of our and they are sharing theirs with us and to be introduced and publicized on a band to be the sole composer of any I think this builds up this strange and big scale. This, however, has never act- track. unique atmosphere in the room that ed as a setback for us; therefore, we creates a distinctive experience for don’t feel the need to overcome this Where are you planning to take the each and all of us. hindrance and any progress we’ve ever band next, music-wise? Are you Our next concert will be after the re- made, small or big, has always brought working on a new album? lease of the fifth album, in winter 2020. us joy and delight. We certainly have short term and Based on what we have planned, we’ll long term agendas; however, we’re have a concert in Tehran and some oth- Your latest album, ‘Sorrow for An not restricting ourselves to these er cities in Iran as well. Information on Unfinished Dream’, judging by the plans and we try to navigate our path the time and the venue of these con- name of some of the tracks, seems through this journey with an open certs will be announced soon. to be built on the true story of the mind and flexibility. Currently, we’ve Japanese girl Sadako, who tried to finished recording the fifth album, Have you performed in any other make a thousand origami cranes mix and mastering have been final- country? Do you have any plans to? to be granted a wish, which in her ized and if all goes according to plan, What about working with a foreign case, was to live through her disease our fifth album will be released this musician as collaboration? Leukemia caused by the radiation in winter. Our vision is to move towards Yes, we’ve had offers to perform the wake of Hiroshima bombing. Tell a purer and more exclusive genre in other countries such as China and us more about the album, and why with its distinct signature inscribed to some European countries such as Ger- you decided to focus on this story in Crows in the Rain. The atmosphere, many and Switzerland. Besides, we are particular. melodies, and emotions in the up- planning for next year’s events. We’ve We used Sadako Sasaki’s story as a coming album are dissimilar to any also talked to some foreign bands and shell to develop and express the emo- of our previous pieces and perhaps international record labels for future tions we experienced during compos- this album is the beginning of a new collaborations which we’ll inform our ing the tracks of this album. Each track chapter for Crows in the Rain. audiences about this news soon. has a special meaning to each of the members of our band and Sadako’s If you could describe ‘Crows in the How do you describe the experience of story truly gave us a unique approach Rain’-- its sound, its visions, its being a non-mainstream musician in to articulate our mind. It’s worth men- concept -- with non-musical terms, Iran? How has living in Iran influenced tioning that we have always had a spe- how would you do it? your musical development? Do you cial interest in the Japanese culture Crows in the Rain is a pathway to face any particular challenges for and we composed a track called Hiro- every person’s infinite inner world. Culture Page 39 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Persian calligram: a modern art style seeking world recognition

An Iranian calligrapher, Majid harm was done to the characteristics of age to change anything about Nasta’liq Khandagh Abadi, believes that one of the letters and the combination of the letters and combinations; but of course, the reasons the Persian calligram has Nasta’liq – an issue that is currently chal- many of my fellow artists do that and become so popular in the last forty lenging calligram. Some fellow artists some of them manage to create very years is because the art style is looking change the characteristics of the letters, beautiful works of art.” to find an audience outside the country. probably to make it more beautiful, and “I think that the audience and the for sure there is an artistic justification artist’s skills are the deciding factors for Persian calligram is a modern art for it, but I, personally, decided to make choosing a particular style over the oth- style made up of a combination of cal- no changes to the form of Nasta’liq.” ers,” he added. ligraphy with painting and graphics. In Talking about the limitations and At the end, the artist talked about the composition of calligram artworks, potentials of calligram these days, the potential of Persian calligram for be- letters and words are arranged in such he said “For starters, I think there coming international: “The truth is that unique and aesthetic ways that it be- shouldn’t be any boundaries when it I have not yet had a chance to hold an comes almost impossible to distinguish comes to the art of calligram; that is, exhibition overseas, but it is only natu- between them. we shouldn’t try to put down a line ral that when painting techniques take Iranian calligrapher Majid Khandagh and say an artwork is only a calligram over the calligram techniques, it would Abadi, whose calligram exhibition up to this line and it no longer is a cal- probably appeal more to the interna- ‘Asheghaneh’ (‘Romantic’) is on display ligram over the line. Another point is tional audience, since calligraphy alone at Khavaran art gallery until Monday, related to the audience’s taste. At the cannot attract the audience from other told Mehr correspondent that his exhi- moment, the audience may not take countries.” bition includes 35 calligram artworks, too well to the old style and texture of “Perhaps, one of the reasons that all inspired by the romantic poetry of Nasta’liq, because the script has been Persian calligram has become so popu- Persian poets and mystics, mostly Rumi, used for centuries and may no longer lar in the last forty years was because of Hafiz, and Sa’adi. appeal to the taste of the modern au- the attempts to make the art more ac- Noting that he has used acrylic and dience.” cessible to people across the world, es- gold sheet in creating the artworks, “The third point is related to the art- pecially because Nasta’liq is a complete- Khandagh Abadi explained about the ist’s skill. I talk about myself: for exam- ly Iranian script and a foreign audience calligraphy used in the works, called ple, my skill is limited to the creation of would not understand it,” Khandagh ‘Nasta’liq’: “I tried to make sure that no my own works and I don’t have the cour- Abadi added. Culture Page 40 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Never compromise, Polish director Joanna Kos-Krauze tells budding filmmakers

By:Marjohn Sheikhi

Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan – three Iranian metropolitan cities – recently played host to a week-long film event dedicated to the most distinguished works of the Polish cinema. The event, organized by the Polish embassy and Iran’s Art & Experience Cinema, opened at the Iranian Artists’ Forum in downtown Tehran on December 1 with the screening of Joanna Kos-Krauze’s ‘Papusza’ (2013) – an award-winning, gripping, monochrome narrative of the rise and fall of the most distinguished Polish-Gypsy poet, Bronislawa Wajs, widely known as Papusza, and the turning point in her life where her talent was discovered by writer Jerzy Ficowski. ly over. “To have the courage to make What were your visions when you first what you really want to make, and to started as a filmmaker and how many Ms. Kos-Krauze, who was present at never compromise.” of those were you able to accomplish the event as a special guest and later led Well, I think she agrees. by now? a workshop on “Polish and Iranian Art What follows is the full text of the in- I can’t say that I started with any par- Cinema and Co-production”, was kind terview: ticular vision. The duty of the artist is enough to sit for a brief interview with to keep looking for questions, not the me half an hour before the screening of Would you please give a little answers. I’m just trying in my own way her film. introduction about yourself and your to show something. Visions are for reli- A graduate of Polish and Hebrew career for our Iranian audience? How gious leaders, I think, not the artists. studies, she is considered as one of the did you get introduced to filmmaking? most important directors in contempo- I don’t know. By accident, maybe. I Two of your films were selected for rary Polish cinema. Meeting Krzysztof always wanted to be a doctor, but my screening at the second Polish Film Krauze (whom she married later on) was marks weren’t good enough – I guess I Week in Iran, ‘Papusza’ (2013) and a turning point in her cinematic career, was too lazy (laughs). Even now, some- ‘Birds Are Singing in Kigali (2017). Let’s which she continued to further expand times I find myself regretting the fact talk about ‘Papusza’ first. What inspired on by collaborating with him on sever- that I’m not a surgeon. Because they are you to work on this subject? al highly successful projects, including brave and they make tough decisions; I wouldn’t really call it inspiration the biopic ‘Papusza’ and the multi-level, this is something real and tangible that when I decide to work on a project. emotionally-charged drama ‘Birds Are you can do. Meanwhile, film directing is Usually, you have three or four ongoing Singing in Kigali’. a very risky endeavor. projects that you’re trying to develop. She credits her venture into filmmak- The starting point for me, I think, was But if you want to know how the film ing to ‘accident’, with her dream job a competition for writing a script for the came to be, back in high school, I had a having been a surgeon, and still rem- TV. I took part in it and won the prize. very good teacher, and one day we were iniscing about the loss chance with a Then I became the chief of the screen- analyzing Papusza’s poems. Then my cu- wistful smile and in good humor. writing department for one series. After riosity led me to a book on the world of “Surgeons are out there, being brave that I worked on some short documen- gypsies. The gypsy community, we could and making tough decisions,” she says. taries for TV, and was a casting director say, has disappeared from the Polish But doesn’t that also describe film- for quite a long time. Then, gradually I cultural landscape. Jerzy Ficowski, also makers? stepped into the realm of feature films. a character in my film ‘Papusza’, wrote “What you really need when you The turning point, of course, was when I that book. One chapter about Papusza choose this path, I think, is bravery,” met my husband, and then we started to in the book stayed with me. After many she tells me when the interview is near- work together, for almost twenty years. years, when we were looking for some Culture Page 41 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY new ideas, I thought about this subject, Polish inventors have contributed a lot bols. That would make the movie come and it took my husband and I some four to the development of cinematography across as pretentious. I’d rather the au- or five years to develop just one movie and television. As a Polish filmmaker dience find something in the movie on because our style of working consists of yourself, with many years active in their own. Of course, in contemporary doing a lot of research on the subject the film industry, how do you see the cinematic works, you can see those is- we wanted to work on in order to get changes and developments in this field sues being featured a lot, that sense of fully acquainted with the world of it. For over the years? loneliness. But people have always felt seven or eight years we couldn’t find a A lot has changed for us Polish film- lonely, so it’s not something I’d con- way how to show this vanished gypsy makers, because nowadays we’ve got a sciously choose to approach a project world. It wasn’t just Papusza’s poems good system – I think the best one there with. that grabbed my interest, but also her is – of public funds in Poland. We’ve got story, which we knew nothing for sure; the Polish Film Institute, and now final- As a writer, what kind of story do you everything was like a fairytale, some- ly the cash rebate scheme. Generally, I find more urgent to be told given the thing very dramatic that we decided to think our cinematography is very artis- current state of affairs in the world? work on. She is considered as the first tic, and is based on the directors, not I’m not a teacher, or a religious leader established female gypsy poet in history, the producers. We don’t have a lot of or a politician, so I always worry that I which in itself, was incredible. private money, so everything is almost cannot recognize what is truly urgent to entirely based on the artist. talk about. To me, everything seems ur- And from what I’ve gathered, your gent, the situation of refugees, the ecol- ‘Papusza’ is the only film ever made on Polish cinema is more or less familiar ogy, the situation of women, or even this subject. to the Iranian audience. How familiar how lonely people have become in this There was one short documentary on is the Polish audience with the Iranian digital world. I really can’t say what is her, but that’s all. cinema? most urgent to talk about. I don’t think It depends. I think like all other ed- I’m qualified for that. You worked both as a screenwriter ucated people around the world, the and as a director on ‘Papusza’ and well-informed Polish audience real- What advice do you have for filmmakers several other projects, a trend that is ly knows the Iranian cinema. On the just starting out? pretty common among some Iranian other hand, Polish film critics such as Become a doctor instead (laughs). I filmmakers who are trying to make a Artur Zaborski are doing a lot to intro- actually hate giving or receiving advice name for themselves out there. How duce the Iranian cinema to us. To be in my life. What I can say though is that do you find the experience, and what honest, though, we wish to have more you should realize that this path is both are some of its benefits and challenges? exposure to Iranian films, because we challenging and wonderful. It’s some- I think working both as the screen- usually only have access to big names thing you can do for the rest of your life; writer and the director on a project and blockbusters, such as Asghar Far- even if you’re 100 years old, they put is much better. Because this way, you hadi’s ‘A Separation’, or Abbas Kiaro- you on a wheelchair or hook you up to can have your own way and exert your stami or Jafar Panahi; it’s too little; a monitor, and still you can act or direct. own influence on how you want the but I think things like New Horizons What you really need when you choose project to progress. I was also the pro- sections in film festivals with a special this path, I think, is bravery. To have the ducer on my last film, which yielded focus on the Iranian cinema will help a courage to make what you really want to further influence to me. It might be lot. I do believe that the Polish and Ira- make, and to never compromise. If you tough sometimes, obviously, taking nian cinemas have many connections; feel like you’re being forced to cast this over all those responsibilities, but especially the contemporary Iranian actor or take that cinematographer or it also gives you so much freedom, cinema, which I think is linked through work on that script, don’t do it. considering the current state of cine- the tradition of Krzysztof Kieślowski. I ma, with distributors and digital plat- think we have the same taste and the Are you working on any new project? forms that want to have influence same concerns and problems when it All the time, to be honest (laughs). over everything. I think in the artistic comes to films. I have, like, three or four projects on cinema, this is the natural way of do- mind, and it’s like a lottery which one I’d ing films. Many Polish filmmakers are The sense of alienation, loss, anxiety, pick next. For one I feel like I’m better nowadays producing their own films, and grief with central female characters prepared but I don’t have the money, or because this way, they will have a lot feature heavily in two of your films for another I don’t think I’m prepared of influence; otherwise, outside pro- that were selected for this film event, enough but they want to give me the ducers may push you into making a namely ‘Papusza’, and ‘Birds Are money, so I have to decide if the fund- box office hit, or decide on which ac- Singing in Kigali’. Was this something ing should be my concern or the story I tors to cast, or even the length of your you considered consciously when want to tell. This is my biggest challenge. film. It’s a tricky process. There might deciding to work on a project? But I also think that when you’re ready, be challenges, but it depends on how No, I never start a movie like that, everything will fall into place like pieces well you can handle the whole project. by thinking about the motifs and -sym of a puzzle. Page 42 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

Sport Sport Page 43 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran’s star Hamed Haddadi reacts to death of Kobe Bryant Besides other NBA superstars and Iranian athletes flooding social media with condolences after the death of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, Iran’s Hamed Haddai reacted to the incident.

In his Instagram stories, Haddadi posted a picture of himself as Memphis Grizzlies member playing against Bryant. Haddai wished peace for the American professional basketball player. Haddadi is a basketball player for Nanjing Monkey King of the Chinese Basketball Association. He plays at the center po- sition and is 7’2” tall and weighs 280 lbs. Haddadi was the first Iranian to play in the National Basketball Association when he debuted with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008. Bryant’s death sent shockwaves throughout the NBA and beyond, prompting not only his colleagues but a range of ce- lebrities worldwide to pay tribute to the basketball icon. entrance to Los Angeles International Airport. A five-time NBA champion, who was also known by the Iran national basketball team captain, Samad Nikkhah Bah- nickname Mamba, and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Bry- rami appreciated Bryant for all the things he gave to basket- ant died in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles that ball. “Thanks for everything that you gave to this game of bas- also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and ketball,” he wrote in an Instagram story while posting Bryant’s seven others. Madison Square Garden, home of the New York photo. Knicks, was awash in the Los Angeles Lakers colors of purple Key Iran national football team players Ashkan Dejagah, Al- and gold – the team Bryant played for when he won his cham- ireza Jahanbakhsh, and Saman Ghoddos also honored Kobe pionship titles – and so too were the pylons that mark the and his daughter in separate posts. Iran climbs one place in Asian clubs’ ranking in 2020

In the latest ranking of Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Iran’s football has climbed up to one place in Asian football clubs’ ranking in 2020, above from South Korea, and stood at fifth place.

From 2017 to 2020, Asian Football Confedera- tion (AFC) calculates the score of Asian clubs which participate in the Asian Champions League (ACL) and AFC Cup according to a certain formula. This was happened at the condition that football teams of Esteghlal and Shahr-e Khodro of Iran ad- vanced to the stage group of ACL with gaining sweet wins over their rivals. Accordingly, Iran will compete with four repre- sentatives in this edition of ACL at the stage group.

In the Preliminary Stage 2 of AFC Champions League, Esteghlal of Iran have thrashed Qatar’s Al-Rayyan 5-0 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. Sport Page 44 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY AFC ban on Iranian teams continuation of anti-Iranian scenario: expert

Reporting by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas ACL sent a letter to Asia’s governing football body announcing that they will host their rivals only in Iran not anywhere else. A veteran sports journalist believes that the AFC’s initial To shed more light on the issue we reached out to the ed- decision to ban Iranian teams from hosting 2020 ACL in Iran itor-in-chief of Mehr News Agency’s sports desk, Reza Khos- is a continuation of a scenario that aims to put pressure on ravi. Iranian authorities through sports. “The decision made by the AFC’s Competition’s Commit- tee regarding Iranian representatives in the AFC Champions The report on the ban of Iranian teams for hosting their League is the continuation of a scenario which has started rivals in the 2020 AFC Champions League has provoked a furi- months for Iran’s sports aimed at put pressure on the coun- ous but united response against what has become known as try’s authorities through sports,” he told me. the most political decision of the AFC. “The scenario started with the interference of the Inter- Initial reports on the ban started interestingly with a Sau- national Judo Federation in the case of Saeid Mollaei’s immi- di Arabian TV host who announced the news citing informed gration and then continued with chess and now it’s time for sources. A day later, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed football. Due to the huge presence of fans, sports have special that it has received a letter from the AFC which says Iranian importance across the world and is the best tool to implement teams should host their rivals in 2020 ACL in a neutral venue measures that could be positive or negative in nature. due to security concerns. “This time, the AFC officials are trying to challenge Iran’s Using lobbies, Saudi Arabia managed to persuade AFC offi- sports and politics through an unprofessional and anti-foot- cials to hold football matches of its teams with Iranian ones in ball act under the influence and pressure of some countries a neutral venue. The decision came as Tehran and Riyadh had and political figures; and what can be a better means than cut political ties. Iranian sports officials were criticized at the forcing Iranian teams to host their rivals in a neutral venue,” time and even now for giving in to that AFC’s decision which he highlighted. may have also affected their recently-announced ban. “Iran’s sports officials have made the best decision and per- Although the decision is not final yet as the AFC’s Executive haps if they had stood against AFC’s earlier decision of hold- Committee has not endorsed it, millions of Iranian football ing Iran-Saudi matches in neutral venues, the confederation fans along with officials have expressed their anger at the in- would not have thought of repeating the scenario and putting itial decision. pressure on Iran’s football. Tens of thousands of fans took to Twitter and Instagram to Iran’s Persepolis and Sepahan have already secured their voice their strong protest for banning a country which has a place in the group stage of the 2020 ACL while Esteghlal and major share in ACL’s rate of attendance at stadiums. Shahr Khodro have to play in the Preliminary Stage to advance Meanwhile, the four Iranian participating teams in the 2020 to the group competitions. Sport Page 45 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Mohammadian bulldozes all rivals, incl. Olympic champion, to win Matteo Pellicone Iran’s freestyle wrestler of 97kg Here are the results of the Friday category Mohammadhossein competitions in freestyle discipline as Mohammadian gained reported by the United World Wres- commanding victories against all tling: his rivals on Friday to win the gold 97kg medal of the Matteo Pellicone in GOLD - Mohammadhossein MO- Italy. HAMMADIAN (IRI) df. Aliaksandr HUSHTYN (BLR), 9-0 He started the campaign with an BRONZE - Kyle Frederick SNYDER 11-0 win over Alisher Yergali of Ka- (USA) df. Abraham de Jesus CONYE- zakhstan who had earlier qualified DO RUANO (ITA), 12-1 his country for the 2020 Olympics. BRONZE - Murazi MCHEDLIDZE Mohammadian then proved his readiness by walloping the (UKR) df. Pavel OLEJNYIK (HUN), 8-4 reigning U23 world champion, USA’s Bo Nickal, 10-0. 125kg In the quarterfinals, he shut Olympics gold medalist GOLD - Amir ZARE (IRI) df. Bilial MAKHOV (RUS), 5-3 USA’s Kyle Snyder out before the half time with an 8-0 win. BRONZE - Amarveer DHESI (CAN) df. Daniel LIGETI (HUN), 8-4 He then continued the chain of victories, this time with an BRONZE - Yusup BATIRMURZAEV (KAZ) df. Nick MATUHIN 11-0 one against 2018 world bronze-medal finisher Abra- (GER), 8-3 ham de Jesus Conyedo Ruano of Italy. Eventually, he won The four-day tournament kicked off January 15 and will Aliaksandr Hushtyn of Belarus 9-0 in the final match to wrap up today in Ostia, a port city of ancient Rome located complete the seismic day and win his first career Rankings 30km away from the city center. Series title. According to a report by the United World Wrestling, the Iran also won another gold medal on Friday. Amir Hossein stacked entry list includes seven reigning world champions, Zare stunned the three-time world champion Bilial Makhov of all three 2019 Wrestlers of the Year and over 30 world medal Russia in the final of 125kg category. holders from the 2019 World Championships.

Jahanbakhsh tells of his ‘incredible feeling’ after scoring first goal for Brighton Iranian midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored his first-ever chance I want to make an impact. goal for Brighton & Hove Albion which was also the quickest “I always felt we had control of the game. We have had goal of the team in the Premier League history. some good performances recently and been a bit unlucky. “At home, with our fans behind us, I thought we did a great The 26-year-old moved from Alkmaar in the Netherlands to job as a team. Every individual helped each other, we created Brighton & Hove Albion on the English south coast last season chances and defensively we were very good.” after impressing in the Eredivisie Dutch league. He made 19 appearances in the Premier League for the Seagulls however failed to score a goal. On just his second appearance this season the winger net- ted with a nice strike beating Bournemouth keeper Aaron Ramsdale. Brighton went on to win the game 2-0 with Aaron Mooy also getting his first goal for Brighton. “It was an incredible feeling,” he told the club’s website. “When I knew I was playing I had a good feeling that I could help the team. I’ve had to wait a long time for this moment, and I am glad I took it. It was the perfect afternoon for us: three points, a goal for myself and a clean sheet.” “It took longer than I expected to get my chance this sea- son and I was determined to grab it,” added Jahanbakhsh. “I’ve been training well day in day out and every time I get my Sport Page 46 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY

What awaits Iran volleyball at 2020 Tokyo Olympics?

Reporting by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas won their ticket in international quali- during the 2019 FIVB Men’s World Cup fiers. In the next stage of qualifications in Japan. Igor Kolakovic’s men only Iranian men’s national volleyball team that was held last week in each conti- emerged victorious against Canada (3- managed to secure tickets to the 2020 nent, Iran, France, Tunisia, Venezuela, 1) while suffering defeats to Poland (0- Olympics, obtaining the aim that had and Canada won their respective tour- 3), Italy (2-3), and Japan (0-1). The last been set long ago. naments to join the first six teams in ad- match between Iran and Venezuela was dition to Japan as the host country. held in qualifications for the 2016 Olym- Iran gained a commanding 3-0 win Here are the two pools, drawn ac- pics which finished 3-2 for the Persians. over China in the final of AVC Men’s To- cording to FIVB ranking: In the 2016 Olympics, Iran gained kyo Volleyball Qualification in China on Pool A: Japan, Poland, Italy, Canada, two wins and suffered three defeats in Sunday. The win gave Iran the second Iran, and Venezuela. the preliminary round, advancing to the consecutive berth to one of the most Pool B: Brazil, USA, Russia, Argentina, next stage as Pool B’s fourth team. How- prestigious sports events in the world. France, and Tunisia. ever, Iran then lost the match against Officials in the Iranian volleyball A first glance at the pools reveals Italy (3-0) in quarterfinals. federation had repeatedly said that that competition on Pool B seems to be Some experts believe that the players the team’s main aim is to advance to more intense as three semifinalists of who are now playing in Team Melli are the Olympics and so tried to downplay the 2016 Olympics (Brazil, Russia, and the golden generation and the ones who the importance of other world events the USA) are showing their teeth for the can make history for the country’s vol- in 2019 such as the FIVB World Cup in next stage. leyball by standing on Olympics podium. which Iran didn’t show the expected Meanwhile, Pool A seems more ide- It’s no secret that Iran has lots of talents performance. al for Iran as the team has shown to be in this sport but these players have been Twelve teams will compete for the able to defeat at least Japan, Venezuela, playing along with each other for the title in two pools of six at the 2020 and Canada; though victory against Italy past several years. Some of the key play- Olympics from July 26 to August 9. The and Poland is not impossible. However, ers such as Saied Marouf, Mohammad composition of the pools has been de- one should never forget that it is the Mousavi, or Farhad Ghaemi will most termined based on the FIVB ranking of Olympics and all the teams have been probably announce retirement before the teams. great enough to qualify. the next Olympics, so now it seems the Six teams of Italy, Poland, Brazil, the Iran has locked horns with all the time to make the most out of this gen- USA, Russia, and Argentina had earlier teams of Pool A, except Venezuela, eration. Sport Page 47 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY IOC confirms Iran’s Saeid Marouf candidacy for election to Athletes’ Commission The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed the national Olympic Committee that confirmed Saeid Ma- candidacy of Saeid Marouf, captain of the Iranian national rouf’s full eligibility to run for IOC Athletes’ Commission volleyball team, for election to its Athletes’ Commission. election. The IOC Athletes’ Commission is a body maintained by the The captain of the Iranian national volleyball team success- International Olympic Committee for the purpose of repre- fully passed the second round of requirements that would de- senting athletes. Established in 1981, its function is to act as termine his eligibility as a candidate for the election to the IOC “the link between active athletes and the IOC.” Athletes’ Commission, and will now officially represent Iran The Commission meets once or twice a year, and organizes among other candidates. an Athletes’ Forum once every two years. This stage included a test administered by the Inter- An election for Commission members is held at each edition of the Olympic Games, with members being cho- sen by a secret ballot of the athletes competing at those Games. Four or five members are elected at each Summer Games and two or three at each Winter Games. They replace the group that was elected at the Games of the same series eight years earlier. Marouf’s candidacy makes Iran’s first serious presence at the election to IOC Athletes’ Commission. Iran has had no rep- resentative at this Commission so far. The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit in- dependent international organization made up of volunteers, which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 percent of its income to the wider sporting movement.

Iran female alysh wrestlers win 2019 world title Iranian women’s team of alysh claimed the title of the 2019 Republic (96) claimed the title while Mongolia (76) finished world championships on Monday, in Kazakh capital of Nur- third. Sultan. Iran’s last silver was gained by Pourya Ramezani in the +100kg category. The team collected one gold, one sliver and one bronze medal in the event, securing 93 points. Hanieh Ashouri won the gold medal of +75kg. Fatemeh Fattahi Juybari gained the 60kg category silver while Zahra Yazdani snatched a bronze in 55kg. This is the first time that Iran claims the title of the event. The Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan ranked next with 89 and 63 points respectively. The event was held in the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan un- der the official name of ‘Belt Wrestling World Championships’ where wrestlers competed in two disciplines of alysh and Ka- zakh Kuresi from Dec. 20 to 23. In men’s alysh, Iran added another silver to its tally on Monday to finish the event runner-up with 85 points. Kyrgyz Sport Page 48 |No. 18|Feb 2020 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Mohammadreza Fahimi, the world’s most loyal fan By: Masoud Hossein

Football is much more than just a game for Mohammadreza Fahimi; a football fan who has been hospitalized for 18 years.

In May 2001, Mohammadreza, 11-year-old, attended a match between Shamushak and Persepolis at the Motta- qi Stadium in the city of Sari, north-east of Tehran, where the stadium collapsed because of lack of crowd control and about 100 people were taken to hospital and several people lost their lives. He got out alive but was involved in a car accident on the way back to his home and suffered a spinal cord injury. Mohammadreza has been hospitalized since that time but has not abandoned obstacle for him. loyal fan. his beloved sport. In the match between Nassaji and He likes to watch the Iran league His favorite teams are Teh- Shahr Khodro on Friday, the photogra- matches across the country but travel ran based Persepolis and Nassaji phers snapped photos of Moham- costs are expensive since he should be Mazandaran. To watch the match- madreza laying down on a bed to watch taken by ambulance. es of the second one is easier since the game. Mohammadreza stays in the intensive they play in Vatani Stadium in Nassaji has disappointed their sup- care unit (ICU) of Sari’s Emam Khomeini Ghaemshahr but he cannot travel to porters in the current season but he re- Hospital for many years and FOOTBALL Tehran’s Azadi Stadium because of mains loyal. is the only pleasure in his most difficult his physical condition. Distance is an Mohammadreza is the world’s most days. Iran’s Goleij selected as best U23 freestyle wrestler of 2019 Mojtaba Goleij of Iran has been selected by the United World Wrestling as the best U23 freestyle wrestler in the world in 2019.

The United World Wrestling announced the news via posting a video of Goleij in its official Instagram ac- count on December 20. Goleij won his second U23 gold medal in 2019 after beating 2017 Junior World champion Shamil Musaev of Russia in the final of 97kg in U23 World Wrestling Championships in Hungary. Also, Iran’s Rahman Amouzadkhalili has been named United World Wrestling’s Cadet Freestyle Wrestler of the Year 2019 after winning back-to-back world titles.