Page 1 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Mehr Vision|No.14|June 2019
Iran reduces commitments to JCPOA; gives Europe a 60-day ultimatum Page 2 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Contents
Iran gives JCPOA parties 60 days before reducing further commitments 3 EU rejects Iran’s 60-day ultimatum on JCPOA 3 Iran to stop selling yellow cake, heavy water: Pres. Rouhani 4 No action from JCPOA parties in 2 months to mean ‘no political will’ 5 Reducing JCPOA commitments Iran’s appropriate long-overdue decision 6 60 days ultimatum indication that Tehran’s patience running thin 7 Iran’s game has just started 8
Cover Story Cover Future of the JCPOA does not look good: Paul Pillar 9 Iran should not expect something special from EU: ex-envoy 10
Failure of Saudi project 12 The traditional German parties are in danger 13 Iran’s security plans for Persian Gulf: non-aggression pact 14 Saudi-Russian oil alliance marks a potentially historic shift for OPEC 16 A totally Americanized England at full display! 18 Riyadh’s lies about targeting Mecca 18 Politics Driving Iran’s oil export to zero biggest supply risk to global markets 19 Al-Fujairah: The result of crimes of Saudi and UAE 21
Trump’s decision on IRGC has nothing to do with international law 23 ‘Bolton, much like his boss, cannot be expected to be moderate’ 23 Mehr Vision US illusions: from a pretended crisis to a pretended victory 24 The odds of success for Japanese PM’s visit to Iran 25 Managing Director: Ali Asgari Impossible to drive Iran’s oil export to zero 26 Editorial Board: Abe not able to achieve any real breakthrough: Italian expert 27 Seyed Amir Hassan Dehghani, Abe sought to become Trump’s primary ally in Asia: Prof. Zonis 28
Mohammad Ghaderi, Majid Rafiee, Dossier Tehran should not have high expectation from Abe’s visit 29 Payman Yazdani Trump’s policy towards Iran alienated US from key allies 30 Editorial Coordinator: Iran and US game, chicken game or prisoner’s dilemma? 31 Marjohn Sheikhi John Bolton’s political death 33
Contributors: Payman Yazdani, Mohammad Ghaderi, Marjohn Sheikhi, Mohammad Ali Saudi regime vicious ploy for Quds International Day 35 Haqshenas, Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh, Nasrallah warns against changes in Middle East 36 Zahra Mirzafarjouyan, Kamal Iranidoost, Hanif Ghaffari, Javad Heirannia, ‘Deal of the Century’ against intl. law: Mahmoud al-Zahar 37
Mohammad Ghaderi Dossier Intl. Quds day marks end of ‘Deal of the Century’: Hamas official 38
Art Director: Mahboubeh Azizi
Phone: +98-21-43051350 Danish Filmfest. organizers elaborate on Iran-Denmark cultural coop. 40 Email: [email protected] Iran moving forward in IP sector 41 Cool destinations to go if you need to escape heat in Tehran 43 Address: No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran St. Stepanos Monastery beautiful Armenian church 44 Katale Khor cave, hidden paradise in Zanjan’s mountains 45 Mehr Vision welcomes contributions by Strange hotels across Iran constructed to lure tourists 46
readers which can be sent via email. Culture World’s most valuable house in Tehran 47 Sarein, city of magical springs 48 Cover Story Page 3 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran gives JCPOA parties EU rejects Iran’s 60 days before reducing 60-day ultimatum further commitments on JCPOA By: Marjohn Sheikhi By: Marjohn Sheikhi On May 8, Iran revealed countermeasures to US’ withdrawal from the nuclear deal, removing restrictions on storage of heavy The EU has rejected Iran’s ultimatum on JCPOA, which water and enriched uranium, and giving the five remaining calls on the bloc to make good on their commitments parties to JCPOA 60 days before reducing further commitments to the nuclear deal in the next two months or Tehran to the agreement. would start suspending some of its own.
“In line with “We reject any ultimatums and will assess Iran’s protecting the compliance on the basis of Iran’s performance regard- security and na- ing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPoA tional interests and the NPT,” the joint statement from the EU high rep- of the Iranian resentative and the foreign ministers of France, Germa- people”, the Su- ny and the UK read. preme National “We remain fully committed to the preservation and Security Council full implementation of the JCPoA,” the statement says, has ordered stop calling on Iran “to continue to implement its commit- to implemen- ments under the JCPoA in full as it has done until now tation of some and to refrain from any escalatory steps.” parts of commitments of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the EU regrets the re-imposition of sanctions by the JCPOA according to articles 26 and 36 of the agreement. United States following their withdrawal from the The letter containing the details of Iran’s countermeasures to JCPOA, says the statement. the US withdrawal from the agreement and its increasing pres- “We are determined to continue pursuing efforts to sure and restrictions against the Islamic Republic since May 2018 enable the continuation of legitimate trade with Iran, was presented to the ambassadors of the five remaining parties including through the operationalisation of the special to the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) - France, Germany, UK, Russia purpose vehicle ‘INSTEX’,” the statement adds, in refer- and China – on Wednesday morning, a few hours before Presi- ence to an alternative trade mechanism for Iran in the dent Rouhani went live on a television broadcast to discuss the face of US sanctions, which has yet to become opera- decision in length. tional. According to the decision of the Supreme National Security Iran revealed on May 8 countermeasures to US’ Council, Iran will no longer commit to the restrictions put on stor- withdrawal from the nuclear deal, giving the other age of enriched uranium and heavy water under the agreement. remaining parties to the JCPOA a 60-day ultimatum The remaining parties to the nuclear deal have been given 60 to comply with their commitments, particularly those days to implement their commitments under the JCPOA, particular- regarding Iran’s economic interests in the banking and ly those related to the banking and oil sectors. Failure to do so will energy sectors, before reducing portions of its own prompt the Islamic Republic to stop complying with restrictions on commitments to the agreement stage by stage. the level of uranium enrichment and the modernization of Arak Iran says at any given time that its demands are met, heavy water reactor, the statement says. it will resume complying with the suspended commit- “At any given time that our demands are met, we will resume ments, which have been made impossible to continue complying with the stopped commitments; otherwise, we will due to the US measures and sanctions, according to FM continue to stop implementing the other commitments step Zarif. by step,” adds the statement by the Supreme National Security The decision to reduce commitments to the JCPOA Council. comes as Washington is ramping up pressure against “Iran is ready to continue its consultations with the remaining Iran, by re-imposing new sanctions, including restric- parties to the JCPOA on all levels,” the statement notes. “Howev- tions on Iran’s low-level uranium enrichment, and er, Iran will respond decisively and immediately to any irrespon- ending the sanctions waivers for Iran’s major oil cli- sible act, such as referring the issue to the UN Security Council or ents in an attempt to drive the country’s oil exports the imposition of more sanctions.” to zero. The statement further stresses that the failure of the JCPOA Iran has stressed that it has no intention to leave the and any possible consequence will be fully upon the United JCPOA, and its decision on reducing commitments is States and the remaining parties to the nuclear deal. still within the framework of the agreement. Cover Story Page 4 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran to stop selling yellow cake, heavy water: Pres. Rouhani
Rouhani on May 8 appeared on TV to The people in the region, the Europe- leaving the deal, rather it is a new phase declare Iranian reciprocal action to ans and even the US allies and the inter- of the deal in the context and in line US over the breach of JCPOA by scale- national companies are suffering from with the wording of the JCPOA. down of Iran’s commitments envisaged the US policies, creating restrictions for “Articles of 26 and 36 entitled Iran to by Note 26 of the nuclear deal. the European companies doing business raise complaint about breach of the inter- with Iran. national deal in the joint commission.” The president noted that “it does not According to the Article 36, under the mean that Iran leaves the nuclear agree- 60-day moratorium to remaining Dispute Resolution Mechanism, if Iran ment, known as Joint Comprehensive parties believed that any or all of the E3/EU+3 Plan of Action (JCPOA).” Rouhani said Iran will give a 60-day were not meeting their commitments Noting that the pact is “beneficial to moratorium to the parties to the deal under this JCPOA, the country could re- the region and the world and detrimen- to remedy the breaches and preserve fer the issue to the Joint Commission for tal to the enemies of Iran,” Rouhani said Iran’s interests enshrined by JCPOA. resolution.” Iran has always been and will remain He further said that the European And based on the Article 26, the EU committed to its responsibilities to the signatories to the deal were doing well will refrain from re-introducing or re-im- nuclear deal. in lip service, but they were unable to posing the sanctions that it has termi- The president said the country will implement what they vowed. nated implementing under this JCPOA, continue the efforts to stay in the pact Rouhani was referring to the Europe- without prejudice to the dispute reso- despite the enemies’ wishes. ans’ pledge to take actions to neutralize lution process provided for under this The enemies, including the American the restrictions caused by the unilateral JCPOA. hardliners, Zionists, and the reactionar- withdrawal. Rouhani stressed that after the said ies in the region, were opposed to the He noted that based on a decision period, if the five countries come to the international deal since the very mo- made by Iran’s Supreme National Secu- negotiation table to come to terms with ment it was reached, he added. rity Council, messages have been sent Iran’s interests particularly with regard Rouhani noted that JCPOA has a na- to the remaining five countries in the to oil and banking, we would return to tional strategic foundation, it was not an nuclear deal, announcing that Iran has the previous position. individual or partisan or governmental done its part to give them the one year Should they not comply with their re- issue, he said. span they had requested. sponsibilities to the pact, Iran would not “Rather, it was a national decision We have done our part and it was our observe the 3.6% level of enrichment which was made by the entire governing “strategic patience”. and the heavy water reactor restric- system.” However, he stressed that Iran is not tions, Rouhani said. Cover Story Page 5 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran UN amb.: No action from JCPOA parties in 2 months to mean ‘no political will’
Iran’s ambassador to the UN had more than enough time, for the Majid Takht-Ravanchi told PBS last year...to compensate what the that lack of action from the Americans have done to the JCPOA. remaining signatories to the So if they cannot do it in the next nuclear deal in the next two two months, that means that the months would mean there is no political will is not there. And then political will and Iran would act we will act in accordance with our based on its national interests. national interests.
On the anniversary of the US’ Today, President Trump said that unlawful withdrawal from the he still hoped to meet with Iran’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as leadership. Does Iran have any JCPOA, Iran said it plans to cease interest in meeting with President complying with portions of the Trump? agreement to jostle the remain- There is — I mean, there is no ing signatories into putting their utility in meeting somebody who words into action regarding the carelessly tear apart, you know, an safeguarding of Iran’s economic or to cease performance of some of our international agreement. interests in the face of US sanctions. obligations, voluntary obligations, based It wasn’t an agreement between At the same time, President Rou- on the nuclear deal. Iran and the United States. Other hani stressed that Iran would continue And we will see what will happen countries, the European Union were to remain in the agreement and the during the next 60 days. The window of part of it. So, all of a sudden, we see countermeasures still fall within the diplomacy is not closed. We believe that that the president comes and says, I framework of the pact; “Our nation Iran will speak, will negotiate with the don’t like it because of so many rea- should know that we have not with- partners, the remaining participants of sons, because the former president drawn from the nuclear deal. They the JCPOA, and we will see what will be took the initiative to sign such an shouldn’t think that the nuclear deal the outcome of the negotiations.” agreement with Iran. doesn’t exist anymore. Today, we an- So, how can we trust somebody who nounced a reduction, not withdraw- Ambassador, you say that you were carelessly and recklessly do something al,” Rouhani said during a televised left with no other option, but why do like this? appearance on Wednesday. you need to enrich uranium at a higher Speaking to the American public level than 3.67 percent? What’s your Some people who I’m talking to here broadcaster PBS, Iran’s ambassador to intentions by doing that — or possibly who are experts on Iran fear that the the UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi talked doing that? speech by President Rouhani today will about why Iran waited a whole year Well, no, for the time being, we are allow hard-liners here in the US and since Trump administration pulled out adhering to the JCPOA on the limit of perhaps Israel a stronger case to argue of the JCPOA to announce countermeas- the enrichment, the level of enrichment. that Iran is not trustworthy. ures. What we have said is, for the next 60 I think the hard-liners, as our foreign “Over the last year, we exercised ex- days, we are going just to be free for our minister has coined it, four B’s, Bibi Ne- treme patience in order to show that stockpile. We are not talking about en- tanyahu, Bolton, bin Zayed, and bin Sal- Iran is ready, Iran is ready to take extra riching more than 3.67 percent for the man, they are doing whatever they can, mile, in order to show that it is sincere in next 60 days. no matter what Iran does. its implementation of the nuclear deal. So it doesn’t matter how we are But, unfortunately, due to US bullying President Rouhani did say today that dealing with JCPOA. Their agenda is to of even its closest allies, we have not you would enrich higher than 3.67 if you provoke. Their agenda is to agitate the received the economic benefit that we don’t get those economic incentives, situation. Their agenda is to prepare a were promised to receive based on the which haven’t come so far. war against Iran. We are not trying to nuclear deal. And then we were left with Of course. Of course we will. Of wage war against anybody, but, defi- no other option than to say that, for 60 course we will. nitely, we will defend ourselves no days, we are going to stop implementing The reason is that our partners have matter what. Cover Story Page 6 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Reducing JCPOA commitments Iran’s appropriate long-overdue decision: Entessar
Interview by Payman Yazdani implement what they vowed. response to European countries’ lack of In light of this development, we commitments? Professor of political science describes reached to Nader Entessar, professor Yes. the European parties to the Iran’s decision to reduce its JCPOA emeritus of political science from uni- JCPOA have been toying with Iran for commitments as an appropriate versity of South Alabama. a long time now. While paying lip ser- response that clear signals Iran’s Following is the full text of our inter- vice to the JCPOA, they have caved in patience with Europe’s nonperformance view with him: under the US pressure, and in essence, of its obligations under the JCPOA is have demonstrated their own inability wearing thin. The Iran has decided to reduce part of or unwillingness to implement their Tehran’s JCPOA commitment. How do obligations. Most everybody knew President Hassan Rouhani said on you evaluate this decision from a legal that once the US withdrew from the Wednesday that Iran will stop selling its point of view? Can one say that Iran has JCPOA, Europe would not be able to enriched uranium and heavy water in withdrawn from the deal? challenge the US and would follow US a reciprocal act to the US’ withdrawal I think this was an appropriate and diktat. from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimpo- long-overdue decision. Of course, it is sition of sanctions. a minimalist response but a clear sig- Can this decision reduce US pressures The president noted that the decision nal that Iran’s patience with Europe’s on the country or convince Europe to “does not mean that Iran will leave the nonperformance of its obligations un- do more to safeguard Iran’s interests nuclear agreement.” der the JCPOA is wearing thin. The under the deal? Rouhani said Iran will give a 60-day decision is a legal decision under the Probably not. I think now the US will moratorium to the remaining parties framework of articles 26 and 37 of try to put even more pressure on Europe to the deal to remedy the breaches and the JCPOA. In other words, Iran is still to act as Washington’s junior partner in preserve Iran’s interests enshrined by abiding by its legal obligations and has this sordid affair. Europe is not an inde- JCPOA. by no means withdrawn from the nu- pendent player in Wahington’s “Game He further said that the European clear deal. of Thrones” against Iran; it is clearly a signatories to the deal were doing well secondary instrument in Washington’s in lip service, but they were unable to Don’t you think that Iran’s measure is a hands. Cover Story Page 7 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY 60 days ultimatum indication that Tehran’s patience running thin: Kamrava
Interview by Javad Heirannia
Mehran Kamrava, a professor of the Middle East Studies in Georgetown University of Doha, tells the Tehran Times that “Clearly, the status quo of where JPCOA is today has become untenable. Today Iran is the only party that is living up to the terms of the agreement. The US pulled out a year ago, and the EU has done very little of what the agreement obligates it to do.”
Director of the Center for Internation- tion that Tehran’s patience is running ments. As a result, he has pulled the al and Regional Studies at Georgetown thin. Although the EU has rejected the United States out of many multilater- University’s School of Foreign Service in ultimatum, this may be a positive move al commitments, the most notable of Qatar also adds “On the one hand Euro- that prompts the Europeans to finally which are the Paris Agreement on cli- pean Union have been calling on Iran to deliver on their end of the bargain. mate change in 2016 and the Trans-Pa- abide by the terms of the JPCOA while cific Partnership, the UN Human Rights on the other hand they have neither What is the future of JCPOA according Council, and the JPCOA, all in 2018. In stood up to the United States nor even to new development? each instance, after pulling out of the fulfilled their own obligations under the Clearly, the status quo of where JP- agreement, he has engaged in bombas- agreement.” COA is today has become untenable. tic rhetoric, condemning the terms of Kamrava also adds that “While the Today Iran is the only party that is living the previous agreement, and calling for agreement has existed on paper, in prac- up to the terms of the agreement. The a new one. In the process, he has sought tice it has actually become an- agree US pulled out a year ago, and the EU to apply what he believes his “art of the ment of only one actor, namely Iran. The has done very little of what the agree- deal” in order to get better terms for the 60 day ultimatum is an indication that ment obligates it to do. So there are two United States. This is precisely what we Tehran’s patience is running thin.” possible scenarios out of the deadlock: are seeing today in the current trade Following is the text of the interview: either the agreement completely col- standoff between the US and China, and lapses, with Iran formally pulling out; or what we saw in 2017 in relation to North Iran is preparing to halt its the EU takes substantive and tangible Korea, when Trump called Kim Jung Un implementation of some key parts of measures to rectify what has become “the little rocket man” and warned that the JCPOA for 60 days. What is your a farce. Over the last two years or so, his “fingers are on the trigger” are ready assessment of this? the EU has been preoccupied with three to be pulled at any moment. His actions The European Union has been try- primary concerns – namely Trump, Pu- against Iran are driven by the same log- ing to have its cake and eat it too. On tin, and Brexit – and it has therefore put ic. Trump himself does not seem to want the one hand they have been calling Iran and the JPCOA on the backburner. war – wars are, after all, bad for busi- on Iran to abide by the terms of the JP- If it continues to ignore the JPCOA, it is ness. But his rhetoric is empowering the COA while on the other hand they have bound to have another serious crisis on wolves around him hungry for regime neither stood up to the United States its hands. change in Iran. The real question is will nor even fulfilled their own obligations he be able to rein in the likes of Bolton, under the agreement. They have been What is the reaction of President Trump Pompeo, and Giuliani, or will they be- dragging their feet because of their own administration especially aggressive come the tail wagging the dog. Iranophobia and also because they are wing such as person like Bolton to Iran unable, or unwilling, to stand up to the decision? What’s the point of President Rouhani US. Iran, meanwhile, has lived up to all I don’t think that’s the way this White message (JCPOA is a win-win or lose- its obligations under the agreement. So House operates. Donald Trump has lose game) for the other side? while the agreement has existed on pa- demonstrated a predictable pattern of The point is clear. Abide by the terms per, in practice it has actually become behavior. This behavior is predicated of the agreement, or there will be seri- an agreement of only one actor, namely on his innate distrust of and dislike for ous consequences to the EU’s continued Iran. The 60 day ultimatum is an indica- multilateralism and multilateral -agree foot-dragging. Cover Story Page 8 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Iran’s game has just started
By: Hanif Ghaffari a dangerous scheme that they actually Minister both have had important roles started devising when Trump took the in carrying out the American-European By announcing that Iran will begin office in 2017. anti-Iran scheme. keeping its excess uranium and heavy At the time, Theresa May, the British At any rate, what is clear now is that water, the Islamic Republic now sends Prime Minister, and Emmanuel Macron, the game has just started! And the Ira- a firm and clear message to the west, the French president played a major nian political system and specially the exactly one year after US president, part in carrying out the west scheme. A foreign ministry have a great mission to Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew scheme based on enforcing Iran to keep run this game wisely. from its nuclear deal with Iran. its “nuclear promises” and stay commit- In following days, the European troi- ted to a “distorted nuclear deal” while ka might want to force Iran into chang- At this point, it seems that Iran has “US had abandoned the deal”, and at ing its decision by threats such as re- made a wise decision. Over the last year, the same time, trying to “diminish Iran’s viving the European Union sanctions the European troika has not only done power in the region” and “reduce its against Iran or even taking Iran’s case to anything to revive the nuclear deal or missile activities”. the United Nations Security Council (so bring any kind of benefit to the Iranian All other actions of Europeans to- that Trump administration can meddle nation, but they have actually backed up ward Iran were also simply targeted at in Iran’s affairs). But, it is time for Iran US by developing new plans to under- carrying out this major plan, including political system to be adamant in its de- mine Iran’s “missile work”, and diminish how they constantly changed their strat- cision. its “power in the region” as well as its egies toward Tehran, and how Germany, The Iranian Foreign Ministry should “nuclear technology”. U.K. and France intentionally delayed in clearly ask the Europeans to choose one As stated in clauses 26 and 36 of Joint launching the alternative trade mecha- of these options, either Iran will “further Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), nism (Instex) with Iran. reduce its commitments to the nuclear if the other side fails to meet its obliga- Now, Iran’s decision to keep its Urani- deal” or the Europeans should do some- tions, Iran is entitled to partially or com- um and heavy water is definitely in com- thing practical to “protect the rights of pletely end its commitments as well. So, pliance with JCPOA, and more impor- Iranian nation”. Iran’s recent decision could be analyzed tantly, it will seriously undermine the It is also necessary that the Irani- both on legal and strategic terms. “American-European” joint plan against an political system reveals the Ameri- However, it seems that the strategic Iran. This also explains why French gov- can-European joint anti-Iran scheme to aspects of Iran’s decision are even more ernment was so distressed by Iran’s the people so that the true nature of important than its legal aspects. This de- new nuclear strategy and had such a Europeans is showed to Iranians. In that cision is strategically important because quick reaction, considering that Emma- case, Europe and specially the European it stops Washington and European troi- nuel Macron, the French president and troika will completely lose their reputa- ka to carry out their anti-Iran scheme, Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign tion. Cover Story Page 9 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Future of the JCPOA does not look good: Paul Pillar
Interview by: Javad Heirannia
Professor Paul Pillar, who was CIA intelligence analyst for 28 years, says that the future of the JCPOA does not look good.
Pillar says, “The Europeans so far have simply not given much indication of implementing an economically signif- icant arrangement that would be suffi- cient for Iranians to say that the deal is meeting their expectations.” He also adds that “the economic clout of the United States is such that the US administration can still scare and intimidate businesses and governments from having much to do with Iran.” Following is the text of the interview: the US plays on the other side and especially toward Iran, does indeed Given that Iran’s needs were not met the passivity of European countries depend heavily on Bolton’s future. by the nuclear deal, by which I mean towards the US, Iran remains That, in turn, depends on impulsive removing the sanctions, and as the committed to this agreement. and hard-to-predict decisions by Don- result of the US withdrawal from that Bringing into consideration the ald Trump. Bolton may have lost some agreement and Europe’s passivity, current situation, how do you assess favor with Trump because of differ- Iran has announced that it is stopping its future? ences on both Venezuela and North the sale of enriched uranium and The future of the JCPOA does not Korea. Bolton’s job might be in jeop- heavy water. This action will be held look good. The Europeans so far have ardy if Trump, who right now probably for 60 days to bring the parties to the simply not given much indication of does not want a war with Iran, sees negotiation table. How do you assess implementing an economically sig- Bolton as leading him into one. But this issue? nificant arrangement that would be Trump might not see things that way, Iran is saying its patience is not un- sufficient for Iranians to say that the or Trump himself, faced with more do- limited. It has complied with its obli- deal is meeting their expectations. The mestic political problems, might him- gations under the JCPOA for an entire economic clout of the United States is self come to welcome a military clash year, despite the US reneging on its such that the US administration can with Iran as a distraction. own obligations. President Rouhani still scare and intimidate businesses is saying that must change. Iranian and governments from having much President Rouhani called the Iranian leaders have given up on the Trump to do with Iran. If the agreement col- nuclear deal a win-win or lose-lose administration. They still are hoping lapses, it would be difficult to piece it game. What’s the point of this message for a change in US policy as of Janu- back together even after a change of for the other side? ary 2021, but it has become politically administration in the United States. Rouhani is saying that if everyone and economically untenable for Irani- observes the JCPOA, everyone benefits. an leaders simply to keep waiting for After the failed coup in Venezuela, And if the agreement breaks down, that US policy to change. Rouhani is chal- it seems that John Bolton’s role in will benefit no one. Iran clearly would lenging the Europeans, in particular, to Trump’s decision-making process will lose economically, but the United States do more to make up for the economic be reduced. Is there any possibility and others also would lose by having shortfall from the US reneging. that in the result of Bolton’s an avoidable nuclear crisis on their aggressive activities which were not hands. Rouhani’s perspective is far The Iranian nuclear deal is an successful, the role of the aggressive different from that of Donald Trump, agreement based on the clarity and party in the Trump administration who seems to see every agreement as commitment of both sides. Paying will be reduced? a matter of one side winning and the attention to the important role that The aggressive nature of US policy, other side losing. Cover Story Page 10 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump responsible for Iran halting of some commitments in JCPOA: Nephew
Interview by Javad Heirannia on low enriched uranium. Although I can understand why Iran Richard Nephew, who served as the is doing so and do not deny at all the lead sanctions expert for the US team responsibility that the Trump Adminis- negotiating with Iran, is of the opinion tration bear in this matter, the reality is wing such as person like Bolton to Iran that I can understand why Iran is that restarting the buildup of uranium decision? preparing to halt its implementation of stocks will create further instability and I do not believe that this is a reason- these key parts of the JCPOA and “do threat in the Middle East and do nothing able assessment of Bolton’s role in the not deny at all the responsibility that to solve Iran’s economic problems. Trump Administration. He remains in the Trump Administration bears in this This action means that Iran has now the driver’s seat with respect to a vari- matter.” joined the United States in escalating ety of policies, especially on Iran, and The fellow at the Center on Global the situation and, ultimately, I think has even if he were to be removed, his views Energy Policy at Columbia University contributed to the risk of conflict in the of Iran are shared by many others in the says that “I have long believed that the region. Administration. JCPOA could not survive without US sanctions relief.” What is the future of JCPOA according What’s the point of President Rouhani He also says that “Today’s action to new development? message (JCPOA is a win-win or lose- shows why: Iran will not continue to I have long believed that the JCPOA lose game) for the other side? provide nuclear concessions without could not survive without US sanctions Well, clearly, President Rouhani is try- economic access.” relief. Today’s action shows why: Iran ing to encourage the United States to re- Following is the text of the interview: will not continue to provide nuclear con- turn to the agreement and to generate cessions without economic access. pressure on the United States to do so Iran is preparing to halt its I therefore believe that the JCPOA’s from other participating countries. implementation of some key parts of future is very bleak and that the agree- I understand why he is doing it. I do the JCPOA for 60 days. What is your ment may expire as early as a few think that, at this point, it is probably a assessment of this? months from now. futile gesture given the inadequacy of It is deeply concerning that Iran is European, Russian and Chinese pressure preparing to halt its implementation of What is the reaction of President Trump on the United States to reverse course these key parts of the JCPOA, especially administration especially aggressive to date.
Iran should not expect something special from EU: ex-envoy
By Mohammad Ali Haqshenas of the European Union since its formation so A former Iranian diplomat said that European countries will they did their best to not do something special during the next two months to maintain this achieve- ensure Iran’s interests. ment, but did not have “I believe that whatever has happened so far will also the required power to happen in the next two months that Iran has given Europe a cope with US pressure,” chance, we really should not expect something special from he maintained. Europe,” former Iranian ambassador to Italy Abolfazl Zohreh- Zohrehvand went on to say, “The experience of negotiating vand told Mehr News Agency on Wednesday. with the West in recent years was very valuable, although it “Some Europeans have pinned hope on the post-Trump inflicted a great cost on the country, since and it made clear era, but the point here is that Europe has been in line with US the real nature of the West for those who had hoped for the policies and will remain so in future,” he added West-oriented approach.” “During this time [after signing JCPOA], they simply tried to “We should not tie the country’s problems to issues such take advantage of the benefits of the deal and to secure their as INSTEX and the coming and going of the Democrats and own interests without fulfilling their obligations.” Republicans in the United States, rather we should proceed “JCPOA has been the most important diplomatic achievement through relying on our internal capacities,” he added. Page 11 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Politics Politics Page 12 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Failure of Saudi project
Translated by Zahra Mirzafarjouyan
Flustered in the midst of high-speed events, Saudi Arabia hosted three regional meetings on Thursday and Friday, including Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Persian Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, but the question is that how successful the meetings have been?
Synchronization of meetings with events and developments Holding of these meetings in Mecca which couldn’t result in any consensus at all took place at the same time that we are faced with the momentous de- velopments in the region. One of the most important current developments is the political tension between Iran and the US which has posed the final statement. lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Re- worried major countries in the region. Many political parties, prominent lations between Riyadh and Doha have These countries fear that the Amer- political figures and groups from West shrunk since 5th June 2017 following icans may start a war against Iran Asia to the Middle East reacted to the the siege of Qatar by Saudis and other which its dimensions and size are un- statements of the PGCC, the Organiza- members of the Persian Gulf Coopera- predictable. tion of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab tion Council. These meetings were held on the eve League. The king of Morocco also did not at- of International Quds Day. Some experts The Secretary General of the Leba- tend the meetings and sent his prime believe that the aim of these meetings nese Hezbollah said that Saudi Arabia minister to Mecca. He hasn’t had a were to overshadow the massive march- depends on the West, and the US and good relationship with Riyadh since es of millions around the world. the intelligence services of these coun- the painful murder of Jamal Khashog- Also, holding these meetings is not tries for its survival. He also added that gi. unrelated to Trump’s ‘Deal of the Cen- some Arab regimes have been plotting The Saudis ended the three meetings tury’ to complete destruction process against Iran since the victory of the Is- held in Mecca by issuing statements of Palestine. Arab states of the region, lamic Revolution of Iran. against Iran. As usual it seems that the especially the Saudis, Bahrainis and Emi- Yemen Ansarullah Spokesman Mu- statements have never been considered ratis have accepted to play a role in this hammad Abdusalam also said that the serious. plan which has been written by the Zi- unilateral statement issued under the While the Muslim nations of the re- onists and Senior Advisor to the US Pres- influence of Saudi Arabia did not include gion were getting ready for the Quds ident Jared Kushner. the Palestine which is the most impor- International Day, Saudi king began the These meetings will be linked to the tant issue of the Islamic world. first meeting with attacks on Iran claim- one which is going to be held Bahrain; a These meetings and statements also ing Iran behind suspicious attacks on oil meeting that will focus on the financial did not have good reflection in Pales- tankers. dimension of the ‘Deal of the Century’. It tine. If the issue of the Zionist regime was has been banned by the Palestinian and Another major issues during the raised in the meetings it would be nat- some of the countries in advance. meetings were the gaps and differences ural because the Zionist regime benefit- among member states, especially differ- ing of existing US created regional ten- Results of these meetings ences between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. sions against Iran is moving ahead with The Arab League summit was one In a video has been shared by Arab users its anti-Islamic goals. of the three summits held in Mecca on on large scale, the Qatari prime minister The reason behind the Saudi leaders’ Thursday. Although many attempts have disregarded the king of Saudi Arabia at a move was Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’, been made to hide existing differences recent summit. to marginalize the Quds Day and create and gaps among participants, the Iraqi Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al an anti-Iranian alliance which seems delegation, headed by Barham Salih, to Thani refused to attend the meetings none of these goals has not been mate- the surprise of the Saudis strongly op- and sent Prime Minister of Qatar Abdul- rialized so far. Politics Page 13 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY The traditional German parties are in danger
By: Hanif Ghaffari
As much time passes, Merkel’s power is at the head of the political and administrative equations of Berlin. It should not be forgotten that the German Chancellor was in the past a symbol of unity in the European Union and the Eurozone.
However, today Angela Merkel has become the symbol of EU power cuts! Now, the two Christian and Social Dem- ocrats, which are the most traditional German parties, are not very popular with German voters. This could lead to profound changes on the political, eco- nomic and social scene of Germany. On the other hand, it is widely accepted that any change in Germany will also af- fect other European countries. izens. Merkel now has to run the weak mistake. The anti-EU and anti-immigra- Now, the German Chancellor is con- coalition government until 2021! tion party of “Alternative for Germany” cerned about his political future, on the Many analysts of Europe’s affairs has become the main opposition party one hand, and worried about the fate of believe that Merkel’s power is actually in the German parliament. On the oth- the European Union and the Eurozone. over. The Chancellor of Germany is no er hand, as the current trend continues However, it must be admitted that Ange- longer the symbol of power in United and the popularity of the two traditional la Merkel is also involved in shaping the Europe. She has lost the power of man- German ruling parties drops in the polls, situation! The economic policies of aus- aging the power equations in her coun- they will lose more votes in the upcom- terity imposed by the German Chancel- try. In other words, Merkel has become ing German elections in 2021. lor and his unnecessary accompaniment a “passive player” in Berlin, the Europe- What is happening today in Germa- to many of the Democratic and Repub- an Union, and the Eurozone. ny is a big catastrophe for Merkel, the lican Party policies and policies in the This is while Merkel had previously Christian Democrat and, subsequent- United States have played an important said that she hoped her planned de- ly, the Social-Democratic Party. It’s not role in creating the current situation. It’s parture would end bitter fighting in her possible to restore the political power a difficult time for the Chancellor of -Ger weak and fractious right-left coalition, of these two parties in the near future, many! She had to pass the power inside confessing that “the picture the govern- that is, as long as they are working to- the Christian Democrat Party to her ri- ment is sending out is unacceptable”. gether in the coalition government of val, Kramp-Karenbauer. In a conference, Merkel is currently worried about Germany. On the other hand, the polit- Karenbauer rejected claims that she was polls in Germany. According to an In- ical equations in Germany are so com- the “mini Merkel”. fratest dimap survey, the Alternative plex that none of the traditional German “People consider me a ‘mini,’ a copy, for Germany (AFD), the Green Party and parties will be able to win the majority a simple ‘more of the same,’ but I can Liberal Democrats are now increasing of seats in the parliament. As a result, tell you that I stand here as my own per- their relative popularity to challenge the a large part of the German authorities’ son, just as life has shaped me and of two ruling parties (Christian Democrats time and energy will be consumed by that I am proud,” she said. and Social Democrats) and to end the forming a coalition government (which Angela Merkel has announced that domination of the two traditional- Ger will be a weak one). This will undermine she will step down of power in 2021, man parties on the power equations in the position of Germany’s leadership but the polls conducted in Germany has Berlin. Undoubtedly, Merkel can’t be in United Europe. In this sophisticat- intensively worried her. The results of now regarded as a successful politician ed game, the Alternative for Germany these polls indicate that the total popular- at the head of the political and admin- (which the other German parties are un- ity of the two traditional German parties, istrative equations of Germany. At the willing to join) have been struggling to the coalition of the Christian and Social beginning of the German coalition gov- broaden its political and social populari- Democrats, have fallen below 50%. This ernment, many analysts believed that ty. This extremist party hopes that other suggests the unpopularity of the coali- the presence of Social-Democrats along- right-wingers, including French national tion government among the German cit- side the Christian Democrats was a big leader Marin Le Pen, will be able to win Politics Page 14 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY good results in the elections and other of their loveless federal coalition with Many among the SPD’s rank and file political platforms in their country, and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conserva- are fed up with serving as Merkel’s allies, that their victory will influence Germany. tives. Polls in Germany’s smallest state a thankless role the party has fulfilled in Merkel is no longer the symbol of focused on the port city of the same 10 of the last 14 years and which has left Christian Democrats’ power in Germa- name, are tight but indicate the SPD the chancellor to steal the limelight, es- ny’s and Europe’s equations. A political risks losing a stronghold it has ruled for pecially on the international stage. The history of the German Chancellor as the 73 years. party reluctantly re-entered a Merkel- EU leader has come to an end at a time No other German state has been led coalition last year after slumping to when her substitute (in the event of a ruled by the same party for so long. If its weakest level since 1933 in the 2017 relative and fragile victory in the coun- the SPD loses Bremen to the conserva- federal election. It has since sunk even try’s next general elections), should tive Christian Democrats (CDU), pres- lower, polling at about 17 percent, more devote her power to attempts for the sure will mount on party leader Andrea than 10 points behind the conservatives. formation of a coalition or minimal gov- Nahles to stand down or break with the The party is due to review the coali- ernment in Berlin. Without a doubt, federal coalition. In a sign of growing un- tion by the end of the year and pressure Angela Merkel never imagined that she rest inside the SPD, German weekly Bild from members could grow to ditch it would have to permanently withdraw is Sonntag reported that former party and instead reinvigorate its leftist roots from power in Europe by 2021, as an in- leader Martin Schulz wants to replace in opposition such a move could force capable chancellor. Nahles as chief. a snap federal election, an unappealing Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Ger- Bremen has the highest jobless level option for both the SPD and conserva- many is uncertain about the future of of any German state. Most recent polls tive bloc, or possibly the formation of her coalition government before 2021. suggest there is scope for three out- a different coalition which would be a As The Reuters reported, Voters in the comes in Bremen: a grand coalition of tricky task. Either of those scenarios northern state of Bremen look set to the SPD and CDU; a coalition of the CDU, could hasten Merkel’s exit, a subject of inflict a humiliating blow on Germany’s Greens, and the business-friendly FDP; increasing speculation since she handed Social Democrats (SPD) in an election or a coalition of SPD with the far-left Die the CDU leadership to her protege An- on Sunday that could hasten the end Linke party and the Greens. negret Kramp-Karrenbauer last year.
Iran’s security plans for Persian Gulf: non-aggression pact
By: Javad Heirannia Zarif had made a proposal for signing a difficult to be changed. non- aggression pact with Saudi Arabia Discipline and order in the Persian Iran’s security pattern in the region a while back. He had also suggested the Gulf region relies on win-loss strategy relies on enforcing discipline with holding of a ‘Regional Dialogue Forum’. which revolves around relative increase cooperation of regional countries and The suggested plan proves Iran to be of power with each player interested in without interference of foreigners to right since security in the region would having its power strengthened and that form a ‘natural order’. be achieved via cooperation of all- re of the rivals decrease. gional countries and a desirable and Arab countries in the Persian Gulf After a meeting with his Iraqi coun- stable regional discipline is obtainable region see themselves in dire need of terpart on May 26, Iranian Foreign Min- without interference of foreigner coun- westerners’ presence, therefore, they ister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that tries. compete with each other on establish- he had suggested signing a non- aggres- The plan can become operational ing a western military base in their land. sion pact with Persian Gulf littoral states step by step in case of building confi- Persian Gulf is in need of a compre- several times. As he said, the proposal is dence among regional countries. hensive order with no foreign forces still on the table. At the present time, the security pat- present in the region in the long-run. It Underlining that Iran is a fan of hav- tern of the Persian Gulf region is faced requires a security structure which re- ing best relations with Persian Gulf with a ‘security puzzle’, due to the pres- lies on regional countries cooperation. countries, he added that “everyone ence of foreign powers. Therefore, secu- welcomes suggestions and negotiations rity activities in the region are not going To reach this type of security the fol- about removing tensions.” on under regular circumstances. The lowing should be considered: As the Iranian foreign minister an- competition among great powers has 1. Paying attention to balance of nounced, this is not the first time that automatically reinforced the competi- power in the region among Iran, Iraq Iran puts forward such a suggestion. tion among regional powers, which is and Persian Gulf Cooperation Council Politics Page 15 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
which would result in their satisfaction announce war as illegal. presidency of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanja- 2. Reliance of security system on pos- 10. The greatest challenge for Persian ni, should be taken into consideration. itive peace Gulf Cooperation Council’s countries in 15. Non-governmental institutions 3. Creation of confidence among re- the long run are internal pressures and that can provide a forum for discussion gional countries and departure of for- related threats to human security, not should be established to provide a plat- eigners Iran as a threat to state security. Accord- form for broadening activities to the 4. Making the security system pow- ingly, Arab states need significant inter- state level. These institutions can be erful against international society and nal reformations to preserve security for active cultural and educational sectors forces their citizens. including cinema, art, and urban com- 5. Having the security system able to 11. Trans-regional countries including munity projects. resolve regional difficulties without uni- the US should back no side in the ongo- 16. NGOs, in favor of convergence lateral attitude ing ethnic and geopolitical competition in the Persian Gulf states, should hold 6. Having the security system expand between Iran and Saudi Arabia. They conferences to bring together organiza- in the region via making deep political should try to create balance between tions and institutions based on common changes including resolving the territo- the two sides. interests. rial disputes, bringing economic stability 12. Negotiations between Iran and 17. Academic conferences on the Per- and etc. Persian Gulf Cooperation Council should sian Gulf security model are necessary 7. There are two different conciliato- be commenced by a bottom-up attitude to be held. ry views in the security puzzle: first, Iran via holding regional councils. 18. The regional countries must un- rightfully seeks withdrawal of US forces 13. The talks among regional mem- derstand each other’s security concerns from the region. Second, Arab countries bers can be started from political and and depth of influence in the region. are big fans of having the US control Iran, diplomatic procedures leading into se- Currently, in the light of the presence calling for the American country’s pres- curity issues. A level of strategic stability of Donald Trump, regional competitions ence in the region. This is a dead end between Iran and the members of the for purchasing weapons have already and difficult to pass. JCPOA provides a Persian Gulf Cooperation Council seems increased. The security puzzle of the chance for establishing a new order on necessary to begin the political process. Persian Gulf states has now made the the Persian Gulf region. The new order This strategic stability is the result of the countries of this region launch external can improve the relations between Iran policies and actions of the two sides in balancing in addition to an internal one. and Arab countries and reduce the US Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon, in a Thus, we are witnessing bilateral and commitment to them. way that both sides achieve compara- multilateral security and military coop- 8. Creating an informal network of tive equilibrium in the realm of opposi- eration between the Persian Gulf states. technical experts to provide effective tion, in order to be inclined in political The formation of the Arab NATO, which resolutions for introducing a dialogue in dialogue. has been proposed by Washington, can the region seems essential. 14. The previous achievements of the be analyzed from this perspective. 9. Via a regional consensus, the se- regional states, including the MoU be- curity order of the Persian Gulf should tween Iran and Saudi Arabia during the Translated by: Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh Politics Page 16 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Saudi-Russian oil alliance marks a potentially historic shift for OPEC: Prof. Bininachvili
Interview by Payman Yazdani exports. This factor determines the indisput- To shed more light on the issue we ably leading role of Saudi Arabia in A professor of political science at the reached out to Dr. Albert Bininachvili, the organization thanks to its mean- Columbia University says not much is a professor of political science at the ingful amount of spare capacity, left from 60 years old OPEC and Saudi- Columbia University for an interview. because it is the only country that Russian oil alliance marks a potentially Here is the second part of the in- chooses, at a cost to itself, to pro- historic shift for organization. terview: duce significantly less than it other- Commenting on the Saudi role in wise could.” The Trump administration sharply OPEC to help Washington to materi- “The second major change in OPEC accelerated its goal of driving Iran’s oil alize its maximum pressure policy on is that its second-most important exports to zero, ending sanctions ex- Iran, bininachvili said, “OPEC is now a player, after Saudi Arabia, is now Rus- emptions that it previously granted to completely different organization in sia, despite not being an official mem- some of the Islamic Republic’s biggest comparison to one founded 60 years ber of OPEC at all. The OPEC+ deal re- customers. ago. Not much has left from the sense affirmed the newfound role of Russia, The market widely expected Wash- of discipline and solidarity.” the world’s largest crude oil producer, ington to extend the waivers for five “The important thing to recognize in managing world oil prices with Sau- of the countries. However, the admin- is that it also has a new identity that di Arabia. istration says that any country still im- may reshape oil geopolitics for years This new alliance between Saudi porting oil from Iran will be subject to to come.” Arabia and Russia in managing world US sanctions beginning on May 2. Pause oil markets marks an important shift. “Saudi Arabia and others in OPEC “As OPEC reasserts its traditional Deepening and possibly formalizing will more than make up the Oil Flow role, the organization has been re- the Saudi-Russian oil alliance marks a difference in our now Full Sanctions incarnated in new form, says Jason potentially historic shift for OPEC, as on Iranian Oil,” Trump said in a tweet Bordoff the leading energy expert the decision-making power is almost on 22nd of April after he ordered a from the Columbia University. What completely concentrated in the hands tightening of sanctions on Iran’s oil matters today is the spare capacity. of Riyadh and Moscow to the detri- Politics Page 17 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ment of other members left with little ly, Russia is ready to increase its ex- ing Tehran’s crude in defiance of or no say. port. Despite cooperating with Iran on Washington. But Russia is looking to Against the backdrop of the current many issues, Russia has a good chance “continue developing” its trading of market realities, with well defined to grab a significant chunk of Iranian Iranian oil, which it sells to third coun- shares of specific producers, it is quite market share. Any increase in sales of tries under a 2014 oil-for-goods deal, probable to expect that the Iran’s Russian oil will soften the blow of U.S. regardless of the sanctions. The 2014 share will most probably be grabbed sanctions on global oil markets. This deal between Russia and Iran uses a by Russia and Saudi Arabia and other indirectly supports U.S. foreign policy, formerly dormant Soviet state enter- Gulf spare capacity holders.” providing the Kremlin with a card in prise, Promsyryoimport. The amount He added, “The New wave of the US relations with Washington.” traded has been around 100,000 bar- sanctions is a serious challenge to the Bininachvili went on to say, “What- rels a day of Iranian crude, according viability of the IRI’s Eastern Strategy, a ever the state of relations between to both countries’ ministers, though policy of preferential development of Moscow and Washington, Russia will it is unclear who has bought the oil. relations with Russia, China and India contribute to easing the impact of Ira- In exchange, Tehran uses the revenue as an alternative to the West.” nian oil removal from global markets. to pay for Russian goods and services “Naturally, Iranian strategy will Economically, Russian producers and such as power generation, railway in- have to take into account Russia, Chi- the state budget desperately need frastructure or agricultural products. na and India’s strategic outlooks. The new revenues. Therefore Moscow The 2014 Russia-Iran deal allows three countries will have to balance tries to keep oil export generated cash for an increase in currently-traded their geo-economic interests with flow stable by increasing export satis- volumes and Iran will be looking for the US on one hand and Iran on the fying the growing global demand, es- additional buyers if some of its reg- other. The three countries are likely pecially in Asia. Among the buyers of ular customers turn away when the to use their cooperation with Iran as Iranian oil there are countries, mostly sanctions take effect. leverage in their respective bilateral in Asia, important to U.S. foreign poli- Both Russia and Iran are part of a relationships with the Trump admin- cy. By developing energy cooperation 24-country coalition between OPEC istration. with them, Moscow gets an opportu- and non-OPEC oil producers to regu- Moscow is tied to Tehran with a nity to deepen bilateral partnerships late their output to try and balance network of relations ranging from with these states on issues that are oil markets over the past two years. massive military hardware procure- important to Washington, such as is- Mr Novak said in November 2018 ments, and diplomatic support in the sues tied to North Korea or Afghani- that the threat of US retaliation for UN, to a broad cooperation in the en- stan.” handling Iranian crude did not con- ergy sphere including nuclear, gas and “The EU, despite its vocal criticism cern Moscow. “We already live in the oil and military cooperation in Syria. of Trump’s Iran policy, is yet to make conditions of sanctions,” he said. “We A factor of particular importance is any actual moves against the United do not recognize the sanctions intro- the fact that Russia is one the world’s States. The EU cost-benefit analysis is duced unilaterally without the United leading oil producers, the second im- not in Iran’s favor. Nations, we consider those methods porter and the holder of significant Arguably, the same is correct for illegal per se.” spare capacity. China: among many issues with the A number of countries which en- Formally not an OPEC member United States the issue of Iranian oil joyed U.S. waivers for some time Moscow, nevertheless has a say in is hardly on the top of the Beijing’s can also develop their political part- its decisions through the OPEC plus agenda. nerships with Russia based on in- mechanism and actively influences Russia might very well be the only creased energy cooperation. Indian the policy of this organization through player willing and able to help Iran leadership is hardly satisfied with coordination agreement it has with while undercutting the market posi- U.S. sanctions against Iran messing the OPEC’s leader Saudi Arabia. Rus- tions lost due to U.S. sanctions. with Indian energy security. Turkey, sia also has willingness not to miss at For example, Russia may be inter- Italy, and Greece already hardly be- any opportunity to challenge the US ested in buying Iranian oil. long to the countries providing the interests. The conflict in Syria has proved that United States with full support in Russia is in a prime position to de- Moscow and Tehran may disagree on its effort to contain Russia. Energy liver the oil removed from markets some issues while productively coop- cooperation is among the main rea- because of U.S. sanctions against erating on many others.” sons for that pushback. Iran, which will result in develop- “Although Trump administration President Trump decisively con- ment of cooperation between Mos- has warned Moscow against any ac- ducts the campaign of pressure and cow and countries important to tions that could help the Islamic Re- sanctions against the Islamic Republic American foreign policy. Thus, Rus- public evade the measures, Russia and such campaign leads to complica- sia will gain new leverage against may try to help Iran counter US at- tions for the United States elsewhere, the United States. tempts to throttle its oil sales when sometimes unknowingly playing into Additionally, and no less important- sanctions come into effect by trad- Russia’s hands.” Politics Page 18 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY A totally Americanized Riyadh’s lies about England at full display! targeting Mecca
By: Mohammad Ghaderi By: Fatemeh Salehi
British Secretary of State for Defense Penny Mordaunt The recent move by recently described Iran activities in the region as Saudi authorities to “causing tension”, adding that London will be supporting level accusations at Washington. British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Yemeni resistance Jeremy Hunt has also announced that the United States forces over targeting will respond to any activity that threatens its “interests” Mecca, as one of the in the region. most sacred places for Muslims, can Hunt has claimed that the best way to resolve the Mid- be analyzed in the dle East conflict is by making Iran stop its destabilizing ac- context of Riyadh’s psychological warfare against the tivities in the region. Yemeni forces and their recent major field achievements Apart from such statements, it is said that the United regarding the retaliatory drone strikes on two major oil Kingdom has sent out some special military forces in or- pumping stations in the Kingdom. der to help American forces to settle what they claim to Saudi newspaper ‘Okaz’ has recently claimed that An- be “Iran’s threat” in the region. This shows that UK, once sarallah fired a missile at Mecca which was intercepted by again, has adopted a mixed strategy so that it can derive Riyadh. the most benefit out of every situation. Five years of Yemeni resistance reveals the political and military defeat of the aggressive Saudi-led coalition. Sau- di Arabia is trying to use these allegations to increase the support and approval it needs to continue its brutal attack on Yemen. These claims indicate a huge bankruptcy which the Sau- di regime is trying to get out of by hanging from the covers of the Kaaba, and telling the public opinion that Mecca is being targeted. The Yemeni resistance forces have not retreated in the face of this psychological and media warfare and recently announced that they have 300 military and vital enemy po- sitions in their sight. U.K. goals can be interpreted from its activities. The A Yemeni official maintained that the said targets include country has not fulfilled its commitments in Iran nuclear the military and vital units and bases of the United Arab Emir- deal; instead it has tried to guard its own interests by keep- ates and Saudi Arabia, as well as their bases in Yemen. ing U.S. as a traditional ally. At the same time, UK has kept Recent Yemeni developments, especially field devel- selling weapons to countries in the region and posed as an opments and the operations by Yemeni resistance forces active member in international arena so that it can cover against enemy positions, show that Yemeni forces’ harsh up its own problems with Brexit. response to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has By analyzing the factors affecting the region, British are entered a new, unprecedented phase. well aware that war might be an unlikely consequence, but Saudi Arabia, now having fully realized that after five they still try to create an atmosphere of fear and imply that years of aggression against Yemeni people, it has weak- “an impending war” might be ahead of us, so that they can ened only for the resistance to grow stronger, is creating a reach the four goals that we mentioned above. false media hype to manipulate Muslims’ sentiments and Apart from such actions, U.K. is aiming to maintain its re- further escalate its attacks on Yemen’s residential areas lations with main players in the region, such as Iran, so that and the massacre of innocent women and children there. it can establish a favorable atmosphere for itself in media In any case, it must be noted that the claim of target- and reap its benefits in political and economic, as well as ing Mecca by Yemeni forces is a completely planned move security fields. aimed at manipulating the public opinion and the -inter The British should have learned by now, that such ac- national community against the Yemeni resistance forces. tions might help them squeeze money out of tycoons of This strategy, however, will ultimately fail to achieve Saudi’s Middle East or have U.S. make some political concessions desired results, since Saudi Arabia has offered no consid- to them, but such actions will not have any effect on the erable evidence and has only resorted to creating media Islamic Republic of Iran, as it had not over the last 40 years. hype over the issue.
Politics Page 19 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Driving Iran’s oil export to zero biggest supply risk to global markets: Prof. Bininachvili
Interview by Payman Yazdani
Commenting on Saudi Arabia and UAE capabilities to make up for any shortfalls in energy supply, Albert Bininachvili says the US decision to drive Iran’s oil export to zero is the biggest risk to global energy markets and a double-edged sword.
The Trump administration sharply accelerated its goal of driving Iran’s oil exports to zero, ending sanctions ex- emptions that it previously granted to some of the Islamic Republic’s biggest customers. The market widely expected Wash- ington to extend the waivers for five of the countries. However, the administra- tion says that any country still importing oil from Iran will be subject to US sanc- Most energy experts believe the Falih later stressed that, because the tions beginning on May 2. Trump administration’s decision can oil market is “well-supplied,” Riyadh “Saudi Arabia and others in OPEC will only work with the backing and cooper- didn’t perceive urgency in boosting pro- more than make up the Oil Flow differ- ation of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab duction in May, when SREs to eight na- ence in our now Full Sanctions on Irani- Emirates and other Persian Gulf produc- tions expire. “We will be responsive and an Oil,” Trump said in a tweet on 22nd ers to avoid an undersupplied oil market we think there will be an uptick in real of April after he ordered a tightening of and spiking crude prices. demand but certainly we are not going sanctions on Iran’s oil exports. However, the circumstances are dif- to be pre-emptive and increase produc- To shed more light on the issue we ferent than the lead-up to Washington tion,” he said. reached out to Dr. Albert Bininachvili, a renewing sanctions on Iran in November UAE Oil Minister Suhail al-Maz- professor of political science at the Co- 2018 when the two leading Gulf produc- rouei made a similar point earlier in lumbia University for an interview. ers and other crude suppliers, including April at a conference in Abu Dhabi, Here is the first part of the interview: Russia, turned up their oil taps only to saying “I think we have learned the Answering our question on the find themselves outwitted by learn- lesson… We will not jump the gun, possibility of the driving of Iran’s oil ing that the Trump administration had pre-produce the volumes that are export to zero and the Saudi Arabia granted waivers — significant reduction not required yet.” and the UAE’s capabilities to make exceptions (SREs) — to Tehran’s top The two Gulf oil powerhouses seem up for any shortfalls in oil supply, he crude buyers. politically committed to doing their part said,“The US decision to strictly re-im- Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are making to undermine Iran’s economy and ideal- pose secondary sanctions on Iran by it clear that cooperation in replacing ly marginalize its influence in the greater denying waiver extensions to eight Iranian oil exports will now be on their Middle East. But Riyadh and Abu Dhabi countries that had been buying Iranian terms. know the oil market is tighter and more crude makes the future of Iran’s oil ex- Saudi Oil Minister Khalid al-Falih vulnerable than six months ago, the ports (which amounted to up to 2.4m struck a cautious tone in comments re- result of slowing global demand, rising bpd before sanctions were imposed) garding the end of the waivers, saying: crude inventories, less Venezuelan and the biggest supply risk to the global “In the next few weeks, the kingdom Libyan oil available due to internal strife energy markets, especially against the will be consulting closely with other in these countries. backdrop of political turbulence and producing countries and key oil-con- Given that Saudi Arabia and the Unit- output losses in Libya and Venezuela. suming nations to ensure a well-bal- ed Arab Emirates are being tasked with The ability of other oil producers to anced and stable oil market.” Riyadh replacing Iranian oil and preventing a bridge this impending supply shortfall evidently is not interested in another major oil market disruption, Riyadh and is about to be tested. oil price crash. Abu Dhabi tend nevertheless to avoid Politics Page 20 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY reckless and hasty steps on moving pre- However, the two Gulf producers But using the IEA’s figures, it is clear cipitously while they assess market con- would be unable to maintain that higher Saudi Arabia would need to increase ditions, determine their best course of output indefinitely and what is particu- production and exports by at least 1 mil- action and protect their financial self-in- larly important, it would greatly dimin- lion bpd to cover the total loss of Iranian terests. ish global spare production capacity, a barrels. Energy executives familiar with Sau- critical factor should unexpected crises The Saudis claim that their spare pro- di decision-making process are certain arise. duction capacity is between 1.5 million that Riyadh would only respond after it OPEC and allied suppliers including bpd and 2 million bpd. The EIA defines thoroughly assessed the impact on the Russia agreed to limit their production spare capacity as the volume of oil pro- oil market from the expiration of sanc- until the end of June to buttress crude duction that can be brought online with- tions. In other words, they may let the prices and avert a glut. They are due to in 30 days and sustained for at least 90 oil market continue to tighten before meet in June to decide whether to ex- days. they add supply. tend the cuts. The problem with this estimate is Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Russia’s crude and condensate out- that it has never been tested. According Emirates have been instrumental in put increasing slightly in 2019 to 558 to the US Energy Information Admin- the OPEC+ alliance that has withdrawn million tons, or 11.21 million barrels a istration, the kingdom has never pro- as much as 1.2 million barrels per day day. duced more than 10.42 million bpd on (bpd) of crude from the market over That on the surface, would sug- an annual basis (2016) or 10.63 million the last year, a major contributor to a gest that the impact on oil prices bpd in a single month (July 2016) in the tightening of global oil supply. Saudi from the expiration of Iran sanctions last 20 years. Arabia has assumed the lion’s share waivers could be limited. Saudi Arabia Although, in theory, it may seem of the cuts agreed to by the alliance, could replace lost Iranian supply bar- there is sufficient spare capacity in Saudi pumping well below its assigned quo- rel-for-barrel, at least in short term Arabia and other countries, to compen- ta of 10.31 million bpd at 9.79 million perspective. However, while Riyadh sate for the loss of Iranian export, but bpd in March. could ramp up production, it would it would leave the global market with Technically, Saudi Arabia and the also need to do so at a cost to its spare less than 1 million bpd of capacity left to United Arab Emirates could collective- capacity. Buyers won’t have trouble meet all other contingencies. ly boost oil output by as much as 1.5 finding enough supply, but the loss of In practice, the market could become million bpd reasonably quickly. As the a big chunk of spare capacity has his- much tighter, with sanctions essentially biggest OPEC producer Saudi Arabia torically been a driver of higher prices using up all the spare capacity world- produced 9.82 million barrels a day in and higher volatility. wide and eliminating this vitally impor- March and can pump an additional 1 If the United States succeeds in tant “shock-absorber”. million barrels a day within a short pe- reducing Iran’s crude exports close Maximum production would require riod. to zero, in line with its stated policy, opening the chokes on existing wells The UAE can increase output to 3.5 Saudi Arabia would have to raise its and bringing previously shut-in wells million barrels a day from a current level production to unprecedented levels to back into service. Boosting production of 3.045 million. cover the loss. this way might risk a decline in oilfield That volume would handily accom- And it would leave the global market pressure that could result in long-term modate the loss of Iran’s remaining 1 tighter than at any time since the oil damage to the reservoirs. million bpd of exports, although the shocks of 1973/74 and 1979/80, with And it is not clear whether the mid- United States is unlikely to see Irani- resulting upward pressure on prices. stream infrastructure, i.e. pipelines, an crude sales drop to its “zero” target The question is where exactly will the processing plants and export terminals goal. replacement barrels come from? have enough capacity to handle 12 mil- Interestingly, to cover the first 1mil- The estimates of the International lion bpd because such high flow rates lion bpd of the lost Iran’s share, Saudi Energy Agency show that OPEC mem- have never been tested. Arabia and UAE do not need to tran- bers held 3.4 million bpd of spare capac- The Saudis and their OPEC allies seem scend their respective OPEC allocated ity, while their non-OPEC allies had no aware that using their spare capacity is a quotas as both countries are still under- more than 330,000 bpd. now a double-edged sword: it may cool performing. Saudi Arabia can lift output Saudi Arabia accounted for almost down prices, but the impact could be and still abide by the deal because it is two-thirds of the reported OPEC spare limited by the risk-premium as the mar- currently pumping about 500,000 bpd capacity (2.02 million bpd), with small- ket worries about what’s left. below its quota. er volumes held by Iraq (330,000 bpd), Spare capacity is a fluid concept. UAE also stays 400.000 bpd below. United Arab Emirates (330,000 bpd) and For some, it means extra output that They are unlikely to increase out- Kuwait (220,000 bpd). can flow at the flick of a switch. Realis- put over the existing quota before the Russia accounted for most of the non- tically, most industry executives define OPEC+ summit in June, where new ceil- OPEC spare capacity (roughly 250,000 it as production that can be brought ings may most probably be reserved for bpd) with little or no available spare ca- on stream in 30 days, and then sus- the spare capacity holders. pacity in the other non-OPEC allies. tained for a at least three months. Be- Politics Page 21 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY yond that, some of the spare capacity or Aramco. The other 500,000 barrels compensate declines elsewhere, but is simply oil on the ground that can be a day lies in the so-called Neutral Zone over the short-term it could help to pumped by drilling new wells, requir- shared with Kuwait. But the region boost spare capacity. ing more time. hasn’t produced a single barrel for near- Others within OPEC are also trying to Over the years, Saudi Arabia has been ly two years due to a dispute between follow suit. The United Arab Emirates is traditionally secretive about how much Kuwait and Riyadh. bringing forward the expansion of the of its spare capacity falls in each bucket. Beyond production, Riyadh has an- offshore Umm Lulu and SARB fields, But Ali Al-Naimi, who was oil minister other line of defense to meet a supply which will pump 129,000 barrels a day for nearly 25 years until 2016, offered a outage like Iran: a vast network of stor- by the end of the year, up from 50,000 glimpse in 2012. age facilities, both in the kingdom and barrels a day now. “I believe we can easily get up to 11.4, overseas, that can be drawn down tem- Iraq is bringing on stream the expan- 11.8, almost immediately in a few day,” porarily. sion of its Halfaya oilfield, doubling out- Al-Naimi told CNN in 2012. “All we need As well as domestic storage, Saudi put to 400,000 barrels a day.” is to turn valves,” he added. The other Arabia has filled up its strategic storage In conclusion Albert Bininachvili not- 700,000 barrels a day to reach about in Okinawa, Japan; Sidi Kerir in the Med- ed, “ Yet, despite the efforts, the Sau- 12.5 million requires three months of iterranean coast of Egypt; and in the Eu- dis and OPEC face a huge challenge to work, however. “And the 90 days is for ropean oil hub of Rotterdam. replace Iran. It is hard to disagree with one thing: to mobilize additional drill- Moreover, Riyadh and the rest of Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of Total, who ing,” he said. OPEC are taking measures to reinforce puts it in simple terms: “You need to There’s one more complication: of its production machine: it has brought mobilize the wells, the rigs... It’s not im- the 12.5 million barrels a day, only 12 on stream 300,000 barrels a day of mediate. In our industry, you don’t push million is controlled directly by state- new production from the Khurais oil- a button and then oil flows. It’s more owned company Saudi Arabian Oil Co, fied. The expansion was meant to complex!””
Al-Fujairah: The result of crimes of Saudi and UAE
By: Moham5mad Ghaderi
Though Emirates officials are trying to censor news of the firing of tankers in the port of al- Fujairah, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi appear to have faced the consequences of their terrorist acts in the West Asian region much earlier than they thought. Now, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, as two failed actors in Yemen and the Western Asia region, feel the crisis in a few steps. Undoubtedly, in the near future, the severity and extent of the crisis will increase.
The fact that the killing of innocent and defenseless Yemenis, including thousands of women and children in Yemen by the hated and hated Saudi regime and the United Arab Emirates, has led to the anger of the Yemeni people and other Muslim nations from Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. It Saudi assassination regime. Undoubtedly, the role of Wash- has been repeatedly emphasized that Saudi Arabia and the ington and its allies in the killing of Yemeni women and chil- United Arab Emirates are considered to be the killers of the dren is very high. Yemeni nation and the United States, and they are doomed Finally, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their to failure. western supporters have become closer to the final point The fact is that all the western and Arab countries that have of the defeat in Yemen. Following the announcement of the been killing and massacring Yemeni people are involved in the Riyadh and Abu Dhabi official failure in the Yemeni war, the numerous crimes committed in this country. The humanitari- leaders of these two countries must be the answer to the pub- an crisis in Yemen continues. Famine has spread across Yem- lic opinion of Muslim countries and people around the world en. Meanwhile, the United States, and Germany, Britain and as a war criminal in Yemen. Undoubtedly there is not much France as its allies continue to maintain arms support for the time left to reach this point. B-team andHeightened Tension inIran-US Ties
Dossier Dossier Page 23 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Trump’s decision on IRGC has nothing to do with international law: Prof. Zonis
Interview by Payman Yazdani
Professor of international political economy in the University of Chicago believes Trump’s move against the IRGC is based on the advice of his evangelical supporters and hardline advisers.
The White House’s increasingly aggressive approaches to- wards Iran came to a head as the administration of US Presi- dent Donald Trump designated the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization through an of- ficial statement. In light of this development, we reached out to Marvin Zonis, Professor of international political economy and lead- to his evangelical supporters who seek a powerful Israel to ership in the University of Chicago. prepare for the return of the Christ. It is also a communication Commenting on the legitimacy of the President Trump’s to Israel and Saudi Arabia that the US remains an enemy of decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist group and the their enemy. It has nothing to do with international law.” reasons behind his unprecedented move, he said, “The US Zonis also emphasized that the reflection of Trump in 2020 President’s decision is based on the advice he has been receiv- US presidential election is another reason behind his decision ing from his hardline advisers — most especially from John on the IRGC. Touching upon the consequences of the White Bolton. Bolton seeks the overthrow of the clerical establish- House’s move and its effects on the security and stability of ment and the new sanctions are meant to diminish the busi- the region he noted, “Iran is left with bitter choices. It may ness success that the IRGC has enjoyed.” take steps that would provoke Trump to retaliate with the real He went on to add, “The decision is also a communication possibility of an escalation to a shooting war.”
‘Bolton, much like his boss, cannot be expected to be moderate’ Translated by Zahra Mirzafarjouyan ing the nuclear deal with Iran, Philip said that a mechanism was designed in order A German expert and analyst on Middle to decrease the effects of US sanctions East affairs, Peter Phillip, believes that against Iran and boom commercial ex- the US National Security Advisor, just changes between Iran and Europe. like his boss Donald Trump, cannot be But so far the mechanism has not expected to adopt moderate positions been implemented and one could even toward Iran. say that it has been ineffective, he add- ed. The US National Security Advisor Regarding the possibility of German John Bolton’s ant-Iranian position clear- authorities’ talks with American diplo- ly shows that there is no necessary con- News reached out to Peter Philip, a mats about Iran’s nuclear deal and US sensus on international issues in White German expert and analyst on Middle sanctions against Iran, Philip also noted House. East and Iran. He has served as a Ger- that as far as he knew, there has been no John Bolton is one of the closest poli- man radio, Tages Enzeiger newspaper, such talks between them. ticians to Donald Trump with a penchant Deutsche Welle, and a number of Ger- Meanwhile, he criticized US ambas- to take strong anti-Iranian positions. He man press and media broadcaster for 23 sador to Germany Richard Grenell for has recently spoken about the necessity years. his interventionist measures, and said of military action against Iran. Given that the interest of German that the German government has not To shed more light on the issue Mehr and European governments in preserv- decided about his actions. Dossier Page 24 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US illusions: from a pretended crisis to a pretended victory
By: Mohammad Ghaderi Trump had repeatedly claimed to be ing to avoid military confrontation while ready to obliterate Iran. the world acknowledges that the US is The top US military commander in the Therefore, the top US military com- not capable of military action. Middle East General Frank McKenzie mander claims can be interpreted as a The American general’s claim is a trick said on Thursday that Iran drew back psychological warfare without any real to hide their military disability against from an apparent attack against US military mobility. Iran, as US Special Representative for forces in the Persian Gulf region, while Indeed, the US claims to deploy Iran Brian Hook said that Iran has pho- it does not precisely mean that the 120,000 troops to the Persian Gulf, high- toshopped images of missile launches to threat is diminished. lighting the presence of USS Abraham try and show its increased missile capa- Lincoln in the region, military built-up bilities. This is while, British Army Maj. Gen. in Iraq, and responding to threats from So, McKenzie’s claim is based on the Christopher Ghika, a deputy command- Iran, are only dimensions of the psycho- three principles of pretended crisis, psy- er with the Operation Inherent Resolve logical warfare, and any of which have chological warfare, and pretended vic- coalition, the US-led coalition fighting Is- not actually been enforced. tory, which has been designed so that lamic State in Syria and Iraq, said before But on the other hand, the US is pre- to protect Trump from the internal pro- that there has been no increased threat tending to achieve victory with a pol- tests and hide the failure of “threat and from Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and icy of threat and pressure. The whole negotiation” policy. Syria. evidences suggest that the US did not Moreover, US wants to wipe off glob- The top British general comment was dare to take military action if had, cer- al dissatisfaction, which was showed in at cross purposes with the White House tainly would have started so far, and on Britain protests during his last trip to and the Pentagon’s assertions used to the other hand, Iran had not taken any London. justify that Iran is building up a military steps toward disturbing the Middle East The point is that the world being in the region, yet it is noteworthy that security, along with its preparedness to aware of the United States’ inability the comment was too harsh for the U.S respond to the threats. to spark war against Iran, Iran’s per- that reprimanded him. The United States also seeks to extort sistence in realizing its nuclear rights To put it more precisely, US which money from the Arab countries under within the framework of implemen- directs military presence in the Middle the pretext of confronting Iran. tation of Supreme National Security East to Iran’s aggression, is only a plan In fact, the US claiming that Iran’s Council resolution, emphasis on main- against the Islamic Republic of Iran pre- step back and recalculate after making taining missile power and playing an tending that there will be a crisis or dis- preparations for an apparent attack, effective role in the region’s security pute, however, it publicly contradicts seeks to justify the re-imposed sanc- all will put an end to the US dreams their plea to negotiate. This is while; tions and threats against Iran, pretend- and unfair policies. Dossier Page 25 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY US move to bludgeon Iran into submission to US demands may boomerang: Entessar Interview by Payman Yazdani This is generally a political move orchestrated by certain elements of the Trump administration to Following US’ recent hostile move against appease the neocon thirst for forceful, Ameri- the IRGC Nader Entessar says there is can-induced regime change.” nothing more the US can gain by its most He referred to unprecedented illegal move of recent decision that it has not already Trump and said, “This is the first time in the his- achieved. tory of international relations when the govern- ment of one nation-state single-handedly has The United States’ increasingly aggressive designated a military segment of another rec- approaches towards Iran came to a head last ognized nation-state as a terrorist organization.” night as the administration of US President He called the possible consequences of the Donald Trump designated the Islamic Revo- White House decision “dangerous” and said, lution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a foreign ter- “This is a move with many dangerous con- rorist organization through an official statement. sequences. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has al- In light of this development, Mehr News Agency reached ready reciprocated the latest US moves against Iran by issuing to Nader Entessar, professor emeritus of political science from a statement declaring the US Central Command (CENTCOM) university of South Alabama. and forces under its command in Southwest Asia as terrorist Commenting on the effects of the Trump’s move on the IRGC, entities. Such tit-for-tat moves may indeed generate uncon- he said, “The IRGC has been under complete US sanctions regime trollable spiraling consequences. More specifically, Trump’s for some time now. Therefore, there is nothing more the US can latest move, which is intended to bludgeon Iran into submis- gain by its most recent decision that it has not already achieved. sion to US demands, may boomerang.”
The odds of success for Japanese PM’s visit to Iran
By: Payman Yazdani confrontation in the region will inflict great losses and damages to the coun- US President’s recent retreat from his try’s economy and consequently to the previous rhetoric stances towards Iran world economy. should not be misinterpreted as the To answer the question that how White House’s retreat from its policy Mr. Abe’s efforts will be effective to of ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran. settle the tensions depends on two factors. In line with its maximum pressure First on the ‘real will’ and determi- on Iran policy, on Friday the United nation of the US and Iran to solve the States imposed new sanctions on Iran ongoing problems especially the US that target the country’s petrochem- lation with Iran and the US to mediate ‘real will’. One cannot ask for talk and ical industry, including its largest pet- between the countries. at the same time further undermine the rochemical holding group, the Persian Besides Abe’s warm relations with trust between the two sides by taking Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company Iranian and the US leaders there are some hostile measures like new sanc- (PGPIC). others reasons that potentially make tions that the US slapped against Iran’s The main reason behind the changes him a proper mediator including Japan’s petrochemical section last night on the to Trump administration’s tone against efforts to have independent Middle East eve of Mr. Abe’s visit to Tehran. If there Iran in fact is internal pressure on him. policy and not having imperialistic re- is a real will, even no need to mediator. Americans are against a new war in the cord in the region which is a good trust Second we have to wait to see that region. Also opposition from the US al- building factor for Iran. how the Japanese PM will be able to lies which will suffer from great losses in Above all, as the third largest economy affect the US’ decisions. Iran’s Keivan case of any war in the region is another of the world Japan is very dependent on Khosravi spokesman for the Supreme Na- reason behind change to Trump’s tone. the energy importing from the region. Ja- tional Security Council said efforts tore- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pan imports 80 percent of its consuming move US extraterritorial sanctions against is slated to visit Tehran on Wednesday energy from the Middle East which pass- Iran could guarantee the success of Japa- June 12. He hopes to use his warm re- es through Hormuz strait, so any war and nese PM’s visit to the Islamic Republic. Dossier Page 26 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Turkish politician: Impossible to drive Iran’s oil export to zero
Interview by Payman Yazdani ports are in flagrant violation of interna- could also help Iran to sell more of its oil. tional law and regulations as they trans- Condemning the US move to force gress the sovereign right of nations to The US is forcing Turkey to stop buying Turkey to buy oil from Saudi Arabia trade freely. The sanctions are illegal also oil from Iran and replace Saudi and and UAE instead of Iran , Faruk logoglu because they have been imposed unilat- Emeriti oil instead of Iranian oil. What says the US move is flagrant violation erally without a mandate from the UN are the advantages of Iranian oil for of international law and he sovereign Security Council or by any other author- Turkey? right of nations to trade freely. ized body. The US is certainly entitled Iran is our neighbor. We have a broad not to import Iranian oil or goods itself range of economic relations. Oil is one In continuation of the US hostile but has no right to prevent others from major element in the nexus of our ties policies against the Iranian nation, the engaging in what is legal and proper. with Iran. The physical proximity is also White House recently announced that an important asset as far as Iranian oil is it has decided not to reissue waivers on The US is making efforts to drive concerned. Given the state of our prob- Iranian oil after they expire in May. The the export of Iranian oil to zero. Is it lematic relations with both Saudi Arabia statement went on to say that the United possible? If no, why? and the UAE, there is no incentive for Tur- States, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab The US effort to drive Iranian oil- ex key to buy oil from them. Emirates have pledged to ensure that the ports to zero is not possible. There will global market will have sufficient oil sup- certainly be buyers of Iranian oil who will Considering the rivalry between Saudi ply following Washington’s decision to not comply with US sanctions. China has Arabia and UAE from one side with terminate sanctions waivers for countries already declared that its trade with Iran Turkey and their differences, Can’t importing Iranian oil. is legal and normal. Turkey has also tak- US request threaten Turkey’s energy To know more about the issue we en a stance against the US move. Foreign security and maybe consequently it reached out to Dr. Osman Faruk Logoglu, Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that the US de- national security due to the fact the a senior member of Turkey’s Republican cision will not serve regional peace and UAE is one of the supporters of the PKK People’s Party (CHP). Following is the full stability, yet harm the Iranian people and terrorist separatist group? text of our interview with him: added that Turkey rejects unilateral sanc- Even if Turkey reduces its Iranian tions and impositions on how to conduct oil imports and starts to look for other Are the US moves to slap unilateral relations with neighbors. Iran’s exports sources, the alternative for Turkey will be sanctions against Iran and not extending might be curtailed for some time to come neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE. Cur- waivers for Iran’s oil importers in in the near future, but over time the vol- rent conditions will not allow Turkey to compliance with international law and ume of its exports could/should rise. turn in that direction. In any case, the US regulations? We should expect adverse reactions to is not in a position to ask Turkey where it The US sanctions against Iranian oil ex- the US decision to grow in time and this is to buy its oil from.
Dossier Page 27 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Abe not able to achieve any real breakthrough: Italian expert
Interview by Payman Yazdani
Dr. Pastori Gianluca says that Shinzo Abe will not be able to achieve any real breakthrough in tensions between Iran and the US.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to travel to Iran on June 12, the first visit by a Japanese prime minister in the past four decades as Tokyo hopes to medi- ate between Washington and Tehran. Tensions between the US and Iran have worsened since Washington withdrew last year from Joint Comprehensive plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran tions; it is ‘simply’ a product of President ter Abe can play the part of the honest and several world powers, and re-im- Trump’s vision of negotiation as power broker. Japan is a loyal US ally and Mr. posed sanctions on Tehran. struggle. President Trump repeatedly said Abe is said to be in good personal re- In this regard, some experts believe that his aim is not disrupting the JCPOA lations with President Trump. The Arab that Japan did not play much role in the but revising it, according to the US inter- monarchies also see Japan as ‘not men- diplomatic arena after World War II, and ests and visions of security and sanction acing’ (i.e.: not too much pro-Iranian). their political relations with other coun- are only one of the tools that his adminis- Finally, Mr. Abe has nothing to lose in tries were just limited to bilateral rela- tration uses to ‘pressurize’ Iran and try to case of a failure. All these elements can tions. Iran should not take Shinzo Abe’s reach this goal. positively impact on the outcome. How- visit to Tehran so seriously on the ten- ever, Iranian attitude and willingness to sions between Iran and the US because What reasons have motivated Japan to show some flexibility are equally is im- there are doubts about Japan’s capa- try to mediate between Iran and USA? portant. I don’t think Abe will be able to bility to be able to act independently Japan is heavily dependent on Per- achieve any real breakthrough, but now as a mediator after 74 years of having sian Gulf energy supplies. In FY 2018, breaking the ice is important as well. dependent foreign policy on the US. it imported approx. 67.7 million kilo- To shed more light on the issue we liters of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, Despite its powerful economy Japan reached out to political science associat- 44.9 from UAE, 14.2 from Qatar, 13.5 has been following the US foreign ed professor of Milan Catholic University from Kuwait, 6.66 from Iran, and lesser policy. How will Japan be able to affect of the Sacred Heart, Dr. Pastori Gianluca. amounts from Bahrain, Oman and Iraq. the US decisions as an independent Here is the full text of our interview Currently, energy security is of increas- mediator between Iran and US? with him: ing concern for the Japanese govern- As already said, the credibility of ment. In this perspective, the country Japan’s mediation is linked to a large While President Trump repeatedly has a keen interest in keeping the Per- extent to the fact that the country is asks for talks with Iran, on Friday again sian Gulf stable and in avoiding any pos- a loyal US ally. Abe’s loyalty to the US in a hostile and trust killing act his sible escalation. A diplomatic success strengthens his position. Moreover, Ja- administration slapped new sanctions could also boost the country’s standing pan’s initiative seems fitting well into against Iran’s petrochemical section. and strengthen Prime Minister Shinzo the US ‘stick-and-carrot’ strategy. Some How do you interpret his contradictory Abe in the domestic field, especially in days ago, State Secretary Mike Pompeo measures? view of the upcoming elections for the expressed the US willingness to start a President Trump has often used a Japanese Upper House. dialogue with Iran ‘with no precondi- ‘stick-and-carrot’ approach to his -inter tion’. Now, Abe’s task is not affecting the national intercourses. The ‘stick’ element How successful can Abe’s visit to US decisions but facilitating the US-Iran theoretically aims at ‘softening’ the coun- Tehran be under such situation and the dialogue. Once again, the problem is: are terpart and making it more amenable to Trump’s contradictory acts? the parties ready to support this dialogue the US requests. In this perspective, I see It is hard to say how successful Abe’s by showing some flexibility? I think this is no real contradiction between the ask mediation can be. Japan-Iran relations the most important question to under- for talks and the adoption of new sanc- are traditionally good, and Prime Minis- stand the future of the JCPOA.
Dossier Page 28 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Abe sought to become Trump’s primary ally in Asia: Prof. Zonis
Interview by Payman Yazadni
Professor of international political economy in the University of Chicago believes that Shinzo Abe has sought to become Trump’s primary ally in Asia and if the Prime Minister could facilitate some kind of breakthrough with Iran, it would further cement the relationship between Japan and the US.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to travel to Iran on June 12, the first visit by a Japanese prime minister in the past four decades as Tokyo hopes to medi- ate between Washington and Tehran. Tensions between the US and Iran have worsened since Washington withdrew common. Iran policy is largely driven by with the “respect,” which Ayatollah last year from Joint Comprehensive plan Iran “hawks” National Security Adviser Khamenei has demanded. of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and Bolton and Secretary of State Pompeo. several world powers, and re-imposed I think the President would actually like Despite its powerful economy Japan sanctions on Tehran. talks with Iran because he fantasizes has been following the US foreign In this regard, some experts believe that he can “make a deal” and become policy in its foreign policy since the end that Japan did not play much role in the (in his mind) even more of a genius than of the World War II. How will Japan be diplomatic arena after World War II, and he already is. Of course, his utter failure able to affect the US decisions as an their political relations with other coun- in talks with North Korea does not sug- independent mediator between Iran tries were just limited to bilateral rela- gest any positive outcome with Iran. and US? tions. Iran should not take Shinzo Abe’s Japan’s close ties to the US are meant visit to Tehran so seriously on the ten- What reasons have motivated Japan to to insure continued access for Japanese sions between Iran and the US because try to mediate between Iran and USA? exports to the US as well as to guaran- there are doubts about Japan’s capabil- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sought tee US protection of Japan against any ity to be able to act independently as a to become Trump’s primary ally in Asia. threats that may be forthcoming from mediator after 74 years of having de- This idea is compatible with American China. It is well to remember that China pendent foreign policy on the US. foreign policy that sees Japan in Asia as has not in any way forgotten or excused To shed more light on the issue we comparable with the United Kingdom Japanese behavior towards China during reached out to Marvin Zonis, Professor in Europe — sort of permanent aircraft World War II as has occurred in Europe of international political economy and carriers off the coasts of the continents. by Germany’s former wartime enemies. leadership in the University of Chicago. A close relationship with the US would In Tehran, Prime Minister Abe may be Here is the full text of our interview also be good for the Japanese econo- able to clarify more precisely what the with him: my with its massive exports to the US. United States needs to do to get talks If the Prime Minister could facilitate with Iran. That would be welcome by While President Trump repeatedly some kind of breakthrough with Iran, it President Trump but not by Bolton or asks for talks with Iran, on Friday again would further cement the relationship Pompeo. If Abe can pull of a miracle and in a hostile and trust killing act his between Japan and the US. actually get talks approved between administration slapped new sanctions Trump and Iran, the President will jump against Iran’s petrochemical section. How successful can Abe’s visit to at the chance. The chances of that seem How do you interpret his contradictory Tehran be under such situation and the non-existent to me. The unfortunate his- measures? Trump’s contradictory acts? tory of Iran-US relations over the last 50 The Trump administration is noto- It is highly doubtful that domestic Ira- years or so with each country inflicting riously disorganized. Policies are not nian politics would allow a breakthrough what each perceive as offenses against coherent and, in many cases in addi- to occur. While President Trump would the other has made the relationship ut- tion to Iran, contradictory policies are like talks, the US has hardly treated Iran terly poisonous. Dossier Page 29 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Tehran should not have high expectation from Abe’s visit: Prof. Entessar
Interview by Payman Yazdani
Professor of University of South Alabama in US believes that Tehran should not have high expectations from the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to Iran.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to travel to Iran on June 12, the first visit by a Japanese prime minister in the past four decades as Tokyo hopes to medi- ate between Washington and Tehran. Tensions between the US and Iran have worsened since Washington withdrew last year from Joint Comprehensive plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and several world powers, and re-imposed sanctions on Tehran. In this regard, some experts believe that Japan did not play much role in face-to-face negotiations. In fact, Trump ing Trump’s message to Iran as a favor the diplomatic arena after World War sees his policy of “maximum pressure” to the American President. But Japan’s II, and their political relations with as a tool to enhance his negotiating po- diplomatic window of opportunity and other countries were just limited to sition with Iran. In other words, Trump Abe’s diplomatic maneuverability is bilateral relations. Iran should not wants a weak Iran at the negotiating limited. I don’t want to downgrade the take Shinzo Abe’s visit to Tehran so se- table so that he can extract maximum importance of Shinzo Abe’s visit to Iran, riously on the tensions between Iran concessions from Tehran in any future but Tehran should not have high expec- and the US because there are doubts negotiations. tations from the Japanese Prime Minis- about Japan’s capability to be able to ter’s visit to Iran. act independently as a mediator after What reasons have motivated Japan to 74 years of having dependent foreign try to mediate between Iran and the Despite its powerful economy, after policy on the US. USA? World War II Japan has been following To shed more light on the issue we Japan imports a significant part of its the US foreign policy in all areas of reached out to Prof. Nader Entessar; energy needs from the Persian Gulf re- foreign affairs. How will Japan be a Professor Emeritus in the Depart- gion and does not want to damage its able to affect the US decisions as an ment of Political Science and Criminal economy because of conflict in the re- independent mediator between Iran Justice at the University of South Ala- gion. Also, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US? bama. has apparently established friendly ties Japan has been dutifully following Here is the full text of our interview with Trump and Trump believes that Washington’s line in almost all areas with him: given Japan’s good relations with Iran, of foreign affairs since the end of the Prime Minister Abe is in a good posi- Second World War. Besides, Japan’s While President Trump repeatedly tion to act as an intermediary between role as an intermediary in major in- asks for talks with Iran, on Friday again Washington and Tehran. Trump’s mo- ternational disputes has been mini- in a hostile and trust killing act his dus operandi relies heavily on personal mal relative to other major countries. administration slapped new sanctions relationships he establishes with indi- Japan is not in a position to affect US against Iran’s petrochemical section. viduals, both in domestic and foreign policies towards Iran. The best Japan How do you interpret his contradictory affairs. can do is to act as an honest interme- measures? diary between Washington and Teh- According to Trump’s decision-mak- How successful can Abe’s visit to Tehran ran. In other words, Tokyo does not ing calculus, there is no contradiction be under such situation and Trump’s have the capability to act as an inde- between taking hostile actions against contradictory acts? pendent mediator in resolving US-Iran Iran while simultaneously asking for I think Prime Minister Abe is carry- conflict. Dossier Page 30 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Trump’s policy towards Iran alienated US from key allies: Sen. Feinstein
Interview by Javad Heiran-Nia said, “To solve a problem that everyone foreign terrorist organization (FTO). This & Elnaz Safavi wants to be solved there is no need to marks the first time a government entity war.” has been designated as an FTO, and has In an interview with Mehr News In an interview with Dianne Feinstein, the potential to significantly increase agency, US Senator Dianne Feinstein Mehr News agency asked some ques- tensions with Iran. said that the unilateral policy of the tions about the visit, reasons behind it While I firmly believe that Iran’s gov- Trump administration against Iran and the main subjects raised during it, ernment should be held accountable has alienated the country from its key and about whether the Iranian Foreign for its sponsorship of terror, regional allies. Ministry had requested for the meeting aggression, illegal detention of dual or not. Trump’s hostile policy toward U.S.-Iranian nationals, and repression Recently, US based “Politico” re- Iran, US withdrawal from the JCPOA also of its own citizens, the Trump adminis- ported on Iranian Foreign Minister M.J. were disscused in the Interview with the tration’s go-it-alone policy toward Iran Zarif’s meeting with Dianne Feinstein, democratic senator. has alienated us from our key allies and the well-known American Democrat Dianne Feinstein is “California” Sen- raised the possibility of sparking anoth- Senator during his recent visit to New ator and a senior member of the US er conflict in the Middle East. In fact, on York. Senate Committee on the Judiciary and May 8, 2019, Iranian President Rouhani “Alireza Miryousefi”, spokesman of former chief of the Senate intelligence announced that Iran would begin to halt Iran Mission to the United Nation said committee. She is considered one of its compliance with portions of the nu- that “The visit was in accordance with the influential senators of the Democrat clear agreement. the usual process of the meetings that party. I share your concerns about the Iran holds with the Senate representa- In answer to the following questions Trump administration’s actions and pol- tives.” she told the Mehr News agency: icies toward Iran, which is why I am an Concerning this visit “Seyyed Abbas “Since taking office, President Trump original cosponsor of the “Prevention of Mousavi”, the spokesman of the Minis- has adopted highly confrontational pol- the Unconstitutional War with Iran Act try of Foreign affairs also stated, “Visit- icies toward Iran. To my strong disap- of 2019” (S. 1039) introduced by Senator ing and negotiating are two separate pointment, on May 8, 2018, the Presi- Tom Udall (D-NM) on April 4, 2019. This issues and this visit cannot be seen as dent announced that he will withdraw bill would prevent the President from a negotiation. We do not consider the the United States from the Iran nuclear using force against Iran without explicit members of the Senate as the US ad- agreement by re-imposing sanctions congressional authorization to do so. S. ministration. In addition, the members previously lifted by the agreement, even 1039 currently awaits consideration by of the US administration do not have though the U.S. Intelligence Communi- the Senate Committee on Foreign Rela- permission to do it either. Currently, ty believes that Iran has complied with tions, of which I am not a member. Iran does not have any plans to negoti- its treaty obligations. On April 8, 2019, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in ate with the officials of the US adminis- President Trump also designated the mind as I continue to monitor the Trump tration.” Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—an administration’s increasingly hostile ac- Recently, Senator Dianne Feinstein arm of the Iranian government—as a tions toward Iran.” Dossier Page 31 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Iran and US game, chicken game or prisoner’s dilemma?
By: Javad Heirannia
According to game theory, the type of Iran-US behavior can be studied in the form of models. This theory also enables us to create a model for their behavior. Based on this, in the critical circumstances of two countries chicken game can indicate the behavior of Iran and America behavior and determine their strategy towards each other.
Chicken game is an effective model for studying intersections of two play- ers in Game theory. The worst result is gained when none of two players - who are not inclined to give up - stop fight- ing. I this game two drivers with high speed drive towards each other, one of them must deviate from the way oth- erwise they will clash with each other and will be killed. The driver that has deviated from the way because of be- ing coward is called Chicken and is the loser and the driver who still remains in the path is the winner. In fact, the status and reputation that you gain because of this game are ton. He during the time of President ton intended to use it to show the situ- very high; continuing and not continu- Bush presidency had also played this ation critical. ing it the game both leads to a lose-lose role and now again is playing this role “Ilan Goldenberg”, the previous result. In other words, the players will in Trump’s presidency period, too. chief of Iran program in Pentagon and be trapped in a vague situation. If they Trump aggressive position creates an senior fellow in “New America,” think continue the game, then death or per- unstable and frightening atmosphere tank believes that the US provocative petual palsy will be inevitable. And if for his opponents, especially for Iran. acts in the region is not anything but they continue competing despite being Exactly in such an atmosphere, Trump trying to influence Iran to change its ac- survived, they will lose their reputation starts to talk about negotiations in cumulations. and status which somehow is equal to order to pretend that he wants to In response to a title in the New death. negotiate but it is Iran that rejects. In York Times which said: “Pentagon was Trump’s behavior towards Iran is this way, he also seeks to make Iran gathering forces against the poten- something like this game. On anoth- endure damage because of not nego- tial attack to Iran”, he tweeted that it er hand, Trump in this game has tried tiating. At the same time, the aggres- was necessary for media to report the to pretend himself an unpredictable sive atmosphere that has been creat- armed deployment in the region with and moody person who might behave ed by Bolton is continued. responsibility and avoid to exaggerate in various ways (Madman Theory). The recent example of such action about war with Iran, which is the goal In this way, his baselessness words is John Bolton’s action according to of aggressive fractions.” mostly seem realistic rather than a which he said that Pentagon in order ‘’Goldenberg’’ has written: “I was bluff. to the “confrontation with Iran” has Iran program chief in Pentagon for In order to show Trump a mad- dispatched “Abraham Lincoln” aircraft three years. Such arrays cannot change man or (based on necessity) a man carrier to the Persian Gulf. As it became the game equations extensively. New with whom we can negotiate, he clear earlier sailing this aircraft carrier York Times must not use such a title for uses some people such as John Bol- was planned a long time ago, but Bol- dispatching Patriot missile system, es- Dossier Page 32 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY pecially because over the four previous achieve anything special practically tentions then the possibility of cooper- months the US has dispatched four of and a new potential deal with Iran ation will rise. such missiles to the outside of the re- might not differ significantly with the One of the fields that can help these gion.” previous one. two countries to have detailed informa- Paying attention to the US facilities Even regarding China, a well- tion from each other is international in the international area which can known theorist like ‘’ Graham Alli- regimes. And Iran nuclear deal as one be seen in sanctions imposed on Iran, son’’ believes that just a few months of such international regime in the field armed confrontation with Iran can ago Chinese carefully studied NAFTA of non-proliferation which was based damage it heavily. Although Iran also (between the US, Canada, and Mex- on the information of IAEA could give can revenge by activating regional lev- ico) and its success and realized that the US detailed information about Iran erage and threatening it. Professor Na- the previous NAFTA deal and the re- nuclear program, but the US preferred der Entesar believes that, however, the cent one are different just by 10 to 15 to withdraw from this security regime. game of diplomatic chicken game can percent. In addition, (with the help of this serve President Trump’s goal but it will So, they understood that changing agreement) the US could find a more a disastrous game for Iran. what Trump calls ‘’the worst trade detailed and reliable channel than Isra- Trump’s’ behavior towards Iran in deal that has ever concluded’’ to a el, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and People’s Mu- another way is like another game in ‘’ big deal’’ is not a very complicated jahedin of Iran. Each of these countries which he pulls Iran near the edge of a task. In such a situation, Xi Jinping and groups due to their hostility against cliff and then changes Iran’s position without anxiety and comfortably can Iran pursue their own limited and an- according to its own interests. continue its game. In other words, tagonistic goals towards Iran which But considering time scheduling China has already realized that with are not necessarily in accordance with it might lead to sharp weakening or such a change (10-15 percent) in the the US interest. American Iran studies strengthening his presidential cam- current trade situation they can make discourse is deficient and disorganized paign. It also depends on the possible Trump satisfied. Once one of my Chi- discourse. successful or unsuccessful deal with nese friends told me a long time be- One of the fields that can help China and North Korea. fore Christopher Columbus explored these two countries to have detailed Paying attention to the damaging America, Chinese hypocrisy and de- information from each other is inter- effect of the continuance of trade war ceitfulness. national regimes. And Iran nuclear with China of which Beijing is com- Beginning of the presidential elec- deal as one of such international re- pletely aware and the importance of toral campaign in America help Iran gime in the field of non-proliferation economic factor for American electors, to play this game with Trump more which was based on the information Trump would try to halt trade war with freely. Some believe that even at that of IAEA could give the US detailed China and compromise with them. time Trump might start a war with information about Iran nuclear pro- But considering North Korea and Iran. It is unlikely that Trump can op- gram, but the US preferred to with- Iran the situation is different. These erate freely at this point. Especially draw from this security regime. In two issues can be bargaining chips since he in his presidential campaign addition, (with the help of this agree- in Trump’s foreign policy. In this field had criticized Middle East wars and ment) the US could find a more de- being able to compromise with North the funds that the US had devoted to tailed and reliable channel than Isra- Korea can be a bargaining chip in his such wars. Thus starting a war on the el, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and People’s foreign policy or at least not con- threshold of the presidential election Mujahedin of Iran. sidered as his Achilles heel. But the is just a dangerous gamble for him. Each of these countries and groups process that negations go through Particularly because convincing the due to their hostility against Iran pur- which and Trump’s expectations from public for starting a war with Iran sue their own limited and antagonis- Pyongyang make a future view of which according to IAEA reports has tic goals towards Iran which are not these negotiations vague, especially committed to its commitments is not necessarily in accordance with the US because Pyongyang knows the signif- an easy task. interest. American Iran studies dis- icant role of these negations in presi- In the game of ‘’Prisoner’s Dilemma’’ course is deficient and disorganized dential campaigns very well. If Trump if two prisoners do not attest against discourse. Thus if the US intends to cannot compromise with North Ko- each other (cooperate) with each oth- smooth the path of cooperation with rea, then with the starting of the new er than both of them gain benefit. But Iran in international and regional is- campaigns work he will be more frag- how the US and Iran can trust each sues should make some correction to ile considering Iran deal. other in the current situation? At first this discourse. In this meanwhile even taking a glance cooperation of the two - coun Continuation of ‘’Prisoner’s Game’’ memorial photo with Iranian officials tries may seem impossible but if this and increase the correct information regarding propaganda can be con- game repeats and if the two prisoners on both sides provide both countries sidered as a big triumph for Trump. have ‘’detailed’’ and correct informa- with the possibility of achieving their However, Trump in this way will not tion of each other and each other’s in- utilities and being in a win-win game. Dossier Page 33 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY John Bolton’s political death
By: Hanif Ghaffari Bolton, 70, has espoused deeply con- servative views since he was a teenager. John Bolton, US National Security The son of a Baltimore firefighter, Bolton Advisor, continues to promote war and worked on the Barry Goldwater Republi- terror and violence in his foreign policy. can presidential campaign in 1964, and he Bolton’s title is basically tied to crime, later interned for President Richard Nix- war, and terror. Many American analysts on’s vice president, Spiro Agnew. Bolton say the National Security Adviser to the went to Yale and then to Yale Law School. Trump government has become the He has worked in Republican administra- symbol of the White House’s failure in the tions since Ronald Reagan’s first term. Bolton has long rejected any con- international system. straints on American power. The happiest moment Bolton had when he was working In George W. Bush’s presidency, peo- cision, telling the Washington Examiner for the US State Department was when ple like Dick Cheney and John Bolton have four years ago, “I still think the decision to he “unsigned” the agreement that made become the messengers of the White overthrow Saddam was correct.”By con- the US a party to the International Crim- House’s defeat in the world. This time trast, last year President Trump said the inal Court, which he saw as a risk for US Bolton has also become a messenger for Iraq War was “the single worst decision political and military leaders who might defeating Trump and the US in the world. ever made.” be charged with war crimes. After Bolton The US National Security Adviser is having Just before he was installed a little over pulled the US out of the agreement in difficult days. John Bolton has not been a year ago as Trump’s national security ad- 2002, he said he felt like a kid on Christ- able to achieve his goals toward the Islam- viser, Bolton advocated for a pre-emptive mas Day. ic Republic of Iran. war against North Korea in the Wall Street When Bolton became Trump’s national Bolton’s story is a sad story for Amer- Journal. security adviser, he ensured that anyone ican citizens! He is today a symbol of the The US government is now ramping up on the International Criminal Court who embarrassment of all Americans. Bolton tensions with the volatile North Korean was investigating American soldiers or in- was one of the influential officials in the regime, announcing Thursday that it had telligence officials for possible war crimes country since the start of the war in Iraq “recently” taken into custody a North Ko- in Afghanistan was denied visas to the US. in 2003, by the George Walker Bush ad- rean ship that was defying sanctions on Bolton’s dislike of the Iranian regime is ministration until 2008 (when the neocons the nuclear-armed state -- the first time longstanding. In 2015, Bolton wrote in the in the US were at the head of the political the US has taken such an action. New York Times that the US should bomb and executive equations of the country). But Trump’s general approach to North Iran because “Iran will not negotiate away Bolton and his entourage have repeatedly Korea has been to engage in negotia- its nuclear program,” which is exactly what become the symbol of the failure of the US tions with its leader, Kim Jong Un. In re- Iran did that same year when it negotiated in the West Asia region. However, Bolton’s cent weeks Bolton pushed for a coup in an agreement with the Obama administra- defeat in the US is now far broader! John Venezuela involving opposition leader tion to halt its nuclear weapons program. Bolton, the US National Security Adviser, Juan Guaido that was believed to have The New York Times reported that Bolton continues his anti-Iranian negotiations in the backing of key officers of the nation’s has ordered up military options that were various fields. In recent months, he has military. The US-backed uprising seems to presented to top Trump national security been busy discussing the presence of Iran have fizzled. Trump has since expressed officials last week. They include thepo- in Syria and, on the other hand, engaging frustration to White House officials about tential deployment of as many as 120,000 in negotiations with other countries over Bolton’s overly aggressive Venezuela pol- American troops to the Middle East if Iran Iran’s sanctions. But the existing evidence icy. attacks American targets in the region or suggest that the US National Security Ad- On Thursday, President Trump said that resumes work on its nuclear weapons pro- viser is not going to succeed in this regard. he actually moderates the bellicose Bol- gram! Democratic presidential candidate ton: “I’m the one who tempers him, which What is certain is that Bolton’s polit- Bernie Sanders responds to a New York is OK. I have John Bolton and I have people ical death is very close to the American Times report about the Trump administra- who are a little more dovish than him.” National Advisor. He is doomed to failure! tion’s potential plan to send thousands of Bolton’s enthusiasm for the muscular What is certain is that John Bolton has no troops to the Middle East, saying national use of the military seems out of place in choice but to confess to defeat against security adviser John Bolton “was one of the administration of a President who Iran. As we can see, John Bolton has start- the architects of the war in Iraq.” has repeatedly questioned and sought to ed a full-fledged opposition to the Islamic As Peter Bergen, CNN National Securi- end America’s wars in the Middle East. Republic of Iran in the economic, political ty Analyst wrote, John Bolton, President Yet while Trump and Bolton may be out and regional dimensions. Donald Trump Trump’s national security adviser, -seem of step with each other on policy toward seems to have given Bolton full authori- ingly hasn’t met a war he doesn’t love. Venezuela and North Korea, one country zation in this regard, but he has not been Bolton was a prominent proponent of they both seem to be on the same page able to take a practical step forward in the Iraq War and he has never evinced about is Iran. confronting Iran. any doubt about the wisdom of that de- Op-ed Page 34 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Quds International Day Dossier Dossier Page 35 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Saudi regime vicious ploy for Quds International Day
By: Mohammad Ghaderi
This year, Quds international Day will be of special importance since US is planning to officially announce the “Deal of the Century”, a deal mainly designed to complete the Zionists ominous project for pushing Palestinians out of their lands. ciousness and is important on several accounts: • According to Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs This is a critical time, also, because US is especially at work Adel al-Jubeir, the meeting is going to be held on Ramadan to heighten pressures on Iran, in a bid to hinder the develop- 25th which coincides the Quds international Day. ment of the Islamic Republic government and nation. • Instead of running in Saudi Arabia capital in Riyadh, the Over the past weeks, anti-Iran groups and war-advocates meeting is going to be held in Mecca which is Muslims’ holiest both inside and outside the White House have done the most city. to fuel fears and to fake a pressing situation in which “war • The main topic of this meeting is both “the Deal of the or negation” are the only options. They are in fact putting on Century” and “the threats of the Islamic Republic of Iran for this show to achieve their own goals which are limiting Iran’s Arab countries.” power in the region and preparing the ground for official in- By considering these three points it becomes clear that troduction of “the Deal of the Century”. the Arab-Hebraic-Western think tank is aiming to attack Based on this scenario, Al Saud regime, who is the top mer- the Islamic Republic of Iran which is the heart and soul of cenary of US and Zionists in the region, is now trying to hold Quds Day and to destroy the idea of this day which is the an urgent meeting with Arab League and Persian Gulf Cooper- liberation of Palestine and the holy Quds, so that they can ation Council members in Mecca. stabilize and normalize the shameful and treacherous Deal Holding this meeting shows the magnitude of Al Saud vi- of the Century.
This year’s Quds Day to be special due to ‘Deal of the Century’ In an interview with Mehr, Sheikh June, saying that the Arab states’ co- Hassan Izaddin, the Hezbollah offi- operation with the Israeli regime is cial for Arab-African affairs said that aimed at distracting attention from this year’s Quds Day is going to be their arch-nemesis Israel. special due to widespread opposi- The Hezbollah official went on to tion to ‘Deal of the Century’. highlight that the Manama confer- Sheikh Hassan Izaddin, the Hez- ence aims to force Palestinians to bollah official for Arab-African- af give up their rights in exchange for fairs told Mehr correspondent that money, stressing that the ‘Deal of the so-called ‘Deal of the Century’, the Century’ will be a ‘stillborn’. proposed by Donald Trump and Izaddin further noted that no Pal- backed by those who seek to put an estinian political group is going to -at end to the Palestinian issue, will not tend the Manama meeting as none succeed. of them will accept to give up the Palestinians’ rights and sell Izaddin also said that the reactionary Arab countries in out their lands for money. the region such as the Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Furthermore, he praised the role that the International Emirates as well as Bahrain, which are the main backer of Quds Day plays in solidifying the Islamic unity, adding that Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century’ will get nowhere with their this year’s Quds Day is going to be special in opposing Don- new conspiracy. ald Trump’s moves against Palestine and huge turnout of the He further condemned the Manama meeting to discuss people across the world to show their support for Palestinian the economic aspects of the ‘Deal of the Century’ on 25-26 of resistance. Dossier Page 36 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Nasrallah warns against changes in Middle East By: Hamid Bayati as such as chemical attacks in Syria. • The first stage of the Deal of the In the same time, the Deal of the Cen- Century will begin by Manama session. These days, Middle East is facing a tury is taking its first steps. The deal starts • Advising Lebanese and Palestinian torrent of events that seem to be born from Bahrain in the form of sessions and officials to devise plans against the plot out of conspiracies and compromises. economic workshops and will gradually for prohibiting Palestinians from returning The changes that will threaten peace in expand to other areas. Everything is mov- to their homeland. the region. It seems that US President ing on quickly and Trump seeks to serve • Stressing that resistance is the only Donald Trump and Israeli Prime the Zionist regime the best. way for thwarting Zionists’ plans. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are For carrying out the Deal of the Cen- Nasrallah also delivered a speech on trying to draw their own advantages by tury, Trump is trying to put the maximum May 25th on the anniversary of the Re- carrying out new plans in Middle East. amount of pressure on Arab countries, sistance and Liberation day. This speech but he shows them no respect and ex- also contained key points, including two On the one hand, we see that the West, pect them to follow his orders without no important issues: US, and the Zionist Regime are increasing question. • First, he stressed that resistance their measures against Syria. After years Amid all these tensions, Sayed Hassan is critically important for Lebanon these of war and military activity in Syria was Nasrallah, the secretary general of the days, as the international law is not re- proved to be fruitless and the western Lebanese political and paramilitary party spected by many countries. If it weren’t countries did not gain what they wanted, Hezbollah pointed out some critical issues for the resistance and liberation in 2000, they are now trying to reach their goals by in his recent speech: Trump would’ve granted the south of Leb- exerting enormous pressure on Syria and • Warning that the Deal of the Centu- anon or other parts of it to Israel, just like placing the country under a new round of ry is based on an ominous plot to destroy he did with Al-Quds and the Golan. sanctions. Palestine’s’ hopes and dreams. • Second, the real reason behind de- These countries, on the other hand, • The US and the Zionist regime have laying the return of the Syrian refugees in are doing their best to prevent the Syrian conspired so that Palestinian refugees Lebanon to their country is political and it refugees from going back to their country lose their right for going back to their is related to the presidential elections in and they have now come up with new ide- country. Syria. Dossier Page 37 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ‘Deal of the Century’ against intl. law: Mahmoud al-Zahar
Mahmoud al-Zahar, a co-founder of Palestine with anything else. Hamas resistance movement, says that On the impact of the world-wide the Bahraini-hosted meeting to discuss rallies for the International Quds Day, the economic aspects of the ‘Deal of the which was initiated by late Iranian Lead- Century’ is doomed to failure due to its er Ayatollah Khamenei in 1979, the contradiction with international law. co-founder of Hamas said “of course measures such as holding Quds Day ral- In an interview with Mehr, the Ha- lies have had great effects.” mas senior official Mahmoud al-Zahar He went on to explain that the Quds raeli Knesset had nothing to do with the referred to the Bahraini-hosted meeting Day rallies have led to the “reopening debates on the ‘Deal of the Century’ and to discuss the economic aspects of the of Gaza borders and the entry of food, the dissolution of the Israeli regime’s ‘Deal of the Century’, which is sched- medicine and humanitarian aid to Pales- parliament was due to internal power uled to be held in Manama on June 25 tinians and people of Gaza.” struggle. and 26, and said that the meeting will On the cooperation of some Arab The Hamas senior official further not- fail as no Palestinian is going to accept states with the US-Israeli plan for the ed that the implementation of the ‘Deal any bribes in exchange for giving up the Palestinian issue, Al-Zahar expressed his of the Century’ has been postponed as Palestinian cause. regret over the Arab countries’ submis- many western countries also oppose it, Al-Zahar said that the Palestinians are sion to the deal. adding that only two “marginal coun- not going to exchange their own lands, He went on to state that “Jordan, Syr- tries” have so far moved their embassies their holy sites, and the right to return ia, Lebanon and Palestine and Iran have to Jerusalem Al-Quds. of all Palestinian refugees with money. expressed their opposition to the imple- He furthermore added “the trend of The senior Hamas official added that mentation of the ‘Deal of the Century’, the ‘Deal of the Century’ will not suc- the Palestinians want back the entire while other countries have been silent.” ceed and will not be completed as it is Palestinian lands and will not exchange He added that the dissolution of Is- against the international law.”
Final statement of Quds Day rallies strongly condemns Manama meeting
By: Kamal Iranidoost ‘’fake occupying regime of Israel’ and the upcoming Manama meeting to dis- Marchers at the end of International cuss the economic aspects of the ‘Deal Quds Day rallies in Iran issued a final of the Century’. statement condemning the upcoming The final declaration also consid- Bahraini-hosted meeting to discuss US ered the continuation of Intifada and and Israeli peace plan for Palestine or resistance against the ‘global disbe- the so-called ‘Deal of the Century’. lievers front’ led by the United States as the only solution to the Palestini- On the 40th anniversary of International Quds Day, millions an issue and rejected any compromise with the ‘cancerous of Iranians across the country took part in rallies to show their Israel.’ support for the Palestinians as well as their opposition to US It further called for the realization of ‘Palestine for all Pal- and Israeli peace plan for Palestine or the so-called ‘Deal of estinian people’ and stressed that the future Palestine must the Century’. include the entire Palestinian lands between the Jordan River A statement was read out in Tehran at the end of the na- and the Mediterranean Sea. tionwide rallies condemning the US administration’s new con- At the end, the statement called for ‘maintaining nation- spiracy in the form of the so-called ‘Deal of the Century’. al unity’ and realizing the slogan of this Iranian year set by The marchers in their statement also strongly condemned the Leader of the Islamic Republic as ‘Boosting Domestic the attempts by some Arab rulers to normalize relations with Production.’ Dossier Page 38 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Intl. Quds day marks end of ‘Deal of the Century’: Hamas official
In an interview with Mehr, Ismail opposing the occupation,” he noted. part of the Arab and Islamic world Radwan, a senior member of In response to a question regard- forever. Hamas, hailed the role that the ing the US and Israeli regime-pro- Elsewhere, the Hamas official re- International Quds Day plays in posed ‘Deal of the Century’, the ferred to the Bahraini-hosted meet- keeping the Palestinian cause alive, Hamas senior member said “first ing to discuss the economic aspects saying that the day this year will of all, the plan targets Quds, then of the ‘Deal of the Century’ and mark the total collapse of the ‘Deal the Palestinians’ right to return praised the stance taken by the Bah- of the Century.’ so that it rejects the Palestinians’ raini nation against the meeting. right to return to their homeland He furthermore called on Arab Ismail Radwan told Mehr that the as impossible.” and Islamic nations to come out on International Quds Day, which has He further described the Quds Quds Day this Friday to strongly con- been commemorated for years, has Day, which is commemorated each demn the ‘Deal of the Century’ and restored the credibility of the occu- year on the last Friday of the holy the attempts by some Arab rulers to pied Quds, as the first Qibla of the month of Ramadan, as a day this normalize relations with Israeli ene- Muslims. year which would mark the total col- my. Radwan also expressed his ap- lapse of the ‘Deal of the Century.’ And finally, Radwan stressed that preciation to the Islamic Republic of Radwan went on to say that the resistance will continue as before, Iran for the role it plays in informing ‘Deal of the Century’ aims to legit- hailing the victory in the recent bat- the young generation of the Islamic imize the Zionist regime of Israel’s tle in Gaza. He further noted the Umma about the issue of Palestine. control over the occupied lands. Israeli regime has been forced into “The Islamic Republic of Iran has He further condemned attempts retreat recently, calling for more co- always emphasized the importance by some Arab states to normalize operation and coordination among of the role of the young people in relations with Israel, declaring Quds various factions of the Resistance supporting the issue of Palestine and and the occupied Golan Heights as forces. Page 39 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Culture Culture Page 40 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Danish Filmfest. organizers elaborate on Iran-Denmark cultural coop. By: Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh
The Danish Film Festival wrapped up on Saturday night. Running from May 1st to May 4th, the event was held in collaboration between Denmark’s Embassy in Iran and the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS)- an educational film organization and the major supporter of short films and young filmmakers in Iran which is affiliated to Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
A number of thought-provoking Dan- ish movies were screened in theaters in Tehran, Kashan, Yazd, Isfahan and Shiraz through the event. To get a clear overview of the cultur- al cooperation between the two sides, and not only the artists circles. We post- appropriateness. The first criteria to us Mehr new agency conducted an inter- ed the event on social media both in was the quality of the films, they need- view with the Danish Ambassador to Farsi and in English to get access to the ed to have artistic value. The selected Tehran Danny Annan, Danish Deputy audience. Our Iranian partner organiza- films were artistically valuable ones. We Head of Mission Malte Möller-Chris- tion sent the posters to Iranian universi- also tried to have a combination of gen- tensen, and the Director of International ties to find addressees among students res; documentary, drama, animation. Affairs of IYCS Mohammad Fahimi. there. The audience could have free ac- The target audience also varies from The following is the complete tran- cess to the screenings. They needed no children to young adults and adults. It script of the interview: reservations of tickets. People just had also included a wide range of tastes to show up. from artistic ones, those different from How did you decide to run such a the business cinema of the Hollywood, program? Where did the idea come What criteria were considered in some of them were much better if you from? choosing the films? just ask me. Some others were very Ambassador Annan: We found quite Ambassador Annan: Our ambition good documentaries. Actually, the au- an interest in Danish movies in various was to show a wide variety of Danish dience could enjoy them artistically and film festivals around the world so we movies in the event: feature films, docu- thematically. decided to find an Iranian partner. The mentaries, short films and also children Iranian Youth Cinema Society was a very movies dubbed into Farsi. The films had Iranian film fans are familiar with some good option for our cooperation since both Farsi and English subtitles. We tried Danish filmmakers and their works. they have a regional reach not only in to have a broad scope, in fact. Of course, What is the status of Iranian Cinema in showing the films here in Tehran but we had to choose the movies that could Denmark? Is a similar program going to also in Isfahan, Kashan, Yazd and Shi- be screened in Iran but in fact, there are be run in Denmark? raz. We approached them and found it many similarities between Danish film- Ambassador Annan: There was a film a good opportunity for us to cooperate. making and Iranian filmmaking in the festival in Copenhagen in 2016, which Deputy Möller-Christensen: As the way they address the social topics. focused on Iranian movies from back Danish Embassy in Tehran we are not Advertising the event was mainly 1960s to 1990s. Asghar Farhadi’ Oscar experts in cinema but we have an im- done by the Iranian Youth Film society. winner movie has drawn a lot of atten- portant role to play in bringing together Intl. Affairs Director Mr. Fahimi: It tion. They have shown ‘Separation’ on both experts and the general audience was a mutual effort. There was a coop- Denmark’s television. Danish film-lovers in both countries and to facilitate peo- eration between the Danish embassy are not unfamiliar with Iranian movies, ple to people contact and exchange. and our institute but since there were in fact. But I think that would be inter- Ambassador Annan: First of all, we some cultural considerations, we had to esting if the Iranian embassy in Copen- focused on general Iranian audiences, do the final selection in terms of cultural hagen could do a similar initiative there Culture Page 41 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY in cooperation with a Danish film in- countries participating in the festival. movies in cities other that Tehran? stitute to run an Iranian film festival in Deputy Möller-Christensen: From our Intl. Affairs Director Mr. Fahimi: It Denmark. Also, recently on February 19, perspective, Fajr Festival is a very big is the first time that we are screening 2019, on the occasion of the 40th anni- success here in Tehran. movies in several cities across Iran si- versary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, multaneously. We did something before there was a nice film festival in a cinema Has the Iranian Youth Cinema Society in Tehran and later the same in Tabriz in Copenhagen. done similar cooperation with other and Kashan, for example. But this is the Intl. Affairs Director Mr. Fahimi: That embassies in Iran or not? first time we are doing it at the same is something that we look forward to. Intl. Affairs Director Mr. Fahimi: We time. The good news is that except from There is the will from both sides for such have done a quite number of similar Kashan, Shiraz, Yazd and Isfahan, there an event to take place. cooperation with other embassies in were some other cities which had ap- Iran but I cannot put my finger on any plied to host the event. But because it Fajr Film Festival just ended. Did any of them, now. The recent one, I suppose was the first time, we though doing it films from Denmark participated this was either Finland or Spain. They have at large scale, we might not be able to year or previous years? been successful events. The turnout handle it. We then decided to postpone Ambassador Annan: Yes. We had two was actually considerable. The audience doing same events in a larger scale. Of movies in Fajr festival this year (“The liked it. The feedback was great. That course, we have done something similar Guilty” and “Before the Frost”). encouraged us to do similar events. And but not with embassies. At Fajr festival, we had also Danish we are very glad that we have done this theatre groups and musical ensembles event with Denmark. The cooperation of How was the festival funded? in Tehran. In cooperation with Iranian the cultural department of the embassy Intl. Affairs Director Mr. Fahimi: We theaters they had some seminars and was great. We are very happy that we tried to run on a low budget, and there workshops. I do believe that the Fajr are the first institute in Iran which has were somethings we took care of for ex- Festival is a very good opportunity for run a Danish event in Iran. ample editing the films but actually the cultural exchange not only between main funder of the event was the Danish Denmark and Iran but also among other Is this the first time that you are screening embassy.
Iran moving forward in IP sector
By: Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh provement of 16 levels from its previ- increase in 2018 for Iran; gaining 4.74 ous 107th in 2013 to the current 91st, score out of 10, it says. Setting and implementing practical while the major development has oc- During the past eight years, Iran Intellectual Property (IP) rules, Iran curred during the past recent year, ac- could manage to get the average score seeks to make its companies capable cording to the same report. of 4.30 (in a zero to 10 scale), while the of joining domestic stock markets and The index has shown 0.22 percent international average score stands at get developed to compete foreign rivals.
Having a 100-year background in set- ting IP rights and regulations, Iran has taken some steps in revising and updat- ing the affiliated rules as well as secur- ing copyright for the generated content or new innovations. All is done to sup- port the modern and knowledge-based businesses or information technologies which are generic in the sense of being useful in many places in the economy. According to the International Prop- erty Rights Index 2018, Iran ranks 91st among 125 countries and 13th among 17 MENA countries (including Turkey and Pakistan). The country has registered an im- Culture Page 42 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
5.47. operation within the area of IP rights in ing those experiences with our Iranian The Islamic country is a member of September, 2018,” Ambassador Annan partners, the authorities here can get Paris Convention- which secures the said expressing content. some useful inputs as to how that de- protection of industrial property as well “We have had 29 mutual visits to Iran velopment is best supported in Iran,” as Madrid Protocol that allows a trade- and Denmark and there has been ex- he added. mark owner to seek registration in any change of experience between patent “One of the areas where Denmark of the countries that have joined the and trademark experts of judiciary. The public authorities has invested a lot of Madrid Protocol. It also seeks to go un- project is actually expanding,” he added. energy in recent years is within stand- der Lisbon Agreement, which is a spe- “Initially, there was much focus on ardizing internal work procedures and cial agreement under Article 19 of the capacity building and sharing of expe- building sophisticated quality manage- Paris Convention for the protection of rience at Iranian patent office. Now, ment systems so that all applications industrial property as well as Patent Co- it is not only patents we are talking for protection of intellectual property operation Treaty (PCT) which provides about but also trademarks, copy- are judged from consistent criteria. a unified procedure for filing patent ap- right and it is not only the office itself This also helps efficiency and speed plications to protect inventions in each but also the police and judiciary, the in case processing. Annually, Iran re- of its contracting states. Berne Conven- whole value chain when it comes to ceived more than 15,000 patent ap- tion for the protection of literary and patents and trademarks,” the Danish plications, which is the fourth highest artistic works is the other convection Ambassador said. number amongst the lower and upper that Iran aims to join. “That is one of the projects that I middle-income countries, after China, It has signed several cooperation am mostly proud of because it is real- India, and the Russian Federation. The agreements with various countries ly moving ahead and it is clear to both amount of applications continues to and international organizations which sides partners that there is a mutual rise and shows the importance of hav- have a big name in making IP rights. As interest in this project,” he concluded. ing an efficient and first-rate case-pro- reported, Switzerland, France, south To provide more detail about the is- cessing system in Iran, which is one of Korea, Denmark, China, Turkey, Russia sue Mr. Hallberg went on. the key areas that we work on with the and the World Intellectual Property “The main aim of this Danish-Ira- Intellectual Property Office,” Mr. Hall- Organization (WIPO) are among Iran’s nian partnership is to positively affect berg said. partners in IP sector. Iran’s sustainable and inclusive growth, “Currency, we have experience-shar- Despite the efforts to improve the especially within knowledge-intensive ing activities and workshops with the status quo of IP in Iran, the country still sectors. Iran has a remarkable potential Intellectual Property Center, Iranian remains among those with lowest po- in this area and ranks third worldwide Customs, Office of the Public Prose- sitions in the ranking queue. Unfortu- within science and engineering educa- cutors, judges from criminal and civil nately, majority of Iranians are not yet tion with more than a quarter million courts, and experts from the Iranian familiar with IP and the fact can amount candidates that graduate from Iranian Consultative Assembly and the Min- to discrimination and is able to impede universities each year, of whom 70 per istry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. competitiveness and equal benefiting cent are women. If that level of human And we keep on adding new Iranian from resources. capital is to be transferred into eco- partners that have an interest in our Improving the IP index of the coun- nomic growth, the system for protect- project,” he informed. try stands among the requirements of ing innovation and intellectual proper- “In my opinion, a project like this economic development. ty needs to be strong. This is also the shows the clear benefit of countries Danish Ambassador, expert explain policy of the government of Iran and like Iran and Denmark engaging in bilateral IP co-op with Iran Denmark is happy to contribute with long-term technical cooperation and Denmark stands among the most our own experiences to support the partnerships that will undoubtedly also cooperative countries with Iran on IP Iranian ambitions,” the Danish expert strengthen our bilateral relations and rights. told MNA. dialogue about other issues of common In an interview with the Mehr news “All the Danish expert delegations interests,” he concluded. agency, Denmark’s Ambassador to Teh- that we have brought to Iran have The IP contract signed between Iran ran Danny Annan and the IP Sector been positively surprised by the warm and Denmark stands among the most Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark hospitality of Iranian authorities in re- influential and practical ones between in Iran Terkel Hallberg Borg described ceiving them and engaging in techni- the two counties. As of December 13, the status quo of Iran-Denmark cooper- cal and complicated discussions about 2016, when the contract was signed in ation on IP field. how best to protect intellectual prop- Tehran on a sidelines of a seminar, till “I can tell you that we have been erty. Our two countries are of course the present date, around 15 important very busy since the time the Iranian very different but Denmark has worked types of cooperation such as conduct- Intellectual Property Center and the for many years to bring its intellectual ing IP studies, various training work- Danish Patent and Trademark Office property legislation and institutional shops about patents and trademarks, inaugurated their three-year close co- practices to a high level and by- shar and etc. have been done.
Culture Page 43 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Cool destinations to go if you need to escape heat in Tehran
By: Afshin Majlesi terfall may be your next destination. It The scenic villages of Darband and is situated off the Haraz road that con- Darakeh stand out when it comes to the If you can’t stand the heat in Tehran nects Tehran to the Caspian Sea coast in north. Moreover, they are amongst the and want to take a break, don’t be the north. most accessible destinations in this- ar disappointed! The 50-meter cascade is adjacent to ticle. Qaleh Malek-Bahman, a Sassanid era Tajrish Sq. is a gateway to the rocky Whether you’re in search of an ice- (224 CE to 651) stronghold. Darband where people hike upward cold adventure or simply a sweat-free The list also includes Tangeh Vashi, a trails which are teemed with atmos- vacation, thankfully, there are plenty of popular mountainous resort famous for pheric teahouses and restaurants. destinations dotted around the Iranian having a cool stream where many opt Likewise, Darakeh embraces count- capital to escape the summer heat. for walking through. less riverside restaurants. For people It simply means that you don’t have To commemorate his hunts, Fath Ali who want to do more, it is possible to to wait until fall or winter to enjoy cold- Shah Qajar (r. 1797 – 1834) ordered a hike towards the Tochal cable car and er temperatures; just skip the heat for bas-relief carving in the midway point of beyond. many lush gardens and atmospheric the gorge. Today, the relief is very popu- The bustling Iranian capital, howev- townships in the surroundings. lar among holidaymakers. er, never falls short of interesting trav- On the northeast side of the metropo- Tangeh Vashi is situated some 15 kilo- el ventures for tourists. Visitors have at lis, you can find plenty of cool townships meters west of Firouzkouh. It is a heav- their disposal tours to UNESCO-tagged and villages such as Damavand, Fasham, en for trekking and hiking fans as well. Golestan Oushan, Ahar, Meygoun, Cheshmeh A’la Apart from the east, you may choose Palace, Grand Bazaar, Treasury of Na- and Garmabdareh to name a few. to stay in Kan and Sulaqan, which are tional Jewels, National Museum of Iran, Along with the fresh air, fruit gardens riverside rural districts westward. An- Glass & Ceramic Museum, Masoudieh and lush gardens, there are recreational other cool spot may be colorful valleys Palace, Sarkis Cathedral, Tehran Muse- facilities and abundant local restaurants across the popular Chalous road that um of as well. embraces hectic rows of restaurants and Contemporary Art, Carpet Museum To the eastward, Shahandasht wa- coffee shops. of Iran, to mention but a few. Culture Page 44 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
St. Stepanos Monastery beautiful Armenian church By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan and the Republic of Azerbaijan and sit- main chapel, the bell tower and Daniel uated in a deep canyon along the Aras oven. St. Stepanos Monastery is the second River. One of the most beautiful places in most important Armenian Church in Stephen St. Stepanos was one of the this church is its 16-sided dome which is Iran after St. Thaddeus Monastery. It is first martyrs of the Christian religion, as very artistically designed. There is a bell located about 15 km northwest of Jolfa, well as missionaries of Christianity and tower in the south of the church; it is a East Azarbaijan Province, northwestern the apostles of Christ. St. Stepanos was pyramidal and octagonal dome. There Iran. stoned to death on December 26, 36th, are several graves in the courtyard of in Quds by Jews. the tower where prominent Armenians Jolfa is a city in East Azerbaijan Prov- The monastery is enclosed in a were buried there. ince, Iran. It is located to the north of lush greenery area and the building Some bones, pieces of fabric, wax Tabriz, separated by the Aras River is shaped like a cylinder with pink and etc. were found during reparation from its northern neighbor and name- and red stones, covered with a cone- of the church in 2005.The prelate and sake, the town of Julfa in the Republic shaped dome and above the dome, archbishop of the Armenian Diocese of of Azerbaijan. It is famous for its his- portrays of bulls, sheep and fishes Tehran said that these bones probably toric churches. One of these church- are visible. Inside the monastery, an- belonged to John the Baptist. es is St. Stepanos Monastery which is gels with four wings are carved. All This monastery is respected by all the second most important Armenian parts of the church have been made Christians and almost all other religions. Church in Iran after St. Thaddeus Mon- of fences and stones. It has seven tow- One day in the year, thousands of Ar- astery. ers and five stone cylinders like strong menians gather together in this place to St. Stepanos Monastery is on the Ira- fortresses of the Sassanid era. It has perform their rituals. nian side of the border between Nakh- two entrances; the west entrance is St. Stepanos Monastery was reg- chivan Autonomous Republic and Iran. for singing the chorus, and the south istered in Iran’s National Heritage on It was built in the ninth century AD, entrance is near the dome bell build- March 6, 1963 under the registration but it was seriously damaged by earth- ing. Its exterior walls are covered with number of 429. It was also registered quake. So, it was refurbished in Safavid beautiful stones. in the UNESCO World Heritage site in period. Also, some measures were taken Architecture, decoration of the build- 2007 for its historical and religious back- in Qajar era by Abbas Mirza to maintain ing and materials used in its construc- ground, as well as its unique architec- and repair it. tion are a combination of the Parthian, ture. The church is surrounded by green- Roman and Urartu style, similar to the The best season to visit St. Stepanos ery trees and valleys in the heart of style of the tenth to twelfth century. The Monastery is in spring and summer, es- mountains between the border of Jolfa church has three main buildings: the pecially May. Culture Page 45 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Katale Khor cave, hidden paradise in Zanjan’s mountains
By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan a strange route in this cave which shows Katale Khor is con- nected to Ali Sadr Cave in Hamedan Province, at distance of Katale Khor cave is one the most breathtaking caves in Iran 100km. which is located in Zanjan Province. The Katale Khor cave has Katale Khor and Ali Sadr Cave are roughly homogeneous been chosen as the first cave in terms of its crystals and cave and created at the same time, but there are two main dif- formation, beauty and its numerous layers. ferences: the Ali Sadr Cave is water cave where you sit in a boat and watch the view but Katale Khor is almost dry. The Iran has many caves, some of which are unique and spe- second distinction of this cave with Ali Sadr Cave is that cial. There are many natural wonders in these caves; including Katale Khor’s limes are purer which makes it more trans- magnificent stalactite and many million-year-old fossils. One parent. Lime stalactites and stalagmites, as well as huge of these beautiful caves in Zanjan city is katale khor cave. It halls and corridors which are mainly dry have added to the is 150km south of Zanjan, off the Soltaniyeh–Hamadan road beauty of the cave. near Garmab. One of the features that made this cave one of the unique The cave dates back to Jurassic period (120 million years caves in the world is that the cave has 7 floors but so far only ago) and it had a lot of natural and artificial changes during 3 floors have been discovered and there are waterfalls on this period. It was discovered about 67 years ago by a group its different floors. The stalactites in this cave are beautiful- of Iranian cavers. One of the Zanjani members of the group ly shaped and some of them are named after those shapes. named Seyyed Asadullah Jamali has registered this cave. Some of the most famous parts in this cave are bride and In some western parts of Iran, “Katale” is reffered to low groom, marriage cloth, sleeping lion, hound, lion paw and el- altitude mountains and the appellation of this cave is proba- ephant’s foot. bly due to its existence in one of these mountains. Khor has There are two visiting routes inside the cave; 3km open to Avestan root which means Sun. Therefore, Katale Khor means the public and another 4km available only for experienced “mount of Sun”. cavers. Tourists can visit 2850 meters of the cave in the first At first, cavers had to crawl to enter the cave 700 meters. floor and visitor are asked to stop touching the stalactites and This cave was residence of ancient people so that bones of stalagmites to avoid and devastating. about 80 people are still preserved. Then the region was exca- The best season to visit Katale Khor cave is in spring and vated and a route was created for walking. Researchers found summer. Visiting this cave will take half a day. Culture Page 46 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Strange hotels across Iran constructed to lure tourists
By Fatima Karimi in the mountains making it possible for Overwater hotels in Kish Island can- the tourists to reside besides the villag- not be regarded strange ones but pro- Residential centers and hotel, with ers in those houses. A hotel is also con- vide tourists with a range of enjoyable strange and different features, have structed by rocks in the neighborhood. variety, in particular, because of their been constructed in various provinces In Aradan, in Semnan Province, a cozy atmosphere and glassy floor with a across Iran to attract tourists. tourist residential is built under the view of the ocean. ground to let the tourists experience the Staying in ecological houses, which To have new experiences, tourists life of Iranian tribes in that region. The can be found in all provinces across Iran, prefer to stay in hotels in new desti- residential includes a conference hall, as would also be interesting. Tourists who nations that are totally different from well. travel to province of provinces of Ker- those which they have previously stayed In Tabriz, tourists can pass a beautiful man or Sistan and Baluchestan, can en- in. The more different, the more attrac- night in hotels made of rocks with stone joy staying at the hotels dubbed ‘Kapar’ tive the new residential centers will be walls and doors. - local thatched shelters constructed of to them. In Ardabil Province, there are some palm trees logs. In Kerman, Kapars are In foreign countries, the investors residentials made which resemble the as equipped as a five-star hotel. do their best to meet the tastes of the houses of the Hobbits in ‘Lord of the In Bushehr province, Asalouyeh, ho- tourists by providing a wide range of Rings’. Half of the buildings are under- tels are easy to find at the beach, made residential centers and hotel includ- ground and the second half above, with of industrial pipes. ing those made of pipes or ice as well windows that open to the exterior. Tourists can stay overnight in residen- those located in trees and in under- In Meymand, Kerman, there is a rocky tials floating on water or those located ground. village dating back to 8,000 to 12,000 up among the tree branches. In Iran, the story is almost the same. years ago. It is about 15 years that the In case of being a fan of Skimo life, It is a while that the investors are con- area receives domestic and foreign tour- tourists can find similar residential plac- structing the residentials in new styles. ist. It gives the visitors the chance to ex- es with no specific geometrical shape For instance, a salt mine in Semnan perience Meymandis’ lives but in thou- but well-equipped in Shahr-e-Rey, the Province is planned to get equipped for sand years ago. capital of Rey County in Tehran Province. settling down the tourists. Meymand provides cozy caves and An unforgettable experience is possi- In Kandovan village in East Azerbaijan rock shelters for the tourists. The village ble to be made when tourists can also Province, some residentials are carved is a UNESCO world heritage site. taste local Iranian food. Culture Page 47 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY World’s most valuable house in Tehran The unique and ancient objects verge of destruction or plunder in pieces, cloth, hookahs, pottery, collected at Moghadam Museum in his house. glass, paintings, coins and histori- Tehran made this 1960s’ monument Professor Moghadam was the cal documents in the house. Of the as the most expensive house in the first Iranian archaeologist who manifest features of this museum world. worked with other archaeologists is the relative assimilation of its ar- in historic sites. He and his wife chitecture with the historical relics One of the most expensive hous- decided to put their efforts for es- inside. es in the world is in Tehran capital tablishing a museum of priceless This house has been called the of Iran. A house that is neither very objects exposed to destruction. most beautiful and valuable house big nor enjoys special facilities. Pro- This historical house is about 2117 in the world in an opinion of many fessor Arthur Upham Pope called square meters and it includes three writers and visitors. The design and this house in an article devoted to outdoor yards. Colorful tiles, col- construction of this house have the study of arts in Iran; the most umns and arches creating a unique enjoyed the principles of Iranian valuable house in the world in the authentic atmosphere. architecture such as Persian pool, 1960s because of the ancient ob- The museum consists of the glass and the principles of the gar- jects used in architecture of house. house itself and a beautiful garden, dening. This house belonged to a pro- safely hidden from street noise be- Professor Moghadam died in fessor of Tehran University Mo- hind thick walls. The entrance of 1987 and after the death of his hsen Moghadam, son of Ehtesab the museum is not obvious from wife in 1990; the house has passed Ol Molk, the mayor of Naser al-Din the street, but ready to open all its to Tehran University to be super- Shah Qajar era. Because he was beauty for travelers who notice the vised. In 2009, the house was very interested in archeology and modest door of the museum. opened for public as a museum. historical monuments, he collect- He collected many valuable The museum is located on Imam ed the antiquities that were on the monuments including tiles, stone Khomeini St., Hassan Abad Sq. Culture Page 48 |No. 14|June 2019 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Sarein, city of magical springs
By: Zahra Mirzafarjouyan
Sarein a city in Ardabil Province, Iran is one of the most beautiful Iranian cities with pristine nature and pure climate that lies at the foot of Sabalan Mountains. It is a natural spa region with numerous hot mineral springs well-known for their therapeutic values.
Spectacular Ardabil Province located in the northwest of Iran bordering the Republic of Azerbaijan is one of Iran’s most scenic provinces. Beautiful nature, green plains, and hot mineral springs in Ardabil Province creates pleasant mem- ories, and visiting its historical monu- ments as well as its villages brings ener- tional language. Qahveh Suei Thermal Spring gy and enjoyment along. Pehenlu Thermal Spring The province is divided into 10 coun- Traditional Foods Another attraction of Sarein is ‘Goor- ties: Ardabil, Bilasavar, Germi, Khalkhal, ‘Ashe Doogh’, also known as ‘yogurt goor Waterfall’ which is located 10 to 15 Kowsar, Meshginshahr, Namin, Sarein, soup’ is one of the traditional soups in kilometer from Sarein. It is 12m high and Nir, and Parsabad. Sarein. It is a soup usually made from it is located in the northern slopes of Sa- Sarein or Sareyn is a small city in the yogurt or doogh, as well as chickpeas balan Mountain. It attracts many nature west of Ardabil with an area of more and vegetables. lovers to the Ardabil province. than 1.28 square km. It stands 28 km Local ‘Kebabs’ in this area are also ‘Kanzag’ is a historic village in the from Ardabil. The city is famous for its very popular and delicious for tourists. Central District of Sarein. It has histor- numerous spa springs and one of the ‘Doogh’ or ayran; a classic Iranian ic caves related to the Parthian period tourist areas in Ardabil province. drink which is a combination of water, which have been registered in Iran’s Na- Sarein attracts more than five mil- yogurt, mint and salt. tional Heritage. lion tourists annually who travel to ‘Alvares’ is a ski resort located 24 this region from different parts of Iran Souvenir kilometers away from the city of Sare- and the world because of climate and “Honey” which is produced locally in. Many tourists travel to this area to hot springs. There are nine hot springs by the bee keepers of the region is one ski and also enjoy winter sports every which are very different in terms of of the famous things in Sarein. It is pro- year. composition and properties. duced on the hyacinths, basil and vetch- ‘Anahita Hill’ in Sarein was once called es slops of Sabalan Mountains. It has Water Goddess, it has been discovered Etymology been renowned for its quality. on the basis of excavated earthenware The word Sarein in the Persian diction- and historical documentation. ary means “cool place” and “headwater”. Sarein Tourist Attractions ‘Gulistan Valley’ is one of the widest Sarein is famous for its numerous and most beautiful valleys in Ardabil Culture hot springs which causes many tourists province. It is Sabalan’s east vally and To study the culture of Sarein’s peo- travel to this city every year in summer. habitat of partridge, goat and mouflon. ple, we have to study the culture of the ‘Gavmesh Goli’ hot spring; one of the ‘Vargehsaran waterfall’ is one of the Azerbaijani people, especially Ardabil. popular hot springs in Sarein is very use- most spectacular spots of Sabalan’s These people are the creator of one of ful for the treatment of general, women green slopes. the richest treasures of oral literature of and heart diseases, as well as general the nations in the Middle East and Iran. strengthening of the body. Best Season to Visit The foundation of the Azerbaijani litera- Sarein hot springs are as follows: The best season to visit Sarein is late ture is based on folklore. Qarah Soo (A’saab) Thermal Spring spring and summer. It is not a favorite Sari Soo Thermal Spring destination in autumn and winters since Language Gavmesh Goli Thermal Spring it gets so cold. The minimum tempera- The main language of Sarein is the General Thermal Spring ture is -8° C and the maximum 25° C in Azeri, however Persian is the official na- Besh Bajilar Thermal Spring Sarein.