WWW.TEHRANTIMES.COM I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y

8 Pages Price 50,000 Rials 1.00 EURO 4.00 AED 42nd year No.13881 Saturday FEBRUARY 13, 2021 Bahman 25, 1399 Rajab 1, 1442

Ghalibaf: ’s strategic Moradi Iran sits at UN TIR Even ‘illegal migrants’ principle is to develop nominated for executive board for 3rd in Iran will get ties with China Page 2 IWF presidency Page 3 consecutive time Page 4 COVID-19 vaccine Page 7

Iran’s top judge holds talks with Iraqi leaders SPECIAL ISSUE - Iran’s Judiciary Chief Ebra- him Raeisi held talks with several Iraqi political and judicial leaders including President Barham Salih, Prime Min- ister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and Head of ’s Supreme Judicial Council Faiq Zaidan. The man of On Monday, February 8, Ayatollah Raisi paid a two-day visit to Iraq. During his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, the two sides signed three memoranda of understanding to boost judicial and legal cooperation between the two neighboring countries. theoretical Continued on page 3 Bandar Abbas-Latakia direct shipping line to be launched by early Mar. battlefields TEHRAN - Iran is going to establish a direct shipping line between its south- ern port of Bandar Abbas and ’s Mediterranean port of Latakia on March In memory of Ayatollah 10, Head of Iran-Syria Joint Chamber of Commerce Keyvan Kashefi announced. Mohammad Taghi Continued on page 4 Mesbah Yazdi, the Iranian “Yadoo” tops at 39th renowned theorist and Fajr Film Fsetival philosopher TEHRAN – War drama “Yadoo” was the top winner of the 39th Fajr Film Festival by garnering awards in several categories, including best film and best director. “Yadoo” has been made based on Ira- nian writer Samad Taheri’s short story “Lion Wound”, which is from his short

File photo story collection of the same title. Continued on page 8 Four candidates to Iranian-Azerbaijani relations will strengthen hits Saudi airbase with new stand for FFIRI’s after Nagorno-Karabakh’s liberation generation missile presidency BY ANDREW KORYBKO the conflict back in mid-October. At that time, The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says army unmanned aerial vehicle of the Saudi military Ms. Rafiga Mammadzadeh, a journalist with he noted that the Supreme Leader and other troops and allied fighters from Popular Commit- flying over Yemen’s central province of Ma’rib. BY FARROKH HESABI ’s popular Axar online media out- officials below him took a fair position towards tees have launched a missile attack on an airbase Brigadier General Saree said Yemeni air de- he Football Federation of the Is- let, recently interviewed Iranian Ambassador the war which helped to stabilize the regional in ’s southwestern region of Asir, in fense forces shot down the CH-4 combat drone lamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) to Azerbaijan Mr. Seyed Abbas Mousavi about situation and ultimately end the war. In fact, it’s retaliation for a devastating war led by the kingdom with a surface-to-air missile over the Medghal confirmed the final four candidates the prospects for bilateral cooperation after Na- real intriguing that “The 3 + 3 format proposed against the impoverished country. district early on Friday. T gorno-Karabakh’s liberation. Their conversation by the President of Azerbaijan was in fact in line Brigadier General Yahya Saree said the missile The CH-4 drone has a 3,500- to 5,000-kilo- who will stand in the FFIRI elections which will be held on Feb. 28. was very interesting because it revealed more with Iran’s regional cooperation plan to end the struck with precision the designated targets in meter range and a 30- to 40-hour endurance. It Based on the FFIRI’s electoral commis- details about Tehran’s plans to take ties with Nagorno-Karabakh war once and for all.” This King Khalid Air Base, which lies 884 kilometers is capable of carrying six missiles and a payload sion’s announcement, Ali Karimi, Mostafa Baku to the next level after the latter’s victory proves that great leaders think alike and shows south of the Saudi capital Riyadh, late Thursday. of up to 250 to 345 kilograms. Ajorloo, Shahabeddin Azizi Khadem, and in what it regards as its Patriotic War. It also how visionary Iran’s proposal was at the time. Saree said the surface-to-surface ballistic The unmanned aerial vehicle can fire air- Kiumars Hashemi have all been admitted confirmed Iran’s consistently constructive ap- Ambassador Mousavi remarked that For- missile used in the operation is of a new gener- to-ground missile from an altitude of 5,000 for the final campaigning. proach to the conflict and its aftermath, which eign Minister Zarif’s recent trip to the other ation, which has not been unveiled yet. meters, staying outside the effective range of Heydar Baharvand, FFIRI’s current act- is crucial to keep in mind amid the many infor- five countries involved in this format showed The senior Yemeni official warned Saudi most anti-aircraft guns. ing president, was the most notable figure mation warfare narratives spread by its enemies how much Iran wants to see this format suc- Arabia that retaliatory attacks will continue as Yemeni forces seize strategic base that his candidacy for the Iranian football alleging otherwise. ceed. For those who aren’t aware, this refers to long as the Riyadh regime continues its military Yemeni further captured a strategic base in federation presidency was invalidated by Iran is far from isolated like its foes try to Azerbaijan-Russia-Armenia as the first troika aggression, all-out siege and relentless raids Mar’rib from Saudi-sponsored militants loyal the electoral committee. present it as, which was proven by Ambassador and their neighbors of Iran-Turkey-Georgia as against the war-ravaged Arab country. to former pro-Saudi president, Abd Rabbuh While Ali Karimi, legendary Iranian footballer, Mousavi reminding Ms. Mammadzadeh about his the second one. Saudi reconnaissance drone shot down Mansur Hadi. is the most famous person among the candidates country’s role in trying to diplomatically resolve Continued on page 5 Yemeni army forces also intercepted an Continued on page 5 and is seen as the frontrunner, all four nominees are involved in a frantic hunt for votes. Ali Karimi, the former player of Persepo- Iran reduces PCR test validity for air passengers lis, Bayern Munich, and Iran national team Iranian position in has introduced Mehdi Mahdavikia, another TEHRAN – Iran has reduced the validity of nega- Iranian citizens without a negative coronavirus According to some Iranian airlines, pas- Nagorno-Karabakh Iranian football legend, as the first vice-pres- tive COVID-19 PCR test results from 96 hours to PCR test result are subject to medical screening sengers from the United Kingdom, Japan, ident of the FFIRI. He also has selected Saeid 72 hours for inbound and outbound passengers. and quarantine for 14 days at their own expense, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Seychelles, conflict has been fair: Daghighi and Fatemeh Alipour as his second According to the Health Ministry, and the while non-Iranian nationalities without the cer- Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Zam- and third vice-presidents if he wins. National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control, tificate are not allowed to enter the country. bia, and Mauritius, as well as the travelers Azeri expert This is the first time that, based on the people flying to or from Iran need to do their All passengers are subject to the medical who have stayed in these countries for two BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI amended version of the FFIRI’s statutes ap- PCR test within 72 hours before their flights. screening on arrival, and if they are suspected weeks before entering the Iranian border, TEHRAN – Head of the Azerbaijan Institute for proved by FIFA, the former football stars The new regulation replaced a role that re- of having the disease, non-Iranian nationalities due to the spread of a new variant of the Democracy and Human Rights says that Iran took are able to compete in the presidential elec- quired to bar passengers from boarding if they will be quarantined at a place specified by the coronavirus in these regions, are not allowed a correct position in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tions. In the previous version of the statutes, do not have a negative COVID test within 96 Health Ministry at their own expense and Ira- to enter the country. from the first day. running for elections was only possible for hours of departure. nian citizens will need to self-isolate for 14 days. Continued on page 6 Pointing to Iran’s help to Azerbaijan, Ahmad those who had a managerial background. Shahidov tells the Tehran Times that “without the Karimi is already supported by many support of Iran at certain points, Azerbaijan could celebrated people in Iran, including football have lost more territory and people.” legends and also some prominent artistic IRGC gains “The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in and even political figures. the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been fair from Kiumars Hashemi, former president of fixed and the first day and it includes the territorial integrity Iran’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), of the countries,” Shahidov adds. who also served as the interim FFIRI pres- The following is the text of the interview: ident for a while in 2006 is also believed to mobile defense How do you evaluate the relations of be able to play the leading candidate role to Iran and Azerbaijan, especially after the assume the presidency of the federation and power Nagorno-Karabakh war? to win the majority of votes of the FFIRI’s Iranian-Azerbaijani relations have a long history. General Assembly members. TEHRAN — Major General Hossein Salami, There are historical, cultural, political and economic Mostafa Ajorloo is known as a military the commander of the Islamic Revolution- ties between the two countries. Millions of people figure who has been active in Iranian foot- ary Guard Corps (IRGC), says the modern share the same history, culture, language and reli- ball for years. He has acted as the general tactics employed in a maneuver launched gion on both sides of the Araz River. From this point manager of some Iranian clubs such as Pas by the IRGC Ground Force in southwest of view, Iranian-Azerbaijani relations have always (2000-2005), Steel Azin (2009-2010), and Iran attest to its capabilities in fixed and been at a high level, and when the war broke out in Tractor (2016-2018). mobile defense on the ground, according Nagorno-Karabakh in September last year, these Shahabeddin Azizi Khadem the former to Tasnim news agency. relations showed themselves once again. member of the FFIRI’s Board of Directors, is Speaking to reporters during “Payam- The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran now seeking the presidency of the federation. bar-e Azam 16 (The Great Prophet)” drill on in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been fair He is a financial expert with some managerial Amin Nazari Amin Thursday, General Salami noted, “The drill from the first day and includes the territorial and industrial backgrounds in his career. involved a combination of modern tactics integrity of the countries. This position is what The candidates will seek the FFIRI’s general to hit the enemy’s fixed and mobile targets.”

ISNA/ Azerbaijan wants. We were waiting for this po- assembly support to win the most important Continued on page 2 sition from Iran. chair of the Iranian football on Feb. 28. Continued on page 5 I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y POLITICS FEBRUARY 13, 2021

Biden, listen please If U.S. sanctions continue Iran will change By Azin Sahabi TEHRAN — In several recommendations, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and the International Crisis Group nuclear approach: presidential candidate (ICG), as two U.S. top think tanks, have elaborated on some building blocks and stumbling stones which Joe Biden faces in fulfilling his foreign policy objectives. They shed light on “We still see the same policies from the newly elected administration as we did from the Trump team” Russia and Iran as the most challenging foreign policy issues, POLITICAL TEHRAN — General Hos- “They violated the agreement, so in order not to mention the Taliban. Also, in accordance with the desksein Dehghan, a military for them to return to negotiation, they must so-called principle of “foreign policy begins at home”, CFR adviser to Iran’s leader and Iran’s presidential first lift unilateral and illegal sanctions against advises Biden to revive the concept that domestic disputes are candidate, told the Guardian, a British news- Iran and fulfil their commitments. Then we will internal matters, and they should not be reflected in dealings paper, Iran’s approach to nuclear issue will have the opportunity to negotiate the issues with other nations. change if U.S. sanctions continue. as regards the damages and the expenses due Council on Foreign Relations: Russia, China, General Dehghan emphasized, “the U.S. to America leaving the JCPOA,” he added. was in no position to make conditions, given ‘Europeans have absolutely no in- Richard Hass, the CFR president, writes about the “The they left the nuclear deal,” adding Iran “calls dependent stance from America any shape of Biden’s foreign policy” on February 9. In the article, for guarantees that the U.S. will not leave the longer’ Hass admires Biden’s tendency to restore relations with NATO agreement again.” He dismissed any idea of Europe as a me- members as well as his signal to Russian President Vladimir He believes Joe Biden is continuing Donald diator between Iran and the U.S., saying that Putin “not to use foreign adventurism to distract attention Trump’s foreign policies and noted, “Tehran since the era of Javier Solana, the EU’s senior from domestic protests.” is preparing retaliatory measures to force the diplomat between 1999 to 2009, the EU had Describing Biden’s approach to Saudi Arabia “a fine line”, U.S. to change its diplomatic trajectory.” lost any distinctive identity. “To be crystal Hass affirms a policy of distancing the U.S. from military and “The Biden administration talked about clear, the Europeans have absolutely no in- intelligence support for the war in Yemen in parallel with diplomacy, multilateralism and interaction dependent stance from America any longer.” confirmation from the Oval Office that “Saudis weren’t on in the international arena as well as returning He denied that his candidacy showed a their own in facing Iran.” to its international commitments. However, growing militarization of Iranian society, CFR also puts forward the other side of the coin: Some lim- we still see the same policies from the newly pointing out that Churchill, De Gaulle and itations as stumbling stones for his administration in fulfilling elected administration as we did from the Eisenhower – all former military officers – had their goals. In this regard, Hass pointes to the insurrection Trump team: not lifting the oppressive sanc- been elected to head civilian governments. at the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of 6 January, polarized tions against Iranian people, continuing to “I am not solely a military person. I am an domestic politics besides endemic racism and Trump’s failure block Iran oil revenue in foreign banks while make it even harder to restore the nuclear deal, goodwill gestures – such as the U.S. lifting its academic, I taught mainly in non-military in management of the Covid-19 pandemic. we need the money to fight against the coro- known formally as the Joint Comprehensive block on the Iranian request for a loan from centers, I have been an adviser in many so- Hass also argues that Iran and the Taliban are the most navirus pandemic. Altogether this means the Plan of Action or JCPOA. the International Monetary Fund (IMF). cial and foreign policy issues. I have been the challenging issues to manage in the Oval Office in terms of continuation of Trumpism in international The IAEA reported that Iran had begun “We planned to have the loan to fight against manager of many economic entities. I have promoting the wisdom of democracy as the pillar of U.S. relations,” he remarked. producing small amounts of uranium metal, Covid-19 pandemic, and to purchase medi- all the characteristics of a military person re- foreign policy. Dehghan insisted that Islamic Republic a process that is banned under the JCPOA. cation and medical equipment. That is our garding punctuality, leadership, teamwork Iran nuclear deal: What to do about? of Iran would seek to change the course of Iran has taken a series of steps to increase the right as one of the founders of IMF,” he noted. and a goals-oriented approach.” Describing Iran’s nuclear program as “Iran’s nuclear am- diplomacy from 19 February – the date it has costs to the U.S. of maintaining sanctions. ‘We want to receive guarantees He asserted, “His election would not mean bitions”, Hass says, “The Biden administration will need to set to reduce some access for the International The Biden administration and the Rouhani that the Americans will not infringe Iran was ruled by a military junta.” determine what to do about (and whether to re-enter the 2015 Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to government have expressed willingness to the agreement again’ Regarding building better relations with nuclear pact that many observers see as flawed).” its nuclear sites. He also said Iran would de- return to compliance with the JCPOA, but they He highlighted Iranians don’t trust Amer- Iran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia, he quoted Accord with Taliban: Still a dilemma mand damages from the U.S. for the impact are at odds of who should take the first step. ican politicians and said, “The Americans’ the 19th-century British Prime Minister Lord Hass believes Biden’s another challenge overseas is how of sanctions. Dehghan, who is being sanctioned by the approach has made our nation not trust them. Palmerston, saying: “We have no eternal al- to manage the accord which was signed a year ago with the His remarks indicated the huge differences U.S., rejected suggestions that both sides may Therefore, we want to receive guarantees that lies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our Taliban. The expert believes it did not prove effective as a remain between the U.S. and Iran, and how the return to their commitments to the nuclear the Americans will not infringe the agreement interests are eternal and perpetual, and those cover for U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. departure of President may deal by taking some limited opening reciprocal again.” interests it is our duty to follow.” The U.S. allies and Trumpophobia CFR also warns that the U.S. allies fear that after four years Americans could return to Trumpism if not witnessing him in the White House. While Hass describes Biden’s temptation to sign successive executive orders to revive Washington’s Ghalibaf: Iran’s strategic principle is to develop ties with China undermined influence as well as efface Trump’s legacy, he POLITICAL TEHRAN — Mohammad Bagher Ghal- cooperation with China in various fields is a strategic principle In January, Li Zhanshu talked with Ghalibaf via video link, stresses: “When it comes to foreign policy, Biden should try deskibaf, speaker of the Iranian Parliament, in Iran’s foreign policy, noting that the Iranian Parliament saying the two countries should implement the important to revive the principle that domestic politics stops at the has congratulated China on the spring festival or the Lunar supports any plan for stronger ties between the two countries. agreements approved by the two heads of state and promote water’s edge.” New Year, calling for the enhancement of relations between He also expressed confidence that the joint efforts would the continued development of the China-Iran comprehensive The International Crisis Group: Conflict prevention Tehran and Beijing in various fields, according to Tasnim open up a new chapter in mutual cooperation between the strategic partnership. tips for the Oval Office news agency. two nations. Li also highlighted that “the comprehensive strategic part- The International Crisis Group (ICG) underlines that due The Iranian Parliament speaker offered his congratulations In comments in October 2020, Iranian Foreign Ministry nership between China and Iran developed steadily in recent to numerous old and new foreign policy problems the U.S. on the Chinese New Year in separate messages to Chairman of spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran and Beijing “are years with the support from the two countries’ top leaders.” confronts, Biden’s administration should discard approaches the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of determined to further expand their strategic partnership,” “China stands ready to work with Iran to implement the such as overreliance on coercion which proved meaningless. China Li Zhanshu and Chairman of the National Committee of the adding that China is Iran’s “first economic partner” despite important consensus reached by the two heads of state and ICG believes this can work to articulate policies in service of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Yang. the U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign against the Islamic promote the continued development of the China-Iran com- his stated foreign policy outlines. In the messages, Ghalibaf said the expansion of friendly Republic. prehensive strategic partnership,” he noted. The think tank focuses on costly interventions that the U.S. led or supported in Iraq, and Yemen as well as the failures of previous administrations in Afghanistan. Be- sides, relying on heavy sanctions in parallel with the threat of Iranian commodore emphasizes naval co-op with Pakistan force were fruitless to bring the desired results in Iran, North POLITICAL TEHRAN — Flotilla Admi- General Mostafa Ghanbarpour, military scribed the presence of the Iranian military which is “Together for Peace” from February Korea and Venezuela. ICG argues: “The U.S. government deskral Ariya Shafghat Rodsari, attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Is- delegation in the international exercise as an 11-16 in Karachi. needs new habits and a different set of moves for confronting the head of the Iranian military delegation, has lamabad, was also present during the meeting important participation. The delegation of the General Staff of the complex crises.” stressed the need to strengthen naval coopera- which was held on the sidelines of the opening The two countries decided to expand co- Iranian Armed Forces was scheduled to take “Afghanistan: Give peace talks a chance” tion between Iran and Pakistan at the Aman-21 ceremony of the seventh multinational maritime operation between the two navies through part in the International Maritime Confer- The think tank considers the peace talks with the Talib- international exercise hosted by the Pakistani exercise Aman-2021. visiting each other’s ports and holding joint ence and meet with various Pakistani military an as an opportunity for the U.S. to disengage itself from a Navy, according to the IRNA news agency. The two sides assessed maritime security exercises. officials. long-lasting conflict in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, it reminds Delegation of the General Staff of Iranian cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and The exercise is conducted by the Pakistan According to the Pakistan Navy, some high levels of violence, wide divergences among negotiating Armed Forces led by Rodsari met with Com- agreed to enhance interactions between the Navy after every two years with a resolve against countries are participating in the exercise with parties on essential issues which put the prospect of talks in mander of Pakistan Fleet Admiral Naveed two countries’ navies. terrorism and piracy. their ships and combat forces, while others ambiguity. Against the backdrop, ICG recommends: “This Ashraf in Karachi on Friday. The commander of the Pakistani Fleet de- It is being held under motto of the exercise with their delegations. should not be a close call for President Biden and his team. A path, albeit a narrow one, is open to achieving a political settlement.” In this regard it proposes the Oval Office to immediately A thaw in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia dependent on Yemen issue: analyst signal its commitment to continue supporting the negoti- POLITICAL TEHRAN — Ghasem Moheb Ali, an ex- to Yemen. They are assessing whether Ansarollah can join “Establishment of a unity government in Yemen needs a ations. ICG argues that Biden has little to lose to test the deskpert on West Asia, says the resolution of the peace process in the country and stop firing the missiles domestic as well as a regional agreement. However, Saudi feasibility of the talks while refusing to do so may prove conflict in Yemen can lead to the improvement of relations on Saudi Arabia,” he added. Arabia may not be interested to see Iran is directly involv- costly because this move may lead to “the loss of at least tacit between Iran and Saudi Arabia, at interview with ILNA Regarding likely changes in Saudi foreign policy, he un- ing in the Arab country’s domestic affairs,” he remarked. support for U.S. policy from Iran, Pakistan, Russia, China news agency. derlined, “Foreign policy of Saudi Arabia is heavily dependent Pointing to serious challenges between Iran and Saudi and other neighbors.” Moheb Ali highlighted the Biden administration’s policy on the Yemen crisis. After the crisis in Yemen worsened, Arabia, he underscored, “The problems between Iran and Moreover, ICG notes that making a decision about future towards Yemen and noted, “Biden’s administration is seek- the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia deteriorated.” Saudi Arabia is not restricted to the Yemen crisis. Never- military presence in Afghanistan will be another key decision ing to resolve the Yemen crisis by diplomatic and political He expressed his hopes concerning the removal of U.S. theless, Yemen is the most sensitive issue with regard to Biden’s administration faces. Thus the think tank recom- means. Therefore, Biden’s foreign policy team intends to sanctions on Yemenis and noted, “The Biden administration the relations between Tehran and Riyadh. Both countries mends that given Russia, China and Iran’s rejection of U.S. use the United Nations to handle the crisis.” has an intention to ease the U.S. sanctions on Ansarollah and disagree on Iraq, Syria, and and have to resolve continued military presence in contrary to Afghan’s green “The visit of the United Nations special envoy on Yemen to remove the organization from its sponsors of terrorism their differences by negotiations. The resolution of conflict light to Washington, “for the time being, Biden’s top priority to Iran indicates the U.S. and the United Nations are trying list. By doing so, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia can negotiate in Yemen can create a better environment to encourage should be to keep the peace process going and buy the time to find out the reaction of Iran towards the Biden’s policy with Ansarollah.” both nations to negotiate.” it will need to face the decisions coming its way.” “Iran: Return to the nuclear deal” Making repetitive accusations against Iran in regard to its nuclear program and regional influence, ICG stresses that Italy says JCPOA is an opportunity for constructive interactions Trump’s maximum pressure to curb Iran’s “weapon program” POLITICAL TEHRAN — Elisabet- Islamic Revolution victory, Belloni noted, Bayat, said Iran has played a unique role and “regional influence” was all in vain. desk Therefore, the Biden’s team “must try to reverse four years ta Belloni, the secretary “Italy is looking forward to seeing resump- in providing stability and security for the of damage its predecessor did to regional stability, not to general of the Italian Ministry of Foreign tion of talks on nuclear agreement which is region and the world with heroic sacrifice in mention to U.S. interests.” ICG believes that the Biden ad- Affairs, has highlighted the importance of a necessary tool for maintaining security the front line of the fight against terrorism, ministration should pursue the U.S. re-entry into the JCPOA resuming negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal and non-proliferation in the region.” extremism, and drug trafficking. and recommends: officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Pointing to historic relations between “Iran established 42 years ago by the “Starting by revoking the 2018 order ending U.S. JCPOA Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying opportunity Iran and Italy, she said cooperation between victory of the Islamic Revolution, is a gov- participation.” for establishing constructive and positive two countries have been reinforced. ernmental system based on the will and “initiating a process of fully reversing Trump-era sanctions interactions for solving the issues should not Belloni added, “The relations have been demand of the majority of Iranian people while Iran brings its nuclear program back into full compliance.” be spoiled, according to IRNA news agency. established based on mutual respect and who toppled the despotic imperial regime “As further confidence-building measures, Washington In her statement which was issued on joint determination for negotiation and de- between Iranians and Italians.” in favor of a democratic one,” Ambassador could support Iran’s International Monetary Fund loan request the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the veloping innovative and effective cooperation Earlier, Iran’s Ambassador to Italy, Hamid Bayat remarked. as a sign of good-will in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.” “And perhaps engage Tehran in discussions on a prisoner swap.” “Early discussions on ending the conflict in Yemen and sup- IRGC gains fixed and mobile defense power porting a dialogue between Iran and Gulf Arab countries (Arab 1 “The Guard’s Ground Force has obtained the capabilities, including its missile power, and that Iran’s support by the combat choppers of the airborne division. countries of the Persian Gulf) could also help lower tensions.” offense power with the use of all systems and has achieved defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations. The general noted that the troops in the drill have ICG puts overt stress on the vitality of addressing Iran’s the fixed and mobile defense power on the ground against Also, at the beginning of the military exercise, Brig- utilized homegrown equipment for night combat. ballistic missiles as well as regional issues, noting: the enemies,” the commander remarked. adier General , the IRGC Ground General Pakpour asserted that the IRGC Ground “Biden’s team may be tempted to link rejoining the JCPOA The military exercise in the southwestern province of Forces commander, explained about the goals of the drill, Force is fully capable of countering any possible threat to other issues, but that could put the whole deal at jeopardy. Khuzestan involved various IRGC units such as the infantry, saying, “We want to assess the latest achievements and to the country. The objective should be a clean re-entry. Other issues, such commandos, special forces, armored divisions, artillery, capabilities of the forces and equipment and their op- The IRGC held the previous phase of the drill, named as regional de-escalation and Iran’s ballistic missile devel- missile and drone units, and ground force airborne troops. erational power.” the Great Prophet 15, in mid-January, when the Guards opment, are critical, but best pursued subsequent to, not as Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that Teh- He said a combination of military tactics were em- tested home-grown ballistic missiles to destroy mock a condition of, full restoration of the existing agreement.” ran will not hesitate to strengthen its defensive military ployed in the Thursday night’s strike that included aerial enemy warships in the northern Indian Ocean. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 13, 2021 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 SPORTS Iran’s top judge holds talks Ali Moradi nominated for IWF presidency

SPORTSTEHRAN — Head of Iran Weightlifting Fed- with Iraqi leaders deskeration Ali Moradi has been nominated for the presidency of the International Weightlifting Federation. Ayatollah Raisi urges punishment for those implicated in assassination of General Soleimani There are 11 candidates vying for the presidency of the troubled federation, including current interim president Michael Irani. 1 The documents were inked in nothing but relocate the Daesh terrorists in There are 10 other candidates running alongside Moradi: on Tuesday by the prosecutor generals, justice the region,” he continued. Jinqiang Zhou (China), Pyrros Dimas (Greece), Michael Irani ministers, and heads of the two countries’ Ayatollah Raisi praised the joint Iran- (Britain), Mohammed Jalood (Iraq), Zhanat Tussupbekov (Ka- prison organizations, according to Press TV. Iraq battle against the Takfiri outfit as a zakhstan), Stian Grimseth (Norway), Mohamed Yousef Al-Mana Upon his arrival in Iraq, Iran’s Judiciary “real symbol of and cooperation (), Nicu Vlad (Romania), Ursula Garza Papandrea (U.S.) chief visited the site near Baghdad Interna- between the two nations.” and Karolina Lundhal (Finland). tional Airport, where the U.S. assassinated He pointed out that Tehran and Bagh- Lundahl and Papandrea are the two women in the running. top Iranian and Iraqi anti-terror commanders dad have been bolstering their relations in Papandrea was ousted as interim president by the IWF Executive General Qassem Soleimani and his comrade various political, economic and cultural Board in October before Irani took over. She had been leading a Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. fields against the will of enemies given the reform process within the federation following the resignation of “Deserving conclusion” strong bonds between the two nations, Tamss Ajan in April amid charges of corruption, mismanagement During his meeting with al-Kadhimi, Aya- which are rooted in their rich civilizations and anti-doping deceptions during his 20 year tenure. tollah Raisi said Iran expects a “deserving and beliefs. The published list of candidates is provisional, dependent conclusion” for the General Soleimani assas- “Enemies have always made attempts to on the checks which are due to be carried out by February 22. sination case, underlining that the American sow discord between Iran and Iraq, but the “The most important thing is to maintain and keep our sport drone strike that martyred General Soleimani two countries’ cooperation has thwarted such in the Olympic program,” Moradi said. and al-Muhandis violated Iraq’s sovereignty. attempts,” the Judiciary chief continued. “I have always emphasized the importance of a strong fight “The U.S. violated Iraq’s sovereignty, dom- Ayatollah Raisi and President Salih against doping and respect for the IOC guidelines and instructions. inance, and laws by assassinating Martyrs agreed that it was important to strengthen “We need considerable changes and reforms inside our system Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Muhan- historical ties between Iraq and Iran and Iranian Judiciary Chief Raisi talking to Iraqi President Barham Salih (right) and we all should support each other,” he added. dis. We insist that the case should reach a to focus on their deep relationship based deserving conclusion as soon as possible Islamic Republic of Iran. bastions in Syria and Iraq under the guise upon close social, religious, cultural and with Iran and Iraq’s cooperation,” the chief On Wednesday, the top Iranian judge of fighting terror, while Tehran, Baghdad geographic bonds. They discussed how to of Iran’s Judiciary said during a Tuesday met with the Iraqi president. Ayatollah Raisi and Damascus, along with other neighbors, do this best so that it serves the interests Iran’s medal tally reaches nine meeting with the Iraqi prime minister. conveyed greetings from the Leader of the are working to cleanse the region of the of the peoples of both countries, according Ayatollah Raisi also called for a due pun- Islamic Revolution to the Iraqis, according Takfiri outfit’s remnants. to the Iraqi presidency statement. at Para Athletics Grand Prix ishment of those implicated in the assassi- to a statement issued by Iraq’s presidency. “The U.S. claimed that it seeks to fight “During the meeting, emphasis was placed nation of General Soleimani. According to the statement, the Judiciary Daesh and formed a coalition for the [de- on developing and promoting Iraqi-Iranian SPORTSTEHRAN — Iranian Para athletes claimed two He said due punishment of the per- chief reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Iraqi clared goal], but we have [only] witnessed the relations at every level. It was agreed that deskgold, two silver and two bronze medals on Day petrators and others, who provided a government’s fight against extremism and strengthening of Daesh in terms of weapons, there was space for further memoranda of 2 of the Dubai 2021 World Para Athletics Grand Prix on Thursday. criminal contribution to the atrocities, terrorism while underlining Iran’s support logistics, intelligence, and other aspects,” understanding and other agreements be- Mahdi Olad claimed a gold medal in Men’s Shot Put F11 with would preempt the potential repeat of for securing the pillar of stability as well as Ayatollah Raisi noted. tween the two countries. Cooperation and 13.89 meters throw. such atrocities in the future. respecting and protecting Iraq’s sovereignty. “While Iraq, Syria, Iran and regional coordination on legal and judicial matters Russian thrower came second, throwing 12.57 meters and the The office of the Iraqi prime minister Ayatollah Raisi said the U.S. is relo- countries are working together to eliminate should be a priority,” the statement added. bronze medal went to Uzbekistan’s athlete who threw 12.24 meters. issued a statement following al-Kadhimi’s cating Daesh terrorists from their former the remnants of Daesh, the Americans do President Salih said that countries in the Behzad Azizi also won a gold medal in the Men’s Javelin F12/13 meeting with Ayatollah Raisi. region have a responsibility to work toward with 64.37 meters throw. Lithuanian athlete seized silver medal “The two sides discussed joint bilateral “The U.S. violated Iraq’s sovereignty, easing tensions in the region and to use di- with 48.45 meters and Iranian thrower Masoud Heydari seized relations, enhancing cooperation in the dominance, and laws by assassinating Martyrs alogue to achieve that. the bronze with 44.30 meters. judicial and legal fields between the two He stressed that there was a need to coor- Iran’s Vahid Alinajimi took a bronze medal in the Men’s countries, as well as discussing a number Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Muhandis. dinate efforts for promoting regional peace 400m with a time of 50.41 seconds. Algerian runner won the of other issues,” the statement said. We insist that the case should reach a and stability and to seek common ground gold medal with 47.91 seconds and silver medal went to Turkish Al-Kadhimi pointed to the historical, deserving conclusion as soon as possible with upon which to base constructive dialogue. competitor with 49.53 seconds. geographical, religious and cultural ties Iraq’s sovereignty should be considered a Hamed Amiri, who had won a gold medal in javelin on Day between Iran and Ira, in addition to the Iran and Iraq’s cooperation,” the chief of Iran’s vital factor, President Salih noted. 1, seized a silver medal at the Men Discus F54/55. common strategic interests between the Judiciary said during a Tuesday meeting with Ayatollah Raisi’s visit to Iraq was his first Alireza Sadeghian also took a silver medal in the Men’s 100m two countries. He also praised the distin- trip to this country in his capacity as the T38 after running 11.66 seconds. French and Thailand sprinters guished relationship between Iraq and the the Iraqi prime minister. chief of Iran’s Judiciary. come first and third, respectively. On Wednesday, Saman Pakbaz and Vahid Alinajimi had claimed a silver and a bronze medal in the Men’s Shot Put - F12 and T/F12, respectively. The competition, which has brought a total of 471 Para athletes Iran calls on U.S. to comply with JCPOA, ditch Trump policies from 52 countries together in Dubai, serves as the one of the seven Zarif asks Biden administration to comply with JCPOA ‘before spouting off’ qualifying Para Athletics events for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

POLITICAL TEHRAN — Top Iranian officials have therefore, we should see what it will do in practice to make now standing with pride in front of history and the world,” deskcalled on the new U.S. administration to up for [Trump’s] crimes,” Rouhani said in an address to Zarif said in a speech delivered at a Tuesday ceremony where Abbasali keeps her fitness resume compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the inauguration ceremony of several Health Ministry foreign ambassadors to Tehran met President Hassan Rou- get rid of the Trump administration’s policies toward Iran. projects on Thursday. hani on the eve of the anniversary of the triumph of the 1979 levels up for Olympics Iranian Foreign Minister said Referring to , the Iranian president pointed Islamic Revolution of Iran. the Biden administration keeps calling on Iran to com- out that a “big terrorist has been sacked and disgraced at a “Those who launched wars against this nation, waged SPORTSTEHRAN — Iranian woman karate practitioner desk ply with the nuclear deal – officially known as the Joint national and international level.” a war against their own nation, too, at the end of the day Hamideh Abbasali says that she is training hard Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - while they still He underlined the tough financial issues facing the Iranian before they were thrown into the dustbin of history,” said to keep her fitness levels up for the Olympic Games. pursue the policies that former U.S. President Donald nation amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic, saying “a the foreign minister, according to a statement issued by the The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were supposed to take Trump adopted against Iran. criminal in the White House” blocked the country’s access to Iranian Foreign Ministry. place last summer but were rescheduled to this year due to the “Biden administration officials keep talking about its assets and caused problems for its banking transactions. Zarif pointed out, “This may be the best lesson for the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran’s compliance with JCPOA. In what capacity? U.S. With Trump gone, the White House should now think generations to come. People who stood up to war and “I’ve been trying to keep up my fitness with hard training ceased participation in May 2018, violated JCPOA & of how to compensate for his criminal deeds, noted the pressure, emerged victorious against an armed-to-the- during the COVID-19 pandemic. All athlete will do their best to punished those complying with UN resolution. As of president, calling on the new U.S. administration “to teeth regime without any foreign support or any other stand atop the podium in the Olympics,” Abbasali told IRNA. today, U.S. remains in EXACTLY same position. Before completely reverse that course, which has turned out to assistance, and resisted economic terrorism, should be “The best karate practitioners will gather together in Tokyo. It spouting off, COMPLY,” the chief Iranian diplomat said be wrong and bound for defeat.” addressed only with dignity and respect.” means we have a difficult task ahead to win a medal,” she added. in a tweet on Thursday night. However, despite all the sufferings the Iranian na- “This is a lesson for the new U.S. administration and Abbasali suffered a knee injury at the Karate 1-Premier League Rouhani says ‘no goodwill’ on U.S. part so far tion has gone through, there are no doubts that Trump’s all countries so that they know how they should treat event in Salzburg, Austria in March 2020. She underwent a suc- Similarly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged “maximum pressure” campaign and his “economic war” these great people,” he said. cessful surgery last year in Hannover, Germany. the new U.S. administration to take a new path in dealing have faced defeat, Rouhani continued. Zarif said Iranians suffered but never gave in to threats “I’ve participated in three training camp since my surgery with Iran and move to make up for the crimes committed “Dustbin of history” and pressure. and I will take part in the fourth training camp in the next few by Trump against the Iranian nation, saying the world has Earlier on Tuesday, Zarif said the Trump adminis- “Iranian people respond to respect with respect, and days,” Abbasali stated. no doubt that the pressure policy against Iran has failed, tration waged an economic war on Iran but this war they will also respond to threats and pressure accord- Abbasali won a quota place for the Tokyo Olympic Games according to Press TV. failed and those who waged it were thrown into the ingly,” he noted. last year but the Iranian women karate practitioners have also “We have not seen [any signs of] new deeds and good- dustbin of history. “Anyone who has threatened Iranian people has been chance of winning two more quota places in the upcoming Karate will on the part of the new [U.S.] administration yet. Its “Today, we are seeing that Iranian people stood up to thrown into the dustbin of history, and these people still 1-Premier Leagues. rhetoric may have changed, but the action is what matters; Trump’s economic terrorism and economic war, and are stand,” the top diplomat said. Qatar FM says working to revive JCPOA Chabahar to host Takhti Cup SPORTSTEHRAN — Chabhar, located in Sistan-Bal- POLITICAL TEHRAN — Qatari For- The Foreign Ministry did not give further “We are hopeful that this [summit] would maintain a good relationship with the U.S. deskuchestan Province, has been chosen to host deskeign Minister Sheikh Mo- details but Thani said that Qatar’s commu- happen and we still believe that this should and we maintain a good relationship with the 41st edition of Takhti Cup. hammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on nication was going on with both Iran and the happen. And I think this is also a desire Iran,” the chief Qatari diplomat continued. The prestigious wrestling tournament will be held in the Wednesday that his country is working to , given the strategic ties Qatar that being shared among the other GCC Lolwah al-Khater, spokeswoman for Qa- southeastern Iranian port from May 17 to 21. de-escalate tensions in the region through holds with both. countries. I just mentioned to you that there tar’s Foreign Ministry, also echoed the same The international event has brought the top wrestlers around reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran Turkey also said Doha and Ankara can is a difference between the countries on position in an interview with the Spanish the world to Iran over the past years. and world powers. contribute to easing tensions around the Iran the way how to approach such a dialogue. EFE news agency. Takhti, who was found dead in a hotel room in January 1968 “The State of Qatar is working on de-es- nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Also from the Iranian side. They have ex- Qatar is ready to mediate between Iran at the age of just 37, claimed the gold medal in Melbourne 1956 calation through a political and diplomatic Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). pressed their willingness several times to and the United States as the new U.S. pres- Olympic Games and won two silver medals in Helsinki 1952 and process to return to the nuclear agreement,” “The tensions we experienced over the engage with the GCC countries,” the Qatari ident, Joe Biden, assumes office after the Rome 1960 Olympic Games. the Qatari chief diplomat said, according to previous U.S. administration withdrawing foreign minister said in an interview with turbulent years of the Trump administra- Popularly nicknamed Jahan Pahlevan - “The World Cham- a Reuters report. from the nuclear deal, and the embargoes, Bloomberg TV. tions, she noted. pion” - because of his chivalrous behavior and sportsmanship, The remarks came in briefing notes about impacted the entire region. On this issue, Thani also expressed hope that what will Qatar has recently patched up its ties with Takhti was the most popular athlete of Iran in the 20th century, two separate calls earlier in the week between especially as Turkey and Qatar, we can pro- happen between Iran and the U.S. on the several Arab countries after more than three although dozens of Iranian athletes have won more international Thani and U.S. Special Representative for vide contributions, and we discussed these,” JCPOA would contribute to resolving the years of diplomatic standoff with some of medals than he did. Iran Robert Malley and U.S. National Security Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu differences between Iran and the Persian its GCC partners. After securing a détente Advisor Jake Sullivan. said during a news conference with his Qatari Gulf Cooperation Council. “Of course, things with these partners, particularly Saudi Ara- The Qatari Foreign Ministry said last week counterpart in Doha. are interconnected at the end of the day,” he bia, Qatar voiced readiness to play a role in that during his telephone conversation with In January, Qatar even expressed readi- noted, adding that Qatar will support nego- mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers Malley, Thani discussed “bilateral coopera- ness to host a summit between Iran and its tiations between the stakeholders. on one hand and between Iran and the U.S. tion, in addition to issues of joint interest.” Persian Gulf’s Arab neighbors. “We will be welcoming this idea. We on the other hand. in Doha cancelled

SPORTSTEHRAN — The FIBA Asia Cup qualifying deskmatches in Doha, are not pushing through after Tehran denies arrest of Iranian diplomat in Turkey world basketball governing body FIBA was forced to cancel the POLITICAL TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokes- claimed Thursday that a staff member of the Iranian consulate the ministry said in a statement on Thursday night. proceedings because of rising cases of the coronavirus in Qatar. deskman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Thursday rejected in Istanbul was arrested for allegedly helping the mastermind “In addition, none of the staff members of the Iranian FIBA is currently studying all the available alternatives for a claim by a Turkish newspaper that Turkey has arrested an of the murder of an Iranian national in 2019 in the city. consulate has been arrested,” he added. having the games in the near future. Iranian diplomat for his alleged involvement in a killing plot. But the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied that any member The spokesman said the person whose name is mentioned The third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Quali- Khatibzadeh dismissed the claim as “baseless,” saying of the consulate was arrested over the killing. in the Turkish media report has not been a staff member fiers are scheduled to be held from Feb. 18 to 22 in Doha, where that the Turkish newspaper’s report was “based on ground- “Khatibzadeh said none of the staff members of the Ira- of the consulate, and Iran is in talks with Turkish officials Iran were supposed to meet Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Group E. less accusations.” nian consulate in Istanbul has been and is involved in the through official channels in order to shed light on different Head of Iran Basketball Federation Ramin Tabatabaei has Daily Sabah, an English-language Turkish newspaper, activities claimed by the Turkish media outlet, whatsoever,” aspects of the issue. said the country is ready to host the Group E matches. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY FEBRUARY 13, 2021

TEDPIX up 3.4% in a week Iran sits at UN TIR executive ECONOMY TEHRAN — TEDPIX, the main index of the Tehran deskStock Exchange (TSE), rose 3.4 percent in the past Iranian calendar week. The index closed at 1.214 million points on Wednesday (the last board for 3rd consecutive time working day of the week). During the past week, the indices of Iran Khodro Group, Saipa Com- pany, Social Security Investment Company, Tehran Oil Refining Com- ECONOMY TEHRAN — Mostafa The Customs Convention on the Inter- pany, and Oil Refinery were the most widely followed indices. deskAyati, Director of Transit national Transport of Goods under Cover Bureau of Islamic Republic of Iran Customs of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention, 1975) fa- Administration (IRICA), has been elected for cilitates goods transit between 77 countries ICCIMA investigating the third consecutive time as a member of the that have joined it. The convention covers TIR Executive Board (TIRExB), the portal of Europe, Central Asia, West Asia, and even Administrative Health the United Nations Economic Commission South America. Promotion Law’s dos & don’ts for Europe (UNECE) announced. The convention is so far the only universal TIR Convention is one of the most success- customs transit system in existence, according ECONOMY TEHRAN — The permanent law on the promotion ful international transport conventions and to the UNECE. deskof the health of the administrative system and is so far the only universal Customs transit The United Nations Economic Commission the fight against corruption has been announced and Iran Chamber system in existence. for Europe believes this global customs transit of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCCIMA) is The new TIRExB members were elected system reduces cross-border transport time reviewing its dos and don’ts. during the 74th session of the TIR Admin- by up to 80 percent and cuts down costs by istrative Committee that took place on 11 up to 38 percent. February in Geneva for its term of office for To cover the customs duties and taxes at the years 2021-2022. risk throughout the journey, the convention Along with Mostafa Ayati, the European has established an international guaranteeing Commission (EC), Austria, Russia, Turkey, chain which is managed by the International Azerbaijan, Italy, Uzbekistan, and the Neth- According to the TIR Carnet section of Iran the IRICA. Road Transport Union (IRU). erlands are also represented at the TIRExB Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Ayati also represented Iran from 2019 to IRU is also responsible for the printing that supervises and provides support in the Agriculture (ICCIMA), Ayati’s election for 2021 at the TIRExB which is a subsidiary and distribution of the so-called TIR Carnet, application of the TIR procedure at the na- the third time has been a result of successful body of the TIR Administrative Committee which serves both as international customs tional and international levels. cooperation between the private sector and that works under the UNECE. document and proof of guarantee.

Also, in a letter to President Hassan Rouhani, Majlis speaker Oil production by Iran rises 62,000 bpd in January: OPEC Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf has announced the law to make the ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iran produced 2.084 million The country’s heavy crude oil prices also increased $5.18 “Law on Promoting the Health of the Administrative System and deskbarrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in Jan- in January to register a 10.5-percent rise compared to Combating Corruption” permanent. uary, registering a 62,000-bpd increase compared to the December 2020, based on the OPEC report. This law is in line with the implementation of the objectives last month of 2020, according to OPEC’s latest monthly Iran sold its heavy crude oil at $454.38 per barrel in of Article 123 of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. report published on Thursday. the mentioned month, compared to December’s $49.2 The bill was originally intended to be piloted for one year. But now Based on secondary sources, Iran had produced 2.022 per barrel. Majlis with the approval of the Expediency Council is considering million bpd of crude oil in December 2020. The country’s average heavy crude price was $62.61 since making the law permanent. The report put average Iranian crude output for the last the beginning of 2020 up to the report’s publishing date. quarter of 2020 at 1.992 million barrels per day indicating OPEC Basket prices also rose over 10 percent to $54.38 a near 44,000-bpd increase compared to the figure for the a barrel in January, up $5.21 from December 2020. ‘Iran to become self-reliant third quarter of the said year. In its report, OPEC has put the average global demand in manufacturing passenger, Iranian average crude oil production stood at 1.985 for oil in 2021 at 96.005 million barrels per day, which is million bpd in 2020, according to the report. 5.79 million barrels more than the figure for 2020. cargo wagons’ According to secondary sources, 13 OPEC members In addition to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus produced a total of 25.496 million barrels of oil in January, pandemic on the global oil industry which resulted in the been under pressure from the U.S. efforts to isolate the ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iranian Transport and Urban De- up from 25.315 million barrels in December 2020. drastic fall in oil prices, the Iranian oil industry has also country by re-imposing sanctions. deskvelopment Minister Mohammad Eslami has said that the country will become independent in terms of manufacturing passenger and cargo wagons. “Through the hard work and efforts of the country’s industrialists Domestic production in mining sector saves Iran nearly $1b in different sectors we have managed to indigenize the technology for manufacturing many parts, equipment, and machinery”, the minister ECONOMY TEHRAN — Iranian the domestic production policy followed up programs for domestic production of parts reiterated. deskMines and Mining In- by nine large mining companies saved the and equipment used in the mining sector “We must appreciate these efforts for self-sufficiency and, by strength- dustries Development and Renovation country $350 million during the first half as well as indigenizing required technology ening our industrial infrastructure, make Iran one of the most powerful Organization (IMIDRO) has announced of the current year (March 20-September of this sector. and leading countries, and increase our revenues”, he added. that domestic production and indigenizing 21, 2020). The Ministry of Industry, Mining and In an unveiling ceremony for domestically-made wagon brake system technology in the mining sector has saved This month last year, the previous head Trade had announced in the last August and wheels in early December 2020, Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran nearly $1 billion during the current of IMIDRO, which is the country’s major that it had a comprehensive plan for do- Iran Railways (known as RAI) Saeed Rasouli said that Iranian railway Iranian calendar year (began on March state-owned holding active in the mining mestic production of required parts and industry has become completely self-reliant in manufacturing freight 20, 2020). sector, announced the organization’s top equipment, and about $3.3 billion was wagons. The organization has also announced that 10 targets to be followed up through some allocated to this plan. Housing market expected to stay calm in coming months ECONOMY TEHRAN — Fardin Yazdani, the planner trading is expected to continue, Yazdani said. deskof the Transport and Urban Development He further referred to the liquidity growth and its impact Ministry’s Comprehensive Housing Initiative, believes that on the housing market and said: “The liquidity growth will the housing prices in the Iranian market are not going to ultimately have its negative impacts on the asset market in experience any sudden rise in the coming months and the the long run; as all the statistical data of the last two decades market will stay stable. show, one of the most important and influential factors on “Given the housing market situation and the trends in the housing market has been the liquidity growth, which other parallel markets, there will be no significant change unfortunately continues to increase.” in the volume of housing transactions by the end of the Earlier this month, the Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) current Iranian calendar year (March 20),” the portal of announced that the housing price in the country rose 8.2 The development of the railway sector is one of the macro policies Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Trade percent during the past Iranian calendar month Dey (De- of the Iranian government as it has been emphasized by the general (TCCIMA) quoted Yazdani as saying. cember 20, 2020 - January 19, 2021), as compared to the policies of the Sixth Five-Year National Development Plan (2016-2021). The housing market expert further explained that price same month in the past year. In this regard, the railway industry has been strongly seeking jumps occur when the rate of price increases in a market Excessive price increases have left the market with a According to Parvaneh Aslani, director-general of Housing self-sufficiency after the U.S. imposed a new round of sanctions on exceed the cost increase as well as the inflation rate, so kind of imbalance between purchasing power and the owner Economy Office of the Transport and Urban Development the Iranian economy and the imports of high-quality equipment and apparently no price jump is expected in the housing market expectations considering the existing prices; therefore, the Ministry, home prices have registered a 200 percent growth parts have become more difficult. by the yearend. market has entered a relative recession and this slump in over the past five years. As a result, the domestic manufacturing of parts and equipment, rail tracks, wagons, and locomotives has been put on the agenda for many Iranian companies and self-reliance is now being witnessed in many of the mentioned sectors. 40 idle mines revived in Sistan-Baluchestan Province ECONOMY TEHRAN — As an- in the country. the current Iranian year (ends on March Bandar Abbas-Latakia direct desknounced by a provincial The official said that over 7,000 persons 20, 2021). official, 40 idle mines have been revived in are working in the mines of province. Last year, 146 mines were revived through- shipping line to be launched Sistan-Baluchestan Province, in the southeast According to the available statistics, the out the country. of Iran, since the beginning of current Iranian number of active mines in the country is more According to the information released by early Mar. calendar year (March 20, 2020). than 5,600 mines, from which an average of by Iranian Mines and Mining Industries 1 According to Kashefi, necessary coordination has been done Mandana Zanganeh, the deputy gover- 400 million tons of various minerals are ex- Development and Renovation Organiza- between the Iran-Syria Joint Chamber and the Islamic Republic of Iran nor-general of the province for economic tracted annually, and the share of construction tion (IMIDRO), the most small-scale inac- Shipping Lines (IRISL) so that cargo ships will be scheduled to carry affairs, said that there are currently 384 ac- materials is estimated at 60 to 65 percent. tive mines are located in Khorasan Razavi freight from Iran to Syria once per month, the portal of Iran Chamber tive mines in the province, with the nominal Currently, 257 mines are being equipped as Province and the least of them are located of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) reported. capacity of 24 million tons, which constitute part of a comprehensive program for reviving Reviving 200 idle mines and setting up in the south of Kerman Province and North The first cargo will be shipped on March 10, the official said, adding three percent of minerals extraction capacity idle small-scale mines across the country. 25 processing units have been planned for Khorasan Province. that the service could take place twice a month if demand for shipping to Syria increases on the Iranian side. The official noted that such regular shipping would definitely have a positive impact on the volume of Iranian exports to Syria and the trade Commodities worth $1.15b exported from Khorasan Razavi Province between the two countries. ECONOMY TEHRAN—According to a provincial cus- the province in the said time span. In comparison to the previous year’s same time span, the “There are no restrictions on export items; these ships are both desktoms official, 2,250 tons of commodities worth Iran has traded 122.8 million tons of non-oil commodities imports of the mentioned commodities also declined by two container and bulk carriers, and any trader can choose Syria as his $1.15 billion have been exported from Khorasan Razavi Province, worth $58.7 billion in the first 10 months of the current Iranian percent and 15.5 percent in terms of weight and value, respec- export destination if he/she wants,” Kashefi stressed. in the northeast of Iran, during the first 10 months of the current calendar year, according to the head of the Islamic Republic tively, according to the IRICA head. Before the establishment of the new shipping service to Latakia, Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2020-January 19, 2021). of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). Iran’s top five non-oil export destinations during this Iranian exporters had to wait for weeks and even months for their cargo Omid Jahankhah said the main goods exported in the said Of the total volume of the country’s non-oil trade in the period were China with $7.2 billion worth of exports, Iraq to be forwarded to Syria. ten months were saffron, metal sections, plastic products, con- mentioned period, 94.541 million tons worth $28.63 billion with $6.3 billion, the (UAE) with over Iran and Syria had previously agreed on connecting the southwestern struction materials, foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables. was the share of exports and about 28.249 million tons valued $3.7 billion, Turkey with $2 billion, and Afghanistan with Iranian port of Emam Khomeini to Syria’s Latakia Port via a railway He mentioned Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, and Uz- at $30.639 were the imported goods, Mehdi Mir-Ashrafi said. $1.9 billion. that passes through Iraq. bekistan as the major export destinations of the goods. According to the official, the exports of non-oil goods in this The mentioned countries imported a total of 69.5 million The two sides had signed an agreement in this regard back in July The official further announced that 145,000 tons of products period decreased by 17.7 percent and 20 percent in terms of tons of goods worth $21.3 billion from Iran in the said 10 2019, based on which Iran would construct Shalamcheh- railway valued at $311 million have been imported to the province during weight and value, respectively, compared to the same period months, accounting for 73.5 percent and 76 percent of the between Iran and Iraq through which Iran’s Emam Khomeini Port will the ten-month period. last year. total exports in terms of weight and value, respectively. later be connected to Latakia Port in Syria. He named electronic parts, cotton, fertilizers and chemicals, The figures, however, grew significantly compared to the Meanwhile, the country’s top five sources of imports during Iran has close political and economic ties with both Iraq and Syria essential oils, production line machinery, spare parts and auto previous calendar month (December 21, 2020-January 19, this period were China with $7.9 billion, the UAE with $7.4 and the economic relations among the three nations have significantly parts as the main imported items, and UAE, China, Uzbekistan, 2021), the official added, noting that the upward trend is ex- billion, Turkey with $3.4 billion, India with $1.8 billion, and developed in the past few years. Turkey, India, and Germany as the major exporters of goods to pected to continue in the coming months. Germany with $1.4 billion worth of imports. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 13, 2021 ANALYSIS/INTERVIEW 5

Iranian position in Nagorno-Karabakh Moscow ready to break ties with EU: Lavrov conflict has been fair: Azeri expert Moscow is prepared to end the relationship with the Europe- an Union if the bloc introduces sanctions that put the Russian 1 The Islamic Republic of Iran support- janis. In those lands, our Muslim religious economy at risk, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated. ed the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan at monuments, Islamic architectural values and The foreign minister noted that Russia is completely self-suf- various levels and demanded the immediate mosques have been destroyed and looted. ficient in the military sphere, and it should strive for the same evacuation of the occupied territories. Iran’s We have always felt the support of friendly situation regarding its economy. Supreme Religious Leader, his advisers and and brotherly Iran, and even in the most «The assumption is that we are ready. If we see again that there other officials made statements in this regard. difficult days of Azerbaijan, the 44-day war, are sanctions that may create risks for our economy, including We remember this and appreciate it. Azer- we relied on friendly countries like Iran and its most sensitive sectors. We do not want to isolate from the baijani President Ilham Aliyev also called saw Iran with us. A large number of countries world, but we have to be ready. If you want peace, prepare for Iran’s position fair during the war. This is supported us. These supports strengthened war», Lavrov said on the show Solovyov Live. the official position of the Azerbaijani state. us and we won the 44-day war. The statement comes as a response to an announcement made How do you see Iran’s historic po- How can Iran and Azerbaijan take by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. The European diplomat, sition in resolving the Nagorno-Kara- advantage of their common ties like who visited Moscow earlier this month, said that Brussels would bakh conflict? , language and history? consider imposing new sanctions against Moscow, and the topic The position of the Islamic Republic of I want to emphasize once again that would be discussed at EU summits in February and March. Iran on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has Iran and Azerbaijan are countries with a Borrell also claimed that Russia was disconnecting itself from always been based on international law, common history, culture and, I would say, Europe. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted it was surprised and Tehran has always taken the same a common future. The two countries have by the remarks, adding they contradicted the statements he official position on international platforms. common religious beliefs and a common had made in Moscow. Iran’s position has not changed since the language and culture. And Azerbaijan and The new round of tensions follows several EU politicians 1990s: Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity Iran have always supported each other on suggesting sanctions against Russia over the case of Russian must be restored. various issues. And it is important to con- opposition figure Alexei Navalny. A Moscow court sentenced him Over the years, the Iranian side has re- tinue this mutual support. to 2 years and 8 months in prison in a financial misdemeanor peatedly offered to mediate and expressed which mediates in the settlement of the ensure long-term peace and reconciliation The war in Karabakh is over. Now we case. At least three European diplomats (from Sweden, Germany, its support for a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the position of between the parties. need to look to the future. Azerbaijan needs and Poland) were expelled from the country for participating in conflict. Of course, Azerbaijan was not in the two countries during the 44-day war was Which neighboring countries support to restore the liberated territories, unauthorized rallies in support of the opposition figure. favor of bloodshed in the region, and we tried unfortunate. The intermediary countries helped Azerbaijan during the First and Iran can be closely involved in this issue. to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict openly justified the occupation. Specifically, Nagorno-Karabakh War? Given that the Islamic Republic of Iran has within the framework of the OSCE Minsk France openly sided with Armenia and jus- The First Karabakh War has left bitter sufficient experience and potential in the Group. Although a decisive rapprochement tified the occupation of Azerbaijani lands. traces in the history of Azerbaijan. It was in development of water basins, construction of Yemen hits Saudi airbase was reached in the peace talks, tensions be- This policy is completely contrary to the the early 1990s that Azerbaijan lost 20 percent hydropower plants, restoration of historical tween the parties continued as a result of mediation mission. Official Washington’s of its land. At that time, the Azerbaijani army and religious monuments and construction with new generation missile Armenia’s unconstructive position. position was not based on international was just being formed and usually consisted of mosques, as well as the construction of Each time a ceasefire was violated in the law. We regret the statement of the U.S. of volunteers. It is a historical fact that in communication hubs, then Azerbaijan and 1 Lebanon-based al-Mayadeen television news network re- region, Tehran called on the parties to be secretary of state condemning Azerbaijan. those years, without the support of Iran at Iran can agree in this area. ported that Yemeni troops and their allies took control of the patient and agree on a ceasefire and proposed Azerbaijan acted within the framework of certain points, Azerbaijan could have lost I remember that some time ago when Koufel military base on Thursday. a mediation mission. international law, wanted to restore its more territory and people. the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev Military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Unfortunately, in the autumn of last year, state borders, the whole world supports I would like to remind you that during visited the liberated Khudafarin Bridge, he scores of Hadi loyalists were killed or wounded. the war in the region became inevitable and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, but the First Karabakh War, especially during called our border with Iran the “Border of Heavy fighting has continued between Yemeni forces and Azerbaijan had to liberate its lands by war. two members of the OSCE Minsk Group the skirmishes along the Araz River, hun- Friendship.” Later, the statements made by Hadi loyalists in Haylan and Makhdarah areas of the Sirwah Because Armenia’s provocative statements opposed Azerbaijan. dreds of thousands of our citizens became Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif during his visit district over the past few days. and provocations on the front continued. The This means that for the last 30 years, the refugees. At that time, Iran’s official support, to Baku once again show that there are steps Saudi Arabia launched the war on Yemen in March 2015, patience of the Azerbaijani state and people United States and France have been engaged in particular, the opening of a humanitarian to be taken jointly by the two countries. First with the aim of bringing Hadi back to power and crushing the was exhausted. And finally, the Azerbaijani in hypocrisy and simply tried to buy time. corridor in the region by Tehran, helped to of all, we are interested in cooperating with popular Ansarullah movement. Army took action. They tried to justify the maintenance of the safely evacuate thousands of Azerbaijanis Iran in the reconstruction and restoration According to the UN, 80 percent of Yemen’s 30 million people How do you evaluate U.S. and status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh and the from the war zone. Otherwise, our losses of Nagorno-Karabakh. Further, I see the need some form of aid or protection. About 13.5 million Yemenis Western countries’ role in mediating occupation of Azerbaijani lands. The 44-day could have been many times greater. We Iranian government’s mediation mission currently face acute food insecurity, UN data shows. between Armenia and Azerbaijan, es- war revealed the true nature of those countries. must not forget this. We have not forgotten in maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring The European Parliament (EP) on Thursday called on EU pecially as this time it was Russia that Russia, another intermediary country, took this support from neighboring Iran, and I coexistence in the region as successful. The member states to ban arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United managed the situation? a more professional approach. On one hand, want to talk about it today. fact that Iran and Azerbaijan share the same Arab Emirates. Despite the presence of countries such Moscow supported the territorial integrity The Supreme Religious Leader of Iran has position and support each other in a number In a resolution, European lawmakers welcomed a U.S. decision as the United States and France among of Azerbaijan and on the other it launched repeatedly stated that Nagorno-Karabakh is of regional and global energy projects can to suspend arms sales to Saudi Arabia and defer the transfer of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, its mediation mission and took real steps to a Muslim land, the land of Muslim Azerbai- lead to fruitful results. F-35 fighter jets to the UAE.

Iranian-Azerbaijani relations will strengthen after Nagorno-Karabakh’s liberation Second Announcement 1 President Aliyev believes that they can all come relations. Baku’s liberation of the formerly occupied closer together after the end of the Patriotic War in order territories was a regional game-changer, one which could to collectively give their shared region a brighter future. ultimately come to have supercontinental strategic con- Khouzestan Steel Company In practice, this could result in improved connectivity and sequences if the 3+3 format is successful. It’s in all six of a greater role in China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) for those pertinent countries’ interests to ensure that their Announcement of the contractors’ qualification for Khouzestan steel linking together the Eurasian supercontinent. Iran and shared region becomes one of the most important in Azerbaijan are on the same page regarding this vision, Eurasia, which can only happen through the fostering of company new wagon unloading system (tippler No. 3) by which will strengthen their ties in the coming years. excellent relations between each of them on a bilateral EPC contract Earlier in the interview, Iran’s top representative in level and trust-based multilateral cooperation. Irani- Azerbaijan talked in detail about the tangible benefits that an-Azerbaijan relations are a perfect example of how Khouzestan Steel Company (KSC), intends to increase the capacity of its wagon improved cooperation between their countries could entail. this can be achieved in practice, where pragmatism takes unloading system by implementing an EPC contract for a new wagon tippler No. 3 He suggested that the Islamic Republic could provide its precedence over all else, and everyone thus benefits. northern neighbor with technical, engineering, energy, Wagon tippler No. 3 must be able to unload all types of wagons with weight of 90 tons educational, construction, agricultural, mine clearance, of load and a total weight of 120 tons. and medical assistance, not just in the recently liberated territories, but across all of Azerbaijan. Ambassador Mousavi Companies interested in taking part the tender, having the following was also specifically asked about the Khodaafrin dam, which qualifications, can declare their readiness: he agreed “has become a bridge to strengthen fraternal relations between the two countries.” Altogether, Iran has 1. Sufficient Technological Knowledge and experience in the implementation of a comprehensive plan for ensuring that it and Azerbaijan receive maximum benefits from their cooperation. The significance of this can’t be stressed enough because pelletizing plants, process gas fans equipped and ESP de-dusters. of the information warfare waged against these frater- nal nations over the years. Bilateral ties sometimes went through difficult periods, but the leadership of both countries 2. The ability of financing and implementing the project by EPCF approach is always did their best to ensure that their disputes were manageable. Iran’s fair position of supporting Azerbaijan during its Patriotic War and offering to help diplomati- Andrew Korybko is a political analyst, journalist and preferred. cally resolve the conflict through its 3+3 format proposal a regular contributor to several online journals, as at the time helped both countries enter a new chapter of well as a member of the expert council for the Institute relations. This wise policy by the Islamic Republic was of Strategic Studies and Predictions at the People’s far-sighted and debunked the false information warfare Friendship University of Russia. He has published 3. The equipment must be supplied from European Companies in Europe or narratives that were spread about Iran’s position and its various works in the field of Hybrid Wars, includ- overall attitude towards Azerbaijan. ing “Hybrid Wars: The Indirect Adaptive Approach Looking forward, there’s every reason for observers to Regime Change” and “The Law of Hybrid War: other country under their license with European Union Countries Standards. to be optimistic about the future of Iranian-Azerbaijan Eastern Hemisphere”.

If Senate does not convict Trump, ‘he can do this again,’ Democrats warn The interested companies shall send the following documents to KSC by the date: 10th March 2021. Democratic prosecutors making the case words to supporters in the weeks lead- given that only six Republicans voted that Donald Trump incited a deadly ing up to the Jan. 6 attack, when he with Democrats in the 100-seat chamber 1. Company Profile and Catalogues insurrection by encouraging his sup- falsely claimed that his election defeat to proceed with the trial. porters to march on the U.S. Capitol by Democrat Joe Biden was the result “If he gets back into office and it hap- 2. Company references of similar projects. (Name, Location, Scope, Capacity warned the Senate on Thursday that if of fraud and that the crowd needed to pens again, we’ll have no one to blame but it fails to convict the former president, “fight” and “stop the steal.” ourselves,” lead impeachment manager and Contract Price) “he can do this again.” The Democrats appear highly unlikely Representative Jamie Raskin told the The first three days of Trump’s im- to secure a conviction and bar Trump Senate on Thursday, wrapping up the 3. The list of projects with frame of financing (if any). peachment trial focused on his fiery from ever again holding public office prosecution arguments. After receiving the documents and evaluating the companies’ competency, KSC will send the tender China will ‘eat our lunch,’ Biden warns after clashing with Xi on most fronts documents to the selected contractors. U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi U.S. infrastructure the United States must raise its game in Jinping held their first phone call as leaders and appeared the face of the Chinese challenge. Address: IRAN, Ahwaz, Khouzestan province, Khouzestan Steel Company, Post Box: 1378, Post at odds on most issues, even as Xi warned that confrontation Biden said he spoke to Xi for two hours on Wednesday Code: 61778-1311, Mr. Seyyed Hasan Hosseini contracts department manager. would be a “disaster” for both nations. night and warned the senators: “If we don’t get moving, While Xi has called for “win-win” cooperation, Biden they are going to eat our lunch.” has called China America’s “most serious competitor” and “They’re investing billions of dollars dealing with a Contact: Mr. Jamshid Sayyadi project manager - Tel: 0098 61 32908222 - Email: vowed to “out compete” Beijing. whole range of issues that relate to transportation, the [email protected] رواطروابط عمومی عمومی شرکت شرکت فوالد فوالد خوزستانخوزستان According to Reuters, on Thursday, Biden told a bipartisan environment and a whole range of other things. We just group of U.S. senators at a meeting on the need to upgrade have to step up.”

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 HERITAGE & TOURISM FEBRUARY 13, 2021

Abu Musa to organize two-day tours for martyrs’ families Tourism projects worth $5.9b

TOURISM TEHRAN – Abu Musa, one of the south- deskernmost Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf, is arranging special package tours to be offered to the families underway in Mazandaran of the martyrs. The two-day recreational tours are expected to launch in the TEHRAN – A total of the country and [this trend] should not month of Esfand (starting Feb. 19), Mehr reported. TOURISM desk250 tourism-related be stopped,” the minister stated. projects worth 250 trillion rials ($5.9 Mounesan added 2,451 tourism-related billion at the official exchange rate of projects worth 1,370 trillion rials (around 42,000 rials per dollar) are being im- $32 billion) are being implemented across plemented across the northern Iranian the country that signals a prosperous fu- province of Mazandaran. ture for Iran’s tourism sector. On Thursday, Seifollah Farzaneh, The tourism minister also said the the provincial tourism chief, called on coronavirus pandemic should not bring potential private investors to help fund traveling to a complete standstill. “Corona the [unfinished] projects to have them is a fact, but can the virus stop tourism? implemented ahead of the schedule. Certainly not. For us, the coronavirus is “We expect all banks [and potential a new experience in dealing with crises private investors] to come to the fore to that teaches tourism experts around the help complete those projects, which are world how to deal with such a disaster, and under construction and semi-finished.” thankfully governments are turning this This way a large number of native into an opportunity for better planning.” With an area of 12.8 square kilometers, Abu Musa Island young people will be gaining employment Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its enjoys a warm and humid climate as well as a variety of plants opportunities when these projects are numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, and marine life. completed, the official said. museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, The Abu Musa along with two other Iranian islands of Greater Elsewhere in his remarks, the official madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and Lesser Tunb sit near important oil shipping channels at pointed to several tourism projects re- and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed the mouth of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. the Islamic Revolution), he said. (some $2.85 billion) since the outbreak of cently inaugurated across the lush green Worth 3.2 trillion rials ($76 million), the coronavirus pandemic, however, he on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under province. the recently-inaugurated projects included mentioned that all the tourism businesses the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to Millennia-old relics donated Although the province’s tourism sector a 20-room hotel and 22 eco-lodge units, across the country would have the capac- increase the number of tourist arrivals is struggling with different problems and which are expected to create 129 job op- ity to fully resume their activities both in from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million to Kerman cultural heritage issues due to the outbreak of the corona- portunities for the locals, he explained. domestic and foreign markets. in 2025. The latest available data show virus, 23 tourism-related projects were Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism “Many tourism projects have been eight million tourists visited the Islamic department inaugurated across the province on the and Handicrafts Ali-Asghar Mounesan completed, or are being implemented, Republic during the first ten months of occasion of Fajr celebrations (Jan. 31- Feb. announced in August 2020 that Iran’s travel showing that a very good capacity has the past Iranian calendar year (started HERITAGE TEHRAN – Two Iranian individuals have 10, marking the victory anniversary of sector had suffered a loss of 12 trillion rials been created in the field of tourism in March 21, 2019). deskrecently donated 14 relics, which are estimat- ed to date from the third millennium BC, to a cultural heritage department in the southeastern Kerman province. “The objects, which date back to the third millennium BC, include objects in the shape of vase and cup, stone cylindrical Ernst Hoeltzer and his shots of 19th-century Isfahan vessel, axe and bronze rod, blade and ring,” CHTN quoted a TEHRAN — Ernst Hoeltzer (1835 – tion and began to set up housekeeping. Most of his social senior police official as saying on Thursday. TOURISM desk1911), who was a German telegraphist life took place at the Legation. and photographer, who shot many photographs of the His primary task was to train future Persian telegraph then Isfahan during his life and mission in Persia (Iran). operators at Dar ul-Funun (an examplar school of higher In spring 1870, Hoeltzer took his first extended ex- education in Tehran, which was established in 1851). pedition into the mountainous regions of Isfahan to The telegraph system was established, and the dif- visit nomadic tribes there. He, later, took many photos ficult work of building it had given way to everyday of monuments, people, and everyday life in the central routine. Between inspecting the sections and visits to Iranian city. the Tehran headquarters and the telegraphic service In those days, after the fall of the Safavid Dynasty, in Isfahan, Hoeltzer had more and more free time. He the country had been reunited in the eighteenth century used some of it to document contemporary Persia in under the Qajar Dynasty, which became an important word and image. power in West Asia. In 1873, Ernst Hoeltzer began using his plate camera Hoeltzer participated in a series of cable-laying projects to document landscapes, buildings, and important events in the Mediterranean for Siemens & Halske before going including travel by the first Persian railway; the telegraph to Persia for the Indo-European Telegraph Department. line; everyday scenes showing merchants, craftsmen, In the nineteenth century, the globe still had blank festivals, and customers; and military maneuvers. The big and sprawling Kerman province has been a cultural Photo captured by Ernst Hoeltzer depicts a view of Ali spots, travel was arduous and adventure-filled, and — He supplemented his photos with detailed descrip- melting pot since antiquity, blending Persians with subconti- Qapu Palace in Isfahan far more than today — people had to rely on themselves tions, particularly of the city of Isfahan. He described nental tribe dwellers. It is home to myriad historical sites and when in distant lands. There were no “user manuals” his motives: “Persia and Isphahan (Isfahan) are on the which is translated into “half the world”; meaning seeing scenic landscapes such as Bazaar-e Sartasari, Jabalieh Dome, for foreign regions and cultures, and all travel was in- threshold of a cultural transformation, and for several it is relevant to see the whole world. The cool blue tiles Ganjali Khan Bathhouse, Malek Jameh Mosque, and Shahdad dividually organized. Engineers in that era also faced years now people have started in- troducing and install- of Isfahan’s Islamic buildings, and the city’s majestic Desert to name a few. these challenges. ing a lot of foreign, usually European, style and luxury bridges, contrast perfectly with the encircling hot, dry The fastest route from London to Tehran in 1863 led there. The old buildings, customs, and practices (even Iranian countryside. UNESCO-designated Tchogha through St. Petersburg and Moscow to the Volga and clothing) are gradually disappearing.” It is filled with many architectural wonders such as then over the Caspian Sea to Persia. Holtzer, accompa- He died in Isfahan on July 3, 1911, and was buried unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Per- Zanbil equipped with nied by two English colleagues, took the train to Nizhny in the Armenian cemetery in Julfa. His memory lives sian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. It’s a city for Novgorod. He then proceeded by steamship along the on in the Armenian community. A couple of years ago, walking, getting lost in its mazing bazaars, dozing in electronic protection devices Volga, Europe’s longest river, to the Caspian Sea. restoration work was carried out on his home, which beautiful gardens, and meeting people. According to the Siemens Historical Institute, the is located in the New Jolfa district of Isfahan, to help Isfahan’s UNESCO-designated Imam Square, best TOURISM TEHRAN – Sets of electronic protection devices Persian headquarters of the Indo-European Telegraph preserve parts of his legacy in Iran for the succeeding known as Naghsh-e Jahan Sq. (literary meaning “Image desk and surveillance cameras have recently been Department was built in Tehran in 1863. Holtzer moved generations. of the World”), is one of the largest in the world (500m installed across the UNESCO-registered Tchogha Zanbil, which in for the next few months right next to the British Lega- Isfahan has long been nicknamed as Nesf-e-Jahan by 160m), and a majestic example of town planning. is a ruined prehistoric ziggurat and a top tourist destination in southwest Iran. The position of CCTV cameras have been chosen in such a way that no place within the UNESCO site remains uncovered, CHTN quoted, Atefeh Rashnoei, director of the World Heritage, Other Iranian antiquities added to national heritage list as saying on Tuesday. TOURISM TEHRAN – A total of in the wall of a mosque that points out conqueror, took it in 1392. Some decades “The electronic protection will not replace physical protec- desknine historical moveable the qibla - the direction of the Kaaba in later the Kara Koyunlu Turkmen made it tion and human resources….It is aimed to bolster support and properties in East Azarbaijan province have Mecca, a gold bracelet, and a clay seal. their capital, it was when the famous Blue protection of this World Heritage site,” she added. recently been inscribed on the national The historical objects are being kept in Mosque was built in Tabriz. heritage list. the Azarbaijan Museum in the capital city Tabriz retained its administrative sta- The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, of Tabriz, which embraces several historical tus under the Safavid dynasty until 1548 Tourism and Handicrafts announced the and religious sites, including the Jameh when Tahmasp I relocated his capital inscriptions on Thursday in a letter to the Mosque of Tabriz and Arg of Tabriz, and westward to Qazvin. During the next two governor-general of the northwestern prov- UNESCO-registered Tabriz Historic Bazaar centuries, Tabriz changed hands several ince, CHTN reported. Complex to name a few. times between Persia and the Ottoman A royal silver coin, clay pot and jug, and Tabriz became the capital of the Mongol Empire. During World War I, the city was a padlock were among the new properties The list also includes Sarab Jameh Il-Khan Mahmud Gazan (1295–1304) and temporarily occupied by Turkish and then added to the national heritage list. Mosque’s mihrab, a semicircular niche his successor. Timur (Tamerlane), a Turkic Soviet troops.

Traditional arts in Isfahan inscribed on intangible cultural heritage list TOURISM TEHRAN – The skill of designing reasons. The ancient city is filled with many architectural Tchogha Zanbil is widely known as the world’s best sur- desksilver accessories and the art of mak- wonders such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, viving example of Elamite architecture. The ruined ziggurat ing handmade knives along with four more skills and museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. stands in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran. It was made arts, all practiced in the central province of Isfahan, It’s a city for walking, getting lost in its mazing bazaars, a UNESCO site in 1979. have been registered in the National Intangible Cultural dozing in beautiful gardens, and meeting people. According to UNESCO, Tchogha Zanbil is the largest Heritage list. Isfahan is renowned not only for the abundance of ziggurat outside of Mesopotamia and the best preserved of The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and great historical bridges but also for its ‘life-giving riv- this type of stepped pyramidal monument. Lonely Planet Handicrafts on Thursday announced the inscriptions er’, the Zayandeh-Rood, which has long bestowed the says that even if you’re not a fan of ancient ruins, the great in a letter it submitted to the governor-general of the city an original beauty and fertility. The cool blue tiles bulk and splendid semi-desert isolation of the site can’t fail province, ILNA reported. of Isfahan’s Islamic buildings, and the city’s majestic to impress. Try to catch it in the soft, golden light of late The list also includes the skill of weaving kilims, bridges, contrast perfectly with the encircling hot, dry afternoon rather than the harsh midday sun. leather crafting, making metal statues, and the art of Iranian countryside. The ziggurat is located approximately 30 km south- Sakmeh-duzi, a kind of traditional needlework. Modern Isfahan is now home to some heavy industry, east of Shush and 80 km north of Ahvaz. Reaching a total Soaked in a rich history and culture, Isfahan was once including steel factories and a nuclear facility on its height of some 25m, the gigantic monument was used a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy in Iran. outskirts, however, its inner core wants to be preserved to be surmounted by a temple and estimated to hit 52m Now, it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good as a priceless gem. during its heyday. Tchogha Zanbil was excavated in six seasons between 1951 and 1961 by Roman Ghirshman, a Russian-born French archeologist who was specialized in ancient Iran. Ziggurats, in general, are pyramidal stepped temple towers Iran reduces PCR test validity for air passengers that bear architectural and religious characteristics of the 1 The worldwide outbreak of to data compiled by the World Tourism worst year on record in the history of major cities of Mesopotamia from approximately 2200 until COVID-19 has brought the world to a Organization (UNWTO) in December. tourism. 500 BC. They were usually built with a core of mud brick standstill, and tourism has been the worst Restrictions on travel, low consumer Iran has also suffered the same fate as and an exterior covered with baked brick. Approximately 25 affected of all major economic sectors. confidence, and a global struggle to its foreign arrivals plunged 72% during ziggurats are known, being equally divided among Sumer, World tourist arrivals fell by 72% over contain the coronavirus pandemic are the first eight months of 2020 when Babylonia, and Assyria. the first ten months of 2020, according amongst factors contributing to the compared to 2019. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y FEBRUARY 13, 2021 SOCIETY 7

Even ‘illegal migrants’ in Iran Social inequalities overtake climate change in EU will get COVID-19 vaccine citizens’ concerns: poll Reducing poverty and social inequality has become the SOCIETY TEHRAN — All foreign In August 2020, health ministry official main policy priority for EU citizens after the COVID-19 desknationals residing in Shahnam Arshi, said all foreign nationals pandemic, a new survey commissioned by the European Iran, even those who are undocumented, infected with coronavirus receive medical Parliament has shown. will be included in the program for treatment free of charge in Iran. The yearly Eurobarometer survey of the European vaccination against the coronavirus, So far, at least 4 trillion rials (nearly $95 Parliament was conducted by the data consultancy Kan- Health Ministry’s spokesman Kianoush million at the official rate of 42,000 rials) tar between November and December 2020, thus taking Jahanpour has said. have been spent only for the treatment of into account the first impact of the pandemic on public “All over the world, as soon as illegal registered foreign nationals, he added. perceptions. migrants are identified, they are detained No foreign national has been charged and arrested. But, in Iran, we will inject for coronavirus testing or treatment, he the coronavirus vaccine even to them,” said, highlighting, this is a service that is ILNA quoted Jahanpour as saying. not done for free in many countries but A majority of Afghan migrants residing has been done in the last 6 months for in Iran are undocumented, he noted. the treatment of foreign nationals in Iran. Iran is hosting about one million On February 10, Jahanpour said that documented foreign nationals, and perhaps vaccination of the whole population another one million are illegally living in the against the coronavirus will be completed country, deputy minister of interior has said. in the next Iranian calendar year (March Some 700,000 foreign nationals illegally 2021-March 2022) and it is hoped that residing in Iran are expelled annually from Iran will be one of the first countries in the country, but many of whom return this regard. back for different reasons, IRIB quoted It is said that the vaccination procedure Javad Naserian as saying. takes three to seven years in most countries, At the end of 2018, Iran hosted close to but the [Iranian] health ministry plans one million refugees, making it the sixth- hosting 951,142 Afghan refugees and Undocumented Afghans have access to to complete the vaccination of the whole largest refugee host country in the world. 28,268 Iraqi refugees, according to the free primary health services and similarly population by the end of 2021 or the end Iran also was the eighth largest refugee- United Nations High Commissioner for free COVID-19 related testing, treatment, of the next Iranian calendar year (March Nearly half the respondents (48%) believe the fight hosting country in the world in 2019, Refugees (UNHCR). and hospitalization, just like nationals. 2022), Jahanpour explained. against poverty should be put at the top of the European Parliament’s agenda, an increase of 17% compared to the last edition of the survey. In a recent forecast drafted by the World Bank, COV- Birth rate declines by 5% in 6 months on year ID-19 is considered having a clear impact on the global poor, pushing some 88 million to 115 million people into SOCIETY TEHRAN – The number of births women, providing health and nutrition support packages desk extreme poverty during 2020. registered in Iran during the first half to mothers and children, educational opportunities For the World Bank, many of the new poor are likely to of the current Iranian calendar year (started March for student mothers, providing livelihood support to live in congested urban settings and work in the sectors 20, 2020) shows a decrease of five percent compared families, and ongoing medical services to pregnant most affected by lockdowns and mobility restrictions. to the same period last year. women. Shadows of concern about the rise in inequality world- During spring and summer, 280,564 births and Population growth policies wide due to the pandemic were also recently cast in a re- 300,059 births were registered respectively, compared to Some 14 policies to support childbearing and the search published by the NGO Oxfam. 299,389 births and 315,167 births in spring and summer family were announced by the Leader of the Islamic According to this study, it could take more than a dec- last year, according to the Statistical Center of Iran. Revolution Ayatollah in [the Iranian ade to recover from the economic hit of the pandemic, The total fertility rate in simple terms refers to the calendar year] 1389 (March 2014-March 2015) when meanwhile pushing more people into poverty. total number of children born or likely to be born to a he stressed that social, cultural, and economic develop- Combatting terrorism and organised crime, as well as woman in her lifetime if she were subject to the pre- ment should be done in accordance with these general improving the access to quality education, are also high vailing rate of age-specific fertility in the population. policies to support families. on the EU citizens wish list, respectively with 35% and According to the data released by the National registered births decreased to 1,196,135 over the past The policies address the need to increase the pop- 33% of the preferences. Organization for Civil Registration, the number of [Iranian calendar] year. ulation and the various dimensions of it, including The protection of environment and biodiversity is stable births registered during the [Iranian calendar] year Plan to encourage childbearing childbearing, facilitating marriage and strengthen- at 32%, but only a year ago, this figure placed the topic at 1390 (March 2011-March 2012) was equal to 1,382,118, Most recently, the Majlis (Iranian parliament) has ing the family, reproductive health, promoting the the very top of EU citizens’ desires. which increased to 1,528,053 births in the [Iranian developed a support plan to encourage families to in- Iranian-Islamic lifestyle, empowering young people, This shift in priorities can be considered as a strict calendar] year 1395 (March 2016-March 2017). crease childbearing. honoring the elderly, and the environment, which can consequence of the pandemic, the authors of the study However, the number of births in the whole coun- The plan stipulates health insurance for infertile lead to an increase in the quantity and quality of the explained in a technical briefing. try faced a downtrend over the past three years, as couples, providing services and facilities to working population if it is timely and continuous implemented. But the impact of the pandemic seems to go beyond the list of priorities, involving the very image of the European Union. One out of two respondents has a fairly positive or very Indian, Chinese coronavirus vaccines awaiting Iran’s approval positive image of the EU, a rise of 10% points compared to 2019, with just 14% saying that it is negative. SOCIETY TEHRAN – The Food of the Bharat Biotech vaccine has been months. The historic ‘Next Generation EU’ stimulus plan (NGEU) deskand Drug Organization completed and is passing the judgment “Of course, we will not import just played a crucial role in the improved image of the bloc, of Iran is weighing up importing India’s phase. Sinopharm is also working to the Russian-made vaccine. There are as 72% agree or tend to agree it will allow EU countries Bharat Biotech and China’s Sinopharm complete its documentation process. other reliable sources, as well that have to rebuild their economies more rapidly from negative COVID-19 vaccines in a bid to boost On January 27, Health Minister successfully passed clinical phases and effects of the pandemic. the country’s drive against the disease. said that there are four we will receive them by the end of the Expectations from the post-COVID world are, however, “In addition to importing Russian different ways to supply the coronavi- [Iranian calendar] year (March 20).” pretty bleak, as the majority of respondents think the situ- vaccine, Sputnik V, and its production by rus vaccine, including direct purchase Importing vaccine from COVAX, a ation in their national economy after the pandemic would the end of the current [Iranian calendar] from a foreign country, procurement global initiative to ensure rapid and eq- be worse than before, although most believe their personal year (March 20), importing two other from the World Health Organization’s uitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, is living conditions will be the same in one year’s time. foreign-made vaccines, namely India’s COVAX facility, a joint production with also on the agenda, he noted. Another consequence of the pandemic can be seen in Bharat Biotech and China’s Sinopharm, a Cuban company as well as domestic doses of the vaccine,” ISNA quoted On February 5, the Iranian Ambassa- how solidarity among EU countries is perceived, as 41% of are currently under investigation,” FDA production of the vaccine. Mohammad Reza Shanehsaz, head of dor to the UK Hamid Baeidinejad wrote respondents put it on the top of the list of the core values spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said The first consignment of Sputnik V, the Food and Drug Administration, as on his Instagram page that 4.2 million that the European Parliament should defend, compared on Friday, IRNA reported. the Russian-made vaccine for the coro- saying. doses of the Anglo-Swedish AstraZeneca to 33% one year ago. For the time being, only Sputnik V navirus, was imported on February 2. This is for ten thousand people, he vaccine will be imported in the near has met the importation requirements, “We have signed an agreement with said, adding that the next batches will future within the framework of the LET’S LEARN PERSIAN he said, adding that the documentation the Russian side to receive two million be imported within the next one or two agreement with COVAX. (Part 128) (Source: saadifoundation.ir)

ENGLISH IN USE LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION

طــرح ویــژه بــرای جــذب پژوهشــگران Special plan prepared to attract ایرانــی مقیــم خــارج overseas Iranian researchers جــذب محققــان و پژوهشــگران خــارج از کشــور یکــی از اولویتهــای -The Vice Presidency for Science and Technology has pre کشــور محســوب میشــود و در ایــن راســتا معاونــت علمــی و فنــاوری pared a special plan to attract scientists and researchers living ریاســت جمهــوری طرحــی ویــژه پیشــنهاد کــرده اســت. .abroad, IRNA news agency reported on Saturday بــه گــزارش ایرنــا، معاونــت علمــی و فنــاوری ریاســت جمهــوری، ایــن -The project aims to promote “supporting technological ac طــرح شــامل »حمایــت از فعالیتهــای فناورانــه و ایجــاد شــرکتهای tivities and startups”, “postdoctoral facilities”, “supporting نوپــا«، »تســهیالت پســا دکتــری«، »حمایــت از اشــتغال در مراکــز نــوآوری employment in innovation centers and accelerators as a trainer و شــتابدهندهها بــه عنــوان مربــی و مشــاور«، » تســهیالت دوره فرصــت ,”and consultant”, “providing facilities for opportunity studies مطالعاتــی«، »تســهیالت مســکن«، »حمایــت از اشــتغال در شــرکتهای providing housing facilities”, “supporting employment in“ معتبــر داخلــی«، »حمایــت از برگــزاری ســخنرانی و کارگاههــای تخصصــی« reputable domestic companies”, “support for lectures and و »حمایــت از همــکاری بــه عنــوان اســاتید مدعــو و معین«اســت. -specialized workshops” and “support for cooperation as in بــر اســاس برآوردهــا نزدیــک یــک درصــد از کل مجمــوع دانشــجویان .”vited and appointed professors ایرانــی در خــارج از کشــور تحصیــل میکننــد. ایــن رقــم در مقایســه It is estimated that about one percent of all Iranian students بــا میانگیــن بینالمللــی کــه حــدود ۳درصــد اســت، رقــم باالیــی are studying abroad, which is not above the international محســوب نمیشــود. .average of around 3 percent Prayer Times Noon:12:19 Evening: 18:03 Dawn: 5:28 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:52 (tomorrow) FEBRUARY 13, 2021 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Mohammad Shojaeian Editor-in-Chief: Ali A.Jenabzadeh “Yadoo” tops at 39th Fajr Film Fsetival Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 [email protected] 1 The film tells the story of a teenage Tahmineh Bahram, the drama also won the Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 boy named Yadu living with his family and best screenplay award. The film’s story is Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051430 people under siege in the southwestern set in the 1970s in an Iranian village where Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Iranian city of Abadan in the early days of villagers’ peace is threatened by an incident, but the sheriff tries to restore peace there. Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. The family is The award for best actor went to Reza Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 finally forced to migrate. During the closing ceremony of the festival Attaran for his role in “Bright”, and Roya held at Tehran’s Milad Tower on Wednesday Afshar won the award for best actress for her role in “Mom” directed by Arash Anisi. Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimes79 evening, producer Mohammadreza Mesbah dedicated his award to the people of Abadan Gelareh Abbasi won the best supporting actress award for her role in “The Piebald”, No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran and lamented that people are living under P.o. Box: 14155-4843 difficult conditions over 30 years after the war. and Puria Rahimi-Sam was honored as best Zip Code: 1599814713 He also expressed his thanks to the supporting actor for his role in “Zalava”. Institute for Intellectual Development of The following is a list of other winners Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) and at the festival. the Farabi Cinema Foundation for their Best editor: Emad Khodabakhsh for contribution to the project. “Without Anything”. After accepting his award, director Mehdi Best composer: Hamed Sabet for “Without Jafari expressed his appreciation to the people Anything”. Abadan and IIDCYA, also acknowledging the Best set design: Soheil Danesh-Eshraqi acclaimed movies such as “Bashu, the Little for “Once Upon a Time in Abadan”. Stranger” and “The Runner” produced by Producer Mohammareza Mesbah speaks after accepting the Crystal Simorgh Best costume designer: Maral Jeirani for the institute during the 1980s. for best film for “Yadoo” at the 39th Fajr Film Festival at Tehran’s Milad Tower “Without Anything”. GUIDE TO on February 10, 2021. The film’s star Milad Soveilavi is also seen holding the SPIRITUAL AWAKENING Morteza Najafi won the award for Best makeup artist: Iman Omidvari for best director of cinematography for his award. (FFF/Mehdi Qasemi) “The Piebald”. collaboration both in “Yadoo” and director Dürrenmatt’s “The Visit”, won the special during the Iran-Iraq war, won the Golden Best practical special effects supervisor: Lying would negatively influence your Ruhollah Hejazi’s “Bright”. jury award and the Crystal Simorgh for Simorgh for best film from the national point Iman Karamian for “The Sniper”. livelihood. “Yadoo” also won Amir-Hossein Qasemi best screen adaptation. The screenplay has of view. Ali Ghaffari is the director film. Best computerized special effects supervisor: and Rashid Daneshmand the Crystal Simorghs been co-written by Qarai and Mohammad “The Piebald” directed by Narges Abyar Farid Nazer-Fasihi for “The Piebald”. Prophet (S) for best sound effects engineer and best sound Davudi. won the best audience film award. Best documentary: “Coup 53” directed engineer respectively. The real-life drama “The Sniper”, which “Zalava” by Arsalan Amiri received the by Taqi Amirani. “Without Anything”, director Mohsen portrays Abdorrasul Zarrin, who was one of award for best directorial debut. Best short film: “Emergency” by Maryam Esmikhani. WHAT’S IN ART GALLERIES Qarai’s loose adaptation of Friedrich the most lethal snipers in the Iranian forces Co-written by Amiri, Ida Panahandeh and Painting Rasul Soltani is displaying his latest collection “Forbidden “Sun Children” selected for 2021 Oscars Triangle” in an exhibition at CAMA – Contemporary and Modern Art foreign-film shortlist Gallery. The exhibit runs until February 17 “Charlatan” by Agnieszka Holland from Czech and Fajr Film Festival in Tehran in February, 2020, garnering at the gallery located at No. 44, 10th “Collective” by Alexander Nanau from Romania are also the Crystal Simorghs for best film, script and set design. Golestan, Pasdaran St. seen on the shortlist. Numerous international events, including the 77th Negar Gallery is playing host The shortlist also includes “I’m No Longer Here” by Venice Film Festival, have also screened the movie. The to an exhibition of paintings by Fernando Frias from Mexico, “Hope” by Maria Sødahl festival honored the film’s star Ruhollah Zamani with Maryam Asadi. from Norway, “The Mole Agent” by Maite Alberdi from the Marcello Mastroianni Award. The exhibit named “Gol-Setan” Chile, “Two of Us” by Filippo Meneghetti from France The 33rd International Film Festival for Children and will run until February 17 at the and “A Sun” by Chung Mong-hong from Taiwan. Youth in Isfahan also awarded Majidi as best director gallery located at 33 Delaram “Sun Children” tells the story of 12-year-old Ali and and Zamani as best actor. Alley, Roshanai St. in the Qeitarieh “Sun Children” by . his three friends. Together, they work hard to survive and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences neighborhood. support their families, doing small jobs in a garage and has announced the shortlists for nine categories for the ARTTEHRAN – Iranian director Majid An exhibition of paintings by desk committing petty crimes to make fast money. Everything upcoming Oscars. Farzaneh Amirijah is currently Majidi’s child labor drama “Sun Children” changes, however, when Ali is entrusted to find a hidden The shortlist voting concluded on February 5, and underway at Ehsan Gallery. is among the 15 movies shortlisted in the foreign-language treasure underground but must first enroll at the Sun the remaining films will move on to the official phase The exhibit will run until February film category at the 93rd . School, a charitable institution that tries to educate street one voting, which will take place on March 5 to 9. The 17 at the gallery located at No. 22, “Another Round” by Thomas Vinterberg from Denmark, kids and child laborers. Oscar nominations will be announced on March 15, with East 14th St. in the Ajudanieh “Better Days” by Derek Tsang from Hong Kong, The movie had its Iranian premiere during the 38th the show scheduled to take place on April 25. neighborhood. Ghazal Khatibi is hanging her latest collection of paintings in an exhibition at O Gallery 1. “Bab Bara” crowned best at Fajr Theater Festival A collection of drawings and ARTTEHRAN – “Bab The ceremony was followed by honoring by the director of Iran’s Dramatic Arts Center, installation art by Ali Vaziri is deskBara”, a play by Nima the winners in the Soldier of the Revolution Qader Ashena. also on view in an exhibition at O Imanzadeh from the northwestern Iranian section. The ceremony continued with paying Gallery 2. city of Sanandaj, won the grand prix of the Najmeh Mehrabi Khuzani and Puya tribute to the nuclear scientist Mohsen The exhibitions will run until official competition of the 39th Fajr Theater Emami received the best actress and actor Fakhrizadeh, who was assassinated in a February 23 at the gallery located Festival, while Imanzadeh was named the awards for their roles in “Life with the Taste terrorist attack in a region near Tehran at 18 Shahin St., Sanai St. best director for his play. of Gunpowder” by Mojtaba Khalili. last November. Shirin Gallery 1 is playing host Winners of different sections of the festival Saeid Badini was named the best director A video depicting Fakhrizadeh’s sons to an exhibition painting by Shirin were honored last Tuesday at Vahdat Hall for the play “General”, while the play was speaking about their father’s interest in Ettehadieh entitled “People…”. during a closing ceremony attended by honored as the top play of the Soldier of the Iranian art and music was screened at the Hossein Irandoost-Moqaddam is Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Revolution section. ceremony. also showcasing his latest collection Seyyed Abbas Salehi and the winners. Mehdi Ziaian was selected as best director Photographer Akhtar Tajik, critic named “Love-Stricken” in an exhibit Ayeh Kianpur and Sorush Taheri received Organizers of the 39th Fajr Theater for “Roof Battle”, which also brought Homayun Aliabadi, and actors Bahram at Shirin Gallery 2. the best actress and actor awards for their Festival pay tribute to nuclear scientist Mohammad-Hadi Atai the award for best Ebrahimi and Jamshid Davarpanah were The exhibitions will run until roles in “Sagdo”, while Mohammad Charmshir during the closing actor. honored with lifetime achievement awards. February 24 at the galleries located was named the best playwright for the play. ceremony of the event at Tehran’s Vahdat Arman Mirzaim the young adult actor of The ceremony was brought to an end at No. 5, 13th St., Karim Khan Ave. “Jaleh Ambush” by Hamed Mokammeli Hall on February 8, 2021. (ILNA/Alireza the play “Bodies” by director Alireza Marufi with a live Azarbaijani music performance Homa Gallery is currently received the special jury award. Ramezani) was also honored for his powerful performance by Vahid Asadollahi and his sons. hanging paintings by Mojan Eim in an exhibition entitled “Yellow Rave”. The exhibit will continue until Berlinale to screen “Ballad of a White Cow”, “District Terminal” from Iran February 23 at the gallery located at No. 8, Fourth Alley, Sanai St., ARTTEHRAN – Iranian films “Ballad of Industry platforms European Film Market, Berlinale desk Karim Khan Ave. a White Cow” and “District Terminal” Co-Production Market, Berlinale Talents and the World Photo will be screened during the 71st Berlin International Cinema Fund will be online from March 1 to 5. An exhibition of photos by Davud Film Festival. A physical edition of the event will be organized Amir is currently underway at Saless “Ballad of a White Cow” co-directed by Behtash from June 9 to 20, pandemic permitting. Gallery. Sanaeiha and Maryam Moqaddam will go on screen Last year, Iranian filmmaker Abbas Amini was The showcase will be running until in the official competition, and “District Terminal”, a selected as a member of the jury for the Generation February 23 at the gallery that can co-production between Iran and Germany by directors 14plus Section of the festival together with South African be found at 148 Karim Khan Ave. Bardia Yadegari and Ehsan Mirhosseini, will have its writer and director Jenna Bass and Indian filmmaker Multimedia world premiere in the Encounters section. Rima Das. Artworks in various media by a “Ballad of a White Cow” is about Mina, a young Two Iranian films “White Winged Horse” by Mahyar group of artists, including Majid woman who lives alone with her deaf child while her Mandegar and “Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness” by Akbari, Mohsen Ahmadi, Nasim husband had been executed for a murder charge a year Masud Bakhshi were screened in the 14plus Section Sobhgahi, Fereshteh Nesati, ago. She tries to get her life together, take good care of the festival last year. Mohammad Shakib, and Jamal of her child and make both ends meet. However, her A scene from “Ballad of the White Cow” by Behtash Also last year, “The Alien” (“Namo”) by Nader Saeivar Veisi, are currently on view in an life gets more sorrowful when she finds out that her Sanaeiha and Maryam Moqaddam. went on screen in the Forum section and “The Kites” by exhibition at Ayrik Gallery. husband was innocent. Seyyed Payam Hosseini was screened in the Generation The exhibition will run until “District Terminal” is about a junkie poet named of Tehran falls prey to pollution and a lethal virus. Kplus, while “Selfie with Democracy” by Ali Atshani was February 27 at the gallery located Peyman who attempts to finish a poem, where his city The festival’s 71st edition will take place in two stages. showcased during the European Film Market (EFM). at Ayrik Center on East Ferdows Blvd. Zohreh Fathi, Zahra Ghiasi, Neda Eftekhari, Aian Mansur, Hedyeh Fourth episode of “Domus Eyes on Iran” released Qorban, Mohammad Ghazazani and ARTTEHRAN – The fourth Street in Tehran, which was reviewed by eloquent parallel in Milan’s “Vertical Forest”, several other artists are displaying deskepisode of “Domus Domus magazine in 2016. an innovative idea developed by Stefano their latest works in various media Eyes on Iran”, a video series dedicated to The documentary has been produced by Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca e Giovanni La in an exhibition at Atashzad Gallery. architecture and design, was released during the Italian Embassy in cooperation with the Varra (2007-2014). The exhibit will run until February a special ceremony in Tehran on Thursday. Italian magazine. The series “Domus Eyes on Iran” 26 at the gallery that can be found The ceremony attended by a group of The project depicts a reinterpretation highlights the role of Iranian architects and at 3 North Abbaspur (Tavanir) St. architects and entrepreneurs was held of the traditional elements of Iranian designers and their fruitful connection with near Vanak Sq. at the residence of Italian Ambassador architecture, such as colors, lights and Italy and its architects and designers. Artworks in various media by Giuseppe Perrone. plants. The first episode featured Alireza a group of artists, including Sara This episode of the documentary series The documentary also goes on to explore Taghaboni‘s “Villa for an Older Brother”, Musavi, Mansureh Moaddeli, showcases the unique blend of history and the sun and Mithraism concepts as developed published by Domus in 2018. Images of the buildings being reviewed Marjan Asgari, Zeinab Rafati, modernity in Iranian architecture by the study in the design of the Mehr Khaneh, and the The second one shed light on Gaetano in the fourth episode of “Domus Eyes Zahra Nuri, and Erfan Bayatian, of the history of the Orsi window, a typical recreation of the vertical garden in the Pardis Pesce’s 1977 visionary project for the Tehran on Iran” on display at the courtyard of are on view in an exhibition at element of traditional Iranian architecture. Khaneh, two other buildings constructed by National Library, an inspirational endeavor the residence of Italian Ambassador Zarna Gallery. It also regards elements in modern Keivani Architects. and a forerunner of architectural trends. Giuseppe Perrone in Tehran. The exhibit will continue until February 26 at 10 Esko Alley buildings such as the Orsi Khaneh, a This latter work, featuring a constant The third episode highlighted the Sayyadian in their Saba Apartments. near Daneshgah St. and Enqelab Ave. residential building constructed by Keivani search for green spaces in the context of relationship between architecture and nature, All episodes can be viewed on the social Architects in 2015 on Olyai Street off Nasr relentless urbanization, finds its most through the work of Sara Kalantari and Reza media channels of the Italian Embassy in I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I FEBRUARY 13, 2021 THE MAN OF THEORETICAL BATTLEFIELDS A philosophical order, an epistemological universe Interview with Mohammad Legenhausen, former Southern Texas University professor and the winner of Iranian Science and Culture Hall of Fame award for BY ALI A. JENABZADEH had with Ayatollah Mesbah every “When Mr. Mesbah was studying a philo- week, did you find something unique sophical issue, he was trying to create a whole you never had heard of? Something philosophical order surrounding the topic”, you can say exclusively theorized by says Mohammad Legenhausen, the former Ayatollah Mesbah, and nobody else? Southern Texas University professor in an Yes, there are lots of theories and ac- interview with the Tehran Times. knowledgments put forth for the first time Also, regarding the status of Islamic by Ayatollah Mesbah. One of the most philosophy in the western countries, Legeb- important innovations of Mr. Mesbah was hausen believes that “there is a very limited the criticisms he brought up about the knowledge about in the philosophy of . It was really West. Scholars and students in the West interesting for me as well. are more attracted to the ‘Islamology’, a But there are other initiatives one can limited part of which is Islamic philosophy. mention, mostly regarding public issues Even those western academics who study which generally are defined under the no- philosophy disciplines are not really that tion of epistemology. Once I first heard much in touch with Islamic philosophy”. about these discourses, I thought of them The following is the text of interview. as being easy to understand or even as Thanks for giving us the opportu- being wrong! This misconception led me nity for this interview. As one of the to dislike these issues. When I started a students of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi, more precise survey over those topics to tell us a little about the first time you extract their flaws, I realized my preju- met him. Where and how it happened? dice towards Mr. Mesbah’s opinions on How did you get so interested in his the matter. It was only during the debate thoughts and reflections? and discussion with Ayatollah Mesbah I first met Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi in where I found out how wrong I was and New York in 1990, one year before I come realized the true nature and essence of the to Iran. At that time, I was thinking about issues. He educated me to translate those coming to Iran and studying Islamic phi- pieces of knowledge into the language of losophy. I had some sort of a cooperation notions and concepts I had in mind from with Dr. Kharrazi in Iran’s embassy to the before. These are some delicate details UN. One day, accidentally, I was in his which make big differences on the course office and Ayatollah Mesbah stepped in. of acquiring knowledge. I will never forget I remember that Dr. Kharrazi introduced this as long as I live. me to him. I told Mr. Mesbah about my What surprises you most about decision to come to Iran and learn some- the personality of Ayatollah Mes- thing about Islamic philosophy. He just bah? What is the most important got straight to the point and told me, “It’s characteristic in his personality in great, come to me once you arrived at the your view? country”. I was really shocked, because There are lots of things I can mention he didn’t know me at all and we just had here. For me, the most important character- started talking about things. I just had istic of Ayatollah Mesbah is his kindness to met him two or three minutes earlier. me. I make many mistakes, and he always That was it. I never heard from him forgives. He tolerates the mistakes. again. Later, I started preparing for a trip There is also his behavior when it to Iran. I was waiting for the visa, but years and various topics like epistemology interesting. I don’t remember what the earthquake has happened in your country academic institutions in some countries, comes to discussing philosophy. I re- I needed a letter I didn’t have. I didn’t or philosophy of morals we discussed. topic was exactly. Maybe it was about the in the city of Roudbar. I just wanted to but the activities of academicians in those member sometimes during filming the know what I have to do. A while later, I think the institution is preparing the relations of science and religion. I told offer my condolences and sympathies”. countries are more focused on theologies TV programs I talked about earlier, I could Dr. Kharrazi managed to provide me with transcription of those sessions to produce Mr. Mesbah, “Something really amazes Ayatollah Mesbah then used to tell us how rather than Islamic philosophy. see the exhaustion in his face before the an official invitation letter from Tehran. a book out of it. After those TV programs me”. “What’s that?” he answered. I said, surprised he was in that moment, seeing a What’s your personal experience program started. It used to make all of us The Association of Logics and Philosophy finished, Ayatollah Mesbah invited me “Every time I read about an issue, I feel girl in another country would say something on this field? Why the western schol- worried about his wellbeing and some- had issued the invitation. So I traveled to to continue the discussion, this time not there are thousands and thousands of other like this right in the middle of having fun ars and students turn their faces times I even thought maybe it’s better not Tehran, Iran. I had an Iraqi friend who on the TV. The subjects were very impor- opinions both in the opposing side and in a celebration. He believed things like away from Islamic teachings? to go deep inside the core of the subject was about to get married at the time. The tant and this is how we kept meeting and in the favoring side which are impossible this are proofs of the fact that there is a In my experience, the university pro- in that certain program. But as soon as girl he was going to marry was from an discussing over a varying range of issues. to take in during a short-time study. But heavenly sparkle in heart of every person fessors I knew were not interested in the he engages in a philosophical discourse, Iraqi family which had immigrated to Iran I found it a very good opportunity. We whenever I present the subject for you, it’s and despite all the pollutions which affect Islamic philosophy and things like this at Mr. Mesbah acts like he is born again and and was living in Iranian city of . could now do even other important things like as if you know everything about every the innocence of one’s heart, the sympathy all. Once I converted to , they thought continues the debate lively and cheerful. My friend traveled to Iran from Texas too. For example, I started surveying the opposing and favoring opinion. It’s like you with the affiliated heart of another person I’ve gone crazy. They face these things This is interesting and memorable for me. and joined me there. He told me that he philosophy of Mullah Sadra while he was have a file where everything is collected brings hope for a better future. with prejudice. This prejudice also exists Is there anything left you would has to go to Qom because he was going accompanying me. Some of Mullah Sadra’s and you only have to reach the file which Tell us about how Ayatollah Mes- when they confront Islamic philosophy, like to mention? Something our to officially ask that girl to marry him. books were translated to English and I is more related and open up the core of bah’s opinions regarding Islamic phi- but it’s not that severe yet. readers must know? So, he asked me to accompany him on could use those translations because it the debate”. It was really interesting. He losophy is viewed in the West? Has When I was a university student, many Ayatollah Mesbah was always insisting his journey to Qom. I accepted. was much easier for me to understand. answered by giving me clues on how to he ever presented a view on topics western philosophers had a very negative on something which was really important We traveled to Qom. He proposed to the I established a weekly review of Sadra’s organize my studies on different topics. He like this which attracted attentions girl and married her immediately. Previ- works. Every week, I would read a part showed me how simple my problem was. of western scholars or changed the ously, I had met another Iranian religious of his work. Then I could have a meeting He said when it comes to philosophy, my views of university students? scholar named Mr. Qara’ati in Tehran. with Mr. Mesbah and we would talk about problem is ‘dispersion of studying’. When There is a very limited knowledge He accidentally met me in the streets of it. I asked him questions to realize have I was overviewing a philosophical subject, about Islamic Philosophy in the West. Qom and was surprised to see me there. I reached a proper understanding from I was just relaying on the things that I Scholars and students in the West are “While you are here, let’s go and have a Sadra’s work, and he explained everything find related to the topic; nothing more. more attracted to the ‘Islamology’, a lim- meeting with Ayatollah Mesbah”, he told to me. It was perfect. On the contrary side, when Mr. Mesbah ited part of which is Islamic philosophy. me. I answered positive and the next day, What is your current discussion was studying a philosophical issue, he Even those western academics who study we went to Bagher al-Olum Foundation with Ayatollah Mesbah now? What was trying to create a whole philosophical philosophy disciplines are not really that to meet with Ayatollah Mesbah. The first are you debating over? order surrounding the topic. Everything much in touch with Islamic philosophy. thing Mr. Mesbah told me kindly after the We’ve had numerous topics to discuss is classified orderly in his studies. He is There have been efforts to change the sta- usual greetings was: “Why didn’t come to over. Not just the philosophy of Mullah truly a philosopher. tus quo. For example, we have translated meet me once you arrived at the country?” Sadra. There are a wide range of topics To what extent you knew about some of Ayatollah Mesbah’s books about How long was it since the first like the philosophy of morals, the question Ayatollah Mesbah’s travels to the teaching the philosophy to English. But the time you met Ayatollah Mesbah? of science and religion and many other Europe and the U.S. and his lectures publications company which published Was it long after? things. I always write down the content in various western universities? the book, didn’t have much at its disposal It was six months after I first met Aya- of this debate sessions. We’ve been doing During the weekly sessions we had in the distribution department and the tollah Mesbah in the U.S., or maybe a little this for years now. I don’t remember for together, a very interesting part of the book was not presented in the market as more, but that second meeting happened how many years, but it’s been a long time. sessions was the stories he told me about it should have. at least six months after the first time. One We do this every week. his trips to other countries and debates Some other books about Islamic phi- year after the first meeting, Mr. Mesbah I think it was three years ago when he had with foreign tinkers. It was really losophy published [in English] after the asked me to stay in Qom. He said, “If you Ayatollah Mesbah suggested we can also amazing for me how his travels had influ- Islamic Revolution of Iran. Some journals don’t want to stay in Qom, at least come bring human rights issues into our weekly enced his take on western people and their also were established in English which viewpoint against religiosity generally. This to me: establishing a friendly scientific here from Tehran once a week”. “OK” I debates. I was not really that much inter- civilization. He used to tell me moral tips contained the views of Ayatollah Mesbah, attitude has changed for better a little bit relationship with Christian scholars. He answered. This marked the beginning of ested in this topic. But I agreed to discuss and things like this regarding different martyr Motahari, Imam Khomeini and now, but they still have incorrect distorted welcomed any Christian group from all our relationships. During the first year, I it. I started studying different sources experiences he had in other countries. others, but the readers of these journals presumptions from Islam. When someone around the world, even if it was not that used to travel to Qom from Tehran once of human rights. After surveying each There was this specific story from a and magazines in western country are says ‘Islam’, the first thing comes to their big or didn’t have that many members. He a week. Then it increased to two times a source, I prepared a report containing a time he traveled to New York he used to merely the Shia population living there. minds is ISIS and violence. This prevents insisted that if a Christian group is interested week, then three times and after a while, I brief overview and my analysis about the repeat many times. He was going to New They read these journals due to their western philosophers from falling inter- in Islam, regardless of its current status, moved out from Tehran and settled down content of the source. During the weekly Jersey from New York in a car. It was the interest rather than academic work. Al- ested in Islam and Islamic philosophy. we should embrace it as our friend and it’s in Qom permanently. session, I presented the report and spoke Fourth of July, when Americans celebrate though part of these readers are active in There have been some exceptions our duty to establish a friendship with it. You’ve been in touch ever since? about my own views and opinions on the the independence of the U.S. and streets the field of Islamology, but philosophy is though. I remember once I lectured in He believed we can use their perspectives Yes. topic. After that, I asked questions about were jammed with people and cars. One not their concern and they mainly read one of the faculty of theology in one of and views on theology and religion. Nobody Could you please tell us a little Mr. Mesbah’s opinions and he gave me his car with a number of boys and girls in the philosophical content published in these western universities. It was about could believe he would actually suggest that about your weekly conversation thoughts about the notion. This is what it, comes close. Those youths were not journals or even books as an instrument Mulla Sadra’s opinion regarding Plato’s a Muslim scholar can learn something from sessions with Ayatollah Mesbah? we’ve been doing every week for several clothed properly. They started asking to get to know post-Revolution Iran more. Theory of Form. One of the priests in the a Christian one. But Ayatollah Mesbah had I can’t remember at what point it start- past years. the driver of Ayatollah Mesbah’s car to They want to know what the main fig- session told me about how fresh and new logical firm arguments to prove his view ed. The date. But it was after we produced Sometimes the debate is much of a pull over. The security team didn’t know ures of Iran’s Islamic Revolution think. the content of this lecture was for scholars on this and maintained the view that we a series of TV programs for the national philosophical nature. Sometimes it’s more what they wanted and were worried. Mr. So they’re not necessarily interested in and students in there. He was interested should open up the doors to dialogue and television. There were renowned figures defined under the criteria of religious Mesbah tells the driver to pull over and Islamic philosophy. to know more about these thoughts and respect towards others. in that TV program, including Mr. Mal- debates and interpretation of the Holy see what they want. After stopping on Unfortunately, the western academic was surprised to know debates like this Prof. Mohammad Legenhausen is a for- ekian, Dr. Ahmadi, Mr. Sadegh Larijani . I am very thankful for having this the street side, a girl climbs off that car, and public atmosphere is not that famil- actually exist within the context of Islamic mer Southern Texas University professor and Mr. Fayyazi. We had deep conversa- opportunity to use Mr. Mesbah’s teachings. comes close and askes Mr. Mesbah: “Are iar with the Islamic philosophy that well. philosophy. and faculty member in Imam Khomeini tions together surrounding a wide range I remember during one of these weekly you Iranian”. “Yes”, answers Mr. Mes- There have been efforts to change the cir- In field of epistemology, during Education and Research Institution. This of issues. Those sessions continued on for discussions, I told him something very bah. The girl says, “We’ve heard a horrible cumstances. We had relations with some all those sessions and debates you interview was conducted in January, 2019. II I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y THE MAN OF THEORETICAL BATTLEFIELDS FEBRUARY 13, 2021

BY FARANAK BAKHTIARI olution’s ideology to the world, to leave Ayatollah Mesbah and Prof. Fazlollah TEHRAN – Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi no doubts about it. Reza to attend the conference. played a unique role in transmitting So that he started working on var- Ayatollah Mesbah’s presence in the internal Islamic thoughts and beliefs to ious areas, including, Quranic teach- conference was a rare and valuable the outside world and vice versa, while ings, Marxist criticism, the relationship event,” he explained. promoting Islamic culture, conducting between science and religion, cultural Referring to another experience of numerous researches and leaving no invasion, Islamic ethics, teaching phi- cooperation with Ayatollah Mesbah, scientific areas behind, Mehdi Golshani a losophy, teaching beliefs.” Golshani said that our next coop- distinguished philosopher and professor Translation of his works might be an eration was in the 1380s (2000s) told the Tehran Times in an exclusive effective way to introduce his character when we held a big council on the interview. to the world, he further emphasized, humanities books of the universi- A principlist cleric, Ayatollah Mo- adding, some educational centers like ties, and I asked Ayatollah Mesbah hammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi spent Al-Mustafa International University to attend the event. most of his life teaching and conducting must take steps to translate Ayatollah “After a while, I published a book, research on Islamic thoughts. “Teach- Mesbah’s books and publications. called “The relationship between science ing Philosophy,” “Ethics in Quran,” and Dedicated to promoting Islamic and religion from the perspective of four “Islam’s Political Theory” are among culture contemporary scholars”, that had eight his famous works. Referring to Ayatollah Mesbah’s questions answered by local and foreign The ayatollah was a member of the thought to strengthen Islamic culture scholars; I decided to publish the sec- and the Society among the people, Golshani said that ond edition of this book, and one of the of the Seminary Teachers of Qom. He “Ayatollah Mesbah has published nu- scholars was Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi, also founded the Baqir-ul-Uloom In- merous books and held many training who answered our questions one or two stitute and then the Imam Khomeini courses in related fields like ethics in months before his death, despite his Education and Research Institute in Quran, Islamic culture and thoughts. illness and problems. And this book is the city of Qom, which he headed for He was very effective in introducing going to be unveiled soon. the rest of his life. and promoting Islamic culture to the That was the latest cooperation we He passed away at 86 due to diges- people.” had, which might also be the last work tive disease, in Tehran on January 1st. Ayatollah Mesbah, a rare valu- of Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi,” Golshani Referring to the international char- able character noted. acter of Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi, Gol- “I was in contact with Ayatollah An important role in humanities shani said that “he started his activities Mesbah at the same time as the estab- evolution before the Islamic Revolution (1979) lishment of the Institute of Dar-Rahe- Highlighting the role of Ayatollah when he first established Institute of Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi Hagh, but our friendship began in the Mesbah in the evolution of humanities Dar-Rahe-Hagh (literally meaning on 1370s (1990s) when I was appointed in Iran, Golshani said that “he played the way to the truth) in 1964.” director of the Institute for Humanities a significant role in various scientific “He also opened up Imam Khomeini and Cultural Studies. fields including humanities, science, Education and Research Institute in 1991, a unique character in According to the decision of the Su- and philosophy. which resulted in numerous researches preme Council of the Cultural Revolu- Authorship was his main work and and publications, however, the results tion, the institute had a high council of it had to be published and reflected in of his efforts and researches have not professors, which I introduced Ayatollah universities, colleges, and educational been sufficiently reflected in national Islamic world Mesbah-Yazdi, Seyed Jafar Shahidi, and centers depending on the level of the and international arenas,” Golshani said. Shahla Habibi to the council, and it was students and educational needs. Although one of his books has been scheduled to invite these professors to Universities and schools did not translated into English in the United Interview with Prof. Mahdi Golshani, faculty member in Sharif the research institute once a month to pay special attention to using the States, his significant efforts have not yet University and the winner of Iranian Science and Culture Hall plan for the activities, so our relationship thoughts of these valuable thinkers been disseminated across the country with Ayatollah Mesbah became closer. such as Allameh Morteza Motahhari, and throughout the world, which should of Fame award for physics Many achievements and develop- Mesbah-Yazdi, and sufficed to one or have been by the responsible bodies like ments of the institute are made by their two books. But he was trying to an- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minis- that awarded doctoral scholarships to scholarships to Christian priests to get olution ideology contributions,” he said. swer all the questions and remove the try of Culture, and Islamic Guidance, graduates of the seminary, he empha- a doctorate in physics or biology, but Highlighting Ayatollah Mesbah made “In 1990, an international confer- doubts in his whole life.” Islamic Culture and Communication sized. this was the first place to start from the great efforts to earn a good reputation ence on the philosophy of science and I personally expected the scientific Organization, he highlighted. And this action played an important seminary and theology, helping grad- for the Islamic Revolution in the world, methodology of experimental sciences community to disseminate his vast work, Mesbah-Yazdi was ahead in many role in transmitting Islamic thoughts uates of the seminary get familiar with Golshani said that “his conversations which was held in the Sharif University thought and effort in the universities at areas, a clear example of that is Imam and beliefs to the outside world and the issues of the day to be more effective, with Western thinkers have helped much of Technology, which was the first and the national and international level, a Khomeini Education and Research In- vice versa, which has been done less. he explained. in this regard, but he has taken various largest conference about the philoso- work that has not been done properly, stitute which was one of the few centers Western countries, for example, offered His vast work and Islamic Rev- measures to introduce the Islamic rev- phy of science in Iran; and we invited he lamented.

Nationalism or Islam? Which one leads to a better Iran? A question of ‘Islamic Lifestyle’ The subject in question here is the ‘lifestyle’ and a rational proper understanding of the subject. many scientific and technological advancements Islamic features surrounding the notion. To un- After that, the identification of solutions to tighten in fields of infrastructures in Iran after the Islamic derstand the subject thoroughly, one should first the new correct roots will also need much time. Revolution; factories, roads, dams, etc. These are go through the meaning of the title word by word. The necessity of solving the corruptions the results of the Revolution from a materialistic What does it mean when we say ‘Islamic lifestyle’? fundamentally perspective. Supporters of this view maintain that in sum, lifestyle means a form of life in a social It’s not an easy task to tighten new roots, es- religion is good, but comes after material advance- context where all or most of the people confirm pecially at a social level during a couple of days or ment. a set of regulations or norms and reflect these months, or even years. Being a time-consuming Under this point of view, despite we don’t main- regulations and norms in their behavior. There process is a fact we cannot ignore when we speak tain a materialistic worldview, we still cannot see are various factors that differentiate one lifestyle about modifying the lifestyle in society. For example, that much of spiritual manifestation in our daily from the other, including natural and geographical, some of the problems we see in our lifestyle today, lives. In other words, material advancement is much ethnic, racial, tribal, and so on. There also some have their roots in greed for wealth or cupidity. more important than spiritual advancement. This factors derived from certain values. In the Islamic This attitude leads to various subsidiary behaviors, approach implies that our country must be advanced lifestyle, we discuss the issues which are considered including economic rent, bribery, fraud, slacking, in all material senses, and having a religion is also by Islam; meaning the issues either Islam accepts indiscipline, and things like this. The reason for all accepted. Advancement is the core, and spiritual or criticizes or rejects. In other words, these issues these misbehaviors is the tendency to earn more life is marginal. have the status of being commented on by Islam. money while spending less time. The other point of view puts Islam in the front, By using lifestyle as an expression, we actually The origins of some other problems cannot gives more importance to the spiritual life while also mean the same issues Islam considers as being be directly traced back to wealth or property. For recognizing material advancement as a high-profile important. From this perspective, the notion of example, even a rich person might spend his/her necessity. This is the second approach. Are these lifestyle can be divided into two categories: Islamic wealth to achieve something else like headship, two approaches (one gives material advancement and non-Islamic. eminence, social popularity, fame, and similar story every young man and woman must read. want to deny its effectiveness. a higher priority and the other considers spiritual How to discuss the issue? things. These are parts of another branch. If we This is a successful strategy that pays back. We Islam or Nationalism? advancement as the main goal) the same? Are they Generally, we can discuss the aforementioned don’t rectify the roots, even once you cut off the cannot call this an Islamic lifestyle though. It was The question here is that can we regard this tech- parallel in essence or do they stand against each notion with two distinct approaches; first, we can corrupted branch, the problem will not be solved a strategy taken to practice by Hindu Gandhi. Of nique (provoking nationalistic emotions to fight back other? We consider these viewpoints as being along provide a list of social problems and deficiencies and the challenges remain unchanged. Because course, Gandhi was an unprejudiced man who colonial dominance of other countries) as capable with each other. For us, the original phenomenon is regarding the notion of lifestyle and then ask people another branch will just pop up and seemingly was interested in Islam, especially Shia and Imam of carrying Islamic values for developing an Islamic Islam and material motivations can be instruments of different backgrounds and specialties to suggest a corrected flaws will reappear. Hossein (AS). But he was a Hindu. He never said lifestyle? Is it basically an Islam-friendly technique for Islam’s advancement. For example, Imam solution based on their own knowledge, social posi- For instance, if you prevent a person from com- anything about learning this strategy from Islam’s or it takes much more for these tactics before they Hossein (AS) tells to his enemies in the Ashura: tion, and experience. Of course, since it’s impossible mitting robbery or using economic rent if the roots teachings. This means the aforementioned tactic can be regarded as Islamic? Then comes another “If you are not Muslims, if you don’t believe in to analyze and rectify the challenges altogether, of this misbehavior are not corrected, he/she will is a rational way of confronting the enemy that can question: if we’d have two methods to choose be- the hereafter, at least be free. In his words, Imam we must first put to practice the prioritization. We tend to commit bribery or fraud, or hoarding. It’s be employed by anyone and any country. Some tween, one would be using nationalistic motivations Hossein (AS) refers to freedom as a human value. must first see which items have more influence in mainly because this person has a libertine desire for people have used this tactic and achieved relatively and national pride as stimulation and the other Using this value does not mean one should either daily material and spiritual life. wealth and one way or another, they will find a path favorable results in previous centuries. would be taking to practice the methods put forth choose God or freedom, but rather means that So, the first approach is to analyze certain issues to gain this wealth. In this case, the main problem But this method is rather rational than Islamic, by Islam and religion, which one should we prefer? freedom can be used to develop Islam and push and find solutions to those issues. The other ap- is the insatiable desire, not the act of robbery. As meaning every wise mind appreciates it and accepts Each option has its own fans and opponents. the person towards Islamic purposes. Freedom proach is to find the roots and origins of problems. long as this desire exists, fighting the mere crime is it as a smart tactic. For this method to achieve its Some might argue it’s better to use Islamic values, here is an instrument. This means we have to recognize that all human useless. You may barricade the ways of committing purposes, national and nationalistic motifs are acknowledgments, and beliefs as the motif for social Sometimes, some might abuse this instrument. behaviors are rooted deep inside cognitions and robbery, but they will find other ways to commit needed. For example, Gandhi wanted India to be reform. Others may believe things would be much For example, Saddam Hossein used this instru- values. If we find the set of cognitions that create other crimes. The only way is to rectify the roots. independent, not just Hindus. He didn’t want to easier if we deploy the notions ordinary people ment against Iran. He used to tell his army: be misbehaviors or identify the lack of cognitions that Therefore, we also must design a plan for an prevail Hinduism all over the country but rather understand more because it’s a tried and trusted Iraqis, work for your country and fight Iran to make forces a person not to act properly, we can solve analytical method of solving the problem. For- intended to liberate India from colonialism imposed method many countries have used. your country great, the city of Ahwaz belongs to the problems by removing the source of such mis- tunately, this plan has already been designed by on the entire nation by Britain. This movement had This is a very serious challenge that is also related us, occupy it and conquer the oil resources there. behaviors and prove to misbehavers where their prophets and divine . They have expressed national motivations. You cannot find anything in to our current social and political issues as well. He was promoting the same sense of nationalism, problems come from. We can provide society with for us our strengths and weaknesses, providing Gandhi’s words implying his intention to promote Many questions arise when the subject of nation- but for the wrong purpose. So, regarding cases the proper cognition to build a solid indestructible us with moral and religious scripts to cure those a certain set of values. He used to say: “We are a alism comes up. What relation exists between the like this, we conclude that nationalism is not the foundation for the establishment of an appropriate weaknesses. But if we would confine to those scripts nation which wants to be free; something accepted promotion of nationalistic trends as the source of original goal, but rather an instrument to achieve lifestyle. without taking certain current urgent problems into in the whole world as a value”. many profits (as it never allows the dominance of the greater original goal. As long as this instrument Therefore, based on cognitions, we must identify consideration, we may lose the time and chance Once freedom presented as a political motto, any other entity which deprives a nation of its inde- is useful for achieving the greater original goal, and introduce the insights and values that arise to save society. So, besides the divine codes of the everyone agrees that living freely away from the pendence) from one side, and Islamic knowledge as it’s favorable. If it’d exceed its limits, it will leave from those cognitions and categorize the major religion, we must also prioritize the challenges and domination of another country is an acceptable a tool for ameliorating the status quo in the society? negative effects. problems and minor issues in the society in a binary find them a solution. value that must be respected. So, this is a rational Are they equal? Is one of them of more efficiency? That said, we conclude that if one would replace fashion. Some problems have their own branch but Using soft and rational methods to make public value the whole world agrees upon and all Is their value and importance equal to each other Islam with Iranianism, they’ve gone the wrong way eventually, end in the same body of major problems. a change countries can use this sense of nationalism in the or they differ? Which one is more precious and and we don’t accept it. But we can use Iranianism This body of problems is connected to a wide set For example, the issue of sanctioning merchandise fight against their enemies; especially against co- worthy? The answers to all these questions depend as an instrument to develop and advance Islam of roots. The first thing we have to do is to modify produced by an enemy is something all countries lonialism and arrogance. on our worldview in accordance with Islam and its because we Iranians have accepted Islam as our and rectify the roots. Then, gradually, the body use against their adversaries. Even social reformers When we want to promote the Islamic lifestyle, teachings. How do we see the world? How do we path to salvation in this world and the other. Em- and the branches will be rectified and eventually, have resorted to this technique from time to time. one method can be using the motifs we spoke of see the universe and position of human beings in bracing Islam before any other nation has been a a proper fruit will be acquired. In fact, this is an Maybe the most important instance in our era, is previously. This means we should send a message this infinite vast sphere? What do we think about source of honor and pride for Iranians. We should analytical and hybrid method which means we what Mahatma Gandhi did in India. Gandhi’s fight to the world, saying we are an independent nation the ending of humans and the universe? keep up with this style and strengthen ourselves. have to analyze the causes of flaws, find the roots was from this type. With his persuasion, along with and don’t want to live under the domination of any Some maintain a sort of the materialistic point Under this view, nationalism is acceptable as an of flaws and solve them thoroughly. other factors giving hand together, Gandhi managed other one. Why should we submit to the cruelty of of view that implies everyone must only consider instrument for achieving a greater goal which is It must be noted that neither of these methods to defeat Britain in India and prepare the grounds others? We are Iranian and have an ancient history the material life and interests on the face of the advancing Islam. can replace the other completely, meaning if we for his country’s independence. Gandhi fought his that goes back thousands of years ago. So, we have earth. They don’t necessarily deny the existence of This is the text of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi’s would choose merely the analytical method and enemy with this soft war and by sanctioning English to be independent. This is a successful method, God and hereafter but give the priority to material lecture in ‘National Conference on Islamic Lifestyle’ rectify the roots, we need a very long time to achieve merchandise. This is an appealing and attractive employed by many countries in the world. We don’t advancement overall. For example, there have been in February 2013. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y III FEBRUARY 13, 2021 THE MAN OF THEORETICAL BATTLEFIELDS The engineer of a better intellectual world Ayatollah Mesbah’s thoughts can embark an evolution in western humanities

BY MOHAMMAD MAZHARI impossible to enforce justice. These are His biggest concern in doing everything, Mahmoud Rajabi, professor of Islamic the discourses we encounter under the be it personal or social, was to assess the Sciences and the current president of category of ‘values’. What is good and what accordance of every action with man’s Imam Khomeini Research and Education is bad? What is right and what is wrong? duties and tasks as a servant of God. He Institution believes that some western Do we have such things as ethical beauty always asked himself what is our divine politicians and theorists developed a sense and ethical ugliness? duty? What God wants us to do? How God’s of hatred against Ayatollah Mohammad These are important questions that prophets, especially Prophet Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi because his thoughts arise once the matter of understanding and (PBUH) have asked us to be? He always were strong enough to embark an evolution organizing the values come in. The axial acted in accordance with instructions pre- in western humanities. discussion of all legal and ethical orders sented by the Holy prophets of God as the “Due to his travels to other countries in the world is the question of values. If path to salvation in the material world and lectures in different universities, we presume there are no fixed certain and hereafter. Whenever something came Ayatollah Mesbah also managed to bring values in the world, the legal systems will up, his first question was how to arrange the weaknesses of western notions into have no difference with each other; we our actions so that God’s satisfaction is consideration for western elite academics. will not be able to differentiate the ethical achieved? So, it was quite natural that the West treat systems of the world. Then, the morality His second important characteristic him as a threat and enemy. That’s why of Satanists, terrorists, and fascists like was his special emphasis on working while they used all the power they had at their Hitler will be equal with the morality of using consultants provided by experts. disposal, including their Iranian allies compassionate theists whose main concern Every major and sometimes minor de- inside the country, to demolish the im- is the salvation of mankind. cision he made in his life was after pre- age of Ayatollah Mesbah at national and Hence, the matter of values is a very cise evaluation of the matter and consult international”, said Rajabi in an interview important component in any discourse with experts of the field. This altitude was with the Tehran Times. and Ayatollah Mesbah has discussed the aimed to identify the issue in detail and to Rajabi also maintains the view that issue in detail, providing an audience who earn enough information regarding the “Ayatollah Mesbah has outstanding stand- is interested in the fate of mankind with an matter, so wise decision making would be points regarding anthropology that can invaluable source of knowledge. His works achievable. There were numerous instances embark an evolution in western human- in fields such as philosophy of ethics and where an issue was brought up, but Aya- ities and transcend it. There are noble philosophy of laws explain a lot about the es- tollah Mesbah’s assessment brought him theories Ayatollah Mesbah has developed sence of real values. A survey on these works to conclude that the knowledge gathered in this field”. clarifies the difference between Ayatollah about the issue was not enough and more The following is the full text of the Mesbah’s thoughts regarding human values consultant with experts is needed. So he interview. and those of western secular mentalities. asked for more research. Tell us about the international Another part of Ayatollah Mesbah’s Ayatollah Mesbah was also impressively character of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi. intellectual teachings that a non-Irani- pious in terms of social etiquettes and How does the western world see Aya- Ayatollah Mesbah(L) and Pope John Paul II met each other on February 6, 2016 in Vatican City an audience might find interesting is his common social mores. For some time, tollah Mesbah and his reflections? may be different in form, but the same As you said, Ayatollah Mesbah same artistic painting. These are based on opinions about ‘anthropological’ issues. he was suffering severe back pain to the Ayatollah Mesbah always felt a sense of in essence. had traveled to many different coun- personal tastes and distinct personalities. Ayatollah Mesbah has outstanding stand- extent which physicians wondered how duty to guide all human beings. So when- Ayatollah Mesbah kept his tireless en- tries in his life. He had lectured for The other group of values contains cer- points regarding anthropology that can he could even tolerate the pain! But when ever he felt a certain school of thought is deavor to clarify how notions like western foreign elite academics and had tain facts; each possesses its own specific embark an evolution in western humanities a student or even an ordinary person had trying to create a deviation in the way of human rights lack a firm and acceptable debates with renowned theorists borders and frame. We consider these and transcend it. There are noble theo- a question, he used to stand on his foot mankind to prevent man from achieving radix. These concepts, he argued, are and scholars. Within the intellec- values as fixed and immutable facts because ries Ayatollah Mesbah has developed in and lean against his hand stick to answer salvation, he considered his primary duty based on epistemological relativity, secular tual sphere, what part of western they are not rooted in personal tastes. this field. The variety of issues that can the question. During these conversations, to shed light on the truth by enlightening mentality, and atheism. He also proved wisdom is the specific addressee of These values are precious for every and be categorized under this topic is phe- he never acted in a way that implied he is people using his well-documented argu- how some regimes abuse these concepts Ayatollah Mesbah’s thoughts. In oth- each nation. For example, ‘justice’ in its nomenal. As I said, Ayatollah Mesbah’s tired or suffering. This was the respect he ments and established logics. There were in practice and consider them merely as er words, if a western intellectual true form which implies that the rights viewpoints regarding anthropology can showed to the person who was interested various cases regarding this altitude. For mottos deceive other nations. We’ve seen or scholar, would face the opinions of every person must be given to them, is upheaval western humanities. It can also in learning something. example, he took some parts of western in real life that every time something has and thoughts of Ayatollah Mesbah a global undeniable value that is praised influence the social plans and programs He had a very distinguishing firm set of cultures’ components into consideration put the interests of the west in jeopardy, regardless of political prejudice and equally by every nation. There might be in western countries. A western scholar moral codes he never violated. He always specifically. There were some groups of western countries have abused the notions other forms of bigotry, which part of disagreements in defining the notion of can gain valuable knowledge by accessing respected the dignity of people. In some people in our own society that provoked of democracy and human rights to put Mr. Mesbah’s opinions will amaze justice, but man can determine the territory Ayatollah Mesbah’s thoughts in this field rare cases, when something happened those components in Iran with the pur- other nations under pressure. They have him/her more? as a source of information. that remotely had the quality of insulting pose of institutionalizing them deep in labeled the most democratic countries One part, with which a western intellec- or he felt the dignity of a person had not Iranian culture. of the world as terrorist countries. On tual can relate more, is the ‘epistemological’ fully reserved, he apologized times and These certain cultural components, in the opposite side, these countries have part of Ayatollah Mesbah’s thoughts. Epis- times. He was not ashamed of apologizing. terms of intellectual bases and religious always called the most obvious terrorists temology is the bedrock for all thoughts, He used to sit for hours with students culture, were built upon weak and shaky like the Zionist regime as a democratic values, and ideals. Knowledge is the core and students of his students to hear their foundations. They were also abused by entity and supported it. of epistemology. If we would mistakenly opinions. Sometimes he preferred the those who intended to damage man’s path Ayatollah Mesbah never stopped try- believe that knowledge in all its forms is a opinions of his students over his own. towards human salvation. Tyrannical ar- ing to open the eyes of the world to the relative phenomenon and we cannot point He never worried about/feared of being rogant regimes were using the literature true nature of what comes from the West. out any definite certain form of knowledge, criticized. Of course, he was really sensitive composed around these cultural elements Therefore, we see that western politicians there will be no right and wrong anymore. about religious and human values, but if to dominate and colonialize the nations. So, and theorists tried to portray Ayatollah As a result, the most arrogant bloodthirsty somebody insulted him, he wouldn’t mind Ayatollah Mesbah felt the duty to explain Mesbah as the killer of democracy in Iran. regimes will be equal to fair righteous re- at all. The only thing he cared about was and clarify the nature of these cultural By ‘democracy’, they meant the instrument gimes. In other words, if we embrace the the truth to be clarified and understood. or political components amongst which, they invented to justify tyranny, slavery, relativity in knowledge, we will not be able His other characteristic was his respectful was the notion of ‘western democracy’. and colonialism. They had plans to institu- to recognize or even define what is defini- behaviors when criticizing the thoughts and Western democracy lacks a solid in- tionalize this deviant concept deep inside tive justice and what is definitive injustice. opinions of others, especially those of his own tellectual basis and is used by some as a Iranian culture and politics. The enlight- Therefore, epistemology is a very important professors. When he wanted to criticize the cover for their illegal actions and autarchy. enments of Ayatollah Mesbah unveiled domain for which, Ayatollah Mesbah has views of others, he always used expressions So, we’ve witnessed numerous times that the truth about this conspiracy. Due to his provided precious acknowledgments for a like “I might have got it wrong” or “it might despite there were documents, agreements, travels to other countries and lectures in western audience. be also true to say that…”. He never used treaties, and decelerations introducing different universities, Ayatollah Mesbah The other part of Ayatollah Mesbah’s even a word that implied someone’s opinion those notions as laws and regulations, also managed to bring the weaknesses of thoughts valuable for a western intel- is invalid or null. He paid huge respect to the absolute contrary has happened in such western notions into consideration lectual is categorized under the topic of Mahmoud Rajabi, president of Imam Khomeini Institution his masters and even his contemporaries. the real world. For instance, concurrent for western elite academics. So, it was ‘values’. We frame our values based on Sometimes he even bent to kiss the hand with the preparation of the human rights quite natural that the West treat him as strong foundations and real backgrounds. of what is justice and what is injustice using Of course, there are many other spheres of a person who was contemporary to him, declaration by some western countries and a threat and enemy. That’s why they used In our viewpoint, there are two distinct realistic standards and criteria. It’s not true we can mention, but I confine to pointing not even higher in quality and quantity of efforts to present it as a global must-be-ac- all the power they had at their disposal, groups of values: one group contains the to say that we will never be able to frame out a handful of them. knowledge. cepted document, the same countries were including their Iranian allies inside the values which are actually based on personal and define the decisive notion of justice. As the last question, please tell us However, whenever he felt a person is enslaving other human beings including country, to demolish the image of Ayatollah tastes. For example, one person might like We cannot say sometimes justice is good a little about your personal experi- deliberately trampling religious, Islamic, black people and kept slavery alive for Mesbah at the national and international color and the other might dislike it. Or and sometimes injustice is favorable. We ences regarding your interactions and human values, he never remained decades after the declaration. Even today, level by staging conspiracies or insulting two different persons can have two totally cannot say there is no difference between with Ayatollah Mesbah. How were silent because he believed he had a duty slavery exists in those countries which; and ridiculing him. different feelings once confronting the justice and injustice. We cannot say it is his personality and behaviors? to protect and preserve these values. The costs of grappling with state liberalism

BY MAHDI JAMSHIDI was at this time where the master-mind of had no power anymore, the Liberalistic [4]. During this period of time, another [1]. It’s been more than a century since Iran’s Revolution, martyr Ayatollah Morteza ideology arrived at the country and soon considerable evolution was beginning in a chain of tensions and shocks hit the Motahari, stepped in a difficult bloody battle turned into an affective bold force amongst terms of official and state atmosphere of Iranian society as a result of imposed pres- and formed a front against the social wave west-oriented elites and intellectuals. In the country: the birth of the Economic ence of “western modernity” in Iran. This of communist ideology. Those who had be- the early years after the Islamic Revolution Liberalism Policy on the outset of the 5th trend started from mid Qajar era on, and liefs similar to Motahari and considered the in Iran, the Freedom Movement in the administration of the Islamic Republic of as the time went by, modernity became situation as a huge fatal danger were quite country, led by Mahdi Bazargan, took in Iran. Those technocrat forces surrounding more and more serious and fundamental a few in number. He took out his sword “the state liberalism” as its core manifes- administrations’ officials, jump-started a within the structure of the society. The from the pod, all alone, and rushed into the tation and agenda. After a while, due to his different economic policy called ‘econom- modernity flow experienced its climax theoretical battlefield. During this period ideological conflicts and contradictions ic adjustment’ which was derived from during the events of the Constitutional of time, Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mes- with the Revolution, Bazargan resigned. policies of the International Monetary Revolution in Iran and marked a huge bah Yazdi was one of the few people who But this time, those who were categorized Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. This historical conflict in the country. In the recognized the specific historical situation as the oppositions and critics of Liberal policy, from different aspects, embarked an meantime, the only person who raised and undertook an active enlightening fight ideology and had comprehended Islam evolution in atmosphere of revolutionary the flag of enlightenment and, due to against deviation. Mr. Mesbah, during this through a leftist narrative, inaugurated approaches and values of the country: the his precise and deep knowledge about period, learned the theory of “Materialism an epistemological trend which was the rule of technocratic forces, the oblivion of the nature of western modernity, recog- Dialectic” which constructs the essence of sign of a ‘substantial epistemological knowledge and culture, pragmatism and nized its incompatibility and conflict with Marxist ideology. He then taught his findings transformation’. The man who facilitat- development of moment-based logics, the religious traditions, was martyr Sheikh to his students and tried tirelessly to provide ed and stimulated this transformation precedence of economic growth, and the Fazlullah Nuri who was hanged a while down to a different path and turned into decision, the Marxist ideology was also a fundamental criticism of the theory. Aya- the most was Abdul Karim Soroush. He production of wealth over justice, creation after the movement started and removed a ‘tail of western modernity’. formed in the country as an anti-thesis tollah Mesbah was physically attacked to brought up the theory of “the theoretical of a gap between the state and the nation, from the equations. After this bitter fate, [2]. The western modernity set foot in and found a strong social fan base inside and beaten by the Marxist forces. Motahari, contraction and expansion of Sharia” in the emergence of social discontent and the authoritative, accelerating, and wild Iran with both its Marxist and Liberalist the society. For example, the communist also, was assassinated and removed from Circle and tended towards “phil- urban riots and etc. During this historical modernity was created by Reza Pahlavi. branches. Both those branches were fully party of Tudeh turned into one of the most the scene by Marxists because he was con- osophical and epistemological revisions” period, Mesbah, who was a critic of the He tried to destroy the entire structure active in the country. The Liberalistic nar- important and effective groups in Iran. Dur- sidered by them as the main/major threat in realm of theology. There were others situation and worried about it, did not and foundation of native and religious rative of modernity was more compatible ing the following decades, the propagation to the Marxist ideology. who followed him down this path and have the opportunity for a transparent culture to replace it with western moder- with the taste of the Pahlavi dynasty, but of the Marxist ideology led to the birth of [3]. During the last years of the 60s (in gradually shaped the liberal west-ori- debate due to the narrow political space nity. Therefore, in contrary to its roots in response to choosing this narrative by other narratives which had eclectic ragged the Persian calendar) when the Marxist ented intellectual movement, inspired of the country. and origins, the Iranian society tumbled the Pahlavi and the consequences of this nature, including MEK and Forqan cult. It ideology was out of breath in Iran and by thoughts and reflections of Soroush. (Continued on Page IIII) IIII I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y THE MAN OF THEORETICAL BATTLEFIELDS FEBRUARY 13, 2021 Islamic humanities vs. Western experimentalism: the grand epistemological warfare of all time Islam’s plan for transformation of sciences

After the Islamic Revolution’s victory the causality principle, we can only valid bases or have been invalidated. senses, while our subject of discussion and during this decade, there have discover the relation between two Even if the principal bases of those is beyond senses. So, in order to prove been many discussions on Islamic phenomena when the conditions of facts have been proved, based on their them, we have to recourse to other humanities, and we still need a lot of experiment for them are complete- own opinion, the arguments leading methods. There is a more valid method discussions, researches, and dialogues. ly controlled, meaning it should be to the proof are not valid, because for gaining epistemic knowledge other There are many perceptions on the proved that no other factor has any these scientists believe that anything than sensory and empirical methods. subject which requires contemplation. effect on the environment of the ex- besides empirical methods is not of Proving that there are methods for Various Perceptions of Islamic periment, but this is not provable. scientific value. gaining epistemic knowledge other Humanities Controlling all natural factors is out Weaknesses in anthropolog- than senses, brings us to the realm Some people think of it as, prov- of our power and it is also possible ical fundamentals of western of epistemological science. In such ing and solving significant scientific that there are some factors unknown science science, we should examine issues problems in the world, using religious to us, as electromagnetic waves were Since “human” is subject to imper- such as how many ways are there to texts and arguments about devoted- unknown to us long time ago and no ative humanities and matters that are reach epistemic knowledge? How val- ness and narrated reasoning instead one was aware of them, or radio and mainly value-related - such as mo- id are those ways? What is the true of adopting the empirical methods. electronic waves which in today’s rality, politics, practical economics, nature of reason? What is the value We consider this to be incorrect. Is- world are the basis of most technol- etc. - making a definite judgment on of rational perceptions? Are rational lamic scholars’ way of research from ogies and scientific procedures, were these value-related commandments perceptions more valuable than sen- very long ago shows that they have unknown before and nobody believed should be founded upon understand- sory perceptions? What is mystical adopted empirical method in such a that they exist. So it is also possible ing humanity and all of its existential intuition and is it trustworthy? Can way that some have claimed: In get- that today, there are also other factors aspects. But science cannot examine things that prophets have claimed as ting introduced to empirical method, - unknown to us - influencing on a or prove beyond the material aspect revelations from God be a source of Europeans have benefited from the phenomenon’s occurrence. Therefore, of human, and because of that, it is knowledge for us? work of Iranian and Muslim scientists. you cannot get a definite result from even claimed that human is nothing And the list of questions goes on Furthermore, the mission of religion sensory experiments. Thus, the em- but its body, there is no soul, and soul and on. is to guide humans toward true sal- piricist method never gives you an is the interactions of brain and ner- Grand plan for transforming vation, and science and technologies absolute result and you cannot ob- vous system. If we perceive humanity’s science are subject to constant change and tain a general and absolute scientific true nature to be only this material In this regard, transforming science, evolution. As a result, religion has theory using experiment and this is being which has a short life, we will particularly humanities, requires us to no mission regarding the science and not in line with what empiricists and not be able to prove valid moral values strengthen the realm of epistemology technology. Instead, religion talks positivists, and other similar schools and general, absolute moralities for in the first step, prove the accurate about how these sciences can move of thought claim. it. But if we prove and understand ways of discovering the truth, and con- humans toward excellence. In other Foundation of western sci- that other than body, humanity has clude that there are methods other words, the duty of religion is guiding ence on incorrect metaphysical a nobler element called soul with its than sensory perceptions in order to humanity, not solving problems of principles own commandments and that there understand the truth; methods which science and nature. Moreover, many of the subjects is an interaction between soul and can also be a lot more credible than Another perception is that introduc- which are being introduced as scien- body, and they both have influence sensory perceptions. After solving ing the motto of “Islamic humanities” tific theories in different and prom- over each other, the results will be epistemological challenges, we have has a political or perhaps a nationalistic inent fields of science and then find different. Making a definite proof to go to the realm of metaphysics and background and politicians introduced global credibility, are based upon an on any value-related commandment ontology and try to prove and elaborate this motto with political motives in incorrect metaphysical principle. For about a being that has an immaterial the rational principles that are credible order to realize their own goals or they instance, in cosmology, the theory of aspect brings us to understand the philosophically and are required for wanted to take advantage of people’s coincidental creation of universe (big relation between body and soul, and science – such as causality principle nationalistic tendencies and incite bang theory) has a global reputation. the effects of these interactions on and matters related to it. At the next them against those who had brought This theory implies that there was an the eternal human life. However, the step, we have to step into the realm them oppression and persecution so explosion in a dense matter and as natural sciences with their empirical of anthropology and understand the that they can say “We do not need you. a result, the cosmos, different solar way are unable of proving such things true nature of human beings. These We have our own science and we have ures and distortions. In this regard, we and discarded other forms of human systems, astronomical objects, etc. and should resort to metaphysical three scientific fields respectively have to develop domestic science.” This consider the way that is dominant in knowledge from the realm of science. were created. If you ask these scien- principles, though they believe these priority over humanities; humanities perception is also incorrect. National- the western world which has more or In contrast, we believe that all the tists why there was an explosion, they principles hold no values. that today is called human science, istic tendencies, even though they are less transmitted to other countries, to aforementioned epistemic fields - would tell you that it was happened Considering the aforementioned examines the actions and qualities of correct and effective in some instances, be incorrect overall, even though there either those which westerners are by accident. Submitting to this argu- deficiencies in western science, it is humans and based on those exam- have no practicality in discovering the are correct elements in it. In contrast calling “science” or those identified ment means wrongly accepting the concluded that scientific advancement inations develops prescribed sciences truth and answering the questions to the western way, we introduce a as “knowledge” and things like that metaphysical possibility that some and reaching more accurate and more and presents recommendations for of humanity. So they should not be path that can curb those harms and - are provable and can be elaborated phenomena may happen without any certain results, particularly in human- morality, politics, economics, family engaged with while solving scientific blights and name this path “Islamic” and each of them has its own unique cause; something called ‘the random ities, firstly entails an understanding matters, etc. Before researching these and philosophical problems. because of the reason that follows. So method and are not limited to em- creation’. However, in metaphysics, of humanity, paying attention to its kinds of sciences, those three scientific In order to explain our point about far, the concept of Islamic humanities pirical method because the empirical we prove that this is impossible and existential aspects, and understanding fields must be strengthened and their Islamic humanities and also to clari- has been explained. method is about understanding things no phenomenon can occur without the relationship between body and respective rational path from episte- fy our position toward the so-called We now explain the arguments with our five senses, perhaps study- a cause. Therefore, many scientific soul. Secondly, to prove many of the mology to ontology, from ontology to western science, we should state our for proving this subject – Islamic ing their many aspects, recording the theories are founded on an incorrect necessary matters - including the idea anthropology, and from anthropology definition of western or un-Islamic humanities. Proving the deficiencies conditions in which those phenome- metaphysical principle – such as the that whether or not humans have oth- to human values in different fields like science and also explain what makes of western science - what is currently na are happening, and generalizing probability of coincidence. Even in er elements than the body - we need family, economics, morality, politics, a science Islamic. dominant in western scientific circles the outcomes; doing that, we have new physics, the theories such as ways other than method of sensory etc. must be taken. Discovering the truth, a trans- and more or less in countries under ourselves a scientific theory based random exiting of an electron from experience. We have to use spiritual Making a fundamental transfor- national and trans-regional value their influence - identifying the kinds on experiments. Considering empir- its circuit are based upon accepting experience, rational arguments, and mation in humanities demands such For a Muslim, science as a means of deficiencies, and elaborating the icism with regard to epistemological the principle that things can occur mystical intuitions to be able to elab- a comprehensive and broad plan, and to discover the truth originated from ways to confront them, can help us principle of these scientists, it gets randomly. Firstly, we need to exam- orate on the existence of the soul and accepting such plans is completely in anywhere, any region, or anyone is of understand that why we talk about clear that this theory has no credibility ine in a theological and metaphysical its relation with the body. Thus, before line with our Islamic teachings. In value, and based on Islamic teachings the need for transforming the science; because, on one hand, the basis of this way, whether or not coincidences are addressing anthropology we have to in- Islam, we prove that ways of gaining such science should be sought out in the kind of transformation that we theory is that truth can be discov- possible, and if we were able to prove vestigate ontology and we need to prove epistemic knowledge are not limited any country and from anybody. There- call Islamic transformation. ered through senses, while sensory that coincidences are not possible, all necessary principles for anthropology to mere senses and that we can use fore, science as a means to discover the Weaknesses in epistemological perceptions from the epistemolog- theories based upon this supposition and in general, humanities matters all the methods provided for human truth might be in possession of people foundations of western science ical standpoint are disputable and would become invalidated. – particularly value-related matters. beings – such as reason, mystical in- who are of different races or live in The main factor of deficiencies in reaching definite outcome from them Therefore, one of the problems with An obvious example for this subject tuition, more prominent humans, and different regions or follow different western science emerged since empir- is hardly possible. On the other hand, the kind of sciences that are called is the causality principle or invali- revelatory epistemic knowledge that religions and madhhab than us. But icists and positivists and other similar this subject is based upon unproven ‘western science’ today, is that they dation of coincidence (effect without elite humans like prophets can directly these differences are not something schools of thought claimed that true assumptions because if we conduct lab are founded on a series of man-made any cause). Therefore, we have ways get from God - to seek out knowledge; that undermine the value of their scien- science is something that only through experiments on any two phenomena principles which have to be examined for acquiring epistemic knowledge methods which are even more credible tific works and we respect their science sensory experience can be proved that we have perceived through senses, in other sciences including metaphys- other than sensory means, through than sensory perceptions which form and try to make use of that science. and its results can be presented to we see that whenever phenomenon A ics and epistemology; but the scientists which we can discover and prove such the basis of western science. When we oppose western science others. They called such knowledge happens then we have phenomenon developing the so called western sci- matters. Solving this matter using We call this comprehensive plan for and want to eradicate some of its data “science” and discarded other forms B and in this manner we discover the ences are actually accepting the the- only empirical way is not possible, transforming science “Islamization of from our universities, it is because of human epistemic knowledge such causality relation between the two ories as ‘facts’ which either have not because empirical way is limited to Science” according to our own culture, there are deficiencies, shortcomings, as philosophy, art, morality, and in phenomena and we identify the first but we hold no prejudice toward any and perhaps errors and fallacies in their general metaphysics from science one as the cause for the second one. Scientific advancement and reaching particular religion, madhhab, ethnicity, data, and our sense of truth-seeking and believed that you cannot make However, first of all, accepting the language, and race. We respect and em- in addition to our religious duties de- a definitive judgment on them because causality relation is a metaphysical more accurate and more certain brace the kind of science that discovers mand us to fight with those failures these kinds of knowledge are arbitrary and philosophical matter and these results, particularly in humanities, the truth, whether it comes from the and distortions in order to seek out and anybody, based on his taste, can scientists do not consider metaphysics west or from the east, from Muslims or truths in a more accurate and more choose one of these theories. They credible scientifically and recognize firstly entails an understanding of non-Muslims, from whites or blacks. genuine manner. We believe that believed that only empiricist science is it as a subject that is susceptible to humanity, paying attention to its This is the text of Ayatollah Mes- Islamic teachings educate Islamic credible and should be discussed and expressing different theories, but all existential aspects, and understanding bah’s speech at International Con- scientists in a way that they can be disputed in scientific circles. Thus, they experiments need this metaphysical gress on Islamic Humanities in May safe and be protected from these fail- limited science to empiricist science principle. Secondly, after accepting the relation between body and soul. 22nd, 2012 The costs of grappling with state liberalism III [5]. By the occurrence of the third and fearlessly; just as Motahari was not ertheless, he never retreated and continued bah were so intense and severe and there reviving his personality was nothing less event, the triangle of western modernity afraid of anything in the 50th and had rec- his enlightenment and criticism. Thus, a were so many small and big lies repeatedly than his life. Mesbah, likewise, grappled with according to the liberal narrative was com- ognized the main jeopardy. This critical and multitude of suspicions, problems, ambi- feigned about him that, gradually, the truth “hypocrite liberalists” and paid the price pleted in Iran. The third event was the rise apparent confrontation greatly displeased guities, and media objections were formed was marginalized and a different face from for this grapple as long as he lived. When of the secular intellectual force to power in the official and unofficial liberal ideology against Mesbah, and the man who was not Mesbah was forged which had nothing to psychological warfare replaces intellectual the mid-70s (in the Persian calendar) and forces of the country. As time went on, they much famous until then, suddenly became do with the truth. We’ve learned from our debates, and when the world of ignorance their placement within the official structure felt more and more endangered because the subject of the headlines of news broad- real-life experiences that how “repetition of casts its shadow over the world of knowledge, of the state. It was at this point in histo- Mesbah was squandering their conquests cast and analysis. The confrontation of state a lie” can turn that lie into a truth. Decades and when media sources replace hundreds ry that all possibilities and opportunities and diverging their social fan base. Mes- liberalism and west-oriented intellectuals passed and not only many attitudes toward of volumes of Mesbah’s books, and when came together and the forces of modernity, bah’s determination and seriousness in this against Mesbah had a deviated nature: it Mesbah have not changed, but there are also power violates the rights of wisdom, and united and apparent, challenged the ‹rev- regard, also made the Iranian liberalism was not originated from “reasoning”, but newcomers to the club of those who criticize when intentionality devours truth-seeking, olutionary ideology’. This wave was very forces more determined in fighting back. rather “corrupt motifs”, “politically wrong Mesbah. These newcomers are repeating there is no doubt such a satiation will arise. much similar to the wave that was formed Hence, since then, Mesbah became the key intentions” and “greed for power”. This con- the same null fallacious arguments of state Even today, “referring to Mesbah” is not a by west-oriented intellectuals during the epistemological figure and was selected as frontation made the thoughts of Mesbah liberalism and west-oriented intellectuals. virtue and there is an expense for “being events of the Constitutional Revolution in the main target of media and propaganda the subject of fragmentation, distortion, The same thing happened to Motahari. His by his side”. Mesbah was and will be an that period of Iran’s history. It was here attacks on a daily and weekly basis. During propaganda manipulations, and political personality was assassinated by those whom ever-accused thinker. when Mesbah made his ‹decisive decision’ that time, no other figure was targeted by speculations. he used to categorize as “hypocrite mate- Mahdi Jamshidi is a faculty member in and set foot in the middle of strife explicitly the liberal forces as much as he was. Nev- [6]. The destructive attacks against Mes- rialists” and the price he had to pay for Institute for Islamic Culture and Thought